bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of androgens in women with adult‐onset acne
Authors: Seirafi Hassan , Farnaghi Farshad , Vasheghani‐Farahani Amir , Alirezaie Najmeh‐Sadaat , Esfahanian Fatemeh , Firooz Alireza , Ghodsi Seyedeh Zahra
Published: November 2007

Background  Acne is generally recognized as a disorder of young adults; however, the referral of patients aged over 25 years with acne is increasing. Disturbed androgen production in the ovaries or adrenal gland and impaired plasma transport of androgens in women with adult‐onset acne or acne associated with hirsutism have been described.

Methods  Thirty‐five white women with adult‐onset acne (onset after the age of 25 years) and hirsutism (A + H), 35 white women with adult acne without hirsutism (A – H), and 35 age‐matched white female controls were recruited in this case–control study. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone, dihydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA‐S), and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were determined in all patients and compared.

Results  The mean SHBG, free androgen index (FAI), and DHEA‐S were significantly different between A + H and control subjects. The only significant difference between A – H and control subjects was observed for DHEA‐S.

Conclusion  DHEA‐S plays a key role in the pathogenesis of adult‐onset acne. Measurement of circulating androgens, including DHEA‐S, especially in patients presenting with adult‐onset acne and hirsutism, is helpful, and patients with elevated levels can benefit from hormonal therapy.
Chemotherapeutic/chemopreventive role of retinoids in chemically induced skin carcinogenesis in albino mice
Authors: Bukhari Mulazim H. , Qureshi Shahzad Shafqat , Niazi Shahida , Asef Mohammad , Naheed Mamona , Khan Saeed A. , Chaudhry Naseer A. , Tayyab Mohammad , Hasan Mumtaz
Published: November 2007

Objective  To determine the chemotherapeutic effect of retinoids on albino mouse skin.

Methods  Eighty albino mice were selected for this study and were divided into four groups (A–D, 20 mice in each group). 7,12‐Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and tetradecanoylphorbal‐13‐acetate (TPA) were given for 15 weeks to produce tumors. Retinoids were given topically and orally after the development of tumors for the following 15 weeks.

Results  Of the 80 mice, 69 (86.25%) developed different types of lesion and 11 (13.75%) remained lesion free. Of the 69 mice that developed lesions, 50 (62.50%) developed benign lesions and 19 (23.75%) developed malignant lesions. In all groups of mice, treatment with retinoids was effective against all benign lesions and the early stages of carcinogenesis of the skin. The chemotherapeutic effect against malignant tumors was not satisfactory.

Conclusion  This study demonstrates that retinoids are effective as chemopreventive agents in premalignant lesions of the skin, but have a very weak chemotherapeutic role in malignant neoplasms. If retinoids are given at an early stage, they can cause regression of premalignant lesions of the skin. They are best administered both orally and parenterally. These agents should be recommended as they reduce the potential effects of carcinogenesis.
Mapping QTLs for seedling characteristics under different water supply conditions in rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Cui Kehui , Huang Jianliang , Xing Yongzhong , Yu Sibin , Xu Caiguo , Peng Shaobing
Published: November 2007

A greater understanding of the genetics of responses to water deficit/drought may be helpful in improving water‐deficit resistance in the early stages of growth in rice. A recombinant inbred population derived from a cross between Zhenshan 97 and Minghui 63 was grown in hydroponic culture to characterize the responses of seedlings to water deficit imposed by PEG 6000 and to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for seedling characteristics under both well‐watered and water‐deficit conditions. Generally, the two parents showed significant differences in plant height (PH), maximum root length (MRL), shoot fresh weight (SFW), root fresh weight (RFW), number of roots and root:shoot ratio based on fresh weight under both well‐watered and water‐deficit conditions. For two parents, PH and SFW were significantly inhibited under water deficit. However, the other four traits had larger values under water deficit. Among 26 and 34 QTLs detected for the six traits studied under the well‐watered and water‐deficit conditions, respectively, a total of 14 QTLs for SFW, PH, RFW and MRL (23% of total QTLs detected) were detected in similar or tight linkage regions in both conditions. Among 11 intervals on 7 chromosomes identified to harbor multiple QTLs, 8 intervals were found to affect related traits under the two water supply conditions and 3 intervals were observed to be water supply‐specific regions and had effects only under well‐watered conditions, suggesting that water supply‐specific regions or QTLs may be closely associated with the responses of lines to water deficit in the study. Several regions for the traits studied were also found to affect the root‐related traits in previous studies and might be used in marker‐assisted selection for drought‐resistant rice in breeding programs.
Plasma free polyunsaturated fatty acid levels are associated with symptom severity in acute mania
Authors: Sublette M Elizabeth , Bosetti Francesca , DeMar James C , Ma Kaizong , Bell Jane M , Fagin‐Jones Stephanie , Russ Mark J , Rapoport Stanley I
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  Nutritionally essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been implicated as potentially important factors in mood disorders. For instance, n‐3 PUFA supplementation is reported to improve outcomes in major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. However, the role of PUFAs in acute mania has been minimally investigated. We performed a pilot study to compare plasma levels of free (non‐esterified) and esterified PUFAs between patients in an acute manic episode and healthy volunteers, and to explore associations between symptom severity and levels of fatty acids and of the arachidonic acid metabolite, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).

Methods:  Patients (n = 10) who were medication‐free for at least two weeks and seeking inpatient admission for an acute manic episode were compared with healthy volunteers (n = 10). Symptom severity was assessed at admission and after six weeks of naturalistic treatment. Fasting baseline free and esterified plasma levels of docosahexaneoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n‐3), arachidonic acid (AA,20:4n‐6) and the AA metabolite PGE2 were determined, and PGE2 levels were tested again at six weeks.

Results:  No between‐group differences were found in levels of individual or total fatty acids, or of PGE2. Among subjects, manic symptom severity correlated negatively with levels of free AA and free EPA, and positively with the free AA:EPA ratio. PGE2 levels did not differ between groups or in subjects pre‐ and post‐treatment.

Conclusions:  Our preliminary results suggest that, in susceptible persons, low plasma levels of free EPA compared with AA are related to the severity of mania.
Adherence to lithium in naturalistic settings: results from a nationwide pharmacoepidemiological study
Authors: Kessing Lars Vedel , Søndergård Lars , Kvist Kajsa , Andersen Per Kragh
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  To estimate adherence to lithium in a nationwide sample of all patients treated with lithium and to characterize adherence according to gender and age.

Methods:  Adherence to lithium was estimated using data obtained by linking Medicinal Product Statistics with the Danish Medical Register on Vital Statistics, identifying all persons who received lithium among the 5.3 million persons living in Denmark during the period 1995 to 2000 inclusive.

Results:  The median time to discontinuation of lithium was 181.0 days [95% confidence interval (CI) 135.7–181.0] and 25% of patients stopped treatment with lithium within 45.2 days. Adherence to lithium was significantly poorer for women (135.7 days; 95% CI 90.5–135.7) than for men (316.7 days; 95% CI 271.4–407.1) and for younger (18–39 years) and older (≥60 years) patients compared to middle‐aged patients.

Conclusions:  The results highlight the need for increased focus on long‐term adherence to lithium with intensified psychological support, especially among younger and older female patients.
Relationships between insight and psychosocial adjustment in patients with bipolar I disorder
Authors: Yen Cheng‐Fang , Chen Cheng‐Sheng , Yang Shang‐Ju , Ko Chih‐Hung , Yen Ju‐Yu , Huang Chi‐Feng
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to examine the relationships between insight and psychosocial adjustment in outpatients with bipolar I disorder in clinical remission.

Methods:  Using the Schedule of Assessment of Insight (SAI) and its expanded version (SAI‐E), we evaluated 50 consecutive patients with bipolar I disorder in remission to determine their level of insight. We also evaluated their psychosocial adjustment using the Community Life Scale. Relationships among psychosocial adjustment, insight, residual affective symptoms, and demographic and clinical characteristics were examined.

Results:  The results of the multiple regression analysis indicated that having a higher total SAI or SAI‐E insight score and having no residual affective symptoms were significantly associated with better psychosocial adjustment in patients with bipolar I disorder.

Conclusions:  In this cross‐sectional study, better insight and less residual affective symptoms were correlated with good psychosocial adjustment. To address the causality issue, a longitudinal study is needed.
No evidence for physical anhedonia as a candidate symptom or an endophenotype in bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Etain Bruno , Roy Isabelle , Henry Chantal , Rousseva Angela , Schürhoff Franck , Leboyer Marion , Bellivier Frank
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  Bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) is clinically and genetically heterogeneous and the affected phenotype is poorly defined, hampering studies of its genetic basis. Studies of specific, familial, clinical indicators of BPAD may be useful for identifying heritable forms. Homogeneous forms of the disease may be identified in patients (candidate symptom approach) and some vulnerability markers may be sought in unaffected relatives of patients (intermediate traits or endophenotypes). Physical anhedonia (PA) is considered a possible candidate symptom and endophenotype in schizophrenia, but has never been specifically investigated in BPAD.

Methods:  Physical anhedonia scores (measured using Chapman's Physical Anhedonia Scale) were compared in 351 euthymic bipolar patients, 130 of their first‐degree relatives and 170 healthy controls with no personal or familial history of schizophrenia, mood disorders or suicidal behavior. We investigated intrafamilial resemblance of PA and compared the progressive and clinical characteristics of hedonic and anhedonic bipolar probands.

Results:  Physical anhedonia was a stable trait in normothymic bipolar patients and significant intrafamilial correlation of PA scores was observed in bipolar families. However, PA scores were similar in unaffected relatives and controls and the clinical characteristics of anhedonic and hedonic patients did not differ significantly. Physical anhedonia was not associated with an increased familial risk for bipolar disorder.

Conclusions:  Physical anhedonia is a stable, familial dimension in BPAD families. It cannot be considered an endophenotype because unaffected relatives of bipolar patients and healthy controls have similar PA scores. It also cannot be considered a candidate symptom because it does not identify a homogeneous clinical and familial sub‐group of bipolar patients. Given the results of previous studies, PA might be a specific candidate symptom (and endophenotype) to schizophrenia. However, the validation of this hypothesis requires replication studies in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and further investigations in other psychiatric diseases (in particular across the mood disorder spectrum).
A magnetic resonance imaging study of mood stabilizer‐ and neuroleptic‐naïve first‐episode mania
Authors: Yatham Lakshmi N , Lyoo In Kyoon , Liddle Peter , Renshaw Perry F , Wan Dante , Lam Raymond W , Hwang Jaeuk
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  Patients with bipolar disorder have changes in brain structures but it is unclear if these are present at disease onset and thus predispose subjects to develop the disorder, or whether they develop during the course of the disorder, either due to the effects of multiple episodes or as a consequence of treatment with psychotropic agents. Studies in first‐episode (FE) manic patients have the potential to provide answers to these questions.

Methods:  Voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) was used to assess magnetic resonance imaging scans of 15 FE manic patients and 15 matched healthy controls.

Results:  Using a priori defined statistical criteria, no significant differences in brain structures were noted between the two groups. However, there was approximately a 6% reduction in left anterior cingulate, left precuneus and right posterior cingulate volume in FE patients and these reductions were significant (p ≤ 0.002) at uncorrected levels.

Conclusions:  First‐episode manic patients have reductions in left anterior, right posterior cingulate as well as left precuneus volumes, but these reductions are smaller and likely worsen with further mood episodes in bipolar patients.
Neural activation during encoding of emotional faces in pediatric bipolar disorder
Authors: Dickstein Daniel P , Rich Brendan A , Roberson‐Nay Roxann , Berghorst Lisa , Vinton Deborah , Pine Daniel S , Leibenluft Ellen
Published: November 2007

Objective:  Neurobiological understanding of bipolar disorder (BD) is limited by a paucity of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) research examining correlates of psychological processes. To begin to address these limitations, the current study tests the hypothesis that pediatric BD (PBD) subjects exhibit altered neural activation during encoding of emotional faces compared to typically developing controls.

Methods:  Pediatric BD subjects (n = 23; mean age = 14.2 ± 3.1 years) and controls (n = 22; mean age = 14.7 ± 2.3 years) were matched on age, gender, and IQ. In this event‐related fMRI study, subjects were scanned while viewing emotional faces and given a surprise recognition memory test 30 min postscan. Our main outcome measure was between‐group differences in neural activation during successful versus unsuccessful face encoding.

Results:  Pediatric BD youth exhibited reduced memory for emotional faces, relative to healthy comparisons, particularly on fearful faces. Event‐related fMRI analyses controlling for this behavioral difference showed that PBD subjects, compared to controls, had increased neural activation in the striatum and anterior cingulate cortex when successfully encoding happy faces and in the orbitofrontal cortex when successfully encoding angry faces. There were no between‐group differences in neural activation during fearful face encoding.

Conclusions:  Our results extend what is known about memory and face emotion processing impairments in PBD subjects by showing increased fronto‐striatal activation during encoding of emotional faces. Further work is required to determine the impact of mood state, medication, and comorbid illnesses on these findings.
Hypomanic trait is associated with a hypovigilant automatic attentional response to social cues of danger
Authors: Putman Peter , Saevarsson Styrmir , Van Honk Jack
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  Hypomania in bipolar disorders is characterized by disinhibited, fearless and reward‐seeking behavior. This behavioral pattern suggests that early and automatic responding to socio‐emotional cues such as facial expressions might be aberrant in hypomania. The present study tested the predictions that participants selected on hypomania‐like trait would show hypovigilant responses to facial cues of danger and increased responses to facial cues of reward.

Methods:  From a group of 513, the 16 most trait‐hypomanic individuals were selected by use of a shortened version of an established self‐report instrument, the General Behavior Inventory (GBI). Their spatial‐attentional responses after perception of dynamic fearful and happy facial gaze cues were compared with those of 12 controls.

Results:  The group difference for full GBI hypomania scores was reliable (p = 0.000). Individuals with elevated hypomanic traits clearly demonstrated attentional hypovigilance after perception of fearful, laterally gazing faces (p = 0.009). In addition, unlike controls, they demonstrated reliable attentional responding to happy gaze cues (p = 0.007).

Conclusions:  These data provide the first experimental evidence that hypomania‐like trait is associated with hypovigilant, fearless responding to the social cue of an emotionally expressive gaze.
Measured and expected resting energy expenditure in patients with bipolar disorder on maintenance treatment
Authors: Soreca Isabella , Mauri Mauro , Castrogiovanni Silvia , Simoncini Marly , Cassano Giovanni B
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) on long‐term maintenance treatment represent a clinical population with peculiar characteristics, for which available equations to estimate resting energy expenditure (REE) are not suitable. The aim of this study was to measure REE by means of indirect calorimetry in bipolar patients on maintenance treatment and in controls, and to estimate the agreement between measured and predicted REE in both groups.

Methods:  Patients diagnosed with BD I and healthy controls were assessed for height, weight and body mass index (BMI). Predicted REE was calculated using Harris–Benedict, Schofield, Recommended Nutrients Assumption Levels (LARN), and OUR equations; measurements of REE were performed using a portable indirect calorimeter.

Results:  Results for our sample show the most commonly used formulas give a systematic overestimation of REE with respect to measured basal metabolic rate in the patient group. The mean bias was considerably greater for bipolar subjects than for controls.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that patients with severe mental illness on long‐term psychopharmacologic treatment may have reduced basal energy expenditure that may be a cause of weight gain.
Human MIP synthase splice variants in bipolar disorder
Authors: Shamir Alon , Shaltiel Galit , Mark Shirly , Bersudsky Yuly , Belmaker Robert H , Agam Galila
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  Alternative splicing allows the production of multiple gene products with different functions from a given sequence, affecting cellular function control. Tissue‐specific splicing is most prevalent in the brain. We therefore investigate whether splice variants contribute to complex psychiatric disorders. A database search suggested that the myo‐inositol‐1‐phosphate (MIP) synthase gene, possibly involved in pathophysiology of bipolar disorder, has splice variants.

Methods:  Human RNA was purified from lymphocytes and postmortem brain. MIP synthase alternative splice variants were amplified using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  The bioinformatics finding was confirmed in both tissues. No difference in lymphocyte MIP synthase mRNA splice‐variant levels was found between bipolar patients and controls. However, patients with family history of a major psychiatric disorder had significantly higher levels of the variant lacking exons 3 and 4 versus patients with no family history and controls.

Conclusions:  As alternative splicing may be a mechanism by which the ∼30,000 genes are amplified in mammalian brain, further studies with other candidate genes for psychiatric disorders are needed.
An imbalance in the production of IL‐1β and IL‐6 by monocytes of bipolar patients: restoration by lithium treatment
Authors: Knijff Esther M , Nadine Breunis M , Kupka Ralph W , De Wit Harm J , Ruwhof Cindy , Akkerhuis Grard W , Nolen Willem A , Drexhage Hemmo A
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  To study the ex vivo interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐6 production of monocytes in bipolar disorder (BD) patients in the absence/presence of lithium.

Methods:  Monocytes of outpatients with DSM‐IV BD (n = 80, of whom 64 were lithium‐treated) and of healthy control subjects (n = 59) were cultured in vitro and exposed (24 h) or not exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or graded concentrations of lithium chloride (LiCl). IL‐1β and IL‐6 production was assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (supernatants).

Results:  Monocytes stimulated by LPS from non‐lithium‐treated bipolar patients were characterized by an abnormal IL‐1β/IL‐6 production ratio, i.e., low IL‐1β and high IL‐6 production. Lithium treatment increased IL‐1β and decreased IL‐6 production and thus restored the aberrant ratio. In vitro exposure of monocytes to LiCl did not have the same effects as lithium treatment: the procedure decreased IL‐1β production and had minimal effects on IL‐6 production.

Conclusions:  Blood monocytes have an altered proinflammatory status in BD. Lithium treatment restores this altered status. Short‐term in vitro exposure of monocytes to lithium has other effects than lithium treatment.
Social phobia is associated with suicide attempt history in bipolar inpatients
Authors: Perroud Nader , Baud Patrick , Preisig Martin , Etain Bruno , Bellivier Franck , Favre Sophie , Reber Nadja , Ferrero François , Leboyer Marion , Malafosse Alain
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  In an attempt to reduce the phenotypical heterogeneity in an ongoing genetic study of suicidal behavior, we investigated the impact of comorbid anxiety disorders on suicidal behavior in bipolar disorder (BD) patients.

Methods:  Anxiety disorders were compared in 406 BD I and BD II patients with or without lifetime history of suicide attempt.

Results:  Among anxiety disorders, only social phobia (SP) was significantly associated with history of suicide attempt in BD [p < 0.001, odds ratio 4.26 (2.284–7.946)]. Moreover, onset of SP was found to precede onset of BD.

Conclusions:  This result suggests that SP is an important risk factor for suicidal behavior in BD. Further studies are required to determine whether comorbid SP may help to identify a more homogeneous BD sub‐group, especially when studies of suicidal behavior are conducted. A second question is whether SP identifies a sub‐group of subjects with BD who have a more severe illness course and whether treatment of SP with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants is associated with improvement or worsening of the course of BD.
Setting the stage: from prodrome to treatment resistance in bipolar disorder
Authors: Berk Michael , Conus Philippe , Lucas Nellie , Hallam Karen , Malhi Gin S , Dodd Seetal , Yatham Lakshmi N , Yung Alison , McGorry Pat
Published: November 2007

Bipolar disorder is common, and both difficult to detect and diagnose. Treatment is contingent on clinical needs, which differ according to phase and stage of the illness. A staging model could allow examination of the longitudinal course of the illness and the temporal impact of interventions and events. It could allow for a structured examination of the illness, which could set the stage for algorithms that are tailored to the individuals needs. A staging model could further provide as structure for assessment, gauging treatment and outcomes. The model incorporates prodromal stages and emphasizes early detection and algorithm appropriate intervention where possible. At the other end of the spectrum, the model attempts to operationalize treatment resistance. The utility of the model will need to be validated by empirical research.
Effects of psychotropics on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in a cohort of bipolar patients
Authors: Castilla‐Puentes Ruby
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  Research suggests that certain psychotropics may induce glucose regulatory dysfunction. Hyperglycemia increases levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). This study investigated the relationship between psychotropic use and concentrations of HbA1c in bipolar patients who were presumably non‐diabetic.

Methods:  Analysis was conducted on 76,671 patients with bipolar disorder (BPD) from the Integrated Health Care Information Services (IHCIS). Included were 381 patients with at least two measurements of HbA1c taken between January 1, 1997 and June 30, 2002. Individuals with only 1 HbA1c measure, diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐9), and/or who were using any anti‐diabetes medication were excluded from the cohort. We compared HbA1c levels from first to final HbA1c measurements. The types of psychotropic medications used by the patients were examined.

Results:  A total of 197 (51.9%) BPD patients had an abnormal initial HbA1c test result (defined as HbA1c >7). Thirty patients were taking antipsychotics, 24 mood stabilizers (anticonvulsants), 10 lithium, 51 antidepressants and 116 a combination of medications. A total of 150 patients were not taking psychotropic medications. HbA1c levels declined significantly in patients taking psychotropic medication(s) [mean = 7.5, standard deviation (SD) = 2.1% versus mean = 7.0, SD = 1.8%; p < 0.001] and in patients not taking psychotropic medication(s) (mean = 7.4, SD = 2.0% versus mean = 7.0, SD = 1.9%; p < 0.001). The only exception to this finding was among patients taking antipsychotics, where there was a slight increase (not statistically significant) during this period (mean = 7.0, SD = 1.8% versus mean = 7.2, SD = 3.7%; p = 0.791).

Conclusions:  These results support findings suggesting an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in BPD patients. Mood stabilizers (anticonvulsants), antidepressants and lithium in monotherapy and combination were associated with a decrease in HbA1c levels. Although not statistically significant, antipsychotic medications were associated with an increase in HbA1c in this population.
Determinants of male fitness: disentangling intra‐ and inter‐sexual selection
Authors: FITZE P. S. , COTE J. , MARTÍNEZ‐RICA J. P. , CLOBERT J.
Published: November 2007

Both intra‐ and inter‐sexual selection may crucially determine a male’s fitness. Their interplay, which has rarely been experimentally investigated, determines a male’s optimal reproductive strategy and thus is of fundamental importance to the understanding of a male’s behaviour. Here we investigated the relative importance of intra‐ and inter‐sexual selection for male fitness in the common lizard. We investigated which male traits predict a male’s access to reproduction allowing for both selective pressures and comparing it with a staged mating experiment excluding all types of intra‐sexual selection. We found that qualitatively better males were more likely to reproduce and that sexual selection was two times stronger when allowing for both selective pressures, suggesting that inter‐ and intra‐sexual selection determines male fitness and confirming the existence of multi‐factorial sexual selection. Consequently, to optimize fitness, males should trade their investment between the traits, which are important for inter‐ and intra‐sexual selection.
Using a gel‐free PCR‐ELISA for the molecular identification of wheat genotypes carrying wheat–rye translocations
Authors: Zuñiga J. , Soto B. , Campos H.
Published: November 2007

Current techniques to identify wheat lines possessing the 1RS chromosome are generally unsuitable in relation to the speed and cost needs in modern wheat breeding programmes. A gel‐free, direct amplicon capture PCR‐ELISA assay was developed and evaluated, aiming at speeding the identification of wheat genotypes possessing the 1RS chromosome arm in breeding programmes. The chosen target sequence was the repetitive, interspersed rye‐specific element RIS‐1. Primers were end‐labelled with digoxigenin and biotin, and amplicons captured on to straptavidine‐coated microplates. Subsequent immunodetection of the digoxigenin moiety readily distinguished 1RS from non‐1RS control genotypes tested. When a nursery consisting of 120 winter and spring wheat lines was screened by PCR‐gel electrophoresis and the PCR‐ELISA, a perfect agreement between both techniques was observed. Test robustness, as measured by the tolerance to variations in DNA input, was better for PCR‐ELISA than PCR‐gel electrophoresis. In conclusion, a simple, robust, fast and scalable technique for the detection of 1RS chromosome carriers in wheat breeding programmes is now available.
Antituberculosis drug‐induced hepatotoxicity: Concise up‐to‐date review
Authors: Tostmann Alma , Boeree Martin J , Aarnoutse Rob E , De Lange Wiel C M , Van Der Ven Andre J A M , Dekhuijzen Richard
Published: November 2007

The cornerstone of tuberculosis management is a 6‐month course of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. Compliance is crucial for curing tuberculosis. Adverse effects often negatively affect the compliance, because they frequently require a change of treatment, which may have negative consequences for treatment outcome. In this paper we review the incidence, pathology and clinical features of antituberculosis drug‐induced hepatotoxicity, discuss the metabolism and mechanisms of toxicity of isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide, and describe risk factors and management of antituberculosis drug‐induced hepatotoxicity. The reported incidence of antituberculosis drug‐induced hepatotoxicity, the most serious and potentially fatal adverse reaction, varies between 2% and 28%. Risk factors are advanced age, female sex, slow acetylator status, malnutrition, HIV and pre‐existent liver disease. Still, it is difficult to predict what patient will develop hepatotoxicity during tuberculosis treatment. The exact mechanism of antituberculosis drug‐induced hepatotoxicity is unknown, but toxic metabolites are suggested to play a crucial role in the development, at least in the case of isoniazid. Priorities for future studies include basic studies to elucidate the mechanism of antituberculosis drug‐induced hepatotoxicity, genetic risk factor studies and the development of shorter and safer tuberculosis drug regimens.
The role of podocytes in proteinuria
Authors: ASANUMA KATSUHIKO , YANAGIDA‐ASANUMA ETSUKO , TAKAGI MIYUKI , KODAMA FUMIKO , TOMINO YASUHIKO
Published: November 2007

SUMMARY:  Glomerular visceral epithelial cells, also known as podocytes, are highly specialized epithelial cells that cover the outer layer of the glomerular basement membrane. Podocytes consist of cell bodies, major processes and foot processes (FP) of neighbouring cells, with the filtration slits bridged by the slit membrane between them. The function of podocytes is largely based on their specialized cell architecture and functions such as stabilization of glomerular capillaries and participation in the barrier function of the glomerular filter. Therefore, they form the final barrier to protein loss, which explains why podocyte injury is typically associated with marked proteinuria. Under pathological conditions, podocytes exhibit various changes. Among these changes, FP effacement represents the most characteristic change in cell shape of podocytes. FP effacement is dependent on disruption of the actin cytoskeletal network in the podocytes, The mechanisms of organization and re‐organization of actin in the FP of podocytes are discussed in this review.
Cryoprotective effects of various saccharides on cryopreserved mouse sperm from various strains
Authors: HINO TOSHIAKI , TAKABE MIHO , SUZUKI‐MIGISHIMA RIKA , YOKOYAMA MINESUKE
Published: November 2007

Aim:  Cryopreservation of mouse sperm commonly uses raffinose, which is a trisaccharide, plus 3% skim milk. Because of the present lack of knowledge of the effectiveness of any other saccharides, we examined the cryoprotective effects of various saccharides on the viability of mouse sperm from various strains to determine which saccharides are the best cryoprotectants for mouse sperm.

Methods:  Sperm from the caudae epididymides of mature C57BL/6J mice were frozen with monosaccharides (fructose, glucose, rhamnose, xylose), disaccharides (lactose, maltose, sucrose, trehalose) or trisaccharides (melezitose, raffinose) in a range of concentrations (4–33%). After thawing, the optimal concentration was determined to be the concentration in which there was the highest proportion of motile sperm. In addition, sperm of inbred and hybrid mice were frozen with the saccharides at the optimal concentrations and used for in vitro fertilization.

Results:  The optimal concentration was 12% for the disaccharides and 18% for the trisaccharides. The fertility of all strains, except C57BL/6J, showed the best cryoprotective effects with maltose, melezitose and raffinose when compared with fresh sperm.

Conclusion:  Maltose, melezitose and raffinose have the best effects when used as a protectant for cryopreservation of mouse sperm. (Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6: 229–233)
Spatial relationships between two Agriotes click‐beetle species and wireworms in agricultural fields
Authors: Blackshaw Rod P. , Vernon Robert S.
Published: November 2007

1 The production of new insect pheromones for pest monitoring proceeds at a greater rate than their evaluation, with the consequential possibility of premature introduction. Fundamental to their successful deployment is the determination of a consistent relationship between adult male pheromone trap catches and pest damage. In the present study, adult pheromone traps and larval bait traps were used to examine spatial relationships between two species of Agriotes beetle and wireworms at the field scale.

2 The spatial distributions of adult male Agriotes lineatus and Agriotes obscurus in two fields were determined and compared with the distribution of their larvae. Data were assembled as spatially referenced trap counts, and analysed for evidence of aggregation and clustering using Spatial Analysis by Distance IndicEs (SADIE) methodology. Spatial stabilities of adult populations between sampling dates were tested using association tests. Spatial and quantitative linkages between adult and larval trap catches were also tested. Moreover, a new way of adapting SADIE methodologies is presented for situations where two datasets within an area do not share the same sampling points.

3 There was no significant difference in variance : mean relationships for the two species but there were differences in their spatial distributions, and this is a definitive example of the general argument stating that it is important to consider spatial as well as count data in ecological studies. The spatial distribution of A. lineatus varied between sampling occasions at both sites whereas A. obscurus had consistently significant SADIE indices over time at one site, and adult catches could also be linked to larval distributions and counts. It is proposed that observed differences between the two species can be explained by interference between traps and dissimilar movement rates. There was some evidence of an edge effect at the field boundaries.

4 The distance between pheromone traps is related to the time that elapses before adjacent traps interfere with trap captures and this limits the detection of statistically significant spatial patterns. It is shown that the current practice of adding trap counts for different Agriotes species and treating them as numerically equivalent is insufficiently robust to be recommended at this stage.

5 The implications for the use of sex pheromone traps in wireworm pest management are considered. It is concluded that pheromone traps, as currently used, will not reliably indicate where wireworms occur in a field, and that the complexity of interpreting adult male trap counts limits quantitative predictions of population size.
Chromosomes, RAPDs and evolutionary trends of the Neotropical fish Mimagoniates microlepis (Teleostei: Characidae: Glandulocaudinae) from coastal and continental regions of the Atlantic forest, Southern Brazil
Authors: Torres Rodrigo A. , Motta Thalita S. , Nardino Daniele , Adam Mônica L. , Ribeiro Juliano
Published: November 2007

Chromosome and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers of samples of Mimagoniates microlepis were studied to test the hypothesis that a vicariant event occurred as the result of the orogeny of the coastal mountain range (Serra do Mar; southeastern and southern Brazil). Conventional karyotypes and nucleolar organizer region (Ag‐NOR) phenotypes of two samples of M. microlepis from the headwaters of the Iguaçu River (southern Brazil) were compared both with each other and with other local populations of the species in the coastal drainage of southeastern Brazil. Additional molecular data (RAPD markers and genetic diversity) were obtained from specimens from coastal and continental regions of southern Brazil. The same diploid number (52 chromosomes), karyotypic formula and Ag‐NOR phenotype were found for both analysed samples from the Iguaçu River. A genetic discontinuity was discovered in the comparison of the karyotypical formula of the Iguaçu samples with those from coastal drainages of the region. Polymerase chain reaction‐RAPD markers revealed strikingly different molecular profiles between coastal and continental samples and indications of a high degree of genetic variation. Based on these results, we provide some comments on the biogeographical patterns and evolutionary trends for M. microlepis from coastal and continental regions of southeastern/southern Brazil.
RICHARD HAMILTON AT THE IDEAL HOME EXHIBITION OF 1958: GALLERY FOR A COLLECTOR OF BRUTALIST AND TACHISTE ART
Authors: HIGHMORE BEN
Published: November 2007

This essay develops a close reading of Richard Hamilton's Gallery for a Collector of Brutalist and Tachiste Art, his contribution to the Daily Mail's Ideal Home Exhibition of 1958. Included in the Gallery for a Collector was Hamilton's 1957 painting Hommage à Chrysler Corp. The essay treats both the gallery and the painting as ‘meta‐aesthetic’ practices that register something of the aesthetic historicity of their social and cultural moment. To demonstrate how the work relates to the historicity of perception (sensorial, social and political perception) and to the material culture of the time, the essay sets out a number of possible contexts for attending to the painting and the Ideal Home installation.
Is 27 a Big Number? Correlational and Causal Connections Among Numerical Categorization, Number Line Estimation, and Numerical Magnitude Comparison
Authors: Laski Elida V. , Siegler Robert S.
Published: November 2007

This study examined the generality of the logarithmic to linear transition in children’s representations of numerical magnitudes and the role of subjective categorization of numbers in the acquisition of more advanced understanding. Experiment 1 (49 girls and 41 boys, ages 5–8 years) suggested parallel transitions from kindergarten to second grade in the representations used to perform number line estimation, numerical categorization, and numerical magnitude comparison tasks. Individual differences within each grade in proficiency for the three tasks were strongly related. Experiment 2 (27 girls and 13 boys, ages 5–6 years) replicated results from Experiment 1 and demonstrated a causal role of changes in categorization in eliciting changes in number line estimation. Reasons were proposed for the parallel developmental changes across tasks, the consistent individual differences, and the relation between improved categorization of numbers and increasingly linear representations.
The Developmental Costs of High Self‐Esteem for Antisocial Children
Authors: Menon Madhavi , Tobin Desiree D. , Corby Brooke C. , Menon Meenakshi , Hodges Ernest V. E. , Perry David G.
Published: November 2007

Two hypotheses—high self‐esteem leads children to act on antisocial cognitions (disposition‐activating hypothesis) and high self‐esteem leads children to rationalize antisocial conduct (disposition‐rationalizing hypothesis)—were investigated in two longitudinal studies. In Study 1 (N= 189; mean age = 11.1 years), antisocial behavior was aggression; in Study 2 (N= 407; mean age = 10.8 years) it was avoidance of the mother. In both studies, there was little evidence for the disposition‐activating hypothesis but considerable support for the disposition‐rationalizing hypothesis. Over time, aggressive children with high self‐esteem increasingly valued the rewards that aggression offers and belittled their victims, and avoidant children with high self‐esteem increasingly viewed their mother as harassing and uninvolved. For antisocial children, high self‐esteem carries costs.
Factors Influencing the Incidence of Utilization Deficiencies and Other Patterns of Recall/Strategy‐Use Relations in a Strategic Memory Task
Authors: Schwenck Christina , Bjorklund David F. , Schneider Wolfgang
Published: November 2007

Factors that influence the incidence of utilization deficiencies and other recall/strategy‐use patterns on a strategic memory task were evaluated in two hundred and fourteen 7‐ and 9‐year‐old children. Both utilization deficiencies and the incidence of children showing increases in both recall and strategy use over phases were more likely to be observed on phase transitions involving prompting or when different lists of items were included on consecutive trials; in contrast, increases in recall in the absence of increases in strategy use were more likely to be found between trials consisting of the same stimulus items. This research clearly indicates that patterns of recall/strategy‐use relations, including utilization deficiencies, vary meaningfully with the age of the child and a variety of contextual factors.
Living Arrangements and Children’s Development in Low‐Income White, Black, and Latino Families
Authors: Foster E. Michael , Kalil Ariel
Published: November 2007

This article uses longitudinal data from approximately 2,000 low‐income families participating in the national evaluation of the Comprehensive Child Development Program to examine the associations between preschool children’s living arrangements and their cognitive achievement and emotional adjustment. The analysis distinguishes families in which children live only with their mothers from children who live in biological father, blended, and multigenerational households. Linkages are examined separately for White, Black, and Latino children. Fixed effects regression techniques reveal few significant associations between living arrangements and child development. These findings suggest that substantial diversity exists in the developmental contexts among children living in the same family structure. Policies seeking to change the living arrangements of low‐income children may do little to improve child well‐being.
Family Environments, Adrenarche, and Sexual Maturation: A Longitudinal Test of a Life History Model
Authors: Ellis Bruce J. , Essex Marilyn J.
Published: November 2007

Life history theorists have proposed that humans have evolved to be sensitive to specific features of early childhood environments and that exposure to different environments biases children toward development of different reproductive strategies, including differential pubertal timing. The current research provides a longitudinal test of this theory. Assessments of family environments, based on interviews with mothers and fathers, were conducted in preschool, and children were then followed prospectively through middle childhood. Adrenal hormones were assayed in a selected subsample of 120 children (73 girls) at age 7, and parent and child reports of secondary sexual characteristics were collected in the full female sample of 180 girls at age 11. Higher quality parental investment (from both mothers and fathers) and less father‐reported Marital Conflict/Depression forecast later adrenarche. Older age at menarche in mothers, higher socioeconomic status, greater mother‐based Parental Supportiveness, and lower third‐grade body mass index each uniquely and significantly predicted later sexual development in daughters. Consistent with a life history perspective, quality of parental investment emerged as a central feature of the proximal family environment in relation to pubertal timing.
Longitudinal Study of Preadolescent Sport Self‐Concept and Performance: Reciprocal Effects and Causal Ordering
Authors: Marsh Herbert W. , Gerlach Erin , Trautwein Ulrich , Lüdtke Oliver , Brettschneider Wolf‐Dietrich
Published: November 2007

Do preadolescent sport self‐concepts influence subsequent sport performance? Longitudinal data (Grades 3, 4, and 6) for young boys and girls (N= 1,135; mean age = 9.67) were used to test reciprocal effects model (REM) predictions that sport self‐concept is both a cause and a consequence of sport accomplishments. Controlling prior sport performance (performance‐based measures and teacher assessments), prior sport self‐concept had positive effects on subsequent sport performance in both Grade 4 and Grade 6 and for both boys and girls. Coupled with previous REM studies of adolescents in the academic domain, this first test for preadolescents in the sport domain supports the generalizability of REM predictions over gender, self‐concept domain, preadolescent ages, and the transition from primary to secondary school.
Robots and Rodents: Children’s Inferences About Living and Nonliving Kinds
Authors: Jipson Jennifer L. , Gelman Susan A.
Published: November 2007

This study tests the firm distinction children are said to make between living and nonliving kinds. Three, 4‐, and 5‐year‐old children and adults reasoned about whether items that varied on 3 dimensions (alive, face, behavior) had a range of properties (biological, psychological, perceptual, artifact, novel, proper names). Findings demonstrate that by 4 years of age, children make clear distinctions between prototypical living and nonliving kinds regardless of the property under consideration. Even 3‐year‐olds distinguish prototypical living and nonliving kinds when asked about biological properties. When reasoning about nonbiological properties for the full range of items, however, even 5‐year‐olds and adults occasionally rely on facial features. Thus, the living/nonliving distinction may have more narrow consequences than previously acknowledged.
Subtypes, Severity, and Structural Stability of Peer Victimization: What Does Latent Class Analysis Say?
Authors: Nylund Karen , Bellmore Amy , Nishina Adrienne , Graham Sandra
Published: November 2007

This study uses latent class analysis (LCA) to empirically identify victimization groups during middle school. Approximately 2,000 urban, public middle school students (mean age in sixth grade = 11.57) reported on their peer victimization during the Fall and Spring semesters of their sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. Independent LCA analyses at each semester yielded 3 victim classes based on victimization degree rather than type (e.g., physical vs. relational). The most victimized class always represented the smallest proportion of the sample, decreasing from 20% in sixth grade to 6% by the end of eighth grade. This victimized class also always reported feeling less safe at school concurrently and more depressed than others 1 semester later, illustrating the validity of the LCA approach.
How Toddlers and Preschoolers Learn to Uniquely Identify Referents for Others: A Training Study
Authors: Matthews Danielle , Lieven Elena , Tomasello Michael
Published: November 2007

This training study investigates how children learn to refer to things unambiguously. Two hundred twenty‐four children aged 2.6, 3.6, and 4.6 years were pre‐ and posttested for their ability to request stickers from a dense array. Between test sessions, children were assigned to a training condition in which they (a) asked for stickers from an adult, (b) responded to an adult’s requests for stickers, (c) observed 1 adult ask another for stickers, or (d) heard model descriptions of stickers. All conditions yielded improvements in referring strategies, with condition (a) being most effective. Four‐year‐olds additionally demonstrated learning effects in a transfer task. These results suggest that young children’s communication skills develop best in response to feedback about their own attempts at reference.