bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sterols in red and green algae: quantification, phylogeny, and relevance for the interpretation of geologic steranes
Authors: KODNER R. B. , PEARSON A. , SUMMONS R. E. , KNOLL A. H.
Published: July 2008

Steroids, a class of triterpenoid lipids with high preservation potential, are widely distributed in sedimentary rocks. All eukaryotes have a physiological requirement for these molecules, making steroids important biomarkers for aiding our understanding of eukaryote molecular evolution and geologic history. C26–C30 sterols are the molecules most commonly incorporated or synthesized by eukaryotes, and correspond to C26–C30 steranes ubiquitously and abundantly preserved in petroleums and sedimentary bitumens. Because these sterols occur in evolutionarily diverse taxa, it can be difficult to associate any particular compound with a single group of organisms. Nevertheless, geochemists have still been able to draw parallels between the empirical patterns in geologic sterane abundances and the age of petroleum source rocks. Paleobiologists have also used sterane data, in particular the patterns in C29 and C28 steranes, to support fossil evidence of an early radiation of green algae in latest Proterozoic and Paleozoic and the succession of the major modern phytoplankton groups in the Mesozoic. Although C29 sterols are found in many eukaryotes, organisms that produce them in proportional abundances comparable to those preserved in Proterozoic and Paleozoic rocks are limited. Based on a large, phylogenetically based survey of sterol profiles from the kingdom Plantae, we conclude that modern ulvophyte and early diverging prasinophyte green algae produce high abundances of C29 relative to C27 and C28 sterols most consistent with the sterane profiles observed in Paleozoic rocks. Our analysis also suggests that ancestral stem groups among the Plantae, including the glaucocystophytes and early divergent red algae are also plausible candidates.
Effect of H1‐receptor antagonists on proliferative response, cytokine production, and cellular migration of human T cells and macrophages
Authors: Iwata S. , Nori M. , Hashizume Y. , You K. , Morimoto C.
Published: July 2008

Cytokine imbalance and cellular migration to inflammatory sites are critical components of allergic diseases. Redirecting cytokine imbalance and inhibiting cell migration therefore represent important therapeutic strategies for the treatment of these disorders. We studied the in vitro effect of the non‐sedating H1‐receptor antagonists ebastine, carebastine, epinastine, cetirizine, and ketotifen on cytokine secretion by human T cells under various co‐stimulatory conditions and the migratory activity of activated T cells as well as production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines by macrophages. Ebastine and carebastine inhibited T cell proliferation and production of IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, and TNF‐α by T cells under co‐stimulation with CD28 plus CD3, CD26 plus CD3, and CD3 plus phorbol myristate acetate, whereas these drugs had no effect on the production of IL‐2 and IFN‐γ. Ebastine and carebastine also inhibited T cell migration and production of TNF‐α and IL‐6 by macrophages. Epinastine inhibited T cell proliferation and production of IL‐2, IFN‐γ, IL‐4, and IL‐5, whereas it elicited no effect on the production of IL‐6 and TNF‐α by T cells and macrophages as well as T cell migration. Cetirizine and ketotifen had no effects on cytokine production and T cell migration. Our results suggest that certain H1‐receptor antagonists, most notably ebastine and carebastine, can influence T cell migration and cytokine production in addition to antagonizing the H1 receptor. These drugs therefore might be useful against T cell‐mediated allergic inflammatory disorders such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.
Reclamation of saline‐sodic soil under a rice–wheat system by horizontal surface flushing
Authors: Nayak A. K. , Sharma D. K. , Mishra V. K. , Minhas P. S. , Verma C. L.
Published: July 2008

Saline sodic soil with a high content of soluble carbonates is one of the important agricultural soils on the Central Indo‐Gangetic plains and elsewhere. Conventional reclamation procedures using gypsum application followed by vertical leaching (GC) is uneconomic; high ECe and precipitation of applied gypsum, reacting with soluble carbonates, reduce the efficacy of gypsum in these soils. This paper reports results from a project designed to evaluate reclamation by irrigation of the ploughed soil and turning of soil with a power tiller followed by flushing of standing water after 24 h, a second flushing after 7 days and subsequent application of gypsum and vertical leaching (GF2). Average rice and wheat production after GF2 significantly increased (25 and 62%, respectively) over the conventional practice. Compared with conventional treatment, GF2 significantly reduced the ECe and SAR of the soil and improved physical properties such as ζ‐potential, dispersible clay content, water stable aggregates expressed as MWD, and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Split application of gypsum between flushing (GF1/2 and GF2/3) gave similar results to GF2 in terms of soil amelioration and crop production.
Soil penetration resistance and tree root development
Authors: Sinnett D. , Morgan G. , Williams M. , Hutchings T. R.
Published: July 2008

Current UK guidance suggests that a ‘rootable’ soil profile of at least 1.0 m depth should be sufficient to allow adequate rooting of the majority of tree species in a range of soil types and climatic conditions [Arboricultural Journal (1995) vol. 19, 19–27]. However, there is some uncertainty as to what constitutes a loosened soil profile in terms of penetration resistance. In this study the root development of Italian alder, Japanese larch, Corsican pine and birch was assessed after 5 years of tree growth. These data were compared to penetration resistance measured using both a cone penetrometer and a ‘lifting driving tool’ (dropping weight penetrometer). Tree root number and percentage were significantly reduced by increasing soil penetration resistance measured with both the cone penetrometer (P < 0.050) and the ‘lifting driving tool’ (P = 0.011 and 0.008 respectively). The vast majority of roots were recorded in soils with a penetration resistance of less than 3 MPa (90.7%) with a significant amount in the less than 2 MPa class (70.2%). Root development of Italian alder, Japanese larch and birch all showed a similar pattern, but Corsican pine appeared to be capable of rooting into more compact soils. The ‘lifting driving tool’ can be used as an alternative measure of soil penetration resistance. This equipment is more cost effective, easier to use and capable of measurements at a greater depth than the cone penetrometer. The majority of Japanese larch and birch roots (84.3%) were recorded in soils where it took less than 15 impacts to penetrate one 10 cm soil depth increment. The modelled data also suggest that a penetration resistance of 2 and 2.5 MPa relates to 10 and 15 impacts respectively.
Soil acidity and aluminium toxicity as affected by surface liming and cover oat residues under a no‐till system
Authors: Caires E. F. , Pereira Filho P. R. S. , Zardo Filho R. , Feldhaus I. C.
Published: July 2008

A 3‐year field trial examined in a long‐term no‐till system the effects of surface‐applied lime and cover black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb) residues on soil chemical attributes, root growth and grain yield of corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) on a loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Hapludox in Paraná State, Brazil. The treatments consisted of dolomitic lime broadcast on the soil surface at 0 or 12 t/ha, with and without cover of black oat residues. Corn and soybeans were grown without rainfall limitation. Applying lime on the surface improved soil acidity and decreased aluminium (Al) toxicity to a 10‐cm depth 1 year after application. Surface liming increased pH and the content of exchangeable Ca2+ to a 20‐cm depth, and decreased Al toxicity to a 40‐ to 60‐cm depth, 3 years after application, indicating that the surface‐applied lime moved deeper. Cover black oat residues did not favour the mobility of surface‐applied lime to alleviate subsoil acidity and an increase in the Al3+ saturation level at the soil surface was found in unlimed plots with black oat residues. Root growth and grain yields of corn and soybean were not influenced by surface liming with or without cover black oat residue. Despite the soil acidity level, root length of corn and soybean ranged from 55 to 60% at 0‐ to 10‐cm depth. The results suggest that Al toxicity is low in no‐till systems during cropping seasons with adequate and well‐distributed rainfall, but this effect is not related to the presence of cover oat residues.
Overreaction to Intra‐industry Information Transfers?
Authors: THOMAS JACOB , ZHANG FRANK
Published: July 2008

Prior research has documented that earnings announcements provide information not only about the announcing firm but also about other firms in the same industry. We document a stock market anomaly associated with this phenomenon of intra‐industry information transfers by showing that the stock price movements of late announcers in response to earnings reported by early announcers are negatively related to subsequent price responses of late announcers to their own earnings reports. Apparently, the stock market overestimates the intra‐industry implications of early announcers' earnings for late announcers' earnings, and that overestimation is corrected when late announcers disclose their earnings.
Positive and Negative Information Transfers from Management Forecasts
Authors: KIM YONGTAE , LACINA MICHAEL , PARK MYUNG SEOK
Published: July 2008

We examine positive and negative information transfers associated with management earnings and revenue forecasts. Positive information transfers are due to industry commonalities whereas negative information transfers are caused by competitive shifts. We argue that positive and negative intra‐industry information transfers offset each other and lead to an overall finding of no information transfers even though they exist. We also conjecture that the type of information transfers from the same management forecast can be positive or negative based on the characteristics of the information receiver. We hypothesize positive information transfers to nonrival firms and negative information transfers to rivals. Consistent with our prediction, we find negative (positive) information transfers between forecasting firms and nonforecasting rival (nonrival) firms in the same industry. Through analyses using competitors identified by Hoover's and 10‐K reports, we show more general evidence of negative information transfers to rival firms.
A combined single range and single image device for low‐cost measurement of building façade features
Authors: Ordóñez Celestino , Arias Pedro , Herráez José , Rodríguez Jaime , Martín María T.
Published: July 2008

The dimensions of building façades and window apertures are usually determined by making direct measurements using tapes and plummets. This approach, however, has a number of drawbacks including the physical risk to which the persons making the measurements are exposed. This paper proposes an indirect approach based on close range photogrammetry that is inexpensive, simple, fast and safe, and which does not require specialist staff or direct ground control measurements. The method is based on taking a picture using a digital camera and measuring the distance to the object using a handheld laser distance meter. Both items of equipment are mounted on a specially designed support that allows the laser distance meter to move independently of the camera.
The Importance of Taboos and Social Norms to Conservation in Madagascar
Authors: JONES JULIA P. G. , ANDRIAMAROVOLOLONA MIJASOA M. , HOCKLEY NEAL
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Informal institutions governing the use of wild species are present in many societies. A system of prohibitions known as fady is central to Malagasy culture. We examined whether fady that relate to the use of natural resources in the eastern rainforests of Madagascar play an important conservation role. Prohibitions ranged from strict taboos in which a species or area was forbidden by the ancestors to social norms that concerned acceptable behavior when harvesting wild species. Strict taboos offered real protection to threatened species, such as the lemur Propithecus edwardsi and the carnivore Cryptoprocta ferox. Taboos also reduced pressure on some economically important endemic species by preventing their sale or limiting the harvest season. Despite their value for conservation, the taboos did not appear to originate from attempts to sustainably manage resources. Nevertheless, social norms, in which the sanction was social disapproval rather than supernatural retribution, encouraged sustainable harvesting practices for tenrecs (Tenrec ecudatus) and pandans (Pandanus spp.). Unfortunately, the social norms concerning methods of harvesting pandans appeared to be breaking down in villages surrounding Ranomafana National Park, and we suggest that the imposition of external conservation rules is weakening traditional management. Informal institutions are important to conservation because they suggest ways of improving cultural understanding and conservation communication. Food taboos influence societal preferences, which affect the wider demand for a species. Most important, where capacity to enforce external conservation rules is limited, informal institutions may provide the only effective regulations. Informal institutions should receive greater attention from conservation biologists so that local people's conservation roles can be acknowledged fairly and so that potential synergies with conservation objectives can be realized.
Protection of Mammal Diversity in Central America
Authors: JENKINS CLINTON N. , GIRI CHANDRA
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Central America is exceptionally rich in biodiversity, but varies widely in the attention its countries devote to conservation. Protected areas, widely considered the cornerstone of conservation, were not always created with the intent of conserving that biodiversity. We assessed how well the protected‐area system of Central America includes the region's mammal diversity. This first required a refinement of existing range maps to reduce their extensive errors of commission (i.e., predicted presences in places where species do not occur). For this refinement, we used the ecological limits of each species to identify and remove unsuitable areas from the range. We then compared these maps with the locations of protected areas to measure the habitat protected for each of the region's 250 endemic mammals. The species most vulnerable to extinction—those with small ranges—were largely outside protected areas. Nevertheless, the most strictly protected areas tended toward areas with many small‐ranged species. To improve the protection coverage of mammal diversity in the region, we identified a set of priority sites that would best complement the existing protected areas. Protecting these new sites would require a relatively small increase in the total area protected, but could greatly enhance mammal conservation.
Topical substance P increases inflammatory cell density in genetically diabetic murine wounds
Authors: Scott Jeffrey R. , Tamura Richard N. , Muangman Pornprom , Isik F. Frank , Xie Chengyu , Gibran Nicole S.
Published: July 2008

The neuropeptide substance P (SP) is a known inflammatory mediator released from cutaneous peripheral nerve terminals. SP effects on cellular composition in the cutaneous response to injury remain unclear. Based on our previous observations about SP effects on wound repair, we hypothesized that topical SP increases inflammatory cell density infiltration early after injury. A full‐thickness 1.5 × 1.5 cm2 wound was created on the dorsum of 8–9‐week‐old C57BL/6J‐m+Leprdb mice (db/db). Wounds were treated daily with 300 μL of either normal saline (0.9% NaCl) or 10−9 M SP for 7 days. Three wounds from each group were harvested at 2, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. Samples underwent enzymatic digestion and were incubated with fluorescent‐labeled antibodies. Using flow cytometry, cellular content and density for each sample was derived. Masson Trichrome stained histology specimens were prepared to confirm results. Cell density in the SP‐treated wounds (11.3 × 107 cells/g tissue, standard deviation [SD]±1.5 × 107) was greater than in NaCl‐treated wounds (7 × 107 cells/g tissue, SD±2.3 × 107, p<0.05) at day 7 postwounding. SP significantly increased the density of leukocytes (2.1 × 107, SD ±3.6 × 106 vs. 1.8 × 107, SD±4.9 × 105, p<0.02) 3 days after wounding and the density of macrophages (2.9 × 107, SD±7.5 × 106 vs. 1.3 × 107, SD±1.4 × 106, p<0.05) 7 days after wounding. There were no significant differences in endothelial cell, leukocyte, or macrophage density at later time points. Topical SP treatment increases early inflammatory density in the healing wounds of db/db mice. These data support a role for nerve‐mediated inflammation in cutaneous wound repair.
Development of an in vitro burn wound model
Authors: Coolen Neeltje A. , Vlig Marcel , Van Den Bogaerdt Antoon J. , Middelkoop Esther , Ulrich Magda M. W.
Published: July 2008

Healing of a deeper burn wound is a complex process that often leads to scar formation. Skin wound model systems are important for the development of treatments preventing scarring. The aim of this study is to develop a standardized in vitro burn wound model that resembles the in vivo situation. A burn wound (10 × 2 mm) was made in ex vivo skin and the skin samples were cultured at the air–liquid interface for 7, 14, and 21 days. Cells in the skin biopsies maintained their viability during the 21‐day culture period. During culture, reepithelialization of the wound took place from the surrounding tissue and fibroblasts migrated into the wound area. Cells of the epithelial tongue and fibroblasts near the wound margin were proliferating. During culture, skin‐derived antileukoproteinase and keratin 17 were expressed only in the epithelial tongue. Both collagen type IV and laminin were present underneath the newly formed epidermis, indicating that the basement membrane was restored. These results show that the burn wound model has many similarities to in vivo wound healing. This burn wound model may be useful to study different aspects of wound healing and testing pharmaceuticals and cosmetics on, e.g., migration and reepithelialization.
NON‐CORONARY HEART DISEASE IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS: Hypertrophy and Fibrosis in the Cardiomyopathy of Uremia—Beyond Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Gross Marie‐Luise , Ritz Eberhard
Published: July 2008

Cardiac disease is the leading cause of death in uremic patients. In contrast to previous opinion, coronary events account for a relatively small proportion of cardiac deaths, the most common causes being sudden death and heart failure. Against this background the current text will discuss noncoronary cardiac pathology, specifically the pathogenesis and the morphological findings caused by (pathological) cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac interstitial fibrosis and microvascular disease.
NON‐CORONARY HEART DISEASE IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS: Cardiac Problems in the Dialysis Patient: Beyond Coronary Disease
Authors: Remppis Andrew , Ritz Eberhard
Published: July 2008

In end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) both an inappropriately high sympathetic drive and the activation of tissue‐based renin‐angiotensin systems lead to a complex pattern of comorbidity appearing early on in renal disease. In this context, uremic cardiomyopathy, diabetes, and renal failure display an intimate interaction that critically defines the prognosis in dialysis patients. Importantly, patients with moderate to severe loss of renal function not only carry a high burden of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, but also are exposed to uremia‐specific risk factors that in concert induce an excessively increased cardiovascular mortality. Although cardiovascular guidelines may not simply be applicable to ESRD patients —these have invariably been excluded from larger cardiovascular trials—an early cardiological workup appears rational as the prevailing mode of death is characterized by sudden cardiac death and heart failure. This short review will therefore go beyond coronary heart disease, focus on the specific cardiac pathology in renal failure, and summarize the contemporary therapeutic strategies in ESRD.
Chondrogenesis From Immortalized Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Comparison Between Collagen Gel and Pellet Culture Methods
Authors: Chang Chih‐Hung , Lin Hsin‐Yi , Fang Hsu‐Wei , Loo Siow‐Tung , Hung Shih‐Chieh , Ho Yi‐Ching , Chen Chia‐Chun , Lin Feng‐Huei , Liu Hwa‐Chang
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) can differentiate into cells of connective tissue lineages, including cartilage. To overcome the limiting autogenous chondrocyte populations available in cartilage repair, various methods have been developed to maximize chondrogenesis of hMSCs in vitro, most of which use cells derived from primary culture. In this study, we compared chondrogenesis of immortalized hMSCs embedded in collagen gel to those grown in pellet culture. The hMSCs in collagen scaffolds expressed more glycosaminoglycan than those in pellet culture. Real‐time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) analysis demonstrated that the expression of genes encoding sox‐9, aggrecan, and types I and II collagen increased in pellet culture over time. However, in the collagen cultures, only type II collagen and aggrecan expression increased over time, whereas sox‐9 expression remained unchanged and type I collagen expression decreased. These results indicate that the immortalized hMSC line is a promising tool for further in vitro chondrogenic studies.
A Magnetically Levitated Centrifugal Blood Pump With a Simple‐structured Disposable Pump Head
Authors: Hijikata Wataru , Shinshi Tadahiko , Asama Junichi , Li Lichuan , Hoshi Hideo , Takatani Setsuo , Shimokohbe Akira
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  A magnetically levitated centrifugal blood pump (MedTech Dispo) has been developed for use in a disposable extracorporeal system. The design of the pump is intended to eliminate mechanical contact with the impeller, to facilitate a simple disposable mechanism, and to reduce the blood‐heating effects that are caused by motors and magnetic bearings. The bearing rotor attached to the impeller is suspended by a two degrees‐of‐freedom controlled radial magnetic bearing stator, which is situated outside the rotor. In the space inside the ringlike rotor, a magnetic coupling disk is placed to rotate the rotor and to ensure that the pump head is thermally isolated from the motor. In this system, the rotor can exhibit high passive stiffness due to the novel design of the closed magnetic circuits. The disposable pump head, which has a priming volume of 23 mL, consists of top and bottom housings, an impeller, and a rotor with a diameter of 50 mm. The pump can provide a head pressure of more than 300 mm Hg against a flow of 5 L/min. The normalized index of hemolysis of the MedTech Dispo is 0.0025 ± 0.0005 g/100 L at 5 L/min against 250 mm Hg. This is one‐seventh of the equivalent figure for a Bio Pump BPX‐80 (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA), which has a value of 0.0170 ± 0.0096 g/100 L. These results show that the MedTech Dispo offers high pumping performance and low blood trauma.
Comparison of Emergence Speed and Sterility in Two Sterile Annual Hybrid Cereal Grasses Developed for Use in Restoration
Authors: Morris Christo , Schupp Eugene W.
Published: July 2008

Two varieties of sterile annual hybrid (SAH) cereal grasses (Triticum aestivum×Elytrigia elongata and Triticum sp. ×Secale sp.) have been developed as tools for restoration to circumvent problems associated with the use of exotic perennial grasses in wildlands. Recent research has shown that both varieties of SAH grasses performed better than native species when sown into Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum)‐dominated rangelands. The primary goal of this study was to see whether early emergence was a potential mechanism contributing to the success of SAH grasses. Second, we investigated whether the SAH grasses were indeed sterile. Seeds of both SAH varieties were germinated in growth chambers along with B. tectorum and four perennial grasses. Seeds were exposed to three moisture levels and four temperature regimes. In a separate experiment, seed from 10 individuals of each SAH variety grown in a greenhouse were tested for sterility. Triticum aestivum×E. elongata consistently emerged fastest under all moisture and temperature levels, followed by Triticum sp. ×Secale sp., then B. tectorum, and, finally, the four perennial grass species. All interactions also were significant; these interactions modified without negating the general patterns revealed in the main effects. Seed production in the sterility trial for both SAH varieties was highly variable among individuals and all seed that were produced germinated. The ability of SAH grasses to maintain rapid emergence under adverse conditions suggests that they may be a useful tool in restoration; however, their lack of true sterility may contradict the goals of land managers.
Using Remote Sensing to Evaluate the Influence of Grassland Restoration Activities on Ecosystem Forage Provisioning Services
Authors: Malmstrom Carolyn M. , Butterfield H. Scott , Barber Christopher , Dieter Barbara , Harrison Richard , Qi Jiaquo , Riaño David , Schrotenboer Abbie , Stone Scott , Stoner Chantal J. , Wirka Jeanne
Published: July 2008

As valuation of ecosystem goods and services derived from ecological processes becomes increasingly important in environmental decision‐making, the need to quantify how restoration activities influence ecosystem function has grown more urgent, particularly within income‐generating or subsistence‐providing landscapes where economic needs and biodiversity goals must be balanced. However, quantification of restoration effects is often hindered by logistical issues, which include (1) the difficulty of systematically monitoring responses over large areas and (2) lack or loss of comparison sites necessary for assessing treatment effect. We explored the use of remote sensing to quantify the effects of native grass seeding and prescribed burns on ecosystem forage provisioning services within a California (U.S.A.) rangeland landscape. We used Landsat time series to monitor forage (green biomass) dynamics within 296 ha of treatment areas—distributed throughout a 36‐km2 watershed—for 6 years and to identify post hoc comparison areas when a priori comparisons were lacking. Remote sensing analysis documented gains and losses in forage provisioning services due to restoration efforts and provided critical information for adaptive management. Our results demonstrate the degree to which invaded grasslands can be resistant to change and suggest that increasing the functional complexity of restoration mixes might help increase forage availability and reduce opportunities for weed reinvasion.
Spontaneous Succession versus Technical Reclamation in the Restoration of Disturbed Sites
Authors: Prach Karel , Hobbs Richard J.
Published: July 2008

We address the question: under which circumstances can we rely upon spontaneous succession and when are technical measures more effective in restoration programs? To answer this question, the position of a disturbed site along the productivity–stress gradient was considered. The probability of attaining a target stage by spontaneous succession decreases toward both ends of the productivity–stress gradient, whereas the acceptance of technical measures generally increases. In correspondence with that, the monetary cost of restoration increases toward the ends of the gradient. Therefore, spontaneous succession is advocated especially if environmental site conditions are not very extreme.
Are Sleep Difficulties Associated With Migraine Attributable to Anxiety and Depression?
Authors: Vgontzas Angeliki , Cui Lihong , Merikangas Kathleen R.
Published: July 2008

Objective.— To examine whether sleep complaints reported by migraineurs can be attributed to comorbid anxiety and/or depression.

Background.— A consistent association between migraine and sleep complaints has been reported in community and clinical studies. However, anxiety and depression are often comorbid with migraine. Thus, it may be possible that the increased prevalence of sleep problems in migraineurs is attributable to comorbid anxiety and depression. To our knowledge, no previous studies have demonstrated that the associations are not solely attributed to comorbid anxiety and depression.

Design and Methods.— Controlled family study of anxiety disorders and substance use disorders in a community in New Haven County, CT. The sample included 221 probands (41 migraineurs) and their 261 directly interviewed first‐degree relatives (39 migrainuers), including parents, siblings, and offspring over age 18. A lifetime history of migraine was obtained using the Diagnostic Interview for Headache Syndromes. A lifetime history of psychiatric disorders was obtained using the semi‐structured Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia which was modified to incorporate Diagnostic and Statistical Manual diagnostic criteria. Several sleep items on current and lifetime sleep complaints were included as a subset of the interview.

Results.— There was a significant association between migraine and the number of sleep problems as well as several specific sleep symptoms among probands and their adult relatives. Adults with migraine reported having significantly more lifetime sleep problems (OR [CI] = 2.3 [1.1‐4.6]), and more current sleep difficulties, specifically, inadequate sleep (2.5 [1.2‐5.0]), difficulty falling asleep (3.0 [1.5‐6.3]), and persistent nightmares of childhood onset (4.3 [1.8‐9.9]) than those without migraine. The associations between sleep problems and migraine persisted after controlling for both lifetime and current anxiety and mood disorders.

Conclusions.— The association between sleep problems and migraine that is not solely explained by comorbid anxiety disorders or depression suggests that sleep problems should be evaluated among people with migraine.
Elimination of Menstrual‐Related Migraine Beneficially Impacts Chronification and Medication Overuse
Authors: Calhoun Anne , Ford Sutapa
Published: July 2008

Objectives.— This study seeks to determine whether menstrual‐related migraine (MRM) has a discrete, attributable impact on migraine chronicity and medication overuse.

Background.— Menstrual‐related migraine can be a disabling headache on its own; but when seen in headache clinics, it is often enmeshed in the setting of chronic migraine (CM) and medication overuse headache (MOH). Whereas nonspecific migraine preventives bestow their benefit uniformly, hormonal preventives (HPs)—when they are successful—address a discrete hormonal mechanism. They confer no known benefit to migraines that are not hormonally triggered. This selective property of HPs could potentially isolate MRM and segregate its effect on the overall clinical picture.

Methods.— This is a retrospective review of 229 consecutive women seen in follow‐up for hormonal prevention of MRM at an academic headache center. Patients kept standardized diaries from which separate menstrual‐week (MW) and non‐menstrual week (nonMW) headache indices were calculated and compared. Resolution of MRM was defined by reduction of the MW headache index to a score not exceeding the nonMW headache indices. Consumption of all acute and preventive agents used in the preceding month was tallied. We performed post‐treatment comparisons of medication usage and headache characteristics among subjects in whom MRM was resolved and those in whom it was not resolved.

Results.— At baseline, CM was present in 92% of subjects, 72% of whom also met criteria for MOH. Resolution of MRM was achieved in 81% of subjects who were compliant with HP and was associated with reversion to episodic migraine (59% vs 18%, P < .001) and resolution of medication overuse (54% vs 20%, P < .001). Resolution of MRM was associated with significant decreases in per capita consumption of triptans, opioids, all acute agents, and migraine preventive medications.

Conclusions.— Resolution of MRM correlated not only with conversion of CM to an episodic pattern, but also with a significant reduction in medication usage. It offers preliminary evidence that hormonal regimens may have a beneficial role in prevention of MRM.
Socio‐Economic Factors, Lifestyle, and Headache Disorders — A Population‐Based Study in Sweden
Authors: Molarius Anu , Tegelberg Åke , Öhrvik John
Published: July 2008

Objective.— To study the association between socio‐economic factors, lifestyle habits, and self‐reported recurrent headache/migraine (RH/M) in a general population.

Methods.— The study population comprised a random sample of men and women aged 18‐79 years. The data were obtained using a postal survey questionnaire during March‐May 2000. The overall response rate was 65%. The area investigated covers 58 municipalities with about one million inhabitants in central part of Sweden. The study is based on 43,770 respondents. Odds ratios for RH/M were calculated for a set of variables using multiple logistic regression models.

Results.— The overall prevalence of self‐reported RH/M during the last 3 months was 10% among men and 23% among women and decreased with increasing age.

Physically inactive subjects were more likely to suffer from headache disorders than physically active subjects. Smoking was only moderately associated with RH/M. There was an inverse relationship between heavy alcohol use and RH/M. Underweight and obesity were not associated with headache disorders when adjusted for socio‐economic factors.

Subjects with frequent economic problems had almost twice the risk of RH/M compared with subjects with no economic problems. Poor social support was associated with headache disorders and subjects who had been belittled during the last 3 months were more than twice as likely to suffer from RH/M as subjects who had not been belittled. The effect of educational level was modest. Marital status and country of origin were not associated with headache disorders after adjustment for other socio‐economic factors.

Dissatisfaction with work, worry about losing one's job, and absenteeism due to illness were strongly associated with headache disorders. Physical working conditions and working hours were not associated with RH/M.

Conclusion.— Headache disorders mainly affect young and middle‐aged adults. There are, however, socio‐economic disparities in self‐reported recurrent headache and migraine. The relationship was particularly evident for economic hardship and psychosocial factors. Of lifestyle factors, physical inactivity was strongly associated with headache disorders independent of economic and psychosocial factors.
Reversible Imaging Abnormalities Consistent With CSD During Migraine Without Aura Attack
Authors: Chalaupka Flavio Devetag
Published: July 2008

An 18‐year‐old man with a history of migraine without aura and normal neurological examination carried out a cerebral CT scan during a spontaneous typical migraine attack. While the CT scan demonstrated left temporal‐parietal‐occipital low attenuation, a brain magnetic resonance imaging, performed 5 days later, did not show any lesions.

Based on this evidence, we can speculate that the dysfunction of the cerebrovascular system, either in the cerebral cortex or in the subcortical regions, is an important mechanism in the pathophysiology of migraine.
Benign Raeder Syndrome Evolving Into Indomethacin‐Responsive Hemicranial Headache
Authors: Koutsis Georgios , Andreadou Elisabeth , Matsi Stavroula , Evangelopoulos Maria E. , Sfagos Constantinos
Published: July 2008

Benign Raeder syndrome is characterized by a self‐limiting unilateral continuous headache associated with ipsilateral ptosis, miosis, and frequently, facial hypohydrosis. Hemicrania continua is a chronic, strictly unilateral continuous headache associated with ipsilateral cranial autonomic symptoms. We report a 50‐year‐old man who presented with benign Raeder syndrome, which evolved into an indomethacin‐responsive hemicranial headache that resembled hemicrania continua.
Emerging Role of Epigenetics in the Actions of Alcohol
Authors: Shukla Shivendra D. , Velazquez Jose , French Samuel W. , Lu Shelly C. , Ticku Maharaj K. , Zakhari Samir
Published: July 2008

This review deals with the recent developments on the epigenetic effects of ethanol. A large body of data have come from studies in liver and in neuronal systems and involve post‐translational modifications in histones and methylations in DNA. Ethanol causes site selective acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation in histone. With respect to methylations the methyl group donating system involving S‐adenosyl methionine appears to play a central role. There is contrasting effect of acetylation versus methylation on the same site of histone, as it relates to the transcriptional activation. Epigenetic memory also appears to correlate with liver pathology and Mallory body formation. Experimental evidence supports transcriptional regulation of genes in the CNS by DNA methylations. These studies are contributing towards a better understanding of a novel epigenetic regulation of gene expression in the context of alcohol. The critical steps and the enzymes (e.g., histone acetyltransferase, histone deacetylase, DNA methyltransferase) responsible for the epigenetic modifications are prime targets for intense investigation. The emerging data are also beginning to offer novel insight towards defining the molecular actions of ethanol and may contribute to potential therapeutic targets at the nucleosomal level. These epigenetic studies have opened up a new avenue of investigation in the alcohol field.
Adjusting Alcohol Quantity for Mean Consumption and Intoxication Threshold Improves Prediction of Nonadherence in HIV Patients and HIV‐Negative Controls
Authors: Braithwaite R. Scott , Conigliaro Joseph , McGinnis Kathleen A. , Maisto Stephen A. , Bryant Kendall , Justice Amy C.
Published: July 2008

Background:  Screening for hazardous drinking may fail to detect a substantial proportion of individuals harmed by alcohol. We investigated whether considering an individual’s usual drinking quantity or threshold for alcohol‐induced cognitive impairment improves the prediction of nonadherence with prescribed medications.

Method:  Cross‐sectional analysis of participants in a large, multi‐site cohort study. We used the timeline followback to reconstruct 30‐day retrospective drinking histories and the timeline followback modified for adherence to reconstruct 30‐day medication adherence histories among 3,152 individuals in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study, 1,529 HIV infected and 1,623 uninfected controls. We categorized daily alcohol consumption by using quantity alone, quantity after adjustment for the individual’s mean daily alcohol consumption, and self‐reported level of impairment corresponding to each quantity. A standard drink was defined as 14 g of ethanol. Nonadherence was defined as the proportion of days with ≥1 medication doses missed or taken ≥2 hours late, and clinically significant nonadherence was defined as ≥5% absolute increase in the proportion of days with nonadherence.

Results:  The mean adjusted‐ and impairment‐based methods showed greater discrimination of nonadherence risk compared to the measure based on quantity alone (quantity‐based categorization, 3.2‐fold increase; quantity adjusted for mean daily consumption, 4.6‐fold increase, impairment‐based categorization, 3.6‐fold increase). The individualized methods also detected greater numbers of days with clinically significant nonadherence associated with alcohol. Alcohol was associated with clinically significant nonadherence at a lower threshold for HIV infected versus uninfected patients (2 standard drinks vs. 4 standard drinks) using quantity‐based categorization, but this difference was no longer apparent when individualized methods were used.

Conclusions:  Tailoring screening questions to an individual’s usual level of alcohol consumption or threshold for impairment improves the ability to predict alcohol‐associated medication nonadherence.
Voluntary Ethanol Consumption Differs in Adolescent and Adult Male Rats Using a Modified Sucrose‐Fading Paradigm
Authors: Maldonado Antoniette M. , Finkbeiner Lauren M. , Alipour Kent K. , Kirstein Cheryl L.
Published: July 2008

Background:  Initiation of alcohol consumption during adolescence is high, which usually begins with consumption of highly concentrated sweetened alcoholic beverages in adolescent humans. Enhanced voluntary ethanol (EtOH) intake has been observed previously in adolescent relative to adult rats under continuous access conditions using sweetened EtOH solutions. The present set of experiments investigated patterns of voluntary EtOH intake in adolescent and adult rats using sweetened EtOH solutions in a limited access paradigm.

Methods:  Rats were trained with modified sucrose‐substitution protocols that ended at either 5% sucrose‐20% EtOH (5S/20E) (Exp. 1) or 5% sucrose‐10% EtOH (5S/10E) (Exp. 2).

Results:  Voluntary EtOH consumption differences between the 2 age groups were apparent at higher (i.e., 10 and 20%), but not lower (i.e., 2 and 5%) EtOH concentrations. Adolescent rats consumed more EtOH on a g/kg basis only at 20% EtOH (Exp. 1). Adolescent rats voluntarily consumed more EtOH than adults when maintained at 5S/10E (Exp. 2). To assess whether these age‐related differences in voluntary EtOH intake were concentration dependent, rats were trained with 5S/20E and subsequently trained with decreasing EtOH concentrations (i.e., 5S/10E and 5S/5E). Adolescents consumed more EtOH when initially presented with the 5S/10E and 5S/20E EtOH concentrations, and subsequently at the lower 5S/5E EtOH concentration (Exp. 3). There were no differences in preference for the sucrose‐only solution, however adolescents tended to consume more sucrose at the 5S sucrose concentration (Exp. 4). Given that adolescents consumed more EtOH at the 5S/10E and 5S/20E, but not at the 5S/5E EtOH concentrations, preference for sucrose does not solely explain the age differences in voluntary EtOH intake observed.

Conclusions:  Overall, results replicate previous work, demonstrating adolescent rats consume more EtOH relative to adults. However, the present results were observed using sweetened EtOH solutions in a limited access paradigm. The present modified sucrose‐substitution paradigm may serve as a valid model of human adolescent drinking behavior.
Craving for Alcohol and Food During Treatment for Alcohol Dependence: Modulation by T Allele of 1519T>C GABAAα6
Authors: Han Doug Hyun , Bolo Nicholas , Daniels Melissa A. , Lyoo In Kyoon , Min Kyung Joon , Kim Chang Hyun , Renshaw Perry F.
Published: July 2008

Backgroud:  Craving for alcohol and food has been studied in association with alcohol dependence and eating disorders, respectively. One subclass of the gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, 1519T>C GABAAα6 has been reported to be associated with both alcohol dependence and weight gain. In this study, we hypothesized that patients being treated for alcohol dependence would report decreased craving for alcohol, but an increased craving for food during a 4‐week treatment period. We further hypothesized that the T allele of the 1519T>C GABAAα6 gene would modulate the extent of changes in craving for alcohol and food.

Methods:  This study included 98 male inpatients being treated for alcohol dependence. A 7‐point visual analog scale was applied to evaluate relative levels of alcohol and food craving at baseline and again 4 weeks later. Body weight was also checked at the same periods. Genotyping of the 1519T>C SNP in GABAAα6 was carried out by restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results:  There were significant changes in craving for alcohol and food in all patients with alcohol dependence. During the treatment period, body weight increased in all patients with alcohol dependence. Changes in alcohol and food craving in T‐allele carriers (CT + TT) of 1519T>C GABAAα6 were greater than those observed in CC homozygotes. In T‐allele carriers, body weight significantly increased and the changes in weight showed a negative correlation with the change in the craving for alcohol and a positive correlation with the changes in craving for food.

Discussion:  The current results suggest that in T‐allele carriers the change in craving for alcohol during treatment for alcohol dependence is negatively associated with changes in craving for food. The T allele of the 1519T>C GABAAα6 gene may be one of the modulating factors associated with changes in craving for alcohol and food during treatment of patients with alcohol dependence.
A case of transfusion‐transmitted hepatitis E caused by blood from a donor infected with hepatitis E virus via zoonotic food‐borne route
Authors: Matsubayashi Keiji , Kang Jong‐Hon , Sakata Hidekatsu , Takahashi Kazuaki , Shindo Motohiro , Kato Masaru , Sato Shinichiro , Kato Toshiaki , Nishimori Hiroyuki , Tsuji Kunihiko , Maguchi Hiroyuki , Yoshida Jun‐ichi , Maekubo Hiroshi , Mishiro Shunji , Ikeda Hisami
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: Five cases of transfusion transmission of hepatitis E virus (HEV) have been reported so far. The infection routes of the causative donors remain unclear, however. Also, the progress of virus markers in the entire course of HEV infection has not been well documented.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Nucleic acid testing was performed by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction targeting the open reading frame 2 region of HEV. Full‐length nucleotide sequences of HEV RNA were detected by direct sequencing.

RESULTS: Lookback study of a HEV‐positive donor revealed that the platelets (PLTs) donated from him 2 weeks previously contained HEV RNA and were transfused to a patient. Thirteen relatives including the donor were ascertained to enjoy grilled pork meats together in a barbecue restaurant 23 days before the donation. Thereafter, his father died of fulminant hepatitis E and the other 6 members showed serum markers of HEV infection. In the recipient, HEV was detected in serum on Day 22 and reached the peak of 7.2 log copies per mL on Day 44 followed by the steep increase of alanine aminotransferase. Immunoglobulin G anti‐HEV emerged on Day 67; subsequently, hepatitis was resolved. HEV RNA sequences from the donor and recipient were an identical, Japan‐indigenous strain of genotype 4. HEV RNA was detectable up to Day 97 in serum, Day 85 in feces, and Day 71 in saliva.

CONCLUSION: A transfusion‐transmitted hepatitis E case by blood from a donor infected via the zoonotic food‐borne route and the progress of HEV markers in the entire course are demonstrated. Further studies are needed to clarify the epidemiology and the transfusion‐related risks for HEV even in industrialized countries.