bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Conservation of PISTILLATA Activity in a Pea Homolog Lacking the PI Motif
Authors: Berbel Ana , Navarro Cristina , Ferrándiz Cristina , Cañas Luis Antonio , Beltrán José-Pío , Madueño Francisco
Published: August 2005

Current understanding of floral development is mainly based on what we know from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and Antirrhinum majus. However, we can learn more by comparing developmental mechanisms that may explain morphological differences between species. A good example comes from the analysis of genes controlling flower development in pea (Pisum sativum), a plant with more complex leaves and inflorescences than Arabidopsis and Antirrhinum, and a different floral ontogeny. The analysis of UNIFOLIATA (UNI) and STAMINA PISTILLOIDA (STP), the pea orthologs of LEAFY and UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS, has revealed a common link in the regulation of flower and leaf development not apparent in Arabidopsis. While the Arabidopsis genes mainly behave as key regulators of flower development, where they control the expression of B-function genes, UNI and STP also contribute to the development of the pea compound leaf. Here, we describe the characterization of P. sativum PISTILLATA (PsPI), a pea MADS-box gene homologous to B-function genes like PI and GLOBOSA (GLO), from Arabidopsis and Antirrhinum, respectively. PsPI encodes for an atypical PI-type polypeptide that lacks the highly conserved C-terminal PI motif. Nevertheless, constitutive expression of PsPI in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and Arabidopsis shows that it can specifically replace the function of PI, being able to complement the strong pi-1 mutant. Accordingly, PsPI expression in pea flowers, which is dependent on STP, is identical to PI and GLO. Interestingly, PsPI is also transiently expressed in young leaves, suggesting a role of PsPI in pea leaf development, a possibility that fits with the established role of UNI and STP in the control of this process.
Dedifferentiation of Tobacco Cells Is Associated with Ribosomal RNA Gene Hypomethylation, Increased Transcription, and Chromatin Alterations
Authors: Koukalova Blazena , Fojtova Miloslava , Lim Kar Yoong , Fulnecek Jaroslav , Leitch Andrew Rowland , Kovarik Ales
Published: August 2005

Epigenetic changes accompanying plant cell dedifferentiation and differentiation are reported in 35S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). There was a reduction of CG and CNG methylation in both intergenic and genic regions of the rDNA cistron in fully dedifferentiated callus and root compared to leaf. The rDNA hypomethylation was not random, but targeted to particular rDNA gene families at units that are clustered within the tandem array. The process of hypomethylation was initiated as early as 2 weeks after the callus induction and established epigenetic patterns were stably maintained throughout prolonged culture. However, regenerated plants and their progeny showed partial and complete remethylation of units, respectively. Nuclear run-on assays revealed a 2-fold increase of primary (unprocessed) ribosomal RNA transcripts in callus compared to leaf tissue. However, the abundance of mature transcripts in callus was elevated by only about 25%. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of interphase nuclei showed high levels of rDNA chromatin condensation in both callus and leaf, with substantially less decondensed rDNA than is observed in meristematic root-tip cells. It is likely that the regions of the rDNA locus showing decondensation correspond to the clusters of hypomethylated units that occur in the tandem array at each locus. The data together indicate that the establishment of pluripotency and cell proliferation occurring with callus induction is associated with enhanced ribosomal RNA gene expression and overall rDNA hypomethylation, but is not associated with material-enhanced relaxation of chromatin structure (decondensation) at rDNA loci.
Differential Expression of the Arabidopsis Cytochrome c Genes Cytc-1 and Cytc-2. Evidence for the Involvement of TCP-Domain Protein-Binding Elements in Anther- and Meristem-Specific Expression of the Cytc-1 Gene
Authors: Welchen Elina , Gonzalez Daniel H.
Published: August 2005

The promoters of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) cytochrome c genes, Cytc-1 and Cytc-2, were analyzed using plants transformed with fusions to the β-glucuronidase coding sequence. Histochemical staining of plants indicated that the Cytc-1 promoter directs preferential expression in root and shoot meristems and in anthers. In turn, plants transformed with the Cytc-2 promoter fusions showed preferential expression in vascular tissues of cotyledons, leaves, roots, and hypocotyls, and also in anthers. Quantitative measurements in extracts prepared from different organs suggested that expression of Cytc-1 is higher in flowers, while that of Cytc-2 is higher in leaves. The analysis of a set of deletions and site-directed mutants of the Cytc-1 promoter indicated that a segment located between −147 and −156 from the translation start site is required for expression and that site II elements (TGGGCC/T) located in this region, coupled with a downstream internal telomeric repeat (AAACCCTAA), are responsible for the expression pattern of this gene. Proteins present in cauliflower nuclear extracts, as well as a recombinant protein from the TCP-domain family, were able to specifically bind to the region required for expression. We propose that expression of the Cytc-1 gene is linked to cell proliferation through the elements described above. The fact that closely located site II motifs are present in similar locations in several genes encoding proteins involved in cytochrome c-dependent respiration suggests that these elements may be the target of factors that coordinate the expression of nuclear genes encoding components of this part of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
Social context modulates behavioural and brain immediate early gene responses to sound in male songbird
Authors: Vignal Clémentine , Andru Julie , Mathevon Nicolas
Published: August 2005

Although it is well known that brain sensory information processing is a highly modulated phenomenon, how this brain function is shaped by experience and social context remains a question to explore. In this paper, we present the first attempt to investigate this problem using a songbird acoustic communication paradigm. Social context is well known to influence acoustic communicating behaviours in birds. The present paper investigates whether brain processing of auditory inputs can be modulated by this ‘audience effect’. Given that call‐based communication is known to be highly context‐dependent, we focused on the response of male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) to female calls. We tested to see if the current social context surrounding the hearing bird can modify a sound‐induced immediate early gene (IEG) activation in the specific region of the caudomedial nidopallium (NCM), a songbird brain analogous to the superficial layers of the mammalian primary auditory cortex. Our results show that the expression of the sound‐induced immediate early geneZENKin the NCM is considerably enhanced when the hearing bird is in the presence of conspecifics, compared to when he is alone. This context‐dependent increase of a sound‐induced immediate early gene expression can be correlated with the differential behavioural response of males to the playback of the same acoustic stimulus as a function of social context.
Developmental downregulation of P2X3 receptors in motoneurons of the compact formation of the nucleus ambiguus
Authors: Brosenitsch Teresa A. , Adachi Tadafumi , Lipski Janusz , Housley Gary D. , Funk Gregory D.
Published: August 2005

Motoneurons of the compact division of the nucleus ambiguus (cNA) are the final output neurons of the swallowing pattern generator. Thus, their normal function is critical to neonatal survival. To explore the role of purinergic signaling in modulating the excitability of these motoneurons during development, immunohistochemical and whole‐cell recording techniques were used to characterize expression patterns of ionotropic P2X receptors and the effects of ATP on cNA motoneurons. Medullary slices containing the cNA were prepared from neonatal (P0–4) and juvenile (P15–21) rats. In neonatal cNA motoneurons, local application of 1 mm ATP produced a large (−133 ± 17 pA; n = 78), desensitizing, inward current that was mimicked by 1 mmα,βmeATP and 2meSATP, and inhibited by the P2 antagonist, PPADS (5 µm), and the P2X3 antagonist, A‐317481 (0.1–1 mm). In juvenile cNA motoneurons, 1 mm ATP produced negligible currents, while 10 mm ATP produced small (−59 ± 14 pA; n = 42), primarily non‐desensitizing currents. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that in the neonate, the expression of P2X3 was robust, P2X2 and P2X5 moderate, P2X4 and P2X6 weak, and P2X1 absent. In the juvenile cNA, only low levels of P2X5 and P2X6 labeling were detected. These data indicate that P2X receptors in cNA motoneurons are profoundly downregulated during the first two postnatal weeks, and suggest a role for the purinoceptor system, particularly P2X3 receptors, in the control of esophageal motor networks during early postnatal periods.
Dopamine‐dependent and dopamine‐independent actions of cocaine as revealed by brain thermorecording in freely moving rats
Authors: Kiyatkin Eugene A. , Brown P. Leon
Published: August 2005

Brain temperature fluctuates biphasically in response to repeated, intravenous (i.v.) cocaine injections, perhaps reflecting cocaine's inhibiting effect on both dopamine (DA) transporters and Na+ channels. By using a DA receptor blockade, one could separate these actions and determine the role of DA‐dependent and DA‐independent mechanisms in mediating this temperature fluctuation. Rats were chronically implanted with thermocouple probes in the brain, a non‐locomotor head muscle and subcutaneously. Temperature fluctuations associated with ten repeated i.v. cocaine injections (1 mg/kg with 8‐min inter‐injection intervals) were examined after a combined, systemic administration of selective D1‐like and D2‐like receptor blockers (SCH‐23390 and eticlopride) at doses that effectively inhibit DA transmission. In contrast to the initial temperature increases and subsequent biphasic fluctuations (decreases followed by increases) seen with repeated cocaine injections in saline‐treated control, brain and muscle temperatures during DA receptor blockade decreased with each repeated cocaine injection. DA receptor blockade had no effects on skin temperature, which tonically decreased and biphasically fluctuated (decreases followed by increases) during repeated cocaine injections in both conditions. DA receptor blockade by itself slightly increased brain and muscle temperatures, with no evident effect on skin temperature. DA antagonists also strongly decreased spontaneous movement activity and completely blocked the locomotor activation normally induced by repeated cocaine injections. Although our data confirm that cocaine's inhibitory action on presynaptic DA uptake is essential for its ability to induce metabolic and behavioral activation, they also suggest that the physiological effects of this drug cannot be explained through this system alone. The continued hypothermic effect of cocaine points to its action on other central systems (particularly blockade of Na+ channels) that may be important for the development of cocaine abuse and adverse effects of this drug.
Mono‐ and dual‐frequency fast cerebellar oscillation in mice lacking parvalbumin and/or calbindin D‐28k
Authors: Servais L. , Bearzatto B. , Schwaller B. , Dumont M. , De Saedeleer C. , Dan B. , Barski J. J. , Schiffmann S. N. , Cheron G.
Published: August 2005

Calbindin is a fast Ca2+‐binding protein expressed by Purkinje cells and involved in their firing regulation. Its deletion produced ∼160‐Hz oscillation sustained by synchronous, rhythmic Purkinje cells in the cerebellar cortex of mice. Parvalbumin is a slow‐onset Ca2+‐binding protein expressed in Purkinje cells and interneurons. In order to assess its function in Purkinje cell firing regulation, we studied the firing behavior of Purkinje cells in alert mice lacking parvalbumin (PV–/–), calbindin (CB–/–) or both (PV–/–CB–/–) and in wild‐type controls. The absence of either protein resulted in Purkinje cell firing alterations (decreased complex spike duration and pause, increased simple spike firing rate) that were more pronounced in CB–/– than in PV–/– mice. Cumulative effects were found in complex spike alterations in PV–/–CB–/– mice. PV–/– and CB–/– mice manifested ∼160‐Hz oscillation that was sustained by Purkinje cells firing rhythmically and synchronously along the parallel fiber axis. This oscillation was dependent on GABAA, N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate and gap junction transmission. PV–/–CB–/– mice exhibited a dual‐frequency (110 and 240 Hz) oscillation. The instantaneous spectral densities of both components were inversely correlated. Simple and complex spikes of Purkinje cells were phase‐locked to one of the two oscillation frequencies. Mono‐ and dual‐frequency oscillations presented similar pharmacological properties. These results demonstrate that the absence of the Ca2+ buffers parvalbumin and calbindin disrupts the regulation of Purkinje cell firing rate and rhythmicity in vivo and suggest that precise Ca2+ transient control is required to maintain the normal spontaneous arrhythmic and asynchronous firing pattern of the Purkinje cells.
Extraocular muscle activity, rapid eye movements and the development of active and quiet sleep
Authors: Seelke Adele M. H. , Karlsson Karl Æ. , Gall Andrew J. , Blumberg Mark S.
Published: August 2005

Rapid eye movements (REMs), traditionally measured using the electrooculogram (EOG), help to characterize active sleep in adults. In early infancy, however, they are not clearly expressed. Here we measured extraocular muscle activity in infant rats at 3 days of age (P3), P8 and P14–15 in order to assess the ontogeny of REMs and their relationship with other forms of sleep‐related phasic activity. We found that the causal relationship between extraocular muscle twitches and REMs strengthened during the first two postnatal weeks, reflecting increased control of the extraocular muscles over eye movements. As early as P3, however, phasic bursts of extraocular muscle twitching occurred in synchrony with twitching in other muscle groups, producing waves of phasic activity interspersed with brief periods of quiescence. Surprisingly, the tone of the extraocular muscles, invisible to standard EOG measures, fluctuated in synchrony with the tone of other muscle groups; focal electrical stimulation within the dorsolateral pontine tegmentum, an area that has been shown to contain wake‐on neurons in P8 rats, resulted in the simultaneous activation of high tone in both nuchal and extraocular muscles. Finally, when state‐dependent neocortical electroencephalographic activity was observed at P14, it had already integrated fully with sleep and wakefulness as defined using electromyographic criteria alone; this finding is not consistent with the notion that active sleep in infants at this age is ‘half‐activated.’ All together, these results indicate exquisite temporal organization of sleep soon after birth and highlight the possible functional implications of homologous activational states in striated muscle and neocortex.
Central command blunts sensitivity of arterial baroreceptor-heart rate reflex at onset of voluntary static exercise
Authors: Matsukawa Kanji , Komine Hidehiko , Nakamoto Tomoko , Murata Jun
Published: August 2005

We have reported that baroreflex bradycardia by stimulation of the aortic depressor nerve is blunted at the onset of voluntary static exercise in conscious cats. Central command may contribute to the blunted bradycardia, because the most blunted bradycardia occurs immediately before exercise or when a forelimb is extended before force development. However, it remained unknown whether the blunted bradycardia is due to either reduced sensitivity of the baroreflex stimulus-response curve or resetting of the curve toward a higher blood pressure. To determine this, we examined the stimulus-response relationship between systolic (SAP) or mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) at the onset of and during the later period of static exercise in seven cats ( n = 348 trials) by changing arterial pressure with infusion of nitroprusside and phenylephrine or norepinephrine. The slope of the MAP-HR curve decreased at the onset of exercise to 48% of the preexercise value (2.9 ± 0.4 beats·min−1·mmHg−1); the slope of the SAP-HR curve decreased to 59%. The threshold blood pressures of the stimulus-response curves, at which HR started to fall due to arterial baroreflex, were not affected. In contrast, the slopes of the stimulus-response curves during the later period of exercise returned near the preexercise levels, whereas the threshold blood pressures elevated 6–8 mmHg. The maximal plateau level of HR was not different before and during static exercise, denying an upward shift of the baroreflex stimulus-response curves. Thus central command is likely to attenuate sensitivity of the cardiac component of arterial baroreflex at the onset of voluntary static exercise without shifting the stimulus-response curve.
ANG II stimulates phospholipase D through PKCζ activation in VSMC: implications in adhesion, spreading, and hypertrophy
Authors: Parmentier Jean-Hugues , Pavicevic Zoran , Malik Kafait U.
Published: August 2005

ANG II stimulates phospholipase D (PLD) activity and growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). The atypical protein kinase C-ζ (PKCζ) plays a central role in the regulation of cell survival and proliferation. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between ANG II-induced activation of PKCζ and PLD and their implication in VSMC adhesion, spreading, and hypertrophy. ANG II stimulated PKCζ activity with maximal activation at 30 s followed by a decline in its activity to 45% above basal at 5 min. Inhibition of PKCζ activity with a myristoylated pseudosubstrate peptide or overexpression of a kinase-inactive form of PKCζ decreased ANG II-induced PLD activity. Moreover, depletion of PKCζ with selective antisense oligonucleotides also decreased ANG II-induced PLD activity. Interaction between PLD2 and PKCζ in VSMC was detected by coimmunoprecipitation. ANG II-induced PLD activity was inhibited by the primary alcohol n-butanol but not the tertiary alcohol t-butanol. The functional significance of PKCζ and PLD2 in VSMC adhesion, spreading, and hypertrophy was investigated. Inhibition of PKCζ and PLD2 activity or expression attenuated VSMC adhesion to collagen I and ANG II-induced cell spreading and hypertrophy. These results demonstrate that ANG II-induced PLD activation is regulated by PKCζ and suggest a crucial role of PKCζ-dependent PLD2 in VSMC functions such as adhesion, spreading, and hypertrophy, which are associated with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and malignant hypertension.
Efficient Genetic Algorithms Using Discretization Scheduling
Authors: McLay Laura A. , Goldberg David E.
Published: August 2005

In many applications of genetic algorithms, there is a tradeoff between speed and accuracy in fitness evaluations when evaluations use numerical methods with varying discretization. In these types of applications, the cost and accuracy vary from discretization errors when implicit or explicit quadrature is used to estimate the function evaluations. This paper examines discretization scheduling, or how to vary the discretization within the genetic algorithm in order to use the least amount of computation time for a solution of a desired quality. The effectiveness of discretization scheduling can be determined by comparing its computation time to the computation time of a GA using a constant discretization. There are three ingredients for the discretization scheduling: population sizing, estimated time for each function evaluation and predicted convergence time analysis. Idealized one- and two-dimensional experiments and an inverse groundwater application illustrate the computational savings to be achieved from using discretization scheduling.
An ancient spliceosomal intron in the ribosomal protein L7a gene (Rpl7a) of Giardia lamblia
Authors: Russell Anthony G , Shutt Timothy E , Watkins Russell F , Gray Michael W
Published: August 2005

Background

Only one spliceosomal-type intron has previously been identified in the unicellular eukaryotic parasite, Giardia lamblia (a diplomonad). This intron is only 35 nucleotides in length and is unusual in possessing a non-canonical 5' intron boundary sequence, CT, instead of GT.

Results

We have identified a second spliceosomal-type intron in G. lamblia, in the ribosomal protein L7a gene (Rpl7a), that possesses a canonical GT 5' intron boundary sequence. A comparison of the two known Giardia intron sequences revealed extensive nucleotide identity at both the 5' and 3' intron boundaries, similar to the conserved sequence motifs recently identified at the boundaries of spliceosomal-type introns in Trichomonas vaginalis (a parabasalid). Based on these observations, we searched the partial G. lamblia genome sequence for these conserved features and identified a third spliceosomal intron, in an unassigned open reading frame. Our comprehensive analysis of the Rpl7a intron in other eukaryotic taxa demonstrates that it is evolutionarily conserved and is an ancient eukaryotic intron.

Conclusion

An analysis of the phylogenetic distribution and properties of the Rpl7a intron suggests its utility as a phylogenetic marker to evaluate particular eukaryotic groupings. Additionally, analysis of the G. lamblia introns has provided further insight into some of the conserved and unique features possessed by the recently identified spliceosomal introns in related organisms such as T. vaginalis and Carpediemonas membranifera.
Procalcitonin-guided antibiotic use versus a standard approach for acute respiratory tract infections in primary care: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial and baseline characteristics of participating general practitioners [ISRCTN73182671]
Authors: Briel Matthias , Christ-Crain Mirjam , Young Jim , Schuetz Philipp , Huber Peter , Périat Pierre , Bucher Heiner C , Müller Beat
Published: August 2005

Background

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) are among the most frequent reasons for consultations in primary care. Although predominantly viral in origin, ARTI often lead to the prescription of antibiotics for ambulatory patients, mainly because it is difficult to distinguish between viral and bacterial infections. Unnecessary antibiotic use, however, is associated with increased drug expenditure, side effects and antibiotic resistance. A novel approach is to guide antibiotic therapy by procalcitonin (ProCT), since serum levels of ProCT are elevated in bacterial infections but remain lower in viral infections and inflammatory diseases.

The aim of this trial is to compare a ProCT-guided antibiotic therapy with a standard approach based on evidence-based guidelines for patients with ARTI in primary care.

Methods/Design

This is a randomised controlled trial in primary care with an open intervention. Adult patients judged by their general practitioner (GP) to need antibiotics for ARTI are randomised in equal numbers either to standard antibiotic therapy or to ProCT-guided antibiotic therapy. Patients are followed-up after 1 week by their GP and after 2 and 4 weeks by phone interviews carried out by medical students blinded to the goal of the trial.

Exclusion criteria for patients are antibiotic use in the previous 28 days, psychiatric disorders or inability to give written informed consent, not being fluent in German, severe immunosuppression, intravenous drug use, cystic fibrosis, active tuberculosis, or need for immediate hospitalisation.

The primary endpoint is days with restrictions from ARTI within 14 days after randomisation. Secondary outcomes are antibiotic use in terms of antibiotic prescription rate and duration of antibiotic treatment in days, days off work and days with side-effects from medication within 14 days, and relapse rate from the infection within 28 days after randomisation.

Discussion

We aim to include 600 patients from 50 general practices in the Northwest of Switzerland. Data from the registry of the Swiss Medical Association suggests that our recruited GPs are representative of all eligible GPs with respect to age, proportion of female physicians, specialisation, years of postgraduate training and years in private practice.
Retroviral superinfection resistance
Authors: Nethe Micha , Berkhout Ben , van der Kuyl Antoinette C
Published: August 2005

The retroviral phenomenon of superinfection resistance (SIR) defines an interference mechanism that is established after primary infection, preventing the infected cell from being superinfected by a similar type of virus. This review describes our present understanding of the underlying mechanisms of SIR established by three characteristic retroviruses: Murine Leukaemia Virus (MuLV), Foamy Virus (FV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In addition, SIR is discussed with respect to HIV superinfection of humans.

MuLV resistant mice exhibit two genetic resistance traits related to SIR. The cellularFv4gene expresses an Env related protein that establishes resistance against MuLV infection. Another mouse gene (Fv1) mediates MuLV resistance by expression of a sequence that is distantly related to Gag and that blocks the viral infection after the reverse transcription step. FVs induce two distinct mechanisms of superinfection resistance. First, expression of the Env protein results in SIR, probably by occupancy of the cellular receptors for FV entry. Second, an increase in the concentration of the viral Bet (Between-env-and-LTR-1-and-2) protein reduces proviral FV gene expression by inhibition of the transcriptional activator protein Tas (Transactivator of spumaviruses). In contrast to SIR in FV and MuLV infection, the underlying mechanism of SIR in HIV-infected cells is poorly understood. CD4 receptor down-modulation, a major characteristic of HIV-infected cells, has been proposed to be the main mechanism of SIR against HIV, but data have been contradictory. Several recent studies report the occurrence of HIV superinfection in humans; an event associated with the generation of recombinant HIV strains and possibly with increased disease progression. The role of SIR in protecting patients from HIV superinfection has not been studied so far.

The phenomenon of SIR may also be important in the protection of primates that are vaccinated with live attenuated simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) against pathogenic SIV variants. As primate models of SIV infection closely resemble HIV infection, a better knowledge of SIR-induced mechanisms could contribute to the development of an HIV vaccine or other antiviral strategies.
Sex differences in proinflammatory cytokine profiles of progressive patients in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Eikelenboom M J , Killestein J , Uitdehaag B MJ , Polman C H
Published: August 2005

The objective of this article is to evaluate the presence of sex differences in expression of cytokines in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells derived from peripheral blood of untreated multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The predominance of females in MS and other autoimmune diseases may be related to their differential responses in many immunological settings. Recent data show beneficial effect of sex hormones on proinflammatory cytokine levels and on magnetic resonance imaging in MS. Better understanding of gender differences is warranted. In this study 124 MS subjects (M:F; 56:68) and 34 healthy controls (M:F; 12:22) were included. Stimulated peripheral blood-derived CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were analysed for interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-2, tumour necrosis factor alpha, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 production. There were no significant differences for these cytokines between male and female MS subjects in the whole group. Compared to males, female patients had higher proinflammatory cytokine levels in the progressive phase of the disease. In conclusion, the data presented indicate that cytokine production and sex differences in cytokine production might differ between disease phases, probably related to underlying disease mechanisms.
Brain atrophy and lesion load as explaining parameters for cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lazeron R HC , Boringa J B , Schouten M , Uitdehaag B MJ , Bergers E , Lindeboom J , Eikelenboom M J , Scheltens P H , Barkhof F , Polman C H
Published: August 2005

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifocal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, with lesions widespread through the brain and spinal cord. An important manifestation is cognitive impairment, which, though difficult to measure, may have a major social impact. To better understand the relationship between structural tissue damage and cognitive impairment, we examined the extent and spatial distribution of brain lesions, as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in relation to abnormal cognitive performance as measured by the Brief Repeatable Battery (BRB) in 82 MS patients. Possible confounders, like fatigue, pain and depression were also assessed. Brain MR image analysis included hyperintense T2 and hypointense T1 lesion load in the whole brain and the four lobes separately, as well as whole brain volume measurements. Cognitive impairment (defined as more than two abnormal tests) was found in 67% of the patients. Moderately strong correlations were found between the subtests of the BRB and the lesion loads in the brain regions hypothesized to be associated with that cognitive test, although these correlations were in general not much stronger than those between the subtests and the overall lesion load (due to strong interrelationships). The Spatial Recall Test correlated best with parietal lesion load; the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT) and the Word List Generation best with frontal, parietal and temporal lesion load; while the Verbal List Generation Test Index correlated only with atrophy. Atrophy and lesion load were the main factors determining the test scores, explaining 10-25% of the variance in the test results, and were more important than fatigue, pain and depression; only depression had a minor, but significant, additional effect on the PASAT. In conclusion, cognitive impairment in MS is moderately dependent on amount (and distribution) of structural brain damage, especially in the more physically impaired patients group.
A randomized blinded trial of combination therapy with cyclophosphamide in patients with active multiple sclerosis on interferon beta
Authors: Smith D R , Weinstock-Guttman B , Cohen J A , Wei X , Gutmann C , Bakshi R , Olek M , Stone L , Greenberg S , Stuart D , Orav J , Stuart W , Weiner H
Published: August 2005

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with pulse cyclophosphamide given with methylprednisolone (MP) and interferon beta (IFNβ)-1a in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with active disease during IFNβ monotherapy. Methods: This was a randomized, single-blind, parallel-group, multicenter trial in MS patients with a history of active disease during IFNβ treatment. Patients were randomized to either cyclophosphamide 800 mg/m2 plus methylprednisolone 1 g IV (CY/MP) or methylprednisolone once a month for six months and then followed for an additional 18 months. All patients received three days of methylprednisolone 1 g IV at screening and 30 mcg IFNβ-1a IM weekly for the entire 24 months. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in the mean number of gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) lesions. Secondary clinical endpoints included time to treatment failure. Results: Fifty-nine patients were randomized to treatment: 30 to CY/MP and 29 to MP. Change from baseline in the number of Gd+ lesions was significantly different between treatment groups at three (P=0.01), six (P=0.04) and 12 months (P=0.02), with fewer lesions in the CY/MP group. The cumulative rate of treatment failure was significantly lower in the CY/MP group compared with the MP group (rate ratio =0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.75; P=0.011). CY/MP treatment was well tolerated. Conclusion: Combination therapy with CY/MP and IFNβ-1a decreased the number of Gd+ lesions and slowed clinical activity in patients with previously active disease on IFNβ alone.
Two slice-EM algorithms for fitting generalized linear mixed models with binary response
Authors: Vaida Florin , Meng Xiao-Li
Published: August 2005

The celebrated simplicity of the EM algorithm is somewhat lost in its common use for generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) because of its analytically intractable E-step. A natural and typical strategy in practice is to implement the E-step via Monte Carlo by drawing the unobserved random effects from their conditional distribution as specified by the E-step. In this paper, we show that further augmenting the missing data (e.g., the random effects) used by the M-step leads to a quite attractive and general slice sampler for implementing the Monte Carlo E-step. The slice sampler scheme is straightforward to implement, and it is neither restricted to the particular choice of the link function (e.g., probit) nor to the distribution of the random effects (e.g., normal). We apply this scheme to the standard EM algorithm as well as to an alternative EM algorithm which treats the variance-standardized random effects, rather than the random effects themselves, as missing data. The alternative EM algorithm does not only have faster convergence, but also leads to generalized linear model-like variance estimation, because it converts the random-effect standard deviations into linear regression parameters. Using the well-known salamander mating problem, we compare these two algorithms with each other, as well as with a variety of methods given in the literature in terms of the resulting point and interval estimates.
Afterword to “Moral Economies, State Spaces, and Categorical Violence”
Authors: SCOTT JAMES C.
Published: August 2005

This Afterword is a discussion of commentary and criticism of my books, The Moral Economy of the Peasant (1976), Weapons of the Weak (1985), Domination and the Arts of Resistance (1990), and Seeing Like a State (1998). I examine the relation of moral economies to globalization, and hegemony to power and resistance, in agrarian societies and in contemporary U.S. politics. I debate contemporary neoliberal projects of governance in extractive, enclave economies and in current development practices in Indonesia. I question the use and misuse of high modernism as a term in my work. I discuss neoliberal internationalism and the immanent project of “harmonizing” institutional orders throughout poor countries.
How Spaniards Became Chumash and other Tales of Ethnogenesis
Authors: HALEY BRIAN D. , WILCOXON LARRY R.
Published: August 2005

In the 1970s, a network of families from Santa Barbara, California, asserted local indigenous identities as “Chumash.” However, we demonstrate that these families have quite different social histories than either they or supportive scholars claim. Rather than dismissing these neo‐Chumash as anomalous “fakes,” we place their claims to Chumash identity within their particular family social histories. We show that cultural identities in these family lines have changed a number of times over the past four centuries. These changes exhibit a range that is often not expected and render the emergence of neo‐Chumash more comprehendible. The social history as a whole illustrates the ease and frequency with which cultural identities change and the contexts that foster change. In light of these data, scholars should question their ability to essentialize identity.
Dead Birds Migrating: DVD Reinvigorates Classic Ethnographic Film
Authors: BISHOP JOHN
Published: August 2005

The DVD release of Robert Gardner's Dead Birds exemplifies the added value of extra features and the improvement in viewing quality when existing ethnographic films are distributed in this new medium. Whereas in the past, ethnographic films have been experienced as transitory performances, a nonlinear medium like DVD makes it possible to read a film the way one reads a book, stopping, reflecting, and reviewing. The inclusion of multiple soundtracks, additional sequences, and associated texts affords a density of content that has not previously been possible in either films or books.
Restoration of Pinch Grip in Traumatic Ulnar Palsy
Authors: SOLONEN KAUKO A. , BAKALIM GEORG E.
Published: August 2005

This paper reports tendon transfers carried out to restore the pinch grip in thirty-four patients with irreparable traumatic ulnar palsy. The advantages and disadvantages of the procedure are discussed. Performed for proper indications the results show improved function in most patients.
Bennett’s Fracture
Authors: HARVEY F. J. , BYE W. D.
Published: August 2005

A new method of conservative treatment of Bennett’s fracture is presented, the thumb being immobilised in moderate adduction rather than radial abduction. Anatomical dissections are outlined to demonstrate the rationale of this procedure.
Subcutaneous Emphysema in a Finger Following an Injection Injury
Authors: WELLS DAVID T.
Published: August 2005

This is a case report of surgical emphysema in a finger resulting from a high velocity injection accident.
Haemangioma of Median Nerve Causing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: KOJIMA TADAO , IDE YOSHITA , MARUMO EIJI , ISHIKAWA ESEI , YAMASHITA HIROSHI
Published: August 2005

A case report of an intraneural haemangioma which occurred in a nineteen year old girl, with an acute clinical course. Intraneural haemangioma is a rare condition, but may be another cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Digital Flexor Tendon Irrigation
Authors: BESSER M. I. B.
Published: August 2005

A readily available standard intravenous cannula has proved to be a useful conduit for the irrigation of a digital flexor tendon.
The Open Palm and Digit Technique in the Treatment of Dupuytren’s Contracture
Authors: BELTRAN J. E. , JIMENO-URBAN F. , YUNTA A.
Published: August 2005

The authors have used the open palm and digit technique for Dupuytren’s contracture in fifty-four patients since May, 1973.

The procedure consists in making transverse skin incisions on the palm and fingers leaving the wounds open after limited fasciectomy.

The results have been surprisingly good due to the elimination of haematoma formation and finger oedema, and the excellent quality of the final scar.
Reconstruction of the Mutilated Hand
Authors: MIURA TAKAYUKI , KINO YOSHITAKE , NAKAMURA RYOGO
Published: August 2005

The experience gained from the reconstruction of sixty-seven severely mutilated hands is applied to the analysis of the procedures of choice in three groups of injury.
The Radial Forearm Island Flap in Upper Limb Reconstruction
Authors: FATAH M. F. , DAVIES D. M.
Published: August 2005

The radial forearm island flap may be used for resurfacing areas of skin in the upper limb. It allows a safe one stage reconstruction of skin loss providing thin, pliable and innervated skin cover. We present five cases which demonstrate the versatility of the flap.
Thumb Reconstruction by Free Sensory Flaps from the Foot Using Microsurgical Techniques
Authors: MINAMI AKIO , USUI MASAMICHI , KATOH HIROYUKI , ISHII SEIICHI
Published: August 2005

Four types of thumb reconstruction using microsurgical technique were performed in 23 cases; the dorsalis pedis flap, hemipulp (first web space) flap, wrap around flap, and toe-to-thumb transfer. The selection of which free sensory flaps should be used for thumb reconstruction is discussed. The selection of sensory nerves to be sutured as the donor and recipient nerves is based on the results of restoration of sensibility after free sensory flap transfers.
Single Stage Thumb Reconstruction by a Composite Forearm Island Flap
Authors: FOUCHER G. , VAN GENECHTEN F. , MERLE M. , MICHON J.
Published: August 2005

Single stage thumb reconstruction is possible with a new composite skin bone flap from the forearm. The primary vascularisation of skin and bone avoids the disadvantages of the conventional multi-staged procedures such as neurovascular insufficiency, infection and bone absorption. It does not require a surgical team with microsurgical expertise. The best indication is the reconstruction in the subtotal thumb amputation.
The Need for Replantation Surgery after Traumatic Amputations of the Upper Extremity—An Estimate Based upon the Epidemiology of Sweden
Authors: NYLANDER G. , VILKKI S. , ÖSTRUP L.
Published: August 2005

Reports in the literature give different views of the frequency of serious amputation injuries of the upper extremity. In Sweden the vast majority of work injuries are registered by the Swedish Labour Market Insurance. All registered serious amputation injuries of the upper extremity in Sweden (8 million inhabitants) during 1979 were investigated in this study. For comparison the frequency of all amputation injuries (work and leisure) of the upper extremity in a county of Sweden (0.4 million inhabitants) during five years (1976–1980) were studied. The overall (work and leisure) incidence in Sweden is fourteen serious amputation injuries of the upper extremity per million inhabitants annually, i.e. a total number in the country of 110 cases per year. The frequency is lower in the areas of the largest cities and substantially higher in regions with sawmills, mechanical industry and/or agriculture. Thus, estimation of the total incidence based upon single counties or smaller regions may be misleading. Replantation would have been technically possible in more than 70% of the cases, but attempts at replantation were only carried out in less than 10% of the serious cases. This study emphasizes the importance of a referral of all patients with a suitable injury of the upper extremity to microsurgically trained handsurgeons.
The Sesamoid Bones of the Hand and their Pathology
Authors: WOOD VIRCHEL E.
Published: August 2005

Three cases of sesamoid bone pathology are presented, including two cases of sesamoid fracture and a case of sesamoid periostitis. The literature is reviewed.

Sesamoid bones probably function in the body as pulleys. Most people have five sesamoid bones in each hand. Two at the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint, one at the interphalangeal joint of the thumb, one at the metacarpophalangeal joint of the index finger on the radial side, and one at the metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger on the ulnar side.

Sesamoid bones have been seen with periostitis in Reiter’s syndrome. The medial sesamoid bone of the thumb metacarpophalangeal is frequently enlarged in acromegaly. The sesamoid bones of the thumb have been fractured or trapped inside the joint during injury to the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint.

The treatment of disabling pain in a sesamoid bone is enucleation of the bone.
Swanson Implant Arthroplasty of the Wrist in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: NYLÉN S. , SOLLERMAN C. , HAFFAJEE D. , EKELUND L.
Published: August 2005

Sixty rheumatoid wrists operated with Swanson implant arthroplasty were evaluated after a mean observation time of thirty-three months. Grip function in daily living improved in 60%, pain decreased in 88%, range of motion increased in 83% and grip strength increased in 69% of operated wrists. Significantly impaired function was found in wrists with implant fracture (12%) and in cases with pronounced bone resorption around the implant (23%). Ulnar deviation and carpal collapse were commonly found but did not impair the function significantly. In seven patients the contralateral wrist had been fused and was compared to the arthroplasty. The merits and indications of arthroplasty are discussed.
Clinical Differences Between Typical and Atypical Cleft Hand
Authors: MIURA T. , SUZUKI M.
Published: August 2005

To clarify the clinical features of the cleft hand and to differentiate the typical cleft hand from the atypical, hand pattern profiles were used.

In cases of typical cleft hand, the metacarpal or the proximal phalanx on either side of the cleft are longer than on the unaffected side. Conversely, in cases of atypical cleft hand, the hand pattern profile shows a dysplastic bone formation.

There was an obvious difference in the metacarpal pattern between typical cleft hand and failure of formation. The metacarpal pattern of typical cleft hand is like that in webbing of normal fingers, and the metacarpal pattern of failure of formation is like the pattern in symbrachydactyly.
Axon Regeneration and Vascularisation of Nerve Grafts an Experimental Study
Authors: McCULLOUGH C. J. , GAGEY O. , HIGGINSON D. W. , SANDIN B. M. , CROW J. C. , SEBILLE A.
Published: August 2005

An experimental model has been designed to assess the effect of vascularisation on axon regeneration in nerve grafts. The vascular status of the grafts has been demonstrated by microangiography and histology. Rat sciatic nerve grafts in which the vascular pedicles were left intact retained a normal vascular pattern which was not adversely affected by wrapping the graft in a polythene sleeve. In devascularised grafts, revascularisation commenced at three days and was complete at nine days. If the devascularised grafts were wrapped in a polythene sleeve, revascularisation was impeded and at fifteen days the middle segment of the graft was avascular and infarcted.

The rate of axon regeneration was measured electrophysiologically in the above four groups of nerve grafts. There was a linear relationship between the rate of axon regeneration with time post-graft, axon growth proceeding at a mean rate of 1.150mm/day (S.E. ± 0.084) after a mean delay of 4.85 days. There was no significant difference in the rate of axon regeneration in the four groups.
Subungual Melanoma Following a Single Injury
Authors: ROBERTS A. H. N.
Published: August 2005

Subungual melanoma is an uncommon disease. This paper presents eight cases where a subungual melanoma followed a single injury to the digit after an interval of between nine months and seven years (average 2.9 years).

Although most injuries to the nail bed have no long term problems and subungual melanomata do arise in apparently normal nail beds, it is felt that there is increasing evidence that a direct causal relationship between the injury and the melanoma exists in some cases. This evidence includes case histories, statistical studies, the incidence of melanoma in coloured races and the distribution between the various digits.
Flexor Digitorum Profundus Avulsion through Enchondroma
Authors: FROIMSON A. I. , SHALL L.
Published: August 2005

A flexor digitorum profundus tendon avulsion occurring at the site of a pathological fracture through an enchondroma is reported. The avulsion appears to be the result of direct trauma crush to the distal phalanx of the little finger.

The lesion was curetted and grafted using autogenous bone, the fracture was stabilized with a K-wire and the tendon was advanced and secured using Bunnell pullout wire technique. The lesion healed and function was restored.
An Unusual “Giant” Lipofibroma in the Palm
Authors: KERNOHAN J. , DAKIN P. K. , QUAIN J. S. , HELAL B.
Published: August 2005

A case is described of an unusually large lipofibromatous hamartoma arising from the tendon sheath of flexor pollicis longus.
Surgery of the Spastic Thumb-in-Palm Deformity
Authors: MATEV IVAN
Published: August 2005

A twenty-year experience with a surgical procedure, previously described, for dynamic correction of spastic thumb-in-palm deformity in cerebral palsy is reported. The procedure includes lengthening of the long flexor of the thumb, proximal thumb intrinsic release and augmentation of abduction-extension of the thumb. Bone-stabilising operations are not performed. 56 patients have been followed up for an average period of 4 years and 11 months after the treatment (range 2 to 15 years). Correction of the deformity is recorded in 82% of the patients.