bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The adaptor‐like protein ROG‐1 is required for activation of the Ras‐MAP kinase pathway and meiotic cell cycle progression in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Matsubara Yosuke , Kawasaki Ichiro , Urushiyama Seiichi , Yasuda Tomoharu , Shirakata Masaki , Iino Yuichi , Shibuya Hiroshi , Yamanashi Yuji
Published: March 2007

The Ras‐MAP kinase pathway regulates varieties of fundamental cellular events. In Caenorhabditis elegans, this pathway is required for oocyte development; however, the nature of its up‐stream regulators has remained elusive. Here, we identified a C. elegans gene, rog‐1, which encodes the only protein having the IRS‐type phosphotyrosine‐binding (PTB) domain in the worms. ROG‐1 has no obvious domain structure aside from the PTB domain, suggesting that it could serve as an adaptor down‐stream of protein‐tyrosine kinases (PTKs). RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated down‐regulation of rog‐1 mRNA significantly decreased brood size. rog‐1(tm1031) truncation mutants showed a severe disruption in progression of developing oocytes from pachytene to diakinesis, as was seen in worms carrying a loss‐of‐function mutation in the let‐60 Ras or mpk‐1 MAP kinase gene. Furthermore, let‐60 Ras‐regulated activation of MPK‐1 in the gonad is undetectable in rog‐1(tm1031) mutants. Conversely, a gain‐of‐function mutation in the let‐60 Ras gene rescues the brood size reduction and germ cell abnormality in rog‐1(tm1031) worms. Consistently, rog‐1 is preferentially expressed in the germ cells and its expression in the gonad is essential for oocyte development. Thus, ROG‐1 is a key positive regulator of the Ras‐MAP kinase pathway that permits germ cells to exit from pachytene.
Functional association between proximal and distal gastric motility during fasting and duodenal nutrient stimulation in humans
Authors: Nguyen N. Q. , Fraser R. J. , Bryant L. K. , Holloway R. H.
Published: March 2007

Abstract  A functional integration exists between proximal and distal gastric motor activity in dogs but has not been demonstrated in humans. To determine the relationship between proximal and distal gastric motor activity in humans. Concurrent proximal (barostat) and distal (antro‐pyloro‐duodenal (APD) manometry) gastric motility were recorded in 10 healthy volunteers (28 ± 3 years) during (i) fasting and (ii) two 60‐min duodenal infusions of Ensure® (1 and 2 kcal min−1) in random order. Proximal and APD motor activity and the association between fundic and propagated antral waves (PAWs) were determined. During fasting, 32% of fundic waves (FWs) were followed by a PAW. In a dose–dependent fashion, duodenal nutrients (i) increased proximal gastric volume, (ii) reduced fundic and antral wave (total and propagated) activity, and (iii) increased pyloric contractions. The proportion of FWs followed by a distal PAW was similar between both infusions and did not differ from fasting. During nutrient infusion, nearly all PAWs were antegrade, propagated over a shorter distance and less likely to traverse the pylorus, compared with fasting. In humans, a functional association exists between proximal and distal gastric motility during fasting and duodenal nutrient stimulation. This may have a role in optimizing intra‐gastric meal distribution.
The Impact of FCN2 Polymorphisms and Haplotypes on the Ficolin‐2 Serum Levels
Authors: Munthe‐Fog L. , Hummelshøj T. , Hansen B. E. , Koch C. , Madsen H. O. , Skjødt K. , Garred P.
Published: March 2007

Ficolin‐2 (L‐ficolin), derived from the FCN2 gene, is an innate immunity pattern recognition molecule found in human serum in which inter‐individual variation in serum appears to be under genetic control. To validate and extend this finding, we developed a sandwich ELISA for detection of human Ficolin‐2 in serum samples and identified FCN2 genotypes with a Taq Man‐based minor groove binder assay and by sequencing. Serum samples were applied to gel‐permeation chromatography and fractions were analysed by an ELISA, SDS‐PAGE and subsequently Western blotting. In 214 Danish blood donors, the median Ficolin‐2 serum concentration was determined to 5.4 μg/ml (range: 1.0–12.2 μg/ml). An ELISA, SDS‐PAGE and Western blot analysis of gel‐permeation chromatography fractions showed that Ficolin‐2 comprises a mixture of covalently and non‐covalently linked Ficolin‐2 oligomers independent of the individual genotypes. The variation in serum concentration was associated with three polymorphisms in the promoter and one polymorphism in the structural part of the FCN2 gene. Further analysis indicated that two particular alleles on the same haplotype determined a low Ficolin‐2 concentration. Our results show that inter‐individual variation of Ficolin‐2 concentration is associated with polymorphisms in the promoter and the structural part of the FCN2 gene.
SA‐inducible Arabidopsis glutaredoxin interacts with TGA factors and suppresses JA‐responsive PDF1.2 transcription
Authors: Ndamukong Ivan , Abdallat Ayed Al , Thurow Corinna , Fode Benjamin , Zander Mark , Weigel Ralf , Gatz Christiane
Published: March 2007

Salicylic acid (SA) is a plant signaling molecule that mediates the induction of defense responses upon attack by a variety of pathogens. Moreover, it antagonizes gene induction by the stress signaling molecule jasmonic acid (JA). Several SA‐responsive genes are regulated by basic/leucine zipper‐type transcription factors of the TGA family. TGA factors interact with NPR1, a central regulator of many SA‐induced defense responses including SA/JA antagonism. In order to identify further regulatory proteins of SA‐dependent signaling pathways, a yeast protein interaction screen with tobacco TGA2.2 as bait and an Arabidopsis thaliana cDNA prey library was performed and led to the identification of a member of the glutaredoxin family (GRX480, encoded by At1g28480). Glutaredoxins are candidates for mediating redox regulation of proteins because of their capacity to catalyze disulfide transitions. This agrees with previous findings that the redox state of both TGA1 and NPR1 changes under inducing conditions. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants ectopically expressing GRX480 show near wild‐type expression of standard marker genes for SA‐ and xenobiotic‐inducible responses. In contrast, transcription of the JA‐dependent defensin gene PDF1.2 was antagonized by transgenic GRX480. This, together with the observation that GRX480 transcription is SA‐inducible and requires NPR1, suggests a role of GRX480 in SA/JA cross‐talk. Suppression of PDF1.2 by GRX480 depends on the presence of TGA factors, indicating that the GRX480/TGA interaction is effective in planta.
Factors influencing the use and provision of respite care services for older families of people with a severe mental illness
Authors: Jeon Yun‐Hee , Chenoweth Lynn , McIntosh Helen
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT:  Family carers of people with a severe mental illness play a vital, yet often unrecognized and undervalued role in Australian society. Respite care services can assist these family carers in their role; however, little is known about their access to these services. The paper addresses this knowledge gap. An exploratory field study was conducted throughout the eastern suburbs of Sydney, Australia, to identify and examine the factors influencing the use and provision of respite services for older carers of people with a mental illness. Semistructured, in‐depth interviews, and structured self‐completed questionnaires were conducted with older family carers, mental health care professionals, and respite care service providers. Additionally, relevant documents (local policies, strategic plans and reports on respite care) were reviewed. It was found that current respite services are problematic for older family carers of Australians with a mental illness, signalling the need for concerted efforts by carers, health professionals, and service providers to improve access. Changes to respite provision and utilization are recommended.
Caring as a resilient practice in mental health nursing
Authors: Warelow Philip , Edward Karen‐leigh
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT:  This paper will develop a discussion about caring as a modern mental health nurse. We argue that the demands of mental health nursing today extend beyond the more traditional skills of care and caring. We believe that in order to meet mental health needs in the 21st century that caring should be extended to encompass the additional expertise of emotional intelligence and resilience. Emotional intelligence, resilience, and resilient behaviours have the potential to assist individuals to transcend negative experiences and transform these experiences into positive self‐enhancing ones. This has implications for improved consumer outcomes through role‐modelling and educational processes, but also may hold implications in supporting a strong workforce in mental health.
Energy and interspecific body size patterns of amphibian faunas in Europe and North America: anurans follow Bergmann's rule, urodeles its converse
Authors: Olalla‐Tárraga Miguel Á. , Rodríguez Miguel Á.
Published: March 2007

Aim  To describe broad‐scale geographical patterns of body size for European and North American amphibian faunas and to explore possible processes underlying these patterns. Specifically, we propose a heat balance hypothesis, as both heat conservation and heat gain determine the heat balance of ectotherms, and test it along with five other hypotheses that have a possible influence on body size gradients: size dependence, migration ability, primary productivity, seasonality and water availability.

Location  Western Europe and North America north of Mexico.

Methods  We processed distribution maps for native amphibian species to estimate the mean body size in 110 × 110 km cells and calculated eight environmental predictors to explore the relationship between environmental gradients and the observed patterns. We used least squares regression modelling and model selection approaches based on information theory to evaluate the relative support for each hypothesis.

Results  We found consistent body size gradients and similar relationships to environmental variables within each amphibian group in Europe and North America. Annual potential evapotranspiration, a measure of environmental energy, was the strongest predictor of mean body size in both regions. However, the contrasting responses to ambient energy in each group resulted in opposite geographical patterns, i.e. anurans increased in size from high‐ to low‐energy areas in both continents and urodeles showed the opposite pattern.

Main conclusions  Our results support the heat balance hypothesis, suggesting that the thermoregulatory abilities of anurans would allow them to reach larger sizes in colder climates by optimizing the trade‐off between heating and cooling rates, whereas a lack of such strategies among urodele faunas would explain why these organisms tend to be smaller in cooler areas. These findings may also have implications for the role of climate warming on the global decline of amphibians.
Management of women with abnormal cervical cytology: treatment patterns and associated costs in England and Wales
Authors: Martin‐Hirsch P , Rash B , Martin A , Standaert B
Published: March 2007

Objective  To evaluate the time from abnormal Papanicolaou smear detected during routine screening to the initiation of investigation and treatment of subjects and to evaluate its related costs.

Design  Retrospective study of clinical records from women with abnormal cervical smears.

Setting  Six specialist gynaecology/colposcopy clinics in England and Wales.

Sample  Six hundred subsequent women (100 per clinic) with first abnormal cervical smear result at the specialist gynaecology/colposcopy clinic.

Methods  Details of all clinic visits, tests and procedures during 24 months starting from the first abnormal cervical smear were collected from the year 2002.

Main outcome measures  Patterns of management after initial abnormal smear, time to start the investigation and/or treatment expressed in days/months and treatment costs by cytology and histology grades.

Results  Significant age differences were observed between women with early grades of precancer lesions (32 years) and cancer (49 years) (P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis of women younger than 26 years indicates a representation of this age group in all the histology grades including cancer. Median time to initiate the investigation and/or treatment was 50 days. In contrast, for 5% of women, delay in management lasted for >1 year. Colposcopy and repeated cervical smears were the most frequent systematic investigations performed, while the large loop excision of the transformation zone procedure was the principal therapeutic procedure. Analysis of average treatment costs by referral cytology showed small differences between the three grades of cytological diagnoses (mild dyskaryosis, £408.96; moderate dyskaryosis, £442.55 and severe dyskaryosis, £493.74). Analysis by histology grade showed that the cost for women with a negative result (£263.34) differed markedly from that for women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) (CIN1, £419.39; CIN2, £572.29; and CIN3, £584.92).

Conclusion  Time to investigation could be improved for a subgroup of women. Costs associated with investigation and treatment of women with abnormal cervical smears differ significantly between analyses by cytology and histology grade. This needs to be borne in mind when designing cost‐effectiveness studies of cervical screening.
Cholesterol independent effect of LXR agonist TO‐901317 on gamma‐secretase
Authors: Czech Christian , Burns Mark P. , Vardanian Lilit , Augustin Angelique , Jacobsen Helmut , Baumann Karlheinz , Rebeck G. William
Published: March 2007

The balance of intracellular cholesterol has proven to be critical to the production of β‐amyloid (Aβ). Reducing cholesterol in vitro leads to decreased production of Aβ, whereas an increase in cellular cholesterol induces Aβ production. Liver X Receptor (LXR) agonists are known to increase cholesterol efflux from cells, but there are conflicting reports as to the effects of these agonists on Aβ production. We therefore examined the effects of efflux‐inducing agents on Aβ production in vitro. We used methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin and an LXR agonist (TO‐901317) to induce cholesterol efflux and studied the resulting Aβ production in a stable amyloid precursor protein (APP) ‐transfected cell line. When cholesterol efflux was induced with methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin there was a >60% decrease in Aβ40 and Aβ42 production. However, while activation of LXR using TO‐901317‐induced cholesterol efflux in the presence of a cholesterol acceptor, no changes in Aβ levels were recorded. When cells were incubated with TO‐901317 above the concentration required for maximal cholesterol efflux, there was a 150% increase in Aβ42 levels. The absence of a cholesterol acceptor from the culture media (preventing cholesterol efflux) did not blunt this increase in Aβ42, suggesting that the effects of TO‐901317 on Aβ42 are efflux independent. These results were confirmed in APP stably transfected human H4 cells, which revealed in addition to a 200% increase in Aβ42 levels, a concomitant 80% reduction in Aβ38. A cell‐free γ‐secretase assay confirmed that TO‐901317 can directly alter γ‐secretase activity. These data demonstrate that TO‐901317 can directly modulate the site of cleavage of APP by γ‐secretase in vitro.
Endogenous opioids modulate hepatocyte apoptosis in a rat model of chronic cholestasis: the role of oxidative stress
Authors: Payabvash Seyedmehdi , Kiumehr Saman , Nezami Behtash Ghazi , Zandieh Ali , Anvari Pasha , Tavangar Seyed Mohammad , Dehpour Ahmad Reza
Published: March 2007

Aims/Background: There are increasing number of evidences indicating the contribution of endogenous opioids in the pathophysiology of cholestatic liver disease. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of the endogenous‐opioid system in the modulation of hepatocytes apoptosis and liver oxidant/anti‐oxidant balance during chronic cholestasis in rats.

Methods: We induced cholestasis in rats by bile duct ligation (BDL). Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, was administered at different doses (2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg/day) to cholestatic animals for 5 weeks.

Results: Naltrexone prevented the cholestasis‐induced decrease of hepatic glutathione levels at higher doses (20 and 40 mg/kg/day). In the next phase of the study, we evaluated the effects of 20 mg/kg/day naltrexone treatment on hepatic damage indices and liver oxidant/anti‐oxidant balance in 5‐week BDL rats. There was a marked increase in the number of apoptotic hepatocytes as well as serum liver enzymes and hepatic lipid peroxidation levels in cholestatic rats compared with sham‐operated animals 5 weeks after the operation. Liver anti‐oxidant enzyme activities were significantly reduced in cholestatic rats compared with controls. Chronic treatment with naltrexone significantly improved all the aforementioned indices in comparison with saline‐treated cholestatic rats.

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that the administration of opioid antagonist is protective against hepatic damage in a rat model of chronic cholestasis. We suggest that increased levels of endogenous opioids contribute to hepatocytes apoptosis in cholestasis, possibly through downregulation of liver anti‐oxidant defense.
A novel therapeutic drug (copper nicotinic acid complex) for non‐alcoholic fatty liver
Authors: Salama Ragaa H. M. , Nassar Ahmed Y. A. , Nafady Allam A. M. , Mohamed Hesham H. T.
Published: March 2007

Background: Fatty liver is the accumulation of fat in liver cells, which leads to disruption of the normal liver structure and function.

Methods: A non‐alcoholic fatty liver rat model received copper (Cu) (I)‐nicotinate complex [CuCl(HNA)2] for 4 weeks.

Results: Clinical signs and histopathological examinations showed obvious improvements in rats that received Cu complex who were continuously on an (HCFF) diet than those returned to standard diet with Cu complex. The improvement was matched in total lipids in sera and hepatic tissue, with disappearance of fat droplets from liver sections. Furthermore, the gain in body weight and the corresponding decrease in liver weight, decreased liver transaminases and alkaline phosphatase were prominent. The oxidative stress markers such as nitric oxide, lipid peroxides, glutathione and superoxide dismutase were obviously changed to healthy normal levels.

Conclusion: The Cu complex may serve as a novel chemical restoring agent in fatty degenerated liver cells and for renewal of their structure and functions. However, clinical trials are required for more evaluation of the Cu complex in humans.
Hepatic steatosis correlates with the postoperative recurrence of hepatitis C virus‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Takuma Yoshitaka , Nouso Kazuhiro , Makino Yasuhiro , Saito Shunsuke , Takayama Hiroki , Takahara Masahiro , Takahashi Hideaki , Murakami Ichiro , Takeuchi Hitoshi
Published: March 2007

Background: Hepatic steatosis is a prominent feature of chronic hepatitis C. Hepatic steatosis was reported recently to be a risk factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Aim: To investigate whether hepatic steatosis influences the postoperative recurrence of HCV‐associated HCC.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 88 patients undergoing curative resection of HCV‐associated HCC. Cumulative tumour recurrence rates were compared between steatosis‐positive and steatosis‐negative patients, and the factors affecting intrahepatic recurrence were assessed.

Results: The respective tumour recurrence rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 19%, 76%, and 92% in the steatosis‐positive group, and 12%, 52%, and 60% in the steatosis‐negative group. The tumour recurrence rate of the steatosis‐positive group was significantly higher than that of the steatosis‐negative group (P=0.02). Hepatic steatosis [relative risk (RR)=3.31, 95% confidence intervals (CIs)=1.49–7.41, P=0.003], stage of fibrosis (RR=3.17, 95% CI=1.35–7.47, P=0.008), surgical procedure (RR=0.22, 95% CI=0.076–0.64, P=0.005), number of tumours (RR=5.24, 95% CI=1.63–16.80, P=0.005), size of the largest tumour (RR=3.52, 95% CI=1.28–9.69, P=0.02), and vascular invasion (RR=2.72, 95% CI=1.32–5.59, P=0.007) were independent factors for tumour recurrence rate by multivariate analysis.

Conclusions: Hepatic steatosis is a useful predictor of postoperative recurrence of HCV‐related HCC.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase III study of the human anti‐tumor necrosis factor antibody adalimumab administered as subcutaneous injections in Korean rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with methotrexate
Authors: KIM Ho‐Youn , LEE Soo‐Kon , SONG Yeong Wook , YOO Dae‐Hyun , KOH Eun‐Mi , YOO Bin , LUO Allison
Published: March 2007

Objective:  Adalimumab is a fully human, monoclonal, antitumour necrosis factor antibody approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in more than 60 countries. We investigated the efficacy and safety of 40 mg every‐other‐week (eow) subcutaneous injections of adalimumab with methotrexate (MTX) versus placebo with MTX in Korean patients with RA with insufficient responses to MTX.

Methods:  This was a 24‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase III study conducted at six sites in Korea. The primary efficacy endpoint was a 20% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology response criteria (ACR20) at week 24. Secondary endpoints included ACR50, ACR70, and individual ACR components. Beginning at week 18, non‐responders (< 20% reduction in swollen and tender joint counts) could switch to rescue therapy with open‐label adalimumab 40 mg eow.

Results:  Of the 128 patients enrolled, 65 received adalimumab and 63 received placebo. An ACR20 response at week 24 was achieved by 61.5% of patients receiving adalimumab versus 36.5% receiving placebo (P < 0.01). ACR50 and ACR70 responses were achieved by 43.1% and 21.5% of adalimumab patients versus 14.3% and 7.9% of placebo patients (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). Adalimumab significantly improved all seven ACR core components. Statistically significant improvements in ACR20 were observed with adalimumab as early as week 2. Adalimumab was generally well tolerated; there were no significant differences in incidences of adverse events between groups.

Conclusions:  In Korean patients with RA with insufficient responses to MTX, combination therapy with adalimumab and MTX was more efficacious than placebo and MTX in reducing RA signs and symptoms.
A survey of intrapartum fetal surveillance education practices in Victorian public hospitals
Authors: BEAVES Mark , JENKINS Valerie , WALLACE Euan M.
Published: March 2007

Background:  The inappropriate use or interpretation of intrapartum fetal surveillance (IFS) continues to be a major contributor to adverse obstetric outcomes, suggesting that training in IFS is deficient. What professional education in intrapartum fetal sureveillance currently exists in Victorian public hospitals is unknown.

Aims:  To map the current formal IFS education and competency assessment practices in Victorian public hospitals.

Methods:  A structured survey comprising 25 questions was developed and mailed to both a senior obstetric and a midwifery manager in all public maternity hospitals in Victoria. Non‐respondents were followed up at 2 months.

Results:  One hundred and twenty surveys were sent to 60 hospitals, of which 103 replies from 58 hospitals were received, representing a 97% hospital response rate. Only 19 (33%) of respondent hospitals had an existing education program. Hospitals with > 2000 births per annum were more likely to have a program than those with < 1000 births per annum (86% vs 23%, P = 0.004). Of the 19 existing education programs, only nine contained any fetal physiology. All respondents thought that IFS education should be compulsory for relevant staff. Only six (10%) of the hospitals had any assessment of competency but 90% of respondents thought that such an assessment should be compulsory.

Conclusions:  These data reveal important deficiencies in the provision and quality of current IFS education practices in Victoria, particularly in smaller and rural hospitals. However, these deficiencies seem to reflect a lack of opportunity rather than a lack of interest.
Adequacy of prenatal care and neonatal mortality in infants born to mothers with and without antenatal high‐risk conditions
Authors: CHEN Xi‐Kuan , WEN Shi Wu , YANG Qiuying , WALKER Mark C.
Published: March 2007

Background:  Previous studies have found that inadequate prenatal care was associated with increased neonatal mortality in the general pregnant women.

Aims:  To examine the association between adequacy of prenatal care and neonatal mortality in the presence and absence of antenatal high‐risk conditions.

Methods:  We conducted a retrospective cohort study of infants based on 1995–2000 vital statistics data in the USA. The relative risk for neonatal death associated with adequacy of prenatal care was estimated by multivariate logistic regressions with adjustment of confounding factors.

Results:  Inadequate prenatal care was associated with increased neonatal mortality when pregnancies were complicated by anaemia, cardiac disease, lung disease, chronic hypertension, diabetes, renal disease, pregnancy‐induced hypertension, and previous preterm/small‐for‐gestational‐age birth. The observed association also existed in the absence of these antenatal high‐risk conditions. Overutilisation of prenatal care was associated with increased risk of neonatal deaths in both the presence and the absence of antenatal high‐risk conditions. When gestational age at delivery and birthweight were further adjusted, the observed association between inadequate prenatal care and neonatal mortality was not significant in pregnancies with various high‐risk conditions.

Conclusions:  Inadequate prenatal care is associated with increased neonatal death in both the presence and the absence of antenatal high‐risk conditions. The observed association between inadequate prenatal care and neonatal mortality may be mediated by increased risk of preterm delivery and low birthweight in these pregnancies. Overutilisation of prenatal care is associated with potential risks for fetal and neonatal development, leading to increased neonatal mortality.
Long‐term evaluation of animal‐assisted therapy for institutionalized elderly people: a preliminary result
Authors: KAWAMURA Namiko , NIIYAMA Masayoshi , NIIYAMA Harue
Published: March 2007

Background:  Many researchers theorize that animal‐assisted therapy (AAT) will have an effect on people suffering from the symptoms of dementia by evaluating short‐term‐effects. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the psychological and behavioral effects of AAT on elderly residents of a nursing home on a long‐term basis.

Methods:  The subjects consisted of 10 residents of a residential nursing home. Researchers first created each participant’s goal in an agreement with the nursing home staff. Visits were made twice a month, and on each occasion three or four dogs were taken. The residents were able to freely feed, hold and play with the dogs, with each dog placed on a separate table. Data collection methods included GBS Scale Japanese Version (GBSS‐J) and Mental Function Impairment Scale (MENFIS). Data was collected four times during the period 2003–05. The scores were analyzed using SPSS11.5J.

Results:  According to GBSS‐J, the scores for intellectual function, spontaneity, emotional function and other mental functions decreased during the first 6 months of the study and then increased until the twelfth month. The score for Motor function increased over the 12 months. When comparisons were made item by item, there were significant decreases in impaired orientation in space, and emotional liability during the first 6 months. According to MENFIS, the overall score tended to decrease during the first 6‐month period but increased from 6 months to 12 months. There was a tendency for scores to decrease in impaired emotional function, especially impaired suitability of emotional expression and impaired stability of emotional expression over the 12‐month period.

Conclusions:  After 6 months of participation in AAT, there were improvements in mental functions, though physical functions decreased. It is suggested that after a 6 month period each subject’s needs and goals should be re‐examined.
Silver treatments for leg ulcers: a systematic review
Authors: Chambers Holly , Dumville Jo C. , Cullum Nicky
Published: March 2007

To determine the quantity and quality of current research on the effectiveness of silver‐based dressings and topical agents for the treatment of leg ulcers, this paper presents a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) looking at the effects of silver‐based dressings and topical agents on leg ulcer healing. Electronic databases were searched up to May 2006 for relevant randomized controlled trials. Journals and conference proceedings were also searched. The methodological quality of selected trials was assessed and statistical pooling of the results from similar studies undertaken. Rate of healing, proportion of ulcers completely healed and change in ulcer size were observed. Nine studies were considered eligible for inclusion. These studies varied in terms of the types of leg ulcers treated, interventions used, and outcomes assessed. Studies provided inconsistent evidence regarding the effects of silver‐based dressings and topical agents on leg ulcer healing. Studies generally provided poor evidence due to a lack of statistical power, poor study designs, and incomplete reporting. In conclusion, the current evidence base on the use of these silver‐based products on leg ulcers is limited, both in terms of the quantity available and the quality of the evidence. This review highlights the need for further, more rigorous research to be carried out before the use of these silver‐based interventions in routine leg ulcer management is supported.
Reduced up‐regulation of cytoprotective genes in rat cutaneous tissue during the second cycle of ischemia–reperfusion
Authors: Sisco Mark , Robert Liu W. , Kryger Zol B. , Mustoe Thomas A.
Published: March 2007

Chronic wounds are major health problems that affect millions of people in the United States every year. Management of these wounds costs billions of dollars annually in the United States. Despite their clinical importance, the molecular mechanisms underlying these clinical conditions remain elusive. Repetitive ischemia–reperfusion (I–R) may play a pivotal role in chronic wound formation. The development of therapies for these wounds is hindered by the lack of animal models that allow identification of the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic wound formation. In the first study of its kind, we adapted our rat pressure sore model by imposing two cycles of ischemia (2 hours) and two cycles of reperfusion (24 hours), and we examined gene expression to better understand the molecular events that occur at the very early stages of cutaneous I–R injury with a goal of devising preventing strategies. We successfully tested our hypothesis and demonstrated that while cytoprotective genes, such as heat shock protein 70, heat shock protein 90, hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α, vascular endothelial growth factor, and heme oxygenase‐1, were initially up‐regulated during the first cycle of I–R, their up‐regulation was subsequently reduced or completely abolished during the second cycle of I–R. These findings raise the possibility that reduced up‐regulation of these cytoprotective genes may be causally linked to cutaneous I–R injury.
Shift of homeostasis from parenchymal regeneration to fibroblast proliferation induced by lipopolysaccharide‐activated macrophages in gastric mucosal healing in vitro
Authors: Kei Wu William Ka , Yin Law Priscilla Tak , Shan Wong Helen Pui , Yee Lam Emily Kai , Ki Tai Emily Kin , Shin Vivian Yvonne , Cho Chi Hin
Published: March 2007

Wound healing in the gastrointestinal tract is an orderly process involving orchestrated responses of various cell types. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are major components of the outer membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria, which are known to impair gastric ulcer healing in animals. The influence of LPS on intercellular communication in wound healing, however, is unknown. We examined the effects of LPS‐induced macrophage activation on the proliferative response in cultured rat gastric epithelial cells (RGM‐1) and fibroblasts JHU‐25. Rat peritoneal resident macrophages were activated with increasing doses of LPS. The supernatant from the activated macrophage preparation, designated as macrophage‐conditioned medium, was then used to treat RGM‐1 or JHU‐25 cells. Cell proliferation and migration were determined by [3H]‐thymidine incorporation and a monolayer wound‐healing assay, respectively. Macrophage‐conditioned medium significantly suppressed RGM‐1 cell proliferation but had no effect on cell migration. The same medium, however, increased JHU‐25 cell proliferation. LPS treatment alone suppressed JHU‐25 cell proliferation while it had no effect on RGM‐1 cell proliferation, indicating that the differential effects of the macrophage‐conditioned medium on cell proliferation were elicited by the factors derived from macrophages. In this regard, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α stimulated while interleukin (IL)‐1β suppressed RGM‐1 cell proliferation, suggesting that IL‐1β but not TNF‐α may play a part in the mediation of the antiproliferative effect of macrophage‐conditioned medium on gastric epithelial cells. In contrast, IL‐1β suppressed while TNF‐α had no effect on JHU‐25 cell proliferation. Collectively, LPS‐activated macrophages delay gastric mucosal regeneration but promote fibroblast proliferation in vitro. Such changes may partly elucidate the detrimental effect of bacterial infection on tissue repair in the stomach.
Release of basic fibroblast growth factor from a crosslinked glycosaminoglycan hydrogel promotes wound healing
Authors: Liu Yanchun , Cai Shenshen , Shu Xiao Zheng , Shelby Jane , Prestwich Glenn D.
Published: March 2007

We describe synthetic extracellular matrix (sECM) hydrogel films composed of co‐crosslinked thiolated derivatives of chondroitin 6‐sulfate (CS) and heparin (HP) for controlled‐release delivery of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to full‐thickness wounds in genetically diabetic (db/db) mice. In this model for chronic wound repair, full‐thickness wounds were treated with CS, CS‐bFGF, or CS‐HP‐bFGF films. At 2 and 4 weeks postinjury, wound closure and formation of the new epidermis and dermis were determined. Both CS and CS‐HP hydrogel films accelerated wound repair, even without bFGF. Addition of bFGF to CS films showed partial dose‐dependent acceleration of wound repair. Importantly, addition of bFGF to co‐crosslinked CS‐HP sECM films showed a dramatic bFGF dose‐dependent acceleration of wound healing, as well as improved dermis formation and vascularization. Compared with 27% wound closure in 2 weeks in the controls, 89% wound closure was observed for mice treated with the CS‐HP‐bFGF films. The synthetic CS‐HP sECM films mimic the chemistry and biology of heparan sulfate proteoglycans, and may have clinical potential for topical delivery of growth factors to patients with compromised wound healing.
Derivation and clinical application of special imaging by means of digital cameras and Image J freeware for quantification of erythema and pigmentation
Authors: Yamamoto Tadamasa , Takiwaki Hirotsugu , Arase Seiji , Ohshima Hiroshi
Published: March 2007

Background: Quantification of erythema and pigmentation is useful for analysis of skin tests and management of skin diseases. However, reflectance instruments for this purpose suffer from many technical and financial disadvantages. The aim of this study was to establish a method for evaluation of the amounts of haemoglobin and melanin using ordinary digital cameras and Image J freeware.

Methods: Based on the theories on the absorbance of a multilayered skin model, the erythema index (EI) and melanin index (MI) images were derived by image processing from digital colour images of the skin, which were obtained with four kinds of digital cameras. The specificity of these indices and the linearity between index values and the amounts of haemoglobin and melanin were determined by using images of various concentrations of haemoglobin and melanin solutions. The accuracy of both types of index images was also examined by comparing the index values of UV‐induced erythema and pigmentation of various intensities with those measured with a reflectance spectrophotometer.

Results: The specificity of EI and MI images was good as little interference was noted with each other. The linearity between EI and haemoglobin concentration, as well as that between MI and melanin concentration was excellent. For UV‐induced erythema and pigmentation, good linear correlation was confirmed between two types of EI obtained by the two methods, as well as between two types of MI. However, the index values derived from digital images depended on the camera used as well as on the circumstantial conditions, such as the distance from objects and illumination.

Conclusion: EI and MI images are reliable and useful for quantifying erythema and pigmentation, if obtained under constant and consistent conditions. Apart from financial benefits, this method has many advantages and greater clinical utility in comparison with reflectance instruments.
Comparison between ultrasonography (Dermascan C version 3) and transparency profilometry (Skin Visiometer SV600)
Authors: Lee H. K. , Seo Y. K. , Baek J. H. , Koh J. S.
Published: March 2007

Background/purpose: A recently developed method to estimate skin smoothness is the replica method, which may have the limitation of the roughness difference of actual skin due to the skin‐replicating process. Therefore, observation of dermal layer change is very important. For this purpose, ultrasonic display equipment is generally used. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the correlation between skin roughness and dermal density in wrinkle evaluation.

Methods: We evaluated the crow's feet of 95 Korean females using mechanical assessments; Skin‐Visiometer SV 600 and Dermascan C. Transparency profilometry (Skin Visiometer) use a very thin skin print, which allows parallel light to pass through and is analyzed immediately after production. High‐frequency (20 MHz) ultrasonography (Dermascan C) enables non‐invasive evaluation of skin thickness and echo density.

Results: We found a correlation between skin roughness and dermal density. Particularly, we found a significant correlation between skin roughness (R2) and dermal thickness. Also, we found a significant negative correlation between dermal density and dermal thickness (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Therefore, the ultrasonography system may be considered a very useful method in wrinkle evaluation with the transparency profilometry. However, further study will be required.
Evaluating lotion transfer to skin from feminine protection products
Authors: Farage Miranda
Published: March 2007

Background/purpose: Adding lotions or emollients to the surface of a variety of paper products improves overall consumer comfort. Techniques to measure lotion transfer to skin are needed.

Methods: Two approaches were compared to assess lotion transfer from impregnated feminine pads: (1) pad application to the popliteal fosssa, an adaptation of the previously described ‘behind‐the‐knee (BTK)’ test model, and (2) a clinical in‐use study in which pads were worn in the usual manner. In both approaches, dressings attached to the skin were used to absorb lotion transferred from the pad. Lotion transfer was first evaluated after 3 h in both protocols, and then after either 6 h (BTK method) or after and 24 h (clinical use test).

Results: In the BTK model, lotion transfer was a function of both the total amount of lotion contained on the topsheet and the type of absorbent material in the core of the pad. Pads containing absorbent gelling material transferred lotion more effectively than pads containing cellulose absorbent cores. In the in‐use clinical study, the results were directionally similar, but statistical significance was not reached.

Conclusions: An adaptation of the BTK test method provides an effective means of evaluating the transfer of lotion formulations from feminine protection pads.
Geochemical Characterization Given by Rock‐Eval Parameters and N‐alkanes Distribution on Ypresian Organic Matter at Jebel Chaker, Tunisia
Authors: Arfaoui Adel , Montacer Mabrouk
Published: March 2007

Sedimentary rock samples from Jebel Chaker in the eastern part of the Ypresian basin in central‐northern Tunisia were analyzed using various geochemical methods in order to decipher their organic signature. Examination of the distribution of total organic carbon (1.04–1.82%) suggests that the petroleum potential of Ypresian facies is not ignored in such area. The Ypresian episode permitted the accumulation of organic matter, which is typically marine plankton as indicated by the unimodal distribution of N‐alkane at nC18 and by the predominance of the aliphatic hydrocarbons compared to the aromatics. It is concluded that the Ypresian organic matter is relatively immature, as indicated by the high content of polar compounds (3–67%) in bitumen. This conclusion is supported by the relative low Tmax values (433–438°C), suggesting that the organic matter is located towards the end of diagenesis and beginning of catagenesis. These new results testify to the establishment of suboxic conditions that led to the accumulation and preservation of good quantities of organic matter in central‐northern Tunisia during the Ypresian. Due to their geochemical characteristics, the Chaker facies represent new potential source rocks in central‐northern Tunisia.
Extra‐pair paternity and song characteristics in the willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus
Authors: Gil Diego , Slater Peter J. B. , Graves Jeff A.
Published: March 2007

Complexity in bird song is often argued to be advantageous in processes of sexual selection, and numerous studies show that characteristics of song are associated with increased success in territory defence or mate attraction. Less evidence exists on the relationship between bird song characteristics and patterns of extra‐pair paternity. We tested whether males that suffered from extra‐pair paternity differed in song characteristics from males with no extra pair paternity in the willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus. In the Scottish population that we studied, we found that 23.5% of young were not related to the social father, and that 47% of nests contained at least one extra pair young. Older males were less likely to suffer paternity loss. While song repertoire size was not related to loss of paternity, males with short songs suffered higher paternity loss than males with long songs. Although arrival date is a good correlate of social mate choice in this population, it was not related to extra‐pair paternity. These results suggest that females use song length, or a trait correlated with this song characteristic, as a cue for choosing extra‐pair partners in this species, or alternatively that variance in the success of mate guarding or female coercion is related to this song variable.
Cell‐type‐specific excitatory and inhibitory circuits involving primary afferents in the substantia gelatinosa of the rat spinal dorsal horn in vitro
Authors: Yasaka Toshiharu , Kato Go , Furue Hidemasa , Rashid Md Harunor , Sonohata Motoki , Tamae Akihiro , Murata Yuzo , Masuko Sadahiko , Yoshimura Megumu
Published: March 2007

The substantia gelatinosa (SG) of the spinal dorsal horn shows significant morphological heterogeneity and receives primary afferent input predominantly from Aδ‐ and C‐fibres. Despite numerous anatomical and physiological studies, correlation between morphology and functional connectivity, particularly in terms of inhibitory inputs, remains elusive. To compare excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs on individual SG neurones with morphology, we performed whole‐cell recordings with Neurobiotin‐filled‐pipettes in horizontal slices from adult rat spinal cord with attached dorsal roots. Based on dendritic arborization patterns, four major cell types were confirmed: islet, central, radial and vertical cells. Dorsal root stimulation revealed that each class was associated with characteristic synaptic inputs. Islet and central cells had monosynaptic excitatory inputs exclusively from C‐afferents. Islet cells received primary‐afferent‐evoked inhibitory inputs only from Aδ‐fibres, while those of central cells were mediated by both Aδ‐ and C‐fibres. In contrast, radial and vertical cells had monosynaptic excitatory inputs from both Aδ‐ and C‐fibres and inhibitory inputs mediated by both fibre types. We further characterized the neurochemical nature of these inhibitory synaptic inputs. The majority of islet, central and vertical cells exhibited GABAergic inhibitory inputs, while almost all radial cells also possessed glycinergic inputs. The present study demonstrates that SG neurones have distinct patterns of excitatory and inhibitory inputs that are related to their morphology. The neurotransmitters responsible for inhibitory inputs to individual SG neurones are also characteristic for different morphological classes. These results make it possible to identify primary afferent circuits associated with particular types of SG neurone.
Response profiles to amino acid odorants of olfactory glomeruli in larval Xenopus laevis
Authors: Manzini Ivan , Brase Christoph , Chen Tsai‐Wen , Schild Detlev
Published: March 2007

Glomeruli in the vertebrate olfactory bulb (OB) appear as anatomically discrete modules receiving direct input from the olfactory epithelium (OE) via axons of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). The response profiles with respect to amino acids (AAs) of a large number of ORNs in larval Xenopus laevis have been recently determined and analysed. Here we report on Ca2+ imaging experiments in a nose–brain preparation of the same species at the same developmental stages. We recorded responses to AAs of glomeruli in the OB and determined the response profiles to AAs of individual glomeruli. We describe the general features of AA‐responsive glomeruli and compare their response profiles to AAs with those of ORNs obtained in our previous study. A large number of past studies have focused either on odorant responses in the OE or on odorant‐induced responses in the OB. However, a thorough comparison of odorant‐induced responses of both stages, ORNs and glomeruli of the same species is as yet lacking. The glomerular response profiles reported herein markedly differ from the previously obtained response profiles of ORNs in that glomeruli clearly have narrower selectivity profiles than ORNs. We discuss possible explanations for the different selectivity profiles of glomeruli and ORNs in the context of the development of the olfactory map.
Direct Detection of the Asteroidal YORP Effect
Authors: Lowry Stephen C. , Fitzsimmons Alan , Pravec Petr , Vokrouhlický David , Boehnhardt Hermann , Taylor Patrick A. , Margot Jean-Luc , Galád Adrian , Irwin Mike , Irwin Jonathan , Kusnirák Peter
Published: March 2007

The Yarkovsky-O'Keefe-Radzievskii-Paddack (YORP) effect is believed to alter the spin states of small bodies in the solar system. However, evidence for the effect has so far been indirect. We report precise optical photometric observations of a small near-Earth asteroid, (54509) 2000 PH5, acquired over 4 years. We found that the asteroid has been continuously increasing its rotation rate ω over this period by
d
ω/
dt
= 2.0 (±0.2) × 10
–4
degrees per day squared. We simulated the asteroid's close Earth approaches from 2001 to 2005, showing that gravitational torques cannot explain the observed spin rate increase. Dynamical simulations suggest that 2000 PH5 may reach a rotation period of ∼20 seconds toward the end of its expected lifetime.