bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regeneration in crinoids
Authors: Kondo Mariko , Akasaka Koji
Published: August 2010

Regeneration is a biological phenomenon that occurs in a wide range of animals, and is considered to involve different types of cells including those that are considered to be stem cells. Among the echinoderms, which is a phylum with many regenerating members, crinoids (feather stars and sea lilies) are known to possess high potential of regeneration and are able to regenerate most of their organs. In particular, arm regeneration has been studied using the feather star. During regeneration, coelomocytes and amoebocytes originating from the coelomic canal and the brachial nerve, respectively, migrate to the distal wound area and are involved in the regenerative process. A blastema is formed at the regenerating tip and is derived from migratory amoebocytes. On the other hand, migratory coelomocytes contribute to regenerate the coelomic system. Cells proliferate at the blastema, coelomic canals and brachial nerve. Since the migrating cells differentiate into new structures of the arm, they are considered presumably undifferentiated multipotent stem cells. To deepen our understanding of stem cells in general, we may benefit from an approach from a comparative point of view. Further molecular analyses would increase our knowledge of stem cells in crinoids and allow comparative studies to be possible.
Embryonic and adult stem cell systems in mammals: Ontology and regulation
Authors: Katsumoto Keiichi , Shiraki Nobuaki , Miki Rika , Kume Shoen
Published: August 2010

Stem cells are defined as having the ability to self‐renew and to generate differentiated cells. During embryogenesis, cells are initially proliferative and pluripotent and then they gradually become restricted to different cell fates. In the adult, tissue stem cells are normally quiescent, but become proliferative upon injury. Knowledge from developmental biology and insights into the properties of stem cells are keys to further understanding and successful manipulation. Here, we first focus on ES cells, then on embryonic development, and then on tissue stem cells of endodermally derived tissues, particularly the liver and pancreas.
Immunological alterations in pregnant women with acute hepatitis E
Authors: PAL REKHA , AGGARWAL RAKESH , NAIK SUBHASH R , DAS VINEETA , DAS SIDDHARTH , NAIK SITA
Published: August 2010

Background:  Infection with hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute viral hepatitis in several developing countries. Although usually self‐limiting and benign, the disease is particularly severe among pregnant women, with mortality rates reaching 15–20%.

Methods:  Immune parameters among pregnant women with acute hepatitis E (P‐HEV) were investigated and compared with those in non‐pregnant patients with hepatitis E (N‐HEV), and healthy pregnant (PC) and non‐pregnant (NPC) women.

Results:  Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from P‐HEV patients had lower lymphocyte proliferation response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) than those in the PC and NPC groups. A positive lymphocyte proliferation response to HEV antigen (HEVAg), a mixture of eight peptides derived from HEV proteins, was observed in 7/19 (37%) P‐HEV patients, 3/9 (33%) N‐HEV patients and only 2/21 (10%) PC and 2/14 (14%) NPC subjects; the stimulation indices in the P‐HEV group were similar to the N‐HEV group and higher than the PC group. Measurement of cytokine production by PBMC in response to PHA and HEVAg showed a reduction in production of T‐helper 1 (Th1) cytokines and an increase in that of Th2 cytokines in the P‐HEV group. Cytokine mRNA levels showed similar changes.

Conclusion:  These results show the existence of a Th2 bias in pregnant women with acute hepatitis E. The role of this Th2 bias in the greater severity of hepatitis E among pregnant women needs further investigation.
Efficacy of peg‐interferon‐α‐2a plus ribavirin for patients aged 60 years and older with chronic hepatitis C in Korea
Authors: Sinn Dong Hyun , Shin Su Rin , Kil Jae Sook , Kim Jeong , Gwak Geum‐Youn , Choi Moon Seok , Lee Joon Hyeok , Koh Kwang Cheol , Yoo Byung Chul , Paik Seung Woon
Published: August 2010

Background and Aim:  In the present study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of combination therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin for treating chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients aged 60 years and older.

Methods:  A total of 314 CHC patients, who were treated with combination therapy, were classified into three groups according to age: (i) younger than 50 years (n = 137); (ii) 50–59 years (n = 109); and (iii) 60 years or older (n = 68). The sustained virological response (SVR) and discontinuation rates were compared between the three groups.

Results:  Discontinuation of therapy due to adverse event was more frequent in the older patient groups: 1%, 5%, and 10% for the < 50‐year, the 50–59‐year, and the ≥ 60‐year patient groups, respectively (P = 0.018). However, the older patient groups showed a SVR rate that was comparable to the SVR rates of the other age groups: 80%, 73%, and 75% for the < 50‐year, 50–59‐year, and ≥ 60‐year‐ patient groups, respectively (P = 0.420). A multivariate analysis showed that the aspartate aminotransferase : platelet ratio index (APRI) was an independent predictor of an SVR. An SVR was achieved in 95% (19/20) of the elderly patients with an APRI < 0.80.

Conclusions:  Although physicians must pay more attention to adverse events in the older patients, combination therapy can be considered for older patients, especially for patients with a low APRI.
Gastric metaplasia of the duodenum: In vivo diagnosis by endomicroscopy and its relationship with functional dyspepsia
Authors: Ji Rui , Yu Tao , Gu Xiao‐Meng , Zuo Xiu‐Li , An Kun , Zhou Cheng‐Jun , Li Yan‐Qing
Published: August 2010

Background and Aim:  Gastric metaplasia (GM) of the duodenum is difficult to assess because of its patchy distribution, and the role of GM in functional dyspepsia (FD) is not clear. The aims of this study were to determine if endomicroscopy could identify GM of the duodenum and whether GM has associations with FD.

Methods:  A series of 51 patients with FD and 25 asymptomatic controls were enrolled. Confocal laser endomicroscopy was performed to evaluate villi changes in vivo. Targeted biopsy specimens were then compared with histopathological results.

Results:  The accuracy of the endomicroscopy diagnosis of GM during endoscopy was 92.8%, and the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 86.2%, 97.4%, 89.3%, and 96.6%, respectively. The mean κ‐value for interobserver agreement was 0.89. GM in the duodenal bulb was more frequent in patients with FD than in the controls (33.3% vs 12%, P < 0.05), especially in patients with epigastric pain syndrome (47.6% vs 12%, P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  Endomicroscopy is useful for identifying GM, and GM might be related to FD. These findings could have potential applicability for duodenal screening, and suggest a possible targeting therapy in FD.
Expression and prognostic significance of gastric‐specific annexin A10 in diffuse‐ and intestinal‐type gastric carcinoma
Authors: Lu Su‐Hsi , Chen Yu‐Ling , Shun Chia‐Tung , Lai Jung‐Nien , Peng Shian‐Yang , Lai Po‐Lin , Hsu Hey‐Chi
Published: August 2010

Background and Aims:  Annexin A10 (ANXA10) and its liver‐specific short isoform (ANXA10S) had tissue‐restricted expression. The downregulation of ANXA10S is correlated with tumor progression and poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of the present study was to validate the tissue distribution and explore the role of the ANXA10 protein expression in gastric carcinoma.

Methods:  We examined the ANXA10 protein expression in human and animal tissues and 356 resected primary gastric carcinomas, using specific mouse and rabbit polyclonal antibodies, by immunohistochemical staining.

Results:  The ANXA10 protein is a nuclear protein specifically expressed in fetal and adult gastric mucosa and Brunner's gland across species, including humans, minipigs, woodchucks, and mice, and is commonly lost in gastric mucosa with intestinal metaplasia. The ANXA10 protein was expressed in 43.5% (155 cases) of gastric carcinomas; 74.2% (98/132) in the diffuse‐type gastric carcinoma (DGC), 73.7% (28/38) in the mixed‐type gastric carcinoma, and significantly lower in the intestinal‐type gastric carcinoma (IGC) and indeterminate groups, 16.8% (28/167) and 5.3% (1/19), respectively (P < 1 × 10−8). IGC with ANXA10 expression was correlated with a higher stage (P = 0.049), particularly higher in stage IIIA/IIIB/IV IGC than lower‐stage (IA/IB/II) tumors (P = 0.005), but was not correlated with age, sex, and nodal status. In contrast, DGC with ANXA10 expression was associated with younger age, female patients, and importantly, lower tumor stage and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.007, P = 0.065, P = 0.024, and P = 0.0014, respectively). Moreover, DGC with ANXA10 expression had a better 5‐year patient survival (P = 0.0048), whereas IGC with ANXA10 expression had a lower 5‐year survival (P = 0.034).

Conclusions:  The ANXA10 protein expression is a novel marker of gastric differentiation, and is differentially expressed in IGC and DGC, with opposite prognostic significance.
High microsatellite instability predicts good prognosis in intestinal‐type gastric cancers
Authors: Kim Hyunki , An Ji Yeong , Noh Sung Hoon , Shin Sung Kwan , Lee Yong Chan , Kim Hoguen
Published: August 2010

Background and Aim:  A subset of gastric cancers showed high microsatellite instability (MSI‐H). The reported clinicopathological features of MSI‐H gastric cancers are heterogeneous, and specific factors associated with prognosis have not been identified.

Methods:  We analyzed the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors in a large series (161 cases) of MSI‐H gastric cancers, and compared the results to 315 cases of microsatellite‐stable or low microsatellite‐instable gastric cancers.

Results:  The frequency of MSI‐H gastric cancers was 9% (161/1786). MSI‐H gastric cancers have distinct clinicopathological features, including female sex, older age, antral location, well‐to‐moderate differentiation, intestinal‐type Lauren classification, expanding‐type Ming classification, a non‐signet‐ring cell component, the presence of a mucinous component, a moderate‐to‐severe lymphoid stromal reaction, and a lower tumor stage. The MSI‐H phenotype was associated with better prognosis (P = 0.044), and male sex (P = 0.035, hazard ratios [HR]: 0.23), intestinal‐/mixed‐type Lauren classification (P < 0.001, HR: 0.09) and lower tumor stages (1 and 2, P = 0.001, HR: 0.08) were independently‐favorable prognostic factors.

Conclusions:  With unique clinicopathological features, intestinal‐type MSI‐H gastric cancers are associated with good prognosis and can be classified as a different subset of gastric cancers.
Childhood emotional and behavioural problems: A comparison of children's reports with reports from parents and teachers
Authors: SAWYER M. G. , CLARK J. J. , BAGHURST P. A.
Published: August 2010

Abstract Paediatricians are often asked to assess children with emotional and behavioural problems and are faced with the dilemma that reports about the children's behaviour obtained from the children, and from their parents and teachers, may differ. This study compares the number of childhood emotional and behavioural problems reported by children living in the community, with the number of problems reported by their parents and teachers. When describing both internalizing and externalizing problems, the children consistently reported that they had more problems than were reported by either their parents or teachers. This pattern was particularly evident with reports from older female children who reported many more internalizing problems than were reported by their parents and teachers. Possible reasons for the differences between reports from children and the other informants are discussed.
Intracranial choriocarcinoma causing precocious puberty and cured with combined modality therapy
Authors: MASSE R. J. , SHAW P. J. , BURGESS M.
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Precocious puberty can be caused by hormonally active tumours, which may arise intracranially. Treatment of these intracranial lesions traditionally involves biopsy and radiotherapy. Chemotherapy has been used recently, although radiotherapy has been given irrespective of the response to chemotherapy. We report a case of precocious puberty in an 8 year old boy due to a malignant intracranial germ cell tumour. Although one could speculate that he was cured by such combined modality therapy, the patient was left with several long‐term problems. Radiotherapy was a major cause of these complications. Radiotherapy is now thought unnecessary for most extracranial germ cell tumours, as chemotherapy alone is curative in most patients. Therefore it seems appropriate to consider the elimination of radiotherapy for patients with intracranial disease.
Social skills training for primary school children: A 1‐year follow‐up study
Authors: SAWYER MG , MACMULLIN C , GRAETZ B , SAID JA , CLARK JJ , BAGHURST P
Published: August 2010

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Rochester Social Problem Solving Program to reduce emotional and behavioural problems amongst primary school children.

Methodology: Children in years 3 and 4 at primary school were assessed prior to receiving the program, immediately after the program and 1 year after the program. At each assessment, the functioning of the children who received the program was compared to the functioning of children enrolled in years 3 and 4 at a comparable school who did not receive the program.

Results: The program improved the ability of children to cope with potentially difficult social situations. However, the program did not reduce the prevalence of teacher‐reported or mother‐reported childhood emotional and behavioural problems.

Conclusions: School‐based social skills programs may be more effective in reducing childhood emotional and behavioural problems if they include components which focus specifically on childhood behaviour problems as well as components focusing on social skills and peer relationships.
Clinical and endoscopic predictors of histological oesophagitis in infants
Authors: CHADWICK LM , KURINCZUK JJ , HALLAM LA , BRENNAN BA , FORBES D
Published: August 2010

Objective: To define the earliest age at which histological changes can be used to diagnose oesophagitis and to determine the relationships between clinical, endoscopic and histological features of oesophagitis in infants.

Methodology: The case records and biopsies of 113 infants aged 2–18 months with clinically significant gastro‐oesophageal reflux (GOR), undergoing oesophagoscopy between 1978 and 1994 were retrospectively reviewed. The biopsies were independently evaluated and graded by two pathologists.

Results: Forty‐five cases (40%) had histological oesophagitis but only 16 (14%) had abnormal endoscopic findings (excluding erythema). Endoscopy was found to be highly specific (93%) for histological oesophagitis but lacked sensitivity (25%). Irritability was inversely related to the presence of endoscopic abnormalities, and there was poor correlation between symptoms and histological changes with only haematemesis showing a statistically significant association with histological abnormalities (P= 0.033). Intraepithelial lymphocytes were the earliest of the histological features noted and were present before 4 months of age. The numbers of intraepithelial eosinophils and lymphocytes and the presence of papillary elongation all increased with age.

Conclusions: The presence of oesophagitis is difficult to predict on the basis of symptoms. The presence of intraepithelial lymphocytes is the earliest histological change to be seen in infants with GOR, and can develop before 4 months of age. Oesophagoscopy without biopsy is unreliable in the diagnosis of oesophagitis in infants.
Control of temperature during newborn transport: An old problem with new difficulties
Authors: BOWMAN ED , ROY RND
Published: August 2010

Objective: To explore any changes in temperature control during neonatal emergency inter‐hospital transport between 1977 and 1996.

Methods: Records were reviewed of all infants undergoing emergency transfer by the statewide Victorian Newborn Emergency Transport Service (NETS). Per axillary temperatures were recorded prospectively on arrival of transport team and at conclusion of transfer for all infants.

Results: The rate of hypothermia (<36.0°C) when NETS reached the infant has decreased overall (22% in 1977–79 to 7% in 1995–96) and for all weight groups; although in 1995–96 hypothermia was present in 36% of infants less than 1000g when NETS arrived. The rate of hypothermia (<36.0°C) at the end of the transfer has remained at 3% overall for many years. The rate of hyperthermia at both times has increased significantly overall (12% in 1977–79 to 24% in 1995–96 on NETS arrival, 4%‐19%, respectively at end of transfer) and for all weight groups except infants less than 1000g. The range of abnormal temperatures has not substantially changed over time.

Conclusion: There has been significant improvement in avoidance of hypothermia and cold stress amongst infants requiring emergency neonatal transport from 1977 to 1996. However, in order to improve the number of infants transferred who achieve a temperature in the normal range the need to avoid hyperthermia is highlighted. Infants who require incubator care for optimal medical management require continual monitoring of temperature and review of environmental conditions to optimise the conditions both prior to and during transport.
Epidural haematoma and stroller‐associated injury
Authors: LEE ACW , FONG D
Published: August 2010

Abstract: We present a severe case of head injury in an infant associated with stroller use and review similar reports from the literature. A case report and a literature search of the Medline database from 1966 to 6/1996 using the terms ‘perambulator’, ‘pram’, ‘stroller’, or ‘baby carriage’. Reports in English describing injuries associated with their use are reviewed. We report a case of epidural haematoma in a 10 months old girl who sustained the injury after falling from a stroller. Safety harnesses were not worn during the incident. There was no skull fracture. Complete recovery followed surgical evacuation of the blood clot. Five reports describing stroller‐related injuries were found in the English literature. Most injuries were mild. Three cases of death were reported of which two were classified as child abuse. The prevalence of unintentional stroller‐associated injury is not clear. Mild injury, mostly to the head region, is probably common. Life‐threatening injuries are rare but these are potentially preventable if strollers are properly designed and safety recommendations are followed.
Interaction of fire‐related cues in seed germination of the potentially invasive species Paulownia tomentosa Steud
Authors: TODOROVIĆ SLAĐANA , BOŽIĆ DRAGANA , SIMONOVIĆ ANA , FILIPOVIĆ BILJANA , DRAGIĆEVIĆ MILAN , GIBA ZLATKO , GRUBIŠIĆ DRAGOLJUB
Published: August 2010

The Empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa Steud.) is a fast growing deciduous tree originating from East Asia. It is grown as an ornamental plant, but can also be used as industrial wood. However, in some parts of North America, this species is considered invasive, with high impact on autochthonous populations. We have investigated whether post‐fire expansion of this species can be explained at the germination level by analyzing the interaction between physical (light and temperature) and chemical (smoke and nitrogenous compounds) fire‐related cues in the regulation of P. tomentosa germination. Light is the key environmental signal in the induction of germination of positively photoblastic P. tomentosa seeds. Smoke, applied in the form of extract (liquid smoke [LS]), stimulates light‐induced germination if applied during imbibition, or shortly after the inductive irradiation. This stimulatory effect of LS can be effectively prevented by far‐red light, suggesting that the mechanism of smoke action is phytochrome related. The LS had no effect on the germination percentage when applied during the phase of radicle protrusion. However, LS reduced radicle elongation and slowed its protrusion. The LS had no effect on the optimal temperature range of germination (23–27°C). The combined action of LS and KNO3 in light‐induced germination was more effective then when each chemical was applied separately. It can be concluded that all tested components of fire, except elevated temperature, operate to stimulate germination of P. tomentosa seeds, suggesting that the post‐fire invasive potential of this species can, at least in part, be explained at the germination level.
Retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy: Is there any place for non‐surgical treatment with methotrexate?
Authors: Okorie Chukwudi O.
Published: August 2010

Cases of retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy are very rare. To date, few published and unpublished reports are available and no clear or specific management guidelines have been defined. Despite concern for the risk of surgical resection of the gestational tissue and associated hemorrhage when these lesions are in close proximity to the large retroperitoneal blood vessels, conservative treatment with methotrexate has so far failed to obviate the ultimate need for surgical management. A case of retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy located very close to large retroperitoneal blood vessels and treated with methotrexate is presented. Two other varying cases of failed methotrexate treatment for similar diagnosis are discussed. The presented patient failed methotrexate treatment and eventually underwent surgical excision.
The Portuguese version of the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale‐Short Form
Authors: Zubaran Carlos , Schumacher Marina V. , Foresti Katia , Thorell Mariana R. , Amoretti Aline , Müller Lúcia
Published: August 2010

Aims:  The aim of this study was to demonstrate the validity and reliability of the short form of the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale in Southern Brazil.

Material & Methods:  Research volunteers completed the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale‐Short Form (PDSS‐SF) and a Structured Clinical Interview for Mental Disorders (SCID). Evaluation parameters included reliability and correlational investigations analyses.

Results:  The proposed Portuguese version of the PDSS‐SF attained significant Cronbach's alphas (0.71 or superior). The best cut‐off score (≥17) accounted for 89% of sensitivity and 77% of specificity. In addition, nonparametric correlation procedures revealed a significant correlation between the screening results of the PDSS‐SF and the assessment based on the SCID.

Conclusions:  The Portuguese version of the PDSS‐SF demonstrated sound psychometric properties. The results of the correlation analyses between the PDSS‐SF and the SCID assessment also indicate a significant concurrent validity. The Portuguese version of the PDSS was adequately translated and adapted to Portuguese.
Cortical acetylcholine release elicited by stimulation of histamine H1receptors in the nucleus basalis magnocellularis: a dual‐probe microdialysis study in the freely moving rat
Authors: Cecchi Marco , Passani Maria Beatrice , Bacciottini Lucia , Mannaioni Pier Francesco , Blandina Patrizio
Published: August 2010

Perfusion of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) with histamine agonists and antagonists modulates the spontaneous release of cortical acetylcholine (ACh) in freely moving rats. Perfusion of the NBM with Ringer solution containing 100 mmK+strongly stimulated the spontaneous release of cortical ACh in freely moving rats, whereas perfusion with 1 µmtetrodotoxin reduced cortical ACh spontaneous release by more than 50%. Administration of histamine to the NBM concentration‐dependently increased the spontaneous release of cortical ACh. Administration of H1(methylhistaprodifen) but not H2(dimaprit) or H3(R‐α‐methylhistamine) receptor agonists to the NBM mimicked the effect of histamine. Perfusion of the NBM with either H1(mepyramine or triprolidine) or H2(cimetidine) receptor antagonists failed to alter ACh spontaneous release from the cortex, however, H1but not H2receptor antagonists antagonized the releases of cortical ACh elicited by histamine and methylhistaprodifen. Local administration of H3receptor antagonists (clobenpropit and thioperamide) to the NBM increased the spontaneous release of ACh from the cortex; this effect was antagonized by H1receptor antagonism. Conversely local administration of MK‐801, a noncompetitive receptor antagonist of theN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor, to the NBM failed to alter ACh spontaneous release from the cortex and to antagonize ACh release elicited by histamine. This study demonstrates that activation of histamine H1receptors in the NBM increases ACh spontaneous release from the cortex.
Role of dorsal raphe neurons in paradoxical sleep generation in the cat: no evidence for a serotonergic mechanism
Authors: Sakai Kazuya , Crochet Sylvain
Published: August 2010

Usingin vivomicrodialysis either alone or in combination with extracellular unit recordings, we have examined the effect of serotonergic and nonserotonergic drugs applied to the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) on behavioural states in the cat. We found that 8‐hydroxy‐2‐(n‐dipropylamino)tetralin hydrobromide (8‐OH‐DPAT), a selective 5‐HT1Areceptor agonist, induced a dose‐dependent increase in wakefulness (W) and decrease in deep slow‐wave sleep (SWS), but had no significant effect on the generation of paradoxical sleep (PS) at concentrations of 5–500 µm. At the highest concentration tested, however, PS occurred directly after W, as in narcolepsy. N‐[2‐[4‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐1‐piperazinyl]ethyl]‐N‐2‐pyridinyl‐cyclohexanecarboxamide maleate (WAY‐100635), a selective 5‐HT1Areceptor antagonist, had no effect on overall behavioural states at concentrations of 50 or 500 µm. Muscimol, a potent GABAAreceptor agonist, had little or no effect at concentrations of 10, 50 or 100 µm, but concentrations of 500 or 1000 µmcaused a pronounced increase in W and decrease in SWS without inducing any changes in the amount of PS, although PS episodes occurred as in narcolepsy. Bicuculline, a GABAAreceptor antagonist, or kainate, an excitatory amino acid agonist, produced a dose‐dependent increase in W and decrease in deep SWS and PS. Extracellular unit recordings combined with microdialysis infusion into the DRN demonstrated that only high concentrations of 8‐OH‐DPAT or muscimol significantly affect a large population of DRN neurons. Taken together, these findings indicate that DRN serotonergic activity does not play any crucial role in PS generation, but is involved in the regulation of W and SWS as well as in narcolepsy.
NMDA‐dependent, network‐driven oscillatory activity induced by bicuculline or removal of Mg2+ in rat olfactory bulb neurons
Authors: Puopolo Michelino , Belluzzi Ottorino
Published: August 2010

Spontaneous, low‐frequency voltage oscillations (LFOs) were observed in the neurons of rat olfactory bulb upon disinhibition with GABAA antagonists and/or removal of Mg2+ from external saline. Ordinarily, LFOs presented a highly organized temporal structure, with bursts recurring regularly at about 0.05 Hz. Slow depolarizing shifts with similar frequencies were observed in all types of bulbar neurons. Simultaneous recordings from mutually independent neurons showed that LFOs were highly synchronized in distinct cells. The occurrence of LFOs was prevented by NMDA, but not AMPA/kainate, receptor antagonists. The oscillations were also halted by Ca2+ antagonists and tetrodotoxin. The pace of the oscillations was reset by stimulation of the olfactory nerve but not by direct injection of depolarizing current into the oscillating cell. Removal of the outer portion of the slice with a cut along the external plexiform layer provided crucial evidence that the bursting activity first initiated in the glomerular region and propagated synaptically downstream towards the inner layers, suggesting an organizing role for olfactory glomeruli.
Antisense knockdown of the glial glutamate transporter GLT‐1 exacerbates hippocampal neuronal damage following traumatic injury to rat brain
Authors: Rao Vemuganti L. Raghavendra , Dogan Aclan , Bowen Kellie K. , Todd Kathryn G. , Dempsey Robert J.
Published: August 2010

Traumatic injury to rat brain induced by controlled cortical impact (CCI) results in chronic neuronal death in the hippocampus. In the normal brain, glutamate transporters actively clear the glutamate released synaptically to prevent receptor overactivation and excitotoxicity. Glutamate transporter 1 (GLT‐1) is the most abundant and active glutamate transporter, which mediates the bulk of glutamate uptake. CCI injury significantly decreased GLT‐1 mRNA (by 49–66%,P < 0.05) and protein (by 29–44%,P < 0.05) levels in the ipsilateral hippocampus, compared with either the respective contralateral hippocampus or the sham‐operated control, 24–72 h after the injury. CCI injury in rats infused with GLT‐1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) exacerbated the hippocampal neuronal death and mortality, compared with the GLT‐1 sense/random ODN‐infused controls. At 7 days after the injury, hippocampal neuronal numbers were significantly lower in the CA1 (reduced by 32%,P < 0.05), CA2 (by 45%,P < 0.01), CA3 (by 68%,P < 0.01) and dentate gyrus (by 31%,P < 0.05) in GLT‐1 antisense ODN‐infused rats, compared with the GLT‐1 sense/random ODN‐infused controls. This study suggested a role for GLT‐1 dysfunction in promoting the hippocampal neuronal death after traumatic brain injury.
Identification of a Chr 11 quantitative trait locus that modulates proliferation in the rostral migratory stream of the adult mouse brain
Authors: Poon Anna , Li Zhiyou , Wolfe Gregory W. , Lu Lu , Williams Robert W. , Hayes Nancy L. , Nowakowski Richard S. , Goldowitz Daniel
Published: August 2010

Neuron production takes place continuously in the rostral migratory stream (RMS) of the adult mammalian brain. The molecular mechanisms that regulate progenitor cell division and differentiation in the RMS remain largely unknown. Here, we surveyed the mouse genome in an unbiased manner to identify candidate gene loci that regulate proliferation in the adult RMS. We quantified neurogenesis in adult C57BL/6J and A/J mice, and 27 recombinant inbred lines derived from those parental strains. We showed that the A/J RMS had greater numbers of bromodeoxyuridine‐labeled cells than that of C57BL/6J mice with similar cell cycle parameters, indicating that the differences in the number of bromodeoxyuridine‐positive cells reflected the number of proliferating cells between the strains. AXB and BXA recombinant inbred strains demonstrated even greater variation in the numbers of proliferating cells. Genome‐wide mapping of this trait revealed that chromosome 11 harbors a significant quantitative trait locus at 116.75 ± 0.75 Mb that affects cell proliferation in the adult RMS. The genomic regions that influence RMS proliferation did not overlap with genomic regions regulating proliferation in the adult subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. On the contrary, a different, suggestive locus that modulates cell proliferation in the subgranular zone was mapped to chromosome 3 at 102 ± 7 Mb. A subset of genes in the chromosome 11 quantitative trait locus region is associated with neurogenesis and cell proliferation. Our findings provide new insights into the genetic control of neural proliferation and an excellent starting point to identify genes critical to this process.
Awake nasotracheal intubation using fiberoptic bronchoscope in a pediatric patient with Freeman–Sheldon syndrome
Authors: Kim J.S. , Park S.Y. , Min S.K. , Kim J.H. , Lee S.Y. , Moon B.K.
Published: August 2010

The Freeman–Sheldon syndrome is a congenital disease primarily affecting the facial, limb and respiratory muscles that give rise to classical clinical features including typical whistling face and short webbed neck associated with difficult intubation. We present successful awake nasotracheal intubation in a 6‐year‐old patient with typical clinical features of Freeman–Sheldon syndrome by using fiberoptic bronchoscope on two separate occasions.
The correlation of the Narcotrend Index with endtidal sevoflurane concentrations and hemodynamic parameters in children
Authors: WEBER FRANK , HOLLNBERGER HARALD , GRUBER MICHAEL , FRANK BERNHARD , TAEGER KAI
Published: August 2010

Background:  The Narcotrend Index (NI) of anesthetic depth is potentially a pharmacodynamic measure of the effects of sevoflurane on the brain.

Methods:  In this prospective observational study of 30 pediatric surgical patients (1–11 years), we investigated the correlation between nonsteady‐state endtidal sevoflurane (eTSevo), NI, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR). The performance of the Narcotrend for differentiation between consciousness and unconsciousness was evaluated using prediction probability (PK).

Results:  Spearman correlation analysis showed significant correlations (P < 0.01) between eTSevo and NI (r = −0.85) and MAP (r = −0.43). PK‐values for differentiation between consciousness and unconsciousness were 1.0 for NI and <0.85 for MAP and HR. During the surgical procedure, NI‐values showed a constant rise with each 0.5% step of lowering eTSevo (P < 0.03), whereas MAP remained unaltered and HR showed a constant decline (P < 0.03), except between 1.5 and 1%.

Conclusions:  In children, nonsteady‐state eTSevo concentrations are more closely related with NI than with MAP or HR. In this study, only NI reliably differentiated consciousness from unconsciousness.
A comparison of parents and pediatric anesthesiologists’ preferences for attributes of child daycase surgery: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: GIDMAN WENDY , ELLIOTT RACHEL , PAYNE KATHERINE , MEAKIN GEORGE H , MOORE JULIA
Published: August 2010

Background:  Currently, there is little evidence relating to which attributes of pediatric daycase surgery are most important to parents; therefore, it is difficult for policy‐makers in the UK to incorporate parents’ preferences into pediatric daycase service provision. Additionally, few studies have considered anesthesiologists’ preferences in this area. Parents and anesthesiologists’ preferences for perioperative care of children undergoing daycase surgery may differ and this could affect levels of satisfaction with service provision. This study aimed to elicit and compare the relative importance of attributes of pediatric daycase surgery provision to parents and anesthesiologists using an established stated preference method, the discrete choice experiment. The attributes considered were: parental involvement in medical decision making; parental presence at induction of anaesthesia; quality of recovery from anaesthesia; staff attitude; postoperative pain and cost to the parents.

Methods:  A postal questionnaire including a discrete choice experiment was sent to (a) parents whose children had been admitted to hospital under a surgical consultant (n = 280) and (b) anesthesiologists who are resident in the UK and are members of the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists (n = 193).

Results:  All six attributes studied were statistically significant to both respondent groups, indicating that all attributes were important to respondents. The strength of anesthesiologists and parents’ preferences was significantly different for all attributes other than parental presence at induction of anaesthesia.

Conclusions:  Parents and anesthesiologists had a significantly different order of priorities for service attributes.
Maturational pharmacokinetics of single intravenous bolus of propofol
Authors: ALLEGAERT KAREL , HOON JAN DE , VERBESSELT RENE , NAULAERS GUNNAR , MURAT ISABELLE
Published: August 2010

Background:  Our aim was to document propofol pharmacokinetics in preterm and term neonates following a single intravenous bolus and compare these estimates with pharmacokinetics findings in toddlers and young children.

Methods:  Newly collected observations following intravenous bolus administration of propofol in preterm and term neonates (n = 9) were compared with earlier reported pharmacokinetic estimates in toddlers and young children. Data are reported by median and range. Mann–Whitney U‐test or correlation was used to analyze differences in pharmacokinetic findings between neonates, toddlers and young children.

Results:  Concentration‐time profiles obtained were interpreted by two‐stage analysis as a three compartment open model in nine neonates with a median weight of 2.51 (range 0.91–3.8) kg and a median postmenstrual age (PMA) of 36 (range 27–43) weeks. Median clearance (CL) was 13.6 (range 3.7–78.2) ml·min−1·kg−1 and median apparent volume of distribution at steady state (Vss) was 3.7 (1.33–7.96) l·kg−1. Following allometric scaling and standardization to 70 kg, median CL was 442 (range 97–2184) ml·min−1·70 kg−1. Compared with earlier reported observations in toddlers and children, median clearance (kg·min−1) was significantly lower in neonates (P < 0.01) and these differences remained significant after allometric scaling (70 kg·min−1) while Vss (l·kg−1) was significantly lower in neonates (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  Propofol disposition is significantly different in neonates compared with toddlers and young children, reflecting both ontogeny and differences in body composition. Based on the reduced clearance of propofol, a longer recovery time is more likely to occur in neonates.
Review article: Intravenous vs intramuscular ketamine for pediatric procedural sedation by emergency medicine specialists: a review
Authors: DEASY CONOR , BABL FRANZ E.
Published: August 2010

Ketamine is a general anesthetic agent widely used for pediatric procedural sedation outside the operating theater by nonanesthesiologists. In a setting where efficacy and safety of the agent are paramount, there are conflicting recommendations in terms of optimal mode of parenteral administration, as well as optimal dosage and need for the coadministration of adjunctive agents to decrease side effects. We investigated existing evidence to determine whether ketamine should be best administered intravenously or intramuscularly. This analysis was made difficult by limited direct comparisons of both modes of parenteral administration and a lack of consistent definitions for key outcomes such as ‘effectiveness,’‘adverse events,’‘hypoxia,’‘ease of completion of the procedure,’ and ‘satisfaction’ across studies that have evaluated ketamine. Based on large data sets, the safety and efficacy of both modes of administration are broadly similar. Although data on head to head comparisons of intravenous and intramuscular ketamine is limited, based on our analysis, we conclude that the trends indicate ketamine is ideally administered intravenously.
Anesthetic management of children with in situ Berlin Heart EXCOR™
Authors: PRATAP JAYANT N. , WILMSHURST SALLY
Published: August 2010

Modern mechanical devices can support children with severely impaired cardiac function until a donor heart is found for transplantation or native function recovers. Pediatric heart transplantation offers a good chance of survival with a high quality of life to individuals with limited life expectancy and/or severe limitation to daily activities, but many die on the transplant list or are not listed because of a shortage of donor organs. In recent cohorts, there is better outcome when ventricular assist devices (VADs) rather than extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are used as a ‘bridge’ to transplantation. Anesthesiologists working in centers where VADs are available may increasingly be asked to provide anesthesia to children with such devices in situ, including procedures outside the cardiac surgical operating room. The Berlin Heart EXCOR™ device is a VAD system with increasing popularity in pediatric practice and has system components available in sizes suitable even for neonates. Postimplantation considerations include hemodynamics, thromboembolic complications and their prevention by anticoagulation, antimicrobial therapy, and the rehabilitation and mobilization of recipients. VAD‐specific emergencies must be recognized and managed appropriately by anesthesiologists looking after Berlin Heart recipients. These include malignant dysrhythmias, sudden loss of VAD output, air or clot embolism, and sudden cyanosis. Provision of anesthesia for patients with an in situ Berlin Heart requires attention to particular considerations in preoperative assessment, induction, maintenance, and postoperative care.
Impact of chronic condition status and severity on dental treatment under general anesthesia for Medicaid‐enrolled children in Iowa state
Authors: CHI DONALD L. , MOMANY ELIZABETH T. , NEFF JOHN , JONES MICHAEL P. , WARREN JOHN J. , SLAYTON REBECCA L. , WEBER‐GASPARONI KARIN , DAMIANO PETER C.
Published: August 2010

Objective:  To assess the impact of chronic condition (CC) status and CC severity, respectively, on the odds of receiving dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) for Medicaid‐enrolled children by age group.

Methods:  This was a retrospective analysis of Iowa Medicaid‐enrolled children <15 years (n = 62 721) from 2005 to 2008. 3M Clinical Risk Grouping Software identified each child’s CC status (yes/no) and assigned children with a CC into a hierarchal CC severity group (episodic/life‐long/complex). Multiple variable logistic regression models were used to identify the determinants of dental treatment under GA.

Results:  Less than 1% of children received dental treatment under GA. While there was no significant difference in dental treatment under GA by CC status for children <6, those with a life‐long CC were twice as likely to receive dental treatment under GA as demographically similar children with an episodic CC (P < 0.05). Children ages 6–14 with a CC were three times as likely as those without a CC to receive treatment under GA (P = 0.001). There was also a direct relationship between CC severity and dental treatment under GA use for older children. Those living in nonmetropolitan areas were more likely to receive treatment under GA as were children who previously received dental treatment under GA.

Conclusions:  Chronic condition status and severity were more important determinants of dental treatment under GA for Medicaid‐enrolled children ages 6–14 than for those <6. Understanding these relationships is a critical step in developing clinical strategies and interventions aimed at preventing dental disease for Medicaid‐enrolled children whose reasons for needing dental treatment under GA are modifiable.
Efficacy of bupivacaine‐neostigmine and bupivacaine‐tramadol in caudal block in pediatric inguinal herniorrhaphy
Authors: TAHERI REZA , SHAYEGHI SHAHNAZ , RAZAVI SEYED S. , SADEGHI AFSANEH , GHABILI KAMYAR , GHOJAZADEH MORTEZA , ROUZROKH MOHSEN
Published: August 2010

Background:  Limited duration of analgesia is among the limitations of single caudal injection with local anesthetics. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bupivacaine in combination with either neostigmine or tramadol for caudal block in children undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Methods:  In a double‐blinded randomized trial, sixty children undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy were enrolled to receive a caudal block with either 0.25% bupivacaine (1 ml·kg−1) with neostigmine (2 μg·kg−1) (group BN) or tramadol (1 mg·kg−1) (group BT). Hemodynamic variables, pain and sedation scores, additional analgesic requirements, and side effects were compared between two groups.

Results:  Duration of analgesia was longer in group BT (17.30 ± 8.24 h) compared with group BN (13.98 ± 10.03 h) (P = 0.03). Total consumption of rescue analgesic was significantly lower in group BT compared with group BN (P = 0.04). There were no significant differences in heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and oxygen saturation between groups. Adverse effects excluding the vomiting were not observed in any patients.

Conclusion:  In conclusion, tramadol (1 mg·kg−1) compared with neostigmine (2 μg·kg−1) might provide both prolonged duration of analgesia and extended time to first analgesic in caudal block.
Atmospheric nitrogen deposition is associated with elevated phosphorus limitation of lake zooplankton
Authors: Elser James J. , Peace Angela L. , Kyle Marcia , Wojewodzic Marcin , McCrackin Michelle L. , Andersen Tom , Hessen Dag O.
Published: August 2010

Here, we present data that for the first time suggests that the effects of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition on nutrient limitation extend into the food web. We used a novel and sensitive assay for an enzyme that is over‐expressed in animals growing under dietary phosphorus (P) deficiency (alkaline phosphatase activity, APA) to assess the nutritional status of major crustacean zooplankton taxa in lakes across a gradient of atmospheric N deposition in Norway. Lakes receiving high N deposition had suspended organic matter (seston) with significantly elevated carbon:P and N:P ratios, indicative of amplified phytoplankton P limitation. This P limitation appeared to be transferred up the food chain, as the cosmopolitan seston‐feeding zooplankton taxa Daphnia and Holopedium had significantly increased APA. These results indicate that N deposition can impair the efficiency of trophic interactions by accentuating stoichiometric food quality constraints in lake food webs.
Heterogenic expression of genes encoding secreted proteins at the periphery of Aspergillus niger colonies
Authors: Vinck Arman , de Bekker Charissa , Ossin Adam , Ohm Robin A. , de Vries Ronald P. , Wösten Han A. B.
Published: August 2010

Colonization of a substrate by fungi starts with the invasion of exploring hyphae. These hyphae secrete enzymes that degrade the organic material into small molecules that can be taken up by the fungus to serve as nutrients. We previously showed that only part of the exploring hyphae of Aspergillus niger highly express the glucoamylase gene glaA. This was an unexpected finding since all exploring hyphae are exposed to the same environmental conditions. Using GFP as a reporter, we here demonstrate that the acid amylase gene aamA, the α‐glucuronidase gene aguA, and the feruloyl esterase gene faeA of A. niger are also subject to heterogenic expression within the exploring mycelium. Coexpression studies using GFP and dTomato as reporters showed that hyphae that highly express one of these genes also highly express the other genes encoding secreted proteins. Moreover, these hyphae also highly express the amylolytic regulatory gene amyR, and the glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase gene gpdA. In situ hybridization demonstrated that the high expressers are characterized by a high 18S rRNA content. Taken together, it is concluded that two subpopulations of hyphae can be distinguished within the exploring mycelium of A. niger. The experimental data indicate that these subpopulations differ in their transcriptional and translational activity.
Domestic violence: solution‐focused practice with men and women who are violent
Authors: Milner Judith , Singleton Thelma
Published: August 2010

This article reviews the progress of sixty‐eight adults (fifty‐two men and sixteen women) on a solution‐focused programme aimed at reducing domestic violence. The practice principles are described, using examples of participants' experiences. The outcomes over a three‐and‐a‐half‐year period are presented and difficulties in assessing effectiveness of outcomes are discussed.