bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid dose-dependent effect of clozapine on a schizophrenic patient’s lipid profile
Authors: Chiang HL , Liu CC , Hwang TJ 
Published: June 2008

Abstract Clozapine is known to be associated with higher risk of metabolic syndrome, including dyslipidaemia, but the mechanisms of such a relationship are still under debate. The case we reported shows a seemingly dose-dependent effect of clozapine on a patient’s lipid profiles with no influence on his blood sugar in a relatively short period of time. A direct effect of clozapine on lipid metabolism, independent of insulin or obesity-related metabolic changes, is suggested. The rapid effect of clozapine on lipid profile allows fine-tuning in dose adjustment while treating refractory schizophrenia complicated with drug-related dyslipidaemia but worrying about psychotic rebound during clozapine discontinuation.
Long-term treatment with flupentixol results of a post-marketing surveillance study
Authors: Messer T , Glaser T , Landen H , Schmauss M 
Published: June 2008

Abstract Schizophrenia is one of the most expensive illnesses. Antipsychotics are an essential component of the acute and preventative treatment of this illness, and long-term treatment is necessary to decrease the risk of psychotic relapse. The efficacy and tolerability of flupentixol was evaluated in a post-marketing surveillance study (PMS) in schizophrenic patients receiving long-term treatment in routine clinical practice. Psychiatrists in office practice treated patients for approximately 10 weeks, with a subsequent follow-up period of up to 18 months. We here report on the follow-up period in 128 patients. The benefit for schizophrenic patients increased with the treatment duration of flupentixol as documented by the Clinical Global Impression (CGI). Subjective quality of life improved during the first study period, and this remained stable in the follow-up period. No increase in body weight was observed during the study. The relapse rate was much lower than in other studies. Anticholinergic medication was necessary for 22.7% of the patients at any time. More than 70% of the psychiatrists involved evaluated the treatment as very good or good. The results of this study suggest that flupentixol is a potent and safe antipsychotic for the long-term treatment of schizophrenia in routine clinical practice.
Neuroendocrine and subjective responses to pharmacological challenge with citalopram: a controlled study in male and female ecstasy/MDMA users
Authors: Allott K , Canny BJ , Broadbear JH , Stepto NK , Murphy B , Redman J 
Published: June 2008

Abstract Despite evidence that ±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ‘ecstasy’) causes persistent alterations to the serotonergic system of animals, evidence for long-term neurological effects of ecstasy/MDMA in humans remains equivocal. The current study assessed serotonin functioning of nine male and 11 female recreational ecstasy polydrug users by measuring neuroendocrine (prolactin, cortisol) responses to pharmacological challenge with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram, compared with nine male and five female cannabis polydrug users and 11 male and 11 female non-drug using controls. A single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled design was used. Subjective responses, other substance use, mood, personality traits and demographic variables were measured to control for potentially confounding variables. There were no significant differences between ecstasy polydrug users, cannabis polydrug users and non-drug using controls in neuroendocrine or subjective responses to serotonergic challenge, and there were no sex by drug group interactions. There was no relationship between extent of ecstasy use and neuroendocrine functioning, alone or in combination with potential confounding variables. Subjective responses to the pharmacological challenge (nausea, tremor, dry mouth), novelty seeking and lifetime dose of alcohol were the only variables that contributed to one or more of the neuroendocrine outcome variables. These data do not support the premise that recreational ecstasy/MDMA use results in measurable impairment of serotonergic control of endocrine activity.
Limits of meta-analysis: methylphenidate in the treatment of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Koesters M , Becker T , Kilian R , Fegert JM , Weinmann S 
Published: June 2008

Abstract Guidelines for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults advocate methylphenidate as first-line treatment. The aim of this study was to review the effectiveness of methylphenidate treatment of adult ADHD and to examine the influence of methods on meta-analytic results. Electronic databases were searched to identify clinical trials comparing methylphenidate with placebo in the treatment of adult ADHD. Studies were summarised with meta-analytic methods. Subgroup analyses were conducted with respect to parallel group versus cross-over trials and self versus observer ratings. The relationship between dosage and effect size was explored by weighted regression analysis. The results were tested for publication bias, and several sensitivity analyses were performed. Findings and methods were compared with a previous meta-analysis. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria of which 16 were included in the meta-analysis. The overall effect size (d = 0.42) was significantly different from zero, but was only half the size expected on the basis of a previous meta-analysis. No significant differences could be observed in the subgroup analyses. The regression analysis showed no significant influence of mean daily dose on effect size. These results contradict findings of a previous meta-analysis and challenge guideline recommendations. Methodological issues in meta-analyses are discussed.
Very early scans for demonstrating dissemination in time in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tur C , Tintoré M , Rovira Á , Nos C , Río J , Téllez N , Galán I , Perkal H , Comabella M , Sastre-Garriga J , Montalban X 
Published: June 2008

Objective To evaluate the clinical significance of the 2005 modified imaging criteria for dissemination in time in multiple sclerosis stating that detection of a new T2 lesion appearing at any time compared with a reference scan done at least 30 days after the onset of a clinically isolated syndrome implies dissemination in time. Methods We included consecutive patients younger than 50 years examined at our center within 3 months of a clinical syndrome suggestive of central nervous system demyelination of the type seen in multiple sclerosis and followed for at least 3 years. We classified patients into one of two groups, according to the timing when reference scan was performed: less than 30 days and at least 30 days after symptom onset. We analyzed the interaction in time to relapse between timing of reference scan and new T2 lesion effect. Results A total of 218 patients were included. The hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of this interaction was 0.90 (0.31–2.62) (or 1.02 (0.27–3.91) in patients with dissemination in space). Conclusions We conclude that new T2 lesions increased relapse risk regardless of timing of the reference scan, supporting the use of scans performed at any time within 30 days of symptom onset for dissemination in time demonstration.
Electromyographic activity to keep a lower limb in a raised position in healthy subjects and subjects with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gatti R , Corti M , Govetto S , Bonzani K , Boccardi S 
Published: June 2008

The objective of this work was to assess the activation of the stabilization muscles used to keep one lower limb raised from a supine position, in healthy subjects and in subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS) in two different conditions. The test required subjects to keep the right lower limb at 45° from the supine position on a horizontal bed plane, with the knee extended. The position was reached in two ways: by raising the right limb (A), and by resting the left lower limb on the bed after both limbs had been raised (B). During the test, pelvis and hip kinematics and the surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity were acquired. Fourteen healthy subjects and 14 subjects with multiple sclerosis were included in the study. Results showed that in the A condition, healthy subjects had a greater activation of the biceps femoris than the abdominal muscles, while in the B condition the difference between the two muscles decreased. In the MS group there was no difference in muscular activation for the two conditions. The data show that in the MS subjects there is an alteration of the stabilization muscles with regard the quality of the activation. Starting from these data new exercises of motor rehabilitation in subjects with multiple sclerosis could be recommended.
Formate hydrogenlyase in the hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus litoralis
Authors: Takács Mária , Tóth András , Bogos Balázs , Varga András , Rákhely Gábor , Kovács Kornél L 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background

Thermococcus litoralis is a heterotrophic facultative sulfur dependent hyperthermophilic Archaeon, which was isolated from a shallow submarine thermal spring. It has been successfully used in a two-stage fermentation system, where various keratinaceous wastes of animal origin were converted to biohydrogen. In this system T. litoralis performed better than its close relative, P. furiosus. Therefore, new alternative enzymes involved in peptide and hydrogen metabolism were assumed in T. litoralis.

Results
An about 10.5 kb long genomic region was isolated and sequenced from Thermococcus litoralis. In silico analysis revealed that the region contained a putative operon consisting of eight genes: the fdhAB genes coding for a f ormate d eh ydrogenase and the mhyCDEFGH genes encoding a [NiFe] hydrogenase belonging to the group of the H2-evolving, energy-conserving, m embrane-bound hy drogenases. Reverse transcription linked quantitative Real-Time PCR and Western blotting experiments showed that the expression of the fdh-mhy operon was up-regulated during fermentative growth on peptides and down-regulated in cells cultivated in the presence of sulfur. Immunoblotting and protein separation experiments performed on cell fractions indicated that the formate dehydrogenase part of the complex is associated to the membrane-bound [NiFe] hydrogenase.

Conclusion
The formate dehydrogenase together with the membrane-bound [NiFe] hydrogenase formed a formate hydrogenlyase (formate dehydrogenase coupled hydrogenase, FDH-MHY) complex. The expression data suggested that its physiological role is linked to the removal of formate likely generated during anaerobic peptide fermentation.
Identification of Phox2b-regulated genes by expression profiling of cranial motoneuron precursors
Authors: Pla Patrick , Hirsch Marie-Rose , Le Crom Stéphane , Reiprich Simone , Harley Vincent R , Goridis Christo 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Background
Branchiomotor neurons comprise an important class of cranial motor neurons that innervate the branchial-arch-derived muscles of the face, jaw and neck. They arise in the ventralmost progenitor domain of the rhombencephalon characterized by expression of the homeodomain transcription factors Nkx2.2 and Phox2b. Phox2b in particular plays a key role in the specification of branchiomotor neurons. In its absence, generic neuronal differentiation is defective in the progenitor domain and no branchiomotor neurons are produced. Conversely, ectopic expression of Phox2b in spinal regions of the neural tube promotes cell cycle exit and neuronal differentiation and, at the same time, induces genes and an axonal phenotype characteristic for branchiomotor neurons. How Phox2b exerts its pleiotropic functions, both as a proneural gene and a neuronal subtype determinant, has remained unknown.

Results
To gain further insights into the genetic program downstream of Phox2b, we searched for novel Phox2b-regulated genes by cDNA microarray analysis of facial branchiomotor neuron precursors from heterozygous and homozygous Phox2b mutant embryos. We selected for functional studies the genes encoding the axonal growth promoter Gap43, the Wnt antagonist Sfrp1 and the transcriptional regulator Sox13, which were not previously suspected to play roles downstream of Phox2b and whose expression was affected by Phox2b misexpression in the spinal cord. While Gap43 did not produce an obvious phenotype when overexpressed in the neural tube, Sfrp1 induced the interneuron marker Lhx1,5 and Sox13 inhibited neuronal differentiation. We then tested whether Sfrp1 and Sox13, which are down-regulated by Phox2b in the facial neuron precursors, would antagonize some aspects of Phox2b activity. Co-expression of Sfrp1 prevented Phox2b from repressing Lhx1,5 and alleviated the commissural axonal phenotype. When expressed together with Sox13, Phox2b was still able to promote cell cycle exit and neuronal differentiation, but the cells failed to relocate to the mantle layer and to extinguish the neural stem cell marker Sox2.

Conclusion
Our results suggest novel roles for Sfrp1 and Sox13 in neuronal subtype specification and generic neuronal differentiation, respectively, and indicate that down-regulation of Sfrp1 and Sox13 are essential aspects of the genetic program controlled by Phox2b in cranial motoneurons.
Altered fractalkine cleavage potentially promotes local inflammation in NOD salivary gland
Authors: Wildenberg Manon E , van Helden-Meeuwsen Cornelia G , Drexhage Hemmo A , Versnel Marjan A 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Introduction
In the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse model of Sjögren's syndrome, lymphocytic infiltration is preceded by an accumulation of dendritic cells in the submandibular glands (SMGs). NOD mice also exhibit an increased frequency of mature, fractalkine receptor (CX3C chemokine receptor [CX3CR]1) expressing monocytes, which are considered to be precursors for tissue dendritic cells. To unravel further the role played by fractalkine-CX3CR1 interactions in the salivary gland inflammation, we studied the expression of fractalkine in NOD SMGs.

Methods
We studied protein expression using Western blot analysis of whole tissue lysates. Protease activity was measured in salivary gland tissue lysates using fluorimetric substrates. Digestive capacity of enzymes was determined by in vitro incubation of recombinant enzyme and fractalkine, followed by protein staining and Western blot.

Results
Fractalkine was detected in salivary glands of both NOD and control mice at all ages. Western blot analysis showed fractalkine cleavage with increasing age, which was more pronounced in NOD mice. This cleavage resulted in a decrease in the 31 kDa form of the protein, and the generation of an approximately 19 kDa band. Furthermore, in NOD animals older than 15 weeks, we noted the presence of a unique approximately 17 kDa fragment. This cleavage was organ specific, because it did not occur in brain or pancreas. Increased gelatinase and α-secretase activity were detected in NOD SMG and contributed to cleavage of the 31 kDa protein. Because aberrant cleavage products may induce autoimmunity, we studied the presence of autoantibodies against fractalkine. Indeed, NOD mice exhibited significantly more antibodies against fractalkine than did control animals.

Conclusion
These data indicate that aberrant proteolytic activity in the NOD SMG results in increased fractalkine cleavage and generation of a unique fractalkine fragment. This specific cleavage may contribute to autoimmunity.
Single-stranded polyinosinic acid oligonucleotides trigger leukocyte production of proteins belonging to fibrinolytic and coagulation cascades
Authors: Zare Fariba , Magnusson Mattias , Möllers Linda Nilsson , Jin Tao , Tarkowski Andrej , Bokarewa Maria 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe present study assessed the inductory effects of ds- and ssRNA on the leukocyte production of proteins belonging to fibrinolytic and coagulation cascades. Murine splenocytes were stimulated with dsRNA [polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (polyIC)] and ssRNA sequences [polyinosinic acid (polyI), polycytidylic acid (polyC), and polyuridylic acid (polyU)]. The expression of plasminogen (Plg), tissue factor (TF), IL-6, and IFN-α was assessed. Intracellular tranduction mechanisms activated by oligonucleotides were evaluated using specific inhibitors of signaling pathways and genetically modified mice. polyIC efficiently and dose-dependently induced the expression of Plg, IL-6, and IFN-α, whereas TF was not induced by polyIC. polyI was unable to trigger IFN-α production, and it was efficiently inducing Plg and TF. IFN-αR and dsRNA-dependent protein kinase signaling were not required for the polyI-induced production of Plg or TF. Neither polyU nor polyC induced the expression of Plg or TF. Importantly, the presence of U- and C-nucleotide strands in the dsRNA significantly reduced expression of Plg and TF compared with polyI alone. Exposure of splenocytes to polyI activated the NF-κB pathway followed by the expression of TF and IL-6. In contrast, Plg production did not require NF-κB, was only partly down-regulated by p38 MAPK inhibitor, and was efficiently inhibited by insulin, indicating a different mechanism for its induction. ssRNA exerts its TF-generating properties through NF-κB activation in an IFN-α-independent manner. The expression of fibrinolytic versus coagulation proteins is regulated through distinctly different transduction pathways. As fibrinolytic and coagulation cascades are important components of inflammatory homeostatis, these findings might have importance for developement of new, targeted therapies.
Cholera toxin B subunit promotes the induction of regulatory T cells by preventing human dendritic cell maturation
Authors: D’Ambrosio Antonella , Colucci Manuela , Pugliese Orsola , Quintieri Francesca , Boirivant Monica 
Published: June 2008

AbstractCholera toxin B subunit (CTB) is an efficient mucosal carrier molecule for the generation of immune responses to linked antigens. There is also good evidence that CTB acts as an immunosuppressant, as it is able to down-modulate human monocyte/macrophage cell line activation and to suppress Th1-type responses. In the present study, we examined the possibility that recombinant CTB (rCTB) may affect human dendritic cell (DC) functions in response to LPS stimulation and may induce the generation of DC with the capacity to generate CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). Our findings show that rCTB partially prevents the LPS-induced maturation process of monocyte-derived DC (MDDC) and decreases their IL-12 production with no relevant effect on IL-10 production. LPS-stimulated MDDC pretreated with rCTB are able to promote the induction of low proliferating T cells, which show an enhanced IL-10 production associated with a reduced IFN-γ production and the same high levels of TGF-β as the control. These T cells suppress proliferation of activated autologous T cells. Transwell experiments and blockade of IL-10R and TGF-β showed that the immunomodulatory effect is mediated by soluble factors. Thus, T cells induced by rCTB-conditioned MDDC acquire a regulatory phenotype and activity similar to those described for type 1 Tregs.
Empty Words or Real Achievement? The Impact of Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women in Armed Conflicts
Authors: Binder Christina , Lukas Karin , Schweiger Romana 
Published: June 2008

On October 31, 2000, the Security Council of the United Nations (UN) adopted Resolution 1325 as the first comprehensive document on strengthening the role of women and girls in conflict and postconflict situations. The article reviews the resolution's history and examines its potential for the advancement of women. The characteristic advantage of Resolution 1325 is its central idea of the empowerment of women in conflict and postconflict settings. However, have the objectives of the resolution been adequately endorsed at the international level? Have they been sufficiently implemented at the national level? Or have the commitments of Resolution 1325 remained empty words without further impact?
The article explores the case of Uganda to illustrate the effects of the resolution on women as peace-builders in a national context and discusses the advances in addressing gender issues in postconflict justice processes. It concludes that many of the commitments outlined in Resolution 1325 still remain to be implemented—at the level of the UN as well as in national contexts.
Strange Bedfellows: The Politics and Pathologies of Immigration Reform
Authors: Tichenor Daniel J. 
Published: June 2008

The practical and ethical challenges posed by unauthorized immigration in the United States have a long history. In this article, which serves as the basis of discussion in this issue's Up for Debate section, Daniel Tichenor demonstrates how the immigration debate defies the usual liberal/conservative divide of U.S. politics and illustrates the different ways that distinct ideological camps define the problem of illegal immigration. He then shows how American immigration reform, because of the contentious politics it inspires, has been propelled over time by compromises among strange bedfellows. The legislative result for almost a century has been a series of Faustian bargains over porous borders and access to cheap, low-skilled labor. Equally important, the capacity and will of the national state to enforce its immigration laws have long been beleaguered by a tradition of inadequate resources, erratic leadership, and poor oversight. While the political spotlight usually trains on legislative wrangling over immigration reform and its legal outcomes, the devil often can be found in the details of enforcement. In addition to these significant historical patterns, however, are important new forces in the politics of immigration reform. These include the fresh political mobilization and growing influence of new immigrant groups as well as the shifting role of organized labor in immigration policy making.
In their generally sympathetic responses to Tichenor, economist Barry Chiswick stresses the costs of the modern-day welfare state as an additional consideration affecting political discussion in recent years, Nancy Foner expands the political dimension to encompass the diversity of state and local polities, while David Gutiérrez suggests that older, static ideas of “social membership” are being upended by the presence and uncowed activism of “noncitizens” in an era of global economic realignment.
Isotope Effect on Spin-crossover Transition in a New Two-dimensional Coordination Polymer [FeII(C5H5N)2][AuI(CN)2]2, [FeII(C5D5N)2][AuI(CN)2]2, and [FeII(C5H515N)2][AuI(CN)2]2
Authors: Kosone Takashi , Kachi-Terajima Chihiro , Kanadani Chikahide , Saito Toshiaki , Kitazawa Takafumi 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
A new Hofmann-like heterometal FeIIAuI two-dimensional (2D) spin-crossover compound, {[FeII(pyridine)2][AuI(CN)2]2}n (1) and its isotope-substituted analogues {[FeII(pyridine-D5)2][AuI(CN)2]2}n (2) and {[FeII(pyridine-15N)2][AuI(CN)2]2}n (3) have been synthesized in a simple synthetic method and characterized crystallographically and magnetically. Complex 1 consists of an octahedral FeII ion coordinated with the pyridine ligands and a mononuclear [AuI(CN)2]− unit with a linear coordination geometry, which combine to form an infinite 2D structure. The spin transitions observed for 1 and 3 are accompanied by drastic and reversible change of color from colorless to purple. In complexes 1 and 3, about 10 and 3.5% high-spin states are changed to low-spin states at 75 K. However, HS states in 2 are slightly more stable than those in 3.