bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular detection and identification of Aspergillus spp. from clinical samples using real‐time PCR
Authors: Ramírez Mercedes , Castro Carmen , Palomares José Carlos , Torres Ma José , Aller Ana Isabel , Ruiz Maite , Aznar Javier , Martín‐Mazuelos Estrella 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThe definite and rapid diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis is necessary because of the high mortality caused. The objective of this study was to evaluate a real‐time PCR assay to detect Aspergillus spp. in clinical samples, based on the Light Cycler technology. Specificity was assessed by using DNA extracted from pathogenic and non‐pathogenic bacteria/fungi from Spanish Collection including: two Aspergillus flavus, four Aspergillus fumigatus, two Aspergillus nidulans, two Aspergillus niger and two Aspergillus terreus isolates. The analytical sensitivity was evaluated with different inocula (101–105 conidia ml−1), and serially diluted DNA of A. fumigatus. To assess clinical applicability, samples from patients at risk were analysed. Species identification was determined by analysing the melting curves. Reactions using genomic DNA from other species of different genera than Aspergillus were negative (specificity: 100%). Analytical sensitivity was 60 fg using DNA and 5–20 conidia using conidial suspensions. The linear range was from 60 to 6 × 107 fg. The Tm ranged from 67.34 to 70.7 °C for the different Aspergillus spp. studied. Nine hundred and forty‐eight consecutive blood samples from 127 patients were processed. In total, 10 (1%) of 948 samples from blood samples were PCR‐positive. The real‐time PCR assay provides a high sensitivity and specificity for detection of fungal DNA and rapidly identifies most of clinically relevant Aspergillus species.
Detection of IgM and IgG antibodies to Cryptococcus neoformans proteins in blood donors and HIV patients with active cryptococcosis
Authors: Chai H. C. , Tay S. T. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThe serological responses to Cryptococcus neoformans proteins of blood donors and HIV patients with active cryptococcosis from a tropical region were investigated in this study. Exposure to C. neoformans, an organism ubiquitous in the environment, contributes to the antibody responses observed in the blood donors. IgG responses to cryptococcal proteins were stronger than IgM responses in most sera tested in this study. A 53‐kDa cryptococcal protein fragment was identified as the most immunoreactive protein on the IgM immunoblots of both blood donors and patients. Overall, there was no obvious difference in IgG responses of patients when compared with blood donors. Some immunogenic protein fragments (27.5, 76, 78 and 91.5 kDa) were detected at least two times more frequently on IgM immunoblots of patients compared with those of blood donors. It is yet to be investigated whether the proteins identified in this study may have any potential to be used as biomarker for cryptococcosis.
A case of tinea manuum caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. erinacei: the first isolation in Korea
Authors: Rhee Do‐Young , Kim Myoung‐Shin , Chang Sung‐Eun , Lee Mi‐Woo , Choi Jee‐Ho , Moon Kee‐Chan , Koh Jai‐Kyoung , Choi Jong‐Soo 
Published: July 2008

SummaryHedgehogs have recently become popular exotic pets in Korea. Several diseases may be acquired from these animals including dermatophytosis, Salmonella infections, contact urticaria and possibly Mycobacterium infections. We describe here a 15‐year‐old girl who developed tinea manuum after keeping a hedgehog for 4 months. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic and mycological examination. The causative agent was identified as Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. erinacei, a zoophilic dermatophyte.
Pulmonary aspergilloma with renal oxalosis: fatal effect at a distance
Authors: Vaideeswar Pradeep , Sakhdeo Uma M. 
Published: July 2008

SummarySome species of the fungus Aspergillus, especially Aspergillus niger, produce oxalic acid as a fermentation byproduct. The acid combines with calcium ions at physiological pH to form insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that are mainly deposited at local sites. This is often seen in the lungs, where the crystals tend to potentiate the destructive capacity of the fungus. In rare instances, there is hyperoxaluria and deposition of the crystals in the renal tubules. We report this rare occurrence in a 59‐year‐old man with pulmonary aspergilloma and acute renal failure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fifth case to be reported.
Evaluating the role of the Dingo as a trophic regulator: Additional practical suggestions
Authors: Claridge Andrew W. , Hunt Rob 
Published: July 2008

Summary  A recent review paper by Glen et al. in Austral Ecology (2007, Volume 32, 492–501) canvassed anecdotal and scientific evidence relating to the role of the Dingo as regulator of ecosystem processes in Australian landscapes. Their review forms part of an increasing volume of literature about the ecological roles of top‐order or apex predators around the globe. Although recognizing the possible functional significance of the Dingo is a noteworthy subject matter, the management of the species at an ecosystem scale is complicated by a range of practical and theoretical issues. Perhaps the most significant challenge is the degree to which the Dingo is hybridized with the domestic Dog gone wild (Feral Dog). We suggest here that there is a range of research questions that need to be experimentally addressed as a matter of urgency. This includes but is not limited to understanding the ecological significance of Dingo–Dog hybridization. Such research should precede other research initiatives suggested by Glen et al. such as reintroducing individuals of the pure Dingo back into landscapes. This is particularly the case for south‐eastern mainland Australia where the incidence of Dingo–Dog hybridization is high and the ecological consequences of this poorly understood. Finally, new terminology may be needed relating to Dingo and/or Wild Dog management that more clearly reflects both the genetic status of the species as well as its ecological function.
Identifying multiscale habitat factors influencing koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) occurrence and management in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
Authors: Januchowski Stephanie R. , McAlpine Clive A. , Callaghan John G. , Griffin Carol B. , Bowen Michiala , Mitchell Dave , Lunney Daniel 
Published: July 2008

Summary  Modelling for the conservation of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations has primarily focused on natural habitat variables (e.g. tree species, soil types and soil moisture). Until recently, limited consideration has been given to modelling the effects of the landscape context (e.g. habitat area, habitat configuration and roads). Yet, the combined influence of natural habitats and anthropogenic impacts at multiple spatial scales are likely to be important determinants of where koala populations occur and remain viable in human‐modified landscapes. The study tested the importance of multiscale habitat variables on koala occurrence in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. The models focused at three spatial scales: site (< 1 ha), patch (1–100 ha), and landscape (100–1000 s ha). Logistic regression and hierarchical partitioning analyses were used to rank alternative models and key explanatory variables.The results showed that an increased likelihood of koala presence in fragmented landscapes in the urban–forest interface (as opposed to larger blocks of forest habitat) can best be explained by the positive effects of soil fertility and the presence of preferred koala tree species in these fragmented areas. If koalas are to be effectively conserved in Ballarat, it is critical to (i) protect remaining core areas of high‐quality habitat, including regenerating areas; (ii) protect scattered habitat patches which provide connectivity; and (iii) develop and implement habitat restoration programmes to improve habitat connectivity and enhance opportunities for safe koala movement between habitat patches intersected by main roads.
Atypical antipsychotic‐induced diabetes mellitus: an update on epidemiology and postulated mechanisms
Authors: Buchholz S. , Morrow A. F. , Coleman P. L. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractDiabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar syndrome are rare, but potentially fatal complications of antipsychotic‐associated hyperglycaemia. The mechanisms for this remain unclear, but are probably multifactorial. The suggested reasons include drug‐induced weight gain and adiposity, development of the metabolic syndrome, antagonism of serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine) receptors, drug‐induced leptin resistance, dyslipidaemia mediated pancreatic β‐cell damage and hepatocyte transcription factor dysregulation. Patients with schizophrenia are known to be at a higher genetic risk of developing diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. This review emphasizes a rare case of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic syndrome in a young man with schizophrenia and discusses proposed mechanisms for the development of antipsychotic‐associated diabetes mellitus.
Coronary heart disease is associated with regional grey matter volume loss: implications for cognitive function and behaviour
Authors: Almeida O. P. , Garrido G. J. , Beer C. , Lautenschlager N. T. , Arnolda L. , Lenzo N. P. , Campbell A. , Flicker L. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractCoronary heart disease (CHD) has been associated with impaired cognition, but the mechanisms underlying these changes remain unclear. We designed this study to determine whether adults with CHD show regional brain losses of grey matter volume relative to controls. We used statistical parametric mapping (SPM5) to determine regional changes in grey matter volume of T1‐weighted magnetic resonance images of 11 adults with prior history of myocardial infarction relative to seven healthy controls. All analyses were adjusted for total grey and white matter volume, age, sex and handedness. CHD participants showed a loss of grey matter volume in the left medial frontal lobe (including the cingulate), precentral and postcentral cortex, right temporal lobe and left middle temporal gyrus, and left precuneus and posterior cingulate. CHD is associated with loss of grey matter in various brain regions, including some that play a significant role in cognitive function and behaviour. The underlying causes of these regional brain changes remain to be determined.
A fire inside: current concepts in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Tattersall S. J. N. , Apte M. V. , Wilson J. S. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractChronic pancreatitis is a necroinflammatory process characterized pathologically by acinar atrophy and fibrosis and clinically by abdominal pain, diabetes and maldigestion. In this review we summarize some of the recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of pancreatitis and how they have shaped our current understanding of chronic pancreatitis. We pay particular attention to advances in the genetic basis of idiopathic, hereditary and tropical pancreatitis as well as research into the relationship between alcohol and the pancreas. We have also reviewed current practices with respect to diagnosis and management of chronic pancreatitis.
5‐Fluorouracil chemotherapy affects spatial working memory and newborn neurons in the adult rat hippocampus
Authors: Mustafa Sarah , Walker Alex , Bennett Geoffrey , Wigmore Peter M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractChemotherapy‐associated memory deficits in adults are prevalent with systemic treatment utilizing 5‐fluorouracil (5‐Fu). 5‐Fu disrupts cell proliferation and readily crosses the blood–brain barrier. Proliferating cells within the adult dentate gyrus of the hippocampus give rise to new neurons involved in memory and learning and require neurotrophic factors such as brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to nurture this process of adult neurogenesis. Some of these proliferating cells are anatomically and functionally supported by vascular endothelial cells. We propose that systemically administered 5‐Fu chemotherapy will cause deficits in hippocampal memory that are associated with altered BDNF levels and proliferating cells (particularly vascular‐associated cells) in the dentate gyrus. This was tested by determining the effect of 5‐Fu on spatial working memory as modelled by the object location recognition test. Numbers of vascular‐associated (VA) and non‐vascular‐associated (NVA) proliferating cells in the dentate gyrus were measured using double‐labelling immunohistochemistry with markers of proliferation (Ki67) and endothelial cells (RECA‐1). 5‐Fu‐induced changes in hippocampal BDNF and doublecortin (DCX) protein levels were quantified using Western immunoblotting. 5‐Fu chemotherapy caused a marginal disruption in spatial working memory and did not alter the total proliferating cell counts or the percentage of VA and NVA proliferating cells in the dentate gyrus. In contrast, 5‐Fu significantly reduced BDNF and DCX levels in the hippocampus, indicating alterations in neurotrophin levels and neurogenesis. These findings highlight the usefulness of animal models of ‘chemobrain’ for understanding the mechanisms that underlie chemotherapy‐associated declines in cognitive performance and memory.
Growth cone responses to growth and chemotropic factors
Authors: Sanford Staci D. , Gatlin Jesse C. , Hökfelt Tomas , Pfenninger Karl H. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractDuring nervous system development axons reach their target areas under the influence of numerous guidance cues that affect rate and direction of growth. This report addresses the unsettled question of whether and to what extent growth velocity and turning responses (attraction, repulsion) are interdependent. We exposed individual growth cones of fetal rat dorsal root ganglion neurons in culture asymmetrically to gradients of seven different factors and recorded their growth rates and turning angles. Growth cones exhibited divergent patterns of turning and growth responses. For example, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and thrombin all promoted growth, but HGF was a powerful attractant, thrombin a potent repellent and IGF‐1 did not elicit turning. Galanin and neuropeptide Y also affected growth and/or turning differentially. Finally, nerve growth factor in the culture medium not only inhibited the turning responses to HGF, but also converted growth promotion of HGF and IGF‐1 into inhibition. Overall, our studies indicate that: (i) turning and advance are regulated independently, except that strong attractive or repulsive responses generally are accompanied by growth promotion; (ii) asymmetric growth factor applicationper sedoes not elicit attraction; (iii) regulation of the two parameters may occur through a single receptor; and (iv) the effects of combined growth factors may not be additive and can be inhibitory.
Truncated tau expression levels determine life span of a rat model of tauopathy without causing neuronal loss or correlating with terminal neurofibrillary tangle load
Authors: Koson Peter , Zilka Norbert , Kovac Andrej , Kovacech Branislav , Korenova Miroslava , Filipcik Peter , Novak Michal 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe have previously demonstrated in a transgenic rat model of tauopathy that human misfolded truncated tau derived from Alzheimer’s disease suffices to drive neurofibrillary degeneration in vivo. We employed this model to investigate the impact of truncated tau expression levels on life span, neuronal loss and the final load of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in transgenic rats. Two independent transgenic lines (SHR72, SHR318), that display different expression levels of truncated tau, were utilized in this study. We found that transgene expression levels in the brain of SHR72 rats were 44% higher than in SHR318 rats and that truncated tau protein levels determined the survival rate of transgenic rats. The line with higher expression levels of truncated tau (SHR72) showed decreased median survival (222.5 days) when compared with the line with lower expression (SHR318; 294.5 days). Interestingly, NFT loads (total NFT/total neurons) were very similar in terminal stages of disease in both transgenic lines (SHR72 – 10.9%; SHR318 – 11.6%), despite significantly different expression levels of truncated tau. Moreover, mean neuron numbers in the hippocampus (CA1–3) and brain stem (gigantocellular reticular nucleus) in the two transgenic rat strains in the terminal stages of disease were similar, and did not differ significantly from those observed in age‐matched non‐transgenic controls. These findings suggest that the expression levels of misfolded truncated tau determine the life span in a transgenic rat model of tauopathy without causing neuronal loss or correlating with terminal NFT load.
Transcranial Doppler ultrasound during galvanic labyrinth polarization depicts central vestibular processing, demonstrating bilateral vestibular projection
Authors: Schlosser Hans‐Georg , Guldin Wolfgang , Fritzsche Danny , Clarke Andrew H. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe combination of galvanic labyrinth polarization and transcranial Doppler ultrasound was employed to depict the neurovascular coupling in the cerebral vestibular areas. For galvanic stimulation, surface electrodes were attached to the right and left mastoid and two further electrodes were fixed near to each shoulder blade. Thus, each pair of electrodes (mastoid to shoulder) facilitated unilateral stimulation of the ipsilateral vestibular labyrinth. Blood flow in the middle cerebral artery and the internal carotid artery in both hemispheres was measured by means of Doppler ultrasound. The transcranial Doppler ultrasound system was head‐fixed and allowed continuous monitoring of the blood flow throughout the trials. Using a series of different stimulation modes (bilateral, unilateral left, unilateral right and sham), the changes in mean blood flow velocity were evaluated by comparing baseline blood flow under resting conditions to blood flow during stimulation. A total of 18 trials were performed with each of seven volunteer subjects. Galvanic labyrinth polarization elicited a clear sensation of pendular body movement in all subjects. Significant blood flow increase (P < 0.05) in both hemispheres was observed during bilateral stimulation. Of more interest is that unilateral stimulation also elicited a significant increase in flow in both the ipsilateral and the contralateral hemispheres, demonstrating the existence of bilateral projections from each vestibular labyrinth. The combination of galvanic labyrinth polarization with transcranial Doppler ultrasound blood flow measurement provides a novel approach to the functional assessment of the vestibular system (deep cerebral structures and cortical areas). This novel technique provides a useful tool for clinical examinations.
Polymorphisms in the FKBP5 gene region modulate recovery from psychosocial stress in healthy controls
Authors: Ising Marcus , Depping Anna‐Mareike , Siebertz Anna , Lucae Susanne , Unschuld Paul G. , Kloiber Stefan , Horstmann Sonja , Uhr Manfred , Müller‐Myhsok Bertram , Holsboer Florian 
Published: July 2008

AbstractMood and anxiety disorders are considered stress‐related diseases characterized by an impaired function of mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors (MR and GR, respectively), the major regulatory elements of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) axis. A number of so‐called chaperone proteins moderate the function of these receptors. Genetic variations in one of these chaperones, FKBP5, were associated with antidepressant treatment response in depression and with a major risk‐factor for the development of posttraumatic stress disorder. To further investigate the effect of FKPB5 polymorphisms on corticosteroid receptor‐mediated HPA axis regulation we conducted the Trier Social Stress test, a standardized procedure to evaluate psychosocial stress response, in 64 healthy volunteers. We genotyped rs4713916, rs1360780 and rs3800737, the three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FKBP5 region which had shown the strongest effect in previous studies. In addition, we evaluated the effects of the GR polymorphisms Bcl1 and N363S as well as the MR polymorphism I180V. Subjects homozygous for any of the FKBP5 variants displayed an incomplete normalization of the stress‐elicited cortisol secretion. This was also observed following a second test additionally accompanied by an increased self‐reported anxiety. Regarding GR and MR, only carriers of the Bcl1 variant displayed an altered cortisol response in the prognosticated direction. While Bcl1 was predominantly associated with anticipatory cortisol, homozygous carriers of the FKBP5 minor allele showed insufficient cortisol recovery and increased self‐reported anxiety after psychosocial stress. This reaction pattern suggests that subjects carrying these variants are at risk of displaying chronically elevated cortisol levels after repeated stress constituting a risk factor for stress‐related diseases.
Interhemispheric motor inhibition: its role in controlling electromyographic mirror activity
Authors: Hübers Annemarie , Orekhov Yuriy , Ziemann Ulf 
Published: July 2008

AbstractElectromyographic mirror activity (MA) refers to involuntary activation of the non‐active limb during intended strictly unilateral movements of the other limb. MA occurs in the majority of healthy adults but little is known about its neurophysiological foundation. Here we examined in healthy adults the hypothesis that transcallosal interhemispheric inhibition (IHI) between the primary motor cortices determines the extent to which MA occurs. IHI was tested by an established paired transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol [A. Ferbert et al. (1992) J. Physiol. (Lond.), 453, 525–546]. In a first experiment we found that the magnitudes of IHI and MA were inversely correlated. In a second experiment we sought to establish a more causative relation by exploring the changes induced by low‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of primary motor cortex on IHI and MA. These changes were also significantly inversely correlated, i.e. a repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation‐induced increase in IHI was associated with a decrease in MA, and a decrease in IHI was associated with an increase in MA. These results provide strong and consistent evidence that transcallosal inhibitory interhemispheric interaction provides a significant route by which unwanted MA during intended unimanual motor tasks can be controlled.
Reduced error monitoring in children with autism spectrum disorder: an ERP study
Authors: Vlamings Petra H. J. M. , Jonkman Lisa M. , Hoeksma Marco R. , Van Engeland Herman , Kemner Chantal 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis study investigated self‐monitoring in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with event‐related potentials looking at both the error‐related negativity (ERN) and error‐related positivity (Pe). The ERN is related to early error/conflict detection, and the Pe has been associated with conscious error evaluation or attention allocation. In addition, post‐error slowing in reaction times (RTs) was measured. Children with ASD and age‐ and IQ‐ matched controls were administered an easy and a hard version of an auditory decision task. Results showed that the ERN was smaller in children with ASD but localized in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in both groups. In addition we found a negativity on correct trials (CRN) that did not differ between the groups. Furthermore, a reduced Pe and a lack of post‐error slowing in RTs were found in children with ASD. The reduced ERN in children with ASD, in the presence of an intact CRN, might suggest a specific insensitivity to detect situations in which the chance of making errors is enhanced. This might in turn lead to reduced error awareness/attention allocation to the erroneous event (reduced Pe) and eventually in a failure in change of strategy to deal with a situation, as becomes evident from the lack of post‐error slowing in the ASD group. This relates well to the perseverative behaviour that is seen in children with ASD. We discuss these results in terms of a general deficit in self‐monitoring, underlying social disturbance in ASD and the involvement of the ACC.