bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Helicobacter pylori status and the extent of gastric atrophy do not affect ulcer healing after endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Kakushima Naomi , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Yahagi Naohisa , Kodashima Shinya , Nakamura Masanori , Omata Masao
Published: April 2006

Background:  Eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori is effective in preventing peptic ulcer recurrence, but its efficacy in ulcer healing is still controversial. The effect of H. pylori on artificial ulcers after endoscopic resection is not known. The purpose of the present study was therefore to evaluate the influence of H. pylori infection on ulcer healing after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).

Methods:  One hundred and 10 patients who underwent ESD for gastric tumors, and for whom the infection status of H. pylori was confirmed before treatment, were included. The healing stage was studied by endoscopy performed at 8 weeks after ESD. In addition, 73 patients whose serum pepsinogen (PG) was evaluated before ESD, were divided into three groups: PG positive (PGI ≤ 70 ng/mL and I/II ≤ 3 ng/mL), strongly positive (PGI ≤ 30 ng/mL and I/II ≤ 2 ng/mL) and negative, to study the influence of atrophic gastritis on ulcer healing.

Results:  Ulcer healing was observed in 85 patients (93%) who were H. pylori positive, and in 19 patients (100%) in whom H. pylori had been eradicated previously. Serum PG level had no influence on the healing process. Among 15 patients with ulceration or ulcer scar with the lesion, ulcer healing was observed in nine patients (60%), which was significantly low.

Conclusions:  Infection status of H. pylori and the extent of gastric atrophy do not affect ulcer healing after ESD. Preoperative existence of fibrotic change in the submucosal layer may delay the healing process.
Clinicopathological study of scirrhous hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kurogi Mina , Nakashima Osamu , Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Fujimoto Masaru , Kojiro Masamichi
Published: April 2006

Background and Aims:  Scirrhous hepatocellular carcinoma (SHCC) is characterized by diffuse fibrosis of the tumor, however, its clinicopathological features are not fully clarified. This study aimed to clarify the clinicopathological features of SHCC.

Methods:  Among 546 consecutively resected HCC without preoperative anticancer therapies, 25 SHCC were selected for the study and compared with 521 cases without scirrhous as the control.

Results:  SHCC accounted for 4.6% of cases. On diagnostic imagings, SHCC was frequently misdiagnosed as cholangiocarcinoma (CC), combined HCC‐CC or metastatic carcinoma. Overall survival rate was significantly higher than the control. The average (±SD) tumor size of SHCC was 3.4 ± 1.8 cm without significant difference to the control. The majority of SHCC (88%) were located close to the liver capsule. SHCC was characterized by stellate fibrosis (84%), no encapsulation (100%), no necrosis and hemorrhage (100%), intratumoral portal tracts (80%), remarkable lymphocyte infiltration (84%), clear cell change (84%), and hyaline bodies (52%). The number of α‐smooth muscle actin‐positive myofibroblast‐like cells (activated stellate cells) in the tumor was about three times more than that in the control. Regarding the developmental mechanism of scirrhous change, a close correlation with unique tumor location and activation of stellate cells was suggested.

Conclusion:  SHCC presents with characteristic clinicopathological features and the recognition of SHCC is important for both clinicians and pathologists.
Expression of microsomal epoxide hydrolase is elevated in Alzheimer's hippocampus and induced by exogenous β‐amyloid and trimethyl‐tin
Authors: Liu Mei , Sun Anyang , Shin Eun‐Joo , Liu Xianxi , Kim Sang‐Geon , Runyons Cecil R. , Markesbery William , Kim Hyoung‐Chun , Bing Guoying
Published: April 2006

The brain is a potential target for drugs and environmental toxins. Microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) is one of several critical biotransformation enzymes in xenobiotic metabolism and detoxification. In the present study, we report that the expression of mEH is significantly elevated in the hippocampus and associated cortex, but not in the cerebellum, in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. A large proportion of the mEH‐positive cells are located around β‐amyloid plaques. The mEH‐positive‐staining cells are astrocytes and pyramidal neurons. Western blotting analysis confirmed increased expression of mEH in AD hippocampal tissues. In primary hippocampal glial culture, β‐amyloid aggregation stimulated mEH expression in the astrocytes, which displayed a patchy distribution. An environmental neurotoxic agent, trimethyl‐tin, also activated mEH expression in rat hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. The present study demonstrates a significant increase in mEH expression in the AD hippocampus, a region showing abundant neuropathology in AD. The expression of mEH could also be elevated by exposure to exogenous β‐amyloid in vitro and environmental toxins in vivo. Our studies suggest that mEH may play a role in pathogenesis of neurodegeneration in response to environmental stress.
Non‐fibrillar β‐amyloid abates spike‐timing‐dependent synaptic potentiation at excitatory synapses in layer 2/3 of the neocortex by targeting postsynaptic AMPA receptors
Authors: Shemer Isaac , Holmgren Carl , Min Rogier , Fülöp Livia , Zilberter Misha , Sousa Kyle M. , Farkas Tamás , Härtig Wolfgang , Penke Botond , Burnashev Nail , Tanila Heikki , Zilberter Yuri , Harkany Tibor
Published: April 2006

Cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) stems from the progressive dysfunction of synaptic connections within cortical neuronal microcircuits. Recently, soluble amyloid β protein oligomers (Aβols) have been identified as critical triggers for early synaptic disorganization. However, it remains unknown whether a deficit of Hebbian‐related synaptic plasticity occurs during the early phase of AD. Therefore, we studied whether age‐dependent Aβ accumulation affects the induction of spike‐timing‐dependent synaptic potentiation at excitatory synapses on neocortical layer 2/3 (L2/3) pyramidal cells in the APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mouse model of AD. Synaptic potentiation at excitatory synapses onto L2/3 pyramidal cells was significantly reduced at the onset of Aβ pathology and was virtually absent in mice with advanced Aβ burden. A decreased α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole propionate (AMPA)/N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor‐mediated current ratio implicated postsynaptic mechanisms underlying Aβ synaptotoxicity. The integral role of Aβols in these processes was verified by showing that pretreatment of cortical slices with Aβ(25−35)ols disrupted spike‐timing‐dependent synaptic potentiation at unitary connections between L2/3 pyramidal cells, and reduced the amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents therein. A robust decrement of AMPA, but not NMDA, receptor‐mediated currents in nucleated patches from L2/3 pyramidal cells confirmed that Aβols perturb basal glutamatergic synaptic transmission by affecting postsynaptic AMPA receptors. Inhibition of AMPA receptor desensitization by cyclothiazide significantly increased the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic potentials evoked by afferent stimulation, and rescued synaptic plasticity even in mice with pronounced Aβ pathology. We propose that soluble Aβols trigger the diminution of synaptic plasticity in neocortical pyramidal cell networks during early stages of AD pathogenesis by preferentially targeting postsynaptic AMPA receptors.
Endogenous factors derived from embryonic cortex regulate proliferation and neuronal differentiation of postnatal subventricular zone cell cultures
Authors: Agasse Fabienne , Benzakour Omar , Berjeaud Jean‐Marc , Roger Michel , Coronas Valérie
Published: April 2006

In rodents, the subventricular zone (SVZ) harbours neural stem cells that proliferate and produce neurons throughout life. Previous studies showed that factors released by the developing cortex promote neurogenesis in the embryonic ventricular zone. In the present report, we studied in the rat the possible involvement of endogenous factors derived from the embryonic cortex in the regulation of the development of postnatal SVZ cells. To this end, SVZ neurospheres were maintained with explants or conditioned media (CM) prepared from embryonic day (E) 13, E16 or early postnatal cortex. We demonstrate that early postnatal cortex‐derived factors have no significant effect on SVZ cell proliferation or differentiation. In contrast, E13 and E16 cortex release diffusible, heat‐labile factors that promote SVZ cell expansion through increased proliferation and reduced cell death. In addition, E16 cortex‐derived factors stimulate neuronal differentiation in both early postnatal and adult SVZ cultures. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2‐ but not epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐immunodepletion drastically reduces the mitogenic effect of E16 cortex CM, hence suggesting a major role of endogenous FGF‐2 released by E16 cortex in the stimulation of SVZ cell proliferation. The evidence we provide here for the regulation of SVZ cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation by endogenous factors released from embryonic cortex may be of major importance for brain repair research.
Periparabigeminal and adjoining mesencephalic tegmental field projections to the dorsolateral periaqueductal grey in cat – a possible role for oculomotor input in the defensive system
Authors: Klop Esther Marije , Mouton Leonora J. , Holstege Gert
Published: April 2006

The dorsolateral column of the mesencephalic periaqueductal grey (PAGdl) differs from its adjacent columns in terms of afferent and efferent connections and the distribution pattern of different histochemical substances. Functionally, PAGdl is associated with aversive and defensive behaviours, but in an earlier study of this laboratory [E.M. Klop et al. (2005) J. Comp. Neurol., 492, 303–322], it was found that PAGdl specifically receives input from the nucleus prepositus hypoglossi, which plays a role in oculomotor control. In search for other oculomotor‐related brainstem structures projecting to PAGdl we studied the projections from the parabigeminal nucleus (PBGN) and its medially adjoining periparabigeminal area (PPBGA). In three cats, injections of wheatgerm agluttinin–horseradish peroxidase involving PAGdl did not, or to only a very limited extent, result in retrogradely labelled neurons in PBGN. When the peripheral parts of PAGdl were involved in the injection site, labelled neurons were located in PPBGA, while after an injection involving only the more central parts of PAGdl they were located in the tegmentum medial to the PPBGA. An anterograde tracing study using [3H]‐leucine and biotinylated dextran amine affirmed that neurons in PPBGA project to more peripheral parts of PAGdl, while neurons located in the tegmentum medial to PPBGA project mainly to its central parts. These results provide further evidence for the existence of two different subdivisions of PAGdl. We hypothesize that PAGdl is alerted by sudden changes in the visual field, and that the PAGdl defensive system is inhibited when these changes are caused by eye movements.
Evidence for a role of CaMKIV in the development of opioid analgesic tolerance
Authors: Ko Shanelle W. , Jia Yongheng , Xu Hui , Yim Se‐Jeong , Jang Dong‐Hyuk , Lee Yong‐Seok , Zhao Ming‐Gao , Toyoda Hiroki , Wu Long‐Jun , Chatila Talal , Kaang Bong‐Kiun , Zhuo Min
Published: April 2006

cAMP response‐element binding protein (CREB), a transcription factor involved in learning, memory and drug addiction, is phosphorylated by calcium–calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV). Here, we show that CaMKIV‐knockout (KO) mice developed less analgesic tolerance after chronic morphine administration with no alteration in physical dependence or acute morphine‐induced analgesia. The increase in phosphorylated CREB expression observed in wild‐type mice after chronic morphine was absent in CaMKIV‐KO mice, while there was no difference in the expression or phosphorylation of the µ‐opioid receptor between groups. Morphine‐treated CaMKIV‐KO mice showed less G‐protein uncoupling from the µ‐opioid receptor than did wild‐type mice, while uncoupling was similar in control wild‐type and KO mice. In addition, morphine reduced inhibitory transmission to a greater degree in CaMKIV‐KO mice than in controls after chronic morphine exposure. Our results provide novel evidence for the role of CaMKIV in the development of opioid analgesic tolerance but not physical dependence.
Prevalence of overweight, obesity, and associated psychological problems in Qatari's female population
Authors: Bener A. , Tewfik I.
Published: April 2006

Dissatisfaction with body weight and the use of unhealthy weight reduction practices have been reported among adolescents. It is important to conduct rigorous studies using large representative samples of female adolescents to assess accurately the frequency of dieting, overweight and eating disorders and accompanying attitudes. The aim of the present study was to examine the severity of dieting and its association with obesity, body satisfaction and psychological problems in female adolescents. A representative sample of 800 girls aged 14–19 years were approached during the period of October to December 2004, and 566 girls gave consent and participated in the study, thus giving a response rate of 70.8%. Self‐reports were obtained from 566 teenage girls using the Adolescent Dieting Scale and the Self‐Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ‐20) for psychopathology. Subjects were classified into three categories: acceptable weight (BMI < 25 kg m−2); overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg m−2); and obese (BMI > 30 kg m−2). The prevalence of overweight and obesity for female adolescents were 13.4% vs. 1.8%; 39.9% were intermediate dieters, and 8.3% were extreme dieters. Dieting was not associated with age but was significantly associated with body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.045). Extreme dieting was strongly associated with peer perception of respondent's figure (P < 0.001) and self‐perception of figure (P = 0.016). Additionally, in adult Qatari population overweight and obesity for males were (34.4% vs. 34.6%) and for females were (33.0% vs. 45.3%). This is significantly higher than adolescent girls. (P < 0.01). The SRQ score was significantly highest in the extreme dieters group (P = 0.005). The extreme dieters get most of their education about dieting from school (14.0%) and TV (43.6%). The present study revealed strong evidence for the association between frequent dieting and overweight, body image dissatisfaction and psychological problems among adolescent females.
Prevalence of obesity in Kuwait and its relation to sociocultural variables
Authors: Al‐Kandari Y. Y.
Published: April 2006

This study ascertains the prevalence of obesity and its relationship with some sociocultural characteristics in Kuwaiti society. The sample involved 212 men and 212 women, most of whom are overweight and obese. Grades 1 (body mass index [BMI] > 25–30 kg m−2), 2 (BMI > 30–40) and 3 (BMI > 40) of obesity characterize 71.2% of the sample. Most individuals are in grade 2 obesity, 37.2%. Grade 1 obesity is seen in 31.4% of the sample. Obesity increases with age, especially in women. The heaviest women are aged 60 years or older (mean BMI of 33.8), about the same mean as in the 50–59‐year‐old age group. The highest frequency of grades 1 and 2 obesity occur in women 30–39 years old. Fifty per cent of the underweight women are 20–29 years old or are over 60 years old. Most women of normal weight are 20–29 years old. For the men, 60% of the underweight sample are 50–60 years old. Male respondents between 30 and 39 years old are the heaviest; 42.7% of the sample are within grade 1 obesity and 40.7% of the sample within grade 2 obesity. The smallest percentage of men in grades 1 and 2 obesity are those 50–59 years old. An association was found between some sociocultural variables and obesity. Data show an increasing prevalence of obesity in Kuwait compared with some previous studies.
Bilateral Donors’ Interest vs. Recipients’ Development Motives in Aid Allocation: Do All Donors Behave the Same?
Authors: Berthélemy Jean‐Claude
Published: April 2006

I provide an overall empirical assessment of the motivations of ODA granted by rich countries to developing countries, as revealed by aid allocation behaviors. Aid motives combine self‐interested and altruistic objectives. I use a three‐dimensional panel dataset, combining the donor, recipient and time dimensions, which shows a lot of heterogeneity in donor behavior. Thanks to the width of this dataset, I can test differences of parameters among donors and, in particular, compare their degrees of altruism. Switzerland, Austria, Ireland and most Nordic countries are among the most altruistic. Australia, France, Italy, and to some extent Japan and the United States are among the most egoistic.
Evaluation Bias and Incentive Structures in Bi‐ and Multilateral Aid Agencies
Authors: Michaelowa Katharina , Borrmann Axel
Published: April 2006

Evaluation is generally considered as an important tool to ensure the effective use of development aid, but it is itself subject to distortions. To derive institutional conditions conducive to effective evaluation, we develop a multi‐level principal‐agent model focusing on the interests of the different actors involved in the evaluation process. The model highlights two central problems: (i) the aid agencies’ conflicting objectives of transparency and self‐legitimization, and (ii) the potential collusion between the evaluator and the project manager. Evidence for the World Bank and different German donor agencies reveals concrete institutional requirements for a reduced evaluation bias and increased transparency.
Additive Outlier Detection Via Extreme‐Value Theory
Authors: Burridge Peter , Robert Taylor A. M.
Published: April 2006

Abstract.  This article is concerned with detecting additive outliers using extreme value methods. The test recently proposed for use with possibly non‐stationary time series by Perron and Rodriguez [Journal of Time Series Analysis (2003) vol. 24, pp. 193–220], is, as they point out, extremely sensitive to departures from their assumption of Gaussianity, even asymptotically. As an alternative, we investigate the robustness to distributional form of a test based on weighted spacings of the sample order statistics. Difficulties arising from uncertainty about the number of potential outliers are discussed, and a simple algorithm requiring minimal distributional assumptions is proposed and its performance evaluated. The new algorithm has dramatically lower level‐inflation in face of departures from Gaussianity than the Perron–Rodriguez test, yet retains good power in the presence of outliers.
Cabergoline scavenges peroxynitrite enhanced by l‐DOPA therapy in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Isobe C. , Abe T. , Kikuchi T. , Murata T. , Sato C. , Terayama Y.
Published: April 2006

Long‐term or high‐dose l‐DOPA therapy in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) may accelerate degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, possibly by increasing oxidative stress. To investigate the effects of cabergoline on peroxynitrite‐mediated oxidative damage caused by l‐DOPA, the concentration of 3‐nitrotyrosine in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 18 PD patients was compared with that in 20 normal controls. The concentration of 3‐nitrotyrosine in patients following l‐DOPA therapy was significantly higher than in untreated PD patients and controls. On the other hand, the concentration in PD patients after cabergoline therapy was significantly lower than in PD patients after l‐DOPA therapy alone. These data suggest that cabergoline scavenges peroxynitrite induced by l‐DOPA in patients with PD.
Low frequency of Parkin, Tyrosine Hydroxylase, and GTP Cyclohydrolase I gene mutations in a Danish population of early‐onset Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Hertz J. M. , Østergaard K. , Juncker I. , Pedersen S. , Romstad A. , Møller L. B. , Güttler F. , Dupont E.
Published: April 2006

Autosomal recessive Parkinson's disease (PD) with early‐onset may be caused by mutations in the parkin gene (PARK2). We have ascertained 87 Danish patients with an early‐onset form of PD (age at onset ≤40 years, or ≤50 years if family history is positive) in a multicenter study in order to determine the frequency of PARK2 mutations. Analysis of the GTP cyclohydrolase I gene (GCH1) and the tyrosine hydroxylase gene (TH), mutated in dopa‐responsive dystonia and juvenile PD, have also been included. Ten different PARK2 mutations were identified in 10 patients. Two of the patients (2.3%) were found to have homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations, and eight of the patients (9.2%) were found to be heterozygous. A mutation has been identified in 10.4% of the sporadic cases and in 15.0% of cases with a positive family history of PD. One patient was found to be heterozygous for both a PARK2 mutation and a missense mutation (A6T) in TH of unknown significance. It cannot be excluded that both mutations contribute to the phenotype. No other putative disease causing TH or GCH1 mutations were found. In conclusion, homozygous, or compound heterozygous PARK2 mutations, and mutations in GCH1 and TH, are rare even in a population of PD patients with early‐onset of the disease.
Our PDT experience in the treatment of non‐melanoma skin cancer over the last 7 years
Authors: Baptista J , Martinez C , Leite L , Cochito M
Published: April 2006

Background  Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) with 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) was first described by Kennedy et al. in 1990; currently, accumulated evidence shows that topical PDT is effective in the treatment of actinic keratoses, Bowen's disease and superficial basal cell carcinoma, being potentially advantageous where size, anatomical location or number of lesions limit the efficacy and/or the acceptability of conventional therapies. It involves the use of photosensitizing drugs and the administration of an appropriate light source to activate the sensitizing agent, which leads to the production of activated oxygen species for tissue destruction. The topically administered prodrug 5‐ALA is converted within cells into the active photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX, via haem cycle, with preferential accumulation in tumour cells.

Methods  The authors describe their experience with topical PDT, using 20% 5‐ALA and two different incoherent light sources, ‘Waldman 1200 L’ and ‘VersaLightTM’, in the treatment of non‐melanoma skin cancer and precursor lesions. More than 100 patients were treated since 1997, with up to a 7‐year follow‐up period.

Results  Cases are illustrated and results are presented and discussed in the light of the relevant Literature.

Conclusion  The study suggests that 5‐ALA PDT is effective in the treatment of superficial skin cancer and premalignant lesions.
The adaptation of a cognitive‐behavioural treatment programme for special needs sexual offenders
Authors: Keeling Jenny A. , Rose John L.
Published: April 2006

The need for specialized treatment programmes to address the specific requirements of different populations has been well recognized. One important area of treatment development has been for offenders who are unsuitable for existing mainstream treatment programmes. This paper describes the process of adapting an existing sexual offender treatment programme for use with sexual offenders who have special needs in an Australian correctional setting. The population comprised individuals with a variety of special needs including borderline or mild intellectual functioning, severe literacy problems, significant communication difficulties, and other important deficits and special needs. It should be noted that some of these special needs individuals would not meet the diagnostic criteria for intellectual disability and this programme is aimed at the broader group inclusive of a number of special needs. Therapeutic adaptations have been guided by current research and practice, and specific examples are described and discussed. The authors believe that these adaptations may also have some utility for mainstream sexual offender treatment programmes. Research into the efficacy of these treatment adaptations with this population is currently underway.
Social structure of the bushveld sengi (Elephantulus intufi) in Namibia and the evolution of monogamy in the Macroscelidea
Authors: Rathbun G. B. , Rathbun C. D.
Published: April 2006

The elephant‐shrews or sengis (order Macroscelidea) represent a monophyletic radiation endemic to Africa with 15 extant species in four genera. Field studies of representatives from all four genera indicate that all are socially monogamous. Resource and female dispersion, indirect paternal investment and male mate guarding have been proposed as factors contributing to sengi monogamy. To better understand sengi social organization, we studied the behavioural ecology of the bushveld sengi Elephantulus intufi in Namibia. Radio‐tags and direct observation were used to gather spatial and behavioural data during 5 months in 2000–2002. Bushveld sengis were distributed as monogamous pairs on exclusive territories, similar to other sengis. Maternal care was characterized by an ‘absentee’ strategy and there was no evidence of direct or indirect paternal care. Sengis share many life‐history traits with small antelopes, including uni‐parental monogamy. Unlike the antelopes, which exhibit strong pair bonds, bushveld sengi pairs spend little time in coordinated activities. Male mate guarding best explains why sengis are socially monogamous – a model largely developed from studies of small antelopes. The similarity in morphology, life history and behaviour among sengi species results in a distinctive adaptive syndrome, which explains the consistency of their social structure, even in the extremes of terrestrial habitats that they occupy. The degree of sengi social monogamy is labile, which is related to their weak pair bond, same‐sex aggression and variable densities.
Diets and coexistence in Neomys and Sorex shrews in Białowieża forest, eastern Poland
Authors: Churchfield S. , Rychlik L.
Published: April 2006

Prey selection, food niche overlap and resource partitioning were investigated in semi‐aquatic Neomys fodiens and Neomys anomalus and terrestrial Sorex araneus and Sorex minutus coexisting in marshland in Białowieża Forest, eastern Poland. Evidence of prey selectivity was found but high levels of overlap, particularly in prey size, reflected the abundance of invertebrates in field samples. Despite similarities in diets between all four species, evidence of niche differentiation was found in terms of foraging mode and prey composition. Neomys ate predominantly terrestrial prey but 20% of prey of N. fodiens was aquatic (compared with 11% in N. anomalus), with Asellus being the dominant aquatic prey. Sorex shrews were exclusively terrestrial in foraging mode. All species ate predominantly small prey (≤5 mm) and these were most abundant in field samples, but small prey were most important for S. minutus. Pairwise comparisons suggested that the most important promoter of resource partitioning was body size, indicating different foraging modes. Food niche overlap was least between species most dissimilar in size. The tiny S. minutus was predominantly an epigeal forager on small Araneae, Opiliones and Coleoptera; the medium‐sized S. araneus fed extensively on Lumbricidae and Coleoptera; and the large, semi‐aquatic Neomys fed on different amounts of freshwater prey in addition to terrestrial prey. Our results support the prediction that microhabitat selection among these species indicates differentiation in foraging mode.
New dairy hygiene legislation
Authors: KOMOROWSKI ED S
Published: April 2006

The hygiene legislation applying to dairy products in the European Union changed from 1 January 2006 with the revocation of the Dairy Hygiene Directive 92/46/EEC. The main new regulations are 852/2004 and 853/2004. The new requirements apply from primary production to retail, and lay down that food business operators are responsible for the safety of their products. Food business operators must apply HACCP principles. The requirements for the dairy industry at primary production and processing are considered in detail, with the main changes from Directive 92/46/EEC identified.
How hygiene happens: physics and chemistry of cleaning
Authors: FRYER P J , CHRISTIAN G K , LIU W
Published: April 2006

Cleaning is a commonplace but poorly understood operation in the dairy industries. This paper describes recent work to identify and quantify the critical factors that control cleaning. Experiments have used micromanipulation probes to remove deposits from surfaces; these probes can measure the force required to remove deposits, and allow simple models of cleaning to be produced.
A Cost Analysis of the Iowa Medicaid Primary Care Case Management Program
Authors: Momany Elizabeth T. , Flach Stephen D. , Nelson Forrest D. , Damiano Peter C.
Published: April 2006

Objective. To determine the cost savings attributable to the implementation and expansion of a primary care case management (PCCM) program on Medicaid costs per member in Iowa from 1989 to 1997.

Data Sources. Medicaid administrative data from Iowa aggregated at the county level.

Study Design. Longitudinal analysis of costs per member per month, analyzed by category of medical expense using weighted least squares. We compared the actual costs with the expected costs (in the absence of the PCCM program) to estimate cost savings attributable to the PCCM program.

Principal Findings. We estimated that the PCCM program was associated with a savings of $66 million to the state of Iowa over the study period. Medicaid expenses were 3.8 percent less than what they would have been in the absence of the PCCM program. Effects of the PCCM program appeared to grow stronger over time. Use of the PCCM program was associated with increases in outpatient care and pharmaceutical expenses, but a decrease in hospital and physician expenses.

Conclusions. Use of a Medicaid PCCM program was associated with substantial aggregate cost savings over an 8‐year period, and this effect became stronger over time. Cost reductions appear to have been mediated by substituting outpatient care for inpatient care.
Ethanol Tolerance Caused by slowpoke Induction in Drosophila
Authors: Cowmeadow Roshani. B. , Krishnan Harish. R. , Ghezzi Alfredo , Al'Hasan Yazan M. , Wang Yan. Z. , Atkinson Nigel S.
Published: April 2006

Background: The large‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channel encoded by the slowpoke gene has recently been implicated in the ethanol response. Caenorhabditis elegans carrying mutations in this gene have altered ethanol sensitivity and Drosophila mutant for this gene are unable to acquire rapid tolerance to ethanol or anesthetics. In Drosophila, induction of slowpoke expression has been linked to anesthetic resistance.

Methods: We used Drosophila as a model system to examine the relationship between slowpoke expression and ethanol tolerance. Real‐time PCR and a reporter transgene were used to measure slowpoke induction after ethanol sedation. An inducible slowpoke transgene was used to manipulate slowpoke levels in the absence of ethanol sedation.

Results: Ethanol sedation increased transcription from the slowpoke neural promoters but not from the slowpoke muscle/tracheal cell promoters. This neural‐specific change was concomitant with the appearance of ethanol tolerance, leading us to suspect linkage between the two. Moreover, induction of slowpoke expression from a transgene produced a phenotype that mimics ethanol tolerance.

Conclusions: In Drosophila, ethanol sedation induces slowpoke expression in the nervous system and results in ethanol tolerance. The induction of slowpoke expression alone is sufficient to produce a phenotype that is indistinguishable from true ethanol tolerance. Therefore, the regulation of the slowpoke BK‐type channel gene must play an integral role in the Drosophila ethanol response.
Heart Rate Response to Alcohol and Intoxicated Aggressive Behavior
Authors: Assaad Jean‐Marc , Pihl Robert O. , Séguin Jean R. , Nagin Daniel , Vitaro Frank , Tremblay Richard E.
Published: April 2006

Background: This study examined the elevated heart rate (HR) response to alcohol intoxication, thought to reflect an increased sensitivity to alcohol‐induced reward, as a potential factor in the increased likelihood of alcohol‐induced aggression.

Methods: Three groups, intoxicated high (n=37) and low (n=37) HR responders and sober controls (n=73), participated in a laboratory measure of physical aggression, the Taylor Aggression Paradigm.

Results: Results revealed that intoxicated high HR responders were more aggressive than the intoxicated low HR responders and sober controls.

Conclusions: These findings are interpreted within a hypothetical model relating increased alcohol‐induced aggression to a dysregulation in the motivational system responding to rewards.
Alterations in Circadian Rhythm Phase Shifting Ability in Rats Following Ethanol Exposure During the Third Trimester Brain Growth Spurt
Authors: Sakata‐Haga Hiromi , Dominguez Hector D. , Sei Hiroyoshi , Fukui Yoshihiro , Riley Edward P. , Thomas Jennifer D.
Published: April 2006

Background: Disruptions in sleep and feeding rhythms are among the consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure. Previously, we reported that ethanol exposure during the second trimester equivalent in rats produces long‐lasting impairments in circadian system functioning. In the present study, we examined the effects of ethanol exposure during the third trimester equivalent brain growth spurt on the development of the circadian clock system.

Methods: Sprague–Dawley male rat pups were exposed to 6.0 g/kg/d ethanol via an artificial rearing procedure on postnatal days (PD) 4 through 9 (EtOH). An artificially reared gastrostomized control group and a normally reared suckle control group were also included. At 10 to 12 weeks of age, wheel‐running behavior was measured continuously under a 12‐hour/12‐hour light/dark (LD) cycle. Thereafter, subjects were exposed to a 6‐hour phase delay of the LD cycle, and the ability to adjust to the new LD cycle was evaluated.

Results: Before the phase delay, onset time of activity and acrophases of activity in all 3 groups were not significantly different from one another. After the 6‐hour LD cycle delay, EtOH subjects were slower to adapt to the new cycle compared with both control groups, as measured by both activity onset and acrophase. Throughout the experiment, activity levels of EtOH subjects tended to be higher compared to both controls.

Conclusions: These data demonstrate that ethanol exposure during the third trimester disrupts the ability to synchronize circadian rhythm to light cues. Disruptions in circadian regulation may cause abnormal behavioral rhythmicity, such as disrupted sleep and feeding patterns, as seen in individuals prenatally exposed to ethanol.
Cell‐to‐Cell Electrical Interactions During Early and Late Repolarization
Authors: SPITZER KENNETH W. , POLLARD ANDREW E. , YANG LIN , ZANIBONI MASSIMILIANO , CORDEIRO JONATHAN M. , HUELSING DELILAH J.
Published: April 2006

Cardiac electrical activity is significantly affected by variations in the conductance of gap junctions that connect myocytes to one another. To better understand how intrinsic (single cell) electrical activity is modulated by junctional conductance, we used a two‐myocyte coupling system in which physically separate cells were electrically coupled via a variable resistance set by the investigator. This brief review summarizes our findings regarding: (1) the effect of the early phase of action potential repolarization (phase 1) and transient outward current (Ito) on action potential conduction, and (2) the effect of coupling on the action potential plateau (late repolarization). We found that inhibition of Ito markedly increased the ability of action potentials to propagate from cell‐to‐cell when junctional conductance was low. Electrically coupling two myocytes together also suppressed their beat‐to‐beat variability in action potential duration and contraction. Similarly, early afterdepolarizations (EADS) were readily suppressed by connecting a normal myocyte to one generating EADs. This high sensitivity of the plateau to variations in junctional interactions arises from the large increase in membrane resistance that occurs during this phase of the action potential.
Sodium Channel Inactivation in Heart: A Novel Role of the Carboxy‐Terminal Domain
Authors: KASS ROBERT S.
Published: April 2006

Electrical activity in the heart depends critically on the interactions of multiple ion channels to coordinate the timing of excitation and contraction of the ventricles. Voltage‐gated sodium channels underlie the rapid spread of impulses through the atria and ventricles, but the importance of sodium (Na+) channels to the control of the ventricular action potential has only most recently become apparent through the investigation of the relationship between mutation‐induced clinical phenotypes and the altered function of mutant Na+ channels linked to inherited arrhythmias. Investigation into the structural basis of disease‐associated mutations of the cardiac Na+ channel has led to the discovery of novel role of the Na+ channel carboxy‐terminal (CT) domain in controlling channel inactivation. Intramolecular interactions between the carboxy‐terminal domain and an intracellular peptide loop that forms the inactivation gate are required to minimize channel reopening during prolonged depolarization. Disruption of this interaction leads to persistent sodium channel current, action potential prolongation, and elevated risk of cardiac arrhythmia.
Autonomic Regulation of Voltage‐Gated Cardiac Ion Channels
Authors: SHIBATA ERWIN F. , BROWN TRACY L.Y. , WASHBURN ZACHARY W. , BAI JING , REVAK THOMAS J. , BUTTERS CAROL A.
Published: April 2006

Altering voltage‐gated ion channel currents, by changing channel number or voltage‐dependent kinetics, regulates the propagation of action potentials along the plasma membrane of individual cells and from one cell to its neighbors. Functional increases in the number of cardiac sodium channels (NaV1.5) at the myocardial sarcolemma are accomplished by the regulation of caveolae by β adrenergically stimulated G‐proteins. We demonstrate that NaV1.5, CaV1.2a, and KV1.5 channels specifically localize to isolated caveolar membranes, and to punctate regions of the sarcolemma labeled with caveolin‐3. In addition, we show that NaV1.5, CaV1.2a, and KV1.5 channel antibodies label the same subpopulation of isolated caveolae. Plasma membrane sheet assays demonstrate that NaV1.5, CaV1.2a, and KV1.5 cluster with caveolin‐3. This may have interesting implications for the way in which adrenergic pathways alter the cardiac action potential morphology and the velocity of the excitatory wave.
Measurements of Electrophysiological Effects of Components of Acute Ischemia in Langendorff‐Perfused Rat Hearts Using Voltage‐Sensitive Dye Mapping
Authors: NYGREN ANDERS , BACZKÓ ISTVÁN , GILES WAYNE R.
Published: April 2006

Introduction: This study was carried out to evaluate optical mapping in the presence of cytochalasin‐D as a method for measuring electrophysiological responses in general, and in particular the responses to acute ischemia in the Langendorff‐perfused rat heart. Cytochalasin‐D is commonly used to reduce contraction for the purpose of suppressing motion artifacts in voltage‐sensitive dye recordings of cardiac membrane potential.

Methods and Results: Observations using optical mapping were complemented by recordings of the surface electrogram to provide information independent of the optical measurements. Perfusion of Langendorff‐perfused rat hearts with 3 μM cytochalasin‐D resulted in a 24% prolongation of the QT interval of surface electrograms indicating that cytochalasin‐D prolongs the rat ventricular action potential. Individual components of the electrophysiological response to acute ischemia were globally induced as follows: (1) opening of KATP channels was induced by perfusion of 2 μM P‐1075, (2) accumulation of extracellular K+ was simulated by increasing perfusate [K+] to 12 mM, and (3) acidosis was simulated by reducing perfusate pH to 6.5. The responses to these interventions could be reliably documented using optical recordings, as well as from surface electrograms. Whole‐cell patch clamp measurements on isolated rat ventricular myocytes indicate that cytochalasin‐D produces an approximately 2.5‐fold increase in P‐1075‐induced IK,ATP.

Conclusion: These results provide the necessary background information for interpreting electrophysiological measurements during acute ischemia in the presence of cytochalasin‐D.
pH‐Regulated Na+ Influx into the Mammalian Ventricular Myocyte: The Relative Role of Na+‐H+ Exchange and Na+‐HCO3− Co‐Transport
Authors: VAUGHAN‐JONES RICHARD D. , VILLAFUERTE FRANCISCO C. , SWIETACH PAWEL , YAMAMOTO TAKU , ROSSINI ALESSANDRA , SPITZER KENNETH W.
Published: April 2006

In the heart, intracellular Na+ concentration (Na+i) is a controller of intracellular Ca2+ signaling, and hence of key aspects of cell contractility and rhythm. Na+i will be influenced by variation in Na+ influx. In the present work, we consider one source of Na+ influx, sarcolemmal acid extrusion. Acid extrusion is accomplished by sarcolemmal H+ and HCO3− transporters that import Na+ ions while exporting H+ or importing HCO3−. The capacity of this system to import Na+ is enormous, up to four times the maximum capacity of the Na+‐K+ ATPase to extrude Na+ ions from the cell. In this review we consider the role of Na+‐H+ exchange (NHE) and Na+‐HCO3−co‐transport (NBC) in mediating Na+ influx into cardiac myocytes. We consider, in particular, the role of NBC, as so little is known about Na+ influx through this transporter. We show that both proteins mediate significant Na+ influx and that although, in the ventricular myocyte, NBC‐mediated Na+ influx is less than through NHE, the proportions may be altered under a variety of conditions, including exposure to catecholamines, membrane depolarization, and interference with activity of the enzyme, carbonic anhydrase.
Sodium Channel Variants in Heart Disease: Expanding Horizons
Authors: TAN HANNO L.
Published: April 2006

Inherited arrhythmia syndromes have advanced our understanding of cardiac sodium (Na) channel function in health and disease. Long QT syndrome (LQT3) is consistently caused by increased net Na current secondary to inactivation defects, which give rise to persistent Na current. Conversely, various gating changes that ultimately result in reduced Na current may elicit Brugada syndrome, conduction disease, atrial standstill, and sinus node disease. Emerging insights now also link these gating defects to enhanced arrhythmia susceptibility in common, acquired, disease. For instance, action potential prolongation in congestive heart failure may be explained by increased persistent Na current. Of note, recent studies have also linked Na current reduction to structural cardiac defects, notably cardiac fibrosis, dilated cardiomyopathy and, possibly, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. These structural changes may also be conducive to (reentrant) arrhythmias. Clearly, these observations highlight the cardiac Na channel as an interesting target for novel therapy strategies.
Effects of Thickness on Piezoelectric Properties of Highly Oriented Lead Zirconate Titanate Films
Authors: Park Gun‐Tae , Park Chee‐Sung , Choi Jong‐Jin , Lee Jae‐Wung , Kim Hyoun‐Ee
Published: April 2006

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) films were deposited on platinized silicon substrates by spin coating using PZT sols containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as an additive. PZT films with a 60/40 composition and a thickness of up to 8 μm were fabricated by repeating the deposition process 15 times on highly oriented (100) and (111) seed layers with the same composition. The films grew well in the direction of the seed layers and had a uniform and smooth surface without any cracks. As the thickness of the films increased, the grain size remained almost the same, but the effective d33 value increased steadily. The thickness dependence of the piezoelectric properties was attributed to the residual stress of the films.
The Paraphilia‐Related Disorders: An Investigation of the Relevance of the Concept in Sexual Murderers*
Authors: Briken Peer , Habermann Niels , Kafka Martin P. , Berner Wolfgang , Hill Andreas
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT: Paraphilic disorders (PAs) and sexual preoccupation are known risk factors for recidivism in sexual offenders. Nonparaphilic sexual excessive behaviors—so‐called paraphilia‐related disorders (PRDs), like paraphilias, are also characterized by sexual preoccupation and volitional impairment and can be diagnosed in paraphilic men. The prevalence and clinical significance of PRDs in sexual homicide perpetrators, however, is unknown. We investigated the relationship between PAs and PRDs retrospectively in a sample of 161 sexual murderers. Four groups were compared: men without a PA or a PRD diagnosis, men with at least one PRD but no PA, men with at least one PA but no PRD, and finally, those with a combination of both (PA+PRD). The PA+PRD group had the most lifetime cumulative sexual impulsivity disorders, more developmental problems, the highest persistent frequency of sexual activity, the highest number of previous sexual offences, more sexual sadism, and compulsive masturbation. Men of the PRD subsample had suffered more from childhood sexual abuse, showed more promiscuity, psychopathy, and alcohol problems. The use of the PRD concept in this special offender group should be further investigated with prospectively designed studies.
A Validation Study for Duct Tape End Matches*
Authors: Bradley Maureen J. , Keagy Roger L. , Lowe Preston C. , Rickenbach Michael P. , Wright Diana M. , LeBeau Marc A.
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT: Fracture matches are considered to be the strongest association achievable in forensic examinations of glass, metal, wood, plastic, paint, tape, and other trace evidence. Despite being fairly routine examinations, few publications exist to support their admissibility in court. This study was designed, using duct tape as the fractured medium, to determine the validity and error rate associated with conducting end match (fracture match) examinations on this material. Five test designs, which varied either the source roll of tape or manner of separation (torn or cut) from the roll, were administered to four analysts with instructions to examine the assigned test sets for end matches. If an end match was not identified by the initial analyst, the entire test set was independently evaluated by the remaining three analysts. Results indicated that while tape grade did not hinder end match identification, the manner of separation could affect results.