bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dorsal telencephalon‐specific RA‐GEF‐1 knockout mice develop heterotopic cortical mass and commissural fiber defect
Authors: Bilasy Shymaa E. , Satoh Takaya , Ueda Shuji , Wei Ping , Kanemura Hoshimi , Aiba Atsu , Terashima Toshio , Kataoka Tohru 
Published: May 2009

AbstractNeural migration defects lead to various types of human malformations of cortical development including subcortical band heterotopia, which shows formation of a secondary cortical plate beneath the primary cortex and is typically caused by mutation of the DCX (doublecortin) gene. Subcortical band heterotopia is usually associated with mental retardation and epilepsy. We previously discovered RA‐GEF‐1 as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rap1 small GTPase. Here we have analysed its in‐vivo role in formation of the adult cerebral cortex by using telencephalon‐specific RA‐GEF‐1 conditional knockout (cKO) mice, generated by mating RA‐GEF‐1flox/flox mice with Emx1‐cre knockin mice. RA‐GEF‐1 cKO mice showed severe defects in their brain structures including an ectopic cortical mass underlying a relatively normal cortex. The ectopic cortical mass lacked the normal six‐layered lamination but preserved the subcortical connectivity as revealed by retrograde tracing. Further, RA‐GEF‐1 cKO mice exhibited a lower threshold for the induction of epileptic seizures. These phenotypes have a resemblance to those of human subcortical band heterotopia. In addition, the agenesis of anterior commissures, the dorsal hippocampus commissure, the corpus callosum and the enlargement of the lateral ventricles were observed in cKO mice. Our findings suggest a crucial function of RA‐GEF‐1 in neural migration.
Postnatal functional inactivation of the entorhinal cortex or ventral subiculum has different consequences for latent inhibition‐related striatal dopaminergic responses in adult rats
Authors: Meyer F. , Peterschmitt Y. , Louilot A. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractLatent inhibition has been found to be disrupted in patients with acute schizophrenia. Striatal dopaminergic dysregulation is commonly acknowledged in schizophrenia. This disease may be consecutive to a functional disconnection between integrative regions, stemming from neurodevelopmental failures. Various anomalies suggesting early abnormal brain development have been described in the entorhinal cortex (ENT) and ventral subiculum (SUB) of patients. This study examines the consequences of a neonatal transitory blockade of the left ENT or left SUB for latent inhibition‐related dopamine responses in the anterior part of the dorsal striatum using in‐vivo voltammetry in freely moving adult rats. Reversible inactivation of both structures in different animals was achieved by local microinjection of tetrodotoxin (TTX) at postnatal day 8. Results obtained during the retention session of a three‐stage latent inhibition protocol showed that the functional neonatal disconnection of the ENT or SUB caused the behavioural latent inhibition expression in pre‐exposed (PE)‐TTX‐conditioned adult rats to disappear. After postnatal inactivation of the SUB, PE‐TTX‐conditioned rats displayed a reversal of the latent inhibition‐related striatal dopamine responses, whereas after neonatal blockade of the ENT, dopamine changes in PE‐TTX‐conditioned rats monitored in the anterior striatum were between those observed in PE‐phosphate‐buffered‐saline‐conditioned and non‐PE‐TTX‐conditioned animals. These data suggest that neonatal functional inactivation of the SUB disrupts latent inhibition‐related striatal dopamine responses in adult animals more than that of the ENT. They may help improve understanding of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
Linking supply to demand: the neuronal monocarboxylate transporter MCT2 and the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxyl‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionic acid receptor GluR2/3 subunit are associated in a common trafficking process
Authors: Pierre Karin , Chatton Jean‐Yves , Parent Annabelle , Repond Cendrine , Gardoni Fabrizio , Di Luca Monica , Pellerin Luc 
Published: May 2009

AbstractMCT2 is the major neuronal monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) that allows the supply of alternative energy substrates such as lactate to neurons. Recent evidence obtained by electron microscopy has demonstrated that MCT2, like α‐amino‐3‐hydroxyl‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionic acid (AMPA) receptors, is localized in dendritic spines of glutamatergic synapses. Using immunofluorescence, we show in this study that MCT2 colocalizes extensively with GluR2/3 subunits of AMPA receptors in neurons from various mouse brain regions as well as in cultured neurons. It also colocalizes with GluR2/3‐interacting proteins, such as C‐kinase‐interacting protein 1, glutamate receptor‐interacting protein 1 and clathrin adaptor protein. Coimmunoprecipitation of MCT2 with GluR2/3 and C‐kinase‐interacting protein 1 suggests their close interaction within spines. Parallel changes in the localization of both MCT2 and GluR2/3 subunits at and beneath the plasma membrane upon various stimulation paradigms were unraveled using an original immunocytochemical and transfection approach combined with three‐dimensional image reconstruction. Cell culture incubation with AMPA or insulin triggered a marked intracellular accumulation of both MCT2 and GluR2/3, whereas both tumor necrosis factor α and glycine (with glutamate) increased their cell surface immunolabeling. Similar results were obtained using Western blots performed on membrane or cytoplasm‐enriched cell fractions. Finally, an enhanced lactate flux into neurons was demonstrated after MCT2 translocation on the cell surface. These observations provide unequivocal evidence that MCT2 is linked to AMPA receptor GluR2/3 subunits and undergoes a similar translocation process in neurons upon activation. MCT2 emerges as a novel component of the synaptic machinery putatively linking neuroenergetics to synaptic transmission.
Inhibition of the bradycardic component of the von Bezold–Jarisch reflex and carotid chemoreceptor reflex by periaqueductal gray stimulation: involvement of medullary receptors
Authors: Netzer Florence , Mandjee Nathalie , Verberne Anthony J. , Bernard Jean‐François , Hamon Michel , Laguzzi Raul , Sévoz‐Couche Caroline 
Published: May 2009

AbstractStimulation of the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray matter (dlPAG) and the B3 cell group inhibits the cardiovagal component of the baroreflex in rats. Our aim was to determine whether the defence reaction induces similar modulatory effects on the cardiac response of the von Bezold–Jarisch reflex and the carotid chemoreceptor reflex. We examined the effects of dlPAG stimulation on the reflex bradycardia triggered by systemic administration of phenylbiguanide or potassium cyanide. Electrical and chemical stimulation of the dlPAG produced marked inhibition of the cardiovagal components of the von Bezold–Jarisch and the carotid chemoreceptor reflexes. In addition, as 5‐HT3, NK1and GABAAreceptor activation blocks cardiac reflex responses, we studied whether these receptors were involved in the dlPAG‐induced inhibitory effects. We found that, after microinjection of granisetron (a 5‐HT3receptor antagonist), bicuculline (a GABAAreceptor antagonist) and GR‐205171 (an NK1receptor antagonist) into the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), reflex bradycardic responses were preserved during dlPAG stimulation. Finally, activation of the B3 region also inhibited both reflex bradycardic responses, and these effects were prevented by prior blockade of 5‐HT3receptors in the NTS. The inhibitory effect of dlPAG stimulation on the cardiac reflex responses was prevented by inhibition of neurons in the medullary B3 region. In conclusion, 5‐HT3, GABAAand NK1receptors in the NTS appear to be involved in the inhibition of the von Bezold–Jarisch reflex and the carotid chemoreceptor reflex bradycardia evoked by activation of neurons in the dlPAG and the raphé magnus.
Transvaginal nephrectomy with a multichannel laparoscopic port: a cadaver study
Authors: Aron Monish , Berger Andre K. , Stein Robert J. , Kamoi Kazumi , Brandina Ricardo , Canes David , Sotelo Rene , Desai Mihir M. , Gill Inderbir S. 
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVETo determine whether a novel port (QuadPort, Advanced Surgical Concepts, Wicklow, Ireland) can facilitate transvaginal nephrectomy (TN), a natural orifice transluminal surgery (NOTES) procedure, using standard and articulating laparoscopic instruments.MATERIALS AND METHODSFour fresh female cadavers were used in this feasibility study with a plan to perform two right‐sided and two left‐sided TN. Exclusion criteria were a history of nephrectomy and a height of >1.82 m. The cadaver was placed in the lithotomy position with the target side up 30–45°. A three‐channel R‐port (Advanced Surgical Concepts) was placed in the umbilicus to monitor the transvaginal procedure. The four‐channel QuadPort was placed through the posterior fornix into the peritoneal cavity. Regular laparoscopic instruments were used transvaginally to mobilize the colon, dissect the ureter, identify and divide the renal artery between clips, and divide the renal vein with a laparoscopic stapler. Remaining attachments of the kidney were divided and the specimen entrapped in a plastic bag before transvaginal extraction.RESULTSThree (two right‐ and one left‐sided) TNs were performed successfully; one left‐sided TN was aborted in the last cadaver due to dense pelvic adhesions from previous pelvic surgery. In the first two cadavers we required assistance from the umbilical port only to divide the attachments between the upper pole of the kidney and the diaphragm supero‐posteriorly. In the third case we were able to perform this dissection completely transvaginally using a flexible gastroscope.CONCLUSIONSA completely NOTES‐based TN in humans is challenging. Robust laparoscopic instruments have the requisite tensile strength when deployed through a large calibre, secure, multichannel transvaginal port. Extra‐long laparoscopic instruments are helpful. The cephalad aspect of the hilum and the upper pole attachments are difficult areas. Novel and robust flexible instruments still need to be developed.
A 7‐year longitudinal follow‐up of intellectual development in children with congenital hemiplegia
Authors: GONZALEZ‐MONGE SIBYLLE , BOUDIA BAYA , RITZ ANNIE , ABBAS‐CHORFA FATIMA , RABILLOUD MURIEL , IWAZ JEAN , BÉRARD CAROLE 
Published: May 2009

Aims  Our aim was to examine intellectual development in children with congenital hemiplegia from early childhood to adolescence.Method  Full‐scale IQ (FIQ), Verbal IQ (VIQ), and Performance IQ (PIQ) scores were measured in 32 participants (19 males, 13 females) with congenital hemiplegia at mean ages of 4 years 6 months (SD 7mo; 31 participants), 7 years (SD 6mo; 23 participants), and 14 years (SD 1y 5mo; 26 participants).Results  The FIQ and VIQ scores did not change with age, but the PIQ declined significantly (0.7 points per year; p=0.004). The estimated mean (95% confidence intervals) scores in males born at term with right‐sided lesions without epilepsy were FIQ 106.5 (95.29–117.74), VIQ 105.9 (95.57–116.24), and PIQ 103.7 (93.19–114.31). Those means were negatively associated with preterm birth. PIQ was negatively associated with epilepsy. VIQ increased more quickly in males and in children with right‐sided lesions.Interpretation  The results confirm previous findings of FIQ stability, PIQ decline, the impact of epilepsy, and the status of females with left‐sided lesions, and also reveal the effect of gestational age at birth. They underline the importance of management focused on nonverbal functions and further the debate about the early lateralization of language, the ‘crowding effect’, and the difference in brain plasticity between males and females.
Longitudinal change in muscle and fat thickness in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy
Authors: OHATA KOJI , TSUBOYAMA TADAO , HARUTA TAISHI , ICHIHASHI NORIAKI , NAKAMURA TAKASHI 
Published: May 2009

Aim  In a prospective, longitudinal study, we investigated the influence of the severity of motor impairment on changes in body characteristics in children with moderate‐to‐severe cerebral palsy (CP).Method  Twenty‐six single children and adolescents (15 females, 11 males; mean age 10y 6mo, SD 3y 3mo) with spastic (quadriplegia, hemiplegia, or diplegia), athetotic, or hypotonic CP at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III to V participated. They were categorized into moderate (GMFCS levels III or IV, n=11) and severe (GMFCS level V, n=15) groups. Muscle thickness of the quadriceps femoris (MTQ) and fat thickness of the anterior thigh (FTA) measured using ultrasound images, together with weight and height, were obtained at annual measurements over 3 years.Results  Significant increases in all variables were found in both groups. The areas under the curve (AUCs: an index of the gain) for weight, MTQ, and FTA were significantly higher in the moderate group. The AUC for weight, adjusted for height, was significantly correlated with the AUC for MTQ in the moderate group, and with the AUC for FTA in the severe group.Interpretation  Weight gain in children with severe CP does not necessarily reflect muscle growth.
Healthcare professionals’ views on two computer‐based decision aids for women choosing mode of delivery after previous caesarean section: a qualitative study
Authors: Rees KM , Shaw ARG , Bennert K , Emmett CL , Montgomery AA 
Published: May 2009

Objective  To explore healthcare professionals’ views about decision aids, developed by the DiAMOND study group, for women choosing mode of delivery after a previous caesarean section.Design/Methods  A qualitative focus group study. Data were analysed thematically.Setting  Two city maternity units, surrounding community midwife units and general practitioner (GP) practices in southwest England.Sample  Twenty‐eight healthcare professionals, comprising obstetricians, hospital and community midwives and GPs, who participated in six focus groups.Results  Participants were generally positive about the decision aids. Most thought they should be implemented during early pregnancy in the community, but should be accessible throughout pregnancy, with any arising questions discussed with an obstetrician nearer to term. Perceived barriers to implementation included service issues (e.g. time pressure, cost and access), computer issues (e.g. computer literacy) and people issues (e.g. women’s prior delivery preferences and clinician preference). Facilitators to implementation included access to more standardised and reliable information and empowerment of the user. Self‐accessing the aids, increased awareness of decision aids among healthcare professionals and incorporation of aids into usual care were suggested as possible ways to improve implementation success.Conclusions  This study gives insight into healthcare professionals’ views on the role of decision aids for women choosing a mode of delivery after a prior caesarean section. It highlights potential obstacles to their implementation and ways to address these. Such aids could be a useful adjunct to current antenatal care.
Estimating intrapartum‐related perinatal mortality rates for booked home births: when the ‘best’ available data are not good enough
Authors: Gyte G , Dodwell M , Newburn M , Sandall J , Macfarlane A , Bewley S 
Published: May 2009

Objective  To critically appraise a recent study on the safety of home birth (Mori R, Dougherty M, Whittle M. BJOG 2008;115:554) and assess its contribution to the debate about risks and benefits of planned home birth for women at low risk of complications.Design  Critical appraisal of a published paper.Setting  England and Wales.Population or Sample  Home births from 1994–2003 and all women giving birth in the same time period.Methods  Six members of a multidisciplinary group appraised the paper independently. Comments were collated and synthesised.Main outcome measures  Assessment of: overall methodology; assumptions used in estimating figures; methods used for calculations; conclusions drawn from the results and reliability and consistency of data.Results  Although there were some positive aspects to the study, there were weaknesses in design and an inaccurate estimate of risk. Our evidence suggests that the conclusions drawn did not reflect the results and the methodological weaknesses found in the study rendered both the results and conclusions invalid.Conclusions  On the basis of our critical appraisal, the study does not contribute to the existing evidence about the safety of home birth to inform decision‐making or provision of care. The limitations could have been identified by the peer review process and the problems were compounded by an inaccurate press release. Great care needs to be taken by journals to ensure the accuracy of information before dissemination to the scientific community, clinicians and the public. These data should not have been used to inform national guidelines.
Is it clinically and cost effective to screen for postnatal depression: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials and economic evidence
Authors: Hewitt CE , Gilbody SM 
Published: May 2009

Background  Postnatal depression (PND) is a common mental health problem, which is associated with adverse consequences beyond the individual with depression. It is not known whether using formal methods to identify PND are clinically and cost effective in improving maternal and infant outcomes.Objectives  To evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of antenatal and postnatal identification of depressive symptoms.Search strategy  Twenty electronic databases were searched to retrieve English and non‐English language articles published until February 2007.Selection criteria  Randomised controlled trials or controlled trials comparing the use of formal methods to identify PND, with or without enhancement of care, or feedback of scores with not using formal methods to identify PND or usual care.Data collection and analysis  Two reviewers independently assessed studies for inclusion and extracted data. Results from the trials were combined to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for dichotomous outcomes.Main results  Five studies were identified that compared formal use of a method to identify PND, with or without enhancement of care, or feedback of scores with not using a formal method or usual care. All of the studies used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to identify women with PND. The results of the studies indicated beneficial effects of using the EPDS in reducing EPDS scores (OR = 0.61; 95% CI 0.48–0.76).Author’s conclusions  Despite some apparent beneficial effects of using formal methods to identify PND, it is difficult to disentangle the effects of the screening component alone from interventions linked to a positive screen as some of the studies included enhancements of care and/or an intervention.
Comparison of aerobic exercise capacity and muscle strength in overweight women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Thomson RL , Buckley JD , Moran LJ , Noakes M , Clifton PM , Norman RJ , Brinkworth GD 
Published: May 2009

Objective  To assess maximal aerobic capacity () and muscle strength in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and determine their relationship with metabolic and hormonal factors.Design  Cross‐sectional study.Setting  Clinical Research Unit.Population  Overweight and obese women with PCOS (n = 10) and age‐and weight‐matched healthy controls (n = 16).Methods  was measured during an incremental treadmill test and maximal isometric (ImS) and isokinetic knee extensor strength (IkS) (120°/second) were assessed by isokinetic dynamometry.Main outcome measures  , ImS, IkS, waist circumference, blood lipids, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment [HOMA2]), C‐reactive protein (CRP), hormonal profile.Results  PCOS women had higher levels of testosterone and free testosterone (P ≤ 0.05), but there were no significant differences in any cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers between the groups. was similar in women with PCOS and healthy controls (PCOS 26.0 ± 4.1 ml/kg/minute, controls 25.7 ± 3.8 ml/kg/minute; P = 0.90), as was ImS (PCOS 1.50 ± 0.54 Nm/kg, controls 1.50 ± 0.47 Nm/kg; P = 0.96) and IkS (PCOS 1.04 ± 0.32 Nm/kg, controls 1.16 ± 0.23 Nm/kg; P = 0.32). was inversely related to waist circumference, insulin, HOMA2 and CRP. Waist circumference was inversely associated with ImS and IkS. No significant associations between exercise parameters and hormonal variables were identified.Conclusions  Compared to age‐ and weight‐matched healthy overweight and obese women with similar insulin resistance and CVD risk profiles, women with PCOS had similar aerobic capacity and muscle strength. This suggests PCOS, at least in the absence of an adverse metabolic profile is unlikely to limit physical function. Larger studies examining the effects of PCOS on exercise tolerance in a diverse range of PCOS phenotypes is required.
Retrospective cohort study of diagnosis–delivery interval with umbilical cord prolapse: the effect of team training
Authors: Siassakos D , Hasafa Z , Sibanda T , Fox R , Donald F , Winter C , Draycott T 
Published: May 2009

Objective  To determine whether the introduction of multi‐professional simulation training was associated with improvements in the management of cord prolapse, in particular, the diagnosis–delivery interval (DDI).Design  Retrospective cohort study.Setting  Large tertiary maternity unit within a University Hospital in the United Kingdom.Sample  All cases of cord prolapse with informative case record: 34 pre‐training, 28 post‐training.Methods  Review of hospital notes and software system entries; comparison of quality of management for umbilical cord prolapse pre‐training (1993–99) and post‐training (2001–07).Main outcome measures  Diagnosis–delivery interval; proportion of caesarean section (CS) in whom actions were taken to reduce cord compression; type of anaesthesia for CS births; rate of low (<7) 5‐minute Apgar scores; rate of admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (if birthweight >2500 g).Results  After training, there was a statistically significant reduction in median DDI from 25 to 14.5 minutes (P < 0.001). Post‐training, there was also a statistically significant increase in the proportion of CS where recommended actions had been performed (from 34.78 to 82.35%, P = 0.003). There was a nonsignificant increase in the use of spinal anaesthesia for CS, from 8.70 to 17.65%, and a nonsignificant reduction in the rate of low Apgar scores from 6.45 to 0% and in the rate of admission to NICU from 38.46 to 22.22%.Conclusions  The introduction of annual training, in accordance with national recommendations, was associated with improved management of cord prolapse. Future studies could assess whether this improved management translates into better outcomes for babies and their mothers.