bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel predominant archaeal and bacterial groups revealed by molecular analysis of an anaerobic sludge digester
Authors: Chouari Rakia , Le Paslier Denis , Daegelen Patrick , Ginestet Philippe , Weissenbach Jean , Sghir Abdelghani
Published: July 2005

A culture‐independent molecular phylogenetic approach was used to study prokaryotic diversity in an anaerobic sludge digester. Two 16S rRNA gene libraries were constructed using total genomic DNA, and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers specific for archaeal or bacterial domains. Phylogenetic analysis of 246 and 579 almost full‐length 16S rRNA genes for Archaea and Bacteria, respectively, was performed using the ARB software package. Phylogenetic groups affiliated with the Archaea belong to Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. Interestingly, we detected a novel monophyletic group of 164 clones representing 66.6% of the archaeal library. Culture enrichment and probe hybridization show that this group grows better under formate or H2–CO2. Within the bacterial library 95.6% of the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) represent novel putative phylotypes never described before, and affiliated with eight divisions. The Bacteroidetes phylum is the most abundant and diversified phylogenetic group representing 38.8% of the OTUs, followed by the Gram‐positives (27.7%) and the Proteobacteria (21.3%). Sequences affiliated with phylogenetic divisions represented by few cultivated representatives such as the Chloroflexi, Synergistes, Thermotogales or candidate divisions such as OP9 and OP8 are represented by <5% of the total OTUs. A comprehensive set of 15 16S and 23S rRNA‐targeted oligonucleotide hybridization probes was used to quantify these major groups by dot blot hybridization within 12 digester samples. In contrast to the clone library, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria together accounted for 21.8 ± 14.9% representing the most abundant phyla. They were surprisingly followed by the Chloroflexi representing 20.2 ± 4.6% of the total 16S rRNA.  The Proteobacteria and the Bacteroidetes group accounted for 14.4 ± 4.9% and 14.5 ± 4.3%, respectively, WWE1, a novel lineage, accounted for 11.9 ± 3.1% while Planctomycetes and Synergistes represented <2% each. Using the novel set of probes we extended the coverage of bacterial populations from 52% to 85.3% of the total rRNA within the digester samples.
Molecular characterization of sulfate‐reducing bacteria in a New England salt marsh
Authors: Bahr Michele , Crump Byron C. , Klepac‐Ceraj Vanja , Teske Andreas , Sogin Mitchell L. , Hobbie John E.
Published: July 2005

Sulfate reduction, mediated by sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB), is the dominant remineralization pathway in sediments of New England salt marshes. High sulfate reduction rates are associated with the rhizosphere of Spartina alterniflora when plants elongate aboveground. The growth process concurrently produces significant amounts of new rhizome material belowground and the plants leak dissolved organic compounds. This study investigated the diversity of SRB in a salt marsh over an annual growth cycle of S. alterniflora by exploring the diversity of a functional gene, dissimilatory sulfite reductase (dsrAB). Because the dsrAB gene is a key gene in the anaerobic sulfate‐respiration pathway, it allows the identification of microorganisms responsible for sulfate reduction. Conserved dsrAB primers in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) generated full‐length dsrAB amplicons for cloning and DNA sequence analysis. Nearly 80% of 380 clone sequences were similar to genes from Desulfosarcina and Desulfobacterium species within Desulfobacteraceae. This reinforces the hypothesis that complete oxidizers with high substrate versatility dominate the marsh. However, the phylotypes formed several clades that were distinct from cultured representatives, indicating a greater diversity of SRB than previously appreciated. Several dsrAB sequences were related to homologues from Gram‐positive, thermophilic and non‐thermophilic Desulfotomaculum species. One dsrAB lineage formed a sister group to cultured members of the delta‐proteobacterial group Syntrophobacteraceae. A deeply branching dsrAB lineage was not affiliated with genes from any cultured SRB. The sequence data from this study will allow for the design of probes or primers that can quantitatively assess the diverse range of sulfate reducers present in the environment.
Effects of long‐term benzene pollution on bacterial diversity and community structure in groundwater
Authors: Fahy Anne , Lethbridge Gordon , Earle Richard , Ball Andrew S. , Timmis Kenneth N. , McGenity Terry J.
Published: July 2005

In this study we analysed the relationship between bacterial community structures and geochemistry of groundwater in a sandstone aquifer (SIReN site) impacted mainly by BTEX hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes), of which benzene is most abundant. The long‐term presence of benzene reduced bacterial diversity: in groundwaters contaminated with more than 1.8 × 104 µg l−1 of benzene, bacterial diversity was half of that in clean groundwaters. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) analysis of 16S rDNA revealed that the community structures were very similar in uncontaminated groundwaters, whereas communities subjected to long‐term benzene contamination were different, not only from uncontaminated groundwater communities, but also from each other. Canonical correspondence analysis of the community profiles and the geochemical data showed that this divergence in community structure was not primarily caused by the direct toxic or stressful effects of benzene, but by the environmental changes brought about by benzene metabolism, in particular a decrease in redox potential.
PnrA, a new nitroreductase‐family enzyme in the TNT‐degrading strain Pseudomonas putida JLR11
Authors: Caballero Antonio , Lázaro Juan J. , Ramos Juan L. , Esteve‐Núñez Abraham
Published: July 2005

Nitroreductases are a group of proteins that catalyse pyridine nucleotide‐dependent reduction of nitroaromatics compounds, showing significant human health and environmental implications. In this study we have identified the nitroreductase‐family enzymes PnrA and PnrB from the TNT‐degrading strain Pseudomonas putida. The enzyme encoded by the pnrA gene was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified to homogeneity and shown to be a flavoprotein that used 2 mol of NADPH to reduce 1 mol of  2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT) to 4‐hydroxylamine‐2,6‐dinitrotoluene, using a ping‐pong bi‐bi mechanism. The PnrA enzyme also recognized as substrates as a number of other nitroaromatic compounds, i.e. 2,4‐dinitrotoluene, 3‐nitrotoluene, 3‐ and 4‐nitrobenzoate, 3,5‐dinitrobenzamide and 3,5‐dinitroaniline expanding the substrates profile from previously described nitroreductases. However, TNT resulted to be the most efficient substrate examined according to the Vmax/Km parameter. Expression analysis of pnrA‐ and pnrB‐mRNA isolated from cells growing on different nitrogen sources suggested that expression of both genes was constitutive and that its level of expression was relatively constant regardless of the growth substrate. This is in agreement with enzyme‐specific activity determined with cells growing with different N‐sources.
The impact of mutations in the quorum sensing systems of Aeromonas hydrophila, Vibrio anguillarum and Vibrio harveyi on their virulence towards gnotobiotically cultured Artemia franciscana
Authors: Defoirdt Tom , Bossier Peter , Sorgeloos Patrick , Verstraete Willy
Published: July 2005

Disruption of quorum sensing, bacterial cell‐to‐cell communication by means of small signal molecules, has been suggested as a new anti‐infective strategy for aquaculture. However, data about the impact of quorum sensing on the virulence of aquatic pathogens are scarce. In this study, a model system using gnotobiotically cultured Artemia franciscana was developed in order to determine the impact of mutations in the quorum sensing systems of Aeromonas hydrophila, Vibrio anguillarum and V. harveyi on their virulence. Mutations in the autoinducer 2 (AI‐2) synthase gene luxS, the AI‐2 receptor gene luxP or the response regulator gene luxO of the dual channel quorum sensing system of V. harveyi abolished virulence of the strain towards Artemia. Moreover, the addition of an exogenous source of AI‐2 could restore the virulence of an AI‐2 non‐producing mutant. In contrast, none of the mutations in either the acylated homoserine lactone (AHL)‐mediated component of the V. harveyi system or the quorum sensing systems of Ae. hydrophila and V. anguillarum had an impact on virulence of these bacteria towards Artemia. Our results indicate that disruption of quorum sensing could be a good alternative strategy to combat infections caused by V. harveyi.
Characterization of purple sulfur bacteria from the South Andros Black Hole cave system: highlights taxonomic problems for ecological studies among the genera Allochromatium and Thiocapsa
Authors: Herbert Rodney A. , Ranchou‐Peyruse Anthony , Duran Robert , Guyoneaud Rémy , Schwabe Stephanie
Published: July 2005

A dense 1 m thick layer of phototrophic purple sulfur bacteria is present at the pycnocline (17.8 m depth) in the meromictic South Andros Black Hole cave system (Bahamas). Two purple sulfur bacteria present in samples collected from this layer have been identified as belonging to the family Chromatiaceae. One isolate (BH‐1), pink coloured, is non‐motile, non‐gas vacuolated, 2–3 µm in diameter and surrounded by a capsule. The other isolates (BH‐2 and BH‐2.4), reddish‐brown coloured, are small celled (4 µm × 2 µm), motile by means of a single polar flagellum. In both isolates (BH‐1 and BH‐2), the intracellular photosynthetic membranes are of the vesicular type and bacteriochlorophyll a and carotenoids of the normal spirilloxanthin series are present. Both isolates grow well in the presence of sulfide and carbon dioxide in the light. During photoautotrophic growth sulfur globules are stored intracellularily as intermediate oxidation products. According to the 16S rRNA gene sequence data the isolates belong to the genera Thiocapsa and Allochromatium. However, at the species level a number of inconsistencies exist between the phenotypic and phylogenetic data, highlighting taxonomic problems within these genera. These inconsistencies may have implications for microbiologists studying the ecology of anoxygenic phototrophs. For ecologists studying the functioning of an ecosystem it may not be particularily important to know whether a specific isolate belongs to one species or another. However, if one wants to study the role of different populations within a particular functional group then the species concept is important. This study demonstrates that further work is still required on the taxonomy of purple sulfur bacteria in order that microbial ecologists are able to accurately identify a population/species isolated from hitherto undescribed aquatic ecosystems.
Immune‐mediated keratitis in horses: 19 cases (1998–2004)
Authors: Gilger Brian C. , Michau Tammy Miller , Salmon Jacklyn H.
Published: July 2005

Objective The purpose of this study is to describe clinical and histologic findings, treatment, and outcome of horses with suspected immune‐mediated keratitis (IMMK).

Design Retrospective study.

Animals Nineteen horses that presented to NCSU‐VTH from 1998 to 2004 with IMMK.

Procedures Information retrieved from the medical records included signalment, duration of clinical signs, therapy prior to initial examination, ophthalmic abnormalities, diagnostics performed, therapy instituted, and long‐term vision.

Results Nineteen horses (22 eyes) were diagnosed with IMMK. Three distinct clinical groups were identified based on the depth of the lesion in the cornea: superficial stromal (n = 11 eyes), midstromal (n = 6 eyes), or endothelial (n = 5 eyes). Horses ranged from 5 to 19 years of age, with a mean age ± SD of 11.9 ± 3.6 years. Eleven horses had 12 months or greater duration of clinical signs of corneal disease prior to referral. Overall there was a mean duration of 11.8 ± SD 8.3 months. Superficial stromal keratitis appeared as a superficial stromal cellular infiltrate with diffuse vascularization. Midstromal keratitis appeared as midstromal cellular infiltrate with mild, surrounding corneal edema and vascularization. Endothelial disease appeared as endothelial cellular infiltrate with diffuse corneal edema. In all types of IMMK, signs of uveitis or severe discomfort were not observed.

Conclusions and clinical relevance Horses with superficial IMMK responded to topical medical therapy, but responded best to surgical removal of the lesion. Horses with midstromal keratitis responded to topical cyclosporine therapy. Endothelial disease was the least amenable to therapy.
Superficial keratectomy and cryosurgery as therapy for limbal neoplasms in 13 horses
Authors: Bosch Gerco , Klein Wim R.
Published: July 2005

Objective To determine the usefulness and clinical outcome of a combined procedure of superficial keratectomy and cryosurgery as a treatment for limbal neoplasms in horses.

Study design Retrospective study.

Animals Thirteen horses with 14 limbal tumors.

Methods Medical records of all patients with limbal tumors, referred to the Department of Equine Sciences of Utrecht University between 1995 and 2002, were retrieved. Patient data were analyzed with respect to signalment, tumor surface area and histologic diagnosis. Surgery, performed under general anesthesia, included surgical debulking of the tumor followed by cryosurgery. Long‐term follow‐up information was obtained by re‐evaluation in the clinic, by the referring veterinarian, and/or by telephone enquiry.

Results Therapy was successful in 9 out of 14 eyes after the first attempt (64%); one eye needed retreatment (7%), and four eyes were eventually enucleated (29%). The mean follow‐up period was 4.8 years. The initial surface area of the tumor significantly influenced outcome (P < 0.01). Squamous cell carcinoma was the most predominant tumor type (79%). Haflinger horses accounted for 69% of the cases whereas their occurrence in the overall hospital population is approximately 5%.

Conclusions and clinical relevance The described technique of superficial keratectomy and cryosurgery is a simple procedure for the treatment of limbal tumors in equine patients that does not require sophisticated equipment. Nor is it tampered by legal restriction, and appears to be effective in tumors with a small surface area (< 2 cm2). Haflinger horses seem to be predisposed for the development of ocular squamous cell carcinoma.
Surgical resection of an orbital fat prolapse in a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)
Authors: Klauss Gia , Suedmeyer Wm. Kirk , Galle Laurence E. , Giuliano Elizabeth A. , Castaner Leilani J.
Published: July 2005

A 23‐year‐old captive female California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) developed an inferiotemporal subconjunctival swelling of the right eye. Surgical excision of the mass was performed and a diagnosis of orbital fat prolapse was confirmed histopathologically. There was no recurrence of orbital fat prolapse at 15 months post operatively. This is the first known case of orbital fat prolapse in the California sea lion.
The effects of bimatoprost and unoprostone isopropyl on the intraocular pressure of normal cats
Authors: Bartoe Joshua T. , Davidson Harriet J. , Horton Mary T. , Jung Yoonsung , Brightman Alan H.
Published: July 2005

Objective  To evaluate the effects on intraocular pressure (IOP), pupillary diameter (PD), blepharospasm score, conjunctival injection score, and aqueous humor flare score when either 0.03% bimatoprost solution is applied once daily or 0.15% unoprostone isopropyl solution is applied twice daily topically to the eyes of normal cats.

Materials and methods  The aforementioned parameters were evaluated daily in each of 12 cats throughout the entirety of the study. During an initial 10‐day treatment phase a single eye of six of the cats was treated with 0.03% bimatoprost solution while a single eye of the remaining six cats was treated with buffered saline solution (BSS) once daily. During a second 10‐day treatment phase a single eye of six of the cats was treated with 0.15% unoprostone isopropyl solution while a single eye of the remaining six cats was treated with BSS twice daily. Contralateral eyes of all cats remained untreated at all time points.

Results  Blepharospasm score, conjunctival injection score, and aqueous humor flare score never rose from a value of 0, for any eye of any cat during the study. The mean ± SD of IOP for eyes treated with 0.03% bimatoprost solution and BSS were 16.55 ± 3.06 mmHg and 18.02 ± 3.52 mmHg, respectively. The mean ± of PD for eyes treated with 0.03% bimatoprost solution and BSS were 5.7 ± 1.57 mm and 6.39 ± 1.78 mm, respectively. The mean ± SD of IOP for eyes treated with 0.15% unoprostone isopropyl solution and BSS were 15.7 ± 2.91 mmHg and 17.2 ± 2.9 mmHg, respectively. The mean ± SD of PD for eyes treated with 0.15% unoprostone isopropyl solution and BSS were 5.8 ± 1.43 mm and 6.9 ± 1.37 mm, respectively. There was no significant difference (P ≥ 0.05) in IOP or PD between eyes treated with 0.03% bimatoprost solution vs. eyes treated with BSS. Similarly, there was no significant difference (P ≥ 0.05) in IOP or PD between eyes treated with 0.15% unoprostone isopropyl solution vs. eyes treated with BSS.

Conclusion  Neither once daily topical administration of 0.03% bimatoprost solution nor twice daily topical administration of 0.15% unoprostone isopropyl solution significantly affect the IOP of normal cats. Both 0.03% bimatoprost solution and 0.15% unoprostone isopropyl solution induced no significant ocular side effects in normal cats when dosed over a 10‐day treatment period.
Canine goniodysgenesis‐related glaucoma: a morphologic review of 100 cases looking at inflammation and pigment dispersion
Authors: Reilly Christopher M. , Morris Rebecca , Dubielzig Richard R.
Published: July 2005

Purpose To investigate the role of pigment dispersion and inflammation in the pathogenesis of goniodysgenesis‐related glaucoma (GDRG).

Procedures Cases of GDRG were selected when the duration of the disease was specified and there was not any confounding pathology. Cases were grouped into ≤ 7‐day (acute), and > 7‐day (chronic) durations, based on the time required to effect end‐stage retinal damage. Acute cases were further divided into < 4‐day and 4–7‐day groups to assess peracute changes. Slides were evaluated for four individual signs of pigment dispersion: segmental loss of posterior iris pigment epithelium, clumping of posterior iris pigment epithelium, pigmented cells in the trabecular meshwork or anterior chamber and preferential settling of pigmented cells in the ventral aspect of the iridocorneal angle. Slides were also evaluated for the presence of neutrophils and/or lymphoplasmacytic cells in the trabecular meshwork (TM). Differences between groups were analyzed statistically.

Results Of 100 cases evaluated, 34 were ≤ 7‐days (acute) (14 < 4‐day and 20 4–7‐day) and 66 were > 7‐days (chronic) in duration. Of all globes examined, 96% had at least one sign of pigment dispersion, with no significant difference between groups. Two or more signs of pigment dispersion were present in 76% of all globes. The 4–7‐day group was significantly more likely than the < 4‐day group to have at least two signs. The difference was not significant between ≤ 7‐ and > 7‐day groups. Neutrophils were present in the TM of 86% of < 4‐day and 50% of 4–7‐day cases. Cases in the ≤ 7‐day group were significantly less likely than > 7‐day cases to have neutrophils in the TM, with 15 and 65% positive cases, respectively. Lymphoplasmacytic inflammation was present in 53% of all cases, with no significant difference between groups. Cases in the ≤ 7‐day group were significantly more likely than > 7‐day cases to have both types of inflammation.

Conclusions Our results indicate that both acute inflammation and pigment dispersion may be key factors in the pathogenesis of GDRG. Pigment dispersion is prevalent at all time points and increases during the first 7 days. The finding of iris pigment epithelial loss supports the theory that pupillary block associated with iris‐lens touching may be important in the pathogenesis of GDRG.
Retinoblastoma in the eye of a llama (Llama glama)
Authors: Fugaro Michael N. , Kiupel Matti , Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano , Hawkins Jan F. , Janovitz Evan B.
Published: July 2005

Animal studied A 6‐year‐old, pregnant female llama experienced a 6‐month history of epiphora, buphthalmos, and acute loss of vision in the left eye. The condition was unresponsive to topical antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory therapy and progressed to corneal rupture.

Procedures Transpalpebral enucleation was performed and an intraorbital silicone prosthesis was implanted. The eye was fixed in formalin and processed according to routine paraffin technique. Sections of a mass were immunohistochemically prepared routinely and stained for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S‐antigen, and rhodopsin.

Results Gross, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical analysis revealed a retinal tumor consistent with a retinoblastoma. The neoplastic tissue formed Flexner–Wintersteiner and Homer–Wright rosettes, originated from the retina, and demonstrated photoreceptor differentiation with S‐antigen and rhodopsin expression. Neoplastic cells were negative for GFAP. Four years after enucleation, the llama showed no signs of recurrent neoplasia.

Conclusions This report describes the diagnosis and successful treatment of the first known retinoblastoma in a llama.
Early‐onset obsessive‐compulsive disorder: a subgroup with a specific clinical and familial pattern?
Authors: Chabane Nadia , Delorme Richard , Millet Bruno , Mouren Marie‐Christine , Leboyer Marion , Pauls David
Published: July 2005

Background:  The familial nature of obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) has been previously demonstrated. The identification of candidate symptoms such as age at onset may help to disentangle the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of the disorder. In this study, the specificity of early‐onset OCD was investigated, focusing on the effect of gender, comorbid conditions and familial risk of tics and OCD by studying a population consisting exclusively of patients with early‐onset OCD.

Methods:  One hundred and forty‐four patients having OCD were recruited in the study (108 early‐onset probands and 36 late‐onset probands). The early‐onset probands and 199 of their first‐degree relatives were investigated using structured interviews and questionnaires. This sample of early onset was mainly composed of children and adolescents (74 children and adolescents and 34 adults).

Results:  The average age of onset of OCD is 9.98 ± 3.2 years. Forty‐four per cent of the probands have a comorbid tic disorder. The age‐corrected morbid risk among the first‐degree relatives is 17% for OCD and 12% for tics. Morbid risk for OCD and tics was independent of the presence of tics in probands. Only 32.6% of the probands have a positive family history of OCD.

Conclusions:  These findings are consistent with other reports in the literature that the morbid risk of OCD is elevated in relatives of probands with early‐onset OCD. However, the majority of cases do not have a positive family history of OCD. This result suggests that early onset is not the only specific clinical marker for familial risk in OCD. Thus more work is needed to clearly elucidate other factors related to increased genetic vulnerability for OCD.
Show me the child at seven: the consequences of conduct problems in childhood for psychosocial functioning in adulthood
Authors: Fergusson David M. , John Horwood L. , Ridder Elizabeth M.
Published: July 2005

Background:  This paper seeks to extend research into the adult sequelae of childhood conduct problems by investigating the associations between conduct problems in middle childhood and psychosocial outcomes in adulthood.

Method:  Data were gathered during the course of a 25‐year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of New Zealand young people. Information was collected on: a) parent and teacher reports of child conduct problems at ages 7, 8 and 9 years; b) measures of crime, substance use, mental health, sexual/partner relationships, education/employment; c) confounding factors, including childhood, family and educational characteristics.

Results:  There were statistically significant associations between childhood conduct problems from 7–9 years and risks of adverse outcomes across all domains of functioning. After control for confounding factors the associations between conduct problems and education/employment outcomes became statistically non‐significant. Associations persisted for other outcomes (crime, substance dependence, mental health and sexual/partner relationships). Children in the most disturbed 5% of the cohort had rates of these outcomes that were between 1.5 and 19 times higher than rates for the least disturbed 50% of the cohort. The associations between conduct problems and adult outcomes were similar for males and females.

Conclusions:  Childhood conduct problems were associated with a wide range of adverse psychosocial outcomes (crime, substance use, mental health, sexual/partner relationships) even after control for confounding factors. The results reinforce the need for greater investment into interventions to address these problems.
Psychosocial needs of boys in secure care for serious or persistent offending
Authors: Harrington R.C. , Kroll L. , Rothwell J. , McCarthy K. , Bradley D. , Bailey S.
Published: July 2005

Background:  The mental health of child offenders who are detained in secure settings is a matter of great public and professional concern but there has been little systematic longitudinal research on the outcomes of these problems once the young person has returned to the community. The aims of the present study were to describe the psychosocial outcomes of boys in secure care and to establish if these outcomes were correlated with criminal outcomes.

Method:  Prospective cohort study of 97 boys whose average age was 14 years when they were admitted to secure units in the North West of England. The boys were followed up on average 2 years later, when outcome data were obtained on 81/97 (83%) cases. The main outcome measure was a standardised assessment of mental health, social and educational needs obtained by interview with the young person and corroborated in most cases by information from informants. All data were then reviewed by experienced clinicians who made best‐estimate ratings of need ‘blind’ to the findings from the first phase of the study.

Results:  The average number of needs requiring an intervention at follow‐up (mean = 3.4, sd = 3.0) was much lower than before admission to secure care (mean = 8.2, sd = 2.5) (mean difference 4.9 needs, 95% CI 4.0 to 5.7). Educational and occupational needs were particularly well dealt with. However, many mental health problems persisted or worsened. For example, 31% had a need for treatment of substance abuse, a significant increase compared with when they were in secure care (percentage difference 21%, 95% CL 9.0% to 32.7%). No mental disorder predicted subsequent offending.

Conclusions:  Boys who have been in secure care continue to have a high rate of mental health problems. The mental health needs of this group are not, however, static but change over time and with changing circumstances. Services need to be designed to meet these changing needs.
Examining minor and major depression in adolescents
Authors: González‐Tejera Gloria , Canino Glorisa , Ramírez Rafael , Chávez Ligia , Shrout Patrick , Bird Hector , Bravo Milagros , Martínez‐Taboas Alfonso , Ribera Julio , Bauermeister José
Published: July 2005

Background:  Research has shown that a large proportion of adolescents with symptoms of depression and substantial distress or impairment fail to meet the diagnostic criteria for a major depressive disorder (MDD). However, many of these undiagnosed adolescents may meet criteria for a residual category of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders‐Fourth Edition‐Text Revised (DSM‐IV‐TR), Depressive Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Minor Depression (mDEP), an example of one of these categories, allows the inclusion of sub‐threshold cases that fall below the diagnostic criteria of the five symptoms required for MDD. Minor depression in adolescence is important because it is significantly related to MDD in adulthood. The present study examines a number of risk factors, functional impairment, comorbidity and service utilization patterns associated with depression in community adolescents who met the DSM‐IV criteria for mDEP and compares their profile to adolescents who met the criteria for MDD.

Method:  Puerto Rican adolescents 11 to 17 years old were selected from an island‐wide probability household sample of children ranging in age from 4 to 17. The Diagnostic Interview Schedule in Spanish (DISC IV), together with a structured protocol of risks and protective factors, and service utilization questionnaires were administered to primary caretakers and their children.

Results:  Our findings indicate that youngsters with mDEP had significant impairment and used more mental health services than those with major depression. In addition, adolescents with mDEP had similar outcomes when compared to those meeting full criteria for MDD in terms of psychosocial correlates and comorbidity.

Conclusions:  The results, although not definitive, suggest a need for further research in order to determine the validity of the present DSM IV diagnostic criteria for mDEP in adolescents.
Practitioner Review: Approaches to assessment and treatment of children with DCD: an evaluative review
Authors: Wilson Peter H.
Published: July 2005

Background:  Movement clumsiness (or Developmental Coordination Disorder – DCD) has gained increasing recognition as a significant condition of childhood. However, some uncertainty still exists about diagnosis. Accordingly, approaches to assessment and treatment are varied, each drawing on distinct theoretical assumptions about the aetiology of the condition and its developmental course.

Method:  This review evaluates the current status of different approaches to motor assessment and treatment for children with DCD. These approaches are divided according to their broad conceptual origin (or explanatory framework): Normative Functional Skill Approach, General Abilities Approach, Neurodevelopmental Theory, Dynamical Systems Theory, and the Cognitive Neuroscientific Approach.

Conclusions:  Each conceptual framework is shown to support assessment and treatment methods with varying degrees of conceptual and psychometric integrity. The normative functional skill approach supports the major screening devices for DCD and cognitive (or top‐down) approaches to intervention. The general abilities approach and traditional neurodevelopmental theory are not well supported by recent research. The dynamical systems approach supports promising trends in biomechanical or kinematic analysis of movement, ecological task analysis, and task‐specific intervention. Finally, and more recently, the cognitive neuroscientific approach has generated some examples of process‐oriented assessment and treatment based on validated (brain–behaviour) models of motor control and learning. A multi‐level approach to movement assessment and treatment is recommended for DCD, providing a more complete representation of motor development at different levels of function – behavioural, neurocognitive, and emotional.
Show me the child at seven II: childhood intelligence and later outcomes in adolescence and young adulthood
Authors: Fergusson David M. , John Horwood L. , Ridder Elizabeth M.
Published: July 2005

Background:  There has been ongoing interest in the role of intelligence in longer‐term educational and occupational achievement and social adjustment. The aims of this study were to examine the extent to which IQ in middle childhood (8–9 years) was prognostic of future outcomes when due allowance was made for confounding personal and social factors.

Methods:  Data were gathered on (WISC‐R) IQ at ages 8–9 years and a range of educational and social adjustment measures over the course of the Christchurch Health and Development Study, a 25‐year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of 1,265 New Zealand children.

Results:  IQ assessed at ages 8–9 years was related to a range of outcomes: later crime (offending, arrest/conviction); substance use disorders (nicotine dependence, illicit drug dependence); mental health (anxiety, suicidality); sexual adjustment (number of sexual partners, pregnancy); educational achievement (school leaving qualifications, tertiary qualifications); and occupational outcomes (unemployment, income). However, intelligence was largely unrelated to many of these outcomes: crime, mental health, sexual behaviours, and illicit substance dependence after statistical adjustment for early behaviour problems and family background. Strong relationships remained between childhood intelligence and later educational and occupational outcomes.

Conclusions:  Much of the association between early intelligence and later social adjustment is mediated by childhood conduct problems and family social circumstances. However, strong relationships exist between early intelligence and later academic achievement and income independently of these factors.
Techniques for solving subset sum problems within a given tolerance
Authors: James R. J. W. , Storer R. H.
Published: July 2005

The subset sum problem is a simple and fundamental NP‐hard problem that is found in many real world applications. For the particular application motivating this paper (combination weighers) a solution is required to the subset sum problem that is within a small tolerance level, and can be computed quickly. We propose four techniques for solving this problem. The first two techniques are based on an efficient number partitioning algorithm. These techniques can solve small problems very efficiently when the solution uses approximately half the available items. The next technique is an enumeration technique that is capable of solving small problems very efficiently. The last technique is a modified enumeration technique that improves a good solution in a structured manner. These techniques were found to perform efficiently on large and small problems and can outperform other techniques currently proposed in the literature under certain conditions.
Exploring financial strategies: a multiobjective visual reference point approach
Authors: Costa João Paulo , Godinho Pedro Cortesão , Clímaco João Carlos
Published: July 2005

This paper presents a multiobjective financial planning model and a technique for characterizing its solutions through the visual exploration of the reference point space. The financial planning model includes two objectives: (1) to maximize the company's value and (2) to stabilize the company's capital structure. The model also considers other planning issues like the balance of funds, the stabilization of dividend payout over the years and some limitations on debt. A technique of visual exploration of the reference point space is proposed in order to characterize the non‐dominated (efficient) model solutions. The underlying idea is not simply to choose a plan or a strategy, but to learn, explore and classify different decision strategies, gaining insight into them according to the preferred model of the decision makers.
Insular Seizures: Have We Been Missing the Boat?
Authors: Schwartz Theodore H.
Published: July 2005

Clinical Manifestations of Insular Lobe Seizures: A Stereo-electroencephalographic Study

Isnard J, Guenot M, Sindou M, Mauguiere F

Epilepsia 2004;45:1079–1090

Purpose

In this study, we report the clinical features of insular lobe seizures based on data from video and stereoelectroencephalographic ictal recordings and direct electric insular stimulation of the insular cortex performed in patients referred for presurgical evaluation of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

Methods

Since our first recordings of insular seizures, the insular cortex has been included as one of the targets of stereoelectroencephalographic electrode implantation in 50 consecutive patients with TLE whose seizures were suspected to originate from, or rapidly to propagate to, the perisylvian cortex. In six, a stereotyped sequence of ictal symptoms associated with intrainsular discharges could be identified.

Results

This ictal sequence occurred in full consciousness, beginning with a sensation of laryngeal constriction and paresthesiae, often unpleasant, affecting large cutaneous territories, most often at the onset of a complex partial seizure (five of the six patients). It was eventually followed by dysarthric speech and focal motor convulsive symptoms. The insular origin of these symptoms was supported by the data from functional cortical mapping of the insula by using direct cortical stimulations.

Conclusions

This sequence of ictal symptoms looks reliable enough to characterize insular lobe epileptic seizures. Observation of this clinical sequence at the onset of seizures on video-EEG recordings in TLE patients strongly suggests that the seizure-onset zone is located not in the temporal but in the insular lobe; recording directly from the insular cortex should occur before making any decision regarding epilepsy surgery.
Tissue Plasminogen Activator, Neuroserpin, and Seizures
Authors: Vezzani Annamaria
Published: July 2005

Ethanol-withdrawal Seizures Are Controlled by Tissue Plasminogen Activator via Modulation of NR2B-containing NMDA Receptors

Pawlak R, Melchor JP, Matys T, Skrzypiec AE, Strickland S

Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2005;102:443–448

Chronic ethanol abuse causes upregulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which underlies seizures and brain damage on ethanol withdrawal (EW). Here we show that tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a protease implicated in neuronal plasticity and seizures, is induced in the limbic system by chronic ethanol consumption, temporally coinciding with upregulation of NMDA receptors. tPA interacts with NR2B-containing NMDA receptors and is required for upregulation of the NR2B subunit in response to ethanol. As a consequence, tPA-deficient mice have reduced NR2B, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation, and seizures after EW. tPA-mediated facilitation of EW seizures is abolished by NR2B-specific NMDA antagonist ifenprodil. These results indicate that tPA mediates the development of physical dependence on ethanol by regulating NR2B-containing NMDA receptors.

Neuroserpin Portland (Ser52Arg) Is Trapped as an Inactive Intermediate That Rapidly Forms Polymers: Implications for the Epilepsy Seen in the Dementia FENIB

Belorgey D, Sharp LK, Crowther DC, Onda M, Johansson J, Lomas DA

Eur J Biochem 2004;271:3360–3367

The dementia, familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB), is caused by point mutations in the neuroserpin gene. We have shown a correlation between the predicted effect of the mutation and the number of intracerebral inclusions, and an inverse relation with the age at onset of disease. Our previous work has shown that the intraneuronal inclusions in FENIB result from the sequential interaction between the reactive center loop of one neuroserpin molecule with β-sheet A of the next. We show here that neuroserpin Portland (Ser52Arg), which causes a severe form of FENIB, also forms loop-sheet polymers but at a faster rate, in keeping with the more severe clinical phenotype. The Portland mutant has a normal unfolding transition in urea and a normal melting temperature but is inactive as a proteinase inhibitor. This results in part from the reactive loop being in a less accessible conformation to bind to the target enzyme, tissue plasminogen activator. These results, with those of the CD analysis, are in keeping with the reactive center loop of neuroserpin Portland being partially inserted into β-sheet A to adopt a conformation similar to an intermediate on the polymerization pathway. Our data provide an explanation for the number of inclusions and the severity of dementia in FENIB associated with neuroserpin Portland. Moreover, the inactivity of the mutant may result in uncontrolled activity of tissue plasminogen activator, and so explain the epileptic seizures seen in individuals with more severe forms of the disease.
Food for Thought: The Ketogenic Diet and Adverse Effects in Children
Authors: Duchowny Michael S.
Published: July 2005

Early- and Late-Onset Complications of the Ketogenic Diet for Intractable Epilepsy

Kang HC, Chung da E, Kim DW, Kim HD

Epilepsia 2004;45:1116–1123

Purpose

This study was undertaken to evaluate the exact limitations of the ketogenic diet (KD) and to collect data on the prevention and management of its risks.

Methods

Patients (129) who were on the KD from July 1995 to October 2001 at our epilepsy center were assessed in the study. Early-onset (within 4 weeks of the commencement of the KD until stabilization) and late-onset complications (occurring after 4 weeks) were reviewed.

Results

The most common early-onset complication was dehydration, especially in patients who started the KD with initial fasting. Gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, also were frequently noted, sometimes associated with gastritis and fat intolerance. Other early-onset complications, in order of frequency, were hypertriglyceridemia, transient hyperuricemia, hypercholesterolemia, various infectious diseases, symptomatic hypoglycemia, hypoproteinemia, hypomagnesemia, repetitive hyponatremia, low concentrations of high-density lipoprotein, lipoid pneumonia due to aspiration, hepatitis, acute pancreatitis, and persistent metabolic acidosis. Late-onset complications also included osteopenia, renal stones, cardiomyopathy, secondary hypocarnitinemia, and iron-deficiency anemia. Most early- and late-onset complications were transient and successfully managed by careful follow-up and conservative strategies. However, 22 (17.1%) patients ceased the KD because of various kinds of serious complications, and 4 (3.1%) patients died during the KD, two of sepsis, one of cardiomyopathy, and one of lipoid pneumonia.

Conclusions

Most complications of the KD are transient and can be managed easily with various conservative treatments. However, life-threatening complications should be monitored closely during follow-up.
Will My Child Grow up and be Normal?
Authors: Vining Eileen P.G.
Published: July 2005

Physical Growth and Endocrinal Disorders during Pubertal Maturation in Girls with Epilepsy

El-Khayat HA, Abd El-Basset FZ, Tomoum HY, Tohamy SM, Zaky AA, Mohamed MS, Hakky SM, Barbary NS, Nassef NM

Epilepsia 2004;45:1106–1115

Purpose

This study investigated the effect of epilepsy or antiepileptic drugs or both on the physical growth, pubertal development, and androgenic status of girls with epilepsy between ages 8 and 18 years.

Methods

Sixty-six female patients with epilepsy, their mean ages 13.47 ± 3.5 years, were included. Anthropometric measurements, staging of pubertal maturation, and clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenism were assessed, as well as measurement of serum levels of testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, sex hormone–binding globulin, and free androgen index. Of the included patients, 44 had transabdominal ultrasonic examination of the ovaries, and fasting serum insulin levels were measured. Forty healthy age-matched girls served as a control group.

Results

Patients showed reduced mean height percentile compared with controls ( z = 2.07; p = 0.04), which was negatively correlated with the duration of their epilepsy. Patients showed increased frequency of obesity, especially postpubertal girls taking valproate (67%), who also showed higher insulin levels ( t = 8.01; p = 0.0003). Patients showed increased frequency of clinical hyperandrogenemia in the different stages of puberty. High levels of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were found in girls with epilepsy, especially pubertal and postpubertal girls. Hyperandrogenism (clinical and/or laboratory) was most affected by the types of antiepileptic drugs, with higher incidence in patients taking valproic acid compared with those taking enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs ( χ2 = 9.16; p = 0.01). Eighteen percent of the patients were diagnosed as having polycystic ovary syndrome. No difference was found in the types of seizures, degree of seizure control, types of antiepileptic drugs, or insulin levels between patients with and those without polycystic ovary syndrome.

Conclusions

Longer duration of the disease has a negative impact on the stature of girls with epilepsy. Postpubertal girls taking valproic acid are more liable to obesity, which is associated with increased incidence of hyperinsulinemia. Clinical or laboratory evidence or both of hyperandrogenism is seen at a high frequency in patients, especially with the use of valproic acid. Furthermore, girls with epilepsy especially in the postpubertal stage of sexual maturation, have a high prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome, independent of the type of antiepileptic drug or the characteristics of the epilepsy disorder.
Infantile Spasms and Epilepsy Currents
Authors: Ben-Menachem Elinor
Published: July 2005

The United Kingdom Infantile Spasms Study Comparing Vigabatrin with Prednisolone or Tetracosactide at 14 Days: A Multicentre, Randomised Controlled Trial

Lux AL, Edwards SW, Hancock E, Johnson AL, Kennedy CR, Newton RW, O'Callaghan FJ, Verity CM, Osborne JP

Lancet 2004;364:1773–1778

Purpose

Infantile spasms, a severe infantile seizure disorder, have a high morbidity and are difficult to treat. Hormonal treatments (adrenocorticotropic hormone and prednisolone) have been the main therapy for decades, although little evidence supports their use. Vigabatrin has been recorded to have a beneficial effect in this disorder. We aimed to compare the effects of vigabatrin with those of prednisolone and tetracosactide in the treatment of infantile spasms.

Methods

The United Kingdom Infantile Spasms Study assessed these treatments in a multicenter, randomized controlled trial in 150 hospitals in the United Kingdom. The primary outcome was cessation of spasms on days 13 and 14. Minimum doses were vigabatrin, 100 mg/kg/day; oral prednisolone, 40 mg/day; or intramuscular tetracosactide depot, 0.5 mg (40 IU) on alternate days. Analysis was by intention to treat.

Results

Of 208 infants screened and assessed, 107 were randomly assigned to vigabatrin ( n = 52) or hormonal treatments (prednisolone, n = 30; tetracosactide, n = 25). None was lost to follow-up. Proportions with no spasms on days 13 and 14 were 40 (73%) of 55 infants assigned hormonal treatments (prednisolone, 21 of 30 [70%]; tetracosactide, 19 of 25 [76%]) and 28 (54%) of 52 infants assigned vigabatrin (difference, 19%; 95% CI, 1%–36%, p = 0.043). Two infants allocated tetracosactide and one allocated vigabatrin received prednisolone. Adverse events were reported in 30 (55%) of 55 infants receiving hormonal treatments and 28 (54%) of 52 infants receiving vigabatrin. No deaths were recorded.

Conclusions

Cessation of spasms was more likely in infants given hormonal treatments than in those given vigabatrin. Adverse events were common with both treatments.