bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
When cortical development goes wrong: schizophrenia as a neurodevelopmental disease of microcircuits
Authors: Garey Laurence 
Published: April 2010

AbstractSchizophrenia probably has a developmental origin. This review refers to three of our published series of studies related to this hypothesis: loss of dendritic spines on cerebral neocortical pyramidal neurons, decreased numerical density of glutamatergic neurons, and microgliosis. First, brains of schizophrenic patients and non‐schizophrenic controls were obtained post mortem and blocks of multiple cortical areas impregnated with a Rapid Golgi method. Spines were counted on the dendrites of pyramidal neurons of which the soma was in layer III (which takes part in corticocortical connectivity) and which met strict criteria for impregnation quality. Data were obtained blind: diagnoses were only revealed by a third party after measurements were completed. The mean spine count in all cortical areas studied in the control series was 243 mm−1 of dendrite and in the schizophrenics 108. Measurements in frontal and temporal association cortex showed the greatest reduction in spine number in schizophrenia (299 in control frontal cortex and 101 in schizophrenics, and 276 mm−1 in control temporal cortex and 125 in schizophrenics). There was no correlation of spine loss with age at death. Our results support the concept of a neurodevelopmental defect in the neuropil affecting glutamatergic neurons in schizophrenia and may help to explain loss of cortical volume without loss of neurons. In a second part of our study we used an antibody to the kainate receptor subunit GluR 5/6/7 and showed a decrease in numerical density of presumed glutamatergic neurons in schizophrenic orbitofrontal cortex. Finally, as glia play a major role in the developing nervous system, we investigated whether schizophrenia was associated with glial changes in frontal and temporal cortex. Astroglia and microglia were identified in schizophrenic and control brains, using antibodies to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and class II human leucocyte antigen (HLA‐DR), respectively. Significant increases were found in microglial numerical density in schizophrenics compared with controls: 28% in frontal area 9 (115 cells mm−2 compared with 89), and a 57% increase in temporal area 22 (139 cells mm−2 compared with 88). For both areas, astroglia showed no significant differences between schizophrenics and controls. No significant differences were found in cortical thickness or total neuronal numerical density between the two groups. This specific increase in numerical density of microglia in temporal and frontal cortex of chronic schizophrenics, not related to aging, could be related to possible changes in cortical neuropil architecture as revealed by loss of dendritic spines.
The comparability of mother‐report structured interviews and checklists for the quantification of youth externalizing symptoms
Authors: Dirks Melanie A. , Boyle Michael H. 
Published: April 2010

Background: Although structured interviews are assumed to be scientifically superior to checklists for measuring youth psychopathology, few studies have tested this hypothesis. Interviews place a much greater burden on respondents, making it critical to determine their added value when quantifying psychiatric symptoms.Methods: Confirmatory factor analysis was used to compare interviews and checklists in community (N = 251) and clinically referred (N = 406) samples of youth aged 5 to 17 years. We examined the associations between mother‐reported externalizing symptoms assessed by interview versus checklist against (a) teacher‐reported externalizing symptoms, and (b) child’s gender, academic performance, single‐ versus two‐parent family, and family income. Models in which associations were estimated freely were contrasted to models in which the interview and the checklist were constrained to have equal associations with the variables. Finding these models fit comparably would suggest no difference between interviews and checklists.Results: In the community sample, both the constrained and unconstrained models provided comparable fit to the data, suggesting no marked differences between interviews and checklists. In the clinical sample, associations with the interview were generally stronger. Reducing the number of items on the interview to match those on the 6‐item checklist eliminated these differences, suggesting that the increased reliability of the interview scales, afforded by additional items, enhanced their quantification of psychopathology.Conclusions: Consistent with previous studies, interviews were not notably superior to checklists for the measurement of externalizing symptoms. When only a few items are used, small performance differences between checklists and interviews may be due to scale length.
Restricted ketogenic diet enhances the therapeutic action of N‐butyldeoxynojirimycin towards brain GM2 accumulation in adult Sandhoff disease mice
Authors: Denny Christine A. , Heinecke Karie A. , Kim Youngho P. , Baek Rena C. , Loh Katrina S. , Butters Terry D. , Bronson Roderick T. , Platt Frances M. , Seyfried Thomas N. 
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 1525–1535.AbstractSandhoff disease is an autosomal recessive, neurodegenerative disease involving the storage of brain ganglioside GM2 and asialo‐GM2. Previous studies showed that caloric restriction, which augments longevity, and N‐butyldeoxynojirimycin (NB‐DNJ, Miglustat), an imino sugar that hinders the glucosyltransferase catalyzing the first step in glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, both increase longevity and improve motor behavior in the β‐hexosaminidase (Hexb) knockout (−/−) murine model of Sandhoff disease. In this study, we used a restricted ketogenic diet (KD‐R) and NB‐DNJ to combat ganglioside accumulation. Adult Hexb−/− mice were placed into one of the following groups: (i) a standard diet (SD), (ii) a SD with NB‐DNJ (SD + NB‐DNJ), (iii) a KD‐R, and (iv) a KD‐R with NB‐DNJ (KD‐R + NB‐DNJ). Forebrain GM2 content (μg sialic acid/100 mg dry wt) in the four groups was 375 ± 15, 312 ± 8, 340 ± 28, and 279 ± 26, respectively, indicating an additive interaction between NB‐DNJ and the KD‐R. Most interestingly, brain NB‐DNJ content was 3.5‐fold greater in the KD‐R + NB‐DNJ mice than in the SD + NB‐DNJ mice. These data suggest that the KD‐R and NB‐DNJ may be a potential combinatorial therapy for Sandhoff disease by enhancing NB‐DNJ delivery to the brain and may allow lower dosing to achieve the same degree of efficacy as high dose monotherapy.
Posterior corneal curvature change and recovery after 6 months of overnight orthokeratology treatment
Authors: Chen Davie , Lam Andrew K. C. , Cho Pauline 
Published: April 2010

AbstractPurpose:  To investigate the changes in, and recovery of, posterior corneal curvature after 6 months of overnight orthokeratology (ortho‐k).Methods:  Twenty‐eight healthy young adults were recruited for a 6‐month period of ortho‐k treatment and data from their right eyes were analyzed. The mean ± standard deviation spherical equivalent refraction (SER) at baseline was −2.95 ± 0.88 D. Posterior simulated keratometry (Sim K) readings were measured with a corneal topographer based on rotating Scheimpflug imaging. The three phases in the study were the 6‐month treatment period (Phase I); diurnal changes over a period of 8 h immediately after lens removal at the completion of the treatment period (Phase II); and a 2‐month recovery period after cessation of treatment (Phase III). Measurements were taken after lens wear overnight, and after 1 week, and 1, 2, 3 and 6 months of lens wear in Phase I. In Phase II, measurements were taken immediately, and then 2, 4 and 8 h after lens removal. In Phase III, corneal parameters were monitored 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month and 2 months after cessation of ortho‐k treatment.Results:  In Phase I, the posterior Sim K readings were significantly steepened after the first overnight lens wear. These significant changes were not found at other visits. In Phase II, the posterior Sim K readings were the steepest immediately after lens removal and significantly flattened 2 h after lens removal. In Phase III, all the posterior Sim K readings were similar to the baseline results.Conclusions:  Steepening of the posterior cornea was only observed immediately after lens removal. It returns to its original shape within 2 h after cessation of lens wear. These changes appear to be in line with recent reports of the diurnal variation in the posterior corneal shape in non‐contact lens wearers. The reduction in myopia from ortho‐k treatment is therefore mainly due to a flattening of the anterior cornea.
Sunglasses, the European directive and the European standard
Authors: Dain Stephen John , Ngo Thi Phuong Thao , Cheng Brian Barry , Hu Angel , Teh Adrian Ghim Boon , Tseng Jane , Vu Nam 
Published: April 2010

AbstractPurpose:  The Optics and Radiometry Laboratory (ORLAB) provides a testing service for the Australian sunglass industry to assist its compliance with the mandatory Consumer Product Safety Standard. In doing so, a number of sunglasses carrying the CE mark (in effect a claim of compliance with the European Union Personal Protective Equipment Directive) have been tested. Since there is no mandatory testing in Europe (the sunglass industry is deemed self regulating), evaluating their performance will give an insight into compliance with the Directive.Methods:  Consecutive submissions to ORLAB over a period of 18 months were examined for CE marked sunglasses. The results for 646 CE marked pairs of sunglasses tested during 2003 and first half 2004 were examined and evaluated for compliance with EN 1836 (the European sunglass standard) on the basis of refractive power, prismatic power, transmittance (visible, UV and coloration) and polarization.Results:  A total of 17.3% failed EN 1836 and 3.3% were borderline (i.e. within our uncertainties of measurement of the requirement). The failures comprised: 0.9% lens defect; 12.5% polarization alignment error; 2.7% excessive vertical prism; 22.3% excessive horizontal prism; 27.7% excessive spherical power; 14.3% excessive cylindrical power; 1.8% excessive UV transmittance; and 23.2% transmittance difference between lenses (always gradient tints).Conclusion:  With up to 20% non‐compliance, self regulation is not working particularly well in providing the public with complying sunglasses.
A 4 year retrospective survey of strabismus surgery in Tongren Eye Centre Beijing
Authors: Jie Ying , Xu Zhaoyang , He Yongning , Wang Ningli , Wang Jinghui , Lu Wei , Wu Xiao , Jiao Yonghong 
Published: April 2010

AbstractPurpose:  To investigate the distribution pattern of the strabismus surgery undertaken at an eye centre in Beijing, China.Methods:  A retrospective analysis was conducted including the data of all strabismus surgeries performed in Beijing Tongren hospital for the 4 year period from 2003 to 2006. The proportions of different surgery types and their association with patients’ age and gender were analyzed.Result:  During the study period, 8997 strabismus surgeries were performed. The number of the surgeries increased progressively each year from 1507 in 2003 to 2769 in 2006 (p < 0.05). Intermittent exotropia was the most common of all strabismus surgeries (27.9%). Superior oblique palsy was the most common type among the paralytic strabismus surgeries. The proportions of different types of strabismus showed no significant change between successive years. Among the patients, the number of surgeries performed in the population aged 0–12 years was significantly higher than other age groups and increased from 35.37% in 2003 to 42.80% in 2006 (p < 0.05).Conclusion:  There has been a continuous increase in the number of strabismus operations in our eye centre in Beijing, and this pattern is especially obvious in children. The distribution of surgery type remained relatively constant each year. Surgery for intermittent exotropia is the most common type of procedure.
Extended wearing trial of Trifield lens device for ‘tunnel vision’
Authors: Woods Russell L. , Giorgi Robert G. , Berson Eliot L. , Peli Eli 
Published: April 2010

AbstractSevere visual field constriction (tunnel vision) impairs the ability to navigate and walk safely. We evaluated Trifield glasses as a mobility rehabilitation device for tunnel vision in an extended wearing trial. Twelve patients with tunnel vision (5–22° wide) due to retinitis pigmentosa or choroideremia participated in the 5‐visit wearing trial. To expand the horizontal visual field, one spectacle lens was fitted with two apex‐to‐apex prisms that vertically bisected the pupil on primary gaze. This provides visual field expansion at the expense of visual confusion (two objects with the same visual direction). Patients were asked to wear these spectacles as much as possible for the duration of the wearing trial (median 8, range 6–60 weeks). Clinical success (continued wear, indicating perceived overall benefit), visual field expansion, perceived direction and perceived visual ability were measured. Of 12 patients, nine chose to continue wearing the Trifield glasses at the end of the wearing trial. Of those nine patients, at long‐term follow‐up (35–78 weeks), three reported still wearing the Trifield glasses. Visual field expansion (median 18, range 9–38°) was demonstrated for all patients. No patient demonstrated adaptation to the change in visual direction produced by the Trifield glasses (prisms). For reported difficulty with obstacles, some differences between successful and non‐successful wearers were found. Trifield glasses provided reported benefits in obstacle avoidance to 7 of the 12 patients completing the wearing trial. Crowded environments were particularly difficult for most wearers. Possible reasons for long‐term discontinuation and lack of adaptation to perceived direction are discussed.
Adaptive gait changes in long‐term wearers of contact lens monovision correction
Authors: Chapman Graham J. , Vale Anna , Buckley John , Scally Andy J. , Elliott David B. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIntroduction:  The aim of the present study was to determine adaptive gait changes in long‐term wearers of monovision correction contact lenses by comparing gait parameters when wearing monovision correction to those observed when wearing binocular distance correction contact lenses.Methods:  Gait and toe clearance parameters were measured in eleven participants (53.5 ± 4.6 years, median monovision wearing time 5 years) as they repeatedly walked up to and onto a raised surface with either monovision or distance correction.Results:  Compared to distance correction, monovision resulted in a large reduction in stereoacuity from 17″ to 87″, a slower walking velocity (p = 0.001), a reduced horizontal toe clearance of the step edge (p = 0.035) and, for trials when monovision correction occurred first, a 33% greater variability in vertical toe clearance (p = 0.021). Variability in some gait data was large due to certain study design features and learning effects.Conclusion:  A slower walking velocity with monovision correction suggests participants became more cautious, likely as a result of the significantly reduced stereoacuity. The decreased horizontal toe clearance and increased vertical toe clearance variability suggests that monovision correction may cause a greater likelihood of hitting step edges and tripping during everyday gait. Recommended study design features are suggested for future adaptive gait studies to increase the precision of the data and to attempt to minimize the effects of learning from somatosensory feedback.
Targeting Residents for Transitions from Nursing Home to Community
Authors: Arling Greg , Kane Robert L. , Cooke Valerie , Lewis Teresa 
Published: April 2010

Objective. To analyze nursing home utilization patterns in order to identify potential targeting criteria for transitioning residents back to the community.Data Sources. Secondary data from minimum data set (MDS) assessments for an annual cohort of first‐time admissions (N=24,648) to all Minnesota nursing homes (N=394) from July 2005 to June 2006.Study Design. We conducted a longitudinal analysis from admission to 365 days. Major MDS variables were discharge status; resident's preference and support for community discharge; gender, age, and marital status; pay source; major diagnoses; cognitive impairment or dementia; activities of daily living; and continence.Principal Findings. At 90 days the majority of residents showed a preference or support for community discharge (64 percent). Many had health and functional conditions predictive of community discharge (40 percent) or low‐care requirements (20 percent). A supportive facility context, for example, emphasis on postacute care and consumer choice, increased transition rates.Conclusions. A community discharge intervention could be targeted to residents at 90 days after nursing home admission when short‐stay residents are at risk of becoming long‐stay residents.
Do Medicaid Wage Pass‐through Payments Increase Nursing Home Staffing?
Authors: Feng Zhanlian , Lee Yong Suk , Kuo Sylvia , Intrator Orna , Foster Andrew , Mor Vincent 
Published: April 2010

Objective. To assess the impact of state Medicaid wage pass‐through policy on direct‐care staffing levels in U.S. nursing homes.Data Sources. Online Survey Certification and Reporting (OSCAR) data, and state Medicaid nursing home reimbursement policies over the period 1996–2004.Study Design. A fixed‐effects panel model with two‐step feasible‐generalized least squares estimates is used to examine the effect of pass‐through adoption on direct‐care staff hours per resident day (HPRD) in nursing homes.Data Collection/Extraction Methods. A panel data file tracking annual OSCAR surveys per facility over the study period is linked with annual information on state Medicaid wage pass‐through and related policies.Principal Findings. Among the states introducing wage pass‐through over the study period, the policy is associated with between 3.0 and 4.0 percent net increases in certified nurse aide (CNA) HPRD in the years following adoption. No discernable pass‐through effect is observed on either registered nurse or licensed practical nurse HPRD.Conclusions. State Medicaid wage pass‐through programs offer a potentially effective policy tool to boost direct‐care CNA staffing in nursing homes, at least in the short term.
Inhibition of glutamate/glutamine cycle in vivo results in decreased benzodiazepine binding and differentially regulated GABAergic subunit expression in the rat brain
Authors: Cremer Christian M. , Bidmon Hans‐Jürgen , Görg Boris , Palomero‐Gallagher Nicola , Escobar Jennifer Lopez , Speckmann Erwin‐Josef , Zilles Karl 
Published: April 2010

SummaryPurpose:  The astrocytic enzyme glutamine synthetase (GS) is a key regulator of glutamate and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism in the glutamate/glutamine cycle (GGC). Inhibition of GS results in changes of neurotransmitter release and recycling. However, little is known about the influence of GGC on neurotransmitter receptor expression. In the pentylenetetrazole model of epilepsy, GS becomes nitrated and partially inhibited, and we demonstrated alterations of neurotransmitter receptor expression in the same model. Therefore, we hypothesized similar changes of neurotransmitter receptor expression when GS is inhibited in vivo.Methods:  Rats were treated with a single dose (100 mg/kg bodyweight) of l‐methionine sulfoximine (MSO), an irreversible inhibitor of GS. We used 3H‐receptor autoradiography to measure glutamatergic [α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazol‐propionic acid (AMPA), kainate, N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA)], GABAergic (GABAA, GABAB and GABAA‐associated benzodiazepine (BZ) binding sites], dopamine D1, and adenosine A1 receptor subtypes. In addition, we performed saturation analysis of BZ binding sites on cerebral membrane homogenates and investigated the expression of GABAAα1 and γ2 subunits (which primarily mediate BZ binding) by western blot analysis.Results:  We demonstrated a significant reduction of BZ binding in the somatosensory, piriform, and entorhinal cortices and in the amygdala, 24 and 72 h after MSO treatment. Saturation analysis revealed decreased BZ binding (Bmax) on cerebral membrane homogenates 72 h after MSO treatment, without changes in binding site affinity (KD). Furthermore, we found differential changes of α1, γ2, and phosphorylated γ2 subunits following MSO treatment.Conclusion:  On the basis of our findings, we conclude that the glutamate/glutamine cycle directly influences GABAergic neurotransmission by regulating GABAA subunit composition, thereby affecting its modulation by endogenous benzodiazepines.
Role of Wake‐Promoting Basal Forebrain and Adenosinergic Mechanisms in Sleep‐Promoting Effects of Ethanol
Authors: Thakkar Mahesh M. , Engemann Samuel C. , Sharma Rishi , Sahota Pradeep 
Published: April 2010

Background: Ethanol intake has significant impact on sleep. However, the cellular substrates responsible for sleep promotion following ethanol intake are unknown. The purine nucleoside, adenosine, is responsible for mediating many neuronal and behavioral responses to ethanol. Studies performed in cell cultures suggest that ethanol inhibits equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 to block the reuptake of adenosine resulting in increased extracellular adenosine. Adenosine also has a pivotal role in sleep regulation. Adenosine acts via A1 receptor to inhibit the wake‐promoting neurons of the basal forebrain (BF) resulting in the promotion of sleep. Is ethanol‐induced sleep associated with the inhibition of the BF wake‐promoting neurons? Do adenosinergic mechanisms in the BF have a role in sleep‐promoting effects of ethanol?Methods: To address these questions, we performed 3 experiments in Sprague–Dawley rats. First, we verified the effect of ethanol on sleep promotion. Second, we evaluated the effect of ethanol on c‐Fos expression (a marker of neuronal activation) in the BF wake‐promoting neurons and third we monitored the effects of A1 receptor blockade in the BF on ethanol‐induced sleep.Results: Significant increase in non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep with a concomitant decrease in wakefulness was observed during the first 12 hours postethanol. REM sleep remained unaffected. Ethanol administration caused a significant decrease in the number of BF wake‐promoting neurons with c‐Fos immunoreactivity. Bilateral microinjections of a selective A1R receptor antagonist 8‐cyclopentyl‐1, 3‐dipropylxanthine into the BF significantly attenuated sleep‐promoting effects of ethanol.Conclusion: These results suggest that the inhibition of BF wake‐promoting neurons by adenosinergic mechanism may be responsible for the sleep promoting effects of ethanol. We believe our study is the first to investigate the cellular mechanisms responsible for the somnogenic effects of ethanol.