bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synaptic sodium spikes trigger long‐lasting depolarizations and slow calcium entry in rat olfactory bulb granule cells
Authors: Egger Veronica 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn the mammalian olfactory bulb, axonless granule cells mediate self‐ and lateral inhibitory interactions between mitral/tufted cells via reciprocal dendrodendritic synapses. Synaptic output from granule cells occurs on both fast and slow timescales, allowing for multiple granule cell functions during olfactory processing. We find that granule cell sodium action potentials evoked by synaptic activation of the sensory input via mitral/tufted cells are followed by a long‐lasting depolarization that is not observed after current‐evoked action potentials or large excitatory postsynaptic potentials in the same cell. Using two‐photon imaging in acute rat brain slices, we demonstrate that this prolonged electrical response is paralleled by an unusual, long‐lasting postsynaptic calcium signal. We find that this slow synaptic Ca2+ signal requires sequential activation of NMDA receptors, a nonselective cation conductance ICAN and T‐type voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels. Remarkably, T‐type Ca2+ channels are of critical importance for the ‘globalization’ of Ca2+ transients. In individual active spines, the local synaptic Ca2+ signal summates at least linearly with the global spike‐mediated Ca2+ signal. We suggest that this robust slow synaptic Ca2+ signal triggers dendritic transmitter release and thus contributes to slow synaptic output of the granule cell. Therefore, the synaptic sodium spike signal could represent a special adaptation of granule cells to the wide range of temporal requirements for their dendritic output. Our findings demonstrate with respect to neuronal communication in general that action potentials evoked by somatic current injection may lack some of the information content of ‘true’ synaptically evoked spikes.
Cerebellar pathology in transgenic mice expressing the pseudorabies virus immediate‐early protein IE180
Authors: Tomioka Yukiko , Miyazaki Taisuke , Taharaguchi Satoshi , Yoshino Saori , Morimatsu Masami , Uede Toshimitsu , Ono Etsuro , Watanabe Masahiko 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPseudorabies virus is an alphaherpesvirus causing fatal neurological diseases in animals. Pseudorabies virus carries a gene encoding immediate‐early (IE) protein IE180, which controls the transcription of other viral and host cell genes. Previously, we reported that transgenic expression of IE180 in mice causes severe ataxia and cerebellar deformity. Here we identified profound abnormalities in adult IE180 transgenic mice, including malpositioning of Purkinje cells (PCs), granule cells (GCs) and Bergmann glia (BG), impaired dendritogenesis and synaptogenesis in PCs, disoriented BG fibers, absence of molecular layer interneurons, and increased apoptosis of neurons and glia. In accordance with the cellular defects, we found the expression of IE180 in PCs, GCs and astrocytes during cerebellar development. We next examined transgenic mice expressing truncated IE180 mutants: dlN132 lacking the acidic transcriptional active domain, dlC629 lacking the nuclear localization signal and dlC1081 having all known domains but lacking the carboxyl‐terminal sequence. Despite similar expression levels of the transgenes, ataxia and cerebellar defects were only manifested in the dlC1081 transgenic mice but their phenotypes were milder compared with the IE180 transgenic mice. In the dlC1081 transgenic mice, cerebellar neurons and glia were normally positioned but cerebellar size was severely reduced due to GC deficits. Interestingly, dlC1081 was mainly expressed in the GCs with low expression in a few BG. Taken together, the present findings clarified a causal relationship between cerebellar pathology and cellular expression of IE180, and further afforded an experimental insight into different symptomatic severity as a consequence of different cellular defects caused by such cytotoxic viral agents.
Adaptations of glutamatergic synapses in the striatum contribute to recovery from cerebellar damage
Authors: Centonze Diego , Rossi Silvia , Bartolo Paola De , De Chiara Valentina , Foti Francesca , Musella Alessandra , Mataluni Giorgia , Rossi Stefano , Bernardi Giorgio , Koch Giacomo , Petrosini Laura 
Published: April 2008

AbstractRecent findings proposed that the cerebellum and the striatum, key structures in motor control, are more interconnected than commonly believed, and that the cerebellum may influence striatal activity. In the present study, the possible changes of synaptic transmission in the striatum of hemicerebellectomized rats have been investigated. Neurophysiological recordings showed a significant facilitation of glutamate transmission in the contralateral striatum occurring early following hemicerebellectomy. This process of synaptic adaptation appears to be relevant for the compensation of cerebellar deficits. Accordingly, pharmacological blockade of glutamate N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors with MK‐801 prevented the rearrangement of excitatory synapses in the striatum and interfered with the recovery from motor disturbances in rats with cerebellar lesions. Hemicerebellectomy also perturbed γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission in contralateral but not ipsilateral striatum. The present findings advance the role of striatal excitatory transmission in the compensation of cerebellar deficits, providing support to the notion that adaptations of striatal function exert a role in the recovery of cerebellar symptoms.
Cortical spreading depression modulates synaptic transmission of the rat lateral amygdala
Authors: Dehbandi Shahab , Speckmann Erwin‐Josef , Pape Hans Christian , Gorji Ali 
Published: April 2008

AbstractClinical and pathophysiological evidence connects migraine and the amygdala. Cortical spreading depression (CSD) plays a causative role in the generation of aura symptoms. However, the role of CSD in the pathophysiology of other symptoms of migraine needs to be investigated. An in vitro brain slice technique was used to investigate CSD effects on tetanus‐induced long‐term potentiation (LTP) in the lateral amygdala (LA) of the combined rat amygdala–hippocampus–cortex slices. More than 75% of CSD induced in temporal cortex propagated to LA. Induction of CSD in combined amygdala–hippocampus–cortex slices in which CSD propagated from neocortex to LA significantly augmented LTP in LA. LTP was inhibited when CSD travelled only in the neocortical tissues. Separation of the amygdala from the remaining neocortical part of the slice, in which CSD propagation was limited to the neocortex, increased LTP close to the control levels. Pharmacological manipulations of the slices, in which CSD reached LA, revealed the involvement of NMDA and AMPA glutamate subreceptors as well as dopamine D2 receptors in the enhancement of LTP in LA. However, neither blocking of GABA receptors nor activation of dopamine D1 receptors affected LTP in these slices. The results indicate the disturbances of LA synaptic transmission triggered by propagation of CSD. This perturbation of LA synaptic transmission induced by CSD may relate to some symptoms occurring during migraine attacks.
Identification of seven species of hymenopteran parasitoids of Spodoptera frugiperda, using polymerase chain reaction amplification and restriction enzyme digestion
Authors: Jourdie Violaine , Alvarez Nadir , Turlings Ted C. J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract1 The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda is a voracious pest of numerous crops of economic importance throughout the New World. In its native Mexico, larvae can be attacked by several species of parasitic wasps, which are candidate biological control agents against this and other lepidopteran pests.2 We attempted to survey the parasitoid fauna on S. frugiperda in maize and sorghum fields throughout Mexico. However, our efforts have been hampered by the incomplete development of parasitoid larvae emerging from collected Spodoptera caterpillars.3 This problem was solved by developing a method to identify seven species of parasitic wasps using polymerase chain reaction amplification and restriction enzyme digestion. This enables the precise determination of the species of those parasitoid larvae that are usually not morphologically identifiable.
Refuges in reverse: the spread of Bacillus thuringiensis resistance to unselected greenhouse populations of cabbage loopers Trichoplusia ni
Authors: Franklin Michelle T. , Myers Judith H. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract1 The dispersal of susceptible insects between refuges and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) treated fields is the key to resistance management of Bt crops. Here we describe the opposite situation; the movement of Bt resistant Trichoplusia ni moths from over‐wintered, greenhouse populations in British Columbia (BC) exposed to high Bt use to neighbouring greenhouses where Bt sprays have not been used.2 The spread of Bt resistance to non‐selected populations of T. ni, and the resulting increase in resistance, indicates a surprising level of dispersal of resistant moths among greenhouses even in the face of fitness costs.3 Field populations of T. ni in BC are seasonal migrants from regions of California where Bt cotton is grown. In 2006, field populations surveyed along the migration path from California through Oregon were highly susceptible to Bt insecticides and, thus, showed no indication of selection for resistance among these source populations.4 The arrival of the immigrant moths provides a potential source of susceptible individuals to dilute the levels of resistance in greenhouse populations in BC later in the summer, but this has not occurred. Thus, field populations in BC do not appear to serve as refuges to combat Bt resistance in greenhouse populations.
Effects and implications of antibiotic treatment onWolbachia‐infected vine weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Son Youngsoo , Luckhart Shirley , Zhang Xing , Lieber Matthew J. , Lewis Edwin E. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract1 The parthenogenetic weevilOtiorhynchus sulcatuswas collected from five geographical locations in the U.S.A. All weevils from each location were infected byWolbachiabelonging to supergroup B.2 We hypothesized that treatment with tetracycline, which has been used to clearWolbachiainfection, would influence the reproduction ofWolbachia‐infected parthenogeneticO. sulcatusfemales. Tetracycline treatment of preovipositionalO. sulcatusfemales specifically inhibited egg hatching but had no effect relative to controls on any other physiological trait.3 Treatment with gentamicin, which reportedly has no effect onWolbachiainfection but is indistinguishable from tetracycline in inhibiting protein synthesis of other bacterial genera, did not influence egg hatching.4 These findings strongly suggest that the inhibition of egg development results from the antibiotic effect onWolbachiarather than by direct toxic effects onO. sulcatusphysiology.5 We speculate thatWolbachiamay be necessary for normal development ofO. sulcatuseggs and discuss the implications of these findings forO. sulcatusecology.
Comparative life history and parasitism of a new colour morph of the walnut aphid in California
Authors: Hougardy Evelyne , Mills Nicholas J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract1 The walnut aphid Chromaphis juglandicola is a yellow aphid. In 2003, however, a white colour morph was discovered in the Sacramento Valley of California. The colour dimorphism occurs between clone lines and, when white morphs are present, they occur in mixed colour morph colonies on the underside of walnut leaves.2 Laboratory experiments were undertaken to evaluate the thermal requirements for development, adult longevity and progeny production of the two colour morphs. Host instar preference of Trioxys pallidus, a parasitoid responsible for the successful biological control of the walnut aphid in California, was examined separately for each colour morph, and host colour preference was investigated for the preferred instar.3 No differences in thermal requirements for development, adult size or mean longevity were detected between yellow and white colour morphs. A small difference in early reproduction was detected: white colour morphs produced more progeny on each of the two first days of adult reproduction than yellow colour morphs.4 Trioxys pallidus showed a slight preference for the fourth instar of the yellow morph over the second‐ and third‐, but equal preference for second, third and fourth instars of the white morph. When offered equal numbers of fourth instars of the two colour morphs, T. pallidus did not show any colour preference.5 The differences in early aphid reproduction and host instar preference by T. pallidus were combined in a stage‐structured matrix model. Model analysis showed a greater potential for population growth of the white morph over the yellow morph, with early reproduction having a greater influence than host instar preference.
Renal tumour surgery in elderly patients
Authors: Roos Frederik C. , Pahernik Sascha , Melchior Sebastian W. , Thüroff Joachim W. 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVETo analyse morbidity, renal function and oncological outcome in patients aged ≥80 years who had surgery for renal tumours, as in the elderly such surgery is controversial in relation to life‐expectancy and other causes of death.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween 1990 and 2006, in our institution 1625 patients had surgery to treat solid renal tumours suspected to be renal cell carcinoma (RCC); 62 (4%) were aged ≥80 years (mean 82.5), and 73% of these elderly patients had radical nephrectomy (RN) and 27% nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS).Results The median (range) follow‐up was 3.1 (0.2–14.1) years (89% of the patients). There was no perioperative mortality. There were only minor complications in 47% of patients, most (34%) being temporary increases in serum creatinine level. Histopathologically, 10% of the 62 patients had benign lesions and 90% had RCC. Of the 56 patients with RCC, the stage was pT1a in 34%, pT1b in 25%, pT2 in 5% and pT3 in 36%. For those treated with RN the median (range) serum creatinine level before and after RN was 1.0 (0.7–1.8) and 1.4 (1.0–2.8) mg/dL (P < 0.05), and for those treated with NSS were 1.1 (0.7–4.4) and 1.2 (0.7–4.8) mg/dL (not significant), respectively. The 5‐year overall survival was 68% and the cancer‐specific survival was 85%.CONCLUSIONSSurgery for renal tumours is safe in elderly patients, with a low perioperative morbidity and a good overall survival rate. Patients should be selected carefully according to comorbidities, biological age and social support.
Outcome of pregnancy in women with a history of vesico‐ureteric reflux
Authors: Hollowell Jean G. 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVESTo review the evidence relating to the outcome of pregnancy in women with vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR) or a previous history of VUR and to identify the factors contributing to morbidity in pregnancy, with particular emphasis on the role of renal scarring.METHODSSearches were carried out in Medline, Pubmed and MD Consult using various combinations of the keywords including: vesicoureteral reflux and pregnancy, maternal vesicoureteral reflux, vesicoureteral reflux in adulthood, reflux nephropathy and pregnancy. All data quoted in this review are from original articles.RESULTSThe published studies showed that women with VUR that was not associated with renal scarring had no increase in the incidence of gestational hypertension, pre‐eclampsia or fetal morbidity, regardless of whether their VUR was diagnosed in childhood or adulthood. However, women with VUR and normal kidneys did have higher incidence of urinary tract infection during pregnancy, which was not modified by ureteric re‐implantation. Renal scarring was the primary risk factor for morbidity during pregnancy and this risk was independent of the presence or absence of VUR at the time of pregnancy.CONCLUSIONThe evidence does not support the practice of correcting low‐grade VUR in girls with unscarred kidneys because this will reduce their risk of complications in pregnancy. The presence of renal scarring rather than the presence or absence of reflux is the principal determinant of morbidity during pregnancy.
Laparoscopic sentinel node dissection for prostate carcinoma: technical and anatomical observations
Authors: Meinhardt Willem , Valdés Olmos Renato A. , Van Der Poel Henk G. , Bex Axel , Horenblas Simon 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVETo report experience with sentinel node (SN) lymphadenectomy which allows an assessment of the exact location of radioactive and of tumour‐bearing lymph nodes, and evaluate differences in timing of the scintigraphy and surgery.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study included 35 patients who opted for external beam radiation therapy for prostate carcinoma of intermediate or poor prognosis. Agreement was reached between the participating urologists and the physicians of the nuclear medicine department on the definition of the relevant anatomical areas. The time between a transrectal intraprostatic injection with the radioactive nanocolloid and the laparoscopic SN procedure varied from 5 h to 26 h. Scintigrams were merged with the computed tomography scans until combined methods became available. A laparoscopic γ‐probe was used to identification the SNs, and an extensive laparoscopic node dissection undertaken in the same procedure. Lymph nodes were submitted to the pathologist in such a way that their exact location could be reconstructed. After surgery a graphic report was produced showing the exact location of the lymph nodes.RESULTSOf the 35 patients 40% were node positive; a mean of 13.5 nodes were resected, and there were no false‐negative results. The location of the vast majority of the tumour‐positive SNs was around the bifurcation of the external and internal iliac artery, and so involved nodes from the internal iliac, external iliac, communis and obturator basins. Of the six SNs outside the extended node dissection area, two were positive but only one of them exclusively so (lateral to the external iliac artery). The scintigrams did not change after 4 h, and the operation should be done within 24 h to have sufficient radioactivity in the nodes to be detected by the probe. There were eight complications (23%) but only one could be attributed to the SN procedure; the others were thought to be related to the extended laparoscopic node dissection.CONCLUSIONThe laparoscopic SN procedure is a reliable tool for diagnosing prostate cancer‐bearing lymph nodes, but the extended laparoscopic node dissection has, in this series and others, too many complications for it to be attractive for diagnostic purposes. The SN procedure makes an extended node dissection unnecessary in most patients.
BIOETHICS IN CHINA
Authors: LI EN‐CHANG 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTHistorically, the preconditions for the emergence of bioethics in China. were political reforms and their applications. The Hanzhong Euthanasia Case and the publication of Qiu Ren‐zong's academic work Bioethics played a significant role in the development of bioethics in China. Other contributory factors include the establishment of the Chinese Society of Medical Ethics/Chinese Medical Association (C.M.A), the publication of the Journal of Chinese Medical Ethics, and the teaching and education of bioethics in China. Major achievements of bioethics in China include the establishment of ethics committee and ethics review system, active international communication and cooperation among the academic circles, and the successful management of the 8th World Congress of Bioethics in Beijing in 2006. Chinese bioethics focus on native Chinese realities and conditions, absorb the international research achievements in relevant fields, and combine international ideas with traditional Chinese doctrines. Admittedly, there are still some aspects to be improved, yet bioethics has attracted a lot of attention from the core leadership in China and has gained sound financial support, which augers well for its further development. This article also briefly introduces the development of bioethics in Hong Kong and Taiwan, China.
Productivity Growth and Organizational Learning
Authors: Stokke Hildegunn E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA new specification of the sources of productivity growth is offered. Motivated by the lack of innovation and technology adoption in backward economies, a third channel of growth related to organizational structure, work ethics, and discipline in the production process (for simplicity called organizational learning) is suggested. The suggested specification generates new insights about the dominating source of growth during the development process: organizational learning in backward economies, technology adoption in middle‐income economies, and innovation in developed economies. This adds to the current understanding of development as a transition from technology adoption to innovation. Numerical simulations of the Thai catch‐up process since 1965 illustrate the importance of organizational learning. A counterfactual experiment shows how investments in secondary education contribute to the move from organizational learning to adoption of more advanced foreign technology.
Delayed diagnosis of HIV infection and late initiation of antiretroviral therapy in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Authors: Wolbers M , Bucher HC , Furrer H , Rickenbach M , Cavassini M , Weber R , Schmid P , Bernasconi E , Hirschel B , Battegay M ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: April 2008

ObjectivesTo investigate delayed HIV diagnosis and late initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.MethodsTwo sub‐populations were included: 1915 patients with HIV diagnosis from 1998 to 2007 and within 3 months of cohort registration (group A), and 1730 treatment‐naïve patients with CD4≥200 cells/μL before their second cohort visit (group B). In group A, predictors for low initial CD4 cell counts were examined with a median regression. In group B, we studied predictors for CD4<200 cells/μL without ART despite cohort follow‐up.ResultsMedian initial CD4 cell count in group A was 331 cells/μL; 31% and 10% were <200 and <50 cells/μL, respectively. Risk factors for low CD4 count were age and non‐White race. Homosexual transmission, intravenous drug use and living alone were protective. In group B, 30% initiated ART with CD4≥200 cells/μL; 18% and 2% dropped to CD4 <200 and <50 cells/μL without ART, respectively. Sub‐Saharan origin was associated with lower probability of CD4 <200 cells/μL without ART during follow‐up. Median CD4 count at ART initiation was 207 and 253 cells/μL in groups A and B, respectively.ConclusionsCD4<200 cells/μL and, particularly, CD4<50 cells/μL before starting ART are predominantly caused by late presentation. Earlier HIV diagnosis is paramount.
Tuberculosis–HIV co‐infection: policy and epidemiology in 25 countries in the WHO European region
Authors: Lazarus JV , Olsen M , Ditiu L , Matic S 
Published: April 2008

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to collect and review tuberculosis (TB)–HIV data for Europe and to provide an overview of current health policies addressing co‐infection.MethodsWe collected reported cases of TB–HIV from the 25 most affected member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) European region. Countries were also asked whether they had implemented health policies covering collaborative TB–HIV activities and what their main achievements, obstacles and needs were in addressing TB–HIV.ResultsTwenty countries reported registering a total of 6925 TB–HIV cases in 2005. Among TB patients tested, 3.3% were found to be HIV‐positive, up from 2.1% in 2004. The male‐to‐female ratio was 2.7:1. The largest percentage of co‐infections were reported in people aged 25–34 years (47.8%). Recommended TB–HIV policies have been implemented in many of the countries.ConclusionsCase‐finding has improved in many countries and the reported incidence of TB–HIV is increasing in the European region, particularly among young adults, although it remains low compared to other parts of the world. Strengthened coordination of existing TB and HIV services is still needed.