bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of doublecortin as a marker to analyse the absolute number anddendritic growth of newly generated neurons in the adult dentate gyrus
Authors: Rao Muddanna S. , Shetty Ashok K. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractDoublecortin (DCX), a microtubule‐associated phosphoprotein, has been recently utilized as a marker of newly born neurons in the adult dentate gyrus (DG). Nonetheless, it is unknown whether DCX exclusively labels newly formed neurons, as certain granule cells with the phenotype of differentiated neurons express DCX. We addressed the authenticity of DCX as a marker of new neurons in the adult DG by quantifying cells that are positive for 5′‐bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), DCX and both BrdU and DCX in hippocampal tissues of adult rats treated with daily injections of BrdU for 12 consecutive days. We provide new evidence that neurons visualized with DCX immunostaining in the adult rat DG are new neurons that are predominantly born during the 12 days before euthanasia. This is confirmed by the robust expression of BrdU in 90% of DCX‐positive neurons in the DG of animals injected with BrdU for 12 days. Furthermore, DCX expression is specific to newly generated healthy neurons, as virtually all DCX‐positive cells express early neuronal antigens but lack antigens specific to glia, undifferentiated cells or apoptotic cells. As DCX expression is also robust in the dendrites, DCX immunocytochemistry of thicker sections facilitates quantification of the dendritic growth in newly born neurons. Thus, both absolute number and dendritic growth of new neurons that are generated in the adult DG over a 12‐day period can be quantified reliably with DCX immunostaining. This could be particularly useful for analysing changes in dentate neurogenesis in human hippocampal tissues as a function of ageing or neurodegenerative diseases.
Cyclin S: a new member of the cyclin family plays a role in long‐term memory
Authors: Edelheit Sarit , Meiri Noam 
Published: January 2004

AbstractMemory is thought to be subserved by structural and functional alteration in synaptic connectivity. But although neuronal plasticity requires gene expression, the identity of the proteins involved is largely unknown. Using the chick 1‐day‐old passive avoidance learning paradigm and differential display RNA fingerprinting, we identified 13 candidate genes which are upregulated in the intermediate medial hyperstriatum ventrale (IMHV), an area that has been correlated with the initial processing of memory formation. One of the induced genes is a new member of the cyclin family, with high homology to cyclin L (ania‐6a). Analysis of the expression pattern of this gene after training revealed two time waves of induction: the first correlated with learning and initial memory process in the IMHV; the second correlated with memory consolidation, first in the IMHV, and then in the lobus paraolefactoris. There is a correlation between methylanthranilate (MeA) concentrations (the malaise substrate in the passive avoidance training procedure), the duration of memory and the expression level of cyclin S. While training chicks on low concentrations of MeA causes short‐term memory and low expression level of cyclin S, high concentration of MeA induces long‐term memory and high expression level of cyclin S in the IMHV. The role of cyclins in the regulation of neuronal‐plasticity‐related gene expression was overlooked, and it might serve as a key step in long‐term memory formation.
Glutamatergic clock output stimulates melatonin synthesis at night
Authors: Perreau‐Lenz Stéphanie , Kalsbeek Andries , Pévet Paul , Buijs Ruud M. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe rhythm of melatonin synthesis in the rat pineal gland is under the control of the biological clock, which is located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus (SCN). Previous studies demonstrated a daytime inhibitory influence of the SCN on melatonin synthesis, by using γ‐aminobutyric acid input to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Nevertheless, a recent lesion study suggested the presence of a stimulatory clock output in the control of the melatonin rhythm as well. In order to further investigate this output in acute in vivo conditions, we first measured the release of melatonin in the pineal gland before, during and after a temporary shutdown of either SCN or PVN neuronal activity, using multiple microdialysis. For both targets, SCN and PVN, the application of tetrodotoxin by reverse dialysis in the middle of the night decreased melatonin levels. Due to recent evidence of the existence of glutamatergic clock output, we then studied the effect on melatonin release of glutamate antagonist application within the PVN in the middle of the night. Blockade of the glutamatergic input to the PVN significantly decreased melatonin release. These results demonstrate that (i) neuronal activity of both PVN and SCN is necessary to stimulate melatonin synthesis during the dark period and (ii) glutamatergic signalling within the PVN plays an important role in melatonin synthesis.
Activity‐dependent persisting modification of polysynaptic neural circuits involving layer V pyramidal neurons in rat auditory cortex in vitro
Authors: Kitaura Hiroki , Hishida Ryuich , Kudoh Masaharu , Shibuki Katsuei 
Published: January 2004

AbstractSynaptic plasticity in polysynaptic neural circuits permits modulation of the dynamic properties of these circuits. We investigated the properties of polysynaptic potentiation in pyramidal neurons in layer V of rat auditory cortex (AC) slices using the perforated patch clamp technique. The GABAA receptor inhibitor bicuculline was used to facilitate polysynaptic activity. The amplitude and duration of the polysynaptic activity were both gradually potentiated with repetitive stimulation (RS) at 12 s intervals. Potentiation was saturated within 10 min of the onset of RS. After the cessation of RS, the polysynaptic responses returned to control levels within 30 min. RS‐induced potentiation was confirmed by fluorescence imaging of slices loaded with the Ca2+ indicator rhod‐2. Such potentiation was not induced by stimulation at 60 s intervals. The magnitude of the RS‐induced potentiation in layer V pyramidal neurons in the AC was greater than that in either layer II/III pyramidal neurons in the AC or layer V pyramidal neurons in the visual cortex. The NMDA receptor antagonist APV (100 µm), inhibited RS‐induced potentiation. When stimulated at 1 Hz, the potentiated response appeared rapidly. In the absence of bicuculline, RS consisting of five pulses at 30 ms intervals, repeated at 12 s intervals for 10 min, elicited potentiation of firing activity, suggesting that the potentiation is independent of bicuculline. The present study demonstrates the dynamic properties of polysynaptic circuits involving layer V pyramidal neurons in the AC are strongly affected by activity‐dependent synaptic potentiation.
Serum Testosterone Levels in Males with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Pennanen C. , Laakso M. P. , Kivipelto M. , Ramberg J. , Soininen H. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate whether there are differences in serum testosterone levels between male patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitively normal male controls. Testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels were measured from 14 patients with mild to moderate AD and 16 age‐matched control males. The AD patients had higher levels of serum total (P = 0.02) and free testosterone (P < 0.001), and higher free androgen index (FAI) (P = 0.02) compared to controls. No differences were found for the SHBG levels. These data provide no support for hypotheses of (disproportionally) decreased levels of serum testosterone in AD. These data also show that all cognitively normal controls had an FAI below the normal range.
Power to detect trends in ecological indicators in the East Usambara Mountains, Tanzania
Authors: Newmark William D. , Senzota R. B. M. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractWe evaluated the statistical power of monitoring protocols to detect, over a 10‐year period, trends in indices of abundance of primates, hornbills and forest interior dung beetles and growth rates of epiphytic ferns in the Amani Nature Reserve, in the East Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. Local technicians are responsible for the day‐to‐day gathering of data. The existing monitoring protocols for blue monkey, silver‐cheeked hornbills, trumpeter hornbills, forest interior dung beetles and Asplenium nidus have sufficient statistical power (>0.80) to detect trends of 65% or less over a 10‐year period. Monitoring protocols for black and white colobus and Asplenium holstii have lower statistical power (<0.80). We therefore conclude that the majority of monitoring protocols of the East Usambara Ecological Monitoring Project have the capacity both logistically and statistically to detect long‐term trends in important functional groups in the East Usambara Mountains.
The influence of esmolol on the dose of propofol required for induction of anaesthesia*
Authors: Wilson E. S. , McKinlay S. , Crawford J. M. , Robb H. M. 
Published: January 2004

SummaryCardiac output may be an important determinant of the induction dose of intravenous anaesthetic. Esmolol is known to reduce cardiac output, and we examined its effect on the propofol dose required for induction of anaesthesia. The size of the effect seen with esmolol was compared with midazolam co‐induction. Sixty patients were randomly allocated to placebo (saline), esmolol (1mg.kg−1 bolus, followed by an infusion at 250 µg.kg−1min−1) or midazolam (0.04 mg.kg−1) groups. Induction of anaesthesia commenced 3 min following the administration of the study drug, using a Diprifusor set to achieve plasma propofol concentrations of 10 µg.ml−1 at 5 min. The primary end point used was the propofol dose per kg at loss of response to command. The mean (SD) propofol dose for each group was 2.38 (0.48) mg.kg−1 for placebo, 1.79 (0.36) mg.kg−1 for esmolol and 1.34 (0.35) mg.kg−1 for midazolam (all means significantly different; p < 0.0005). We found that predosing with esmolol reduces the propofol requirements for induction of anaesthesia by 25%.
Comparison of the Williams Airway Intubator and Ovassapian Fibreoptic Intubating Airway for fibreoptic orotracheal intubation
Authors: Greenland K. B. , Lam M. C. , Irwin M. G. 
Published: January 2004

SummaryA randomised study was carried out in 60 anaesthetised patients with no evidence of airway difficulties, to compare the Williams Airway Intubator and the Ovassapian Fibreoptic Intubating Airway for bronchoscopic view and ease of railroading a tracheal tube during fibreoptic orotracheal intubation. The Williams Airway Intubator provided a better view of the glottis (41 (68.3%) unobstructed views) than the Ovassapian Fibreoptic Intubating Airway (15 (25%) unobstructed views; p < 0.0001) and a shorter time was needed to complete bronchoscopy (median (95% CI) difference 4 s (1–7); p = 0.01). Four (6.7%) bronchoscopies failed using the Williams Airway Intubator compared with 26 (43.3%) using the Ovassapian Fibreoptic Intubating Airway (p < 0.0001). Both airways provided similar intubating conditions when the glottis was visible.
Improving anaesthetists' communication skills
Authors: Harms C. , Young J. R. , Amsler F. , Zettler C. , Scheidegger D. , Kindler C. H. 
Published: January 2004

SummaryThe attitude, behaviour and communication skills of specialised doctors are increasingly recognised as important and they have been identified as training requirements. We designed a programme to teach communication skills to doctors in a University Department of Anaesthesia and evaluated its effect on patient outcomes such as satisfaction and anxiety. The 20 h programme was based on videotaped reviews of actual pre‐operative visits and role‐playing. Effects on patient satisfaction and pre‐operative anxiety were assessed using a patient questionnaire. In addition, all participating anaesthetists assessed the training. We provide evidence that the training increased patient satisfaction with the pre‐operative anaesthetic visit. Training also decreased anxiety associated with specific aspects of anaesthesia and surgery, but the effect was rather small given the intense programme. The anaesthetists agreed that their interpersonal skills increased and they felt better prepared to understand patients' anxieties. Communication skills training can increase patient satisfaction and decrease specific anxieties. The authors conclude that in order to better demonstrate the efficacy of such a training programme, the particular communication skills of anaesthetists rather than indirect patient outcome parameters should be measured.
Synacthen Depot® for the treatment of postdural puncture headache*
Authors: Rucklidge M. W. M. , Yentis S. M. , Paech M. J. 
Published: January 2004

SummaryWe conducted a prospective, randomised, double‐blind trial to study the effect of Synacthen Depot® in 18 parturients with postdural puncture headache following deliberate or accidental dural puncture. Women were randomly allocated to receive either Synacthen Depot 1 mg (1 ml) or 0.9% saline 1 ml intramuscularly. Using a 10‐cm visual analogue scale, severity of headache was measured before and at intervals until 48 h after injection. There was no difference in the severity of headache or requirement for epidural blood patch. We conclude that there is no advantage to the use of Synacthen Depot 1 mg for the treatment of postdural puncture headache.
Another look at Dumfries
Authors: Martin L. V. H. 
Published: January 2004

SummaryFollowing William Morton's demonstration of ether anaesthesia in the Massachusetts General Hospital in October 1846, the first major operation in the Old World is credited to Robert Liston at University College Hospital on 21 December 1846. It has been suggested that a similar operation took place in Dumfries on 19 December 1846. The existing evidence is reviewed and new evidence from newspapers and hospital annual reports is presented. This evidence does not support the Dumfries claim.
Feasibility of open simple prostatectomy with early vascular control
Authors: Shaheen A. , Quinlan D. 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVETo determine the feasibility of open simple prostatectomy with early vascular control in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and thus reduce blood loss.PATIENTS AND METHODSThirty‐seven patients were reviewed from 1991 to 2002; 34 had a Millin's and three a Freyer's prostatectomy performed by one surgeon, with early vascular control.RESULTSThe mean operative duration was 1.3 h and the mean blood loss 841 mL, with a mean decrease in haemoglobin level of 22 g/L. Six (16%) of the patients received a blood transfusion. The mean weight of the prostate removed was 97.8 g; the duration of catheterization and the hospital stay after surgery were 6.21 and 11.7 days, respectively. There was one (3%) death and one case of pulmonary embolism. Three patients (8%) developed stress incontinence. Two failed to void after surgery and one developed acute retention 3 years later. Five patients developed recurrent obstructive symptoms.CONCLUSIONOpen simple prostatectomy with early vascular control reduces the amount of blood loss, rendering it a safe option for treating BPH.
Female paraurethral cysts: experience of 25 cases
Authors: Sharifi‐Aghdas F. , Ghaderian N. 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVETo report and describe the diagnosis and treatment of female paraurethral cysts.PATIENTS AND METHODSTwenty‐five cases of cysts of the external female genitalia were diagnosed over a 7‐year period, using a physical examination, routine blood tests, urine analysis, abdominal ultrasonography and cysto‐urethroscopy in all. The cysts were incised, drained and marsupialized; no attempt was made to excise or remove the internal wall of the cyst and it remained in situ.RESULTSAll patients responded to simple marsupialization, with no recurrence of the cyst.CONCLUSIONCysto‐urethroscopy and a limited laboratory and imaging evaluation were enough for the diagnosis.
A pilot study of use of the cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor celecoxib in recurrent prostate cancer after definitive radiation therapy or radical prostatectomy
Authors: Pruthi R.S. , Derksen J.E. , Moore D. 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the efficacy of the cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitor celecoxib in prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) recurrent prostate cancer after definitive radiation therapy (RT) or radical prostatectomy (RP), as recent evidence showed that COX‐2 inhibitors have potent antitumour activity in prostate cancer both in vitro and in vivo but there are no human trials.PATIENTS AND METHODSTwelve patients who had biochemical relapse after RT or RP were treated with celecoxib 200 mg twice daily. Follow‐up PSA levels to assess efficacy were obtained at 3, 6 and 12 months after initiating treatment. Data were evaluated by calculating PSA doubling times and the slope of the curve of logPSA vs time, to assess rate of PSA rise before and after celecoxib treatment for each patient. Serum testosterone levels were also measured.RESULTSEight of the 12 patients had significant inhibition of their serum PSA levels after 3 months of treatment; five had a decline in their absolute PSA level and three a stabilization of the level. Of the remaining four patients, three had a marked decrease in their PSA doubling time, with a mean increase (i.e. slowing) of 3.1 times that before treatment. The short‐term responses at 3 months also continued at 6 and 12 months. From the slope of log PSA vs time there was a significant flattening of the rate of PSA rise (P = 0.001). There was a significant change of patients with rapid doubling times towards slower doubling times or even stable/declining PSA values after treatment with celecoxib (P = 0.029). There was no significant change in testosterone levels, suggesting an androgen‐independent mechanism.CONCLUSIONSCOX‐2 inhibitors may have an effect on serum PSA levels in patients with biochemical progression after RT or RP. These results suggest that COX‐2 inhibitors may help to delay or prevent disease progression in these patients, and thereby help extend the time until androgen deprivation therapy. Further study with more patients is currently underway to better evaluate the clinical potential of COX‐2 inhibitors as an antitumour agents in prostate cancer.
Task orientation, parental warmth and SES account for a significant proportion of the shared environmental variance in general cognitive ability in early childhood: evidence from a twin study
Authors: Petrill Stephen A. , Deater‐Deckard Kirby 
Published: January 2004

Abstract Prior research suggests shared environmental influences on cognitive performance are important in early childhood. However, few studies have attempted to identify the factors comprising this shared environmental variance. To address this issue, we examined the covariance between task orientation, parental warmth, socioeconomic status and general cognitive ability in a British twin study of 125 pairs of identical and same‐sex fraternal twins. Task orientation correlated r = .41 with general cognitive ability. Bivariate genetic analyses suggested that this correlation was mediated by shared environmental influences. Additional analyses suggested that SES and parental warmth mediated about two‐thirds of the shared environmental covariance between task engagement and cognitive skills.
Reorganization in coping behavior at 1½ years: dynamic systems and normative change
Authors: Lewis Marc D. , Zimmerman Sara , Hollenstein Tom , Lamey Alex V. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBy the age of 1 year toddlers demonstrate distinct coping habits for dealing with frustration. However, these habits may be open to change and reorganization at subsequent developmental junctures. We investigated change in coping habits at 18–20 months, a normative age for major advances in social cognition, focusing on the dynamic systems principles of fluctuation and novelty at transitions. Specifically, we asked whether month‐to‐month fluctuation, novel behavioral habits and real‐time variability increased at the age of a normative transition, despite individual differences in the content of behavior. Infants were given frustrating toys while their mothers sat nearby without helping, on monthly visits at 14–25 months (before, during and after the hypothesized transition). State space grids representing patterns of behavioral durations were constructed for each episode and compared over age. As predicted, month‐to‐month fluctuation in grid patterns increased temporarily between 17 and 20 months, partly independently of a concurrent peak in distress, and new behavioral habits replaced old ones at the same age. Coping habits changed differently for high‐ and low‐distressed toddlers. However, changes in real‐time variability did not generally meet our expectations.
Evaluating the Business Case for Part‐time Working amongst Qualified Nurses
Authors: Edwards Christine , Robinson Olive 
Published: January 2004

AbstractA ‘new’ business case for part‐time working assumes a mutuality of benefit for employer and employees. Examining this hypothesis from the perspective of qualified nursing staff and managers in the NHS, a context in which the new business case for part‐time working is particularly strong, this study found that the full benefits are not realized for either side. Extending the findings of other research into highly skilled/professional occupations, we conclude that, without substantive change in systems of work, the expansion of the part‐time work‐force could entail the under‐utilization of the skills of an indispensable section of the working population.
Social Norms and Private Provision of Public Goods
Authors: Rege Mari 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe formation of social norms for voluntary contributions to a public good is analyzed in a game in which people have preferences for private consumption, a public good, and social approval. Each person chooses to be one of the two types: a contributor or a non‐contributor. Thereafter, each person meets people who can observe his type. A non‐contributor feels disapproval, whereas a contributor feels approval if he believes that a contributor observes his type. The game has two asymptotically stable states: one in which everybody is a contributor, and one in which nobody is a contributor. Governmental subsidization of the public good can move the society to the former state, whereas a governmental contribution to the public good can move the society to the latter. Indeed, this crowding in or crowding out prevails even after policy reversal.