bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trematode infection induced malformations in the common hourglass treefrogs
Authors: Rajakaruna R. S. , Piyatissa P. M. J. R. , Jayawardena U. A. , Navaratne A. N. , Amerasinghe P. H. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractReports on malformations in amphibians due to trematode infections prompted this study on an endemic frog species in Sri Lanka. The effect of an infection with a monostome‐type cercaria is reported here. Ten days post‐hatch, tadpoles (Gosner stage 27) of the common hourglass treefrog Polypedates cruciger (Anura: Ranidae), were exposed to a monostome‐type cercaria, in a dose‐dependent manner, under laboratory conditions. Malformations, survival and growth of the tadpoles were monitored for four treatments having different doses of cercariae (control=0, low=16, intermediate=32 and high=48). The severity and the number of malformations varied depending on the dose of the infection. A higher percentage (90%) of malformations was observed at higher doses of cercariae. Overall, malformations in the limbs, spine and skin pigmentation were common after parasite exposure. Survival declined with increasing doses of parasite infections, declining to 88% in the high treatment group, although not statistically significant. The growth rates of tadpoles as measured by weight and snout to vent length showed that exposed individuals were significantly smaller and had higher variance in growth compared with that of the controls. Thus, this trematode infection significantly affected the growth and induced severe malformations in P. cruciger, under laboratory conditions. Such malformed tadpoles and adults may face high predation under natural conditions. Here, we present the first empirical evidence of the effect of a trematode infection on the development of malformations, growth and survivorship in an endemic amphibian species in Sri Lanka.
Basic fibroblast growth factor‐induced protection from light damage in the mouse retina in vivo
Authors: O’Driscoll Carolyn , O’Connor Jeremy , O’Brien Colm J. , Cotter Thomas G. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBasic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has proven neuroprotective efficacy in the rodent retina against a diverse array of injurious stimuli. However, there is no consensus to date as to the molecular mechanisms underlying this neuroprotection. The study presented herein demonstrates increased expression of endogenous bFGF in the albino mouse retina in response to acute exposure to sublethal levels of light stress. The increased expression correlates with significant photoreceptor protection from light damage. The neuroprotection is likely to be mediated by bFGF as we demonstrate that a shorter exposure to bright light stress that does not up‐regulate bFGF fails to protect photoreceptors from light damage. Furthermore, intravitreal bFGF injection into the retina of mice 3 h prior to light damage affords almost complete photoreceptor protection from light‐induced degeneration. In addition, injected bFGF induces the activation of protein kinase B and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 signalling which correlate directly with the pathways we find to be activated in response to light stress and up‐regulated bFGF. Moreover, we demonstrate that both bright light pre‐conditioning and intravitreal bFGF injection result in dramatic increases in levels of inactive glycogen synthase kinase 3β and cyclic AMP response element binding protein phosphorylation indicating a potential mechanism by which bFGF promotes survival of photoreceptors in vivo.
Social isolation rearing‐induced impairment of the hippocampal neurogenesis is associated with deficits in spatial memory and emotion‐related behaviors in juvenile mice
Authors: Ibi Daisuke , Takuma Kazuhiro , Koike Hiroyuki , Mizoguchi Hiroyuki , Tsuritani Katsuki , Kuwahara Yusuke , Kamei Hiroyuki , Nagai Taku , Yoneda Yukio , Nabeshima Toshitaka , Yamada Kiyofumi 
Published: February 2008

AbstractExperiences during brain development may influence the pathogenesis of developmental disorders. Thus, social isolation (SI) rearing after weaning is a useful animal model for studying the pathological mechanisms of such psychiatric diseases. In this study, we examined the effect of SI on neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) relating to memory and emotion‐related behaviors. When newly divided cells were labeled with 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) before SI, the number of BrdU‐positive cells and the rate of differentiation into neurons were significantly decreased after 4‐week SI compared with those in group‐housed mice. Repeated treatment of fluoxetine prevented the SI‐induced impairment of survival of newly divided cells and ameliorated spatial memory impairment and part of aggression in SI mice. Furthermore, we investigated the changes in gene expression in the DG of SI mice by using DNA microarray and real‐time PCR. We finally found that SI reduced the expression of development‐related genes Nurr1 and Npas4. These findings suggest that communication in juvenile is important in the survival and differentiation of newly divided cells, which may be associated with memory and aggression, and raise the possibility that the reduced expression of Nurr1 and/or Npas4 may contribute to the impairment of neurogenesis and memory and aggression induced by SI.
Interleukin‐1β: a bridge between inflammation and excitotoxicity?
Authors: Fogal Birgit , Hewett Sandra J. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractInterleukin‐1 (IL‐1) is a proinflammatory cytokine released by many cell types that acts in both an autocrine and/or paracrine fashion. While IL‐1 is best described as an important mediator of the peripheral immune response during infection and inflammation, increasing evidence implicates IL‐1 signaling in the pathogenesis of several neurological disorders. The biochemical pathway(s) by which this cytokine contributes to brain injury remain(s) largely unidentified. Herein, we review the evidence that demonstrates the contribution of IL‐1β to the pathogenesis of both acute and chronic neurological disorders. Further, we highlight data that leads us to propose IL‐1β as the missing mechanistic link between a potential beneficial inflammatory response and detrimental glutamate excitotoxicity.
Proteasomes remain intact, but show early focal alteration in their composition in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Kabashi Edor , Agar Jeffrey N. , Hong Yu , Taylor David M. , Minotti Sandra , Figlewicz Denise A. , Durham Heather D. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn amyotrophic lateral sclerosis caused by mutations in Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase (SOD1), altered solubility and aggregation of the mutant protein implicates failure of pathways for detecting and catabolizing misfolded proteins. Our previous studies demonstrated early reduction of proteasome‐mediated proteolytic activity in lumbar spinal cord of SOD1G93A transgenic mice, tissue particularly vulnerable to disease. The purpose of this study was to identify any underlying abnormalities in proteasomal structure. In lumbar spinal cord of pre‐symptomatic mice [postnatal day 45 (P45) and P75], normal levels of structural 20S α subunits were incorporated into 20S/26S proteasomes; however, proteasomal complexes separated by native gel electrophoresis showed decreased immunoreactivity with antibodies to β3, a structural subunit of the 20S proteasome core, and β5, the subunit with chymotrypsin‐like activity. This occurred prior to increase in β5i immunoproteasomal subunit. mRNA levels were maintained and no association of mutant SOD1 with proteasomes was identified, implicating post‐transcriptional mechanisms. mRNAs also were maintained in laser captured motor neurons at a later stage of disease (P100) in which multiple 20S proteins are reduced relative to the surrounding neuropil. Increase in detergent‐insoluble, ubiquitinated proteins at P75 provided further evidence of stress on mechanisms of protein quality control in multiple cell types prior to significant motor neuron death.
Normal limits for left ventricular ejection fraction and volumes determined by gated single photon emission computed tomography – a comparison between two quantification methods
Authors: Lomsky Milan , Johansson Lena , Gjertsson Peter , Björk Jonas , Edenbrandt Lars 
Published: February 2008

SummaryTo compare gender‐related normal limits for left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes (EDV and ESV), obtained using two myocardial perfusion‐gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) quantification methods. A total of 185 patients were retrospectively selected from a consecutive series of patients examined for coronary artery disease (CAD) or for management of known CAD. Patients were included in the study group if they had normal or probably normal results with stress and rest perfusion imaging and if the combined interpretation of perfusion studies and gated rest studies showed no signs or suspicion of myocardial infarction. The gated SPECT studies were performed using a 2‐day stress/gated rest Tc‐99m sestamibi protocol. All patient studies were processed using CAFU and quantitative‐gated SPECT (QGS), the two software packages for quantification of gated SPECT images. The lower normal limits for EF were higher for CAFU compared with QGS for both women (59% versus 53%) and men (54% versus 47%). The upper normal limits for EDV were also higher for CAFU compared with QGS for both women (133 versus 107 ml) and men (182 versus 161 ml). The differences between the software packages were small for ESV (women 44 versus 44 ml; men 69 versus 74 ml). Gender‐specific normal limits need to be applied for LV EF and volumes determined by gated SPECT. Separate criteria for abnormal LV EF and EDV need to be used for women and men depending on the software package used.
Dense array EEG: Methodology and new hypothesis on epilepsy syndromes
Authors: Holmes Mark D. 
Published: February 2008

Summary Dense array EEG is a method of recording electroencephalography (EEG) with many more electrodes (up to 256) than is utilized with standard techniques that typically employ 19–21 scalp electrodes. The rationale for this approach is to enhance the spatial resolution of scalp EEG. In our research, dense array EEG is used in conjunction with a realistic model of head tissue conductivity and methods of electrographic source analysis to determine cerebral cortical localization of epileptiform discharges. In studies of patients with absence seizures, only localized cortical regions are involved during the attack. Typically, absences are accompanied by “wave–spike” complexes that show, both at the beginning and throughout the ictus, repetitive cycles of stereotyped, localized involvement of mainly mesial and orbital frontal cortex. Dense array EEG can also be used for long‐term EEG video monitoring (LTM). We have used dense array EEG LTM to capture seizures in over 40 patients with medically refractory localization‐related epilepsy, including both temporal and extra temporal cases, where standard LTM failed to reveal reliable ictal localization. One research goal is to test the validity of dense array LTM findings by comparison with invasive LTM and surgical outcome. Collection of a prospective series of surgical candidates who undergo both procedures is currently underway. Analysis of subjects with either generalized or localization‐related seizures suggest that all seizures, including those traditionally classified as “generalized,” propagate through discrete cortical networks. Furthermore, based on initial review of propagation patterns, we hypothesize that all epileptic seizures may be fundamentally corticothalamic or corticolimbic in nature. Dense array EEG may prove useful in noninvasive ictal localization, when standard methods fail. Future research will determine if the method will reduce the need for invasive EEG recordings, or assist in the appropriate placement of novel treatment devices.
Mapping seizure pathways in the temporal lobe
Authors: McIntyre Dan C. , Gilby Krista L. 
Published: February 2008

Summary Interest in temporal lobe seizure pathways has a long history based initially on the human condition of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). This interest in TLE has extended more recently into explorations of experimental models. In this review, the network structures in the temporal lobe that are recruited in animal models during various forms of limbic seizures and status epilepticus are described. Common to all of the various models is recruitment of the parahippocampal cortices, including the piriform, perirhinal, and entorhinal areas. This cortical involvement is seen in in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological recordings throughout the network, in trans‐synaptic neuroplastic changes in associated network structures manifest at the molecular level, in network energy utilization visualized by
14C
2‐deoxyglucose uptake, and finally, in the behavioral consequences of network lesions. The conclusions of the animal models reviewed here are very similar to those described for the human condition presented recently in the 2006 Lennox lecture by Warren Blume, and addressed 53 years ago in the quadrennial meeting of the ILAE in 1953 by Henri Gastaut.
Neurometabolism in human epilepsy
Authors: Pan Jullie W. , Williamson Anne , Cavus Idil , Hetherington Hoby P. , Zaveri Hitten , Petroff Ognen A. C. , Spencer Dennis D. 
Published: February 2008

Summary
Purpose: Because of the large and continuous energetic requirements of brain function, neurometabolic dysfunction is a key pathophysiologic aspect of the epileptic brain. Additionally, neurometabolic dysfunction has many self‐propagating features that are typical of epileptogenic processes, that is, where each occurrence makes the likelihood of further mitochondrial and energetic injury more probable. Thus abnormal neurometabolism may be not only a chronic accompaniment of the epileptic brain, but also a direct contributor to epileptogenesis.
Methods: We examine the evidence for neurometabolic dysfunction in epilepsy, integrating human studies of metabolic imaging, electrophysiology, microdialysis, as well as intracranial EEG and neuropathology.
Results: As an approach of noninvasive functional imaging, quantitative magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) measured abnormalities of mitochondrial and energetic dysfunction (via 1H or 31P spectroscopy) are related to several pathophysiologic indices of epileptic dysfunction. With patients undergoing hippocampal resection, intraoperative 13C‐glucose turnover studies show a profound decrease in neurotransmitter (glutamate–glutamine) cycling relative to oxidation in the sclerotic hippocampus. Increased extracellular glutamate (which has long been associated with increased seizure likelihood) is significantly linked with declining energetics as measured by 31P MR, as well as with increased EEG measures of Teager energy, further arguing for a direct role of glutamate with hyperexcitability.
Discussion: Given the important contribution that metabolic performance makes toward excitability in brain, it is not surprising that numerous aspects of mitochondrial and energetic state link significantly with electrophysiologic and microdialysis measures in human epilepsy. This may be of particular relevance with the self‐propagating nature of mitochondrial injury, but may also help define the conditions for which interventions may be developed.
Does participation in the conservation reserve program impact the economic well‐being of farm households?
Authors: Chang Hung‐Hao , Lambert Dayton M. , Mishra Ashok K. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThis study uses U.S. farm household survey data to examine how participation in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) affects farm household economic well‐being. Further, the study also examines the effects of CRP participation on farm household consumption, income, and imputed savings. In contrast to previous studies that assume the relationships are homogenous across the population, quantile regression is used to investigate the association between CRP participation across the entire distribution of farm household consumption and income. Empirical findings suggest that the effect of CRP participation on household economic well‐being differs across the income and consumption distribution. For households in the lower percentiles of the distribution, the CRP participation is associated with an increase in household consumption, but a decrease in farm household income and savings. In contrast, farm households at the median and higher income and consumption quantiles, participation in CRP is associated with lower levels of household consumption and income, but with higher levels of savings.
A BACTERIAL DISEASE OF THE MANGO. BACILLUS MANGIFERAE N.SP
Authors: M. DOIDGE ETHEL 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

A disease of mangoes, hitherto undescribed, has for the last few years been causing considerable loss to mango growers in the Union.
So far as can be ascertained the disease is not known outside South Africa, and it occurs in this country in the neighbourhood of Barberton and Warmbaths, in the coast region of Natal and at Delagoa Bay.
Dark angular spots are formed on the leaves which do not noticeably affect the general health of the tree, but serve as a source of infection for the fruit. On the latter the disease causes discoloured roughened areas and deep cracking; infected fruit is detached from the tree by the slightest air movement and falls rotting to the ground.
Infection is carried by the wind, and by rain dripping from infected leaves. Very few insects are found on the mango foliage.
Spraying experiments have been conducted which show that spraying with Bordeaux mixture, iron sulphide or Hycol is useless in checking the disease.
The cause of the trouble is a flagellate bacillus Bacillus mangi‐ferae n. sp. It invades the parenchyma, wedging apart and killing the cells and causing gummosis; lignified tissues are not touched.
The organism is described in detail and a resume is given of its salient characters.
PINK DISEASE OF PLANTATION RUBBER.
Authors: BROOKS F. T. , SHARPLES A. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

The distribution, hosts, and mode of action of Pink Disease are described and its importance as a disease of plantation rubber is emphasised.
The various forms of Corticium salmonicolor are described. It is pointed out that the fungus is not a typical Corticium and that the pink incrustation is very frequently sterile.
Corticium salmonicolor often affects the wood as well as the bark of rubber trees. Its action on the wood is described in detail. The formation of tyloses appears to be a response to the presence of the fungus in the wood.
Pure cultures of Corticium salmonicolor have been established on salep agar and on Hevea wood.
Inoculation experiments both with natural material and with the fungus grown in pure culture have been successful.
Treatment, (a) Spraying is not recommended except in particular cases, (b) The disease is best dealt with either by cutting out infected branches, or by treating affected parts with tar. Detailed instructions are given as to the manner in which these operations should be carried out by a pest gang.
THE EFFECT OF VARIOUS CHEMICALS ON BLOW‐FLY
Authors: COOPEE W. F. , WALLING W. A. B. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYIn conclusion, the preliminary ‐character of our experiments may again be emphasised. Final conclusions as to the insecticidal value of any preparation can never be drawn, at least with any degree of satisfaction, from laboratory experiments alone. These should obviously be followed by field work under natural conditions, which unfortunately is not possible in this country.The general results, which we summarise below, are intended therefore to afford s6me indication as to possible lines upon which future field work might profitably be pursued, rather than as definite recommendations of substances, by the employment of which the Blow‐fly Pest may be controlled.Of substances repellent to. the Blow‐fly, and therefore capable of protecting sheep from their ravages, the following appear to be the most suitable: methyl salicylate, p‐nitraniline, picric acid, creosote, green oil, boracic acid, fusel oil, pine oil, alizarine oil, origanum oil, mustard oil, sod oil, iodoform, dimethylaniline, quinoline, allyl alcohol, aloin, saponin, copper carbonate, nitrobenzene, sinapis oil and aniseed oil.For the application of toxic agents, a powder form has been found to be very convenient and efficient, precipitated chalk forming a suitable and cheap basis. The substances, applied in this form, which appear to be most toxic to the Blow‐fly larva, comprise the following: arsenic sulphide, nitrobenzene, eucalyptus oil, methyl salicylate, cedarwood oil, p‐nitraniline, β‐naphthylamine, oxalic acid, borax, quinoline, allyl alcohol, picric acid, dimethylaniline, copper carbonate, oil of cloves, turpentine, β‐naphthol, creosote, fusel oil, sinapis oil, aniseed oil and iodoform. Since the young larvae are much more susceptible than the old, in field work, the medicated powder should be applied either previous to, or in the very earliest days of, the larval stage.Various vapours have been shown to be toxic to the Blow‐fly larvae, and of these the most successful are brombenzene, chloral hydrate, ethyl acetate, iodine and pyridine.
A BLOSSOM WILT and CANKER OF APPLE TREES.
Authors: WORMALD H. 
Published: February 2008

Summary.

A “Blossom Wilt and Canker” of apple trees, produced by a species of Monilia, is causing great loss to fruit growers in the southeast of England.
Infection takes place through the open flowers; the fungus invades the tissues of the flowering spur, thus killing the inflorescence and the leaves of the spur; the disease may reach the branch and produce a canker.
Spurs killed during the summer, together with the accompanying cankers, produce pustules of conidia during the following winter and spring; these conidia, falling on the flowers as they open, give rise to a new outbreak of the blossom‐wilt disease.
When a canker has shed its crop of conidia it becomes covered with callus which eventually heals the lesion.
Inoculation of apple flowers with conidia from pure cultures of the fungus resulted in the death of the inflorescences and the spurs; in some cases cankers were produced. Conidia‐bearing pustules of the organism appeared on these dead spurs and cankers during the following winter.
The causal organism is a grey Monilia easily distinguished from M. fructigena; at present it is to be referred to Monilia cinerea Bon.
On culture media the habit of the fungus is different from that of the grey Monilia (also referred to M. cinerea by American workers) which is commonly found in North America.
The, disease may be kept in check by cutting out all dead spurs and cankers before the flowers open; on the first appearance of the disease all wilted trusses and dead spurs should be promptly removed. Spraying operations can be efficacious only when they kill the conidial pustules or prevent them from shedding their conidia during the flowering period.
INVESTIGATION OF BULB ROT OF NARCISSUS1
Authors: WELSFORD E. J. 
Published: February 2008

Summary. The bulb rot disease, or ring disease, of Narcissus is due to the attack of an eelworm, Tylenchus devastatrix. These eelworms are of constant occurrence in the diseased bulbs, and the disease can be produced by infecting healthy plants with the eelworm.A description is given of the symptoms and course of the disease as it appears in nature, and certain precautionary measures are suggested.I have great pleasure in expressing my thanks to Mr J. W. Barr (Messrs Barr and Sons), Mr Hales (Chelsea Physic Gardens), Mr Leake (The Floral Farms, Wisbech), Mr Pearson (Messrs J. E. Pearson and Sons), and Mr J. Walker (Walker Bros.) without whose cordial cooperation and generous help the work could not have been carried out. I am also indebted to Mr J. C. Fryer for help and suggestions with regard to treatment.I should also like to take this opportunity of thanking both Professor V. H. Blackman and Professor J. B. Farmer for their stimulating and helpful criticism.