bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental and tactile stimulation modulates the neonatal handling effect on adult rat spatial memory
Authors: Daskalakis Nikolaos P. , Kaperoni Maria , Koros Christos , de Kloet E. Ronald , Kitraki Efthimia 
Published: August 2009

AbstractHandling of rat pups promotes their adult cognitive performance. However, new data suggest that individual components of the handling procedure, like exposure to novelty or tactile stimulation, have distinct lasting effects on behaviour. In this study we examined the interaction of early novelty exposure with a varying amount of tactile stimulation on spatial recognition memory and corticosterone secretion of adult male and female rats. A split litter design was used and the experimental animals were also compared to animal facility reared controls. The experiment was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, we examined the effect of novel or home environment during the 15‐min of neonatal handling, following 10 back‐strokes. Tactile stimulation of 10 back‐strokes combined with novelty exposure, enhanced novel arm discrimination in a Y‐maze task in adult rats of both sexes compared to their siblings that stayed at home, as well as to the animal facility reared controls. In the second phase, additional back‐stroking (total of 20 back‐strokes) reduced the Y‐maze performance of males neonatally exposed to novelty, while the same treatment enhanced the performance of their siblings that stayed at home. Basal corticosterone levels, determined 1 week post‐Y‐maze, were significantly increased only in the novelty exposed/10 back‐stroked females compared to same sex non‐handled controls. In contrast, 10 back‐strokes combined with the home cage environment increased corticosterone in males. Increase to 20 back‐strokes reversed the impact of neonatal environment on corticosterone levels.These data suggest that the nature and intensity of the individual components of a mild early life manipulation, like handling, are critical in modifying aspects of adult memory performance and basal adrenocortical function.
Hymen reconstruction: Ethical and legal issues
Authors: Cook Rebecca J. , Dickens Bernard M. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA hymen may be ruptured by sexual intercourse and several other means. In cultures prizing unmarried women's virginity, premarital rupture may shame a woman, and her family. Women, including brides whose virginity is not proven at marriage, face humiliation, ostracism, divorce, and violence—at the extreme, “honor” killing. Nevertheless, gynecologists may oppose hymen reconstruction on grounds that it is deceptive, not medically required, or that the requirement of evidence of virginity discriminates against women and the procedure supports holding them to higher standards of virtue than are required of men. Gynecologists may justify the procedure, however, as serving health, which includes patients' mental and social well‐being and women's human rights to control their own bodies. Further, many adolescents lose their virginity innocently, by rape or coercion, and, without hymen reconstruction, women may face violence and even death. The procedure is usually lawful, and distinguishable from female genital cutting or mutilation.
Molecular and immunohistochemical studies on epidermal responses in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. induced by Gyrodactylus salaris Malmberg, 1957
Authors: Kania P. W. , Evensen O. , Larsen T. B. , Buchmann K. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractVarious strains of Atlantic salmon exhibit different levels of susceptibility to infections with the ectoparasitic monogenean Gyrodactylus salaris. The basic mechanisms involved in this differential ability to respond to this monogenean were elucidated using controlled and duplicated challenge experiments. Highly susceptible East Atlantic salmon allowed parasite populations to reach up to 3000 parasites per host within 6 weeks, whereas less susceptible Baltic salmon never reached larger parasite burdens than 122 parasites per host during the same period. The present study, comprising immunohistochemistry and gene expression analyses, showed that highly susceptible salmon erected a response mainly associated with an increased expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-10 and infiltration of CD3-positive cells in the epidermis of infected fins. Less susceptible salmon showed no initial response in fins but 3–6 weeks post-infection a number of other genes (encoding the immune-regulating cytokine IL-10, cell marker MHC II and the pathogen-binding protein serum amyloid A) were found to be up-regulated. No proliferation of epithelial cells was seen in the skin of less susceptible salmon, and IL-10 may play a role in this regard. It can be hypothesized that resistant salmon regulate the parasite population by restricting nutrients (sloughed epithelial cells and associated material) and thereby starve the parasites. In association with this ‘scorched-earth strategy’, the production of pathogen-binding effector molecules such as serum amyloid A (SAA) (or others still not detected) may contribute to the resistance status of the fish during the later infection phases.
Health research based on geospatial tools: a timely approach in a changing environment
Authors: Bergquist Robert , Rinaldi Laura 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe possibilities of disease prediction based on the environmental characteristics of geographical areas and specific requirements of the causative infectious agents are reviewed and, in the case of parasites whose life cycles involve more than one host, the needs of the intermediate hosts are also referred to. The geographical information systems framework includes epidemiological data, visualization (in the form of maps), modelling and exploratory analysis using spatial statistics. Examples include climate-based forecast systems, based on the concept of growing degree days, which now exist for several parasitic helminths such as fasciolosis, schistosomiasis, dirofilariasis and also for malaria. The paper discusses the limits of data collection by remote sensing in terms of resolution capabilities (spatial, temporal and spectral) of sensors on-board satellites. Although the data gained from the observation of oceans, land, elevations, land cover, land use, surface temperatures, rainfall, etc. are primarily for weather forecasting, military and commercial use, some of this information, particularly that from the climate research satellites, is of direct epidemiological utility. Disease surveillance systems and early-warning systems (EWS) are prime examples of academic approaches of practical importance. However, even commercial activities such as the construction of virtual globes, i.e. computer-based models of the Earth, have been used in this respect. Compared to conventional world maps, they do not only show geographical and man-made features, but can also be spatially annotated with data on disease distribution, demography, economy and other measures of particular interest.
Does the Density of Invasive Rusty Crayfish Affect Stream Macroinvertebrates?
Authors: Kuhlmann Mark , Prisciondaro Anthony , Irland Megan , Hamilton Greg , Caldwell Sara , Oliver Ryan 
Published: August 2009

AbstractRusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) have invaded streams of the upper Susquehanna River catchment (New York, USA), replacing native crayfish and probably increasing overall crayfish density. Crayfish are important consumers and agents of disturbance in aquatic communities, so the introduction and expansion of rusty crayfish could affect the invaded community through the change in crayfish species composition, the increase in crayfish density, or some combination of the two. Other macroinvertebrates are prey of, competitors with, or subject to disturbance by crayfish and so are likely to be affected by changes in the crayfish assemblage. We conducted correlative field sampling and an enclosure experiment to investigate the effects of invading O. rusticus on the abundance, diversity, and composition of the stream macroinvertebrate assemblage. We sampled crayfish and macroinvertebrates at 13 sites on 4 streams in the upper Susquehanna River catchment that varied in crayfish species composition and density. Total macroinvertebrate abundance, taxon richness, diversity, and density of individual taxa were not significantly correlated to either total crayfish density or the relative abundance of O. rusticus. We also conducted an experiment in stream enclosures to test the effects of O. rusticus density on the macroinvertebrate assemblage. Increasing crayfish density caused a significant decrease in total macroinvertebrate density but did not significantly affect macroinvertebrate taxon richness or diversity. The density of some individual taxa were also significantly affected by crayfish density. Our experiment shows that rusty crayfish density can affect the stream community; the mechanism of these effects, and whether they differ from those of native species, remain to be determined.
Reproducibility of the Surveillance Effect to Decrease Nosocomial Infection Rates
Authors: Gastmeier P. , Schwab F. , Sohr D. , Behnke M. , Geffers C. 
Published: August 2009

Objective.To investigate whether the reduction effect due to participation in a nosocomial infection surveillance system for laboratory-confirmed central venous catheter (CVC)-associated primary bloodstream infection (BSI), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and surgical site infection (SSI) is reproducible for different time periods, independent of confounding factors that might occur during a specific time period.Methods.Data from the German national nosocomial infection surveillance system from the period January 1997 through June 2008 were used. CVC-associated BSI data and SSI data were analyzed for 3 starting periods, and VAP data were analyzed for 2 starting periods. Monthly infection rates were calculated for the following 36 months, and relative risks comparing the first and third surveillance years of each period were calculated.Results.A total of 2,399 CVC-associated BSI cases from 267 intensive care units, 3,637 VAP cases from 150 intensive care units, and 829 SSIs following 3 different procedures from 113 departments were analyzed. A significant reduction in VAP was shown for both starting periods investigated (overall relative risk [RR], 0.80 [95% CI, 0.74-0.86]). A significant reduction in CVC-associated BSI was demonstrated for 2 of 3 starting periods (overall RR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.75-0.91]). A significant reduction in SSI was found for 2 starting periods for knee prosthesis insertion (overall RR, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.38-0.82]), for all of the 3 starting periods for cesarean delivery (overall RR, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.61-0.93]), and for none of the 3 starting periods for endoscopically performed cholecystectomy (overall RR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.62-1.27]).Conclusions.The surveillance effect, manifest as a significant reduction of nosocomial infection rates between the first and third years of participation in a surveillance system, was observed independently from the calendar year in which the surveillance activities started.
Effects of Preoperative Skin Preparation on Postoperative Wound Infection Rates A Prospective Study of 3 Skin Preparation Protocols
Authors: Swenson Brian R. , Hedrick Traci L. , Metzger Rosemarie , Bonatti Hugo , Pruett Timothy L. , Sawyer Robert G. 
Published: September 2009

Objective.To compare the effects of different skin preparation solutions on surgical-site infection rates.Design.Three skin preparations were compared by means of a sequential implementation Design. Each agent was adopted as the preferred modality for a 6-month period for all general surgery cases. Period 1 used a povidone-iodine scrub-paint combination (Betadine) with an isopropyl alcohol application between these steps, period 2 used 2% Chlorhexidine and 70% isopropyl alcohol (ChloraPrep), and period 3 used iodine povacrylex in isopropyl alcohol (DuraPrep). Surgical-site infections were tracked for 30 days as part of ongoing data collection for the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project initiative. The primary outcome was the overall rate of surgical-site infection by 6-month period performed in an intent-to-treat manner.Setting.Single large academic medical center.Patients.All adult general surgery patients.Results.The study comprised 3,209 operations. The lowest infection rate was seen in period 3, with iodine povacrylex in isopropyl alcohol as the preferred preparation method (3.9%, compared with 6.4% for period 1 and 7.1% for period 2;P= .002). In subgroup analysis, no difference in outcomes was seen between patients prepared with povidone-iodine scrub-paint and those prepared with iodine povacrylex in isopropyl alcohol, but patients in both these groups had significantly lower surgical-site infection rates, compared with rates for patients prepared with 2% Chlorhexidine and 70% isopropyl alcohol (4.8% vs 8.2%;P= .001).Conclusions.Skin preparation solution is an important factor in the prevention of surgical-site infections. Iodophor-based compounds may be superior to Chlorhexidine for this purpose in general surgery patients.
Sediment–biota interactions and mapping marine habitats: an Introduction
Authors: Noji Thomas , Rumohr Heye , Smith Stephen J. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Noji, T., Rumohr, H., and Smith, S. J. 2009. Sediment–biota interactions and mapping marine habitats: an Introduction. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 2012.
Rehabilitation Management of Neuromuscular Disease: The Role of Exercise Training
Authors: Abresch R Ted , Han Jay J , Carter Gregory T 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

This paper summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding exercise and neuromuscular diseases/disorders (NMDs) and reviews salient studies in the literature. Unfortunately, there is inadequate evidence in much of the NMDs to make specific recommendations regarding exercise prescriptions. This review focuses on the role of exercise in a few of the specific NMDs where most research has taken place and recommends future research directions.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome after Vaccination in United States: Data From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Food and Drug Administration Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (1990-2005)
Authors: Souayah Nizar , Nasar Abu , Suri M Fareed K , Qureshi Adnan I 
Published: August 2009

Background:
There are isolated reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) after receiving vaccination.

Objective:
To determine the rates and characteristics of GBS after administration of vaccination in United States

Methods:
We used data for 1990 to 2005 from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, which is a cooperative program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Food and Drug Administration.

Results:
There were 1000 cases (mean age, 47 years) of GBS reported after vaccination in the United States between 1990 and 2005. The onset of GBS was within 6 weeks in 774 cases, >6 weeks in 101, and unknown in 125. Death and disability after the event occurred in 32 (3.2%) and 167 (16.7%) subjects, respectively. The highest number (n = 632) of GBS cases was observed in subjects receiving influenza vaccine followed by hepatitis B vaccine (n = 94). Other vaccines or combinations of vaccines were associated with 274 cases of GBS. The incidence of GBS after influenza vaccination was marginally higher in subjects <65 years compared with those ≥65 years (P = 0.09); for hepatitis vaccine, the incidence was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in the <65 group. Death was more frequent in subjects ≥65 years compared with those <65 years (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:
Our results suggest that vaccines other than influenza vaccine can be associated with GBS. Vaccination-related GBS results in death or disability in one fifth of affected individuals, which is comparable to the reported rates in the general GBS population.
A Systematic Review of Anti-inflammatories for Mild to Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Hamamoto Filho Pedro Tadao , Leite Fabio Vicente , Ruiz Tania , de Lima Resende Luiz Antonio 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate anti-inflammatory drugs in the medium- and long-term management of mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for mild and moderate cases of CTS. There were included only randomized, double-blind clinical trials. Six publications referring to five trials were included in the review. No study on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs met our inclusion criteria. Although neurophysiological studies have not shown great differences resulting from the application of corticosteroids, the symptomatic benefit provided by such drugs is clear. In the short term, local infiltration provides better results than systemic administration of corticosteroids. Over a 1-year period, however, this difference does not persist. Further double-blind randomized trials evaluating therapeutic efficacy for a longer follow-up period are required to provide stronger evidence for both steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories.
Congestive Heart Failure With Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Renal Failure in a Manifesting Female Carrier of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy With Duplication of Dystrophin Gene
Authors: Tunteeratum Atchara , Witoonpanich Rawiphan , Phudhichareonrat Suchart , Eu-ahsunthornwattana Jakris , Pingsuthiwong Sarinee , Srichan Kanoknan , Sura Thanyachai 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

We report a 69-year-old woman who presented with dyspnea, orthopnea, and acute renal failure. She also had proximal muscle weakness suggestive of muscle disease. Her symptoms were alleviated by induced dieresis, although there was high-serum creatine kinase. Investigations for any possible etiologies of rhabdomyolysis were all negative. An X-linked recessive muscle disease was highly suspicious in view of the fact that both of her sons had suffered from muscle disease and died of respiratory failure at the ages of 22 and 29, respectively. Her muscle biopsy showed mosaic pattern with dystrophin antibody against amino-terminal, carboxy-terminal, and rod domain. Her DNA study revealed heterozygous duplication at exon 1 to 6 of the dystrophin gene as well. Therefore, she is a manifesting carrier of dystrophinopathy who was first diagnosed in late adulthood with congestive heart failure, acute episode of spontaneous rhabdomyolysis, and acute renal failure.
Electrodiagnostic Findings in a Patient With Waardenburg Syndrome
Authors: Ahmed Aiesha , Simmons Zachary 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Waardenburg syndrome is associated with a variety of clinical features, which may include polyneuropathy. We describe a patient with Waardenburg syndrome type 2 and provide detailed electrodiagnostic findings, thus complementing the biopsy data and brief descriptions of nerve conduction studies found in the literature.
Radial Nerve Palsy in Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Authors: Scherer Katalin 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

The risk of focal compression neuropathy in the setting of an underlying inflammatory polyneuropathy is unknown. A man developed ascending weakness and severe sensory ataxia and could not walk. Electromyography was diagnostic of Guillain-Barré syndrome. He improved with gammaglobulin and was released home 1 month later. Shortly after discharge, he developed severe left arm pain followed by wrist and finger drop. He was readmitted for another round of gamma-globulin without improvement. Subsequent electromyography showed severe radial neuropathy. Only then did he disclose that he usually slept with his wife's head on his arm at home. Two years later, he had recovered from Guillain-Barré syndrome with minimal gait imbalance, but wrist and finger extension remained weak. Reduced awareness of warning paresthesias coupled with the underlying polyneuropathy may account for this case of severe radial nerve compression. Potential mechanisms underlying increased nerve susceptibility to compression in the setting of polyneuropathy are reviewed.
Neurosarcoidosis Presenting as Guillain-Barré-Like Syndrome. A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Fahoum Firas , Drory Vivian E , Issakov Josephine , Neufeld Miri Y 
Published: August 2009

Abstract:

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease that can affect the nervous system. Cranial neuropathies are the most frequent presentation of neurosarcoidosis. Involvement of the peripheral nervous system is less common. The presentation is usually subacute or chronic sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy, whereas acute polyradiculopathy is extremely rare. We report a case of Guillain-Barré-like syndrome probably secondary to sarcoidosis. A review of the literature revealed 9 similar cases. The possibility of a Guillain-Barré-like syndrome as a presenting symptom of sarcoidosis should be considered, especially in patients with atypical features such as cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis.
Novel SPG3A and SPG4 Mutations in Two Patients With Silver Syndrome
Authors: Salameh Johnny S , Shenoy Anant M , David William S 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Hereditary spastic paraplegia encompasses a group of disorders that are characterized by progressive lower extremity weakness and spasticity. We describe two patients with Silver phenotype including one with a novel SPG4 (Spastin) mutation and a second with a known SPG 4 mutation (previously unassociated with this phenotype) and a concomitant previously unreported mutation in SPG3A (Atlastin). These cases suggest that Silver syndrome may be associated with a wider variety of genotypes than previously described.
Microvasculitis in Diabetic Lumbosacral Radiculoplexus Neuropathy
Authors: Tracy Jennifer A , Engelstad JaNean K , Dyck P James B 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

We present a case of a 60-year-old man with mild type 2 diabetes mellitus and step-wise progression of bilateral lower limb weakness, numbness, and pain over a 1-year period. At the time of evaluation, he used a walker. He had elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein, abnormal cooling and heat-pain thresholds on quantitative sensory testing, and nerve conduction studies/electromyography consistent with bilateral lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathies. Because it was not clear whether the disease was still active, a right superficial peroneal nerve biopsy was performed and showed evidence of active axonal degeneration, ischemic injury, and microvasculitis. On the basis of these results, the patient was diagnosed with diabetic lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy and was treated with weekly intravenous methylprednisolone with marked improvement of neurologic symptoms and signs. This case illustrates the typical clinical, electrophysiologic, and pathologic features of diabetic lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy and the utility of nerve biopsy to judge ongoing disease activity.
What's in the Literature?
Authors: Simmons Zachary 
Published: August 2009

Abstract:

This issue's literature review uncovered an excellent recent article summarizing the epidemiology and outcome in myasthenic crisis as derived from a database of more than 1000 community hospitals nationwide. Large series such as this are extremely useful in broadening our perspective of neuromuscular diseases, most of which are uncommon. In the realm of muscle disease, there is some interesting information on classification of limb-girdle muscular dystrophies and a study that offers a glimmer of hope for treatment of inclusion body myositis. The treatment of acquired demyelinating polyneuropathies is featured in several articles, which should prove to be of substantial interest to most clinicians. Other articles on peripheral neuropathies feature discussions of diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic pain, a subject many of us encounter on a daily basis. The increasingly complex realm of hereditary spastic paraplegia is addressed in several articles. Finally, motor neuron diseases once again feature prominently in the literature, primarily with attention to epidemiology, genetics, and prognosis.