bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The coastal‐disjunct mesic flora in the inland Pacific Northwest of USA and Canada: refugia, dispersal and disequilibrium
Authors: Gavin Daniel G. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim Understanding the history of the mesic‐adapted plant species of eastern British Columbia and northern Idaho, disjunct from their main coastal distribution, may suggest how biotas reorganize in the face of climate change and dispersal barriers. For different species, current evidence supports establishment of the disjunction via an inland glacial refugium, via recent dispersal from the coast, or via a combination of both. In this study, the modern distributions of the coastal‐disjunct vascular plants are analysed with respect to modern climate to examine how refugia and/or dispersal limitation control regional patterns in species richness.Location North‐west North America.Methods The distributions of nine tree and 58 understorey species with a coastal‐disjunct pattern were compiled on a 50‐km grid. The relationship between species richness and an estimate of available moisture was calculated separately for formerly glaciated and unglaciated portions of the coastal and inland regions. Growth habit and dispersal mode were assessed as possible explanatory variables for species distributions.Results Species richness shows a strong relationship to climate in coastal‐unglaciated areas but no relationship to climate in inland‐glaciated areas. In inland‐glaciated areas, richness isc. 70% lower than that expected from climate. Species with animal‐dispersed seeds occupy a larger portion of coastal and inland regions than species with less dispersal potential.Main conclusions Modern patterns of diversity are consistent with both refugia and dispersal processes in establishing the coastal‐disjunct pattern. The inland glacial refugium is marked by locally high diversity and several co‐distributed endemics. In the inland‐glaciated area, dispersal limitation has constrained diversity despite the nearby refugia. Onset of mesic climate within only the last 3000 years and the low dispersal capacity of many species in the refugium may explain this pattern. This study suggests that vascular plant species will face significant challenges responding to climate change on fragmented landscapes.
Diatom elemental and morphological changes in response to iron limitation: a brief review with potential paleoceanographic applications
Authors: MARCHETTI A. , CASSAR N. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractDiatoms are a major group of phytoplankton that account for approximately 40% of the ocean carbon fixation and the vast majority of biogenic silica production through the construction of their cell walls (termed frustules). These frustules accumulate and are partially preserved in the ocean sediments. Diatom growth and nutrient utilization in high‐nitrate, low‐chlorophyll regions of the world’s oceans are mostly regulated by iron availability. Diatoms acclimate to iron limitation by decreasing cell size. The associated increase in surface area‐to‐volume ratio and decrease in diffusive boundary layer thickness may improve nutrient uptake kinetics. In parallel, cellular silicon (Si) contents are elevated in iron‐limited diatoms relative to nitrogen (N) and carbon (C). Variations in degree of silicification and nutritional requirements of iron‐limited diatoms have been hypothesized to account for higher cellular Si and/or lower cellular N and C, respectively. However, in some diatoms, frustule silicification does not significantly change when cells are iron‐limited. Instead, changes in the Si‐containing valve surface area relative to volume within these diatoms is hypothesized to be responsible for the variations in the cellular Si : N and Si : C ratios. In particular, some examined iron‐limited pennate diatoms have reduced widths relative to their lengths (i.e. lower length‐normalized widths, LNW) compared to iron‐replete cells. In the pennate diatom Fragilariopsis kerguelensis, the mean LNWs of valves preserved in sediments throughout the Southern Ocean (a well‐characterized iron‐limited region) is positively correlated with satellite‐derived, climatological net primary productivity in the overlying waters. Because of the specific morphological changes in pennate diatom frustules in response to iron availability, the valve morphometerics (e.g. LNWs) can potentially be used as a diagnostic tool for iron‐limited diatom growth and relative changes in the Si : N (and Si : C) ratios in extant diatom assemblages as well as those preserved in the sediments.
Possible involvement of GABAergic mechanism in protective effect of melatonin against sleep deprivation–induced behaviour modification and oxidative damage in mice
Authors: Kumar Anil , Singh Anant 
Published: July 2009

AbstractSleep is an important physiological process responsible for the maintenance of physical, mental and emotional health of a living being. Sleep deprivation is considered risky for several pathological diseases such as anxiety and motor and cognitive dysfunctions. Sleep deprivation has recently been reported to cause oxidative damage. This study has been designed to explore the possible involvement of the GABAergic mechanism in protective effects of melatonin against 72‐h sleep deprivation‐induced behaviour modification and oxidative damage in mice. Mice were sleep‐deprived for a period of 72 h using the grid over water suspended method. Animals were divided into groups of 6–8 animals each. Melatonin (5 and 10 mg/kg), flumazenil (0.5 mg/kg), picrotoxin (0.5 mg/kg) and muscimol (0.05 mg/kg) were administered for 5 days starting 2 days before 72‐h sleep deprivation. Various behavioural tests (plus maze, zero maze, mirror chamber, actophotometer) and body weight assessment followed by oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde level, glutathione, catalase, nitrite and protein) were carried out. The 72‐h sleep deprivation caused significant anxiety‐like behaviour, weight loss, impaired locomotor activity and oxidative damage as compared with naïve (without sleep deprivation). Treatment with melatonin (5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, ip) significantly improved locomotor activity, weight loss and antianxiety effect as compared with control (sleep‐deprived). Biochemically, melatonin treatment significantly restored reduced glutathione, catalase activity, attenuated lipid peroxidation and nitrite level as compared with control animals (72‐h sleep‐deprived). Flumazenil (0.5 mg/kg) and picrotoxin (0.5 mg/kg) pretreatments with a lower dose of melatonin (5 mg/kg) significantly antagonized the protective effect of melatonin. However, muscimol (0.05 mg/kg) pretreatment with melatonin (5 mg/kg, ip) potentiated the protective effect of melatonin which was significant as compared with their effect per se. This study suggests that GABAergic modulation is involved in the protective action of melatonin against sleep deprivation‐induced anxiety‐like behaviour and associated oxidative damage.
Flavocoxid, a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and 5‐lipoxygenase, blunts pro‐inflammatory phenotype activation in endotoxin‐stimulated macrophages
Authors: Altavilla D , Squadrito F , Bitto A , Polito F , Burnett BP , Di Stefano V , Minutoli L 
Published: July 2009

Background and purpose:  The flavonoids, baicalin and catechin, from Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu, respectively, have been used for various clinical applications. Flavocoxid is a mixed extract containing baicalin and catechin, and acts as a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5‐lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes. The anti‐inflammatory activity, measured by protein and gene expression of inflammatory markers, of flavocoxid in rat peritoneal macrophages stimulated with Salmonella enteritidis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was investigated.Experimental approach:  LPS‐stimulated (1 µg·mL−1) peritoneal rat macrophages were co‐incubated with different concentrations of flavocoxid (32–128 µg·mL−1) or RPMI medium for different incubation times. Inducible COX‐2, 5‐LOX, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and inhibitory protein κB‐α (IκB‐α) levels were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) binding activity was investigated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) gene and protein expression were measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay respectively. Finally, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite levels in macrophage supernatants were evaluated.Key results:  LPS stimulation induced a pro‐inflammatory phenotype in rat peritoneal macrophages. Flavocoxid (128 µg·mL−1) significantly inhibited COX‐2 (LPS = 18 ± 2.1; flavocoxid = 3.8 ± 0.9 integrated intensity), 5‐LOX (LPS = 20 ± 3.8; flavocoxid = 3.1 ± 0.8 integrated intensity) and iNOS expression (LPS = 15 ± 1.1; flavocoxid = 4.1 ± 0.4 integrated intensity), but did not modify COX‐1 expression. PGE2 and LTB4 levels in culture supernatants were consequently decreased. Flavocoxid also prevented the loss of IκB‐α protein (LPS = 1.9 ± 0.2; flavocoxid = 7.2 ± 1.6 integrated intensity), blunted increased NF‐κB binding activity (LPS = 9.2 ± 2; flavocoxid = 2.4 ± 0.7 integrated intensity) and the enhanced TNF‐α mRNA levels (LPS = 8 ± 0.9; flavocoxid = 1.9 ± 0.8 n‐fold/β‐actin) induced by LPS. Finally, flavocoxid decreased MDA, TNF and nitrite levels from LPS‐stimulated macrophages.Conclusion and implications:  Flavocoxid might be useful as a potential anti‐inflammatory agent, acting at the level of gene and protein expression.
Encephalopathy with status epilepticus during slow sleep: “The Penelope syndrome”
Authors: Tassinari Carlo A. , Cantalupo Gaetano , Rios‐Pohl Loreto , Giustina Elvio Della , Rubboli Guido 
Published: July 2009

SummaryESES (encephalopathy with status epilepticus during sleep) is an epileptic encephalopathy with heterogeneous clinical manifestations (cognitive, motor, and behavioral disturbances in different associations, and various seizure types) related to a peculiar electroencephalography (EEG) pattern characterized by paroxysmal activity significantly activated during slow sleep—that is, a condition of continuous spikes and waves, or status epilepticus, during sleep. The pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying this condition are still incompletely understood; recent data suggest that the abnormal epileptic EEG activity occurring during sleep might cause the typical clinical symptoms by interfering with sleep‐related physiologic functions, and possibly neuroplasticity processes mediating higher cortical functions such as learning and memory consolidation. As in the myth of Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, what is weaved during the day will be unraveled during the night.
Specific language impairment versus Landau‐Kleffner syndrome
Authors: Billard Catherine , Fluss Joel , Pinton Florence 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThe occurrence of sleep electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities in some children with specific language impairment (SLI), the various forms of language dysfunction patterns seen in children with benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS), and finally the acquired aphasia in Landau‐Kleffner syndrome (LKS) indicate a large spectrum of interactions between language and epilepsy. As such, the question is whether SLI and LKS should rather be considered along a continuum or as two entirely distinct entities. In addition, the rationale for using antiepileptic medications in rare forms of SLI is discussed.
The epileptic hypothesis: Developmentally related arguments based on animal models
Authors: Galanopoulou Aristea S. , Moshé Solomon L. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThe significant morbidity linked to epileptic encephalopathies of childhood has prompted the need to identify and dissect the factors and mechanisms that contribute to the resultant functional regression. Although experiments specifically assessing language in rodents are difficult to design, a number of studies have shed light on the conditions that contribute to the functional deterioration. In particular, interictal spikes and seizures, especially if prolonged or frequent, may cause acute or long‐lasting effects on brain functioning and development, which may impair performance in a variety of behavioral tests. These effects are further modified by a number of genetic, biological, and epigenetic factors, including age, sex, and underlying pathology, which further diversify outcome. Of special importance is the developmental age when the epileptic disorder manifests, because it may dictate outcome but also may be a deciding factor in selecting appropriate therapies.
Insights into the pathophysiology of psychomotor regression in CSWS syndromes from FDG‐PET and EEG‐fMRI
Authors: De Tiège Xavier , Goldman Serge , Van Bogaert Patrick 
Published: July 2009

SummaryEpilepsy syndromes with continuous spikes‐and‐waves during slow sleep (CSWS) are age‐related epileptic encephalopathies characterized by the development of various types of psychomotor regression in close temporal concordance with the appearance of the electroencephalography (EEG) pattern of CSWS. Functional cerebral imaging studies performed in children with CSWS have shown evidence for the existence of increase in metabolism or perfusion at the site of the epileptic focus, associated with decrease in metabolism or perfusion in distant and connected brain areas. Longitudinal [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) studies and effective connectivity analyses have suggested the existence of a pathophysiologic link between increases and decreases in metabolism/perfusion that could be explained by the theory of remote inhibition. These findings highlight that the psychomotor regression observed in CSWS syndromes is not only related to the neurophysiologic impairment at the site of the epileptic foci but also to epilepsy‐induced neurophysiologic changes in distant connected brain areas.
Magnetoencephalography in Landau‐Kleffner syndrome
Authors: Paetau Ritva 
Published: July 2009

SummaryMagnetoencephalography (MEG) detects weak magnetic fields outside the head. Spikes generated on the perisylvian convexity are detected only by electroencephalography (EEG), whereas spikes with intrasylvian generators are selectively seen by MEG. Generators of MEG and EEG spikes are determined using equivalent current dipoles (ECDs) that represent local cortical activity in parallel pyramidal neurons. MEG localizes cortical spike generators with a 1–2‐cm spatial accuracy, and with a millisecond time resolution. This allows tracking of neural activity over successive synaptic connections in the cortical network. Both EEG and MEG are necessary for comprehensive spatial and temporal description of perisylvian epileptic networks in the Landau‐Kleffner syndrome (LKS). MEG studies suggest that in more than 80% of LKS patients, the bilateral epileptic discharges are generated in the auditory‐ and language‐related perisylvian cortex. Approximately 20% of children with LKS children have a unilateral perisylvian pacemaker that triggers secondary bilateral synchrony of spikes. This 20% may regain considerable language skills after multiple subpial transections (MSTs) of the pacemaker area. Outcome data of a few surgery patients suggest an indispensable role of MEG when planning the most efficient therapy for patients with LKS.
Landau‐Kleffner syndrome and CSWS syndrome: Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins
Authors: Arts Willem F. M. , Aarsen Femke K. , Scheltens‐de Boer Marjan , Catsman‐Berrevoets Coriene E. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThis study reports results of therapy with immunoglobulin in children with Landau‐Kleffner syndrome (LKS) or the syndrome of continuous spikes and waves during sleep (CSWS syndrome). In a prospective study, children diagnosed between 2002 and 2006 with either LKS or CSWS syndrome were treated soon after diagnosis with intravenous courses of immunoglobulin (IVIg). We compared the results with those reported in the literature and with data from a retrospective survey of our earlier patients. Six children (two girls), aged 4–9 years, were included. Three had LKS, and three had CSWS syndrome. One child—with typical LKS—had been treated with prednisone before (without response). No patient had seizures during IVIg treatment and follow‐up. Their electroencephalography (EEG) findings did not improve. Neuropsychological improvement occurred in one child with CSWS syndrome. Three children did not show any beneficial effect; they were subsequently treated with steroids, one with a clearly positive result. We conclude that successful treatment of LKS and CSWS syndrome with IVIg occurs occasionally. However, the improvement cannot always be clearly attributed to this. It might also reflect the natural course of the disease. Although the temporal relation between IVIg treatment and clinical improvement cannot be denied in individual patients, its real value remains to be determined.
Rational treatment options with AEDs and ketogenic diet in Landau‐Kleffner syndrome: Still waiting after all these years
Authors: Lagae Lieven 
Published: July 2009

SummaryAntiepileptic drugs (AEDs) remain a first treatment approach in Landau‐Kleffner syndrome (LKS) and related syndromes. In the current literature, only class IV evidence is available. Inclusion criteria and outcome parameters are ill‐defined. Most commonly, valproate, ethosuximide, and/or benzodiazepines are used. More recent case series show that sulthiame and especially levetiracetam can be considered as effective drugs. Smaller studies also point to the ketogenic diet as a valuable treatment option in LKS.
The assessment of auditory function in CSWS: Lessons from long‐term outcome
Authors: Metz‐Lutz Marie‐Noëlle 
Published: July 2009

SummaryIn Landau‐Kleffner syndrome (LKS), the prominent and often first symptom is auditory verbal agnosia, which may affect nonverbal sounds. It was early suggested that the subsequent decline of speech expression might result from defective auditory analysis of the patient’s own speech. Indeed, despite normal hearing levels, the children behave as if they were deaf, and very rapidly speech expression deteriorates and leads to the receptive aphasia typical of LKS. The association of auditory agnosia more or less restricted to speech with severe language decay prompted numerous studies aimed at specifying the defect in auditory processing and its pathophysiology. Long‐term follow‐up studies have addressed the issue of the outcome of verbal auditory processing and the development of verbal working memory capacities following the deprivation of phonologic input during the critical period of language development. Based on a review of neurophysiologic and neuropsychological studies of auditory and phonologic disorders published these last 20 years, we discuss the association of verbal agnosia and speech production decay, and try to explain the phonologic working memory deficit in the late outcome of LKS within the Hickok and Poeppel dual‐stream model of speech processing.
Strong and persistent microbial and inflammatory stimuli overcome the genetic predisposition to higher matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) expression: a mechanistic explanation for the lack of association of MMP1‐1607 single‐nucleotide polymorphism genotypes with MMP‐1 expression in chronic periodontitis lesions
Authors: Repeke Carlos Eduardo , Trombone Ana Paula Favaro , Ferreira Jr. Samuel B. , Cardoso Cristina R. , Silveira Elcia Maria , Martins Jr. Walter , Trevilatto Paula Cristina , Silva João Santana , Campanelli Ana Paula , Garlet Gustavo Pompermaier 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAims: Our objective was to evaluate the association between the MMP1‐1607 single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), periodontopathogens and inflammatory cytokines with matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) mRNA levels in vitro and in vivo.Materials and Methods: This study investigated the influence of genetic (MMP1‐1607 SNP), microbial (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans) and inflammatory [tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)] factors on the determination of MMP‐1 mRNA levels in periodontal tissues of non‐smoker chronic periodontitis (CP, N=178) and control (C, N=190) groups. The effects of single and repeated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and inflammatory cytokine stimulation of macrophages with distinct MMP1‐1607 SNP genotypes were also investigated.Results: In healthy tissues, the MMP1‐1607 2G allele was associated with higher MMP‐1 levels while in CP MMP‐1 levels were associated with the presence and load of periodontopathogens, and also with TNF‐α and IL‐1β expression irrespective of the MMP1‐1607 genotype. In vitro data demonstrate that in 2G macrophages low‐ and intermediate‐dose LPS and TNF‐α+IL‐1β stimulation was associated with increased MMP‐1 expression, while strong and repeated stimulation resulted in higher MMP‐1 levels irrespective of the MMP1‐1607 genotype.Conclusion: Our data demonstrate a limited role for MMP1‐1607 SNP in periodontitis, where the extensive chronic antigenic challenge exposure overcomes the genetic control and plays a major role in the determination of MMP‐1 expression.
More to learn about: periodontitis‐related knowledge and its relationship with periodontal health behaviour
Authors: Deinzer Renate , Micheelis Wolfgang , Granrath Nicole , Hoffmann Thomas 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim: To assess periodontitis‐related knowledge and its relation to oral health behaviour on a community level and to identify target groups and major topics for health education interventions.Material and Methods: By means of a multistratified, stochastic telephone survey, 1001 interviews with Germans older than 14 years were carried out. Participants answered questions on the definition, aetiology, and risk factors of periodontal disease and on the risks associated with and measures to prevent them. They also reported on their current oral health behaviour.Results: Severe knowledge deficits were found with respect to all topics. No consistent relationships with age or education were found, although less educated and very young and old people tended to show the greatest deficits. Knowledge of preventive measures was most strongly related to current oral health behaviour.Conclusions: Health education on periodontal diseases must be improved on a community level, although schoolchildren, older citizens and the less educated are the groups most in need. Interventions should focus on preventive measures.
Age‐dependent changes in skin surface assessed by a novel two‐dimensional image analysis
Authors: Zou Yaobin , Song Enmin , Jin Renchao 
Published: July 2009

Background/purpose: Skin microrelief has been studied using various methods and devices. However, the long duration of time needed to process one sample or the expensive equipment hampered the use of those systems for routine diagnosis. Today, the emergence of new software and hardware technologies may allow this issue to be resolved.Methods: To characterize objectively the skin surface, we introduced a new parameter SPm, namely, the area mean of superficial skin texture block formed by primary and secondary lines crossing each other. Based on the skin detector produced by the Boseview Technology Company, we developed a software for acquiring automatically skin images and calculating SPm. The relationship between SPm and age was studied on the dorsal and ventral midway of the forearm (sun‐exposed and sun‐protected areas) of 94 healthy volunteers without a history of smoking.Results: The skin surface topography can be conveniently quantified with the new parameter SPm. The value of SPm of both sites increases with age, independent of sex, with the site more exposed to light being more affected.Conclusion: With the software developed, the details of the skin surface can be observed. SPm appears to be a new valid parameter for characterizing the property of the skin surface. Our method, alone or in combination with other technologies of skin topography analysis may be applied in routine diagnosis for a quantified evaluation of skin aging.