bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional neocortical thinning in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: McDonald Carrie R. , Hagler Donald J. , Ahmadi Mazyar E. , Tecoma Evelyn , Iragui Vicente , Gharapetian Lusineh , Dale Anders M. , Halgren Eric 
Published: February 2008

Summary
Purpose: To determine the nature and extent of regional cortical thinning in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE).
Methods: High‐resolution volumetric MRIs were obtained on 21 patients with MTLE and 21 controls. Mean cortical thickness was measured within regions of interest and point‐by‐point across the neocortex using cortical reconstruction and parcellation software.
Results: Bilateral thinning was observed within frontal and lateral temporal regions in MTLE patients relative to controls. The most striking finding was bilateral cortical thinning in the precentral gyrus and immediately adjacent paracentral region and pars opercularis of the inferior frontal gyrus, extending to the orbital region. Within the temporal lobe, bilateral thinning was observed in Heschl's gyrus only. Ipsilateral only thinning was observed in the superior and middle temporal gyri, as well as in the medial orbital cortex. Greater asymmetries in cortical thickness were observed in medial temporal cortex in patients relative to controls. Individual subject analyses revealed that this asymmetry reflected significant ipsilateral thinning of medial temporal cortex in 33% of patients, whereas it reflected ipsilateral thickening in 20% of MTLEs.
Discussion: Patients with MTLE show widespread, bilateral pathology in neocortical regions that is not appreciated on standard imaging. Future studies are needed that elucidate the clinical implications of neocortical thinning in MTLE.
Leucoencephalopathy with vanishing white matter may cause progressive myoclonus epilepsy
Authors: Jansen An C. , Andermann Eva , Niel Florence , Creveaux Isabelle , Boespflug‐Tanguy Odile , Andermann Frederick 
Published: February 2008

Summary Leucoencephalopathy with vanishing white matter (VWM) is caused by mutations in the genes encoding for one of the five subunits that constitute the eukaryotic initiation factor 2B (eIF2B), and is characterized by a highly suggestive MRI pattern indicating vanishing of the cerebral white matter. Seizures are well known to occur in VWM disease, but usually do not represent a prominent feature. We report a 40‐year‐old man who was diagnosed with progressive myoclonus epilepsy in his twenties. All major causes of progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME) were excluded. Brain MRI showed extensive white matter involvement. Mutation analysis of the EIF2B5 gene revealed a homozygous c.338G>A (p.Arg113His) mutation.
Can Methylphenidate Reduce Fall Risk in Community‐Living Older Adults? A Double‐Blind, Single‐Dose Cross‐Over Study
Authors: Ben‐Itzhak Ron , Giladi Nir , Gruendlinger Leor , Hausdorff Jeffrey M. 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that methylphenidate modifies markers of fall risk in older adults.DESIGN: Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single‐dose cross‐over study.SETTING: Outpatient movement disorders clinic.PARTICIPANTS: Twenty‐six community‐living older adults without dementia (mean age 73.8) with subjective complaints of “memory problems.”INTERVENTIONS: The study examined the effects of a single dose of 20 mg of methylphenidate (MPH) on cognitive function and gait. Participants were evaluated before and 2 hours after taking MPH or a placebo in sessions 1 to 2 weeks apart.MEASUREMENTS: The Timed Up and Go and gait variability quantified mobility and fall risk. A computerized neuropsychology battery quantified memory and executive function (EF).RESULTS: Timed Up and Go times, stride time variability, and measures of EF significantly improved in response to MPH but not in response to the placebo. In contrast, MPH did not significantly affect memory or finger tapping abilities.CONCLUSION: In older adults, MPH appears to improve certain aspects of EF, mobility, and gait stability. Although additional studies are required to assess clinical utility and efficacy, the present findings suggest that methylphenidate and other drugs that are designed to enhance attention may have a role as a therapeutic option for reducing fall risk in older adults.
Risk Stratification in Women Enrolled in the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry Emergency Module (ADHERE‐EM)
Authors: Diercks Deborah B. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Kirk J. Douglas , Emerman Charles L. , Hollander Judd E. , Weber Jim Edward , Summers Richard L. , Wynne Janet , Peacock W. Franklin ,   for the ADHERE Scientific Advisory Committee and Investigators
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjectives:  It has been reported that the mortality risk for heart failure differs between men and women. It has been postulated that this is due to differences in comorbid features. Variation in risk profiles by gender may limit the performance of stratification algorithms available for heart failure in women. This analysis examined the ability of a published risk stratification model to predict outcomes in women.Methods:  The Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry Emergency Module (ADHERE‐EM) database was used. Characteristics, treatments, and outcomes for men and women were compared. The ADHERE registry classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was used for the risk stratification evaluation.Results:  Of 10,984 ADHERE‐EM patients, 5,736 (52.2%) were women. In‐hospital mortality was similar between men and women (p = 0.727). Significant differences (p < 0.0002) were noted by gender in all three variables in the CART model (blood urea nitrogen [BUN] ≥ 43 mg/dL, systolic blood pressure < 115 mm Hg, and serum creatinine ≥ 2.75 mg/dL). However, the CART model effectively stratified both genders into distinct risk groups with no significant difference in mortality by gender within stratified groups.Conclusions:  The ADHERE Registry CART tool is effective at predicting risk in ED patients, regardless of gender.
Urban Shadows: Materiality, the ‘Southern City’ and Urban Theory
Authors: McFarlane Colin 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe may be witnessing a ‘Southern turn’ in urban studies, but the implications for urban theory are only beginning to be worked through. In this article, I argue the need for urbanists to engage with a variety of ‘shadows’ on the edges of urban theory. The article engages with literature that theorises the interactions between urban materiality and social change, from community development literature to more expansive sociomaterial theorisations of the urban fabric. I invoke an expansive conception of the relations between the urban fabric and social change, and draw on a variety of examples through which infrastructures come to matter politically in the creative destruction of capitalist redevelopment. The article ends with consideration of how comparison might be conceived as a strategy of indirect and uncertain learning that entails the possibility of transformation in a predominantly Euro‐American‐orientated urban theory.
Photoprotective Effects of Bucillamine Against UV‐induced Damage in an SKH‐1 Hairless Mouse Model†
Authors: Anwar Adil , Gu Mallikarjuna , Brady Sara , Qamar Lubna , Behbakht Kian , Shellman Yiqun G. , Agarwal Rajesh , Norris David A. , Horwitz Lawrence D. , Fujita Mayumi 
Published: February 2008

AbstractUVB exposure of skin results in various biologic responses either through direct or indirect damage to DNA and non‐DNA cellular targets via the formation of free radicals, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation. Bucillamine [N‐(2‐mercapto‐2‐methylpropionyl)‐l‐cysteine] is a cysteine‐derived compound that can replenish endogenous glutathione due to its two donatable thiol groups, and functions as an antioxidant. In this study, we investigated the effects of bucillamine on UVB‐induced photodamage using the SKH‐1 hairless mouse model. We have demonstrated that UVB exposure (two consecutive doses, 230 mJ cm−2) on the dorsal skin of SKH‐1 mice induced inflammatory responses (edema, erythema, dermal infiltration of leukocytes, dilated blood vessels) and p53 activation as early as 6 h after the last UVB exposure. Bucillamine pretreatment (20 mg kg−1 of body weight, administered subcutaneously) markedly attenuated UVB‐mediated inflammatory responses and p53 activation. We have also demonstrated that the stabilization and upregulation of p53 by UVB correlated with phosphorylation of Ser‐15 and Ser‐20 residues of p53 protein and that bucillamine pretreatment attenuated this effect. We propose that bucillamine has potential to be effective as a photoprotective agent for the management of pathologic conditions elicited by UV exposure.
Impact of a specialized early psychosis treatment programme on suicide. Retrospective cohort study
Authors: Harris Meredith G. , Burgess Philip M. , Chant David C. , Pirkis Jane E. , McGorry Patrick D. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackground: Younger people, early in the course of psychotic illness, are at high risk of suicide.Aim: To investigate the impact of a specialized early psychosis (EP) treatment programme on risk of suicide up to 8.5 years following first contact with mental health services.Methods: A population‐based, retrospective cohort study of 7760 individuals with a psychotic disorder, aged 15–29 years at first contact, ascertained from a statewide psychiatric case register. Suicides were identified by linking the psychiatric register to a coronial register of unnatural deaths. Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate potential risk factors, including specialized EP treatment, for suicide.Results: Our principal hypothesis, that suicide risk over the entire follow‐up period would be significantly lower for those who received specialized EP treatment compared with those who did not, was not supported. However, a secondary analysis found that, after adjusting for other socio‐demographic, clinical and treatment factors, suicide risk was 50% lower in the first 3 years following first contact with mental health services among those exposed to specialized EP treatment compared with those who were not. History of inpatient treatment, more treatment days per annum, and shorter time to establish a psychotic diagnosis were associated with increased risk. Non‐participation in the labour force or in study, compared with being unemployed, exerted a protective effect.Conclusions: The EP treatment model may afford protection from suicide whilst the EP intervention is delivered and for a limited period afterwards.
How people negotiate for success as psychosis emerges
Authors: Woodside Harriet , Krupa Terry , Pocock Karen 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAim:This study focuses on how people try to successfully manage daily life despite emerging but undetected psychosis and explores how those who know them support their success.Methods:The findings we report here are part of a larger qualitative study. After a diagnosis of psychosis was made, participants were asked to reflect on the period before their first episode.Results:We categorize and describe how participants actively negotiated for success in activities and social situations during the prepsychotic period. We also explain strategies used by significant others to support this success and how all study subjects portrayed emerging difficulties as normal.Conclusions:We give some examples of how early detection and recovery programmes may modify their current practices as they consider that individuals may have already discovered strategies to actively deal with functional and social decline that was occurring during the prepsychotic period.
Bisymmetric functions, Macdonald polynomials and basic hypergeometric series
Authors: Ole Warnaar S. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA new type of $\mathfrak {sl}_3$ basic hypergeometric series based on Macdonald polynomials is introduced. Besides a pair of Macdonald polynomials attached to two different sets of variables, a key ingredient in the $\mathfrak {sl}_3$ basic hypergeometric series is a bisymmetric function related to Macdonald’s commuting family of q-difference operators, to the $\mathfrak {sl}_3$ Selberg integrals of Tarasov and Varchenko, and to alternating sign matrices. Our main result for $\mathfrak {sl}_3$ series is a multivariable generalization of the celebrated q-binomial theorem. In the limit this q-binomial sum yields a new $\mathfrak {sl}_3$ Selberg integral for Jack polynomials.
Detoxified Lethal Toxin as a Potential Mucosal Vaccine against Anthrax
Authors: Xu Qingfu , Zeng Mingtao 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

The nontoxic mutant lethal factor (mLF; which has the E687C substitution) and functional protective antigen (PA63) of
Bacillus anthracis
were evaluated for their use as mucosal vaccines against anthrax in A/J mice. Intranasal vaccination of three doses of 30 μg of mLF or 60 μg of PA63 elicited significant serum and mucosal antibody responses, with anthrax lethal toxin-neutralizing titers of 40 and 60 in immune sera, respectively. However, only 30% and 60% of the vaccinated animals in the two groups could survive a challenge with 100 times the 50% lethal dose of
B. anthracis
Sterne spores, respectively. In contrast, vaccination with three doses of the combination of 30 μg of mLF and 60 μg of PA63, the detoxified lethal toxin, elicited antibody responses against LF and PA significantly higher than those elicited after vaccination with mLF or PA63 individually by use of the same dose and schedule. Vaccination with the detoxified lethal toxin resulted in significantly higher lethal toxin-neutralizing antibody titers in sera (titer, 90). Animals vaccinated with three doses of the detoxified lethal toxin were completely protected against the spore challenge. The data suggest that mLF and PA63 have a mutual enhancement effect for evoking systemic and mucosal immune responses and that the detoxified lethal toxin can be used as an efficient mucosal vaccine against anthrax.
Dried-Blood Sampling for Epstein-Barr Virus Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA Serology in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Screening
Authors: Fachiroh J. , Prasetyanti P. R. , Paramita D. K. , Prasetyawati A. T. , Anggrahini D. W. , Haryana S. M. , Middeldorp J. M. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

Dried-blood (DB) samples on filter paper are considered clinical specimens for diagnostic use because of the ease of collection, storage, and transport. We recently developed a synthetic-peptide-based immunoglobulin A (IgA) (EBNA1 plus viral capsid antigen [VCA]-p18) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) screening. Here, we evaluate the use of two filter papers for DB sampling, i.e., Schleicher & Schuell (S&S) no. 903 and Whatman no. 3; the DB samples were either taken directly from a finger prick or spotted from a Vacutainer blood collector. The elution of DB samples on filter paper was optimized and tested for IgG and IgA reactivity by ELISA (EBNA1 plus VCA-p18) and compared to simultaneously collected plasma samples. The results showed that both types of filter paper can be used for sample collection in NPC diagnosis by using either finger prick or blood spot sampling. Both DB sampling methods produced comparable ELISA (EBNA1 plus VCA-p18) results for IgG and IgA reactivity in 1:100-diluted plasma samples. DB samples of whole blood or finger prick blood show correlation coefficients (
r
2
) of 0.825 to 0.954 for IgA on S&S no. 903 filter paper, 0.9133 to 0.946 for IgA on Whatman no. 3 filter paper, 0.807 to 0.886 for IgG on S&S no. 903 filter paper, and 0.819 to 0.934 for IgG on Whatman no. 3 filter paper. Using plasma IgA as a reference, DB sampling showed sensitivities and specificities of 75.0 to 96.0% and 93.5 to 100%, respectively. DB samples could be stored at 37°C for 1 to 4 weeks on S&S no. 903 filter paper and 1 to 6 weeks on Whatman no. 3 filter paper without a significant loss of reactivity, with provision of transport options for tropical conditions. IgA proved to be more stable than IgG. Whatman no. 3 filter paper is a more economical yet diagnostically comparable alternative to S&S no. 903 filter paper. Finger prick DB sampling is proposed for NPC diagnosis, particularly for remote hospitals and field screening studies.
Genetic and Epidemiological Analysis of Influenza Virus Epidemics in Taiwan during 2003 to 2006
Authors: Jian Jhih-Wei , Chen Guang-Wu , Lai Cheng-Tsung , Hsu Li-Ching , Chen Pei-Jer , Kuo Steve Hsu-Sung , Wu Ho-Sheng , Shih Shin-Ru 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT
The genetic characterization of Taiwanese influenza A and B viruses on the basis of analyses of pairwise amino acid variations, genetic clustering, and phylogenetics was performed. A total of 548, 2,123, and 1,336 sequences of the HA1 genes of influenza A virus subtypes H1 and H3 and influenza B virus, respectively, collected during 2003 to 2006 from an island-wide surveillance network were determined. Influenza A virus H3 showed activity during all periods, although it was dominant only in the winters of 2002-2003 and 2003-2004. Instead, influenza B virus and influenza A virus H1 were dominant in the winters of 2004-2005 and 2005-2006, respectively. Additionally, two influenza A virus H3 peaks were found in the summers of 2004 and 2005. From clustering analysis, similar characteristics of high sequence diversity and short life spans for the influenza A virus H1 and H3 clusters were observed, despite their distinct seasonal patterns. In contrast, clusters with longer life spans and fewer but larger clusters were found among the influenza B viruses. We also noticed that more amino acid changes at antigenic sites, especially at sites B and D in the H3 viruses, were found in 2003 and 2004 than in the following 2 years. The only epidemic of the H1 viruses, which occurred in the winter of 2005-2006, was caused by two genetically distinct lineages, and neither of them showed apparent antigenic changes compared with the antigens of the vaccine strain. For the influenza B viruses, the multiple dominant lineages of Yamagata-like strains with large genetic variations observed reflected the evolutionary pressure caused by the Yamagata-like vaccine strain. On the other hand, only one dominant lineage of Victoria-like strains circulated from 2004 to 2006.
GeneXpert Enterovirus Assay: One-Year Experience in a Routine Laboratory Setting and Evaluation on Three Proficiency Panels
Authors: Seme Katja , Močilnik Tina , Komloš Kristina Fujs , Doplihar Ana , Persing David H. , Poljak Mario 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT
A prospective unblinded comparative evaluation of three assays for the detection of enteroviral RNA performed on 83 positive and 79 negative cerebrospinal fluid samples showed initial and resolved sensitivities of 90.4% and 98.8%, respectively, for the Cepheid GeneXpert enterovirus assay; 94.0% and 97.6%, respectively, for the Argene enterovirus consensus kit; and 100% and 100%, respectively, for an in-house real-time PCR. The initial and resolved specificities were 100% for all three assays.
Human Fulminant Gas Gangrene Caused by
Clostridium chauvoei
Authors: Nagano Noriyuki , Isomine Shinji , Kato Haru , Sasaki Yoshimasa , Takahashi Motohide , Sakaida Koji , Nagano Yukiko , Arakawa Yoshichika 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

The first human case of fulminant gas gangrene caused by
Clostridium chauvoei
, a pathogen causing ruminant blackleg, was confirmed for a 58-year-old man suffering from diabetes mellitus. The patient developed conspicuous emphysematous gangrene in the right chest wall as well as intravascular gas entrapments and died 2 h after hospital arrival.
Is a Two-Step Glutamate Dehyrogenase Antigen-Cytotoxicity Neutralization Assay Algorithm Superior to the Premier Toxin A and B Enzyme Immunoassay for Laboratory Detection of
Clostridium difficile
?
Authors: Gilligan Peter H. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

A two-step algorithm for the detection of
Clostridium difficile
by the use of C. Diff Quik Chek (TechLab, Blacksburg, VA) and a tissue culture cytotoxicity neutralization assay was found to be more sensitive than the widely used solid-phase enzyme immunoassay (EIA), the Premier toxin A and B EIA (Meridian Bioscience, Cincinnati, OH), and a newly developed, rapid single-test EIA for
C. difficile
toxins A and B (Tox A/B Quik Chek; TechLab).
Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Aichi Virus Strains in Stool Samples from Community and Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Ambert-Balay K. , Lorrot M. , Bon F. , Giraudon H. , Kaplon J. , Wolfer M. , Lebon P. , Gendrel D. , Pothier P. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTAichi virus has been proposed as a causative agent of gastroenteritis. A total of 457 stool specimens from children hospitalized with acute diarrhea and 566 stool specimens from adults and children involved in 110 gastroenteritis outbreaks were screened for the presence of Aichi virus by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) amplification of the genomic region of the 3C and 3D (3CD) nonstructural proteins. Our results show a low incidence of Aichi virus in pediatric samples and the existence of mixed infections with other microbiological agents in some cases. From the outbreak survey, it appears that the presence of Aichi virus is an indicator of mixed infections causing gastroenteritis outbreaks and that it could be involved in half of the oyster-associated outbreaks. A second RT-PCR was developed to amplify a part of the VP1 gene. The phylogenetic analysis showed a good correlation between the two classifications based on 3CD and VP1 gene sequences and revealed the prevalence of genotype A in France. It also allowed us to partially describe an Aichi virus strain that could represent a new genotype, thus suggesting the existence of a certain diversity.
The E6 Oncoproteins from Human Betapapillomaviruses Differentially Activate Telomerase through an E6AP-Dependent Mechanism and Prolong the Lifespan of Primary Keratinocytes
Authors: Bedard Kristin M. , Underbrink Michael P. , Howie Heather L. , Galloway Denise A. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) belonging to the
Betapapillomavirus
genus have recently been implicated in squamous cell carcinomas of the skin, though the mechanisms by which they initiate carcinogenesis are unclear. We show that human foreskin keratinocytes (HFKs) expressing several betapapillomavirus E6 (beta-E6) proteins display life span extension, but not to the extent seen in HFKs expressing HPV type 16 E6 (16E6). Additionally, we demonstrate that beta-E6 proteins can differentially activate telomerase. HFKs expressing 38E6 exhibit significant telomerase activity but to a lesser degree than that observed with 16E6; however, other beta-E6 proteins, including 5E6, 8E6, 20E6, and 22E6, exhibit low or background levels of telomerase activity. Utilizing glutathione
S
-transferase pull-down and coimmunoprecipitation experiments, the beta-E6 proteins were shown to interact with the cellular proteins E6-associated protein (E6AP) and NFX1-91, two proteins known to be important for telomerase activation by 16E6. Interestingly, the relative strength of the interaction between E6 and E6AP or NFX1-91 was proportionate to the activation of telomerase by each beta-E6 protein. To address the requirement for E6AP in telomerase activation by beta-E6 proteins, we utilized a shRNA to knock down endogenous levels of E6AP. Lysates with decreased levels of E6AP showed a reduced ability to activate telomerase, suggesting that E6AP is a necessary component. These data suggest that complex formation between E6, E6AP, and NFX1-91 is a critical step in mediating telomerase activation, which may be one contributing factor to cellular life span extension during human betapapillomavirus infection.