bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) of the visual cortex: a proof-of-concept study based on interictal electrophysiological abnormalities in migraine
Authors: Viganò Alessandro , D’Elia Tullia Sasso , Sava Simona Liliana , Auvé Maurie , De Pasqua Victor , Colosimo Alfredo , Di Piero Vittorio , Schoenen Jean , Magis Delphine 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Preventive pharmacotherapy for migraine is not satisfactory because of the low efficacy/tolerability ratio of many available drugs. Novel and more efficient preventive strategies are therefore warranted. Abnormal excitability of cortical areas appears to play a pivotal role in migraine pathophysiology. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive and safe technique that is able to durably modulate the activity of the underlying cerebral cortex, and is being tested in various medical indications. The results of small open studies using tDCS in migraine prophylaxis are conflicting, possibly because the optimal stimulation settings and the brain targets were not well chosen. We have previously shown that the cerebral cortex, especially the visual cortex, is hyperresponsive in migraine patients between attacks and provided evidence from evoked potential studies that this is due to a decreased cortical preactivation level. If one accepts this concept, anodal tDCS over the visual cortex may have therapeutic potentials in migraine prevention, as it is able to increase neuronal firing.

Objective
To study the effects of anodal tDCS on visual cortex activity in healthy volunteers (HV) and episodic migraine without aura patients (MoA), and its potentials for migraine prevention.

Methods
We recorded pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials (VEP) before and after a 15-min session of anodal tDCS over the visual cortex in 11 HV and 13 MoA interictally. Then 10 MoA patients reporting at least 4 attacks/month subsequently participated in a therapeutic study, and received 2 similar sessions of tDCS per week for 8 weeks as migraine preventive therapy.

Results
In HV as well as in MoA, anodal tDCS transiently increased habituation of the VEP N1P1 component. VEP amplitudes were not modified by tDCS. Preventive treatment with anodal tDCS turned out to be beneficial in MoA: migraine attack frequency, migraine days, attack duration and acute medication intake significantly decreased during the treatment period compared to pre-treatment baseline (all p < 0.05), and this benefit persisted on average 4.8 weeks after the end of tDCS.

Conclusions
Anodal tDCS over the visual cortex is thus able to increase habituation to repetitive visual stimuli in healthy volunteers and in episodic migraineurs, who on average lack habituation interictally. Moreover, 2 weekly sessions of anodal tDCS had a significant preventive anti- migraine effect, proofing the concept that the low preactivation level of the visual cortex in migraine patients can be corrected by an activating neurostimulation. The therapeutic results indicate that a larger sham-controlled trial using the same tDCS protocol is worthwhile.
Immunogenic and protective properties of GP5 and M structural proteins of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus expressed from replicating but nondisseminating adenovectors
Authors: Roques Elodie , Girard Aurélie , St-Louis Marie-Claude , Massie Bernard , Gagnon Carl A , Lessard Martin , Archambault Denis 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPorcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is responsible for significant economic losses in the porcine industry. Currently available commercial vaccines do not allow optimal and safe protection. In this study, replicating but nondisseminating adenovectors (rAdV) were used for the first time in pigs for vaccinal purposes. They were expressing the PRRSV matrix M protein in fusion with either the envelope GP5 wild-type protein (M-GP5) which carries the major neutralizing antibody (NAb)-inducing epitope or a mutant form of GP5 (M-GP5m) developed to theoretically increase the NAb immune response. Three groups of fourteen piglets were immunized both intramuscularly and intranasally at 3-week intervals with rAdV expressing the green fluorescent protein (GFP, used as a negative control), M-GP5 or M-GP5m. Two additional groups of pigs were primed with M-GP5m-expressing rAdV followed by a boost with bacterially-expressed recombinant wild-type GP5 or were immunized twice with a PRRSV inactivated commercial vaccine. The results show that the rAdV expressing the fusion proteins of interest induced systemic and mucosal PRRSV GP5-specific antibody response as determined in an ELISA. Moreover the prime with M-GP5m-expressing rAdV and boost with recombinant GP5 showed the highest antibody response against GP5. Following PRRSV experimental challenge, pigs immunized twice with rAdV expressing either M-GP5 or M-GP5m developed partial protection as shown by a decrease in viremia overtime. The lowest viremia levels and/or percentages of macroscopic lung lesions were obtained in pigs immunized twice with either the rAdV expressing M-GP5m or the PRRSV inactivated commercial vaccine.
CD27 expression discriminates porcine T helper cells with functionally distinct properties
Authors: Reutner Katharina , Leitner Judith , Müllebner Andrea , Ladinig Andrea , Essler Sabine E , Duvigneau J Catharina , Ritzmann Mathias , Steinberger Peter , Saalmüller Armin , Gerner Wilhelm 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Differentiation of porcine T helper cells is still poorly investigated, partly due to a lack of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for molecules involved in this process. Recently, we identified a mAb specific for porcine CD27 and showed that CD27 is expressed by all naïve CD8α- T helper cells but divides CD8α+ T helper cells into a CD27+ and a CD27- subset. In the present study, detailed phenotypical and functional analyses of these T-helper cell subpopulations were performed. Naïve CD8α-CD27+ T helper cells predominantly resided in various lymph nodes, whereas higher proportions of CD8α+CD27+ and CD8α+CD27- T helper cells were found in blood, spleen and liver. Both CD8α+CD27+ and CD8α+CD27- T helper cells were capable of producing IFN-γ upon in vitro polyclonal stimulation and antigen-specific restimulation. Experiments with sorted CD8α-CD27+, CD8α+CD27+ and CD8α+CD27- T-helper cell subsets following polyclonal stimulation revealed the lowest proliferative response but the highest ability for IFN-γ and TNF-α production in the CD8α+CD27- subset. Therefore, these cells resembled terminally differentiated effector memory cells as described in human. This was supported by analyses of CCR7 and CD62L expression. CD8α+CD27- T helper cells were mostly CCR7- and had considerably reduced CD62L mRNA levels. In contrast, expression of both homing-receptors was increased on CD8α+CD27+ T helper cells, which also had a proliferation rate similar to naïve CD8α-CD27+ T helper cells and showed intermediate levels of cytokine production. Therefore, similar to human, CD8α+CD27+ T helper cells displayed a phenotype and functional properties of central memory cells.
Evidence of recent natural selection on the Southeast Asian deletion (--SEA) causing α-thalassemia in South China
Authors: Qiu Qin-Wei , Wu Dong-Dong , Yu Li-Hua , Yan Ti-Zhen , Zhang Wen , Li Zhe-Tao , Liu Yan-Hui , Zhang Ya-Ping , Xu Xiang-Min 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
The Southeast Asian deletion (--SEA) is the most commonly observed mutation among diverse α-thalassemia alleles in Southeast Asia and South China. It is generally argued that mutation --SEA, like other variants causing hemoglobin disorders, is associated with protection against malaria that is endemic in these regions. However, little evidence has been provided to support this claim.

Results
We first examined the genetic imprint of recent positive selection on the --SEA allele and flanking sequences in the human α-globin cluster, covering a genomic region spanning ~410 kb, by genotyping 28 SNPs in a Chinese population consisting of 76 --SEA heterozygotes and 138 normal individuals. The pattern of linkage disequilibrium (LD) and the long-range haplotype test revealed a signature of positive selection. The network of inferred haplotypes suggested a single origin of the --SEA allele.

Conclusions
Thus, our data support the hypothesis that the --SEA allele has been subjected to recent balancing selection, triggered by malaria.
Passive immunization with Pneumovax®23 and pneumolysin in combination with vancomycin for pneumococcal endophthalmitis
Authors: Sanders Melissa E , Taylor Sidney , Tullos Nathan , Norcross Erin W , Moore Quincy C , Thompson Hilary , King Lauren B , Marquart Mary E 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundCapsule and pneumolysin (PLY) are two major virulence factors ofStreptococcus pneumoniae.S. pneumoniaeis one of the leading causes of bacterial endophthalmitis. The aim of this study is to determine whether passive immunization with the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Pneumovax®23; PPSV23) or PLY protects against pneumococcal endophthalmitis.MethodsNew Zealand white rabbits were passively immunized with antiserum to PLY, PPSV23, a mixture of PPSV23/PLY, or PBS (mock). Vitreous was infected with a clinical strain ofS. pneumoniae. In a separate group of experiments, vancomycin was injected 4 hours post-infection (PI) for each passively immunized group. Severity of infection, bacterial recovery, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and percent loss of retinal function were determined.ResultsPassive immunization with each antiserum significantly lowered clinical severity compared to mock immunization (PPSV23 = 9.19, PPSV23/PLY = 10.45, PLY = 8.71, Mock = 16.83; P = 0.0467). A significantly higher bacterial load was recovered from the vitreous of PLY passively immunized rabbits 24 hours PI (7.87 log10CFU) compared to controls (7.10 log10CFU; P = 0.0134). Retinas from immunized rabbits were more intact. Vitreous of PLY (2.88 MPO untis/mL) and PPSV23/PLY (2.17) passively immunized rabbits had less MPO activity compared to controls (5.64; P = 0.0480), and both passive immunizations (PLY = 31.34% loss of retinal function, PPSV23/PLY = 27.44%) helped to significantly preserve retinal function compared to controls (64.58%; P = 0.0323). When vancomycin was administered 4 hours PI, all eyes were sterile at 24 hours PI. A significantly lower clinical severity was observed for rabbits administered the combination immunization (5.29) or PPSV23 (5.29) with vancomycin treatment compared to controls (17.68; P = 0.0469).ConclusionsPassive immunization with antisera to these antigens is effective in reducing clinical severity of pneumococcal endophthalmitis in rabbits. Addition of vancomycin to immunization is effective at eliminating the bacteria.
Persistent household food insecurity, HIV, and maternal stress in Peri-Urban Ghana
Authors: Garcia Jonathan , Hromi-Fiedler Amber , Mazur Robert E , Marquis Grace , Sellen Daniel , Lartey Anna , Pérez-Escamilla Rafael 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
The mental health of caregivers has been shown to be important for improving HIV prevention and treatment. Household food insecurity affects hundreds of millions of individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa, a region that experiences a disproportionate burden of the HIV pandemic. Both maternal HIV diagnosis and household food insecurity may be linked with maternal stress. This in turn may lead to unhealthy coping behaviors. We examined the independent associations of HIV, persistent household food insecurity and the synergistic effect of both on maternal stress.

Methods
Ghanaian women recruited prenatally from hospitals offering voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) were followed for 12 months after childbirth (N = 232). A locally adapted 7-item version of the US Household Food Security Survey Module was applied at four time points postpartum. We dichotomized participant households as being persistently food insecure (i.e., food insecure at each time point) or not (i.e., food secure at any time point). We dichotomized participant women as not perceiving vs. perceiving stress at 12 months postpartum in reference to the median sample score on the 4-item Cohen’s stress scale. Binary multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the independent and interactive effects of maternal HIV and persistent household food insecurity on maternal stress.

Results
The proportion of HIV-positive women that lived in severe food insecure households increased over time. By contrast, the HIV-negative group living in severely food insecure households experienced a steady decline across time. HIV-infection (AOR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.29-4.12) and persistent household food insecurity (AOR = 3.55, 95% CI 1.13-11.13) were independently associated with maternal stress in a multivariate model. Being both HIV-positive and persistently food insecure strongly and synergistically increased the risk for maternal perceived stress (AOR = 15.35, 95% CI 1.90-124.14).

Conclusion
In agreement with syndemic theory there is a powerful synergism between maternal HIV diagnosis and household food insecurity on maternal stress. Comprehensive multi-dimensional intervention studies are needed to better understand how to reduce stress among HIV-positive women living in persistently food insecure households and how to reduce the likelihood of food insecurity in HIV-affected households in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Uphill treadmill running does not induce histopathological changes in the rat Achilles tendon
Authors: Dirks Rachel C , Richard Jeffrey S , Fearon Angela M , Scott Alexander , Koch Lauren G , Britton Steven L , Warden Stuart J 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether uphill treadmill running in rats created histopathological changes within the Achilles tendon consistent with Achilles tendinosis in humans.

Methods
Twenty-six mature rats selectively bred for high-capacity running were divided into run and cage control groups. Run group rats ran on a treadmill at a 15° incline for a maximum duration of 1 hr/d, 5 d/wk for 9 weeks at increasing speeds, while rats in the cage control group maintained normal cage activity. After 9 weeks, Achilles tendons were harvested for histological processing and semi-quantitative histopathological analysis.

Results
There were no significant group differences within each of the individual histopathological categories assessed (all p ≥ 0.16) or for total histopathological score (p = 0.14).

Conclusions
Uphill treadmill running in rats selectively bred for high-capacity running did not generate Achilles tendon changes consistent with the histopathological presentation of Achilles tendinosis in humans.
Detection of border disease virus (BDV) in goat herds suffering diarrhea in eastern China
Authors: Li Wenliang , Mao Li , Zhao Yongqian , Sun Yinhua , He Kongwang , Jiang Jieyuan 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Border disease virus (BDV) is an important pathogen in sheep and goat production. Neither epidemiological investigation nor any reports of BDV infection was available in China. During Jan to Apr, 2012, several herd goats in Anhui and Jiangsu provinces in eastern China suffered unremitting diarrhea, with morbidity and mortality of about 28-37% and 10-15%, respectively. In the present study, sera and tissue samples from diseased goats of four farms were taken for BDV detection, isolation and identification.

Results
Panpesti generic primers and border disease virus (BDV)-specific primers targeting the 5’-UTR region produced RT-PCR positive bands for sera (24/28) and tissue samples (7/30). Twenty positive sera and tissue samples were inoculated onto Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells for virus isolation. Finally, three different strains of BDV, named AH12-01, AH12-02 and JS12/04, were successfully isolated as identified by RT-PCR using 5’-UTR and Npro gene primers, sequencing and electron microscopy. Sequences of 5’-UTR and Npro genes of them were used for phylogenetic analysis and comparison to other reference sequences available in GenBank. The results indicated AH12-01, AH12-02 and JS12/04 possess high relationship with the BDV 3 group viruses and differed with each other.

Conclusion
This is the first detection of BDV from goats with diarrhea and confirmation of BDV infection in China.
The new age of play audiometry: Prospective validation testing of an iPad-based play audiometer
Authors: Yeung Jeffrey , Javidnia Hedyeh , Heley Sophie , Beauregard Yves , Champagne Sandra , Bromwich Matthew 
Published: March 2013

Objective The timely diagnosis of hearing loss in the pediatric population has significant implications for a child's development. However, audiological evaluation in this population poses unique challenges due to difficulties with patient cooperation. Though specialized adaptations exist (such as conditioned play audiometry), these methods can be time consuming and costly. The objective of this study was to validate an iPad-based play audiometer that addresses the shortcomings of existing audiometry. Methods We designed a novel, interactive game for the Apple® iPad® that tests pure tone thresholds. In a prospective, randomized study, the efficacy of this tool was compared to standard play audiometry. 85 consecutive patients presenting to the Audiology Clinic at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (ages 3 and older) were recruited into this study. Their hearing was evaluated using both tablet and traditional play audiometry. Outcome measure Warble-tone thresholds obtained by both tablet and traditional audiometry. Results The majority of children in this age group were capable of completing an audiologic assessment using the tablet computer. The data demonstrate no statistically significant difference between warble-tone thresholds obtained by tablet and traditional audiometry (p=0.29). Moreover, the tablet audiometer demonstrates strong sensitivity (93.3%), specificity (94.5%) and negative predictive value (98.1%). Conclusion The tablet audiometer is a valid and sensitive instrument for screening and assessment of warble-tone thresholds in children.
Neuromuscular blocking agents in acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Alhazzani Waleed , Alshahrani Mohamed , Jaeschke Roman , Forel Jean Marie , Papazian Laurent , Sevransky Jonathan , Meade Maureen O 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Randomized trials investigating neuromuscular blocking agents in adult acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have been inconclusive about effects on mortality, which is very high in this population. Uncertainty also exists about the associated risk of ICU-acquired weakness.

Methods
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched the Cochrane (Central) database, MEDLINE, EMBASE, ACP Journal Club, and clinical trial registries for randomized trials investigating survival effects of neuromuscular blocking agents in adults with ARDS. Two independent reviewers abstracted data and assessed methodologic quality. Primary study investigators provided additional unpublished data.

Results
Three trials (431 patients; 20 centers; all from the same research group in France) met inclusion criteria for this review. All trials assessed 48-hour infusions of cisatracurium besylate. Short-term infusion of cisatracurium besylate was associated with lower hospital mortality (RR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.91; P = 0.005; I2 = 0). This finding was robust on sensitivity analyses. Neuromuscular blockade was also associated with lower risk of barotrauma (RR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.90; P = 0.02; I2 = 0), but had no effect on the duration of mechanical ventilation among survivors (MD, 0.25 days; 95% CI, 5.48 to 5.99; P = 0.93; I2 = 49%), or the risk of ICU-acquired weakness (RR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.41; P = 0.57; I2 = 0). Primary studies lacked protracted measurements of weakness.

Conclusions
Short-term infusion of cisatracurium besylate reduces hospital mortality and barotrauma and does not appear to increase ICU-acquired weakness for critically ill adults with ARDS.
Glycyrrhizin protects against porcine endotoxemia through modulation of systemic inflammatory response
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhao Feng , Fang Yong , Li Xiantao , Shen Lei , Cao Tongwa , Zhu Hechen 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Glycyrrhizin (GL) was recently found to suppress high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)-induced injury by binding directly to it. However, the effect of GL on HMGB1 expression in endotoxemia as well as its underlying molecular mechanism remained unclear.

Methods
Twenty-one pigs were divided into four groups: sham group (n = 3), control group (n = 6), ethyl pyruvate group (n = 6) and glycyrrhizin group (n = 6). Pigs were anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, monitored and given a continuous intravenous infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Twelve hours after the start of the LPS infusion, ethyl pyruvate (30 mg/kg/hr) or glycyrrhizin (1 mg/kg/hr) was administered for 12 hours. Systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics, oxygen exchange, and metabolic status were measured. The concentrations of cytokines in serum and the corresponding gene and protein expressions in tissue samples from liver, lungs, kidneys, small intestine and lymph nodes were measured.

Results
GL maintained the stability of systemic hemodynamics and improved pulmonary oxygen exchange and metabolic status. GL also attenuated organ injury and decreased the serum levels of HMGB1 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting their gene and protein expression.

Conclusions
GL improved systemic hemodynamics and protected vital organs against porcine endotoxemia through modulation of the systemic inflammatory response. By reducing the serum level and gene expression of HMGB1 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines, GL may become a potential agent for the treatment of sepsis.
Growth Kinetics of the Anodic Oxide Film on Platinum under Potentiodynamic Polarization Conditions
Authors: Bao JianEr , Macdonald Digby D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA theory for the anodic oxidation of a metal under linear potentiodynamic conditions is derived based upon the Point Defect Model (PDM), by considering two contributions to the current; that from the metal oxidation reaction and that from capacitive charging. The veracity of the theory is demonstrated by analyzing linear potentiodynamic polarization curves for platinum in the oxide formation potential region. By optimizing the derived potential sweep rate-dependent current density expression on the measuredivs.Vpolarization data for the electrochemical oxidation of platinum in 0.1 M KOH solution at ambient temperature (22 ± 2 ºC) as a function of potential sweep rate, kinetic parameters for the growth and dissolution of the anodic film on platinum are extracted. The growth and dissolution rates of the oxide film are of the order of × 1012m/s (0.001 nm/s). The structure and electronic properties of the anodic film on platinum are also discussed. The film isn-type in electronic character, and is postulated to be a nano-crystalline structure probably comprising columnar, tetragonal unit cells or half cells (monolayer of oxygen) oriented with thec-axis perpendicular to the metal surface for an optimal epitaxial relationship with the substrate metal. For the very thinnest films (<0.1 nmthick), the film is postulated to comprise “buried” oxygen atoms or ions in the platinum surface.