bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ELEMENTARY AMENABLE SUBGROUPS OF R. THOMPSON'S GROUP F
Authors: BRIN MATTHEW G.
Published: August 2005

We study the subgroups of R. J. Thompson's group F and PLo(I), the group of orientation preserving, piecewise linear self homeomorphisms of [0, 1]. We exhibit, for each non-limit ordinal α ≤ ω2 + 1, an elementary amenable group of elementary class α (under Chou's stratification of elementary amenable groups) that is a subgroup of F and thus of PLo(I). We also give examples that negatively answer a question of Sapir about non-solvable groups in F and PLo(I).
CONJUGACY OF FINITE SUBSETS IN HYPERBOLIC GROUPS
Authors: BRIDSON MARTIN R. , HOWIE JAMES
Published: August 2005

There is a quadratic-time algorithm that determines conjugacy between finite subsets in any torsion-free hyperbolic group. Moreover, in any k-generator, δ-hyperbolic group Γ, if two finite subsets A and B are conjugate, then x-1 Ax = B for some x ∈ Γ with ǁxǁ less than a linear function of max {ǁγǁ : γ ∈ A ∪ B}. (The coefficients of this linear function depend only on k and δ.) These results have implications for group-based cryptography and the geometry of homotopies in negatively curved spaces.

In an appendix, we give examples of finitely presented groups in which the conjugacy problem for elements is soluble but the conjugacy problem for finite lists is not.
A QUANTUM IS A COMPLEX STRUCTURE ON CLASSICAL PHASE SPACE
Authors: ISIDRO JOSÉ M.
Published: August 2005

Duality transformations within the quantum mechanics of a finite number of degrees of freedom can be regarded as the dependence of the notion of a quantum, i.e., an elementary excitation of the vacuum, on the observer on classical phase space. Under an observer we understand, as in general relativity, a local coordinate chart. While classical mechanics can be formulated using a symplectic structure on classical phase space, quantum mechanics requires a complex-differentiable structure on that same space. Complex-differentiable structures on a given real manifold are often not unique. This article is devoted to analysing the dependence of the notion of a quantum on the complex-differentiable structure chosen on classical phase space. For that purpose we consider Kähler phase spaces, endowed with a dynamics whose Hamiltonian equals the local Kähler potential.
GEOMETRIC ASPECTS OF TIME-DEPENDENT SINGULAR DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Authors: GRÀCIA XAVIER , MARTÍN RUBÉN
Published: August 2005

A geometric framework for describing and solving time-dependent implicit differential equations F(t,x,x′) = 0 is studied, paying special attention to the linearly singular case, where F is affine in the velocities: A(t,x)x′ = b(t,x). This framework is based on the jet bundle of a time-dependent configuration space, and is an extension of the geometric framework of the autonomous case. When A is a singular matrix, the solutions can be obtained by means of constraint algorithms, either directly or through an equivalent autonomous system that can be constructed using the vector hull functor of affine spaces. As applications, we consider the jet bundle description of time-dependent lagrangian systems and the Skinner–Rusk formulation of time-dependent mechanics.
POSITIVE PERTURBATIONS OF SELF-ADJOINT SCHRÖDINGER OPERATORS ON RIEMANNIAN MANIFOLDS
Authors: MILATOVIC OGNJEN
Published: August 2005

We consider a Schrödinger differential expression L0 = ΔM + V0 on a Riemannian manifold (M,g) with metric g, where ΔM is the scalar Laplacian on M and V0 is a real-valued locally square integrable function on M. We consider a perturbation L0 + V, where V is a non-negative locally square-integrable function on M, and give sufficient conditions for L0 + V to be essentially self-adjoint on [Formula: see text]. This is an extension of a result of T. Kappeler.
FROM SPINOR GEOMETRY TO COMPLEX GENERAL RELATIVITY
Authors: ESPOSITO GIAMPIERO
Published: August 2005

An attempt is made of giving a self-contained introduction to holomorphic ideas in general relativity, following work over the last thirty years by several authors. The main topics are complex manifolds, two-component spinor calculus, conformal gravity, α-planes in Minkowski space-time, α-surfaces and twistor geometry, anti-self-dual space-times and Penrose transform, spin-3/2 potentials, heaven spaces and heavenly equations.
Involvement of histone acetyltransferase (HAT) in ethanol-induced acetylation of histone H3 in hepatocytes: potential mechanism for gene expression
Authors: Park Pil-Hoon , Lim Robert W. , Shukla Shivendra D.
Published: August 2005

Ethanol treatment increases gene expression in the liver through mechanisms that are not clearly understood. Histone acetylation has been shown to induce transcriptional activation. We have investigated the characteristics and mechanisms of ethanol-induced histone H3 acetylation in rat hepatocytes. Immunocytochemical and immunoblot analysis revealed that ethanol treatment significantly increased H3 acetylation at Lys9 with negligible effects at Lys14, -18, and -23. Acute in vivo administration of alcohol in rats produced the same results as in vitro observations. Nuclear extracts from ethanol-treated hepatocytes increased acetylation in H3 peptide to a greater extent than extracts from untreated cells, suggesting that ethanol either increased the expression level or the specific activity of histone acetyltransferases (HAT). Use of different H3 peptides indicated that ethanol selectively modulated HAT(s) targeting H3-Lys9. Treatment with acetate, an ethanol metabolite, also increased acetylation of H3-Lys9 and modulated HAT(s) in the same manner as ethanol, suggesting that acetate mediates the ethanol-induced effect on HAT. Inhibitors of MEK (U0126) and JNK (SP600125), but not p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580), suppressed ethanol-induced H3 acetylation. However, U0126 and SP600125 did not significantly affect ethanol-induced effect on HAT, suggesting that ERK and JNK regulate histone acetylation through a separate pathway(s) that does not involve modulation of HAT. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that ethanol treatment increased the association of the class I alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH I) gene with acetylated H3-Lys9. These data provide first evidence that ethanol increases acetylation of H3-Lys9 through modulation of HAT(s) and that histone acetylation may underlie the mechanism for ethanol-induced ADH I gene expression.
Decreased sucrase and lactase activity in iron deficiency is accompanied by reduced gene expression and upregulation of the transcriptional repressor PDX-1
Authors: West Adrian R. , Oates Phillip S.
Published: August 2005

Disaccharidases are important digestive enzymes whose activities can be reduced by iron deficiency. We hypothesise that this is due to reduced gene expression, either by impairment to enterocyte differentiation or by iron-sensitive mechanisms that regulate mRNA levels in enterocytes. Iron-deficient Wistar rats were generated by dietary means. The enzyme activities and kinetics of sucrase and lactase were tested as well as the activity of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP)-II because it is unrelated to carbohydrate digestion. mRNA levels of β-actin, sucrase, lactase, and the associated transcription factors pancreatic duodenal homeobox (PDX)-1, caudal-related homeobox (CDX)-2, GATA-binding protein (GATA)-4, and hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1 were measured by real-time PCR. Spatial patterns of protein and gene expression were assessed by immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization, respectively. It was found that iron-deficient rats had significantly lower sucrase (19.5% lower) and lactase (56.8% lower) but not IAP-II activity than control rats. Kinetic properties of both enzymes remained unchanged from controls, suggesting a decrease in the quantity of enzyme present. Sucrase and lactase mRNA levels were reduced by 44.5% and 67.9%, respectively, by iron deficiency, suggesting that enzyme activity is controlled primarily by gene expression. Iron deficiency did not affect the pattern of protein and gene expression along the crypt to villus axis. Expression of PDX-1, a repressor of sucrase and lactase promoters, was 4.5-fold higher in iron deficiency, whereas CDX-2, GATA-4, and HNF-1 levels were not significantly different. These data suggest that decreases in sucrase and lactase activities result from a reduction in gene expression, following from increased levels of the transcriptional repressor PDX-1.
Diet-induced obesity and acute hyperlipidemia reduce IκBα levels in rat skeletal muscle in a fiber-type dependent manner
Authors: Bhatt Bankim A. , Dube John J. , Dedousis Nikolas , Reider Jodie A. , O’Doherty Robert M.
Published: August 2005

Increased activity of proinflammatory/stress pathways has been implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance in obesity. However, the effects of obesity on the activity of these pathways in skeletal muscle, the major insulin-sensitive tissue by mass, are poorly understood. Furthermore, the mechanisms that activate proinflammatory/stress pathways in obesity are unknown. The present study addressed the effects of diet-induced obesity (DIO; 6 wk of high-fat feeding) and acute (6-h) hyperlipidemia (HL) in rats on activity of IKK/IκB/NF-κB c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, and p38 MAPK in three skeletal muscles differing in fiber type [superficial vastus (Vas; fast twitch-glycolytic), soleus (Sol; slow twitch-oxidative), and gastrocnemius (Gas; mixed)]. DIO decreased the levels of the IκBα in Vas (24 ± 3%, P = 0.001, n = 8) but not in Sol or Gas compared with standard chow-fed controls. Similar to DIO, HL decreased IκBα levels in Vas (26 ± 5%, P = 0.006, n = 6) and in Gas (15 ± 4%, P = 0.01, n = 7) but not in Sol compared with saline-infused controls. Importantly, the fiber-type-dependent effects on IκBα levels could not be explained by differential accumulation of triglyceride in Sol and Vas. HL, but not DIO, decreased phospho-p38 MAPK levels in Vas (41 ± 7% P = 0.004, n = 6) but not in Sol or Gas. Finally, skeletal muscle c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activity was unchanged by DIO or HL. We conclude that diet-induced obesity and acute HL reduce IκBα levels in rat skeletal muscle in a fiber-type-dependent manner.
Thermoregulatory responses to lipopolysaccharide in the mouse: dependence on the dose and ambient temperature
Authors: Rudaya Alla Y. , Steiner Alexandre A. , Robbins Jared R. , Dragic Alexander S. , Romanovsky Andrej A.
Published: August 2005

Most published studies of thermoregulatory responses of mice to LPS involved a stressful injection of LPS, were run at a poorly controlled and often subneutral ambient temperature (Ta), and paid little attention to the dependence of the response on the LPS dose. These pitfalls have been overcome in the present study. Male C57BL/6 mice implanted with jugular vein catheters were kept in an environmental chamber at a tightly controlled Ta. The relationship between the Tas used and the thermoneutral zone of the mice was verified by measuring tail skin temperature, either by infrared thermography or thermocouple thermometry. Escherichia coli LPS in a wide dose range (100-104μg/kg) was administered through an extension of the jugular catheter from outside the chamber. The responses observed were dose dependent. At a neutral Ta, low (just suprathreshold) doses of LPS (100-101μg/kg) caused a monophasic fever. To a slightly higher dose (101.5μg/kg), the mice responded with a biphasic fever. To even higher doses (101.75-104μg/kg), they responded with a polyphasic fever, of which three distinct phases were identified. The dose dependence and dynamics of LPS fever in the mouse appeared to be remarkably similar to those seen in the rat. However, the thermoregulatory response of mice to LPS in a subthermoneutral environment is remarkably different from that of rats. Although very high doses of LPS (104μg/kg) did cause a late (latency, ∼3 h) hypothermic response in mice, the typical early (latency, 10–30 min) hypothermic response seen in rats did not occur. The present investigation identifies experimental conditions to study LPS-induced mono-, bi-, and polyphasic fevers and late hypothermia in mice and provides detailed characteristics of these responses.
Effect of inspiratory threshold loading on ventilatory kinetics during constant-load exercise
Authors: Keslacy S. , Matecki S. , Carra J. , Borrani F. , Candau R. , Prefaut C. , Ramonatxo M.
Published: August 2005

Humoral factors play an important role in the control of exercise hyperpnea. The role of neuromechanical ventilatory factors, however, is still being investigated. We tested the hypothesis that the afferents of the thoracopulmonary system, and consequently of the neuromechanical ventilatory loop, have an influence on the kinetics of oxygen consumption (V̇o2), carbon dioxide output (V̇co2), and ventilation (V̇e) during moderate intensity exercise. We did this by comparing the ventilatory time constants (τ) of exercise with and without an inspiratory load. Fourteen healthy, trained men (age 22.6 ± 3.2 yr) performed a continuous incremental cycle exercise test to determine maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2 max= 55.2 ± 5.8 ml·min−1·kg−1). On another day, after unloaded warm-up they performed randomized constant-load tests at 40% of their V̇o2 maxfor 8 min, one with and the other without an inspiratory threshold load of 15 cmH2O. Ventilatory variables were obtained breath by breath. Phase 2 ventilatory kinetics (V̇o2, V̇co2, and V̇e) could be described in all cases by a monoexponential function. The bootstrap method revealed small coefficients of variation for the model parameters, indicating an accurate determination for all parameters. Paired Student's t-tests showed that the addition of the inspiratory resistance significantly increased the τ during phase 2 of V̇o2(43.1 ± 8.6 vs. 60.9 ± 14.1 s; P < 0.001), V̇co2(60.3 ± 17.6 vs. 84.5 ± 18.1 s; P < 0.001) and V̇e (59.4 ± 16.1 vs. 85.9 ± 17.1 s; P < 0.001). The average rise in τ was 41.3% for V̇o2, 40.1% for V̇co2, and 44.6% for V̇e. The τ changes indicated that neuromechanical ventilatory factors play a role in the ventilatory response to moderate exercise.
The Effects of Repeated Thermal Therapy for Patients with Chronic Pain
Authors: Masuda Akinori , Koga Yasuyuki , Hattanmaru Masato , Minagoe Shinichi , Tei Chuwa
Published: August 2005

Background: It has been reported that local thermal therapy with a hot pack or paraffin relieves pain. We hypothesized that systemic warming may decrease pain and improve the outcomes in patients with chronic pain. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of systemic thermal therapy in patients with chronic pain. Methods: Group A (n = 24) patients with chronic pain were treated by a multidisciplinary treatment including cognitive behavioral therapy, rehabilitation, and exercise therapy, whereas group B (n = 22) patients were treated by a combination of multidisciplinary treatment and repeated thermal therapy. A far-infrared ray dry sauna therapy and post-sauna warming were performed once a day for 4 weeks during hospitalization. We investigated the improvements in subjective symptoms, the number of pain behavior after treatment and outcomes 2 years after discharge. Results: The visual analog pain score, number of pain behavior, self-rating depression scale, and anger score significantly decreased after treatment in both groups. After treatment, the number of pain behavior was slightly smaller (p = 0.07) and anger score was significantly lower in group B than those in group A (p = 0.05). Two years after treatment, 17 patients (77%) in group B returned to work compared with 12 patients (50%) in group A (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that a combination of multidisciplinary treatment and repeated thermal therapy may be a promising method for treatment of chronic pain.
Do Cognitive Complaints in Euthymic Bipolar Patients Reflect Objective Cognitive Impairment?
Authors: Martínez-Arán A. , Vieta E. , Colom F. , Torrent C. , Reinares M. , Goikolea J.M. , Benabarre A. , Comes M. , Sánchez-Moreno J.
Published: August 2005

Background: In clinical practice, bipolar patients complain of cognitive deficits such as attentional or memory disturbances. The main aim of this study was to determine whether subjective cognitive complaints were associated with objective neuropsychological impairments. Method: Sixty euthymic bipolar patients were assessed through a neuropsychological battery. A structured clinical interview was used to determine subjective cognitive complaints in patients. Thirty healthy controls were also included in the study in order to compare the neuropsychological performance among groups. Results: Bipolar patients with a higher number of episodes, especially the number of mixed episodes, longer duration of the illness and the onset of the illness at an earlier age showed more subjective complaints. Furthermore, bipolar patients with subjective complaints showed lower scores in several cognitive measures related to attention, memory and executive function compared with the control group. Nevertheless, patients without complaints also performed less well than controls in some neuropsychological measures. Conclusion: Bipolar patients who were aware of cognitive deficits were more chronic, had presented more previous episodes, especially mixed type, and their illness had started at an earlier age compared with patients who did not complain about cognitive problems. Moreover, patients with good cognitive insight also had a poorer social and occupational functioning as well as a poorer neuropsychological performance. However, the bipolar group without complaints also obtained lower scores in several tests compared with healthy controls. Cognitive status of bipolar patients should be routinely assessed, regardless of the patients awareness about their cognitive deficits.
Anger Attacks in Depression – Evidence for a Male Depressive Syndrome
Authors: Winkler Dietmar , Pjrek Edda , Kasper Siegfried
Published: August 2005

Background: It has been proposed that aggression and especially anger attacks play an important role in the symptomatology of depression. Furthermore, it has been hypothesized that these symptoms are more prevalent in males than in females. Methods: We conducted a study in 217 depressed patients (104 females, 113 males) without psychiatric comorbidity using questionnaires. Study subjects had previously been treated as inpatients and were contacted after discharge from hospital by mail or phone. Overall response rate was 69.6%. Patients were asked to retrospectively rate their state during their last depression. Results: Males obtained higher scores on irritability (p = 0.010) and showed a tendency to overreact (p = 0.018) during their last depressive episode. They had suffered significantly more often from anger attacks than female patients (4.3 ± 7.52 versus 1.2 ± 2.97 anger attacks per month; p = 0.001). Further multivariate analyses displayed that men had significantly lower impulse control and more frequently showed symptomatic substance intake and hyperactive behavior during their depression, whereas women suffered more often from hypersomnia and heaviness in limbs (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Our findings are indicative of gender differences in symptoms related to lowered impulse control in depressed patients. Further study is required to replicate and extend our results and to assess the significance of aggression as a gender-specific diagnostic criterion for depression.
Psychogenic Urinary Retention (‘Paruresis’): Diagnosis and Epidemiology in a Representative Male Sample
Authors: Hammelstein Philipp , Pietrowsky Reinhard , Merbach Martin , Braehler Elmar
Published: August 2005

Background: Although research interest in social phobias has expanded during the last decade, a special subtype of social phobia known as paruresis, which manifests in the inability to urinate in public rest rooms, is rarely mentioned. The aim of the present study was to achieve for the first time an estimation of point prevalence in a representative male sample (n = 1,105). Method: Due to the lack of well-established screening instruments for paruresis, the Paruresis Checklist (PCL) must be tested for reliability and validity. An empirically based cutoff score must be determined by using the subjective interference with everyday life as an external criterion. Results: Reliability of the PCL seemed to be sufficient, and adequate evidence for validity was found. Using the empirically based cutoff score of the PCL, 2.8% of the sample was diagnosed as suffering from paruresis. In contrast to other forms of social phobia, paruresis is not associated with a lower educational or occupational level.
Psychosomatic Assessment of Skin Diseases in Clinical Practice
Authors: Picardi Angelo , Pasquini Paolo , Abeni Damiano , Fassone Giovanni , Mazzotti Eva , Fava Giovanni A.
Published: August 2005

Background: Psychiatric disorders are frequent in dermatology patients, and many studies pointed out complex, mutual relationships between psyche and skin. Our aim was to provide a systematic psychosocial evaluation of a large and heterogeneous population of patients with skin diseases, including assessments of quality of life, psychiatric status according to the DSM-IV and psychological conditions with psychosomatic relevance according to established criteria (Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research, DCPR). Methods: We studied 545 dermatological inpatients aged 18–65 years, free from dementia and cognitive impairment. They completed the Skindex-29 and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and were administered the SCID-I and the Structured Interview for Psychological Conditions of Psychosomatic Relevance by a trained mental health professional blinded to questionnaire scores. Results: Overall, 38% of patients received a DSM-IV diagnosis. The most common diagnoses were mood (20%) and anxiety disorders (16%); 48% of patients also received a DCPR diagnosis. The most common were demoralisation, irritable mood, type A behaviour and various forms of abnormal illness behaviour. Adjusting for gender, age, and education, the presence of DSM-IV or DCPR diagnoses was significantly associated with high scores on the GHQ-12 and on the Functioning and Emotions scales of the Skindex-29. Also, DCPR diagnoses were significantly associated with high scores on the Symptoms scale of the Skindex-29. Conclusions: These findings highlight the high frequency of psychosocial problems in patients with skin disease and suggest that the joint use of DSM-IV and DCPR criteria may help identify those patients in whom psychiatric issues are worthy of increased clinical attention.
Reconstructing Prions: Fibril Assembly from Simple Yeast to Complex Mammals
Authors: Sigurdson Christina , Polymenidou Magdalini , Aguzzi Adriano
Published: August 2005

With the epizootics of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in North American cattle, BSE infections in goats, new forms of human Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and the spread of chronic wasting disease in North American deer and elk, one wonders whether we are gaining control over the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Although many basic scientific questions in the prion field remain hotly debated and unresolved [1], including the function of the cellular prion protein (PrP), light has been shed on a diverse array of topics, and discussions at the latest TSE meeting ranged broadly from yeast prion fibril assembly to mammalian prion neurotoxicity to future TSE therapies. Prion diseases are protein misfolding disorders which cause degeneration of the central nervous system (CNS) and ultimately death. The unique and surprising feature is that prion diseases are infectious. Yeast prions are derived from proteins differing from the mammalian PrP but are also infectious, self propagating proteins which typically can convert into an aggregated, amyloidogenic form having high beta sheet content. The simple yeast organism has served as a valuable model for understanding aspects of prion biology, such as prion fibril assembly.
Hippocampal Spatial Memory Impairments Caused by the Familial Alzheimer’s Disease-Linked Presenilin 1 M146V Mutation
Authors: Sun Xiaoyan , Beglopoulos Vassilios , Mattson Mark P. , Shen Jie
Published: August 2005

Mutations in presenilins (PS) 1 and 2 are the major cause of familial Alzheimer’s disease. Conditional inactivation of PS1 in the mouse postnatal forebrain leads to mild deficits in spatial learning and memory, whereas inactivation of both PS1 and PS2 results in severe memory and synaptic plasticity impairments, followed by progressive and substantial neurodegeneration. Here we investigate the effect of a familial Alzheimer’s disease-linked PS1 missense mutation using knock-in (KI) mice, in which the wild-type PS1 allele is replaced with the M146V mutant allele. In the Morris water maze task, PS1 KI mice at 3 months of age exhibit reduced quadrant occupancy and platform crossing in the probe trial after 6 days of training, though their performance was normal in the probe trial after 12 days of training. By the age of 9 months, even after 12 days of training, PS1 homozygous KI mice still exhibit reduced platform crossing in the post-training probe trial. ELISA analysis revealed a selective increase in cortical levels of β-amyloid 42 in PS1 KI mice, whereas production of β-amyloid 40 was normal. Histological and quantitative real-time RT-PCR analyses showed normal gross hippocampal morphology and unaltered expression of three genes involved in inflammatory responses in PS1 KI mice. These results show hippocampal spatial memory impairments caused by the PS1 M146V mutation and age-related deterioration of the memory impairment, suggesting that PS1 KI mice are a valuable model system for the study of memory loss in AD.
TAU Haplotype and the Saitohin Q7R Gene Polymorphism Do Not Influence CSF Tau in Alzheimer’s Disease and Are Not Associated with Frontotemporal Dementia or Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Johansson Annica , Zetterberg Henrik , Håkansson Anna , Nissbrandt Hans , Blennow Kaj
Published: August 2005

Background: Recent studies have described Saitohin(STH), a gene located in the human TAU gene. The corresponding protein shows a similar tissue expression to tau, which is involved in many neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). A single nucleotide polymorphism in the STH gene has been suggested to be involved in sporadic AD and is in complete linkage disequilibrium with the TAU haplotype H1. Objective: A case-control study was performed to further explore the possible involvement of the STH Q7R polymorphism and the extended TAU haplotype in AD, FTD or PD. Methods: Patients with AD (n = 398), FTD (n = 96) and PD (n = 105), and controls (n = 186) were genotyped for the STH polymorphism and/or the TAU haplotype. Genotype data were related to levels of total-tau, phospho-tau and Aβ1–42 in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in more than 300 AD patients and to an amount of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the frontal cortex and hippocampus in patients with autopsy-confirmed AD. Results: The STH Q7R polymorphism and the TAU haplotype were in complete linkage disequilibrium in all patients (AD and FTD) and controls investigated for both genes. There were no significant differences in genotype or allele distributions in AD, FTD or PD cases compared to controls. Neither TAU haplotype nor STH influenced CSF levels of total-tau, phospho-tau and Aβ1–42 significantly. In AD patients with neuropathological scores of plaque and tangles, no associations with TAU haplotype and STH were found. Conclusion: We found no evidence that could support a major pathogenic role of STH and TAU haplotype in AD, FTD or PD.
Passive Immunization of the Aβ42(43) C-Terminal-Specific Antibody BC05 in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Asami-Odaka Asano , Obayashi-Adachi Yuka , Matsumoto Yoshio , Takahashi Hideki , Fukumoto Hiroaki , Horiguchi Takashi , Suzuki Nobuhiro , Shoji Mikio
Published: August 2005

Background: Over the past few years, amyloid beta protein (Aβ) vaccination has become one of the most effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.However, the appearance of severe side effects during clinical trials has highlighted the need for improved safety and efficacy.Although antibodies directed against the amino (N)-termini of Aβ are highly effective for passive immunization, a substantial risk of inducing cerebral hemorrhage has been documented. Objective: We investigated the effect of the administration of BC05, which was the first antibody developed against the carboxyl (C)-termini of Aβ42(43), on the clearance of brain Aβ42(43). Method: The BC05 antibody was injected into the peritoneal cavity of Tg2576 transgenic mice expressing βAPPKM670/671NL once a week from 3 to 12 months of age. Results: BC05 caused a selective 44-fold increase in plasma Aβ42(43) and a significant increase in brain soluble Aβ42(43), showing a 156% difference. Brain insoluble Aβ40 and Aβ42(43) levels were decreased by 27.3 and 31.5%, respectively. A reduction in the number of BAN50-labeled plaques was observed. Conclusions: BC05 might render Aβ42(43) soluble within the brain and inhibit the insoluble deposition of Aβ40 and Aβ42(43). By analyzing the mechanism of the elevation of soluble Aβ42(43) after passive immunization of BC05, safer and more effective methods of immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s disease might be developed.
MPTP Treatment Impairs Tyrosine Hydroxylase Immunopositive Fibers Not Only in the Striatum, but Also in the Amygdala
Authors: von Bohlen und Halbach Oliver , Schober Andreas , Hertel Richard , Unsicker Klaus
Published: August 2005

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by a triad of symptoms (tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia). Aside from this, emotional deficits are known to be associated with PD. A key structure of emotional processing is the amygdala. Emotional deficits seen in PD might be due to alterations in the catecholaminergic innervation of this limbic structure. We therefore examined whether 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) applied to C57/BL6 mice (an animal model of PD) affects the density of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactive fibers in the amygdala as it does in the striatum. MPTP treatment caused a prominent reduction in dopamine levels (about –70%) in the striatum (determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and electrochemical detection), accompanied by massive losses of TH-positive fibers in the striatum (–48.3%). Moreover, MPTP treatment caused prominent reductions of TH-positive fiber densities in the basolateral, lateral and central nucleus of the amygdala (about –20%). These results may provide the morphological basis for behavioral studies analyzing altered emotional responses in animal models of PD.
Prognostic Factor Analysis for Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Sakai Rie , Matsui Shigeyuki , Fukushima Masanori , Yasuda Hideyo , Miyauchi Harumitsu , Miyachi Yoshiki
Published: August 2005

Background: Little is known about the long-term prognostic factors which affect clinical outcomes after the diagnosis of psoriasis. Objective: To identify the prognostic factors which predict long-term outcomes after diagnosis. Methods: Patients’ clinical characteristics at diagnosis were associated with long-term prognosis using the logistic regression method for 169 psoriasis patients (median follow-up time 11.6 years). Results: The factors age ≧40 [odds ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10–0.72, p = 0.0091], male (odds ratio 2.67, 95% CI 1.02–7.00,p = 0.0459) and BMI ≧25 (odds ratio 2.74, 95% CI 1.01–7.42, p = 0.0480) had significant effects on long-term prognosis after diagnosis. A simple prognostic index based on these factors was proposed. Conclusions: Three major prognostic factors were identified. The proposed index may be useful in the design of future clinical trials for psoriasis and in the selection of appropriate therapeutic approaches for individual patients.
Head and Neck Atopic Dermatitis and Malassezia-furfur-Specific IgE Antibodies
Authors: Bayrou O. , Pecquet C. , Flahault A. , Artigou C. , Abuaf N. , Leynadier F.
Published: August 2005

Background: Atopic dermatitis of the head and neck (HNAD) has been recognized as a separate entity. Malassezia furfur, a lipophilic yeast, is considered to be a pathogenic allergen in this form of atopic dermatitis. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the level of IgE anti-M.-furfur antibodies and their relation to the severity of the disease. Methods: IgE anti-M.-furfur antibodies were assayed in 106 patients with HNAD. Controls included 25 patients with non-HNAD, 20 with nonatopic dermatitis and 16 with seborrheic dermatitis (including 4 with AIDS). Results: There was a highly significant correlation between the level of anti-M.-furfur IgE and clinical severity. Furthermore, there was a significant but smaller correlation between total IgE and clinical severity. In patients with HNAD, total IgE was higher amongst men. Conclusion: IgE anti-M.-furfur antibodies are a good and specific marker for HNAD. IgE M. furfur levels are strongly correlated with the severity of the disease.
Gabapentin for the Symptomatic Treatment of Chronic Neuropathic Pain in Patients with Late-Stage Lyme Borreliosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Weissenbacher S. , Ring J. , Hofmann H.
Published: August 2005

Background: Chronic neuropathic pain occurs in 10–15% of patients with neuroborreliosis and is difficult to treat. Objective: We evaluated the effect of gabapentin monotherapy on residual pain in patients with neuroborreliosis after intravenous ceftriaxone treatment. Methods: Ten patients with neuroborreliosis and a long-lasting history of neurologic symptoms were treated with gabapentin, starting with 300 mg/day. Doses were raised over a period of 4–12 weeks to the individually effective and tolerated maximum dose (500–1,200 mg). Treatment was maintained until pain disappeared and then gradually reduced in dose over weeks. If symptoms recurred, the doses were raised again. Therapy was maintained over an average of 1–2 years. Results: Pain quality and pain quantity were evaluated using the McGill pain questionnaire and a visual analogue scale. There was an improvement of ‘crawling’ and ‘burning’ pain sensations, neck and radiating lumbar pain in 9/10 (90%) patients as well as a positive effect on mood, general feeling of health and quality of sleep in 5/10 (50%) patients. The average dose leading to a clear-cut pain reduction was 700 mg. Conclusions: In an open pilot study (10 patients), gabapentin monotherapy which has to our knowledge not been published as treatment of chronic neuropathic pain in patients with late Lyme borreliosis is efficacious in treating pain associated with neuroborreliosis and can thus improve quality of life in these patients.
Cutis tricolor parvimaculata: A Distinct Neurocutaneous Syndrome?
Authors: Larralde Margarita , Happle Rudolf
Published: August 2005

An 11-year-old girl had multiple, disseminated, rather small café-au-lait macules and hypochromic spots involving the neck, the trunk and the legs. In part, the two types of macules showed a spatial proximity, suggesting didymosis (twin spotting). The term cutis tricolor has been proposed to describe congenital paired hyperchromic and hypochromic macules on a background of intermediate skin. Because the spots present in this case were much smaller than those described in previous cases of cutis tricolor, we here propose the distinguishing term ‘cutis tricolor parvimaculata’. The underlying gene locus may be a hot spot for postzygotic recombinations, giving rise to multiple twin spots. Moreover, the girl had developed seizures from the age of 10 years, and a large oligodendroglioma involving the left frontal lobe was found. A causal relationship between the cutaneous phenotype and the cerebral tumor is unproven but likely. The skin lesions were reminiscent of a disorder described by Westerhof et al. in 1978 under the term ‘hereditary congenital hypopigmented and hyperpigmented macules’. So far, however, it is not clear whether cutis tricolor parvimaculata is identical with or different from this disorder.
CHILD Syndrome Caused by a Deletion of Exons 6–8 of the NSDHL Gene
Authors: Kim C.A. , König A. , Bertola D.R. , Albano L.M.J. , Gattás G.J.F. , Bornholdt D. , Leveleki L. , Happle R. , Grzeschik K.-H.
Published: August 2005

The X-linked dominant CHILD syndrome (congenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform nevus and limb defects) is a rare developmental defect characterized by a strictly lateralized inflammatory nevus. In the majority of cases, the right side of the body is affected. Ipsilateral hypoplastic lesions may involve the brain, skeletal structures, lungs, heart or kidneys. We describe a case of CHILD syndrome involving the left side of the body. Absence of metacarpal, metatarsal and phalangeal bones of the left hand and foot resulted in oligodactyly, with only 3 fingers and 1 toe. An ipsilateral inflammatory epidermal nevus with hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis and perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate was strictly confined to the left half of the patient’s body. The phenotype was shown to be associated with a deletion of exons 6–8 of the X-linked NSDHL gene, confirming that CHILD syndrome is due to loss of function of an enzyme involved in cholesterol biosynthesis.
Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome due to Carbamazepine Associated with Reactivation of Human Herpesvirus 7
Authors: Hara Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Maiko , Yokoyama Ai , Tochigi Mizuki , Matsunaga Akie , Shimizu Hidenao , Goshima Junko , Suzuki Hiroyuki
Published: August 2005

We report a 63-year-old Japanese man with epilepsy who developed skin eruptions, liver dysfunction, high fever, leukocytosis and atypical lymphocytosis 4 weeks after he had started taking carbamazepine. Titers of human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7)-specific IgG antibodies were significantly increased and HHV-7 DNA was detected in his serum by polymerase chain reaction. These findings suggested that reactivation of HHV-7 could contribute to the development of drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome.
V-Shaped, Longitudinal Nail Dystrophies in Trichorhinophalangeal Syndrome Type I
Authors: Itin Peter H. , Eich Georg , Fistarol Susanna K.
Published: August 2005

Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome (TRPS) is a rare genodermatosis with growth retardation, craniofacial abnormalities, alopecia and brachyphalangia. Three subtypes with considerable clinical overlap can be separated. Numerous nail changes have been documented in this syndrome. We observed a 19-year-old female with typical TRPS I who developed unique V-shaped longitudinal nail dystrophies on both hands. TRPS belongs to the spectrum of ectodermal dysplasias, and therefore it is not surprising that cutaneous adnexal structures are involved in different ways.
Incidence of Childhood Brain Tumors in Syria (1993–2002)
Authors: Kadri Hassan , Mawla Alhakam A. , Murad Lina
Published: August 2005

Objective: To determine whether the incidence and location of childhood CNS tumors in Syria follows the same pattern described in Western and Far Eastern countries. Patients and Methods: We analyzed the data compiled from 367 children with brain tumors operated on in our Department of Neurosurgery between 1993 and mid-2002. We excluded all vascular and metastatic lesions and adopted the latest WHO classification in grouping all glial tumors. Results: We found that 47% of brain tumors were located in the supratentorial, and 53% in the infratentorial region. The ratio of male to female occurrence was 1:1.2 (52% males, 48% females). For lesions in the supratentorial space, the distribution was 56% males and 44% females, while in the posterior fossa, the distribution was 61% males and 39% females. Low-grade tumors (WHO I/II) constituted 53.5% of all lesions, and the rest were high grade tumors (WHO III/IV) 46.5%.The most common tumor found in our childhood population was medulloblastoma (27.5%), followed by astrocytoma (25.8%), then craniopharyngioma (14.1%). The most common tumor in the posterior fossa was medulloblastoma (53.5%), followed by astrocytoma (22.5%), then ependymoma (17%). The most common tumors in the supratentorial space were astrocytoma and craniopharyngioma. Conclusions: In our patient population, the incidence and distribution of CNS tumors were somehow different than those reported by authors from the Western and Far Eastern countries. Whether these results are unique to Syria, or reflect a regional difference in the disease distribution between the Middle East region and the rest of the world, remains to be determined.
Ventriculosubgaleal Shunts for Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus in Premature Infants
Authors: Willis Brian K. , Kumar Cherukuri Ravi , Wylen Esther L. , Nanda Anil
Published: August 2005

Objective: The early management of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in premature infants is challenging and controversial. These infants need a temporary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedure until they gain adequate weight, and the blood and protein levels in CSF are reasonably low before permanent shunt can be placed. Various options are available with their associated advantages and disadvantages. Ventriculosubgaleal shunts have been recommended as a more physiologic and less invasive means of achieving this goal. We have performed this procedure in 6 premature infants to evaluate their effectiveness and complications. Methods: Six consecutive premature infants with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus underwent placement of ventriculosubgaleal shunts over a 1-year period of time. We reviewed their clinical and imaging progress to assess the ability of the shunt to control hydrocephalus and the complication rates. Results: In all 6 patients, the ventriculosubgaleal shunt controlled the progression of hydrocephalus as assessed by clinical and imaging parameters. A permanent shunt was avoided in 1 patient (16.6%). However, 4 patients developed shunt infections, 1 involving the ventriculosubgaleal shunt itself, and 3 immediately after conversion to ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The total infection rate of the series was 66.6%. All infections were caused by staphylococcus species. There was only a 1% shunt infection rate in our institution for all nonventriculosubgaleal shunts during the same period of time. Conclusion: Placement of ventriculosubgaleal shunts for interim CSF diversion in neonates with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus is effective as a temporary method of CSF diversion. However, our experience has shown that it is associated with a unacceptably high CSF infection rate. A potential cause for infection is CSF stasis just beneath the extremely thin skin of the premature infants, promoting colonization by skin flora. CSF sampling before conversion to a permanent shunt and replacement of the proximal hardware, which has been in situ for a prolonged period, may decrease the infection rates. At present, the procedure is no longer performed at our institution.
Long-Term Survival of Individuals with Myelomeningocele
Authors: Davis Beth Ellen , Daley Colleen M. , Shurtleff David B. , Duguay Sharon , Seidel Kristy , Loeser John D. , Ellenbogan Richard G.
Published: August 2005

The objectives of this study were to extend survival analysis into adulthood for patients with myelomeningocele (MM) and to compare survival curves for patients born with varying defect severity before and after 1975. We have reviewed existing data for 904 patients with MM seen in a large multidisciplinary children’s clinic over 43 years. Before 1975, a major contributor to decreased survival is death during infancy. The presence of cerebral spinal fluid shunting is a major contributor to increased survival. After 1975, survival to adolescence is similar regardless of shunt status (p = 0.17). For all patients alive at age 16, a significant decrease in survival probability after age 34 years was found for individuals with shunted hydrocephalus compared to those without a shunt (p = 0.03). Although childhood survival for individuals born after 1975 is not related to shunt status, adults with MM and shunted hydrocephalus may be at risk for decreased longevity.
Paradoxical Intracranial Tuberculoma Requiring Surgical Treatment
Authors: Bas N. Serdar , Karagöz Güzey Feyza , Emel Erhan , Alatas Ibrahim , Sel Baris
Published: August 2005

Paradoxical enlargement of intracranial tuberculomas or development of new ones during adequate antituberculous chemotherapy is an uncommon event. Treatment of such cases is controversial. Steroid therapy is usually advocated without change in the antituberculous drug program. However, in some patients whose lesions fail medical treatment, or who have superficially located large lesions, surgical therapy may be required. A 15-year-old girl with pulmonary miliary tuberculosis, tuberculous meningitis and multiple intracranial tuberculomas is presented. While her pulmonary lesions and intracranial tuberculomas except one were healed with chemotherapy, one tuberculoma increased in size 1 month after starting chemotherapy. She was followed with dexamethasone treatment in addition to antituberculous therapy for 2 months. Then, the lesion was removed because it had increased in size in spite of appropriate chemotherapy.
Supratentorial Arterial Ischemic Stroke following Cerebellar Tumor Resection in Two Children
Authors: Catsman-Berrevoets Coriene E. , van Breemen Melanie , van Veelen Marie Lise , Appel Inge M. , Lequin Maarten H.
Published: August 2005

We describe two children who developed ischemic strokes in the territory of the middle cerebral artery, one 7 days and one 11 days after resection of a cerebellar tumor. In the first child, another infarction occurred in the territory of the contralateral middle cerebral artery 5 days after the first stroke. No specific cause or underlying risk factor other than the surgical procedure was found. The subacute clinical course at stroke onset resembled that of the ‘posterior fossa syndrome’, suggesting a common underlying mechanism.
Cerebellopontine Angle Arachnoid Cyst Harbouring Ectopic Neuroglia
Authors: Ariai Shafie , Koerbel Andrei , Bornemann Antje , Morgala Matthias , Tatagiba Marcos
Published: August 2005

Arachnoid cysts are collections of cerebrospinal fluid covered by arachnoidal cells and collagen. They may have a congenital or acquired origin. We present the case of a 7-year-old boy with a cerebellopontine angle arachnoid cyst harbouring a portion of neuroglia. Microscopically, the cyst wall consisted of a delicate fibrovascular membrane lined by a layer of arachnoidal cells. A thin layer of glial tissue ran the whole length of the cyst wall. This finding supports a congenital origin for this case. Cerebellopontine angle arachnoid cysts harbouring neuroglia without ependymal elements are very rare lesions and may be successfully treated by surgical resection.