bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospital‐treated psychosis and suicide in a rural community (1877–2005). Part 1: Incidence rates
Authors: Andersen J. E. , Hynnekleiv T.
Published: November 2007

Objective:  To calculate the incidence rates of hospital‐treated psychosis and suicide in historical cohorts of a small rural community in southeast Norway, and to compare the local findings with the national ones.

Method:  We have carried out a longitudinal epidemiological study, reviewing the patient records at the mental hospitals of people born in the rural community after 1845. Based on these records, we have constructed a local register of psychosis and suicide in this population. The local incidence rates of psychosis and suicide have been compared with the national ones.

Results:  The overall local incidence rates of psychosis and suicide were similar to the national ones. The local rates of schizophrenia dropped considerably after World War II.

Conclusion:  The overall local incidence rates of psychosis and suicide seem to be representative for the country at large despite frequent endogamy. The recent drop in the incidence rate of schizophrenia seems to be in agreement with several international studies.
‘Stockholm syndrome’: psychiatric diagnosis or urban myth?
Authors: Namnyak M. , Tufton N. , Szekely R. , Toal M. , Worboys S. , Sampson E. L.
Published: November 2007

Objective:  ‘Stockholm syndrome’ is a term used to describe the positive bond some kidnap victims develop with their captor. High‐profile cases are reported by the media although the diagnosis is not described in any international classification system. Here we review the evidence base on ‘Stockholm syndrome’.

Method:  Databases (PubMED, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL) were systematically searched. We compared features of cases widely reported in the English language media to identify common themes which may form a recognizable syndrome.

Results:  We identified 12 papers that met inclusion criteria. The existing literature consists mostly of case reports; furthermore there is ambiguity in the use of the term. No validated diagnostic criteria have been described. Four common features were found between the five cases studied.

Conclusion:  There is little published academic research on ‘Stockholm syndrome’ although study of media reports reveals similarities between well publicized cases. This may be due to reporting and publication bias.
Is MAO‐B activity in platelets associated with the occurrence of suicidality and behavioural personality traits in depressed patients?
Authors: Lewitzka U. , Müller‐Oerlinghausen B. , Felber W. , Brunner J. , Hawellek B. , Rujescu D. , Ising M. , Lauterbach E. , Broocks A. , Bondy B. , Rao M. L. , Frahnert C. , Heuser I. , Hohagen F. , Maier W. , Bronisch T.
Published: November 2007

Objective:  Low platelet monoaminoxidase B (MAO‐B) activity has been associated with various forms of impulsive behaviour and suicidality. The present study investigated the relationship between MAO‐B activity in platelets and aspects of suicidality in depressed patients and controls.

Method:  In 87 patients with affective spectrum disorders (58% suffering from a major depressive episode – MDE) the potential association between platelet MAO‐B activity and suicidality was examined. Fifty‐nine of the patients had committed suicide attempt recently (SA –‘suicide attempters’), 28 patients were acutely depressed without having shown suicidal thoughts or suicidal behaviour in the past (NA –‘non‐suicide attempters’).

Results:  The SA and NA were comparable as to their diagnoses and general demographic and psychopathological parameters. MAO‐B activity did not differ between SA and NA. No systematic correlations existed between MAO‐B activity and any dimensions of suicidal behaviour or psychopathology. As a single finding only a weak positive association of higher MAO‐B activity in SA with a fatal intention of the SA was observed.

Conclusion:  Our findings do not support a consistent association of platelet MAO‐B activity and suicidal behaviour in general, but specific facts of suicidality might be associated.
Cost‐effectiveness of cognitive self‐therapy in patients with depression and anxiety disorders
Authors: Stant A. D. , Ten Vergert E. M. , Den Boer P. C. A. M. , Wiersma D.
Published: November 2007

Objective:  Self‐therapy interventions could potentially reduce healthcare expenses and the need for care in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. This study assessed the cost‐effectiveness of cognitive self‐therapy (CST) in patients with these disorders.

Method:  A total of 151 patients were randomly assigned to CST or treatment as usual (TAU), and followed during 18 months. The Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL‐90) was the primary outcome measure of the study. The reference year was 2003 (US$1.00 = €0.92).

Results:  Mean costs of patients in the CST group (US$4364) were lower than that of the patients who received TAU (US$5241). The results of the SCL‐90 were slightly in favour of CST. Valuing an additional unit of health outcome at US$108 will lead to an 83% probability that CST is cost‐effective.

Conclusion:  Cognitive self‐therapy appears to be cost‐effective. Wider implementation of CST may relieve the burden of many patients with emotional disorders whose treatment needs cannot be met in current healthcare systems.
Automatic mining of the literature to generate new hypotheses for the possible link between periodontitis and atherosclerosis: lipopolysaccharide as a case study
Authors: Hettne Kristina M. , Weeber Marc , Laine Marja L. , Cate Hugo ten , Boyer Scott , Kors Jan A. , Loos Bruno G.
Published: November 2007

Aim: The aim of the current report was to generate and explore new hypotheses into how, in a pathophysiological sense, atherosclerosis and periodontitis could be linked.

Material and Methods: Two different biomedical informatics techniques were used: an association‐based technique that generated a ranked list of genes associated with the diseases, and a natural language processing tool that extracted the relationships between the retrieved genes and lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Results: This combined approach of association‐based and natural language processing‐based literature mining identified a hit list of 16 candidate genes, with PON1 as the primary candidate.

Conclusions: Further study of the literature prompted the hypothesis that PON1 might connect periodontitis with atherosclerosis in both an LPS‐dependent and a non‐LPS‐dependent manner. Furthermore, the resulting genes not only confirmed already known associations between the two diseases, but also provided genes or gene products that have only been investigated separately in the two disease states, and genes or gene products previously reported to be involved in atherosclerosis. These findings remain to be investigated through clinical studies. This example of multidisciplinary research illustrates how collaborative efforts of investigators from different fields of expertise can result in the discovery of new hypotheses.
Alveolar bone loss in liver transplantation patients: relationship with prolonged steroid treatment and parathyroid hormone levels
Authors: Oettinger‐Barak Orit , Segal Elena , Machtei Eli E. , Barak Shlomi , Baruch Yaacov , Ish‐Shalom Sofia
Published: November 2007

Aim: To evaluate the relationship among alveolar bone loss (ABL), bone status and calcium‐regulating hormones in liver transplantees.

Patients and Methods: Twenty‐one liver transplantees underwent a full oral examination. The correlations among bone densitometry, bone metabolic status and drug treatment were examined.

Results: Twelve patients had osteopenia, and six were osteoporotic. ABL was 4.33±2.32 mm (range 0.67–9.92). Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels ranged from 14 to 106 (mean 55.2±26.4). The mean 25(OH)D3 was 11.68±4.7, range 3.5–21.1 ng/ml. Nine patients were vitamin D deficient (<10 ng/ml); none of the patients had 25(OH)D3 levels 30 ng/ml. No correlation was found between ABL and current or total glucocorticoids dose, although there was an inverse relation with the duration of treatment (r=−0.474, p=0.03). A positive correlation was found between ABL, PTH (r=0.419, p=0.059) and hip bone mineral density (BMD) (r=0.482, p=0.027). ABL correlated closely with age, PTH, glucocorticoid treatment (duration) and hip BMD (r=0.810, p=0.004).

Conclusions: The majority of liver transplant patients had insufficient 25(OH)D3 serum levels. Changes in calcium‐regulating hormones and hip BMD were correlated with ABL. Therefore, therapeutic intervention aimed at treating vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism should be considered in these patients. The benefits of vitamin D treatment in the management of secondary hyperparathyroidism and possible decrease in ABL deserve further evaluation in controlled trials.
Behavioural and physiological effect of dental environment sensory adaptation on children’s dental anxiety
Authors: Shapiro Michele , Melmed Raphael N. , Sgan‐Cohen Harold D. , Eli Ilana , Parush Shula
Published: November 2007

Dental anxiety is a serious obstacle in conventional oral healthcare delivery. A sensory adapted dental environment (SDE) might be effective in reducing anxiety and inducing relaxation. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a Snoezelen SDE in reducing anxiety among children undergoing scaling and polishing by a dental hygienist. The Snoezelen environment consists of a partially dimmed room with lighting effects, vibroacoustic stimuli, and deep pressure. Nineteen children, aged 6–11 yr, participated in a cross‐over intervention trial. Behavioral parameters included the mean number, duration, and magnitude of anxious behaviors, as monitored by videotaped recordings. Physiological parameters reflecting arousal were monitored by changes in dermal resistance. Results, by all measures, consistently indicated that both behavioral and psychophysiological measures of relaxation improved significantly in the SDE compared with a conventional dental environment. The findings support recommending the SDE as an effective and practical alternative in oral healthcare delivery to anxious children.
Identification of a novel mutation in thePAX9gene in a family affected by oligodontia and other dental anomalies
Authors: Tallón‐Walton Victòria , Manzanares‐Céspedes Maria Cristina , Arte Sirpa , Carvalho‐Lobato Patricia , Valdivia‐Gandur Ivan , Garcia‐Susperregui Antonio , Ventura Francesc , Nieminen Pekka
Published: November 2007

The objective of the present work was to study the phenotype and the genotype of three generations of a family affected by oligodontia and other dental anomalies. These family members also presented systemic conditions such as hypercholesterolemia, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, scoliosis, and congenital cardiovascular anomalies. Clinical evaluation, panoramic radiographs, and anamnestic data were used for dental analysis. DNA extraction was carried out from gum samples or buccal swabs. A mutation was identified in six subjects across three generations affected by oligodontia, as well as different phenotypical manifestations, both systemic and oral. The previously undescribedPAX9mutation was observed in the paired box (exon 2); this was a heterozygote transition of C175 to T, implying the change of arginine 59 for a termination codon. These results strongly suggested that the identified mutation was the etiological cause of the oligodontia. However, in two family members affected by both hypodontia and peg‐shaped upper lateral incisors, no mutations in thePAX9andMSX1genes were identified. This fact underscores the importance that other presently unknown genes and developmental factors have in tooth development and in the etiology of dental anomalies.
Up‐regulation of estrogen receptor‐β expression during osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Tang X. , Meng H. , Han J. , Zhang L. , Hou J. , Zhang F.
Published: November 2007

Background and Objective:  Estrogen has been shown to up‐regulate the expression of osteoblastic phenotypes of human periodontal ligament cells via binding to estrogen receptors and may also help periodontal tissue regeneration. However, which subtype of estrogen receptor (α or β) is predominately expressed in human periodontal ligament cells, and how estrogen receptor expression is regulated during the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells, is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the expression and regulation of estrogen receptor subtypes in human periodontal ligament cells and during their osteogenic differentiation.

Material and Methods:  Human periodontal ligament cells derived from 10 individual age‐matched donors (five male and five female donors) were cultured. Human periodontal ligament cells under osteogenic induction (group M) and the corresponding controls (group C) were harvested on days 7, 14 and 21 for estrogen receptor detection.

Results:  Both estrogen receptor‐α and estrogen receptor‐β mRNAs were expressed in human periodontal ligament cells from all of the 10 donors. Protein only of estrogen receptor‐β (not of estrogen receptor‐α) was detected and was shown to be located in the nuclei of human periodontal ligament cells. The expression levels of estrogen receptor‐β mRNA and protein from both male and female donors in group M were significantly higher compared with group C during the 21‐d study period. In comparison, the expression level of estrogen receptor‐α mRNA of the donors was not significantly different from that of the controls during osteogenic differentiation and no estrogen receptor‐α protein was detected.

Conclusion:  The results suggest that estrogen receptor‐β may be the predominant subtype expressed in human periodontal ligament cells and may actively participate in the osteogenic differentiation process of human periodontal ligament cells, both in male and in female subjects.
SAA and PLTP activity in plasma of periodontal patients before and after full‐mouth tooth extraction
Authors: Vuletic S , Taylor BA , Tofler GH , Chait A , Marcovina SM , Schenck K , Albers JJ
Published: November 2007

Objective:  To assess whether treatment of advanced periodontal disease affects plasma levels of serum amyloid A (SAA) and phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) activity.

Design:  We measured the levels of SAA and PLTP activity in plasma of 66 patients with advanced periodontal disease before and after treatment by full‐mouth tooth extraction (FME).

Results:  At baseline, median SAA levels in our study population were within the normal range (2.7 μg ml−1) but SAA was elevated (>5 μg ml−1) in 18% of periodontitis patients. Three months after FME, SAA levels were significantly reduced (P = 0.04). SAA did not correlate with any of the periodontal disease parameters. PLTP activity was elevated in patients with periodontitis, compared to the PLTP activity reference group (age‐matched systemically healthy adults, n = 29; 18 μmol ml−1 h−1vs 13 μmol ml−1 h−1, respectively, P = 0.002). PLTP activity inversely correlated with average periodontal pocket depth (PPD) per tooth (rs = −0.372; P = 0.002). Three months after FME, median PLTP activity did not change significantly.

Conclusions:  Full‐mouth tooth extraction significantly reduces SAA, a marker of inflammation, while it does not affect plasma PLTP activity. However, the inverse correlation between PLTP activity and average PPD suggests that increased PLTP activity may limit periodontal tissue damage.
Complex visual hallucinations and occipital seizures
Authors: Walterfang Mark , Yerra Raju , Gaillard Francesco , O’Brien Terence , Mocellin Ramon , Velakoulis Dennis
Published: November 2007

Background:

We describe the presentation of a young woman with long-standing complex partial seizures with occasional secondary generalization, who presented with complex visual hallucinations (CVHs) and delusions.

Methods:

Routine biological workup including magnetic resonance imaging revealed an area of significant left-sided occipital gliosis. Video telemetry monitoring revealed a left occipital focus for the origin of the electrographic seizure discharge.

Conclusion:

CVHs occur in a range of organic states, including epilepsy, and can be understood in terms of the underpinning neuroanatomy and neurotransmitter systems of the visual system.
Visual hallucinations in consultation-liaison neuropsychiatry
Authors: Walterfang Mark , Mocellin Ramon , Velakoulis Dennis
Published: November 2007

Background:

In consultation-liaison settings, neuropsychiatrists are commonly asked to assess patients with hallucinatory syndromes and to differentiate ‘functional’ from ‘organic’ psychotic presentations.

Methods:

The occurrence and management of visual hallucinations (VH) in healthy individuals, lesion states, neurodegenerative disorders, intoxication/withdrawal states and delirium are reviewed.

Results:

The presence of VH has been shown to predict a secondary rather than primary psychotic illness and an understanding of the neurobiology of the visual system – including how and where underlying neurotransmitter systems interact in visual processing and how perturbations can result in VH – allows for appropriate clinical assessment and management.
The neurosphere assay, a method under scrutiny
Authors: Deleyrolle Loic P. , Rietze Rodney L. , Reynolds Brent A.
Published: November 2007

Objectives:

The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the fundamental features of the neurosphere assay (NSA), which was initially described in 1992, and has since been used not only to detect the presence of stem cells in embryonic and adult mammalian neural tissues, but also to study their characteristicsin vitro. Implicit in this review is a detailed examination of the limitations of the NSA, and how this assay is most accurately and appropriately used. Finally we will point out criteria that should be challenged to design alternative ways to overcome the limits of this assay.

Methods:

NSA is used to isolate putative neural stem cells (NSCs) from the central nervous system (CNS) and to demonstrate the critical stem cell attributes of proliferation, extensive self-renewal and the ability to give rise to a large number of differentiated and functional progeny. Nevertheless, the capability of neural progenitor cells to form neurospheres precludes its utilisation to accurately quantifybona fidestem cell frequency based simply on neurosphere numbers. New culture conditions are needed to be able to distinguish the activity of progenitor cells from stem cells.

Conclusion:

A commonly used, and arguably misused, methodology, the NSA has provided a wealth of information on precursor activity of cells derived from the embryonic through to the aged CNS. Importantly, the NSA has contributed to the demise of the ‘no new neurogenesis’ dogma, and the beginning of a new era of CNS regenerative medicine. Nevertheless, the interpretations arising from the utilisation of the NSA need to take into consideration its limits, so as not to be used beyond its specificity and sensitivity.
Assessment of In Vitro Methods Used to Promote Adhesive Interface Degradation: A Critical Review
Authors: AMARAL FLÁVIA L. B. , COLUCCI VIVIAN , PALMA‐DIBB REGINA G. , CORONA SILMARA A. M.
Published: November 2007

One factor that has a great influence on clinical performance of dental restorations is their resistance to degradation. Morphological changes in the structure of tooth‐restoration interface aged in the oral environment have been reported. However, even though the in vivo performance is the ultimate testing environment for predicting the behavior of restorations because of the complexity of intraoral conditions, in vitro models such as thermocycling, mechanical loading, pH cycling, and aging of materials in distilled water, NaOCl, and food‐simulating solutions may provide important information about the fundamental mechanisms involved in resin‐tooth interface degradation. Most recently, the effect of host‐derived enzymes and the storage in deproteinizing solutions (such as aqueous NaOCl) on the degradation of resin‐dentin bonds has also been described. This review considers the importance of these in vitro methods on bond durability interface in an attempt to understand the behavior of restoratives over time. The first section is focused on the mechanism of in vivo biodegradation, whereas the second looks at studies that have described the influence of water storage, NaOCl storage, host‐derived matrix metalloproteinases, thermocycling, mechanical loading, pH cycling, and food‐simulating solutions on the degradation of the adhesive interface. It is obvious that these methodologies do not occur separately in the oral cavity, but that each one has a specific importance in the mechanisms of bond degradation.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The in vitro methods used to simulate bond degradation may describe important points related to the clinical performance of restorations. This article evaluates the mechanism of the in vivo biodegradation of adhesive interfaces as well as the influences that various testing methods have on these bonds.

(J Esthet Restor Dent 19:340–354, 2007)
EFFECTS OF BLEACHING ON TOOTH STRUCTURE AND RESTORATIONS, PART I: EFFECTS ON ENAMEL
Authors: Swift Edward J.
Published: November 2007

Tooth whitening has become a common treatment over the last 15 years, and much research has been reported on the effects of bleaching procedures on enamel, dentin, and restorative materials. We are presenting a series of Critical Appraisals on this topic, beginning this issue with a focus on the effects of bleaching on enamel.
Top‐down MS, a powerful complement to the high capabilities of proteolysis proteomics
Authors: McLafferty Fred W. , Breuker Kathrin , Jin Mi , Han Xuemei , Infusini Giuseppe , Jiang Honghai , Kong Xianglei , Begley Tadhg P.
Published: November 2007

For the characterization of protein sequences and post‐translational modifications by MS, the ‘top‐down’ proteomics approach utilizes molecular and fragment ion mass data obtained by ionizing and dissociating a protein in the mass spectrometer. This requires more complex instrumentation and methodology than the far more widely used ‘bottom‐up’ approach, which instead uses such data of peptides from the protein's digestion, but the top‐down data are far more specific. The ESI MS spectrum of a 14 protein mixture provides full separation of its molecular ions for MS/MS dissociation of the individual components. False‐positive rates for the identification of proteins are far lower with the top‐down approach, and quantitation of multiply modified isomers is more efficient. Bottom‐up proteolysis destroys the information on the size of the protein and the connectivities of the peptide fragments, but it has no size limit for protein digestion. In contrast, the top‐down approach has a ∼ 500 residue, ∼ 50 kDa limitation for the extensive molecular ion dissociation required. Basic studies indicate that this molecular ion intractability arises from greatly strengthened electrostatic interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, in the gas‐phase molecular ions. This limit is now greatly extended by variable thermal and collisional activation just after electrospray (‘prefolding dissociation’). This process can cleave 287 inter‐residue bonds in the termini of a 1314 residue (144 kDa) protein, specify previously unidentified disulfide bonds between eight of 27 cysteines in a 1714 residue (200 kDa) protein, and correct sequence predictions in two proteins, one of 2153 residues (229 kDa).
Receptor binding characteristics of the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A for the human nuclear estrogen‐related receptor γ
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Matsushima Ayami , Okada Hiroyuki , Tokunaga Takatoshi , Isozaki Kaname , Shimohigashi Yasuyuki
Published: November 2007

Bisphenol A, 2,2‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)propane, is an estrogenic endocrine disruptor that influences various physiological functions at very low doses, even though bisphenol A itself is ineffectual as a ligand for the estrogen receptor. We recently demonstrated that bisphenol A binds strongly to human estrogen‐related receptor γ, one of 48 human nuclear receptors. Bisphenol A functions as an inverse antagonist of estrogen‐related receptor γ to sustain the high basal constitutive activity of the latter and to reverse the deactivating inverse agonist activity of 4‐hydroxytamoxifen. However, the intrinsic binding mode of bisphenol A remains to be clarified. In the present study, we report the binding potentials between the phenol‐hydroxyl group of bisphenol A and estrogen‐related receptor γ residues Glu275 and Arg316 in the ligand‐binding domain. By inducing mutations in other amino acids, we evaluated the change in receptor binding capability of bisphenol A. Wild‐type estrogen‐related receptor γ‐ligand‐binding domain showed a strong binding ability (KD = 5.70 nm) for tritium‐labeled [3H]bisphenol A. Simultaneous mutation to Ala at positions 275 and 316 resulted in an absolute inability to capture bisphenol A. However, individual substitutions revealed different degrees in activity reduction, indicating the chief importance of phenol‐hydroxyl⇆Arg316 hydrogen bonding and the corroborative role of phenol‐hydroxyl⇆Glu275 hydrogen bonding. The data obtained with other characteristic mutations suggested that these hydrogen bonds are conducive to the recruitment of phenol compounds by estrogen‐related receptor γ. These results clearly indicate that estrogen‐related receptor γ forms an appropriate structure presumably to adopt an unidentified endogenous ligand.
Transient potential receptor channel 4 controls thrombospondin‐1 secretion and angiogenesis in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Veliceasa Dorina , Ivanovic Marina , Hoepfner Frank Thilo‐Schulze , Thumbikat Praveen , Volpert Olga V. , Smith Norm D.
Published: November 2007

Angiogenic switch in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is attributed to the inactivation of the von Hippel–Lindau tumor suppressor, stabilization of hypoxia inducible factor‐1 transcription factor and increased vascular endothelial growth factor. To evaluate the role of an angiogenesis inhibitor, thrombopsondin‐1 (TSP1), we compared TSP1 production in human RCC and normal tissue and secretion by the normal renal epithelium (human normal kidney, HNK) and RCC cells. Normal and RCC tissues stained positive for TSP1, and the levels of TSP1 mRNA and total protein were similar in RCC and HNK cells. However, HNK cells secreted high TSP1, which rendered them nonangiogenic, whereas RCC cells secreted little TSP1 and were angiogenic. Western blot and immunostaining revealed TSP1 in the cytoplasm of RCC cells on serum withdrawal, whereas, in HNK cells, it was rapidly exported. Seeking mechanisms of defective TSP1 secretion, we discovered impaired calcium uptake by RCC in response to vascular endothelial growth factor. In HNK cells, 1,2‐bis(o‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester, a calcium chelator, simulated TSP1 retention, mimicking the RCC phenotype. Further analysis revealed a profound decrease in transient receptor potential canonical ion channel 4 (TRPC4) Ca2+ channel expression in RCC cells. TRPC4 silencing in HNK cells caused TSP1 retention and impaired secretion. Double labeling of the secretory system components revealed TSP1 colocalization with coatomer protein II (COPII) anterograde vesicles in HNK cells. In contrast, in RCC cells, TSP1 colocalized with COPI vesicles, pointing to the retrograde transport to the endoplasmic reticulum caused by misfolding. Our study indicates that TRPC4 loss in RCC leads to impaired Ca2+ intake, misfolding, retrograde transport and diminished secretion of antiangiogenic TSP1, thus enabling angiogenic switch during RCC progression.
Isolation and characterization of the main small heat shock proteins induced in tomato pericarp by thermal treatment
Authors: Polenta Gustavo A. , Calvete Juan J. , González Claudia B.
Published: November 2007

In recent years, heat treatment has been used to prevent the development of chilling injury in fruits and vegetables. The acquired tolerance to chilling seen in treated fruit is related to the accumulation of heat shock proteins (HSPs). The positive effect of heat treatment has generally been verified for only a narrow range of treatment intensities and more reliable methods of determining optimal conditions are therefore needed. In this regard, quantitation of HSPs would seem to be an interesting tool for monitoring purposes. As a step toward the development of analytical methodology, the objective of this study was the isolation and characterization of relevant HSPs from plant tissues. Tomato fruits were exposed to a temperature of 38 °C for 0, 3, 20 and 27 h, and protein extracts from pericarp were analysed using SDS/PAGE. Analysis revealed the appearance of an intense 21 kDa protein band in treated samples. IEF of this band showed the presence of four major proteins (HSPC1, HSPC2, HSPC3 and HSPC4) with similar pI values. A monospecific polyclonal antiserum was raised in rabbits against purified HSPC1 protein, which cross‐reacted with other small heat shock proteins. The major proteins were characterized by MS/MS analysis of tryptic peptides, all having blocked N‐termini. The antiserum obtained proved suitable for detecting increased amounts of small heat shock proteins in tomatoes and grapefruits subjected to heat treatment for 24 and 48 h; these treatments were successful in preventing the development of chilling injury symptoms during cold storage. Our data are valuable for the future development of analytical methods to evaluate the optimal protection induced by heat treatment in different fruits.
Current status of Japanese emergency medicine based on a cross‐sectional survey of one prefecture
Authors: Ezaki Takahiro , Yamada Tomomi , Yasuda Mitsuhiro , Kannna Tomoo , Shiraishi Kiminori , Hashizume Makoto
Published: November 2007

Objective:  To ascertain the current status of emergency medicine at certified emergency hospitals in Fukuoka, a Japanese prefecture. Fukuoka prefecture has the 9th largest population volume of the 46 prefectures throughout Japan.

Methods:  Written questionnaire sent to 146 certified emergency hospitals.

Results:  A total of 132 of 146 (90.4%) emergency hospitals replied. Data were complete from 131. Nineteen of 131 hospitals (14.5%) were qualified by the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine, whereas 85 of 131 (64.9%) were certified by other medical associations. In 32 of 131 hospitals (24.4%), there was an emergency medicine specialist or acute care physician, whereas 117 hospitals (89.3%) had a specialist doctor qualified by another medical association. In 33 of 131 hospitals (25%), there were doctors who undertook training in emergency medicine of surgery‐related courses, and 66 (50%) undertook internal medicine‐related courses.

Conclusion:  The current status of emergency medicine practice in the Fukuoka prefecture is poor. Medical associations relevant to emergency medicine should collaborate with each other to share information, as well as provide help to solve problems associated with emergency medicine manpower. This collaboration should occur as a national effort within the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine.
Use of point‐of‐care ultrasound by a critical care retrieval team
Authors: Mazur Stefan M , Pearce Andrew , Alfred Sam , Sharley Peter
Published: November 2007

Point‐of‐care ultrasound in the prehospital and retrieval environments has now become possible owing to decreased size and weight, and increasing robustness of some ultrasound machines. This report describes the initial experience of point‐of‐care ultrasound by an Australian critical care retrieval service using a portable ultrasound machine.
Best Guess method for age‐based weight estimation in paediatric emergencies: Validation and comparison with current methods
Authors: Thompson Michelle T , Reading Michael J , Acworth Jason P
Published: November 2007

Background:  During paediatric resuscitation, drug doses are calculated based upon weight. Age‐based weight estimates are used when weighing children is impractical. The average weight of Australian children has increased, and widely used paediatric age‐based formulae might underestimate weight. A modified age‐based method for paediatric weight calculation, the ‘Best Guess’, has been described.

Objective:  To validate the Best Guess formulae on a new population of paediatric emergency patients, and to compare the accuracy of this method with Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) and Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) formulae for age‐based weight calculations.

Methods:  A retrospective study was performed of Australasian Triage Scale (ATS) category 1 or 2 patients presenting to a tertiary paediatric ED over a 12 month period. Calculated weights using each method (APLS, ARC and Best Guess) were compared with true weights for infants (<1 year), preschool‐aged (1–4 years) and school‐aged (5–14 years) children. Mean actual error and mean percentage error for each was calculated.

Results:  A total of 1843 patient weights were included in the study. The Best Guess Infant formula accurately estimated weight (mean percentage error +4.2%). The Best Guess formulae more accurately estimated weight than both APLS and ARC formulae for both preschool‐aged children (mean percentage error +2.6% vs−12.1% vs−12.1%) and school‐aged children (mean percentage error +7.7% vs−19.9% vs−12.4%).

Conclusion:  The Best Guess formulae is a valid method for age‐based weight estimation in acutely unwell or injured children presenting to the ED and more accurately predicts mean weight than either APLS or ARC formulae.
Association between Psychiatric Symptoms and Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Ricca Valdo , Bandini Elisa , Mannucci Edoardo , Petrone Luisa , Fisher Alessandra D. , Lotti Francesco , Balercia Giancarlo , Faravelli Carlo , Forti Gianni , Maggi Mario
Published: November 2007

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often associated with a wide array of psychiatric symptoms, although few studies systematically address their specific association with ED determinants.

Aim

The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between ED (as assessed by SIEDY Structured Interview, a 13-item tool which identifies and quantifies the contribution of organic, relational, and intrapsychic domains of ED) and different psychopathological symptoms (as assessed by the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire, a self-reported test for the screening of mental disorders in a nonpsychiatric setting).

Methods

A consecutive series of 1,388 (mean age 51 ± 13 years) male patients with ED was studied.

Main Outcome Measures

Several hormonal and biochemical parameters were investigated, along with SIEDY Interview and the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire.

Results

Psychiatric symptoms resulted differentially associated with SIEDY domains. Depressive and phobic-anxiety symptoms were associated with the relational domain, somatization with the organic one, while free-floating anxiety, obsessive–compulsive, and phobic symptoms were significantly related with higher intrapsychic SIEDY scores. In addition, relevant depressive symptomatology was associated with hypogonadism, the presence of low frequency of intercourse, hypoactive sexual desire (HSD), and conflictual relationships within the couple and the family. Patients with high free-floating anxiety symptoms were younger, and complained of an unsatisfactory work and a conflictual relationship within family. Conversely, subjects with higher phobic anxious symptoms displayed a more robust relational functioning. Similar results were observed in subjects with obsessive–compulsive symptoms, who also reported a lower prevalence of HSD. Finally, subjects with somatization symptoms showed the worst erectile function.

Conclusions

The main value of this study is that it alters various clinicians' belief that many psychiatric symptoms can be found among ED patients. Systematic testing of patients with ED, through psychiatric questionnaires, is recommended to detect even slight or moderate psychopathological distresses, which specifically associate and exacerbate sexual disturbances.
Overview of Regular Dialysis Treatment in Japan (as of 31 December 2005)
Authors: Nakai Shigeru , Masakane Ikuto , Akiba Takashi , Iseki Kunitoshi , Watanabe Yuzo , Itami Noritomo , Kimata Naoki , Shigematsu Takashi , Shinoda Toshio , Syoji Tatsuya , Syoji Tetsuo , Suzuki Kazuyuki , Tsuchida Kenji , Nakamoto Hidetomo , Hamano Takayuki , Marubayashi Seiji , Morita Osamu , Morozumi Kunio , Yamagata Kunihiro , Yamashita Akihiro , Wakai Kenji , Wada Atsushi , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  A statistical survey conducted at the end of 2005 covered 3985 medical facilities across Japan, and 3940 facilities (98.87%) responded. The dialysis population in Japan at the end of 2005 was 257 765, which showed an increase of 9599 patients (3.87%) from the end of the previous year. The number of patients per million was 2017.6. The crude death rate for one year (from the end of 2004 to the end of 2005) was 9.5%. The mean age of the patients who began dialysis (in 2005) was 66.2 years, and the mean age of the entire dialysis population was 63.9 years. The primary diseases of the patients who began dialysis were diabetic renal disease (42.0%) and chronic glomerulonephritis (27.3%). The mean (±SD) serum ferritin concentration of all the dialysis patients was 191 (±329) ng/mL. The percentages of antihypertensive agents administered to the hemodialysis patients were as follows: calcium‐channel blocker, 50.3%; angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor, 11.5%; and angiotensin II‐receptor blocker, 33.9%. Of the peritoneal dialysis patients, 33.4% used automated peritoneal dialysis devices. Moreover, 7.3% of the peritoneal dialysis patients received dialysis treatment only in the daytime, and 15% received the treatment only at night. Icodextrin solution was used by 37.2% of the peritoneal dialysis patients. The average amount of dialysis solution used by the peritoneal dialysis patients was 7.43 (±2.52) L/day and the average amount of removal fluid was 0.81 (±0.60) L/day. A peritoneal equilibration test was conducted on 67% of the patients, and the mean dialysate to plasma creatinine ratio was 0.65 (±0.13). The annual incidence of peritonitis in the peritoneal dialysis patients was 19.7%. Of the 126 040 patients who responded to the inquiry of the therapeutic situation of peritoneal dialysis, 676 (0.7%) had a history of encapsulated peritoneal sclerosis and 66 (0.1%) were treated for encapsulated peritoneal sclerosis. The mean life expectancy of the dialysis population in 2003 was calculated according to sex and age. Results showed that the mean life expectancy of the dialysis population was approximately 40–60% of that of the general population of the same sex and age.
Discrepancies Between Score Trends from NAEP and State Tests: A Scale‐Invariant Perspective
Authors: Ho Andrew D.
Published: November 2007

State test score trends are widely interpreted as indicators of educational improvement. To validate these interpretations, state test score trends are often compared to trends on other tests such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). These comparisons raise serious technical and substantive concerns. Technically, the most commonly used trend statistics—for example, the change in the percent of proficient students—are misleading in the context of cross‐test comparisons. Substantively, it may not be reasonable to expect that NAEP and state test score trends should be similar. This paper motivates then applies a “scale‐invariant” framework for cross‐test trend comparisons to compare “high‐stakes” state test score trends from 2003 to 2005 to NAEP trends over the same period. Results show that state trends are significantly more positive than NAEP trends. The paper concludes with cautions against the positioning of trend discrepancies in a framework where only one trend is considered “true.”
Validity Issues in Test Speededness
Authors: Lu Ying , Sireci Stephen G.
Published: November 2007

Speededness refers to the situation where the time limits on a standardized test do not allow substantial numbers of examinees to fully consider all test items. When tests are not intended to measure speed of responding, speededness introduces a severe threat to the validity of interpretations based on test scores. In this article, we describe test speededness, its potential threats to validity, and traditional and modern methods that can be used to assess the presence of speededness. We argue that more attention must be paid to this issue and that more research must be done to set appropriate time limits on power tests so that speed of responding does not interfere with the construct measured.
EXTRACTION METHOD THAT ENRICHES PHENOLIC CONTENT IN OREGANO (LIPPIA GRAVEOLENS H.B.K.) ESSENTIAL OIL
Authors: CASTILLO‐HERRERA GUSTAVO A. , GARCÍA‐FAJARDO JORGE A. , ESTARRÓN‐ESPINOSA MIRNA
Published: November 2007

The aim of this work was to evaluate a method that enriches the phenolic content in the essential oil of oregano, by obtaining high and constant phenolic concentrations. By means of extractive techniques such as fractional distillation, it was possible to concentrate thymol and carvacrol, as high as 74% in one essential oil fraction. In addition, the influence of the source region of the oregano on the phenolic content in the essential oil obtained by fractional hydrodistillation was also investigated; however, no significant effect was found (P > 0.05) based on source region. It may be considered that the fractional hydrodistillation method standardizes the phenolic content in essential oil composition regardless of the source of the spice. In this way, this method enriches phenolic content and reduces the effect of variable environmental factors on the quality of essential oils of oreganos from three different Mexican states.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The present investigation was carried out to improve the traditional extraction method for essential oils. With a few modifications, this method allows the fractionation of oregano essential oil in a 50:50 ratio, obtaining two fractions with high phenolic content; phenols are responsible for microbicide properties of the essential oil of oregano. This is an important step, considering the variability in phenolic content found in this spice, and because almost all of the harvested oreganos in Mexico contain a 45–50% average phenolic content. This method is attractive because it enriches the phenolic content in the essential oil and reduces environmental factors that affect oregano's essential oil, thus improving the quality of the essential oil of oregano.

The contributions of the present work are to increase knowledge in the field of aromatic herbs, to enhance the economic advantages of Mexican oregano and to propose alternative applications for use, such as novel microbicide ingredients in the development of natural food products.
CONCENTRATING THE CHLOROPHYLLS IN EXTRACT BY PRETREATMENT OF STINGING NETTLE LEAVES WITH NONPOLAR ORGANIC SOLVENTS AND SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE
Authors: HOJNIK MAŠA , ŠKERGET MOJCA , KNEZ ŽELJKO
Published: November 2007

It is well known that stinging nettle leaves contain volatile compounds such as essential oils and nonvolatile compounds such as cuticular waxes, pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids), vegetable oils and other solutes. Petroleum ether (PE) and hexane (Hex) have good solvent properties for the extraction of nonpolar components such as vegetable oils, essential oils, oleoresins and also carotenoids. Therefore, these nonpolar solvents have been used to pretreat the material in order to remove lipophilic substances, undesired oils and carotenoids, and to concentrate the chlorophylls in extracts obtained by re‐extracting the residual material with ethanol. By pretreating the material with PE and Hex, the concentration of chlorophylls in ethanol extracts increased from 11.7 ± 0.52 gCHL/100 gextract to 17.3 ± 0.61 and 14.3 ± 0.95 gCHL/100 gextract, respectively. For comparison, extractions using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) at three temperatures and pressures were performed in order to remove lipophilic compounds and, consequently, to concentrate the content of chlorophylls in extracts obtained by re‐extraction of the residual by conventional extraction. The results show much higher concentration of chlorophylls in extracts obtained from residual material when pretreating the material with SC‐CO2 (from 9.6 ± 0.41 gCHL/100 gextract to 19.9 ± 0.65 gCHL/100 gextract).

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

There is a considerable demand for replacing the synthetic colorants in the food, drug and cosmetic industry. In this work, stinging nettle was selected as raw material because it is known as a rich source of chlorophylls and is a plant abundantly available worldwide. Chlorophylls are used as a green coloring agent (E140) extensively as a dye in coloring inks, resins, soaps, waxes, edible fats and cosmetics. The present work deals with the different techniques in order to concentrate the content of chlorophylls in extract and to increase the efficiency of isolation. It was shown that the best results were obtained by using supercritical CO2 extraction for pretreating the material.
Exporting the Local: Recent Perspectives on ‘Religion’ as a Cultural Category
Authors: Dubuisson Daniel
Published: November 2007

This article examines new perspectives in the field of religious studies recently opened up by the works of T. Fitzgerald, R. McCutcheon, R. King, T. Masuzawa, G. A. Oddie and D. Dubuisson.1It begins, however, by taking up the origin and history of these studies in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries so as to underline the paradoxes and impasses that still too often characterize them today.

Cet article examine quelques‐unes des plus récentes perspectives ouvertes dans le domaine desreligious studiespar les travaux de T. Fitzgerald, R. McCutcheon, R. King, T. Masuzawa, G. A. Oddie et D. Dubuisson. Mais il revient pour commencer sur l’origine et l’histoire de ces études aux XIXe et XXe siècles afin de souligner les paradoxes et apories qui les caractérisent encore trop souvent aujourd’hui.
Men, Masculinities, and Language
Authors: Kiesling Scott
Published: November 2007

How do men use language to express masculinity? How is language masculine, and how does it become so? These are the issues that I address in this article. I first discuss why men and masculinities should be a focus in sociolinguistics, and why they generally have not been. I then explore what is meant by masculinities and the sociolinguistic processes that connect language with masculinities. Finally, I discuss some of the ways researchers have claimed men tend to speak, and why, and the problems with generalizing to all men from these data.
The Protective Role of Melanin Against UV Damage in Human Skin†
Authors: Brenner Michaela , Hearing Vincent J.
Published: November 2007

Human skin is repeatedly exposed to UVR that influences the function and survival of many cell types and is regarded as the main causative factor in the induction of skin cancer. It has been traditionally believed that skin pigmentation is the most important photoprotective factor, as melanin, besides functioning as a broadband UV absorbent, has antioxidant and radical scavenging properties. Besides, many epidemiological studies have shown a lower incidence for skin cancer in individuals with darker skin compared to those with fair skin. Skin pigmentation is of great cultural and cosmetic importance, yet the role of melanin in photoprotection is still controversial. This article outlines the major acute and chronic effects of UVR on human skin, the properties of melanin, the regulation of pigmentation and its effect on skin cancer prevention.