bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wheat Cellular Membrane Thermotolerance Under Heat Stress
Authors: Dias A. S. , Barreiro M. G. , Campos P. S. , Ramalho J. C. , Lidon F. C. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractFour genotypes ofTriticum aestivumL. andTriticum turgidumsubsp. durumchosen according to their genetic background diversity were subjected to heat stress after anthesis. Membrane permeability, lipid peroxidation and fatty acids (C14:0, C16:0, C16:1c, C16:1t, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3) were quantified. The estimation of the quantum yield of non‐cyclic photosynthetic electron transport was used as well as a test system to further evaluate the implications on thylakoid functioning. It was found differences within bread and durum wheat species concerning the capability to cope with high temperatures at the stage of grain filling. The genotype Sever showed high thermal sensitivity concerning membrane lipid peroxidation and membrane permeability, as evaluated by the increased production of ethylene and MDA, as well as by the impact on TFA (at the middle term of grain filling). In the durum wheat genotypes, differences were also found, with TE 9306 displaying high membrane stability, with no increases on membrane permeability, MDA and ethylene content. In this way, the observed changes on TFA in this genotype might have constituted a mechanism to allow qualitative lipid changes, reflected in lower unsaturation level of membrane FAs which is a positive trait under high temperatures.
Photosynthetic Activity and Soluble Carbohydrate Content Induced by the Cold Acclimation Affect Frost Tolerance and Resistance to Microdochium nivale of Androgenic Festulolium Genotypes
Authors: Pociecha E. , Płażek A. , Rapacz M. , Niemczyk E. , Zwierzykowski Z. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe aim of the experiment was to verify whether changes in photosynthetic activity measured by means of chlorophyll fluorescence techniques and soluble carbohydrate level induced during pre‐hardening and cold acclimation in androgenic forms of Festulolium are related to their winter hardiness and pathogen resistance. The study was performed on six androgenic genotypes of Festulolium, which differ in their degrees of winter hardiness. The chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and sugar content were measured in the control plants, pre‐hardened at 12 °C and cold‐acclimated at 2 °C. Cold acclimation at 2 °C, preceded by pre‐hardening at 12 °C, induced a decline in maximum PSII quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm) and in non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ). Exposure to 2 °C also resulted in reduced efficiency of energy conversion in photochemical processes (qp). The soluble carbohydrate amount increased in the susceptible genotypes and was associated with a decline in NPQ and current quantum yield of PSII (φPSII). In resistant plants, a decrease in the sugar content was observed, which could be explained by their consumption in metabolic processes initiated during cold acclimation. The changes in sugar content were associated with a decline in NPQ and qp.
Nerve injury‐related erectile dysfunction following nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy: A novel experimental dissection model
Authors: Yamashita Shinichi , Kato Ryuichi , Kobayashi Ko , Hisasue Shin‐ichi , Arai Yoichi , Tsukamoto Taiji 
Published: September 2009

Objectives:  To establish a new experimental rat model in order to define the mechanisms of erectile dysfunction (ED) and to evaluate the changes of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the pelvic ganglia following nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy.Methods:  Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomized to sham operation, bilateral cavernous nerve dissection (BCND) and bilateral cavernous nerve resection (BCNR) groups. In the BCND group, the cavernous nerves were only dissected bilaterally from the major pelvic ganglion (MPG) to the apex of the prostate without crushing or cutting. At 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after surgery, we examined intracavernous pressure along with arterial pressure (ICP/AP), retrograde dye tracing using Fluorogold (FG) and expression of nNOS in the MPG.Results:  Intracavernous pressure and arterial pressure in the BCND group was significantly decreased at 2 and 4 weeks after surgery compared with the sham group, and improved at 8 weeks. The number of FG‐positive cells in the MPG also recovered at 8 weeks. ICP/AP and FG‐positive cells in the BCNR group were greatly decreased until 8 weeks. The percentage of nNOS‐positive cells per total cells was not different between the sham and BCND groups during the experimental period, whereas that in the BCNR group gradually decreased with time.Conclusions:  We established a novel rat model, in which cavernous nerve dissection alone caused nerve injury‐related ED. We believe that this cavernous nerve dissection model might help clarify the mechanism of nerve injury‐related ED and the recovery from ED after nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy.
Glycaemic variability and complications in patients with diabetes mellitus: evidence from a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Nalysnyk L. , Hernandez‐Medina M. , Krishnarajah G. 
Published: September 2009

Aim: The objective of this review was to assess the published evidence for an association between glycaemic variability and the development of chronic micro‐ and macrovascular complications in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: A systematic review of English‐language literature published from January 1990 through November 2008 was performed. Interventional and observational studies in patients with type 1 or type 2 DM reporting a measure of glycaemic variability and its impact on the development or progression of micro‐ and macrovascular diabetic complications were assessed. Results: A total of 18 studies −8 on type 1 DM and 10 on type 2 DM patients–meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. Studies in patients with type 1 DM revealed that glucose variability has little impact on the development of diabetic complications. Only in two of the eight type 1 DM studies did glucose variability have a significant association with microvascular complications, but not with macrovascular complications. Among type 2 DM studies, a significant positive association between glucose variability and the development or progression of diabetic retinopathy, cardiovascular events and mortality was reported in 9 of 10 studies. Only one type 2 DM study reported no association between glucose variability and progression of retinopathy. Conclusions: Based on this overview of the available evidence, there appears to be a signal suggesting that glucose variability, characterized by extreme glucose excursions, could be a predictor of diabetic complications, independent of HbA1c levels, in patients with type 2 DM. Better daily control of blood glucose excursions, especially in the postprandial period, may reduce the risk of these complications. Future prospective trials evaluating and comparing the effect of the control of glycaemic variability on the development of diabetic micro‐ and macrovascular complications are needed to further strengthen the evidence base.
Unravelling the effects of temperature, latitude and local environment on the reproduction of forest herbs
Authors: De Frenne P. , Kolb A. , Verheyen K. , Brunet J. , Chabrerie O. , Decocq G. , Diekmann M. , Eriksson O. , Heinken T. , Hermy M. , Jõgar Ü. , Stanton S. , Quataert P. , Zindel R. , Zobel M. , Graae B. J. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTAim  To investigate the effect of temperature, latitude and local environment on the reproductive traits of widespread perennial forest herbs to better understand the potential impacts of rising temperatures on their population dynamics and colonization capacities.Location  Six regions along a latitudinal gradient from France to Sweden.Methods  Within each region, we collected data from three to five populations of up to six species. For each species, several variables were recorded in each region (temperature, latitude) and population (local abiotic and biotic environmental variables), and seed production and germination were estimated. Resource investment in reproduction (RIR) was quantified as seed number × seed mass, while germinable seed output (GSO) was expressed as seed number × germination percentage. We performed linear regression and mixed effect models to investigate the effects of temperature (growing degree hours), latitude and local abiotic and biotic environment on RIR and GSO.Results  Temperature and latitude explained most of the variation in RIR and GSO for early flowering species with a northerly distribution range edge (Anemone nemorosa, Paris quadrifolia and Oxalis acetosella). Reproduction of the more southerly distributed species (Brachypodium sylvaticum, Circaea lutetiana and Primula elatior), in contrast, was independent of temperature/latitude. In the late summer species, B. sylvaticum and C. lutetiana, variation in RIR and GSO was best explained by local environmental variables, while none of the investigated variables appeared to be related to reproduction in P. elatior.Main conclusions  We showed that reproduction of only two early flowering, northerly distributed species was related to temperature. This suggests that the potential reproductive response of forest herbs to climate warming partly depends on their phenology and distribution, but also that the response is to some extent species dependent. These findings should be taken into account when predictions about future shifts in distribution range are made.
Governing Knowledge Sharing in Organizations: Levels of Analysis, Governance Mechanisms, and Research Directions
Authors: Foss Nicolai J. , Husted Kenneth , Michailova Snejina 
Published: September 2009

abstractWe discuss and examine recent claims that research on knowledge processes has paid insufficient attention to micro (individual) level constructs and mechanisms and to the role of formal organization in governing knowledge processes. We review knowledge sharing research published in 13 (top academic plus top practitioner‐oriented) journals in the period 1996–2006 in relation to these two propositions. The review confirms the claim that the knowledge sharing literature is preoccupied with constructs, processes, and phenomena defined at a macro (collective, organizational) level and pay comparatively little attention to micro level constructs. The review provides less support for the proposition that formal governance mechanisms have been under‐researched in comparison to formal organization. Still, the multiple ways in which formal governance mechanisms may interact in influencing knowledge sharing outcomes have been under‐researched, as has the interaction between more informal aspects of the firm and formal governance mechanisms. We argue that future research on knowledge sharing needs to fill these gaps.
Palaeotrophic reconstruction and climatic forcing of mega‐Lake Eyre in late Quaternary Central Australia: a review
Authors: WEBB STEVE 
Published: September 2009

Webb, S. 2009: Palaeotrophic reconstruction and climatic forcing of mega‐Lake Eyre in late Quaternary Central Australia: a review. Boreas, 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2009.00120.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.Extreme Quaternary climatic variation in Australia brought radical environmental changes to various parts of the continent. In this article, I discuss these changes in terms of mega‐lake development in Central Australia, and in particular the southern Lake Eyre Basin (SLEB). The formation of these features, together with the fossil record of the region, throws light on the palaeoclimatic and palaeobiological relationships of megafauna and other animal groups, and the trophic development required to support them. Australian continental drying during the late Quaternary has been noted by many workers, but this process was punctuated by strong pluvial episodes of decreasing strength from MIS 5e. Mega‐lake development during MIS 5 resulted from unusual monsoonal and evaporative patterns at that time. However, the climatic forcing behind mega‐lake formation and the rate of lake growth is not well understood, although species composition in SLEB aquatic fossil fauna assemblages attests to the size and development of these lakes and indicates their long‐term persistence. The degree of trophic development and the maintenance of broad, well‐bedded aquatic and terrestrial ecological frameworks and biotic variety support that conclusion. The fossil record contributes to our understanding of mega‐lake and palaeoriverine trophic complexity, the speed and duration of lake‐fill and the intensity and persistence of the supporting intracontinental moisture balance. Although other more remote mega‐lakes formed in Central Australia, they were not populated by complex trophic systems or megafauna populations. This discrepancy between the various geographic areas sheds light on the biogeography and population distribution of megafauna, thus helping form a better picture of the reasons behind the final extinction of relict populations of this group in MIS 4.
Nonmanipulative proximal upper extremity automatisms lateralize contralaterally in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Kelemen Anna , Fogarasi András , Borbély Csaba , Szűcs Anna , Fabó Dániel , Jakus Rita , Rásonyi György , Halász Péter 
Published: September 2009

SummaryPurpose:  Upper extremity automatisms are considered to be an ipsilateral seizure lateralizing sign in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Herein we describe different types of contralateral upper extremity automatisms (CUEAs).Methods:  One hundred ninety‐three video–(electroencephalography) EEG recordings of 59 patients were reviewed. Other than two patients who refused surgery, all patients underwent standardized temporal lobectomy with favorable postoperative outcome. Fifty‐seven seizures of 21 patients were selected with CUEAs. We evaluated their electroclinical characteristics and their relation to other lateralizing motor symptoms.Results:  Two types of CUEAs were observed. Nonmanipulative, proximal upper extremity automatisms were seen unilaterally and contralaterally to the operated side. These automatisms were rhythmic; repetitive; and often occurred with a circulatory component resembling waving, flaunting, circling, or stirring movements. They occurred in 29 seizures (15%) of 11 patients (19%), in most seizures in the first half of the seizure, and never postictally, in various time sequences and combined with dystonic/tonic posturing or limb immobility. Manipulative/distal type of CUEAs occurred in 11 seizures (6%) of 7 patients (12%) on the unexpected contralateral side. These CUEAs were seen in all phases of the seizures, including in the postictal state.Discussion:  Nonmanipulative unilateral proximal upper extremity automatism is a reliable lateralizing sign to the contralateral hemisphere in TLE. This sign may be pathophysiologically related to dystonic/tonic posturing. Manipulative distal automatisms have less lateralizing value.
Hyperhomocysteinemia in epileptic patients on new antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Belcastro Vincenzo , Striano Pasquale , Gorgone Gaetano , Costa Cinzia , Ciampa Clotilde , Caccamo Daniela , Pisani Laura R. , Oteri Giancarla , Marciani Maria G. , Aguglia Umberto , Striano Salvatore , Ientile Riccardo , Calabresi Paolo , Pisani Francesco 
Published: September 2009

SummaryPurpose:  Older enzyme‐inducing antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may induce supraphysiologic plasma concentrations of total (t) homocysteine (Hcy). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of new AEDs on plasma tHcy levels.Methods:  Patients 18–50 years of age, on AEDs monotherapy, with no other known cause of hyper‐tHcy were enrolled. Plasma tHcy, folate, vitamin B12, and AEDs levels were determined by standard high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. Methylenetetrahydrofolate‐reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms were checked using Puregene genomic DNA purification system (Gentra, Celbio, Italy). A group of healthy volunteers matched for age and sex was taken as control.Results:  Two hundred fifty‐nine patients (151 on newer and 108 on older AEDs) and 231 controls were enrolled. Plasma tHcy levels were significantly higher [mean values, standard error (SE) 16.8, 0.4 vs. 9.1, 0.2 μm; physiologic range 5–13 μm] and folate lower (6.3, 0.1 vs. 9.3, 0.1 nm; normal > 6.8 nm) in patients compared to controls. Patients treated with oxcarbazepine, topiramate, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital exhibited mean plasma tHcy levels above the physiologic range [mean values (SE) 16 (0.8), 19.1 (0.8), 20.5 (1.0), and 18.5 (1.5) μm, respectively]. Conversely, normal tHcy concentrations were observed in the lamotrigine and levetiracetam groups [both 11.1 (0.5) μm].Discussion:  Oxcarbazepine and topiramate might cause hyper‐tHcy, most likely because of the capacity of these agents to induce the hepatic enzymes. Because literature data suggest that hyper‐tHcy may contribute to the development of cerebrovascular diseases and brain atrophy, a supplement of folate can be considered in these patients to normalize plasma tHcy.
Medically intractable epilepsy in Sturge‐Weber syndrome is associated with cortical malformation: Implications for surgical therapy
Authors: Maton Bruno , Kršek Pavel , Jayakar Prasanna , Resnick Trevor , Koehn Monica , Morrison Glenn , Ragheb John , Castellano‐Sanchez Amilcar , Duchowny Michael 
Published: September 2009

SummaryPurpose:  Anecdotal reports have described cortical malformations in epileptic patients with Sturge‐Weber syndrome (SWS). No data are available regarding the prevalence and significance of this association.Methods:  We reviewed retrospectively the clinical profile, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, and pathology reports of all patients with SWS and medically intractable epilepsy evaluated in our epilepsy surgery program between 1979 and 2006.Results:  Twelve patients (male/female = 7/5) were identified. Mean age at seizure onset was 11.1 ± 16.7 months. Seizures occurred daily in seven patients and weekly in five patients. A facial port‐wine stain was noted in 10 cases. Eleven patients evidenced developmental delay and eight were hemiparetic. Eight patients underwent excisional surgery for epilepsy (mean age 10.3 ± 6.5 year), including hemispherectomy (n = 4) and focal cortical resection (n = 4). Tissue was available for neuropathology in six operated cases and revealed polymicrogyria (n = 3) and cortical dysplasia (n = 4). Polymicrogyria was associated with cortical dysplasia in one child. Brain MRIs were reviewed in 10 of 12 patients and were consistent with cortical malformations in all cases.Conclusions:  We conclude that cortical malformations are frequent in patients with medically intractable epilepsy and Sturge‐Weber‐syndrome and may be the primary cause of epilepsy.
Interictal EEG spikes identify the region of electrographic seizure onset in some, but not all, pediatric epilepsy patients
Authors: Marsh Eric D. , Peltzer Bradley , Brown III Merritt W. , Wusthoff Courtney , Storm Jr Phillip B. , Litt Brian , Porter Brenda E. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryPurpose:  The role of sharps and spikes, interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs), in guiding epilepsy surgery in children remains controversial, particularly with intracranial electroencephalography (IEEG). Although ictal recording is the mainstay of localizing epileptic networks for surgical resection, current practice dictates removing regions generating frequent IEDs if they are near the ictal onset zone. Indeed, past studies suggest an inconsistent relationship between IED and seizure‐onset location, although these studies were based upon relatively short EEG epochs.Methods:  We employ a previously validated, computerized spike detector to measure and localize IED activity over prolonged, representative segments of IEEG recorded from 19 children with intractable, mostly extratemporal lobe epilepsy. Approximately 8 h of IEEG, randomly selected 30‐min segments of continuous interictal IEEG per patient, were analyzed over all intracranial electrode contacts.Results:  When spike frequency was averaged over the 16‐time segments, electrodes with the highest mean spike frequency were found to be within the seizure‐onset region in 11 of 19 patients. There was significant variability between individual 30‐min segments in these patients, indicating that large statistical samples of interictal activity were required for improved localization. Low‐voltage fast EEG at seizure onset was the only clinical factor predicting IED localization to the seizure‐onset region.Conclusions:  Our data suggest that automated IED detection over multiple representative samples of IEEG may be of utility in planning epilepsy surgery for children with intractable epilepsy. Further research is required to better determine which patients may benefit from this technique a priori.
Ghrelin levels are reduced in prepubertal epileptic children under treatment with carbamazepine or valproic acid
Authors: Prodam Flavia , Bellone Simonetta , Casara Gianluca , De Rienzo Francesca , Grassino Erica C. , Bonsignori Ilaria , Demarchi Irene , Rapa Anna , Radetti Giorgio , Bona Gianni 
Published: September 2009

SummaryA relationship between ghrelin and epilepsy has been already shown in humans, although the results are controversial. Ghrelin levels are reduced in obesity. Epileptic patients progressively develop a therapy‐linked weight gain; however, the mechanisms for this have not been fully explained. The aim of our study is to evaluate if ghrelin secretion is modulated by treatment with carbamazepine or valproic acid in young prepubertal epileptic children. Ghrelin levels were reduced in normal‐weight young epileptic prepubertal children under treatment with carbamazepine (p < 0.0001) or valproic acid (p < 0.006) compared to healthy age‐ and weight‐matched subjects. Ghrelin was also lower in children under carbamazepine when compared to those under valproic acid (p < 0.01). A derangement in ghrelin secretion in epilepsy during specific pharmacologic therapies and independent of weight gain could be hypothesized.
Voxel‐based morphometry of sporadic epileptic patients with mesiotemporal sclerosis
Authors: Labate Angelo , Cerasa Antonio , Aguglia Umberto , Mumoli Laura , Quattrone Aldo , Gambardella Antonio 
Published: September 2009

SummaryPurpose:  In refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (rTLE), gray matter (GM) abnormalities are not confined to the hippocampus but also are found in extrahippocampal structures. Very recently we observed in mild TLE (mTLE) with or without mesiotemporal sclerosis (MTS), GM reductions in regions outside the presumed epileptogenic focus. To date, there are no studies that directly investigate whether whole‐brain GM volume differs between rTLE and mTLE. Herein, we used optimized voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) to identify GM abnormalities beyond the hippocampus in both rTLE and mTLE with evidence of MTS.Methods:  Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optimized VBM were performed in 19 unrelated patients with mTLE, 19 patients with rTLE, and 37 healthy controls. MRI diagnosis of MTS was based on the atrophy of the hippocampal formation and/or mesiotemporal hyperintensity on fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) or T2 images, or both.Results:  No patients (rTLE and mTLE) had generalized tonic–clonic or complex partial seizures for at least 3 weeks before scanning. Both mTLE and rTLE patients showed GM volume reduction of the bilateral thalamus, left hippocampus, and sensorimotor cortex compared with controls. No significant GM difference was found between rTLE and mTLE groups.Discussion:  In both rTLE and mTLE, VBM shows GM reductions not confined to the hippocampus involving mainly the thalamus bilaterally. This finding together with the lack of significant GM differences between the two TLE groups supports the hypothesis that mTLE and rTLE might lie along a biologic continuum, suggesting a pathophysiologic role of the thalamus in partial epilepsy.