bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thalamofrontal circuitry and executive dysfunction in recent‐onset juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Pulsipher Dalin T. , Seidenberg Michael , Guidotti Leslie , Tuchscherer Victoria N. , Morton Jared , Sheth Raj D. , Hermann Bruce 
Published: January 2009

SummaryPurpose:  Thalamofrontal abnormalities have been identified in chronic primary generalized epilepsy, specifically in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). These regions also underlie executive functioning, although their relationship has yet to be examined in JME. This study examined the relationship between thalamic and frontal volumes and executive function in recent‐onset JME compared to healthy control subjects and recent‐onset benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BCECTS), a syndrome not typically associated with thalamocortical or executive dysfunction.Methods:  Twenty children with recent‐onset JME were compared to 51 healthy controls and 12 children with BCECTS using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and measures of executive abilities. Quantitative thalamic and frontal volumes were obtained through semi‐automated software. Subtests from the Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System (D‐KEFS) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) were used to measure executive function.Results:  Executive functions were impaired in JME subjects compared to control and BCECTS subjects. Subjects with JME had significantly smaller thalamic volumes and more frontal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) than control and BCECTS subjects. Thalamic and frontal volumes were significantly related to executive functioning in the JME group, but not in the other two groups.Discussion:  Children with JME have significant executive dysfunction associated with significantly smaller thalami and more frontal CSF. Children with recent‐onset BCECTS do not display the same pattern. Frontal and thalamic volumes appear to mediate the relationship between executive functioning and brain structure in JME.
New directions in host modulation for the management of periodontal disease
Authors: Bhatavadekar Neel B. , Williams Ray C. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground: New strategies for periodontal disease management have been emerging as more is learned about the role of the host response. Our increasing understanding of inflammation and its resolution has opened the door to the study of new periodontal treatment strategies. This commentary examines periodontal disease in light of a new understanding of the role of inflammation in disease expression, thus setting the stage for the development of new prevention and treatment strategies of a widespread disease.Methods: We examined current publications and focused on articles relating to anti‐inflammatory and pro‐resolution mechanisms in periodontal disease.Results: Recent research has examined the inflammatory and resolution cascade in greater detail while looking at endogenous and exogenous mediators that can be utilized to achieve therapeutic end‐points. The possible introduction of “resolution indices” for drug testing warrants a new look at pharmacologic agents that might have been overlooked for their beneficial effects in periodontal disease treatment.Conclusion: The emerging awareness of inflammation and its control in periodontal disease management underscores the importance of exploring inflammatory pathways and mediators, thus exploring new ways to control inflammation. This direction of research promises a new era in drug discovery and therapeutics for periodontal disease treatment.
Relation of body mass index, periodontitis and Tannerella forsythia
Authors: Haffajee Anne D. , Socransky Sigmund Sidney 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjective: To determine if there were differences in periodontal status and the composition of the subgingival microbiota in individuals who exhibited different body mass indices (BMI).Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty‐one periodontally healthy/gingivitis and 574 chronic periodontitis subjects had height and weight determined and were measured for probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, gingival redness and presence of visible plaque. Subgingival plaque samples taken from each tooth were individually analysed for their content of 40 bacterial species using checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization.Results: Crude odds ratios (ORs) [95% confidence interval (CI)] of overweight and obese individuals exhibiting periodontitis were 3.1 (1.9–4.8) and 5.3 (2.8–9.5), respectively, when compared with subjects with normal BMI. Logistic regression analysis indicated an OR (95% CI) of 2.3 (1.2–4.5) for an obese subject to exhibit periodontitis after adjusting for age, gender and smoking status. Individuals <46.8 years (median age) were responsible for this association. Only Tannerella forsythia differed significantly in proportions among BMI groups and was significantly higher in obese periodontally healthy/gingivitis individuals.Conclusion: The data suggest that an overgrowth of T. forsythia occurs in the subgingival biofilms of periodontally healthy, overweight and obese individuals that might put them at risk for initiation and progression of periodontitis.
Research in practice: diagnosis of subepidermal autoimmune bullous disorders
Authors: Schmidt Enno , Zillikens Detlef 
Published: January 2009

SummarySubepidermal autoimmune bullous disorders are a heterogeneous group of diseases that are associated with autoantibodies to hemidesmosomal proteins (pemphigoid group, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita) or epidermal/tissue transglutaminase (dermatitis herpetiformis). Characterization of the target antigens has led to the description of novel entities such as anti‐p200 pemphigoid and has greatly facilitated the diagnosis of these diseases. Precise identification of target antigens is of therapeutic relevance since treatment options may greatly differ between these disorders. By the use of various in vitro and in vivo systems, the pathogenic relevance of autoantibodies to different hemidesmosomal constituents, including BP180 (type XVII collagen), laminin 332 (laminin 5), α6β4 integrin, and type VII collagen has been demonstrated. The translation of this basic scientific work has subsequently led to the development of specific autoantibody detection systems that are not only of diagnostic use but also allow the monitoring of circulating autoantibody levels during the course of the disease and thus are helpful in guiding treatment decisions in these patients.
Thyroid hormone β receptor activation has additive cholesterol lowering activity in combination with atorvastatin in rabbits, dogs and monkeys
Authors: Ito BR , Zhang B‐H , Cable EE , Song X , Fujitaki JM , MacKenna DA , Wilker CE , Chi B , Van Poelje PD , Linemeyer DL , Erion MD 
Published: January 2009

Mandarin translation of abstractBackground and purpose: Thyroid hormone receptor (TR) agonists are in clinical trials for the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia. As statins are the standard of clinical care, any new therapies must have adjunctive activity, when given in combination with statins. As already known for the statins, the cholesterol lowering effect of TR activation involves increased expression of the low‐density lipoprotein receptor. Using animal models, we tested whether TR activation would have additive cholesterol lowering activity in the presence of effective doses of a statin.Experimental approach: We evaluated the activity of a liver‐targeted prodrug, MB07811, of a novel TH receptor β agonist, MB07344, as monotherapy and in combination with atorvastatin in rabbits, dogs and monkeys.Key results: In rabbits, MB07344 (i.v.) decreased total plasma cholesterol (TPC) comparable to that achieved with a maximally effective dose of atorvastatin (p.o.). The addition of MB07344 to atorvastatin resulted in a further decrease in TPC. Similarly, the addition of MB07811 (p.o.) to atorvastatin treatment decreased TPC beyond the level achieved with either agent as monotherapy. In dogs and monkeys, atorvastatin and MB07811 were administered as monotherapy or in combination. Consistent with the rabbit studies, the combination treatment caused a greater decrease in TPC than either MB07811 or atorvastatin administered as monotherapy.Conclusions and implications: We conclude that the effects of MB07811 and atorvastatin in lowering cholesterol are additive in animals. These results would encourage and support the demonstration of similarly improved efficacy of combination versus monotherapy with such agents in the clinic.Mandarin translation of abstract
Erythrocytic pyruvate kinase deficiency and AB blood types in Australian Abyssinian and Somali cats
Authors: Barrs VR , Giger U , Wilson B , Chan CTT , Lingard AE , Tran L , Seng A , Canfield PJ , Beatty JA 
Published: January 2009

Objective  To determine the frequency of the mutant pyruvate kinase (PK) allele, haematological parameters and AB blood types of Abyssinian and Somali cats in Australia.Design  Complete blood cell and reticulocyte counts, DNA PK mutation testing and blood typing were performed in all cats.Results  A total of 60 cats (36 Abyssinians, 24 Somalis) were included (37 females, 23 males). For the mutant PK allele, three female Somalis were homozygous (affected, 5%), 17 cats were heterozygous (carrier, 28%) and 40 cats tested negative (normal, 67%). Pedigree analysis revealed common ancestry of affected and many carrier cats. Of affected cats, two had regenerative anaemias and all had reticulocytosis (range 64–390 × 109/L; P < 0.001 compared with normal or carrier cats). The only consistent historical sign was lethargy. One affected cat was euthanased 18 months after testing, because of anaemia, neutropenia, anorexia and weight loss. The mutant allele frequency was 0.19 overall (0.29 in Somalis, 0.13 in Abyssinians). All cats had blood type A. The commercial blood typing card method incorrectly identified 12 cats as having type AB blood.Conclusions  The frequency of the mutant PK allele is high in Australia. Screening for PK deficiency is indicated before mating and in individual cats of these breeds, even in the absence of anaemia and especially when there is reticulocytosis. Although all cats in the present study had blood type A, blood type B is common in these breeds worldwide. Retyping of any AB typed cats by a laboratory technique is recommended.
Assessment of welfare of suckling lambs following intradermal injection of cetrimide as a non‐surgical alternative to conventional mulesing
Authors: Colditz IG , Lloyd JB , Paull DR , Lee C , Giraudo A , Pizzato C , Fisher AD 
Published: January 2009

Objective  To assess in suckling lambs the impact of intradermal injection of cetrimide, a quaternary ammonium compound formulated to induce non‐surgical mulesing, on some physiological and behavioural indicators of welfare.Procedures  We allocated 32 suckling lambs (9–11 weeks old) to three groups: (1) control (n = 10), (2) conventional surgical mules (n = 11) and (3) non‐surgical mules (n = 11). Non‐surgical mulesing was induced by intradermal injection of 4% (w/w) cetrimide + 3% (w/w) polyvinylpyrrolidone in water. Lambs were run in pens of four together with their dams. Haematology, cortisol, beta‐endorphin and haptoglobin levels, and rectal temperature were monitored at least daily for the first 7 days after treatment, then weekly until day 28. Body weight was measured weekly and behaviour was measured every 15 min for 12 h on the day of treatment, then on days 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 21 and 28 following treatment.Results  The intradermal treatment induced local tissue swelling, systemic signs of severe inflammation, including high fever (> 41.0°C) and elevated blood cortisol levels, by 12 h. Rectal temperatures were significantly elevated until 6 days after treatment, cortisol levels were elevated until 4 days after treatment, haptoglobin levels for at least 7 days after treatment and the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio until 5 days after treatment. Peak cortisol values were comparable in mulesed lambs and lambs receiving the intradermal treatment, whereas the areas under the curves for cortisol and temperature were greater in lambs receiving the intradermal treatment than in mulesed lambs. Beta‐endorphin levels were significantly elevated in mulesed sheep at 12 h. There was no effect of intradermal treatment on average daily gain, fibre diameter or beta‐endorphin concentration. Mulesed lambs spent 44% of the time in abnormal behaviours (hunched standing, stiff walking, pawing, lateral lying and lying intention) on the day of treatment. On the day after treatment, lambs receiving the intradermal treatment spent 11% of the time (comparable to mulesed lambs) in abnormal behaviours. In comparison, control lambs spent 0.4% of their time in abnormal behaviours on the same day.Conclusions  The welfare of suckling lambs that were non‐surgically mulesed by intradermal injection of cetrimide was measurably poorer than control lambs.
Equine amnionitis and fetal loss: The case definition for an unrecognised cause of abortion in mares
Authors: Todhunter KH , Perkins NR , Wylie RM , Chicken C , Blishen AJ , Racklyeft DJ , Muscatello G , Wilson MC , Adams PL , Gilkerson JR , Bryden WL , Begg AP 
Published: January 2009

AbstractA series of abortions occurred in mares in New South Wales during 2004 that involved similar and unusual findings on post mortem examination of aborted fetuses and fetal membranes. The term Equine Amnionitis and Fetal Loss (EAFL) was developed to describe the condition. This form of abortion had not been previously recognised in Australia. The pathology alone is not specific for EAFL and diagnosis requires demonstration of a combination of certain pathological and bacteriological features. The purpose of this paper is to describe patterns considered consistent with EAFL cases as a working case definition for use by veterinarians and veterinary pathologists in identifying future cases of EAFL. More detailed papers are in preparation to fully describe the epidemiological, histopathological, and microbiological aspects of EAFL.
The novel primers for sex identification in the brown eared‐pheasant and their application to other species
Authors: WANG N. , ZHANG Z‐W. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe designed a pair of primers for sex identification in the brown eared‐pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum) based on the mechanism of PCR amplification of CHD fragments, and identified the number of products. The new primers were considered to have more sensitivity than P2/P8, and cross‐species application indicated that they can also be used for sex identification in other species of Phasianidae and Passeriformes.
Characterization of microsatellite loci in the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis
Authors: CIOFI CLAUDIO , TZIKA ATHANASIA C. , NATALI CHIARA , CHELAZZI GUIDO , NAZIRIDIS THEODORUS , MILINKOVITCH MICHEL C. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractA set of eight highly polymorphic microsatellite markers was isolated and characterized from a genomic library enriched for dinucleotide repeats in the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis. The markers were tested for polymorphism in a total of 33 turtles sampled in two natural ponds in the nature reserve of Kerkini, northern Greece. Number of alleles varied from 10 to 18, and expected heterozygosity ranged between 0.738 and 0.921. This novel set of loci will be particularly useful to assess fine‐scale population structure and for parentage analysis in E. orbicularis.
A nondestructive method for obtaining maternal DNA from avian eggshells and its application to embryonic viability determination in herring gulls (Larus argentatus)
Authors: EGLOFF C. , LABROSSE A. , HEBERT C. , CRUMP D. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractMany avian studies, aimed at collecting samples for genetic analysis, rely upon invasive procedures involving the capture and handling of parents and their offspring. Our goal was to develop a nondestructive method for sampling maternal DNA that would not require blood collection from the mother. Herein, we describe a method for isolating genomic DNA from eggshell powder, obtained by filing the outer shell of an avian egg. Comparison of microsatellite profiles, obtained from genomic DNA found within eggshell matrices and their corresponding parents, verified the presence of maternal DNA in the eggshell matrix in 100% of the herring gull nests assessed (n= 11). In addition, the microsatellite profiles of eggshell DNA were identical among eggs from the same clutch. The ability to rapidly obtain a DNA sample from an avian eggshell in a noninvasive manner could aid in a wide range of genetic sampling studies, and in this study, we provide one potential application of this finding: assessing the fertilization status of nonviable herring gull (Larus argentatus) eggs from the Laurentian Great Lakes. Detection of fertilization was successful as the microsatellite profiles of eggshell powder (maternal only) and the fertilized embryonic contents of those eggs did not match. Ideally, the application of such an approach will help to discriminate unfertilized eggs from embryos aborted early in development and provide insights into avian reproductive health.
Cross‐species characterisation of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis)
Authors: PICKLES ROBERT S. A. , GROOMBRIDGE JAMES J. , ROJAS VERONICA D. ZAMBRANA , JORDAN WILLIAM C. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractNineteen microsatellite loci developed for the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) and 15 loci developed for the North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) were tested for ease of amplification and degree of polymorphism on a set of 20 giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) faecal samples from the Bolivian Amazon basin. Nineteen loci amplified consistently well, with polymorphisms ranging from two to nine alleles and observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.15 to 0.85.
Expressed sequence tag–simple sequence repeats isolated from Shorea leprosula and their transferability to 36 species within the Dipterocarpaceae
Authors: NG KEVIN KIT SIONG , LEE SOON LEONG , TSUMURA YOSHIHIKO , UENO SANEYOSHI , NG CHIN HONG , LEE CHAI TING 
Published: January 2009

AbstractSimple sequence repeats (SSRs) derived from expressed sequence tags (ESTs) are valuable markers because they represent transcribed regions and often transferable to related taxa. Here, we report the development and characterization of EST–SSRs from Shorea leprosula. Fifty‐four sequences containing SSRs were identified in 2003 unigenes assembled from 3159 ESTs. Twenty‐four EST–SSRs were developed, of which four gave multiple amplifications, five were found to be monomorphic and 15 showed polymorphism, with allele numbers ranging from two to 17 in a single Pasoh Forest Reserve population of 24 individuals. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.05 to 0.91 and from 0.16 to 0.93, respectively. Cross‐species transferability of the 15 loci to 36 species within Dipterocarpaceae revealed between four and 14 loci that gave positive amplification and 10 loci were found to be transferable to more than 15 species.
Development and characterization of polymorphic markers for the sap‐stain fungus Ophiostoma quercus
Authors: GROBBELAAR J. W. , BARNES I. , CORTINAS M‐N. , BLOOMER P. , WINGFIELD M. J. , WINGFIELD B. D. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractEight polymorphic markers were developed from South African isolates of Ophiostoma quercus. The genome was screened for repeat regions using the fast isolation by amplified fragment length polymorphism of sequences containing repeats protocol and 20 de novo primer pairs flanking putative microsatellite regions were designed. Eight loci were optimized and their polymorphisms evaluated by sequencing. The repeat and flanking regions were highly polymorphic containing both indels and base‐pair substitutions revealing a total of 46 alleles in 14 isolates and an average heterozygosity of 0.68. Substantial sequence variability makes these markers useful for genotyping populations in order to calculate diversity and monitor global movement of O. quercus.
Characterization of 24 microsatellite loci in delta smelt, Hypomesus transpacificus, and their cross‐species amplification in two other smelt species of the Osmeridae family
Authors: FISCH KATHLEEN M. , PETERSEN JESSICA L. , BAERWALD MELINDA R. , PEDROIA JOHN K. , MAY BERNIE 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe characterized 24 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) endemic to the San Francisco Bay Estuary, CA, USA. Screening of samples (n = 30) yielded two to 26 alleles per locus with observed levels of heterozygosity ranging from 0.17 to 1.0. Only one locus deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, suggesting these individuals originate from a single panmictic population. Linkage disequilibrium was found in two pairs of loci after excluding the locus out of Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Twenty‐two primer pairs cross‐amplified in wakasagi smelt (Hypomesus nipponensis), and 15 primer pairs cross‐amplified in longfin smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys).
Development of tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the cushion star, Asterina gibbosa, and cross‐species amplification
Authors: ACEVEDO I. , BLOOR P. , CABEZAS P. , TOLEDO C. , CALVO M. , MACHORDOM A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe describe nine polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci from the starfish, Asterina gibbosa. Loci were isolated from a partial genomic library that had been enriched for AAAC repeat sequences. Number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 14 in a sample of 85 individuals from three populations (two from Spain and one from the UK). Observed and expected heterozygosities per population ranged from 0.000 to 0.400 and from 0.040 to 0.784, respectively. All loci presented significant heterozygote deficits in one or more populations. Eight of these loci were amplified and variable in A. pancerii and A. phylactica. These loci will be used to study population structure in A. gibbosa.
Eight polymorphic microsatellite markers in the Andalusian belladonna (Atropa baetica, Solanaceae)
Authors: SUÁREZ‐SANTIAGO VÍCTOR N. , LÓPEZ‐FLORES INMACULADA , ROMERO‐GARCÍA ANA T. , DE LA HERRÁN ROBERTO , BLANCA GABRIEL 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe report on the isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite markers from enriched libraries for the critically endangered Atropa baetica. These are the first microsatellite loci reported for Atropa species. The total number of alleles found was 18, the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.198 to 0.505. These markers will be useful to establish the real census of individuals and the genetic diversity both within and among the different populations of A. baetica.
Isolation and characterization of 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the endemic Hawaiian damselfly Megalagrion xanthomelas (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)
Authors: JONES BRANDON R. , BOGDANOWICZ STEVEN M. , JORDAN STEVE 
Published: January 2009

AbstractMicrosatellite loci have been isolated from two species of endemic Hawaiian damselflies, Megalagrion xanthomelas and M. eudytum, that are of conservation concern. Sixteen polymorphic loci were characterized in 32 M. xanthomelas from one population on Molokai and one on Hawaii Island. The total number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 16 and observed population heterozygosity ranged from 0.0 to 0.963. Eleven of these loci amplified successfully in M. eudytum as well. These loci will be used to further conservation efforts and infer genetic consequences of Pleistocene glaciations.
Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Yucca filamentosa
Authors: SKLANEY MARY R. , ALTHOFF DAVID M. , SEGRAVES KARI A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractYuccas and their pollinator moths are a textbook example of mutualism, yet we lack sufficiently variable markers to properly study the population genetics of the plants. We characterized 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci for Yucca filamentosa by screening primers derived from an expressed sequence tag database. We found four to 13 alleles per locus and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.31 to 1. These markers will be useful in future ecological studies of Y. filamentosa.