bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Work models in the Central Eastern European car industry: towards the high road?
Authors: Jürgens Ulrich , Krzywdzinski Martin
Published: November 2009

The integration of the Central Eastern European (CEE) countries into the European Union (EU) has provoked debates about the danger of a ‘race to the bottom’ in Europe caused by the low wages and weak labour regulation and labour standards in CEE. This article examines the evolution of work models in the CEE automotive industry. It argues that the work models in CEE did not take the low‐road trajectory. Rather, a limited high‐road model emerged in the 1990s, which combined skilled labour and secure employment for the core workforce with a broad margin of precarious employment, low wages and limited employee voice. In the context of labour shortages after the accession to the EU of the CEEs, companies faced recruitment problems and labour conflicts, which threatened to destabilise this model. The first reactions of firms pointed towards the strengthening of the high‐road orientation, but the development remains unstable, not least of all because of the economic crisis beginning in 2009.
Free movement, equal treatment and workers' rights: can the European Union solve its trilemma of fundamental principles?
Authors: Dølvik Jon Erik , Visser Jelle
Published: November 2009

This article analyses the trilemma the EU is facing concerning three fundamental principles on which the Community rests: free movement of services and labour; non‐discrimination and equal treatment, and the rights of association and industrial action. With rising cross‐border flows of services and (posted) labour after the Eastward enlargement, the conflict between these rights has triggered industrial disputes and judicial strife. In the view of the European Court of Justice (ECJ), highlighted in the Laval Quartet, some principles are more fundamental than others. Tracing the ‘dual track’ along which European integration has evolved, whereby supranational market integration has been combined with national semi‐sovereignty in industrial relations and social policies, our claim is that the supremacy of free movement over basic social rights implied by the ECJ judgments is leading Europe in a politically and socially unsustainable direction. To prevent erosion of the European Social Models and of popular support for European integration, the politicians have to reinsert themselves into the governance of the European project. A pertinent start would be to ensure that the rising mass of cross‐border service workers in Europe become subject to the same rights and standards as their fellow workers in the emerging pan‐European labour market.
The end of the Ghent system as trade union recruitment machinery?
Authors: Lind Jens
Published: November 2009

During the past 15 years, membership rates in many unions have been declining in Denmark, Finland and Sweden. Reasons for this decline may be similar to what has happened in other countries—occupational change and neoliberal ideology and policies—but in the three Ghent countries, changes in the unemployment insurance system may also have affected trade union membership losses. The major part of the decline has taken place in a period of low unemployment, which may have reduced the employee incentive to take unemployment insurance, but will increasing unemployment rates mean more trade union members? At least for the LO‐ and SAK‐affiliated trade unions, it seems that trade union independent unemployment funds may be alternatives for workers who take unemployment insurance.
The frontiers within: why employee representatives fail to set up European works councils
Authors: Whittall Michael , Lücking Stefan , Trinczek Rainer
Published: November 2009

This article reviews results of a study conducted by the Technische Universität München into why the majority of German multinationals covered by the European Works Council (EWC) Directive (1994) continue not to take advantage of this legal provision. After providing a brief outline of the project's research design, the main part of the article considers reasons why employee representatives fail to set up an EWC. As will be shown, these reasons mainly concern (i) a knowledge deficit about the EWC Directive; (ii) a lack of transparency regarding company structure; and (iii) the perceived limited value of an EWC on the part of German works councillors.
What Lies Beyond Same‐Sex Marriage? Marriage, Reproductive Freedom and Future Persons in Liberal Public Justification
Authors: MARCH ANDREW F.
Published: November 2009

abstract

In this article I consider whether the legalization of sex‐same marriage implies a right to incestuous marriage. I begin by suggesting that the liberal state get out of the ‘marriage’ business by leveling down to a universal civil union status. The question is then whether incestuous unions should be both legal and eligible for this status. I argue that the arguments compatible with public reason for prohibiting them outright, or even for excluding them from the permissible types of legally registered partnerships, are quite weak. The objections to allowing such relations are those from (1) child abuse; (2) unfair burdening of society; and (3) the creation of bad lives. I argue that while rape and other forms of child abuse would be no more legal or tolerated than they are now, the concern about any form of weakening a society's legal and political resources to combat such abuses does indeed register on the justificatory scale, but does not prove that such first‐degree incestuous sexual relations are inherently bad enough to warrant intervention in their own right. I then argue that the concern about unfairly burdening society with unhealthy persons is not as dangerously totalitarian as we might initially fear, but nor is it strong enough to justify an outright prohibition. Finally, I argue that a concern to dissuade persons from creating certain kinds of lives (children with extreme birth defects) is also not as dangerously totalitarian as we might initially fear, and in fact goes further towards explaining why we might have a legitimate interest in intervening. Nonetheless, I argue that the criminalization of such acts only make sense when they are indicators of other offenses, namely negligence or abuse, and it thus seems that the act of consanguineous reproduction is itself insufficient.
Widespread occurrence of the amphibian chytrid fungus in Kenya
Authors: Kielgast J. , Rödder D. , Veith M. , Lötters S.
Published: November 2009

Amphibians at the global scale are dramatically declining and the pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has been suggested to be an important driver in this biodiversity crisis. Increasing evidence points towards the global emergence of Bd being a panzootic caused by pathogen pollution. Africa has been suggested to be the origin of the pathogen but remains one of the least‐studied areas. We have conducted the most comprehensive survey on the continent to date focusing on Kenya for investigating taxonomic and environmental components in the distribution of Bd in tropical Africa. Eleven sites along a 770 km transect from the coast up to the border of Uganda were surveyed. Using quantitative PCR, we screened 861 samples from 23 different species in nine genera. The pathogen was confirmed at all studied sites, with an overall prevalence of 31.5%. No dead or symptomatic specimens were found and no declines have been reported in the region so far. Both prevalence and parasite load ranged from the detection limit to some of the highest ever reported. The parasite load showed a significant taxonomic bias and a strong inverse correlation with temperature. Our findings suggest that Bd may be enzootic in the region. We recommend that further research should focus on comparative experimental studies of susceptibility to Bd in African species. Moreover, we stress the need for improved knowledge on the conservation status of the tropical African amphibian fauna to confirm the enzootic nature of widespread Bd infections.
Tracking the decline of the once‐common butterfly: delayed oviposition, demography and population genetics in the hermit Chazara briseis
Authors: Kadlec T. , Vrba P. , Kepka P. , Schmitt T. , Konvicka M.
Published: November 2009

Large populations, seemingly not at risk of extinction, can decline rapidly due to alteration of habitat. This appears to be the case of the butterfly Chazara briseis, which is declining in all of Central and Eastern Europe, even from apparently large areas of its steppe grassland habitats. We combined mark–recapture, allozyme electrophoresis and adult behaviour observation to study the last remaining metapopulation of this once‐widespread butterfly in the Czech Republic. The total population estimate was 1300 males and 1050 females in 10 colonies within a 70 km2 landscape. Adults were long‐lived, and inseminated females required several weeks before they started ovipositing. Models using realistic lengths of the preoviposition period estimated that due to background mortality, only 25–55% of the female census population lived long enough to contribute to the next generation. This demographic load was unlikely to be balanced by an increased fecundity. Allozyme electrophoresis of 22 loci revealed much higher allelic variation than in most other studies of butterflies living in small populations (mean heterozygosity: 20.7%). If expressed as per individual colony, the genetic variation did not correlate with population density, survival or longevity. This was probably due to frequent movements among colonies; during 8 weeks of adult flight, 5.1% of recaptured males and 3.6% of recaptured females moved between colonies. The high preoviposition mortality indicates that populations of this species must contain more individuals compared with populations not suffering this additional demographic load. The high allelic diversity of each single colony suggests that the population as a whole has not undergone genetic bottlenecks, but now may be facing risks of inbreeding depression due to allele frequency shifts and the possible increase of weakly deleterious alleles. In the past, high effective population sizes were maintained by frequent dispersal in dense networks of steppic grasslands. Generous habitat restoration is necessary to safeguard populations of this specialized, yet formerly common species.
A novel non‐invasive tool for disease surveillance of free‐ranging whales and its relevance to conservation programs
Authors: Acevedo‐Whitehouse K. , Rocha‐Gosselin A. , Gendron D.
Published: November 2009

The numbers of potentially pathogenic microorganisms that have been isolated from stranded cetaceans in the last three decades underscore the urgent need for methods of detection of microorganisms that might cause significant disease and increase the likelihood of population declines. We have designed and implemented two non‐invasive techniques for the collection of exhaled breath condensate (blow) from free‐ranging whales and demonstrated their suitability for the detection of respiratory bacteria. We successfully collected 22 individual blow samples from eight cetacean species. Using well‐established molecular techniques we detected three bacterial genera (Haemophilus, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus). Haemophilus spp. was detected in fin whale Balaenoptera physalus, sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus, humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae and gray whale Eschrichtius robustus blows, while unidentified β‐hemolytic streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus were detected in gray whale and blue whale Balaenoptera musculus blows. The detection limit of the test was determined as 1 CFU mL−1. None of the identified bacteria were found in environmental (control) samples, suggesting that their presence in the blows was genuine and not due to inadvertent contamination. While the population‐level relevance of these bacteria is as yet unclear and it is possible that they are commensal microorganisms, S. aureus has been identified previously as a high‐risk pathogen to cetacean health, and streptococci have increasingly been associated with cetacean mortality events. We suggest that future cetacean monitoring programs of vulnerable or threatened species include blow sampling as a means to determine the prevalence of the respiratory bacteria in the populations and monitor spatiotemporal fluctuations as indicators of changes in cetacean health.
The phylogeny of the red panda (Ailurus fulgens): evidence from the forelimb
Authors: Fisher Rebecca E. , Adrian Brent , Barton Michael , Holmgren Jennifer , Tang Samuel Y.
Published: November 2009

Within the order Carnivora, the phylogeny of the red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is contentious, with morphological and molecular studies supporting a wide range of possible relationships, including close ties to procyonids, ursids, mustelids and mephitids. This study provides additional morphological data, including muscle maps, for the forelimb of Ailurus, based on the dissection of four cadavers from the National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA. The red panda forelimb is characterized by a number of primitive features, including the lack of m. rhomboideus profundus, a humeral insertion for m. cleidobrachialis, the presence of mm. brachioradialis, articularis humeri and coracobrachialis, a single muscle belly for m. extensor digitorum lateralis with tendons to digits III–V, four mm. lumbricales, and the presence of mm. flexor digitorum brevis manus, adductores digiti I, II and V, and abductor digiti I and V. Red pandas resemble Ailuropoda, mustelids and some procyonids in possessing a soft tissue origin of m. flexor digitorum superficialis. In addition, red pandas are similar to ursids and procyonids in having a variable presence of m. biceps brachii caput breve. Furthermore, Ailurus and some ursids lack m. rhomboideus capitis. The forelimb muscle maps from this study represent a valuable resource for analyzing the functional anatomy of fossil ailurids and some notes on the Miocene ailurid, Simocyon batalleri, are presented.
Activation of Krox20 gene expression by Sox10 in myelinating Schwann cells
Authors: Reiprich Simone , Kriesch Jana , Schreiner Silke , Wegner Michael
Published: November 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 744–754.

The high‐mobility group domain transcription factor Sox10 is believed to influence myelination in Schwann cells by directly activating myelin genes and by inducing Krox20 as a pivotal regulator of peripheral myelination. Krox20 induction at this stage is thought to be mediated by the myelinating Schwann cell element 35 kb downstream of the Krox20 transcriptional start site and requires cooperation with Oct6. Here, we prove for the first time in vivo that Schwann cell‐specific Krox20 expression indeed depends on Sox10. We also provide evidence that Sox10 functions through multiple, mostly monomeric binding sites in the myelinating Schwann cell element in a manner that should render the enhancer exquisitely sensitive to Sox10 levels. Synergistic activation of the enhancer by Sox10 and Oct6 furthermore does not involve cooperative binding to closely spaced binding sites in defined composite elements. Nevertheless, the POU domain of Oct6 and the high‐mobility group domain of Sox10 as the two DNA‐binding domains were both essential indicating that each transcription factor has to bind independently to DNA. Whereas the POU domain was the only important region of Oct6, two further Sox10 domains were required for synergistic Krox20 activation. These were the carboxyterminal transactivation domain and the conserved K2 domain in the central portion of Sox10. All required regions are conserved in several closely related POU and Sox proteins thus explaining why Oct6 and Sox10 can be replaced by their relatives during Krox20 induction in myelinating Schwann cells.
Home‐ranges and patterns of spatial use in territorial Bonelli’s Eagles Aquila fasciata
Authors: BOSCH RAFEL , REAL JOAN , TINTÓ ALBERT , ZOZAYA ELENA L. , CASTELL CARLES
Published: November 2009

Bonelli’s Eagle Aquila fasciata is one of the rarest birds of prey in Europe, where it has suffered a significant decline in recent decades. We present information on the home‐ranges and spatial parameters of 18 Bonelli’s Eagles radiotracked in 2002–2006 in Catalonia (northeast Spain) and describe the home‐range probability kernel, distances moved, breeding area eccentricity, territorial overlap, nearest neighbour distance and breeding site fidelity, and assess the influence of sex, breeding status, season and geographical area on these parameters. Median home‐range according to the minimum convex polygon (MCP) and 95% kernel were 50.3 and 36.1 km2, respectively. The median breeding area eccentricity was 1477 m. There was considerable overlap in the home‐range of both sexes within pairs (MCP: 71.4% and 95% kernel: 98.5%), indicating close pair bonding and similar foraging patterns. Overlap in home‐ranges of up to 15% between neighbouring individuals also occurred and was positively related to breeding pair density. There was no difference in spatial parameters between sexes or with breeding status, but during the non‐breeding season Eagles had larger home‐ranges and stayed further from nests. The high consistency across birds suggests a pattern of spatial use that is characteristic of this species. The high level of use of breeding areas and their surroundings (50% kernel) throughout the year makes it important that these areas be protected from human disturbance. Additionally, it is necessary that heavily used areas away from nesting sites, which are used for foraging and roosting, are identified, protected and managed in a sustainable fashion.
Environmental change and adaptation in degraded agro‐ecosystems: the case of highland Madagascar
Authors: Unruh Jon , McConnell Bill , Rodman Joe
Published: November 2009

While the view that the poorer agricultural populations in developing countries will be at the forefront of negative consequences due to environmental change is widely accepted, this perspective must become considerably more nuanced in order to recognise and take advantage of emerging opportunities for realistic adaptation. This paper presents a case from Madagascar that suggests adaptation opportunities involve more than looking for alternatives to what are presently perceived to be negative socio‐ecologic processes. In Madagascar the severe erosion occurring on the deforested central plateau actually appears to create, over time, opportunities for increased food security and environmental management compared with uneroded portions of the same landscape. The paper proposes that while concern and action are needed to attend to the problems that the poor of the developing world will face due to impacts from environmental change, the repercussions of such change on agricultural systems also need to be looked at in ways that involve recognising the local and aggregate potential opportunities that they may present in certain systems, in order to realise the prospects for adaptation.
PRIVATE BENEFITS: OWNERSHIP VERSUS CONTROL
Authors: Hwang Joon Ho , Hu Bill
Published: November 2009

We empirically decompose private benefits into benefits accruing from ownership and benefits accruing from control. We document that private benefits increase slowly with respect to the ownership level but increase rapidly with respect to the blockholder's likelihood of exercising control. The decomposition of private benefits allows us to quantify the magnitude of nonpecuniary private benefits by examining the block premium when the blockholder's likelihood of exercising control is close to zero. We find that the size of nonpecuniary private benefits ranges from 0.61% to 5.92% of the share price, or 18% to 29% of the total private benefits.
KEIRETSU AFFILIATION AND STOCK‐MARKET‐DRIVEN ACQUISITIONS
Authors: Brown Christine , Fung Carlson
Published: November 2009

We examine misvaluation as a driver of takeover activity in Japan. Mirroring empirical results from the United States, we find that overvaluation is an important factor affecting the dichotomy between acquirers and nonacquirers in Japan. Being affiliated to a keiretsu group appears to reduce the probability that an overvalued firm will decide to acquire another firm. Misvaluation is also an important determinant of the likelihood of a firm becoming a target; however, there is no significant difference between keiretsu and nonkeiretsu firms in this regard. Shareholders of keiretsu‐affiliated acquirers do not gain from acquisitions, whereas acquisitions by nonaffiliated firms do seem to be value enhancing.
Severe seizures associated with traumatic brain injury managed by controlled hypothermia, pharmacologic coma, and mechanical ventilation in a dog
Authors: Hayes Galina M.
Published: November 2009

Objective –To describe the management and outcome of a dog presenting with intractable seizures associated with traumatic brain injury.

Case Summary –A spayed female Wheaten Terrier was presented to an emergency clinic with neurologic deficits (modified Glasgow coma scale of 10) shortly after a road traffic accident. Seizures were uncontrolled despite aggressive pharmacologic intervention. Controlled hypothermia to achieve a rectal temperature of 33–35°C (91.4–95°F) was initiated as a protective measure to reduce intracranial pressure and cerebral metabolic rate, and to assist with seizure control. Intubation and mechanical ventilation were required to protect the airway and manage hypercapnia associated with hypoventilation. The patient went on to make a full recovery, although behavioral changes were noted by the owners for an 8‐week period following injury.

New or Unique Information Provided –To the author's knowledge, this is the first instance of therapeutic hypothermia reported in the veterinary literature. A short review of this treatment modality is provided.
A comparison of total calcium, corrected calcium, and ionized calcium concentrations as indicators of calcium homeostasis among hypoalbuminemic dogs requiring intensive care
Authors: Sharp Claire R. , Kerl Marie E. , Mann F.A.
Published: November 2009

Objective –(1) To evaluate whether total calcium (tCa) correlates with ionized calcium (iCa) in hypoalbuminemic dogs; (2) to evaluate whether calcium adjusted for albumin (Alb), or total protein (TP), or both accurately predict iCa concentrations and hence can be used to monitor calcium homeostasis in critically ill hypoalbuminemic dogs; and (3) to evaluate factors associated with any potential discrepancy in calcium classification between corrected total and ionized values.

Design –Prospective observational clinical study.

Setting –Small animal intensive care unit in a veterinary medical teaching hospital.

Animals –Twenty‐eight client‐owned dogs with hypoalbuminemia.

Interventions –None.

Measurements and Main Results –iCa was determined using ion‐specific electrode methodology, on heparinized plasma. The tCa concentration was adjusted for Alb and TP using published equations. In total 29% (8/28) of the hypoalbuminemic, critically ill dogs in this study were hypocalcemic at intensive care unit admission, as determined by iCa measurement. Corrected calcium values failed to accurately classify calcium status in 67.9% and 64.3% of cases, according to whether the Alb‐adjusted or TP‐adjusted values, respectively, were used. The sensitivity and specificity of the tCa to evaluate hypocalcemia was 100% and 47%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the correction formulae were 37.5% and 79% for the Alb‐adjusted values and 37.5% and 74% for TP‐adjusted values. tCa overestimated the presence of hypocalcemia and underestimated the presence of normocalcemia, while corrected calcium values overestimated the presence of normocalcemia and underestimated the presence of hypocalcemia.

Conclusions –Calcium homeostasis in hypoalbuminemic critically ill dogs should be evaluated by iCa concentrations rather than tCa or calcium adjusted for Alb or TP. Given that tCa has 100% sensitivity for detecting hypocalcemia in this population it is recommended that all hypoalbuminemic and critically ill patients with low tCa should be evaluated with an iCa measurement.
Airway obstruction in a dog after Dieffenbachia ingestion
Authors: Peterson Katherine , Beymer Jessica , Rudloff Elke , O'Brien Mauria
Published: November 2009

Objective
–
To describe a case of Dieffenbachia ingestion in a dog presented for dysphagia and airway obstruction successfully treated with a temporary tracheostomy and supportive care beyond that reported in the veterinary literature.

Case Summary
–
An 8‐year‐old male neutered Labrador Retriever, weighing 30 kg, was presented with the complaint of choking and gagging. Abdominal radiographs showed that he had a distended stomach full of foreign material and a gastrotomy was performed. After receiving preanesthetic medication, the dog developed inspiratory stridor and during anesthetic induction, marked oropharyngeal swelling complicated tracheal intubation. During surgery a large amount of dog bedding and Dieffenbachia plant material was removed. Because of the severity of the oropharyngeal swelling, the dog required a temporary tracheostomy and treatment for an acute allergic reaction related to the Dieffenbachia ingestion. The patient was discharged after 6 days in the hospital and had no significant complications.

New or Unique Information Provided
–
To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of successful treatment of an airway obstruction related to the toxicity of Dieffenbachia ingestion.
Measurements of microvascular perfusion in healthy anesthetized dogs using orthogonal polarization spectral imaging
Authors: Silverstein Deborah C. , Pruett‐Saratan II Antonio , Drobatz Kenneth J.
Published: November 2009

Objective
–
To determine normal microvascular assessment parameters for healthy, anesthetized dogs.

Design
–
Prospective investigational descriptive study.

Setting
–
University Teaching Hospital.

Animals
–
Fifteen client‐owned, systemically healthy dogs that were undergoing general anesthesia for an elective procedure.

Interventions
–
A sidestream dark‐field videomicroscope probe was placed in the mouth at the mucogingival junction above the canine tooth and 3 video recordings of the microcirculation were made for later analysis by 2 independent, blinded reviewers.

Measurements and Main Results
–
The videos were analyzed to determine the total vessel density, proportion of perfused vessels, microcirculatory flow index, and perfused vessel density. A range of values for these indices were obtained and reported.

Conclusions
–
The microcirculation of normal dogs is readily observable using the videomicroscope and recorded video segments can be used to determine microcirculatory measurements. These values may prove useful for comparison in future studies that examine canine microcirculatory parameters.
The benzoxathiolone LYR‐71 down‐regulates interferon‐γ‐inducible pro‐inflammatory genes by uncoupling tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT‐1 in macrophages
Authors: Chung E‐Y , Kim B‐H , Lee I‐J , Roh E , Oh S‐J , Kwak J‐A , Lee Y‐R , Ahn B , Nam S‐Y , Han S‐B , Kim Y
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose:  Benzoxathiolone derivatives have shown anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential in acne and psoriatic disorders. However, little is known about the molecular basis for these pharmacological effects. In this study, we decided to investigate the anti‐inflammatory actions of a benzoxathiolone derivative LYR‐71, 6‐methyl‐2‐propylimino‐6,7‐dihydro‐5H‐benzo[1,3]oxathiol‐4‐one, in interferon (IFN)‐γ‐activated macrophages.

Experimental approach:  RAW 264.7 macrophages or primary macrophages, derived from bone marrow of C3H/HeJ mice, were stimulated with IFN‐γ in the presence of LYR‐71. Nitric oxide (NO) or chemokine production was measured by Griess reaction or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. RAW 264.7 cells were used to examine the molecular mechanisms of LYR‐71 in modulating IFN‐γ‐induced inflammatory responses.

Key results:  LYR‐71 down‐regulated IFN‐γ‐induced transcription of inducible NO synthase, IFN‐γ‐inducible protein‐10 and the monokine induced by IFN‐γ genes in macrophages. This effect was mediated by uncoupling tyrosine phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)‐1 in response to IFN‐γ. LYR‐71 directly inhibited the in vitro catalytic activity of Janus kinase (JAK)‐2. Further, the inhibitory actions of LYR‐71 on IFN‐γ‐induced STAT‐1 phosphorylation and NO production were consistently abolished in the presence of peroxyvanadate, implying another target dependent on protein tyrosine phosphatase.

Conclusions and implications:  Taken together, LYR‐71 could restrain IFN‐γ‐induced inflammatory responses through uncoupling the tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT‐1, an activation index of JAK–STAT‐1 signalling, in macrophages. These results may provide a molecular mechanism underlying anti‐inflammatory actions shown by benzoxathiolone derivatives.
Altered Cardiovascular Reactivity to Mental Stress But Not to Cold Pressure Test in Migraine
Authors: Domingues Renan B. , Fonseca Kelly B. , Ziviane Luciene F. , Domingues Simone A. , Vassalo Dalton
Published: November 2009

(Headache 2010;50:133‐137)

Objectives.— This study assessed cardiovascular reactivity to mental stress and cold pressure test in migraineurs and controls. It compared the cardiovascular reactivity between patients with migraine with aura and patients with migraine without aura.

Background.— Several studies have assessed the autonomic nervous system functioning and cardiovascular responses to stressor stimuli in migraine. Cold pressure test and sustained attention tasks are distinct forms of induced stress. It is still unknown if patients with migraine have distinct patterns of response to sustained attention tasks and cold pressure test, since no previous studies have evaluated the cardiovascular responses to these 2 distinct types of stress in the same population of migraine patients.

Methods.— Two distinct protocols were used to induce cardiovascular reactivity. Mental stress was induced by using a Stroop test card, a procedure involving the maintenance of the attention control. The other protocol was the cold pressure test. The blood pressure and heart rate were digitally recorded in rest and test phases. The mean elevation and the variance of blood pressure and heart rate were compared between groups.

Results.— Patients with migraine had higher rest systolic blood pressure and lower heart rate induced by mental stress than controls. There were no differences between migraineurs and controls with cold pressure test. There were no differences between migraineurs with and without aura.

Conclusion.— There was a significantly different pattern of cardiovascular reactivity between migraineurs and controls with mental stress but not with cold pressure test. Distinct central nervous system structures are involved in these 2 types of stress. A distinct pattern of activation of the prefrontal cortex—periaqueductal gray matter circuit in migraine may explain a singular autonomic reactivity to mental stress in this disease.
Migraine Does Not Affect Cognitive Decline: Results From the Maastricht Aging Study
Authors: Baars Maria A.E. , Van Boxtel Martin P.J. , Jolles Jelle
Published: November 2009

(Headache 2010;50:176‐184)

Objective.— To investigate the effects of migraine and related pharmacotherapy on cognitive performance and cognitive change over time in a longitudinal population‐based study.

Methods.— Migraineurs (n = 99) and healthy controls (n = 1724) participating in the Maastricht Aging Study were cognitively tested at baseline and after 6 years. Scores on Mini Mental State Examination, immediate and delayed recall tests, and tests for simple and complex speed were compared for both groups. Generalized Estimating Equations analyses were performed to test the longitudinal effects of migraines on cognition. Effects of migraine medication use were also tested.

Results.— Migraine headaches were found to have no effect on any of the cognitive measures. Medication use also had no effect on all cognitive measures.

Conclusions.— No evidence was found that migraine headaches or migraine‐related medication use are risk or protective factors for cognitive dysfunction or cognitive deterioration over time.
Rupture of Middle Fossa Arachnoid Cyst Simulating New‐Onset Migraine With Aura
Authors: Gil‐Gouveia Raquel , Miguens José , Coiteiro Domingos
Published: November 2009

(Headache 2010;50:314‐322)

Arachnoid cysts represent a common, innocent, finding in routine neuroimaging of headache patients. We present the first report of symptomatic migraine with aura caused by the spontaneous rupture of a middle fossa arachnoid cyst into the subdural space. Brain imaging enabled an accurate diagnosis and, subsequently, adequate surgical management.
Kynurenate Derivative Attenuates the Nitroglycerin‐Induced CamKIIα and CGRP Expression Changes
Authors: Vámos Enikő , Fejes Annamária , Koch Júlia , Tajti János , Fülöp Ferenc , Toldi József , Párdutz Árpád , Vécsei László
Published: November 2009

(Headache 2010;50:834‐843)

Objective.— To examine the efficacy of L‐kynurenine and a novel kynurenic acid derivative on the nitroglycerin‐induced calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II alpha (CamKIIα) and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) expression changes in the rat caudal trigeminal nucleus.

Background.— Systemic administration of the nitric oxide donor nitroglycerin can trigger an attack in migraineurs. In the rat, nitroglycerin activates second‐order neurons in the caudal trigeminal nucleus, and increases expression of the CamKIIα and decreases that of the CGRP there. As glutamatergic mechanisms may be crucial in trigeminal pain processing, the aim of our study was to examine the effects of L‐kynurenine, a metabolic precursor of the N‐methyl D‐aspartate receptor antagonist kynurenic acid, on the nitroglycerin‐induced changes in CamKIIα and CGRP immunoreactivity.

Methods.— One hour before the nitroglycerin (10 mg/kg bodyweight, s.c.) injection, the animals were pretreated with L‐kynurenine (300 mg/kg bodyweight, i.p.) or 2‐(2‐N,N‐dimethylaminoethylamine‐1‐carbonyl)‐1H‐quinolin‐4‐one hydrochloride (300 mg/kg bodyweight, i.p.), a novel kynurenic acid derivative. Four hours later, the rats were perfused transcardially and the cervical spinal cord segments were removed for immunohistochemistry.

Results.— L‐kynurenine and 2‐(2‐N,N‐dimethylaminoethylamine‐1‐carbonyl)‐1H‐quinolin‐4‐one hydrochloride pretreatment attenuated the nitroglycerin‐induced changes in CamKIIα and CGRP immunoreactivity in the rat caudal trigeminal nucleus.

Conclusions.— These findings suggest a mechanism by which the inhibition of the excitatory amino acid receptors by kynurenic acid and its derivatives can alter trigeminal nociception.
Functional cortical deafferentation from the subcortical structures in a patient with early myoclonic encephalopathy: A functional neuroimaging study
Authors: Hirose Mieko , Haginoya Kazuhiro , Yokoyama Hiroyuki , Tanaka Soichiro , Uematsu Mitsugu , Kaneta Tomohiro , Takayanagi Masaru , Kon Kimiya , Yoshihara Yasushi , Iinuma Kazuie , Tsuchiya Shigeru
Published: November 2009

We, for the first time, used functional neuroimaging analyses for a girl with early myoclonic encephalopathy (EME). The interictal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and [18F]‐fluoro‐d‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) at 1 month of age showed hypoperfusion and hypometabolism of bilateral basal ganglia, thalami, and the right parietooccipital cerebral cortices, showing that there is profound dysfunction of the basal ganglia and thalamus as well as cerebral cortex. On the other hand, subtraction ictal SPECT of tonic spasms clearly showed hyperperfusion of the bilateral basal ganglia, thalami, brainstem, and deep cortical layer of bilateral frontoparietal cortices. The present study suggests that functional deafferentation of the cortex from subcortical structures exists in EME, and that these imaging abnormalities may provide insight into the pathophysiology of suppression‐burst pattern in EME.
Normal Body Mass Index Rather than Obesity Predicts Greater Mortality in Elderly People: The Jerusalem Longitudinal Study
Authors: Stessman Jochanan , Jacobs Jeremy M. , Ein‐Mor Eliana , Bursztyn Michael
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality in older people.

DESIGN: A longitudinal cohort study of an age‐homogenous, representative sample born in 1920/21.

SETTING: Community‐based home assessments.

PARTICIPANTS: West Jerusalem residents born in 1920/21 examined at baseline in 1990 (n=447), with additional recruitment waves in 1998 (n=870) and 2005 (n=1,086).

MEASUREMENTS: Comprehensive assessment of health variables including BMI (m/kg2) at ages 70, 78, and 85. The primary outcome of mortality was collected from age 70 to 88 (1990–2008). Adjusted Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality according to unit increase in BMI.

RESULTS: A unit increase in BMI in women resulted in HRs of 0.94, (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.89–0.99) at age 70, 0.95 (95% CI=0.91–0.98) at age 78, and 0.91 (95% CI=0.86–0.98) at age 85. Similarly, in men, HRs were 0.99 (95% CI=0.95–1.05) at age 70, 0.94 (95% CI=0.91–0.98) at age 78, and 0.91 (95% CI=0.86–0.98) at age 85. A time‐dependent analysis of 450 subjects followed for 18 years confirmed the above findings; a unit increase in BMI resulted in HRs of 0.93 (95% CI=0.87–0.99) in women and 0.93(95% CI=0.88–0.98) in men. Eliminating the first third of follow‐up mortality to account for possibility of reverse causality did not change the results.

CONCLUSION: Higher BMI was associated with lower mortality from age 70 to 88.
Should Oral Nutritional Supplementation Be Given to Undernourished Older People upon Hospital Discharge? A Controlled Trial
Authors: McMurdo Marion E. T. , Price Rosemary J. G. , Shields Melanie , Potter Jan , Stott David J.
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVES:To determine whether the oral nutritional supplementation of undernourished older people upon discharge from hospital improves muscle function and reduces disability.

DESIGN:Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING:Community‐based study in two centers in Scotland.

PARTICIPANTS:Two hundred fifty‐three people.

INTERVENTION:Randomization to oral nutritional supplementation (600 kcal/d) or control supplement of 200 kcal/d.

MEASUREMENTS:Primary outcome (20‐point activity of daily living Barthel Index) and secondary outcomes (handgrip strength, Sit‐to‐Stand test, and Euroquol) were measured at baseline (after discharge from the hospital and before supplement was commenced) and 8 and 16 weeks and accelerometry‐measured physical activity levels at baseline and 16 weeks. Falls were recorded prospectively.

RESULTS:Mean age was 82. There was no significant difference in change in Barthel score between supplement and control groups (adjusted mean difference=0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI)=−0.28–0.84). Handgrip strength improved more in the supplemented group (adjusted mean difference=1.52 kg, 95% CI=0.50–2.55;P=.004). The supplemented group exhibited modestly greater vector movement (overall activity) than controls (P=.02). There were no significant between‐group differences in Sit‐to‐Stand test, health‐related quality of life, or falls. Adherence was 38.2% in the nutritional supplement group and 50.0% in the control supplement group. Weight did not increase in the nutritional supplement group as a whole, but on‐treatment analysis adjusting for adherence showed a mean weight gain of 1.17 kg (95% CI=0.07–2.27;P=.04) more than in controls.

CONCLUSION:Oral nutritional supplementation of undernourished older people upon hospital discharge did not reduce disability, despite improving handgrip strength and modestly increasing objectively measured physical activity levels. Lack of an effect of the nutritional supplement used in this study may have been due to low adherence, suggesting that different approaches to nutritional supplementation need to be tested in this population.
Validation of Coronary Sinus Activation Pattern During Left Atrial Appendage Pacing for Beat‐to‐Beat Assessment of Mitral Isthmus Conduction/Block
Authors: PAISEY JOHN , BETTS TIM R. , BONO JOSEPH DE , RAJAPPAN KIM , TOMLINSON DAVID , BASHIR YAVER
Published: November 2009

Assessment of Mitral Isthmus. Introduction: Mitral isthmus (MI) ablation for treatment of perimitral flutter is often performed during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation but is technically challenging. Traditional assessment of MI conduction by left atrial activation mapping while pacing from either side of the line is time‐consuming, and cannot be performed during ongoing ablation. Analysis of the coronary sinus (CS) activation pattern during left atrial appendage (LAA) pacing has been proposed as a simpler technique for evaluating MI conduction, enabling beat‐to‐beat assessment of conduction during ablation procedures and prompt identification of conduction block.

Methods:
MI conduction was evaluated in 40 patients undergoing MI ablation using both: ((i) endocardial activation mapping and other standard techniques, and (ii) CS activation pattern during LAA pacing (change from distal‐to‐proximal activation to proximal‐to‐distal taken to signify the onset of MI block)

Results:
CS activation sequence was used to assess conduction in 39 of 40 patients (unable to advance CS catheter distally in one case). MI block was achieved in 36 of 39 cases. The mean MI conduction time (LAA to distal CS) was 92.9 ± 25.9 ms prior to ablation and 178.4 ± 59.9 ms after MI block was confirmed. The mean step‐out in conduction time at point of block was 80.8 ± 40.6 ms. In all individuals in whom CS activation indicated block, there was concordance with endocardial activation, differential pacing and, where detectable, presence of widely split double potentials. CS lesions were required to achieve block in 24 of 36 (67%) successful cases. Radiofrequency application time and procedure time to achieve MI block were 10.8 ± 6.0 minutes and 21.1 ± 15.3 minutes, respectively. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 418–422, April 2010)
Long‐Term Functional and Neurocognitive Recovery in Patients Who Had an Acute Cerebrovascular Event Secondary to Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: PATEL DIMPI , BAILEY SHANE M. , FURLAN ANTHONY J. , CHING MARILOU , ZACHAIB JONATHAN , DI BIASE LUIGI , MOHANTY PRASANT , HORTON RODNEY P. , BURKHARDT J. DAVID , SANCHEZ JAVIER E. , ZAGRODZKY JASON D. , GALLINGHOUSE G. JOSEPH , SCHWEIKERT ROBERT , SALIBA WALID , NATALE ANDREA
Published: November 2009

PVAI and Stroke. Introduction: Cerebral thromboembolic event (CTE) is a possible complication of pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI). The objective of this study was to report long‐term functional and neurocognitive recovery in patients who had a CTE during or within 48 hours of catheter ablation.

Methods and Results:
We screened 3,060 patients who underwent PVAI between January 2000 and June 2007. Out the 3,060 patients, 26 patients (0.8%) (61 ± 8 years, 88% males) had a CTE during or within 48 hours of the procedure. We followed these 26 patients (study group) over time and assessed their functional and neurocognitive recovery status. No preferential vascular territory for the site of obstruction was found; right anterior circulation‐5 patients (26%), left anterior circulation‐5 patients (26%), posterior circulation‐3 patients (16%), and 2 or more territories‐6 patients (32%), (P‐value = 0.8). The average international normalized ratio at the time of CTE was 1.33 ± 0.4. Two patients died during the study period. At the end of 38.4 ± 24 months follow‐up, most surviving patients had complete neurocognitive and functional recovery irrespective of the severity of periprocedural stroke.

Conclusions:
Periprocedural stroke in the setting of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is relatively rare. When it occurs, complete functional and neurocognitive recovery over time is the likely outcome for most patients. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 412–417, April 2010)
Clinical Performance of the St. Jude Medical Riata Defibrillation Lead in a Large Patient Population
Authors: PORTERFIELD JAMES G. , PORTERFIELD LINDA M. , KUCK KARL H. , CORBISIERO RAFFAELE , GREENBERG STEVEN M. , HINDRICKS GERHARD , WAZNI OUSSAMA , BEAU SCOTT L. , HERRE JOHN M.
Published: November 2009

Clinical Performance of the St. Jude Medical Riata Defibrillation Lead in a Large Patient Population. Objective: The purpose of this large multicenter study was to evaluate the long‐term reliability of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead to determine the incidence of adverse events (AEs).

Background:
A recent concern has been the performance of cardiac defibrillator leads. There have been conflicting reports regarding the rate of lead perforation and other AEs.

Methods:
Medical records from patients implanted from 6‐1‐2001 to 11‐27‐2007 with the St. Jude Medical Riata family of RV leads at 23 US (N = 12,969) and 5 German (N = 2,418) centers were reviewed for chronic lead‐related AEs. These included perforation, dislodgment, conductor fracture and insulation damage. The mean follow‐up period was 18.0 months. AEs were defined as those that required Riata lead revision, extraction, or replacement.

Results:
The incidence of lead AEs was <1% for each AE type. Perforation occurred in 0.38%, dislodgement in 0.93%, conductor fracture in 0.18%, and insulation damage in 0.21% of patients studied.

Conclusions:
During the follow‐up of the 15,387 patients with Riata leads, the incidence of AEs which included perforation, dislodgement, conductor fraction and insulation damage was low and within the range of what is considered clinically acceptable. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 551‐556, May 2010)
Performance of a Radiation Protection Cabin During Implantation of Pacemakers or Cardioverter Defibrillators
Authors: PLOUX SYLVAIN , RITTER PHILIPPE , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL , CLEMENTY JACQUES , BORDACHAR PIERRE
Published: November 2009

Radioprotection for Cardiac Device Implant. Introduction: Pacemaker implants are associated with a high cumulative exposure of the operators to radiation. Standard radiation protection with lead aprons is incomplete and the cause of spine disorders. A radiation protection cabin offers complete protection by surrounding the operator, without requiring a lead apron.

Methods:
We randomly and evenly assigned 60 patients undergoing implantations of permanent pacemakers or cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) with (a) a radiation protection cabin (cabin group, n = 30) versus (b) standard protection with a 0.5 mm lead‐equivalent apron (control group, n = 30). Radiation exposure was measured using personal electronic dosimeters placed on the thorax, back, and head of the operator.

Results:
The patient, procedural, and device characteristics of the 2 study groups were similar. All procedures in the cabin group were performed as planned without increase in duration or complication rate compared with the control group. The mean radiation dose to the head, normalized for fluoroscopy duration, was significantly lower in the cabin (0.040 ± 0.032 μSv/min) than in the control (1.138 ± 0.560 μSv/min) group (p < 0.0001). The radiation doses to the thorax (0.043 ± 0.027 vs 0.041 ± 0.040 μSv/min) and back (0.038 ± 0.029 vs 0.033 ± 0.018 μSv/min) in the cabin versus control group (under the apron) were similar.

Conclusions: The use of a radiation protection cabin markedly decreased the exposure of the operator to radiation, and eliminated the need to wear a lead apron, without increasing the procedural time or complication rate during implantation of pacemaker and ICD. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 428–430, April 2010)