bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leiomyosarcoma arising in a patient with prior mitotically active leiomyoma
Authors: Kim Jin Hwi , Choi Young Jin , Kim Dong Chul , Lee Sung Jong 
Published: January 2010

AbstractMitotically active leiomyomas exhibiting insignificant cytologic atypia (none to mild) with an increased mitotic count of 5–20 mitotic figures per 10 high power fields, and without coagulative tumor cell necrosis or atypical mitoses, tend to have a benign clinical course. We encountered a case of a mitotically active leiomyoma and malignant transformation after a total hysterectomy. The recurrent multiple abdominal masses were removed surgically; most of them were benign leiomyomas, but some were leiomyosarcomas. Although most mitotically active leiomyomas have a benign clinical course, these lesions can recur and have the potential for malignant transformation. Therefore, patients with mitotically active leiomyomas require close follow‐up.
BKCa currents are enriched in a subpopulation of adult rat cutaneous nociceptive dorsal root ganglion neurons
Authors: Zhang Xiu‐Lin , Mok Lee‐Peng , Katz Elizabeth J. , Gold Michael S. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe biophysical properties and distribution of voltage‐dependent, Ca2+ ‐modulated K+ (BKCa) currents among subpopulations of acutely dissociated DiI‐labeled cutaneous sensory neurons from the adult rat were characterized with whole‐cell patch‐clamp techniques. BKCa currents were isolated from total K+ current with iberiotoxin, charybdotoxin or paxilline. There was considerable variability in biophysical properties of BKCa currents. There was also variability in the distribution of BKCa current among subpopulations of cutaneous dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. While present in each of the subpopulations defined by cell body size, IB4 binding or capsaicin sensitivity, BKCa current was present in the vast majority (> 90%) of small‐diameter IB4+ neurons, but was present in only a minority of neurons in subpopulations defined by other criteria (i.e. small‐diameter IB4−). Current‐clamp analysis indicated that in IB4+ neurons, BKCa currents contribute to the repolarization of the action potential and adaptation in response to sustained membrane depolarization, while playing little role in the determination of action potential threshold. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis of mRNA collected from whole DRG revealed the presence of multiple splice variants of the BKCa channel α‐subunit, rslo and all four of the accessory β‐subunits, suggesting that heterogeneity in the biophysical and pharmacological properties of BKCa current in cutaneous neurons reflects, at least in part, the differential distribution of splice variants and/or β‐subunits. Because even a small decrease in BKCa current appears to have a dramatic influence on excitability, modulation of this current may contribute to sensitization of nociceptive afferents observed following tissue injury.
Integrin α5β1 is necessary for regulation of radial migration of cortical neurons during mouse brain development
Authors: Marchetti Giovanni , Escuin Sarah , Van Der Flier Arjan , De Arcangelis Adèle , Hynes Richard O. , Georges‐Labouesse Elisabeth 
Published: January 2010

AbstractDuring cerebral cortex development, post‐mitotic neurons interact with radial glial fibers and the extracellular environment to migrate away from the ventricular region and form a correct laminar structure. Integrin receptors are major mediators of cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix interactions. Several integrin heterodimers are present during formation of the cortical layers. The α5β1 receptor is expressed in the neural progenitors of the ventricular zone during cerebral cortex formation. Using in utero electroporation to introduce short hairpin RNAs in the brain at embryonic day 15.5, we were able to inhibit acutely the expression of α5 integrin in the developing cortex. The knockdown of α5 integrin expression level in neural precursors resulted in an inhibition of radial migration, without perturbing the glial scaffold. Moreover, the same inhibitory effect on neuronal migration was observed after electroporation of a Cre recombinase expression plasmid into the neural progenitors of conditional knockout mice for α5 integrin. In both types of experiments, the electroporated cells expressing reduced levels of α5 integrin accumulated in the premigratory region with an abnormal morphology. At postnatal day 2, ectopic neurons were observed in cortical layer V, while a deficit of neurons was observed in cortical layer II–IV. We show that these neurons do not express a layer V‐specific marker, suggesting that they have not undergone premature differentiation. Overall, these results indicate that α5β1 integrin functions in the regulation of neural morphology and migration during cortical development, playing a role in cortical lamination.
Repetitive behavior and increased activity in mice with Purkinje cell loss: a model for understanding the role of cerebellar pathology in autism
Authors: Martin Loren A. , Goldowitz Dan , Mittleman Guy 
Published: January 2010

AbstractRepetitive behaviors and hyperactivity are common features of developmental disorders, including autism. Neuropathology of the cerebellum is also a frequent occurrence in autism and other developmental disorders. Recent studies have indicated that cerebellar pathology may play a causal role in the generation of repetitive and hyperactive behaviors. In this study, we examined the relationship between cerebellar pathology and these behaviors in a mouse model of Purkinje cell loss. Specifically, we made aggregation chimeras between Lc/+ mutant embryos and +/+ embryos. Lc/+ mice lose 100% of their Purkinje cells postnatally due to a cell‐intrinsic gain‐of‐function mutation. Through our histological examination, we demonstrated that Lc/+↔+/+ chimeric mice have Purkinje cells ranging from zero to normal numbers. Our analysis of these chimeric cerebella confirmed previous studies on Purkinje cell lineage. The results of both open‐field activity and hole‐board exploration testing indicated negative relationships between Purkinje cell number and measures of activity and investigatory nose‐poking. Additionally, in a progressive‐ratio operant paradigm, we found that Lc/+ mice lever‐pressed significantly less than +/+ controls, which led to significantly lower breakpoints in this group. In contrast, chimeric mice lever‐pressed significantly more than controls and this repetitive lever‐pressing behavior was significantly and negatively correlated with total Purkinje cell numbers. Although the performance of Lc/+ mice is probably related to their motor deficits, the significant relationships between Purkinje cell number and repetitive lever‐pressing behavior as well as open‐field activity measures provide support for a role of cerebellar pathology in generating repetitive behavior and increased activity in chimeric mice.
Functional hemispheric asymmetries in humans: electrophysiological evidence from preterm infants
Authors: Mento Giovanni , Suppiej Agnese , Altoè Gianmarco , Bisiacchi Patrizia S. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIn recent years, magnetic resonance imaging has allowed researchers to individuate the earlier morphological development of the right hemisphere compared with the left hemisphere during late‐gestational development. Anatomical asymmetry, however, does not necessarily mean functional asymmetry, and whether the anatomical differences between hemispheres at this early age are paralleled by functional specialisations remains unknown. In this study, the presence of lateralised electrical brain activity related to both pitch detection and discrimination was investigated in 34 prematurely‐born infants [24–34 gestational weeks (GWs)] all tested at the same post‐conceptional age of 35 weeks. By means of a frequency–change oddball experimental paradigm, with ‘standard’ tones at 1000 Hz (P = 90%) and ‘deviant’ tones at 2000 Hz (P = 10%), we were able to record higher right event‐related potential activity in the interval windows between 350 and 650 ms after stimulus onset. An explorative hierarchical cluster analysis confirmed the different distribution of the hemispheric asymmetry score in newborns < 30 weeks old. Here, we show electrophysiological evidence of the early functional right lateralisation for pitch processing (detection and discrimination) arising by 30 GWs, but not before, in preterm newborns despite the longer environmental sensorial experience of newborns < 30 GWs. Generally, these findings suggest that the earlier right structural maturation in foetal epochs seems to be paralleled by a right functional development.
Impact of dendritic spine preservation in medium spiny neurons on dopamine graft efficacy and the expression of dyskinesias in parkinsonian rats
Authors: Soderstrom Katherine E. , O’Malley Jennifer A. , Levine Nathan D. , Sortwell Caryl E. , Collier Timothy J. , Steece‐Collier Kathy 
Published: January 2010

AbstractDopamine deficiency associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) results in numerous changes in striatal transmitter function and neuron morphology. Specifically, there is marked atrophy of dendrites and dendritic spines on striatal medium spiny neurons (MSN), primary targets of inputs from nigral dopamine and cortical glutamate neurons, in advanced PD and rodent models of severe dopamine depletion. Dendritic spine loss occurs via dysregulation of intraspine Cav1.3 L‐type Ca2+channels and can be prevented, in animal models, by administration of the calcium channel antagonist, nimodipine. The impact of MSN dendritic spine loss in the parkinsonian striatum on dopamine neuron graft therapy remains unexamined. Using unilaterally parkinsonian Sprague–Dawley rats, we tested the hypothesis that MSN dendritic spine preservation through administration of nimodipine would result in improved therapeutic benefit and diminished graft‐induced behavioral abnormalities in rats grafted with embryonic ventral midbrain cells. Analysis of rotational asymmetry and spontaneous forelimb use in the cylinder task found no significant effect of dendritic spine preservation in grafted rats. However, analyses of vibrissae‐induced forelimb use, levodopa‐induced dyskinesias and graft‐induced dyskinesias showed significant improvement in rats with dopamine grafts associated with preserved striatal dendritic spine density. Nimodipine treatment in this model did not impact dopamine graft survival but allowed for increased graft reinnervation of striatum. Taken together, these results demonstrate that even with grafting suboptimal numbers of cells, maintaining normal spine density on target MSNs results in overall superior behavioral efficacy of dopamine grafts.
In vivo confocal neuroimaging (ICON): non‐invasive, functional imaging of the mammalian CNS with cellular resolution
Authors: Prilloff Sylvia , Fan Jingyun , Henrich‐Noack Petra , Sabel Bernhard A. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWith in vivo confocal neuroimaging (ICON), single retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) can be visualized non‐invasively, repeatedly, in real‐time and under natural conditions. Here we report the use of ICON to visualize dynamic changes in RGC morphology, connectivity and functional activation using calcium markers, and to visualize nanoparticle transport across the blood–retina barrier by fluorescent dyes. To document the versatility of ICON, we studied the cellular response to optic nerve injury, and found evidence of reversible soma swelling, recovery of retrograde axonal transport and a difference in calcium activation dynamics between surviving and dying RGCs. This establishes ICON as a unique tool for studying CNS physiology and pathophysiology in real‐time on a cellular level. ICON has potential applications in different research fields, such as neuroprotection/regeneration, degeneration, pharmacology, toxicity and drug delivery.
Modulation of decision‐making in a gambling task in older adults with transcranial direct current stimulation
Authors: Boggio Paulo Sérgio , Campanhã Camila , Valasek Cláudia A. , Fecteau Shirley , Pascual‐Leone Alvaro , Fregni Felipe 
Published: January 2010

AbstractCognitive performance usually declines in older adults as a result of neurodegenerative processes. One of the cognitive domains usually affected is decision‐making. Based on our recent findings suggesting that non‐invasive brain stimulation can improve decision‐making in young participants, we studied whether bifrontal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the right and left prefrontal cortex of older adult subjects can change balance of risky and safe responses as it can in younger individuals. Twenty‐eight subjects (age range from 50 to 85 years) performed a gambling risk task while receiving either anodal tDCS over the right and cathodal tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), anodal tDCS over the left with cathodal tDCS over the right DLPFC, or sham stimulation. Our main finding was a significant group effect showing that participants receiving left anodal/right cathodal stimulation chose more often high‐risk prospects as compared with participants receiving sham or those receiving right anodal/left cathodal stimulation. This result is contrary to previous findings in young subjects, suggesting that modulation of cortical activity in young and elderly results in opposite behavioral effects; thus supporting fundamental changes in cognitive processing in the elderly.
Intracellular Ca2+ release‐dependent inactivation of Ca2+ currents in thalamocortical relay neurons
Authors: Rankovic Vladan , Ehling Petra , Coulon Philippe , Landgraf Peter , Kreutz Michael R. , Munsch Thomas , Budde Thomas 
Published: January 2010

AbstractNeuronal Ca2+ channels are rapidly inactivated by a mechanism that is termed Ca2+‐dependent inactivation (CDI). In this study we investigated the influence of intracellular Ca2+ release on CDI of high‐voltage‐activated Ca2+ channels in rat thalamocortical relay neurons by combining voltage‐clamp, Ca2+ imaging and immunological techniques. Double‐pulse protocols revealed CDI, which depended on the length of the conditioning pulses. Caffeine caused a concentration‐dependent increase in CDI that was accompanied by an increase in the duration of Ca2+ transients. Inhibition of ryanodine receptors and endoplasmic Ca2+ pumps (by thapsigargin or cyclopiazonic acid) resulted in a reduction of CDI. In contrast, inhibition of inositol 1,4,5‐tris‐phosphate receptors by intracellular application of 2‐aminoethoxy diphenyl borate or heparin did not influence CDI. The block of transient receptor potential channels by extracellular application of 2‐aminoethoxy diphenyl borate, however, resulted in a significant reduction of CDI. The central role of L‐type Ca2+ channels was emphasized by the near‐complete block of CDI by nifedipine, an effect only surpassed when Ca2+ was replaced by Ba2+ and chelated by 1,2‐bis(o‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N′,N′,‐tetraacetic acid (BAPTA). Trains of action potential‐like stimuli induced a strong reduction in high‐voltage‐activated Ca2+ current amplitude, which was significantly reduced when intracellular Ca2+ stores were made inoperative by thapsigargin or Ba2+/BAPTA. Western blotting revealed expression of L‐type Ca2+ channels in thalamic and hippocampal tissue but not liver tissue. In summary, these results suggest a cross‐signalling between L‐type Ca2+ channels and ryanodine receptors that controls the amount of Ca2+ influx during neuronal activity.
Subclasses of oligodendrocytes populate the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Vinet Jonathan , Lemieux Philippe , Tamburri Albert , Tiesinga Paul , Scafidi Joseph , Gallo Vittorio , Sík Attila 
Published: January 2010

AbstractOligodendrocytes are the myelin‐forming cells of the central nervous system that facilitate transmission of axonal electrical impulses. Using transgenic mice expressing 2′,3′ cyclic nucleotide 3′ phosphodiesterase (CNPase)‐enhanced green fluorescent protein, a three‐dimensional reconstruction tool and analysis, we illustrate that three morphologically different oligodendrocyte types exist in the hippocampus. Those of the ramified type have the most numerous processes, the largest cell body, occupy the largest area and form beaded‐like structures, due to mitochondria aggregates, along the processes. Stellar‐shaped oligodendrocytes have smaller cell bodies and their processes cover a significantly smaller area. Those of the smooth subtype have a small cell body with at most two processes. In addition to these types, a large number of oligodendrocytes were found that faintly express CNPase‐enhanced green fluorescent protein. More than 50% of the faint type colocalized with NG2 and 91% with oligodendrocyte transcription factor‐2, whereas 94% of NG2‐immunoreactive and 45% of oligodendrocyte transcription factor‐2‐immunoreactive cells were faintly CNPase‐enhanced green fluorescent protein positive. Based on the complexity of the overall structure, the three types probably represent stages of a maturation process such that one subtype can morph into another. Thus, the least complex ‘smooth’ cell would represent the youngest oligodendrocyte that matures into the stellar type and eventually progresses to become the most complex ramified oligodendrocyte. Investigation of the distribution pattern revealed that the highest density of oligodendrocytes was found in the stratum lacunosum‐moleculare and the hilar region. The distribution analysis of oligodendrocyte subclasses revealed a tendency for different cell types to segregate in large non‐overlapping areas. This observation suggests that morphologically, and possible functionally, different oligodendrocytes are topographically segregated.
The contribution of human cortical area V3A to the perception of chromatic motion: a transcranial magnetic stimulation study
Authors: McKeefry D. J. , Burton M. P. , Morland A. B. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractArea V3A was identified in five human subjects on both a functional and retinotopic basis using functional magnetic resonance imaging techniques. V3A, along with other visual areas responsive to motion, was then targeted for disruption by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) whilst the participants performed a delayed speed matching task. The stimuli used for this task included chromatic, isoluminant motion stimuli that activated either the L−M or S−(L+M) cone‐opponent mechanisms, in addition to moving stimuli that contained only luminance contrast (L+M). The speed matching task was performed for chromatic and luminance stimuli that moved at slow (2°/s) or faster (8°/s) speeds. The application of rTMS to area V3A produced a perceived slowing of all chromatic and luminance stimuli at both slow and fast speeds. Similar deficits were found when rTMS was applied to V5/MT+. No deficits in performance were found when areas V3B and V3d were targeted by rTMS. These results provide evidence of a causal link between neural activity in human area V3A and the perception of chromatic isoluminant motion. They establish area V3A, alongside V5/MT+, as a key area in a cortical network that underpins the analysis of not only luminance but also chromatically‐defined motion.
On scientists’ discomfort in fisheries advisory science: the example of simulation‐based fisheries management‐strategy evaluations
Authors: Kraak Sarah B M , Kelly Ciaran J , Codling Edward A , Rogan Emer 
Published: January 2010

AbstractScientists feel discomfort when they are asked to create certainty, where none exists, for use as an alibi in policy‐making. Recently, the scientific literature has drawn attention to some pitfalls of simulation‐based fisheries management‐strategy evaluation (MSE). For example, while estimates concerning central tendencies of distributions of simulation outcomes are usually fairly robust because they are conditioned on ample data, estimates concerning the tails of distributions (such as the probability of falling below a critical biomass) are usually conditional on few data and thus often rely on assumptions that have no strong knowledge base. The clients of scientific advice, such as the European Commission, are embracing the mechanization of the evaluation of proposed Harvest Control Rules against the precautionary principle and management objectives. Where the fisheries management institutions aim for simple answers from the scientists, giving ‘green/red light’ to a proposed management strategy, the scientists are forced into a split position between satisfying the demands of their advisory role and living up to the standards of scientific rigour. We argue against the mechanization of scientific advice that aims to incorporate all relevant processes into one big model algorithm that, after construction, can be run without circumspection. We rather encourage that fisheries advice should be a dynamic process of expert judgement, incorporating separate parallel concurrent, lines of scientific evidence, from quantitative and qualitative modelling exercises and factual knowledge of the biology and the fishery dynamics. This process can be formalized to a certain degree and can easily accommodate stakeholder viewpoints.
Pregabalin in partial seizures: a pragmatic 21‐week, open‐label study (PREPS)
Authors: Ryvlin P. , Kälviäinen R. , Von Raison F. , Giordano S. , Emir B. , Chatamra K. 
Published: January 2010

Background and purpose:  Pregabalin has demonstrated efficacy in controlled trials as adjunctive treatment in patients with refractory seizures.Methods:  This open‐label, 21‐week study in adults with at least two partial seizures in the last 2 months, who were inadequately controlled with one to three antiepileptic drugs, evaluated pregabalin 150–600 mg/day (dosed twice daily). The study comprised a prospective or retrospective 8‐week baseline phase, and 9‐week dose optimization and 12‐week maintenance periods. The primary assessment was the mean percentage change in 28‐day seizure frequency between baseline and end‐point (last 12 weeks of treatment, last observation carried forward, modified intention‐to‐treat population).Results:  Four hundred and seventy‐six patients from Europe were included in this study (51% men; mean age/epilepsy duration 40.1/24.1 years). The median baseline seizure frequency was 5.5/28 days. Amongst the patient population, 78% completed the 21‐week treatment period; 7% discontinued for lack of efficacy and 12% because of adverse events (AEs). The mean last pregabalin dose was 359 mg/day. The mean (95% CI) reduction in seizure frequency was 36% (31%; 41%). The median reduction was 33%, and 39% of patients had a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency. There were 19% and 8% of patients free of seizures during their last 4 and 12 weeks of treatment, respectively. The three most common AEs were dizziness (17%), somnolence (13%) and weight increase (13%).Conclusions:  This open‐label study of pregabalin demonstrated efficacy that was consistent with that observed in previous controlled epilepsy trials. Pregabalin was well tolerated. The AE profile was also consistent with that reported in previous trials.