bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of choline transporter‐like 1 protein CTL1 in neuroblastoma × glioma cells and in the CNS, and its role in choline uptake
Authors: Machová Eva , O’Regan Seana , Newcombe Jia , Meunier François‐Marie , Prentice Joanna , Dove Rosamund , Lisá Věra , Doležal Vladimír 
Published: June 2009

AbstractCholine is an essential nutrient necessary for synthesis of membrane phospholipids, cell signalling molecules and acetylcholine. The aim of this study was to detect and characterize the choline transporter‐like 1 (CTL1/SLC44A1) protein in CNS tissues and the hybrid neuroblastoma × glioma cell line NG108‐15, which synthesizes acetylcholine and has high affinity choline transport but does not express the cholinergic high affinity choline transporter 1. The presence of CTL1 protein in NG108‐15 cells was confirmed using our antibody G103 which recognizes the C‐terminal domain of human CTL1. Three different cognate small interfering RNAs were used to decrease CTL1 mRNA in NG108‐15 cells, causing lowered CTL1 protein expression, choline uptake and cell growth. None of the small interfering RNAs influenced carnitine transport, demonstrating the absence of major non‐specific effects. In parental C6 cells knockdown of CTL1 also reduced high affinity choline transport. Our results support the concept that CTL1 protein is necessary for the high affinity choline transport which supplies choline for cell growth. The presence of CTL1 protein in rat and human CNS regions, where it is found in neuronal, glial and endothelial cells, suggests that malfunction of this transporter could have important implications in nervous system development and repair following injury, and in neurodegenerative diseases.
Antiapoptotic effects of vasopressin in the neuronal cell line H32 involve protein kinase Cα and β
Authors: Chen Jun , Liu Ying , Soh Jae‐Won , Aguilera Greti 
Published: June 2009

AbstractActivation of V1 vasopressin (VP) receptors prevents serum deprivation‐induced apoptosis in neuronal H32 cells, partially through mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) mediated Bad phosphorylation. In this study, we investigated the role of protein kinases C (PKC) and B (PKB) mediating VP‐induced antiapoptosis in H32 cells. Serum deprivation increased PKCδ but not PKCα or PKCβ activity, while VP increased PKCα and PKCβ without affecting PKCδ activity. Inhibition of PKCδ prevented caspase 3 activation, indicating that PKCδ mediates the pro‐apoptotic actions of serum deprivation. Simultaneous inhibition of PKCα and β and MAPK abolished VP‐induced Bad phosphorylation, but it only partially prevented caspase 3 inhibition. Complete abolition of the protective effect of VP on serum deprivation‐induced caspase 3 activity required additional blockade of phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B. The data demonstrate that VP exerts antiapoptosis through multiple pathways; while PKCα and β together with extracellular signal‐regulated kinases/MAPK activation mediates Bad phosphorylation (inactivation), the full protective action of VP requires additional activation of PKB (PI3K/protein kinase B) pathway.
Across island and continents, mammals are more successful invaders than birds (Reply)
Authors: Rodriguez‐Cabal Mariano A. , Barrios‐Garcia M. Noelia , Simberloff Daniel 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAim  The establishment success of exotic species is calculated as the fraction of introduced species that have become established, and invasion success is estimated as the fraction of established species that have spread significantly from their points of introduction. Records on species introductions are highly incomplete, so strong conclusions about the tens rule and invasibility of island and continents cannot be drawn.Location  Global.Methods  Using Jeschke (2008) as an example, we explain the issue of the inadequacy of data to draw conclusions about the tens rule and invasibility of island and continents.Results  Lack of adequate data.Main Conclusion  Jeschke (2008) probably overestimates the establishment and invasion success rates, so his conclusions about violation of the tens rule and that islands are not more susceptible to invasion than continents are misleading.
Onset and propagation of spike and slow wave discharges in human absence epilepsy: A MEG study
Authors: Westmijse Inge , Ossenblok Pauly , Gunning Boudewijn , Van Luijtelaar Gilles 
Published: June 2009

SummaryPurpose:  A nonlinear association and a source localization technique were used to describe the onset and propagation of spike‐and‐slow‐wave discharges (SWDs) in children with absence seizures. Previous studies have emphasized a leading cortical role in the generation of absence seizures in genetic epileptic rats.Methods:  Synchronization between all magnetoencephalography (MEG) sensor‐couples before and during SWDs in five patients was investigated over time. A source localization [beamformer, SAM(g2)] technique was used to find brain regions associated with the origin of the spikes of the SWDs.Results:  The onset of SWDs was characterized by high associations at left and right frontal regions. An alternating pattern of high synchronization was found during trains of SWDs: generalized during the wave and localized during the spike; the origin of the spike was different from the onset of SWDs, more frontal lateral and medial parietal. The localization of this latter region was confirmed with SAM(g2).Discussion:  The outcome of the nonlinear association techniques demonstrated that SWDs have a local cortical onset, whereas the association and beamformer technique support a local or even a focal cortical involvement in the occurrence of the spike in a train of SWDs. In all, the cortex contains local frontal and parietal sites relevant before the onset of the generalized pattern of SWDs and other ones that might contain the driving force behind the spike in trains of 3–4 Hz SWDs.
Taylor’s focal cortical dysplasia increases the risk of sleep‐related epilepsy
Authors: Nobili Lino , Cardinale Francesco , Magliola Umberto , Cicolin Alessandro , Didato Giuseppe , Bramerio Manuela , Fuschillo Dalila , Spreafico Roberto , Mai Roberto , Sartori Ivana , Francione Stefano , Russo Giorgio Lo , Castana Laura , Tassi Laura , Cossu Massimo 
Published: June 2009

SummaryPurpose:  To analyze the topography of the epileptogenic zone (EZ) and the etiologic substrate as risk factors for sleep‐related focal epilepsy.Methods:  Three hundred three patients (172 males and 131 females, mean age at surgery 25.6 ± 13.1 years), who were seizure‐free after resective surgery for drug‐resistant focal epilepsy, were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the risk of presenting sleep‐related epilepsy (SRE) against topography of resection (assumed to correspond or to include the EZ) and results of histology.Results:  Thirty‐nine patients (12.8%) presented with an SRE. At bivariate analysis, a higher frequency of SRE was associated with a frontal lobe EZ (p = 1.94 × 10−9) and Taylor’s FCD (TFCD, p = 2.20 × 10−16), whereas architectural FCD (p = 0.00977), ganglioglioma (p = 0.02508), and mesial temporal sclerosis (p = 2.47 × 10−5) were correlated with a reduced frequency of SRE. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the only variable significantly associated with SRE was the presence of a TFCD, which increased 14‐fold the risk of SRE [p = 1.66 × 10−10; risk ratio (RR) = 14.44].Discussion:  In this study, we have demonstrated a significant and strong association between SRE and TFCD in a select population of patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy submitted to surgical resection of the EZ. Although our results cannot be applied to the entire spectrum of SRE, the presence of TFCD as the underlying etiology should be considered when evaluating patients with SRE, because surgery can provide excellent results on seizures in these cases.
Aesthetic outcome of single‐tooth implant restorations following early implant placement and guided bone regeneration: crown and soft tissue dimensions compared with contralateral teeth
Authors: Cosyn Jan , De Rouck Tim 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjectives: The aim of this study was to compare crown and soft tissue dimensions of single‐tooth implant restorations following early implant placement and guided bone regeneration (GBR) with contralateral non‐restored teeth.Material and methods: Twenty‐seven patients treated by one and the same surgeon and prosthodontist to restore a single‐tooth gap with a class I bone defect in the premaxilla by means of an implant‐supported restoration were reviewed. Patients were examined at least 6 months following placement of the crown. All implants had been inserted 6–8 weeks following tooth extraction in conjunction with GBR. At evaluation, crown dimensions, soft tissue dimensions, clinical conditions and patients' aesthetic satisfaction were assessed by one clinician who had not been involved in the treatment.Results: Implant‐supported crowns were not significantly longer than contralateral teeth and midfacial soft tissues showed comparable levels after on average 21 months of function. Our data also indicated significant papilla loss especially at the distal aspect of the implants. As the patient's aesthetic appreciation was favourable in 88% of the cases, this appeared to be of trivial importance.Conclusions: Favourable aesthetics may be achieved for single‐tooth implant restorations following early implant placement and GBR. The impact of the latter on papilla levels, however, remains to be determined in longitudinal studies.
Comparison of cathepsin L activity in cheek and forearm stratum corneum in young female adults
Authors: Yamaguchi Masaki , Tahara Yusuke , Makino Teruhiko , Shimizu Tadamichi , Date Akira 
Published: June 2009

Purpose: The objective is to determine the usefulness of cathepsin L (Cat L) activity derived from the stratum corneum as an index of skin conditions by comparing the cheek and the forearm, in 20 female young adults.Methods: The sebum quantity, hydration index, melanin index and pH were measured with a sensor system consisting of a sebumeter, a corneometer, a mexameter and a pH meter. The stratum corneum was collected using tape stripping. Cat L and total protein (TP) were analyzed and the Cat L/TP ratio was calculated.Results: Our results indicated that (i) chronic sun exposure causes an increase in Cat L activity; and (ii) in order to cancel out the influence of the collecting technique, it is very important to measure the Cat L/TP ratio.Conclusion: It is considered that the Cat L/TP ratio may be a useful index of the skin conditions in humans.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Calcineurin/NFAT Pathway: A Novel Regulator of Parturition
Authors: Tabata Chisa , Ogita Kazuhide , Sato Keisuke , Nakamura Hitomi , Qing Zhang , Negoro Hidenori , Kumasawa Keiichi , Temma‐Asano Kumiko , Tsutsui Tateki , Nishimori Katsuhiko , Kimura Tadashi 
Published: June 2009

Problem  The oxytocin (OT)–oxytocin receptor (OTR) system plays an important role in mammalian parturition. However, we found OTR‐deficient (OTRKO) mice are fertile and deliver at term without birth defects, thus alternative pathways inducing parturition can be hypothesized.Methods of study  We tested the gene expression profile of OTRKO mice using suppressive subtractive hybridization, and focused on the calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) pathway. We examined the expression and localization of this pathway in mouse parturition.Results  Calcineurin and NFATc1 were detected in the decidua of pregnant uteri at term using immunohistochemistry (IHC). We identified higher activation levels of NFATc1 in wild type (WT) than in OTRKO mice and increased calcineurin A and NFATc1 mRNA levels during pregnancy. Moreover, injection of FK506, the inhibitor of this pathway, prolonged the delivery of the first pup.Conclusion  Our findings suggested that the calcineurin/NFAT pathway might play a substantial role in initiation of labor.
REVIEW ARTICLE: Anti‐phospholipid Antibodies and Other Immunological Causes of Recurrent Foetal Loss – A Review of Literature of Various Therapeutic Protocols
Authors: Shetty Shrimati , Ghosh Kanjaksha 
Published: June 2009

Problem  An immune‐based aetiology is one of the several accepted causes for recurrent foetal loss (RFL). However, most of the immunological theories have not fulfilled the criteria for causality. This is a review of the various immunological causes of RFL and the outcome of different treatment protocols.Method of study  Both auto‐ and alloimmune maternal immunological abnormalities have been proposed to account for foetal loss. Among the autoimmune factors, anti‐phospholipid antibodies (APAs) have been demonstrated to be the strongest risk factors for foetal loss, the prevalence of which is as high as 40% in women with RFL. Other autoimmune antibodies implicated in RFL are anti‐nuclear antibodies (ANAs), anti‐thyroid antibodies and anti‐endothelial cell antibodies. The alloimmune factors implicated in pregnancy loss of unknown aetiology include abnormal natural killer (NK) cell activity, alteration in T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2) ratios, presence of alloimmune antibodies like anti‐paternal cytotoxic antibodies, anti‐idiotypic antibodies, mixed lymphocyte reaction blocking antibodies and abnormal expression of HLA‐G molecules. Management of patients with RFL is mainly based on immunomodulatory (prednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulins, plasma exchange, paternal lymphocyte therapy), anti‐aggregation (aspirin) or anti‐coagulation (unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin) agents.Results  Low‐molecular‐weight heparin with low‐dose aspirin has been found to be the most effective treatment for women with APAs and RFL. Differences in dosage, timing of treatment, inclusion criteria, outcome assessment parameters etc. are some of the factors which have resulted in discrepancies in various reports.Conclusion  Identification of the immunological mechanisms involved in pregnancy loss and the action of different therapeutic reagents is important so that effective therapies can be designed and investigated.
Infants with HIV‐infected mothers in a universal newborn hearing screening programme in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Olusanya Bolajoko O , Afe Abayomi J , Onyia Ngozi O 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAim:  To establish the characteristics of infants with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected mothers enrolled under a two‐stage universal newborn hearing screening programme in Lagos, Nigeria.Methods:  A matched case‐control study from May 2005 to December 2007 in which factors associated with maternal HIV status were determined by conditional multivariable logistic regression analysis.Results:  Some 266 newborns had HIV‐infected mothers and were matched with 1330 controls by age and sex. Factors independently associated with increased risk of maternal HIV status were ethnicity, religion, housing sanitation facilities and prematurity while prior or current caesarean section, admission into special care unit and hyperbilirubinaemia were associated with lower risk of maternal HIV. Maternal HIV status was not significantly associated (p = 0.082) with the risk of sensorineural hearing loss although newborns with HIV‐infected mothers had more than two‐fold risk (p = 0.030) of not completing the hearing tests compared with controls.Conclusion:  HIV‐infected mothers are likely to live in poor housing conditions but their newborns are not at an increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss in this setting barring the potential effect of significantly increased drop‐out rate in this group.
Usefulness of patient photograph as a marker for identifying denture‐wearers in India*
Authors: Anehosur Gouri V. , Acharya Ashith B. , Nadiger Ramesh K. 
Published: June 2009

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00316.x

Usefulness of patient photograph as a marker for identifying denture‐wearers in India Aim:  Denture marking has been recommended for identifying the edentulous, both in day‐to‐day recognition when dentures are misplaced as well as in forensic scenarios. The purpose of this study was to test the use of patient photographs as a denture marker and to compare it with conventional marking systems as well as discussing its suitability in the Indian context.Material and methods:  A photograph of the patient was taken and compared with a metal matrix band and optically readable laminated bar code in terms of preparation, ease of incorporation into the denture, readability following denture fabrication and changes on exposure to high temperatures (200–1300°C).Results:  The photograph and metal matrix band were easy to prepare and incorporate, but the bar code was less so; no differences, however, were appreciable with regard to readability of the three markers. Fire resistance of the photographic marker (280°C) and bar code (200°C) was considerably lower to that of the metal marker (1050°C).Conclusions:  The major advantage of the photographic marker is that identity is easily ascertained by lay persons with the unassisted eye (bar codes require a hand‐held reading device); photographic markers are also relevant in the Indian context where one‐third of the population is illiterate and diverse scripts are used across the country, making interpretation of written data challenging at times. This allows for photographic markers’ routine use in residential and hospital set‐ups. Although the photographic marker has low fire resistance, it may be useful in forensic contexts since dentures retained in the mouth are well‐protected by the oro‐facial tissues and may survive incineration.
Investigating the effects of crop type, fertility management and crop protection on the activity of beneficial invertebrates in an extensive farm management comparison trial
Authors: Eyre M.D. , Sanderson R.A. , Shotton P.N. , Leifert C. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe activity of 11 groups of invertebrates, mainly predators and parasites, was investigated in 2005 and 2006 in a plot trial system on a farm in northern England, where the effects of organic and conventional fertility and crop protection management were separated within different crop types. Invertebrate activity was assessed using pitfall traps and suction sampling. Mixed effects models indicated that crop type significantly affected activity in all 11 groups. Crop protection applications had only a limited impact on activity but fertility management had considerable effects in some crops. Most differences were in barley, wheat and grass/clover, with less in vegetable and bean plots. Carabidae, Lycosidae, Staphylinidae, Linyphiidae and Braconidae gave consistent responses to fertility management, with more activity of the first two groups in organic plots and more of the other three in conventional plots. However, Coccinellidae and Ichneumonidae were not consistent in their activity between crops. After the effects of crop type had been partialled out, a constrained ordination showed that the novel combination of organic fertility and conventional crop protection had the most influence on group activity, with the combination of organic fertility and organic crop protection also significant. Maximising the activity of beneficial invertebrates in organic and sustainable farming systems requires a basic understanding of the effects of both crop type and fertility management, as well as crop protection.
Infestation of coconut fruits by Aceria guerreronis enhances the pest status of the coconut moth Atheloca subrufella
Authors: De Santana S.W.J. , Torres J.B. , Gondim M.G.C. , Barros R. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis (Acari: Eriophyidae) and the coconut moth, Atheloca subrufella (Lepidoptera: Phycitidae), exploit the same habitat—meristematic region underneath the coconut fruit perianth. The coconut fruit perianth, however, is a tight structure allowing free colonisation of the meristematic region of the fruit only by small arthropods such as the eriophyid and tarsonemid mites. Fruits infested by the mites develop different levels of necrosis around the perianth providing access to colonising larvae of the coconut moth, which bore the fruit under the perianth resulting in fruit abortion. Based on field observations, we hypothesise that A. subrufella will colonise coconut fruits only if they exhibit damage on the perianth such as the necrosis caused by the coconut mite. Fruits with and without necrosis were collected from different production areas located in three different states along the Brazilian Atlantic coast and inspected for infestation with coconut moth larvae. In the laboratory, coconut fruits with and without necrosis were offered to moths for oviposition preference and tested for colonisation by neonate and third instar larvae. The results showed that the moths showed no preference for fruits with or without necrosis for oviposition and, hence, neonate larvae have to go under the perianth bract to reach the meristematic region of the fruit. However, neonate larvae were unable to colonise fruits without necrosis (0%) compared to 23% and 60% of fruit colonisation success when exhibiting mite necrosis or mechanical damage, respectively. Similar results were found with respect to older coconut moth larvae. Thus, the data support the hypothesis that the indirect interaction through previous fruit colonisation and necrosis caused by the coconut mite allows the larvae of A. subrufella to be a key pest of coconut fruits.
Myofibrillar Myopathies: A Clinical and Myopathological Guide
Authors: Schröder Rolf , Schoser Benedikt 
Published: June 2009

AbstractMyofibrillar myopathies (MFMs) are histopathologically characterized by desmin‐positive protein aggregates and myofibrillar degeneration. Because of the marked phenotypic and pathomorphological variability, establishing the diagnosis of MFM can be a challenging task. While MFMs are partly caused by mutations in genes encoding for extramyofibrillar proteins (desmin, αB‐crystallin, plectin) or myofibrillar proteins (myotilin, Z‐band alternatively spliced PDZ‐containing protein, filamin C, Bcl‐2‐associated athanogene‐3, four‐and‐a‐half LIM domain 1), a large number of these diseases are caused by still unresolved gene defects. Although recent years have brought new insight into the pathogenesis of MFMs, the precise molecular pathways and sequential steps that lead from an individual gene defect to progressive muscle damage are still unclear. This review focuses on the clinical and myopathological aspects of genetically defined MFMs, and shall provide a diagnostic guide for this numerically significant group of protein aggregate myopathies.