bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lovastatin Promotes Redifferentiation of Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells During Expansion in Monolayer Culture
Authors: Hu Ming‐Hsiao , Hung Li‐Wei , Yang Shu‐Hua , Sun Yuan‐Hui , Shih Tiffany Ting‐Fang , Lin Feng‐Huei 
Published: September 2010

AbstractTo acquire the capacities for matrix production and preservation of an expanded volume within a damaged intervertebral disc (IVD), cells isolated from human nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues must undergo several passages in monolayer culture. However, chondrocytes and IVD cells in monolayer culture undergo “dedifferentiation,” characterized by decreased synthesis of type II collagen and increased synthesis of type I collagen, thereby compromising the properties of regenerative tissues. The present study was undertaken to ascertain whether lovastatin reverses “dedifferentiation” of human NP cells during monolayer expansion. Expression of genes encoding type II collagen and transcription factor SOX9 in these cells was upregulated by lovastatin, with maximal stimulations observed at 5 µM, whereas type I collagen gene expression was suppressed by the drug, with maximal inhibitions observed at 5–10 µM. At lovastatin concentrations ≥1 µM, expression of genes encoding the bone morphogenetic proteins BMP‐2 and BMP‐7 was also significantly enhanced. Furthermore, the number of NP cells exhibiting a rounded shape and positive staining for S‐100 protein and type II collagen protein increased during treatment with lovastatin. These findings strongly support the induction by lovastatin of “redifferentiation” of human NP cells during their expansion in monolayer culture.
Mild adolescent/adult onset epilepsy and paroxysmal exercise‐induced dyskinesia due to GLUT1 deficiency
Authors: Afawi Zaid , Suls Arvid , Ekstein Dana , Kivity Sara , Neufeld Miriam Y , Oliver Karen , De Jonghe Peter , Korczyn Amos D , Berkovic Samuel F. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryParoxysmal exercise‐induced dyskinesia (PED) and epilepsy without intellectual disability have recently been recognized as manifestations of deficiency of the glucose transporter GLUT1, due to mutations in the gene SLC2A1. We describe a family with six definitely affected members in two generations. Two had PED, three had epilepsy, and one had both. A missense mutation in SLC2A1 (c.950A>C; p.N317T) was detected in five living affected members, but absent in three nonaffected first‐degree members and in one subject believed to be a phenocopy. The clinical picture of mild epilepsy with onset in adolescence or early adulthood plus PED should raise a suspicion of GLUT1 deficiency.
STXBP1 mutations in early infantile epileptic encephalopathy with suppression‐burst pattern
Authors: Saitsu Hirotomo , Kato Mitsuhiro , Okada Ippei , Orii Kenji E. , Higuchi Tsukasa , Hoshino Hideki , Kubota Masaya , Arai Hiroshi , Tagawa Tetsuzo , Kimura Shigeru , Sudo Akira , Miyama Sahoko , Takami Yuichi , Watanabe Toshihide , Nishimura Akira , Nishiyama Kiyomi , Miyake Noriko , Wada Takahito , Osaka Hitoshi , Kondo Naomi , Hayasaka Kiyoshi , Matsumoto Naomichi 
Published: September 2010

SummaryPurpose:  De novo STXBP1 mutations have been found in individuals with early infantile epileptic encephalopathy with suppression‐burst pattern (EIEE). Our aim was to delineate the clinical spectrum of subjects with STXBP1 mutations, and to examine their biologic aspects.Methods:  STXBP1 was analyzed in 29 and 54 cases of cryptogenic EIEE and West syndrome, respectively, as a second cohort. RNA splicing was analyzed in lymphoblastoid cells from a subject harboring a c.663 + 5G>A mutation. Expression of STXBP1 protein with missense mutations was examined in neuroblastoma2A cells.Results:  A total of seven novel STXBP1 mutations were found in nine EIEE cases, but not in West syndrome. The mutations include two frameshift mutations, three nonsense mutations, a splicing mutation, and a recurrent missense mutation in three unrelated cases. Including our previous data, 10 of 14 individuals (71%) with STXBP1 aberrations had the onset of spasms after 1 month, suggesting relatively later onset of epileptic spasms. Nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay associated with abnormal splicing was demonstrated. Transient expression revealed that STXBP1 proteins with missense mutations resulted in degradation in neuroblastoma2A cells.Discussion:  Collectively, STXBP1 aberrations can account for about one‐third individuals with EIEE (14 of 43). These genetic and biologic data clearly showed that haploinsufficiency of STXBP1 is the important cause for cryptogenic EIEE.
Effect of levetiracetam on testosterone levels in male patients
Authors: Harden Cynthia L. , Nikolov Blagovest G. , Kandula Padmaja , Labar Douglas R. , Pannullo Susan 
Published: September 2010

SummaryWe sought to determine whether the testosterone increase found with levetiracetam exposure in animal studies also occurs in patients. Adult male patients were evaluated for reproductive hormone levels before and 1 month after levetiracetam therapy. Eight subjects met inclusion/exclusion criteria (mean age 46 years, range 29–75 years). Total testosterone prior to starting levetiracetam ranged from 206–787 ng/dl [mean 445, standard deviation (SD) 227]. The mean total testosterone after levetiracetam therapy increased to 592 ng/dl (range 216–981, SD 297), an increase of 16% (p = 0.036). The free testosterone increased from a mean of 64 pg/ml (range 36–115, SD 30) to a mean of 76 pg/ml (range 35–155, SD 44), an increase of 19% (p = 0.080). The magnitude of change in testosterone levels correlated with the initial testosterone level (p = 0.038, r = 0.734). These results suggest that levetiracetam increases testosterone levels and that an initial testosterone level may predict the magnitude of increase.
Migration background: a risk factor for caries development during adolescence
Authors: Julihn Annika , Ekbom Anders , Modéer Thomas 
Published: September 2010

Julihn A, Ekbom A, Modéer T. Migration background: a risk factor for caries development during adolescence. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 618–625. © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci The influence of child and parental migration background on the risk of approximal caries increment in Swedish adolescents was investigated. This retrospective longitudinal register‐based cohort study included all 13‐yr‐old adolescents (n = 18,142) who were resident in the County of Stockholm, Sweden, in 2000, and followed them up to 19 yr of age. At follow‐up, 15,538 subjects were examined. Caries data [decayed, missing, and filled teeth/surfaces (DMFT/S)], were collected from a dental database. Socio‐demographic determinants were collected from Swedish National Registers. After adjustments for socio‐demographic confounders, logistic regression analysis revealed that adolescents with foreign‐born parents, irrespective of whether the child was born in Sweden or abroad, exhibited a significantly elevated risk for approximal caries increment (DMFSa > 0), and developed, on average, 0.53 and 1.14 more approximal caries lesions, respectively, compared with their counterparts with Swedish‐born parents. Furthermore, adolescents born in eastern Europe exhibited an increased risk for approximal caries increment (DMFSa > 0) and developed, on average, 1.06 more approximal caries lesions compared with Swedish‐born adolescents. In conclusion, parental migration background must be considered as a risk factor for caries development during adolescence, irrespective of whether or not the adolescent was born in Sweden.
Changes in the quality of life of Tanzanian school children after treatment interventions using the Child‐OIDP
Authors: Mashoto Kijakazi O. , Åstrøm Anne N. , Skeie Marit S. , Masalu Joyce R. 
Published: September 2010

Mashoto KO, Åstrøm AN, Skeie MS, Masalu JR. Changes in the quality of life of Tanzanian school children after treatment interventions using the Child‐OIDP. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 626–634. © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci This study aimed to examine the evaluative properties of the Child Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (Child‐OIDP) inventory and to estimate treatment‐associated changes in the OIDP and self‐reported oral health following atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) and oral health education (OHE). A total of 1,306 school attendees in Kilwa, Tanzania, completed the Child‐OIDP inventory before, and 6 months after, treatment. The post‐treatment questionnaire assessed change in perceived oral health. Complete baseline and follow‐up data were obtained for 104, 117, and 1,085 participants who received, respectively, ART fillings (Group A), ART fillings and tooth extraction (Group B), and OHE only (Group C). The longitudinal validity, responsiveness, and treatment‐associated changes were calculated using anova, effect sizes, and repeated general linear models (GLM). The follow‐up prevalence was 73.8%. The mean changes in the OIDP total‐ and subscale scores were negative within those who reported ‘worsened’ oral health, and positive in subjects reporting ‘improved’ oral health. Effect sizes for the total OIDP score ranged from −0.2 within the category ‘worsened’ to 0.4 within the category ‘improved’. Changes following treatment were more extensive in Group B compared with Groups A and C, and in Group C compared with Group A. The Child‐OIDP showed promising evaluative properties and responsiveness to change following ART fillings, ART fillings and tooth extraction, and OHE.
The four hour target to reduce emergency department ‘waiting time’: A systematic review of clinical outcomes
Authors: Jones Peter , Schimanski Karen 
Published: September 2010

AbstractGovernments in Australasia are introducing emergency department length of stay (EDLOS) time targets similar to the UK ‘four hour rule’. There is debate about whether this rule had beneficial effects on health‐care outcomes. We sought to determine what effects the four hour time target for EDLOS had on clinically relevant outcomes in the UK by conducting a systematic search for evidence. Articles were screened by both authors independently and assessed for quality using standard tools. Differences in outcomes measured and how they were measured precluded meta‐analysis. There were inconsistencies between target achievement reported by Trusts and that reported in the studies, and empirical evidence that the target might be unattainable. National Health Service spending on ED increased £820 000 000.00 (1998–2007) and emergency admissions rose overall by 35% (2002–2006), but not in all hospitals. Time to see a treating clinician and hospital mortality was unchanged. One hospital demonstrated a small reduction in return rate. The impact of the introduction of an ED time target and the associated massive financial investment has not resulted in a consistent improvement in care with markedly varying effects being reported between hospitals. Countries seeking to emulate the UK experience should proceed with caution.
γ-rays from molecular clouds illuminated by accumulated diffusive protons from supernova remnant W28
Authors: Li Hui , Chen Yang 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
W28 is one of the archetypal supernova remnants (SNRs) interacting with molecular clouds (MCs). HESS observation found four TeV sources which are coincident with the MCs around W28, but Fermi LAT detected no prominent GeV counterparts for two of them. An accumulative diffusion model is established in this Letter, and the energetic protons colliding with the nearby MCs are considered to be an accumulation of the diffusive protons escaping from the shock front throughout the history of the SNR expansion. We have fitted the γ-ray spectra of the four sources and naturally explained the GeV spectral break of the north-eastern source (source N) and the non-significant GeV emission of southern sources A and C. The distances of sources A and C from the SNR centre are found to be much larger than those of sources N and B, which may be the basic reason for the faint GeV γ-rays of the two former sources.
Otolith size and location in digestive tracts of northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus): Implications for dietary interpretations
Authors: Sinclair E. H. , York A. E. , Antonelis G. A. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractWalleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) otoliths (n= 2,706) recovered from stomachs, small intestines, and colons of 43 northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) were evaluated for size and wear by location in the digestive tract. Pollock fork length was regressed on otolith length after correction for erosion, and age was estimated from the calculated body size. Age‐1+ pollock otoliths (≥6.3‐mm length) were concentrated in stomachs while age‐0 otoliths (≤6.2‐mm length) were concentrated in colons. Less than 10% of otoliths were found in the small intestines. Pollock age decreased with progression along seal gastrointestinal tracts. Otolith quality increased along gastrointestinal tracts in numbers ≥20, which was typical of age‐0 otoliths recovered from colons. Otolith distribution by age and quality along gastrointestinal tracts suggests that small (≤12 cm) schooling prey are consumed in large volume and passed as a bolus rapidly through the digestive tract before significant erosion of bony remains occurs; while larger prey are eaten in smaller volume and subjected to otolith erosion due to longer retention in the stomach. Our results illustrate the importance of multiple sampling strategies to comprehensively represent prey size in pinniped diet.
Selective Inhibition of Early—but Not Late—Expressed HIF‐1α Is Neuroprotective in Rats after Focal Ischemic Brain Damage
Authors: Yeh Shiu‐Hwa , Ou Li‐Chin , Gean Po‐Wu , Hung Jan‐Jong , Chang Wen‐Chang 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1‐alpha (HIF‐1α) is upregulated in ischemic stroke, but its function is still unclear. In the present study, biphasic expression of HIF‐1α was observed during 1–12 h and after 48 h in neurons exposed to ischemic stress in vitro and in vivo. Treating neurons with 2‐methoxyestradiol (2ME2) 0.5 h after ischemic stress or pre‐silencing HIF‐1α with small interfering RNA (siRNA) decreased brain injury, brain edema and number of apoptotic cell, and downregulates Nip‐like protein X (Nix) expression. Conversely, applying 2ME2 to neurons 8 h after ischemic stress or silencing the HIF‐1α with siRNA 12 h after oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) increased neuron damage and decreased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Taken together, these results demonstrate that HIF‐1α induced by ischemia in early and late times leads cellular apoptosis and survival, respectively, and provides a new insight into the divergent roles of HIF‐1α expression in neurons after ischemic stroke.
Correlation of Polydispersed Prion Protein and Characteristic Pathology in the Thalamus in Variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob Disease: Implication of Small Oligomeric Species
Authors: Choi Young Pyo , Gröner Albrecht , Ironside James W. , Head Mark W. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe vacuolation, neuronal loss and gliosis that characterize human prion disease pathology are accompanied by the accumulation of an aggregated, insoluble and protease‐resistant form (termed PrPSc) of the host‐encoded normal cellular prion protein (PrPC). In variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease the frontal cortex and cerebellum exhibit intense vacuolation and the accumulation of PrPSc in the form of amyloid plaques and plaque‐like structures. In contrast the posterior thalamus is characterized by intense gliosis and neuronal loss, but PrPSc plaques are rare and vacuolation is patchy. We have used sucrose density gradient centrifugation coupled with conformation dependent immunoassay to examine the biochemical properties of the PrPSc that accumulates in these different brain regions. The results show a greater degree of PrPSc polydisperal in thalamus compared with frontal cortex or cerebellum, including a subpopulation PrPSc molecules in the thalamus that have sedimentation properties resembling those of PrPC. Much effort has focused on identifying aspects of PrPSc biochemistry that distinguish between different forms of human prion disease and contribute to differential diagnosis. Here we show that PrPSc sedimentation properties, which can depend on aggregation state, correlate with, and may underlie the distinct neurodegenerative processes occurring in different regions of the variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease brain.
Association between painful physical symptoms and clinical outcomes in Taiwanese patients with major depressive disorder: A three‐month observational study
Authors: Chen Kuang‐Peng , Chiu Nan‐Ying , Shen Yu‐Chih , Hou Yuh‐Ming , Yeh Chin‐Bin , Ouyang Wen‐Chen , Singh Pritibha , Granger Renee E. , Raskin Joel , Lin Chaucer C.H. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIntroduction: Reports from non‐Asian populations indicate that painful physical symptoms are associated with poorer clinical and functional outcomes in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This paper shows the changes in disease characteristics and quality of life in Taiwanese MDD patients, with or without painful physical symptoms, over 3 months' observation.Methods: Taiwanese patients from an observational study of six East Asian countries/regions were classified as painful physical symptom positive (PPS+) or negative (PPS−) based on a mean score of ≥2 or <2, respectively, on the modified Somatic Symptom Inventory. Changes from baseline in outcomes were compared between the groups.Results: Of 194 patients with MDD, 69% were PPS+ at baseline. These PPS+ patients were more depressed (17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale total; mean [SD] 27.1 [6.26] versus 21.8 [5.94] PPS−, P<0.001), in more pain (Visual Analog Scale overall; median [range] 73.5 [9–100] versus 40 [0 to 80] PPS−, P<0.001) and had poorer quality of life at baseline (EuroQoL; mean [SD] 42.9 [18.26] versus 59.8 [18.21] PPS−,P<0.001). At endpoint (n=118), PPS− patients showed greater improvement on depression outcomes (Clinical Global Impression of Severity; P=0.011) and had a higher remission rate (52.8 % versus 14.6% PPS+, P=0.007).Discussion: Painful physical symptoms were frequently observed in Taiwanese patients with MDD. As PPS are associated with more severe depression, poorer quality of life, and poorer remission outcomes, clinical management should address both the mental and physical symptoms associated with this disorder.
Impaired working memory in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and their siblings
Authors: Wee Kok Wei , Yaacob Mohd Jamil , Wan Abdullah Wan Norhaida , Nakaria Norzila , Pridmore Saxby 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIntroduction: Impairment of working memory in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been well described. If similar impairment in working memory can be demonstrated among their siblings, this could suggest impaired working memory is a genetic component of ADHD.Methods: Fifty‐seven subjects were recruited: (1) ADHD group (n=21); (2) siblings of ADHD children group (n=15); and (3) non‐ADHD children with chronic medical condition as the control group (n=21). All subjects were aged between 6 and 15 years, and ADHD was diagnosed according to DSM‐IV‐TR. Those with other comorbidity or IQ<70 were excluded. Digit Recall was used for assessment of the phonological loop component, Maze Memory test for the visuospatial sketch pad component and Backward Digit Recall for the central executive component of working memory.Results: ADHD children and their siblings showed similar impairment and both differed from the control group on the Maze Memory test. ADHD children also showed impairment in the Digit Recall test; however, the sibling group did not differ from the control group on this test. The Backward Digit Recall score did not show any significant difference between the three groups.Discussion: Impairment of the visuospatial sketch pad component of working memory seems to cluster in ADHD children and their siblings. Thus, impairment of the visuospatial sketch pad component of working memory may point towards a genetic predisposition of ADHD.
Rifampin-Isoniazid Oligonucleotide Typing: an Alternative Format for Rapid Detection of Multidrug-Resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Hernández-Neuta Iván , Varela Andrés , Martin Anandi , von Groll Andrea , Jureen Pontus , López Beatriz , Imperiale Belén , Šķenders Ģirts , Ritacco Viviana , Hoffner Sven , Morcillo Nora , Palomino Juan Carlos , Del Portillo Patricia 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT

A reverse line blot DNA hybridization format for rapid detection of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis was developed. Simultaneous detection of rifampin and isoniazid resistance in clinical isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
was based on the same amplification/reverse hybridization principle of the widely used spoligotyping. The test involved probing nine DNA regions that are targets of common drug resistance-associated mutations in the genes
rpoB
,
katG
, and
inhA
. Addition of quaternary amine tetramethyl ammonium chloride to the hybridization buffer promoted multiple hybrid formations at a single annealing temperature irrespective of the different GC contents of probes. The assay was standardized using 20 well-documented strains from the Institute of Tropical Medicine (Belgium) and evaluated blindly in a central laboratory with 100 DNA samples that were obtained from cultured clinical isolates and shipped dried from three other countries. Compared with drug susceptibility testing, both sensitivity and specificity for rifampin resistance detection were 93.0% while for isoniazid the values were 87.7% and 97.7%, respectively. Compared with sequencing and GenoType MTBDRplus methods, sensitivity and specificity reached 96.4% and 95.5% for rifampin and 92.7% and 100% for isoniazid. Altogether, 40/45 (89%) multidrug-resistant isolates were correctly identified. Advantages of this in-house development include versatility, capacity to run up to 41 samples by triplicate in a single run, and reuse of the membrane at least 10 times. These features substantially reduce cost per reaction and make the assay an attractive tool for use in reference laboratories of countries that have a high burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis but that cannot afford expensive commercial tests because of limited resources.
Novel Point-of-Care Test for Simultaneous Detection of Nontreponemal and Treponemal Antibodies in Patients with Syphilis
Authors: Castro Arnold R. , Esfandiari Javan , Kumar Shailendra , Ashton Matthew , Kikkert Susan E. , Park Mahin M. , Ballard Ronald C. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT

We describe a point-of-care immunochromatographic test for the simultaneous detection of both nontreponemal and treponemal antibodies in the sera of patients with syphilis that acts as both a screening and a confirmatory test. A total of 1,601 banked serum samples were examined by the dual test, and the results were compared to those obtained using a quantitative rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test and the
Treponema pallidum
passive particle agglutination (TP-PA) assay. Compared to the RPR test, the reactive concordance of the dual test nontreponemal line was 98.4% when the RPR titers of sera were ≥1:2 and the nonreactive concordance was 98.6%. Compared to the TP-PA assay, the reactive and nonreactive concordances of the treponemal line were 96.5% and 95.5%, respectively. These results indicate that the dual test could be used for the serological diagnosis of syphilis in primary health care clinics or resource-poor settings and therefore improve rates of treatment where patients may fail to return for their laboratory results.