bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A randomised placebo‐controlled trial of the effects of midazolam premedication on children's postoperative cognition
Authors: Millar K. , Asbury A. J. , Bowman A. W. , Hosey M. T. , Martin K. , Musiello T. , Welbury R. R.
Published: August 2007

This randomised, placebo‐controlled study assessed the effects of midazolam premedication on children's postoperative cognition and physical morbidity. In all, 179 children aged 5–10 years were randomly assigned to receive buccal midazolam (0.2 mg.kg−1) or placebo before sevoflurane‐nitrous oxide anaesthesia for multiple dental extractions. They performed tests of choice reaction time, attention, psychomotor co‐ordination and memory pre‐operatively (baseline), before discharge and at 48 h. The reaction time of both groups was significantly slower before discharge compared to baseline, with the midazolam group being significantly slower than placebo. Psychomotor co‐ordination was also significantly impaired postoperatively after midazolam. Performance on both tests had recovered to baseline by 48 h. Midazolam was also associated with significant anterograde amnesia, both postoperatively and at 48 h, for information presented in the interval between premedication and surgery. The results show significant short‐term impairment of children's cognitive function and amnesia enduring for 48 h after low‐dose midazolam premedication.
BIS and Entropy in the elderly
Authors: Arnold G. , Kluger M. , Voss L. , Sleigh J.
Published: August 2007

The interaction of many poorly defined, physiological, pharmacological, and pathological factors make titration of general anaesthesia in the elderly difficult. There may be a potential clinical benefit using the processed electroencephalogram (EEG) to monitor hypnotic level in this population. We prospectively studied 16 patients aged over 65 years having hip fractures repaired under general anaesthesia by experienced anaesthetists blinded to Bispectral Index (BISXP) and Entropy values. Pre‐induction EEG indices did not correlate with age or mini‐mental state examination (MMSE). During maintenance of anaesthesia, BISXP and Response Entropy (RE) values were within the recommended range of 40–60, 45% and 32% of the total time, respectively. BISXP and Response Entropy (RE) values were above 60 for 11% and 13% of the total time, respectively, and below 40 for 44% and 55% of the total time, respectively. BISXP correlated well with RE in 12 patients, but in the other four patients there was a difference of more than 20 points between BISXP and RE.
Evaluation of the Basic Airway Model, a novel mask ventilation training manikin*
Authors: Sudhir G. , Stacey M. R. W. , Hampson M. , Mecklenburgh J.
Published: August 2007

The Basic Airway Model is an airway manikin designed for training in mask ventilation. We investigated the ability of the Basic Airway Model to provide varying levels of difficulty for mask ventilation. Volunteers with three levels of experience (novice, intermediate and expert) attempted to ventilate the manikin at three levels of difficulty: easy, intermediate and difficult. The distribution of frequencies of successful ventilation by different groups at the three levels of difficulty were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). The median (IQR (range)) degree of difficulty was 3 (2–5 (1–7)), 4 (3–5.3 (2–7)) and 6 (5–7 (3–9)) for easy, intermediate and difficult settings, respectively. We conclude that the Basic Airway Model can provide different levels of difficulty for mask ventilation training.
A minimally invasive metabolic test with intramuscular injection of halothane 5 and 6 vol% to detect probands at risk for malignant hyperthermia*
Authors: Schuster F. , Gardill A. , Metterlein T. , Kranke P. , Roewer N. , Anetseder M.
Published: August 2007

We hypothesised that intramuscular halothane injection increases local Pco2 concentrations in malignant hyperthermia susceptible (MHS) but not in non‐susceptible (MHN) individuals. Pco2 probes with attached microtubing catheters for halothane injection were placed into the lateral vastus muscle of eight MHS and eight MHN probands. Following equilibration, a single bolus of 200 μl halothane 5 and 6 vol% was injected. Pco2 was measured spectrophotometrically. Baseline Pco2 concentrations were similar between groups. Maximum Pco2 and maximum rate of Pco2 increase was significantly enhanced by halothane 5 and 6 vol% in MHS compared to MHN probands. Systemic haemodynamic and metabolic parameters did not differ between both groups. Local halothane application induces a hypermetabolic reaction with a significant Pco2 increase in MHS compared to MHN probands, indicating a susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia. Intramuscular halothane injection with Pco2 measurement seems to be a suitable method for the development of a minimally invasive metabolic test to diagnose malignant hyperthermia susceptibility.
The concept of surgical operating list ‘efficiency’: a formula to describe the term
Authors: Pandit J. J. , Westbury S. , Pandit M.
Published: August 2007

While numerous reports have sought ways of improving the efficiency of surgical operating lists, none has defined ‘efficiency’. We describe a formula that defines efficiency as incorporating three elements: maximising utilisation, minimising over‐running and minimising cancellations on a list. We applied this formula to hypothetical (but realistic) scenarios, and our formula yielded plausible descriptions of these. We also applied the formula to 16 consecutive elective surgical lists from three gynaecology teams (two at a university hospital and one at a non‐university hospital). Again, the formula gave useful insights into problems faced by the teams in improving their performance, and it also guided possible solutions. The formula confirmed that a team that schedules cases according to the predicted durations of the operations listed (i.e. the non‐university hospital team) suffered fewer cancellations (median 5% vs 8% and 13%) and fewer list over‐runs (6% vs 38% and 50%), and performed considerably more efficiently (90% vs 79% and 72%; p = 0.038) than teams that did not do so (i.e. those from the university hospital). We suggest that surgical list performance is more completely described by our formula for efficiency than it is by other conventional measures such as list utilisation or cancellation rate alone.
Absolute bioavailability of imidafenacin after oral administration to healthy subjects
Authors: Ohno Tomoya , Nakade Susumu , Nakayama Kazuki , Kitagawa Junsaku , Ueda Shinya , Miyabe Hiroyuki , Masuda Yuichi , Miyata Yasuyuki
Published: August 2007

What is already known about this subject

• The absolute bioavailability of imidafenacin in rats and dogs is 5.6% and 36.1%, respectively.

• The pharmacokinetic profiles of imidafenacin after oral administration have been revealed.

• Imidafenacin is primarily metabolized to metabolites by CYP3A4 and UGT1A4.

What this study adds

• The absolute bioavailability of imidafenacin in human is 57.8%.

• The pharmacokinetic profiles of imidafenacin after intravenous administration are revealed.

• The formation of metabolites in the plasma is caused mainly by first‐pass effects.

Aims To investigate the absolute bioavailability of imidafenacin, a new muscarinic receptor antagonist, a single oral dose of 0.1 mg imidafenacin was compared with an intravenous (i.v.) infusion dose of 0.028 mg of the drug in healthy subjects.

Methods Fourteen healthy male subjects, aged 21–45 years, received a single oral dose of 0.1 mg imidafenacin or an i.v. infusion dose of 0.028 mg imidafenacin over 15 min at two treatment sessions separated by a 1‐week wash‐out period. Plasma concentrations of imidafenacin and the major metabolites M‐2 and imidafenacin‐N‐glucuronide (N‐Glu) were determined. The urinary excretion of imidafenacin was also evaluated. Analytes in biological samples were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Results The absolute oral bioavailability of imidafenacin was 57.8% (95% confidence interval 54.1, 61.4) with a total clearance of 29.5 ± 6.3 l h−1. The steady‐state volume of distribution was 122 ± 28 l, suggesting that imidafenacin distributes to tissues. Renal clearance after i.v. infusion was 3.44 ± 1.08 l h−1, demonstrating that renal clearance plays only a minor role in the elimination of imidafenacin. The ratio of AUCt of both M‐2 and N‐Glu to that of imidafenacin was reduced after i.v. infusion from that seen after oral administration, suggesting that M‐2 and N‐Glu in plasma after oral administration were generated primarily due to first‐pass metabolism. No serious adverse events were reported during the study.

Conclusions The absolute mean oral bioavailability of imidafenacin was determined to be 57.8%. Imidafenacin was well tolerated following both oral administration and i.v. infusion.
Effect of conditioning electrical stimuli on temporalis electromyographic activity during sleep
Authors: JADIDI F. , CASTRILLON E. , SVENSSON P.
Published: August 2007

Summary  Inhibitory reflexes during voluntary contractions are well described; however, few studies have attempted to use such reflex‐mechanisms to modulate electromyographic (EMG) activity in jaw‐closing muscles during sleep. The aim was to apply a new intelligent biofeedback device (Grindcare®) using electrical pulses to inhibit EMG activity in the temporalis muscle during sleep. Fourteen volunteers participated who were aware of jaw‐clenching activity as indicated by complaints from sleep partner, soreness or pain in the jaw‐muscle upon awakening and tooth wear facets. The EMG activity was recorded from the temporalis muscle, online analysed and the frequency content determined using a signal recognition algorithm. Based on specific individual parameters for pattern recognition, an electrical square‐wave pulse train, which was adjusted to a clear, but non‐painful intensity (range 1–7 mA) was applied through the EMG electrodes, if jaw‐clenching activity was detected. All volunteers had baseline EMG recordings for five to seven consecutive nights, followed by 3‐weeks EMG recordings with the feedback turned on, 2 weeks without the feedback and finally 3 weeks with the biofeedback on. There were no session effects on the average duration of sleep hours (P = 0·626). The number of EMG episodes/hour sleep was significantly reduced during the two sessions with biofeedback (54 ± 14%; 55 ± 17%, P < 0·001) compared with baseline EMG activity and the session without biofeedback. The present study suggests that biofeedback with electrical pulses does not cause major disruption in sleep and is associated with pronounced reduction in temporalis EMG activity during sleep.
Metabolic fate of nicotinamide in higher plants
Authors: Matsui Ayu , Yin Yuling , Yamanaka Keiko , Iwasaki Midori , Ashihara Hiroshi
Published: August 2007

Metabolism of [carbonyl‐14C]nicotinamide was surveyed in various plant materials including the model plants, Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa and Lotus japonicus. In all plants studied, nicotinamide was used for the pyridine (nicotinamide adenine) nucleotide synthesis, probably after conversion to nicotinic acid. Radioactivity from [carbonyl‐14C]nicotinamide was incorporated into trigonelline (1‐N‐methylnicotinic acid) and/or into nicotinic acid 1N‐glucoside (Na‐Glc). Trigonelline is formed mainly in leaves and cell cultures of O. sativa and L. japonicus and in seedlings of Trifolium incarnatum, Medicago sativa and Raphanus sativus. Trigonelline synthesis from nicotinamide is generally greater in leaves than in roots. Na‐Glc was formed as the major nicotinic acid conjugate in A. thaliana and in tobacco Bright Yellow‐2 cells. In seedlings of Chrysanthemum coronarium and Theobroma cacao, both trigonelline and Na‐Glc were synthesized from [carbonyl‐14C]nicotinamide. Trigonelline is accumulated in some seeds, mainly Leguminosae species. The pattern of formation of the nicotinic acid conjugates differs between species and organs.
Salt resistance is determined by osmotic adjustment and abscisic acid in newly developed maize hybrids in the first phase of salt stress
Authors: De Costa Weerathunga , Zörb Christian , Hartung Wolfram , Schubert Sven
Published: August 2007

This study investigated the mechanisms of salt resistance of four maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids [cultivar (cv.) Pioneer 3906 and newly developed hybrids SR03, SR12 and SR13] during the first phase of salt stress. Plants were grown in aerated nutrient solutions at 1 mM Na+ (control) and 100 mM Na+ (salt stress). Stress was imposed in 25 mM steps and plants were harvested after 2 days at 100 mM Na+. At 100 mM Na+ the area of the fourth leaf, which developed under salt stress, did not change significantly in SR03 and SR12 whereas significant reductions were observed in cv. Pioneer 3906 and SR13. Concentrations of assimilates (i.e. glucose, fructose and sucrose) in the shoot sap were significantly greater under salt stress in SR03 and SR12. However, the greater assimilate supply was not responsible for their salt resistance as there were no significant reductions in assimilate concentrations even in the other two genotypes. Shoot turgor and growth were maintained in SR03 and SR12 at 100 mM Na+ through significant increases in osmolality of the shoot sap. Concentrations of free ABA and ABA‐glucose esters (ABA‐GE) in the growing region of the fourth leaf increased significantly under salt stress in all genotypes. Leaf area at 100 mM Na+, expressed as a percentage of that at 1 mM, showed significant positive relationships with free ABA (R2 = 0.62) and the sum of free ABA and ABA‐GE (R2 = 0.65). Results of this study indicate clearly that a combination of partial osmotic adjustment, a possible reduction of the sensitivity of leaf growth under salt stress to increased ABA concentrations and a growth‐promoting function regulated by ABA is responsible for salt resistance in the first phase of salt stress. Genotypic variation in these mechanisms can be utilized to breed salt‐resistant genotypes in maize.
Dexmedetomidine during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: is it neuroprotective? – A preliminary study
Authors: Sulemanji D. S. , Dönmez A. , Aldemir D. , Sezgin A. , Türkoglu S.
Published: August 2007

Background:  In the present study, we aimed to determine whether during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, dexmedetomidine has protective effects against cerebral ischemic injury.

Method:  Twenty‐four patients, aged 50–70 years, undergoing CABG surgery were randomized into two groups of 12 patients each: those receiving dexmedetomidine (group D) and those not receiving it (group C). As basal blood samples from arterial and jugular bulb catheters were drawn, dexmedetomidine (1 μg/kg bolus and infusion at a rate of 0.7 μg/kg/h) was administered to patients in group D. Arterial and jugular venous blood gas analyses, serum S‐100B protein (S‐100B), neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) and lactate measurements were performed after induction, 10 min after the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), 1 min after declamping, at the end of CPB, at the end of the operation and 24 h after surgery. Mann–Whitney U‐ and Wilcoxon’s tests were used for statistical analyses.

Results:  No significant between‐group differences were found regarding arterial and jugular venous pH, PO2, PCO2 and O2 saturations. S‐100B, NSE and lactate levels were also similar between groups D and C. During the post‐operative period, there were no clinically overt neurological complications in any patient.

Conclusion:  Cerebral ischemia marker (S‐100B, NSE, lactate) patterns were as expected during CPB; however, there were no differences between the groups, which led us to believe that during CABG surgery dexmedetomidine has no neuroprotective effects. Future studies with larger populations are recommended to further establish the effects of this drug.
Immediate peri‐operative memory
Authors: Ghoneim M. M. , Block R. I.
Published: August 2007

Background: Information about anterograde and retrograde amnesias in the immediate peri‐operative period is scarce. During this period, assessment of memory for real‐life events is also rare. We hypothesized that there would be both anterograde and retrograde amnesias and memory for peri‐operative events would be better than for verbal memory.

Methods: We studied 40 patients who underwent general anesthesia and surgery and 19 control volunteers who were matched to the patients but did not have surgery. Patients completed the state anxiety part of the Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory in the pre‐operative period. They were presented with three word lists in the holding area, the operating room before induction of anesthesia and the recovery room. Memory for the words was tested the next day by recall and recognition tests. Memory for events that happened on the day of surgery was tested by administering a questionnaire. The control subjects were tested similarly but did not complete the events questionnaire. Retrograde amnesia would be demonstrated by a decline in patients’ memory from the holding area to the operating room which exceeded any corresponding changes in controls; anterograde amnesia would be demonstrated by memory impairment of the patients in the recovery room, relative to controls.

Results: Recall and recognition of words were significantly impaired in the recovery room with a decline from 12% in the holding area to zero% in the recovery room for recall and from 43% to 7% for recognition. The decline in memory from the holding area to the operating room was not significantly greater in patients than in controls, 80% vs. 56% for recall and 27% vs. 14% for recognition. There were no significant differences for recognition of events which happened in the three rooms.

Conclusions: We were unable to detect retrograde amnesia. Patients’ memory for neutral stimuli in the recovery room was severely impaired. The events questionnaire proved to be insensitive.
How the parallel channels of the retina contribute to depth processing
Authors: Schiller Peter H. , Slocum Warren M. , Weiner Veronica S.
Published: August 2007

Reconstructing the third dimension in the visual scene from the two dimensional images that impinge on the retinal surface is one of the major tasks of the visual system. We have devised a visual display that makes it possible to study stereoscopic depth cues and motion parallax cues separately or in concert using rhesus macaques. By varying the spatial frequency of the display and its luminance and chrominance, it is possible to selectively activate channels that originate in the primate retina. Our results show that (i) the parasol system plays a central role in processing motion parallax cues; (ii) the midget system plays a central role in stereoscopic depth perception at high spatial frequencies, and (iii) red/green colour selective neurons can effectively process both cues but blue/yellow neurons cannot do so.
Hippocampal lesions halve immediate–early gene protein counts in retrosplenial cortex: distal dysfunctions in a spatial memory system
Authors: Albasser Mathieu M. , Poirier Guillaume L. , Warburton E. Clea , Aggleton John P.
Published: August 2007

The present study examined whether hippocampal lesions disrupt retrosplenial cortex function. The immediate–early genesc‐fos and zif268 provided markers of cellular activity, and their levels were compared in different cytoarchitectonic subregions (dysgranular, granular a and granular b) and different layers (superficial or deep) within retrosplenial cortex. Experiments 1–3 examined the impact of hippocampal lesions on retrosplenial cortex function, with the variations in protocol (e.g. lesion method, rat strain, behaviour prior to gene activity measurement) testing the generality of the findings. Experiment 1 showed that radio‐frequency hippocampus lesions result in very striking losses of Fos and Zif268 activity in both superficial and deep laminae of all retrosplenial subregions. This pattern of results was repeated for Fos in experiments 2 and 3. Despite the loss of Fos and Zif268, there was no evidence of retrosplenial cortex atrophy as measured by Nissl counts (experiments 1–3) or NeuN‐positive cell counts (experiment 3). Likewise, there was little evidence of any overt changes in cellular size, shape or appearance. The specificity of these hippocampal lesion effects was confirmed in experiment 4 as entorhinal cortex lesions did not change retrosplenial Fos levels. These results provide strong support for the notion that the retrosplenial cortex is unusually sensitive to deafferentation from some of its inputs, so that hippocampal damage might produce permanent ‘covert pathology’ in the retrosplenial cortex. Such dysfunctions could contribute to the pattern of cognitive changes associated with hippocampal lesions and also help to explain the functional interdependency of these two structures.
Measuring the Effects of Generic Dairy Advertising in a Multi‐Market Equilibrium
Authors: Balagtas Joseph V. , Kim Sounghun
Published: August 2007

We develop a multi‐market equilibrium displacement model that allows demand linkages across downstream product markets, and supply linkages through the common use of a raw commodity as the key input. Applying the model to the dairy sector, we find that the effectiveness of producer‐funded advertising depends on the demand relationships across dairy product markets (cross‐price and cross‐advertising elasticities) as well as the reallocation of milk toward the advertised market. We show that the previous literature, which ignores the horizontal linkages highlighted here, tends to overstate the effectiveness of generic commodity promotion for dairy, and thus results in too much advertising.
When Should Uncertain Nonpoint Emissions Be Penalized in a Trading Program?
Authors: Hennessy David A. , Feng Hongli
Published: August 2007

When nonpoint source pollution is stochastic and the damage function is convex, intuition might suggest it is more important to control a nonpoint pollution source than a point source. Earlier research has provided sufficient conditions such that the permit price for a unit of ex‐ante expected emissions should be higher than the permit price for a unit of certain emissions. Herein we provide a set of necessary and sufficient conditions such that this is the case. An approach to testing for the validity of the condition set is available, and has been applied to a related problem.
FORGIVENESS AND INTERPRETATION
Authors: Pettigrove Glen
Published: August 2007

This paper explores the relationship between our interpretations of another's actions and our readiness to forgive. It begins by articulating an account of forgiveness drawn from the New Testament. It then employs the work of Schleiermacher, Dilthey, and Gadamer to investigate ways in which our interpretations of an act or agent can promote or prevent such forgiveness. It concludes with a discussion of some ethical restrictions that may pertain to the interpretation of actions or agents as opposed to utterances and a look at the significance of these restrictions for forgiveness‐promoting interpretation.
MODERN LIBERALISM AND PRIDE An Augustinian Perspective
Authors: Krom Michael P.
Published: August 2007

In “Toward an Augustinian Liberalism,” Paul Weithman argues that modern liberal institutions should be concerned with the political vice of pride as a threat to the neutral, legitimate use of public power that liberalism demands. By directing our attention to pride, Weithman attempts to provide an incentive to and foundation for an Augustinian liberalism that can counteract this threat. While Weithman is right to point to the centrality of pride in understanding the modern liberal tradition, an investigation of the early modern reflections on pride in politics reveals a deeper tension between Augustine and modern liberalism than Weithman's analysis acknowledges. This essay discusses this tension by focusing on Hobbes's account of pride and equality in the commonwealth, asking whether Hobbes can be understood as a thinker in the Augustinian political tradition. In order to provide a background on pride as a political vice, this essay contrasts Aristotelian magnanimity with Augustinian humility. Finally, Aquinas's attempt to reintroduce magnanimity into the Augustinian political tradition is considered as a more consistent development of Augustine's thought, thereby revealing more pointedly the tension between Augustine and modern liberalism. By way of conclusion, the possibility of deflating this tension is briefly addressed by considering Jean Bethke Elshtain's discussion of an Augustinian liberalism that does not rely upon a “secular” conception of human nature.
The Birth Prevalence of PKU in Populations of European, South Asian and Sub‐Saharan African Ancestry Living in South East England
Authors: Hardelid P. , Cortina‐Borja M. , Munro A. , Jones H. , Cleary M. , Champion M. P. , Foo Y. , Scriver C. R. , Dezateux C.
Published: August 2007

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism (OMIM 261600). Treatment with a low‐phenylalanine diet following early ascertainment by newborn screening prevents impaired cognitive development, the major disease phenotype in PKU. The overall birth prevalence of PKU in European, Chinese and Korean populations is ∼1/10,000. Since the human PAH locus contains PKU‐causing alleles and polymorphic core haplotypes that describe and corroborate an out‐of‐Africa range expansion in modern human populations, it is of interest to know the prevalence of PKU in different ethnic groups with diverse geographical origin. We estimated PKU prevalence in South East England, where a sizeable proportion of the population are of Sub‐Saharan African or South Asian ancestry. Over the period 1994 to 2004 167 children were diagnosed with PKU. Using birth registration and census data to derive denominators, PKU birth prevalence per 10,000 live births (95% Bayesian credible intervals) was estimated to be 1.14 (0.96–1.33) among white, 0.11 (0.02–0.37) among black, and 0.29 (0.10–0.63) among Asian ethnic groups. This suggests that PKU is up to an order of magnitude less prevalent in populations with Sub‐Saharan African and South Asian ancestry that have migrated to the UK.
A Novel Locus for Ectodermal Dysplasia of Hairs, Nails and Teeth Type Maps to Chromosome 18q22.1–22.3
Authors: Tariq M. , Chishti M. S. , Ali G. , Ahmad W.
Published: August 2007

Ectodermal dysplasias (EDs) are developmental disorders affecting tissues of ectodermal origin including hair, nails, teeth and sweat glands. Ectodermal dysplasia of hair, nails and teeth is a rare type of congenital disorder characterized by sparse and thin hair, dystrophic finger‐and toenails and missing and abnormal teeth. In an effort to understand the molecular basis of this form of ED a family of Pakistani origin with an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance was ascertained from a remote region in Pakistan. The clinical features of the affected individuals included thin and fine hair on the scalp, dystrophic and flat nails, absent or sparse eyebrows and eyelashes, missing and abnormal teeth, and thin body hair. A human genome scan carried out using microsatellite markers mapped the disease locus in this family to chromosome 18q22.1–18q22.3. A maximum two‐point LOD score of 2.73 (θ= 0.0) was obtained at marker D18S541. Multipoint linkage analysis resulted in a maximum LOD score of 3.42 obtained with several markers, including D18S1125, ATA82B02, D18S848, D18S488, D18S1091, and D18S485, which supported the linkage. The linkage interval is flanked by markers D18S857 and D18S815, which corresponds to a region of 17.32 cM according to Rutgers combined linkage and physical map (build 36). This region covers 8.63 Mb according to the sequence‐based physical map. Three candidate genes, CDH7, CDH19 and ZNF407, from the linkage interval were sequenced and found to be negative for functional sequence variants. This study is the first step towards the identification of a gene involved in hair, nails and teeth type ED.
Electroencephalographic Characterization of Spike‐Wave Discharges in Cortex and Thalamus in WAG/Rij Rats
Authors: Sitnikova Evgenia , Van Luijtelaar Gilles
Published: August 2007

Summary

Purpose: The waveform of spontaneous spike‐wave discharges (SWD) in the electroencephalogram (EEG) was delineated in the WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy according to the definitions of clinical electroencephalography. We defined four elements in SWD based on the schema of Weir (1965): Spike 1 and 2, Positive Transient (PT), and Wave. The EEG patterns of generalized type I and local type II SWD in cortical and thalamic areas were analyzed.

Methods: EEGs were recorded in freely moving rats epidurally from different cortical regions and with deep electrodes from the specific and reticular thalamic nuclei. Grand average SWD waveforms were computed to assess spatiotemporal patterns of seizures.

Results: SWD I in the frontal cortex comprised of a large Spike 2 + Wave, and in the thalamus PT + Wave. Small transient spikes were associated with SWD I in the anterior‐middle part of the cortex. SWD II were found in the occipital cortex as a sequence of (occasional) Spike 1 + PT + Wave.

Conclusions: The EEG structure of SWD in WAG/Rij rats was comparable with that of epileptic patients, suggesting face validity of the WAG/Rij model. Fast transients spikes are an integrative part of SWD I. Time‐amplitude linkage between cortical and thalamic counterparts of SWD I suggests a complex spatiotemporal organization of SWD I. The thalamus sustained SWD I, but not SWD II.
Impact of Parentification on Long‐Term Outcomes Among Children of Parents With HIV/AIDS
Authors: STEIN JUDITH A. , ROTHERAM‐BORUS MARY JANE , LESTER PATRICIA
Published: August 2007

Stein, Riedel, and Rotheram‐Borus reported in 1999 that early parentification predicted maladaptive outcomes of more emotional distress, substance use, and conduct problems among adolescents of parents with HIV/AIDS (PWH) 6 months later. The current study assessed the adolescents (N=213) 6 years later to assess whether there were continuing negative effects of parentification, or, rather, if there were some positive outcomes. Although the premature assumption of parental roles had negative effects in the short term, we hypothesized that such skills may have been adaptive in the long run, especially in the case of adolescents with major stressors in their lives, including dying or ill parents, impoverished environments, and family instability. We found that early parentification predicted better adaptive coping skills and less alcohol and tobacco use 6 years later. In addition, early parentification was not associated with later emotional distress and dysfunctional parenting attitudes, including expecting role reversals in their own children.
Enhancing Resilience: Families and Communities as Agents for Change
Authors: LANDAU JUDITH
Published: August 2007

In this article, the Linking Human Systems (LINC) Community Resilience model, a theoretical framework for initiating and sustaining change in communities that have undergone rapid and untimely transition or loss, is presented. The model assumes that individuals, families, and communities are inherently competent and resilient, and that with appropriate support and encouragement, they can access individual and collective strengths that will allow them to transcend their loss. This competence can be nurtured by helping people regain a sense of connectedness with one another; with those who came before them; with their daily patterns, rituals, and stories that impart spiritual meaning; and with tangible resources within their community. Rather than imposing artificial support infrastructures, LINC interventions engage respected community members to act as natural agents for change. These “community links” provide a bridge between outside professionals, families, and communities, particularly in circumstances in which outside intervention may not be welcomed. The article illustrates how LINC interventions successfully have been used in communities around the world.
Parents' Experiences in Child Protective Services: Analysis of a Dialogical Group Process
Authors: TUTTLE AMY ROSE , KNUDSON‐MARTIN CARMEN , LEVIN SUSAN , TAYLOR BRENT , ANDREWS JENNIFER
Published: August 2007

The authors qualitatively examine parent experiences in groups for persons seeking parental rights through Child Protective Services (CPS). The study focuses on 16 custody‐seeking parent figures who participated in dialogical groups designed from a Collaborative Language Systems perspective. The grounded‐theory analysis shows that parents initially described overwhelming emotions and conflictual relationships with CPS. It also identifies five therapeutic group processes that appeared to influence perceptions of hope and personal power and contribute to how parents position themselves relative to CPS: validation, sharing practical information and networking, highlighting strengths and resources, supportive confrontation, and sharing stories of change. The analysis provides insight into CPS parents' experiences, suggests that dialogical approaches may have potential to assist in reshaping experiences in CPS, and draws attention to the need for interventions at the structural and administrative levels.
Thermodynamic Characterization of the Eutectic Phase Mixture NaNbO3/Na3NbO4. II: Solid‐State Electrochemical Investigation
Authors: Näfe Helfried , Amin Ruhul , Aldinger Fritz
Published: August 2007

The difference in the standard Gibbs‐free energies of NaNbO3 and Na3NbO4 has been determined by means of two electrochemical approaches based on potentiometric solid oxide electrolyte galvanic cells. The results are consistent with each other and prove the phase equilibrium between the niobates to be univariant. Quantitatively, the data can be represented by (525°–700°C)

image

The results are in between a wide range spanned by estimated literature data and are close to the findings of a previous manometric study.
Synthesis of BiFeO3 by Wet Chemical Methods
Authors: Selbach Sverre M. , Einarsrud Mari‐Ann , Tybell Thomas , Grande Tor
Published: August 2007

The synthesis of phase‐pure BiFeO3 has been demonstrated by a chemical synthesis route as well as the solid‐state method at 825°C. Polymeric BiFeO3 precursors were obtained from aqueous solutions of nitrate salts and carboxylic acids with and without ethylene glycol added as a polymerization agent. The polymeric precursors were shown to decompose above 200°C with successive nucleation and growth of BiFeO3 above 400°C. The phase purity of the product was shown to depend on the type of carboxylic acid used, and tartaric, malic, and maleic acids resulted in nanocrystalline phase‐pure BiFeO3. The unit cell and Néel temperature of the bulk materials obtained by the two methods were in accord with previous reports.
Contact Properties of Yttria Partially Stabilized Zirconia Up To 1000°C
Authors: Sánchez‐González Estíbaliz , Miranda Pedro , Meléndez‐Martínez Juan J. , Guiberteau Fernando , Pajares Antonia
Published: August 2007

The mechanical properties of a commercial polycrystalline yttria partially stabilized zirconia (Y‐PSZ) are evaluated as a function of temperature up to the onset of creep. Hertzian indentation tests in combination with finite element modeling (FEM) are used to determine its elastic–plastic properties up to 1000°C. Vickers hardness measurements are also performed at selected temperatures to complement the mechanical characterization. In addition, critical loads for radial and ring crack initiation are determined from postmortem inspection of test surfaces. The results reveal a dramatic hardening and strengthening of Y‐PSZ as the temperature decreases below 600°C, effects that are attributed to the tetragonal‐to‐monoclinic (t→m) transformation. Above the transformation temperature, the material strength continues to decrease with increasing temperature but at a lower rate, an effect that is explained by a gradual grain boundary degradation.
New Synthesis of Single‐Crystalline InVO4 Nanorods Using an Ionic Liquid
Authors: He Yunhui , Li Danzhen , Chen Zhixin , Chen Yibin , Fu Xianzhi
Published: August 2007

In this work, single‐crystalline InVO4 nanorods were first prepared by a solution‐phase approach in the presence of an ionic liquid 1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM] [BF4]), which could act as a cosolvent and a structure‐directing agent in the system. The diameters could be varied easily by subjecting the mixed precursor to different heat treatment temperatures or different durations of time in an oven. Unlike other nanorods synthesized by the microwave‐assisted method, the InVO4 nanorods were stable under electron beam irradiation.
Deletion mutation of BRAF in a serrated adenoma from a patient with familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: LEE EUI JIN , PARK CHEOL KEUN , KIM JONG‐WON , CHANG DONG KYUNG , KIM KYOUNG‐MEE
Published: August 2007

BRAF gene mutations in the colorectum have been associated with serrated adenomas and less frequently with hyperplastic polyps, villous adenomas, tubular adenomas, and carcinomas. Most BRAF mutations in the colon have been reported as a V600E substitution. We report a case with a very rare deletion mutation of BRAF (c.1799–1801delTGA, p.Val600_Lys601delinsGlu) in a serrated adenoma; the patient has familial adenomatous polyposis with a germline mutation of the APC gene (c.3578delA, p.Gln1193ArgfsX1264). Genetic studies on fundic gland polyps and tubular adenomas from the same patient failed to demonstrate BRAF mutation. This case is the first reported with a deletion mutation of BRAF found in the colon.
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin augments the cytolytic activity of the human natural killer cell line NK‐92
Authors: TÖRNROOS HEIDI , NORDSTRÖM TOMMY , LINDQVIST CHRISTER
Published: August 2007

Culturing the human natural killer cell line NK‐92 for 24 h in the presence of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) potentiated its cytotoxic capacity against the erythroleukemia cell line K562. Longer incubation times did not augment the NK activity any further. No synergistic effects with respect to either proliferation or cytotoxicity were observed when TSLP was mixed with suboptimal concentrations of IL‐2. FACS analysis of the NK‐92 cells indicated expression of TSLPR but not the other component of the TSLP receptor complex, namely IL‐7Rα. Some of the surface molecules known to be involved in NK cell‐mediated cytotoxicity were also monitored. None of the receptors analyzed altered their expression to any major extent upon culture in TSLP or IL‐2. However, a limited number of NK‐92 cells were observed that had a rather low CD94/NKG2A expression, which increased upon stimulation with TSLP or IL‐2.
Immunohistochemical analysis of phospho‐BAD protein and mutational analysis of BAD gene in gastric carcinomas
Authors: JEONG EUN GOO , LEE SUNG HAK , KIM SUNG SOO , AHN CHANG HYEOK , YOO NAM JIN , LEE SUG HYUNG
Published: August 2007

Mounting evidence indicates that deregulation of apoptosis contributes to the development of human cancers. BAD, a proapoptotic Bcl‐2 family protein, regulates the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. The aim of this study was to explore whether alterations of phospho‐BAD (p‐BAD) protein that antagonizes apoptosis function of BAD and mutation of BAD gene are characteristics of human gastric cancers. We analyzed expression of p‐BAD in 60 gastric adenocarcinomas by immunohistochemistry. Also, we analyzed BAD gene for detection of somatic mutations by single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) assay. p‐BAD expression was detected well in normal gastric mucosal epithelial cells, whereas it was detected in only 51% (31 of the 60) of the cancers. There was no somatic mutation of BAD gene in the 60 gastric cancer samples. The decreased expression of p‐BAD in malignant gastric epithelial cells compared to normal mucosal epithelial cells suggested that loss of p‐BAD expression may play a role in gastric tumorigenesis. The data also suggest that BAD mutation may not be a direct target of inactivation in gastric tumorigenesis.
Prostaglandin metabolism in human hair follicle
Authors: Colombe Laurent , Vindrios Armelle , Michelet Jean‐François , Bernard Bruno Alain
Published: August 2007

Abstract:  Prostaglandins regulate a wide number of physiological functions. Recently PGF2α analogue such as latanoprost was shown to have a real impact on hair regrowth. The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the expression profile in human hair follicle of prostaglandin metabolism key enzymes, i.e. carbonyl reductase‐1 (CBR1), microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1) and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐2 (mPGES‐2), cytosolic prostaglandin E synthase (cPGES), the aldoketoreductase AKR1C1 and the prostaglandin F synthase AKR1C3. Quantitative RT‐PCR on plucked hair follicles revealed some sex‐related differences, mPGES‐2 and AKR1C3 expression levels being higher in women. Cell and hair follicle compartment specificity was investigated using Western blot, PGE2 and PGF2α ELISA assays and immunohistochemistry. Most of the hair cell types were endowed with prostaglandin metabolism machinery and were thus able to produce PGE2 and/or PGF2α. The epithelial part of the hair bulb was identified by immunohistology and EIA assays as the main source of prostaglandin synthesis and interconversion. All these observations support the concept that prostaglandins might be involved in hair growth and differentiation control.
Superior nuclear receptor selectivity and therapeutic index of methylprednisolone aceponate versus mometasone furoate
Authors: Mirshahpanah Parham , Döcke Wolf‐Dietrich , Merbold Udo , Asadullah Khusru , Röse Lars , Schäcke Heike , Zollner Thomas M.
Published: August 2007

Abstract:  Although introduced more than 50 years ago, topical glucocorticoids are still the first line therapy for many inflammatory skin disorders such as atopic eczema, contact dermatitis and many others. Recently, significant improvements have been made to optimize the ratio of desired to unwanted effects. While with early compounds such as triamcinolone, topical side effects such as skin atrophy and telangiectasias can be observed rather frequently, newer drugs such as methylprednisolone aceponate or mometasone furoate have a significantly improved therapeutic index. The present study compared these two modern topical glucocorticoids, which possess the highest therapeutic index currently found, in terms of nuclear receptor selectivity in vitro and induction of the most important local side effects (skin atrophy and telangiectasias) in a relevant rodent model in vivo. We demonstrate that methylprednisolone aceponate displays higher specificity in nuclear receptor binding compared with mometasone furoate. Methylprednisolone aceponate was also markedly superior in terms of minimizing induction of skin atrophy or telangiectasias when compared with mometasone furoate. Based on these observations, methylprednisolone aceponate is expected to have a greater therapeutic index as compared with mometasone furoate, at least in the test systems used here. The degree to which this observation may translate into a clinical setting requires confirmation.
Is there a gradient by job classification in dental status in Japanese men?
Authors: Morita Ichizo , Nakagaki Haruo , Yoshii Saori , Tsuboi Shinji , Hayashizaki Junko , Mizuno Kinichiro , Sheiham Aubrey
Published: August 2007

The objective of this study was to assess whether there is a gradient in dental health status by job classification in male Japanese workers. The study subjects were 16,261 male Japanese workers aged 20–69 yr. Jobs were classified into seven job groups. Oral examination was conducted using World Health Organization criteria for decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMFT). Professionals, managers, and office workers had a better oral status than those in service occupations and drivers. Professionals had significantly more natural and sound teeth than those in other job classes. The DMFT of professionals was significantly lower than in workers of other job classes. Professionals had a significantly higher restorative index than did workers of other job classes. The restorative index of office workers was significantly higher than that in managers, skilled workers, salespersons, those in service occupations, and drivers. Drivers were 1.8 times, and those in service occupations 1.3 times, more likely to have one or more carious teeth compared with professionals. Skilled workers, salespersons, those in service occupations, and drivers were 1.3, 1.3, 1.4, and 2.1 times, respectively, more likely to have a missing tooth compared with professionals. Skilled workers, those in service occupations, and drivers were 1.7, 1.9, and 3.1 times, respectively, more likely not to have 20 or more teeth compared with professionals aged 50–69 yr.
Comparison of two laser fluorescence devices for the detection of occlusal caries in vivo
Authors: Krause Felix , Jepsen Søren , Braun Andreas
Published: August 2007

Laser fluorescence measurements have been shown to be well suited for caries diagnosis. The aim of this study was to compare two laser fluorescence devices and to correlate the respective values with the visual and radiographic assessment and with the extent of the carious lesion. Ninety‐four clinically non‐cavitated occlusal carious lesions in the premolars and molars of 82 patients were examined. Laser fluorescence values on the surface were measured with a conventional laser fluorescence system and a novel laser fluorescence pen device. When operative intervention at a site was indicated, the extent of caries was determined after its removal. Readings obtained with both systems were significantly different with an interdevice factor of 0.64. Sensitivity and specificity for operative care were 92.6% and 53.7%, respectively, for the conventional, and 88.9% and 53.7%, respectively, for the pen device. For both devices, a correlation between laser fluorescence values and the visual and radiographic assessment and with the extent of the lesion was shown. The study indicates that the novel laser fluorescence device seems to be suitable for occlusal caries diagnosis. However, proposed guidelines for the clinical use of laser fluorescence readings of the conventional device cannot be transferred to the novel pen system.
Expression of peroxiredoxin I in plasma cells of oral inflammatory diseases
Authors: Demasi Ana P. D. , Ceratti Daniela , Furuse Cristiane , Cury Patrícia , Junqueira José L. C. , Araújo Vera C.
Published: August 2007

The participation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the immune response, both as pathogen killers and as mediators of signaling pathways, is well established. However, little is known about the enzymes responsible for ROS elimination in immune cells. Peroxiredoxin I (PrdxI) is a multifunctional enzyme that exhibits thioredoxin‐dependent peroxidase activity. It has been described as a major hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐inducible protein in mouse peritoneal macrophages. In order to characterize its participation in the antioxidant defense of inflammatory/immune cells in greater detail, we evaluated its expression at sites of the oral cavity affected by inflammatory disorders induced by different agents (infectious, chemical, mechanical or tumor). In this study we demonstrated, by immunohistochemistry, that PrdxI is expressed in plasma cells, but not in B lymphocytes, regardless of the inflammation‐inducing agent. We suggest that PrdxI induction could be considered a crucial part of the cellular adaptive response to the B‐cell differentiation process to cope with the additional H2O2 associated with massive disulfide bond formation during immunoglobulin folding in the endoplasmic reticulum of plasma cells. PrdxI could diminish the tissue damage that accompanies inflammation.