bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obovatol improves cognitive functions in animal models for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Choi Dong‐Young , Lee Jae Woong , Peng Jin , Lee Young Jung , Han Jin‐Yi , Lee Yeon Hee , Choi Im Seop , Han Sang Bae , Jung Jae Kyung , Lee Woong Soo , Lee Seung‐Ho , Kwon Byoung‐Mog , Oh Ki‐Wan , Hong Jin Tae 
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 1048–1059.AbstractEtiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is obscure, but neuroinflammation and accumulation of β‐amyloid (Aβ) are implicated in pathogenesis of AD. We have shown anti‐inflammatory and neurotrophic properties of obovatol, a biphenolic compound isolated from Magnolia obovata. In this study, we examined the effect of obovatol on cognitive deficits in two separate AD models: (i) mice that received intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of Aβ1–42 (2.0 μg/mouse) and (ii) Tg2576 mice‐expressing mutant human amyloid precursor protein (K670N, M671L). Injection of Aβ1–42 into lateral ventricle caused memory impairments in the Morris water maze and passive avoidance tasks, being associated with neuroinflammation. Aβ1–42‐induced abnormality was significantly attenuated by administration of obovatol. When we analyzed with Tg2576 mice, long‐term treatment of obovatol (1 mg/kg/day for 3 months) significantly improved cognitive function. In parallel with the improvement, treatment suppressed astroglial activation, BACE1 expression and NF‐κB activity in the transgenic mice. Furthermore, obovatol potently inhibited fibrillation of Aβin vitro in a dose‐dependent manner, as determined by Thioflavin T fluorescence and electron microscopic analysis. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that obovatol prevented memory impairments in experimental AD models, which could be attributable to amelioration of neuroinflammation and amyloidogenesis by inhibition of NF‐κB signaling pathway and anti‐fibrillogenic activity of obovatol.
Clinical genetic studies in benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes
Authors: Vears Danya F. , Tsai Meng‐Han , Sadleir Lynette G. , Grinton Bronwyn E. , Lillywhite Leasha M. , Carney Patrick W. , Simon Harvey A. , Berkovic Samuel F. , Scheffer Ingrid E. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryPurpose:  To accurately determine the frequency and nature of the family history of seizures in patients with benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS).Method:  Participants with BECTS were recruited from the electroencephalography (EEG) laboratories of three pediatric centers and by referral. Pedigrees were constructed for up to three degrees of relatedness for each proband. All available affected and unaffected individuals underwent phenotyping using a validated seizure questionnaire. The proportion of affected relatives according to degree of relatedness was calculated and phenotypic patterns were analyzed.Key Findings:  Fifty‐three probands with BECTS had a mean age of seizure onset at 7.8 years (range 2–12 years). Thirty‐four (64%) of 53 patients were male. For 51 participants, pedigrees were available for three degrees of relatedness. Fifty‐seven (2.7%) of 2,085 relatives had a history of seizures: Twenty‐one (9.8%) of 214 first‐degree, 15 (3%) of 494 second‐degree, and 21 (1.5%) of 1,377 third‐degree relatives. Febrile seizures were the most frequent phenotype, occurring in 26 of 57 affected relatives. There were 34 relatives with epilepsy: 6.5% (14 of 214) first‐degree, 1.8% (9 of 494) second‐degree, and 0.8% (11 of 1,377) third‐degree relatives. Of 21 affected first‐degree relatives: 8 of 21 had febrile seizures (FS), 4 had BECTS, 2 had epilepsy‐aphasia spectrum disorder, one had temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis, 2 had focal epilepsy of unknown cause, 2 had genetic generalized epilepsies, and 3 had miscellaneous.Significance:  The frequency of epilepsies in relatives and the heterogeneous syndromes observed suggest that BECTS has a genetic component consistent with complex inheritance. Focal epilepsies are the most common seizure disorder observed in relatives, especially BECTS and epilepsy‐aphasia spectrum disorder. Additional acquired or environmental factors are likely to be necessary for expression of the seizure disorder.
Is major depressive disorder specifically associated with mesial temporal sclerosis?
Authors: Sanchez‐Gistau Vanessa , Sugranyes Gisela , Baillés Eva , Carreño Mar , Donaire Antonio , Bargalló Nuria , Pintor Luis 
Published: January 2012

SummaryPurpose:  Whether a specific lesion such as mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) increases the risk for a mood disorder in epilepsy remains subject to debate. Despite evidence of limbic system involvement in the genesis of emotional symptoms, recent studies fail to support an association between depression and MTS. We aimed to clarify this controversial issue by overcoming prior methodologic limitations, hypothesizing that rates of major depressive disorder (MDD) would be higher in patients with MTS.Methods:  Three hundred eight patients with focal epilepsy (International League Against Epilepsy [ILAE] criteria), were classified into three groups on the basis of neuroimaging findings: MTS, a lesion different from MTS, or absence of lesion. Patients were assessed using the Structured Interview for DSM‐IV axis I psychiatric disorders (SCID‐I), by a psychiatrist blinded to epilepsy subtype. The Spanish version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was also administered. A complete logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between MTS and MDD.Key Findings:  MTS increased the likelihood of a lifetime MDD by nearly 2.5. No other current or “postseizure onset” lifetime Axis I DSM‐IV psychiatric disorder was associated with MTS. Female gender, primary education, comorbid anxiety disorders, and antidepressant treatment were also associated with an increased risk of MDD. Marriage was found to be a protective factor for MDD.Significance:  Our results support a specific association between MTS and lifetime “postseizure onset,” MDD. The lack of association with current depression is in line with the hypothesis that the link between MTS and depression is more of a chronic than a state‐dependent condition.
Osteomyelitis of the Patella in Eight Foals
Authors: Kay Alastair T. , Hunt Robert J. , Rodgerson Dwayne H. , Spirito Michael A. , Santschi Elizabeth M. , Payne Richard J. 
Published: January 2012

ObjectiveTo describe the characteristics of osteomyelitis lesions of the patella and to report short‐ and long‐term outcome after treatment in 8 foals.Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsFoals (n = 8).MethodsMedical records (2003–2007) and radiographs of foals that had osteomyelitis of the patella were reviewed. Inclusion criteria included clinical, radiographic, and surgical findings consistent with osteomyelitis of the patella, and a long‐term follow‐up of >15 months. Information acquired included signalment, hematologic and serum biochemical profile results, clinical and radiographic signs, surgical technique and perioperative treatment. Follow‐up radiographs were evaluated and outcome was determined from veterinary examination, race records, and telephone questionnaire.ResultsSix foals survived long term (15 months–4 years); all had intralesional and systemic antimicrobial therapy, along with synovial lavage and antimicrobial medication. All were sound and achieved either yearling sales (n=3), show hunter or racing (2). Two foals died in the short term from renal failure and suppurative peritonitis secondary to cecal perforation, 1 remaining lame with suppurative osteonecrosis confirmed at necropsy. This foal was not administered intralesional antimicrobial therapy.ConclusionsPrompt medical and surgical therapy for osteomyelitis of the patella can result in a good prognosis for soundness and a potential athletic career. Concurrent septicemia or other systemic perinatal disease can result in prolonged therapy and delayed recovery.
No evidence of cross‐species transmission of mouse retroviruses to animal workers exposed to mice
Authors: Brooks James , Lycett‐Lambert Karly , Caminiti Kyna , Merks Harriet , McMillan Rachel , Sandstrom Paul 
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Although recent data have brought into question the association between xenotropic murine leukemia virus‐related virus (XMRV) and chronic fatigue syndrome, one group has reported evidence of human infection with distinct polytropic murine leukemia viruses (MLVs). Occult retroviral infection among humans poses a significant public health risk should it be introduced into the blood supply. To explore the possibility of cross‐species transmission of MLVs to humans, we sought molecular and serologic evidence of XRMV/MLV infection among a cohort of animal workers highly exposed to mice.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Before the commencement of the study, the laboratory and equipment were demonstrated to be free of XMRV/MLV DNA sequences. DNA extracted from 43 animal workers was tested using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with published primer sets, targeting regions of XMRV and MLV gag. Negative controls were assayed in a 1:1 ratio with specimens. Serum specimens were tested using a validated immunoblot assay containing cross‐reactive XMRV antigens.RESULTS: Initial molecular assays demonstrated that the physical space and laboratory equipment were free of MLV and XMRV DNA sequences. Nested PCR assays using multiple primer sets successfully amplified XMRV and MLV sequences from positive controls with high sensitivity. A single, nonreproducible, false‐positive result from one specimen was shown to be the result of subsequent contamination. Immunoblotting of all subjects' sera failed to demonstrate any evidence of seroreactivity to XMRV proteins.CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence of human infection with XMRV/MLV among a cohort of individuals highly exposed to mice. These data suggest that the likelihood of cross‐species transmission events of MLV from mice to humans is low.
AIDS knowledge and beliefs related to blood donation in US adults: results from a national telephone survey (CME)
Authors: Steele Whitney R. , High Patrick M. , Schreiber George B. 
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Misperceptions about the risk of contracting AIDS from donating blood may be preventing people from donating, while incorrect beliefs about AIDS screening tests or the appropriateness of donating with risk factors may place the blood supply at increased risk.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Questions about AIDS transmission and testing and the acceptability of test seeking and donating with risk factors were asked in the National Community Health Survey, a telephone survey of 9859 US adults. Results were weighted to represent the US population. Demographic and donor status (current, lapsed, never) differences in knowledge and attitudes were examined using chi‐square and logistic regression.RESULTS: Nearly 25% of respondents thought it was somewhat or very likely that they could get AIDS from donating blood. Almost 80% knew that all blood donations are tested for AIDS, but only 65.5% knew about the test window period. A total of 33.5% felt that it was acceptable to use the blood center for AIDS testing, while 9.1% believed that it was okay for someone to donate even if they had AIDS risk behaviors; all had significant demographic and donor status differences.CONCLUSIONS: While there are many factors that prevent people from giving blood, the incorrect belief that it is possible to contract AIDS from donating is likely a barrier to donation. If blood centers dispelled this myth among those who have never donated, especially among minorities, it could be important for recruitment. In addition, our findings indicate that changes to education or recruitment could be needed to discourage test seeking and donations from risky donors.
Iron replacement therapy in the routine management of blood donors
Authors: Bryant Barbara J. , Yau Yu Ying , Arceo Sarah M. , Daniel‐Johnson Jennifer , Hopkins Julie A. , Leitman Susan F. 
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Iron depletion or deficiency in blood donors frequently results in deferrals for low hemoglobin (Hb), yet blood centers remain reluctant to dispense iron replacement therapy to donors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: During a 39‐month period, 1236 blood donors deferred for a Hb level of less than 12.5 g/dL and 400 nondeferred control donors underwent health history screening and laboratory testing (complete blood counts, iron studies). Iron depletion and deficiency were defined as a ferritin level of 9 to 19 and less than 9 µg/L in females and 18 to 29 and less than 18 µg/L in males. Deferred donors and iron‐deficient control donors were given a 60‐pack of 325‐mg ferrous sulfate tablets and instructed to take one tablet daily. Another 60‐pack was dispensed at all subsequent visits.RESULTS: In the low‐Hb group, 30 and 23% of females and 8 and 53% of males had iron depletion or deficiency, respectively, compared with 29 and 10% of females and 18 and 21% of males in the control group. Iron‐depleted or ‐deficient donors taking iron showed normalization of iron‐related laboratory parameters, even as they continued to donate. Compliance with oral iron was 68%. Adverse gastrointestinal effects occurred in 21% of donors. The study identified 13 donors with serious medical conditions, including eight with gastrointestinal bleeding. No donors had malignancies or hemochromatosis.CONCLUSION: Iron depletion or deficiency was found in 53% of female and 61% of male low‐Hb donors and in 39% of female and male control donors. Routine administration of iron replacement therapy is safe and effective and prevents the development of iron depletion and deficiency in blood donors.
Improving the performance of culture‐based bacterial screening by increasing the sample volume from 4 mL to 8 mL in aerobic culture bottles
Authors: Souza Stephanie , Bravo Marjorie , Poulin Terri , Vanderpool Sandra , Kamel Hany , Tomasulo Peter , Su Leon L. 
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: In the setting of bacterial detection of apheresis platelets (PLTs), the manufacturer recommended PLT inoculation volume for BacT/ALERT culture bottles (bioMérieux) ranges from 4 to 10 mL. This study compares the rate of capture of true‐positive (TP) contaminations between aerobic culture bottles inoculated with either 4 or 8 mL of sample and assesses if a larger sample volume reduces time to detection.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Detection of TP samples and mean time to detection were compared for 4‐ and 8‐mL samples collected between September 1, 2003, and May 2, 2011.RESULTS: A total of 180,263 and 283,114 PLT collections were tested with an 8‐ and 4‐mL sample, respectively. Analysis of TP rates by volume sampled show an increase in the rate of detection of TP with the 8‐mL sample relative to the 4‐mL sample (139 vs. 106 per million events; odds ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.77‐2.23). Comparison of mean time to detection for TP shows a decrease in mean time to detection using 8 mL compared with 4 mL (12.36 ± 3.7 hr to 15.97 ± 6.3 hr, p = 0.012).CONCLUSION: Doubling the sample volume to 8 mL showed a trend in improvement for the rate of detection of TP and shortened the mean time of detection for TP by 23% when compared to a sample volume of 4 mL. The decrease in mean time to detection using a larger sample volume suggests that a shorter release time after inoculation could be achieved without significantly increasing patient risk.
The first two cases of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia associated with the low‐frequency platelet antigen HPA‐21bw (Nos) in Japan
Authors: Koh Yangsook , Ishii Hiroyuki , Amakishi Etsuko , Hayashi Tomoya , Matsuyama Nobuki , Fukumori Yasuo , Hirayama Fumiya , Shimizu Junji , Nakauchi Shohei , Kawa Keisei 
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) is a disorder characterized by maternal alloimmunization against paternal fetal platelet antigens. Two healthy, unrelated Japanese women each gave birth to a child with severe NAIT.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To elucidate the maternal causes of NAIT, we conducted serologic and genetic studies in these two NAIT infants.RESULTS: The serologic experiments localized the antigens to the glycoprotein (GP) IIIa subunit of the GPIIb/IIIa complex. Sequence‐based typing studies subsequently identified a G>A mutation at Nucleotide 1960 (a glutamic acid > lysine substitution at Position 628) in the 11th exon of the GPIIIa gene. This mutation was recently identified in a report as HPA‐21bw. Next, it was determined that the cause of NAIT in both cases was the HPA‐21bw antigen, as shown by the mothers' antibodies reacting with the mutated GPIIIa‐transfected cells, but not with transfectants expressing wild‐type GPIIIa. A molecular genetic screening for the HPA‐21bw allele among Japanese donors showed that its genetic frequency in the population was 0.53% (10/1888), indicating that HPA‐21bw occurs at a low but appreciable frequency in the population. Furthermore, in a retrospective study of 50 previous NAIT cases of unknown causes, we found one NAIT case associated with the HPA‐21bw antibody. The two NAIT cases in this study represent the first ones to be associated with HPA‐21bw in Japan.CONCLUSION: We identified the HPA‐21bw allele from two unrelated Japanese infants with severe NAIT. We identified 10 individuals (1.06%) positive for the HPA‐21bw allele from a genetic screening of 944 Japanese blood donors.
Functional Imaging of the Cerebellum and Basal Ganglia During Predictive Motor Timing in Early Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Husárová Ivica , Lungu Ovidiu V. , Mareček Radek , Mikl Michal , Gescheidt Tomáš , Krupa Petr , Bareš Martin 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe basal ganglia and the cerebellum have both emerged as important structures involved in the processing of temporal information.METHODSWe examined the roles of the cerebellum and striatum in predictive motor timing during a target interception task in healthy individuals (HC group; n = 21) and in patients with early Parkinson's disease (early stage PD group; n = 20) using functional magnetic resonance imaging.RESULTSDespite having similar hit ratios, the PD failed more often than the HC to postpone their actions until the right moment and to adapt their behavior from one trial to the next. We found more activation in the right cerebellar lobule VI in HC than in early stage PD during successful trials. Successful trial‐by‐trial adjustments were associated with higher activity in the right putamen and lobule VI of the cerebellum in HC.CONCLUSIONSWe conclude that both the cerebellum and striatum are involved in predictive motor timing tasks. The cerebellar activity is associated exclusively with the postponement of action until the right moment, whereas both the cerebellum and striatum are needed for successful adaptation of motor actions from one trial to the next. We found a general ‘‘hypoactivation’’ of basal ganglia and cerebellum in early stage PD relative to HC, indicating that even in early stages of the PD there could be functional perturbations in the motor system beyond striatum.
Arterial Blood Gas Analysis of Samples Directly Obtained Beyond Cerebral Arterial Occlusion During Endovascular Procedures Predicts Clinical Outcome
Authors: Flores Alan , Sargento‐Freitas Joao , Pagola Jorge , Rodriguez‐Luna David , Piñeiro Socorro , Maisterra Olga , Rubiera Marta , Montaner Joan , Alvarez‐Sabin Jose , Molina Carlos , Ribo Marc 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTReal‐time intra‐procedure information about ischemic brain damage degree may help physicians in taking decisions about pursuing or not recanalization efforts.METHODSWe studied gasometric parameters of blood samples drawn through microcatheter in 16 stroke patients who received endovascular reperfusion procedures. After crossing the clot with microcatheter, blood sample was obtained from the middle cerebral artery (MCA) segment distal to occlusion (PostOcc); another sample was obtained from carotid artery (PreOcc). An arterial blood gas (ABG) study was immediately performed. We defined clinical improvement as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) decrease of ≥4.RESULTSThe ABG analysis showed differences between PreOcc and PostOcc blood samples in mean oxygen partial pressure (Pre‐PaO2: 78.9 ± 16 .3 vs 73.9 ± 14 .9 mmHg; P < .001). Patients who presented clinical improvement had higher Post‐PaO2 (81 ± 11 .4 vs 64.8  ± 14 .4 mmHg; P = .025). A receiver‐operator characteristic (ROC) curve determined Post‐PaO2 > 70 mmHg that better predicted further clinical improvement. Patients with Post‐PaO2 > 70 mmHg had higher chances of clinical improvement (81.8% vs 0%; P = .002) and lower disability (median mRS:3 vs 6; P=  .024). In the logistic regression the only independent predictor of clinical improvement was Post‐PaO2 > 70 (OR: 5.21 95%CI:1.38‐67.24; P=  .013).CONCLUSIONDirect local blood sampling from ischemic brain is feasible during endovascular procedures in acute stroke patients. A gradient in oxygenation parameters was demonstrated between pre‐ and post‐occlusion blood samples. ABG information may be used to predict clinical outcome and help in decision making in the angio‐suite.
SPECT Study of the Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic System in Huntington's Disease
Authors: Hwang Wen‐Juh , Yao Wei‐Jen 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe pathological process of Huntington's disease (HD) preferentially targets spiny neurons in the striatum, with later involvement of the substantia nigra and other structures. The purpose of this study is to investigate the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system in a genetically confirmed HD family.METHODSWe used single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with the radiotracers [99mTc]TRODAT‐1 and [123I]IBZM to study the binding potentials of dopamine transporter (DAT) and dopamine D2 receptors in the striatum of 3 symptomatic HD patients, 1 mutation‐negative member of the HD family, and 7 healthy controls. Specific binding potentials were calculated as (striatum‐occipital lobe)/occipital lobe.RESULTSReduced binding potential of striatal dopamine D2 receptors was found in the 3 symptomatic HD patients. The DAT binding potential was reduced in 1 symptomatic HD patient. We also found that the more severe the clinical status, the lower the DAT and D2 receptor binding potentials, and the larger the bicaudate ratio.CONCLUSIONSWe showed that the postsynaptic part of the nigrostriatal pathway was involved. The presynaptic part is usually not affected but could occur in very advanced cases. Our findings suggest that SPECT imaging of D2 receptors is useful for diagnosing and monitoring HD.