bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alterations of NR2B and PSD‐95 expression after early‐life epileptiform discharges in developing neurons
Authors: Jiang Qian , Wang Jingmin , Wu Xiru , Jiang Yuwu 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAs an extreme form of abnormally synchronized activity, epilepsy may modify patterns of organization in the nervous system. It is clear that enhanced glutamatergic excitatory synaptic transmission with alterations in the expression of ionotropic glutamate receptors is a mechanism critical for seizure susceptibility and excitotoxicity. However, the exact quomodo and the roles of regulated N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) composition and expression of a major postsynaptic density (PSD) scaffolding molecule, PSD‐95, are as yet unclear. To study protein expression changes after epileptiform discharges in cultured immature rat cortical neurons, we divided cells into three groups which were transiently exposed to regular Neurobasal/B27 (control group), physiological solution (PS group) and magnesium‐free physiological solution (MGF group) at cultured day 6. Neurons at three different culture ages (DIV7, DIV12 and DIV17) were collected for immunoblotting analysis. We found a decrease in expression of NR2B NMDAR subunit and PSD‐95 (P < 0.05) shortly after insult (within 24 h), which may show that brief magnesium‐free media treatment of primary cultured rat cortical neurons, an in vitro model of seizure brain injury, has a major influence on the expression of NR2B subunit and PSD‐95.
AN ANTIBOY ANTIBODY? RE-EXAMINATION OF THE MATERNAL IMMUNE HYPOTHESIS
Authors: WHITEHEAD N. E. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThe maternal immune hypothesis (MIH) argues same sex attraction (SSA) results from maternal immune attack on fetal male-specific brain structures and involves the previous biological influence of elder brothers. One of the surveys supporting this is shown to be based on an unsuitable sample and to contain some strong contrary evidence. The hypothesis relies on at least four speculative ideas and there is evidence against each. (1) Likely immune response prevalence is too low compared with calculated SSA prevalence resulting from the fraternal birth order effect. (2) Testis immune attack would be more likely than brain attack but is not known. (3) Fetal brain structures are practically indistinguishable at birth and subsequent brain anatomical gender differentiation only occurs after birth when no attack is occurring. (4) The hypothesis also predicts unfavourable biology for late birth-order males but in fact the reverse is generally true, and neurological effects are very minor. Studies show aborted fetuses caused by likely maternal immune attack are predominantly girls rather than boys, which also argues against the theory. Studies on identical twins show that common factors such as uterine environment are only a small influence on SSA and post-natal idiosyncratic reactions and non-shared environmental factors are much larger influences.
Weakly nonlinear waves in magnetized plasma with a slightly non-Maxwellian electron distribution. Part 2. Stability of cnoidal waves
Authors: PHIBANCHON S. , ALLEN M. A. , ROWLANDS G. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe determine the growth rate of linear instabilities resulting from long-wavelength transverse perturbations applied to periodic nonlinear wave solutions to the Schamel–Korteweg–de Vries–Zakharov–Kuznetsov (SKdVZK) equation which governs weakly nonlinear waves in a strongly magnetized cold-ion plasma whose electron distribution is given by two Maxwellians at slightly different temperatures. To obtain the growth rate it is necessary to evaluate non-trivial integrals whose number is kept to a minimum by using recursion relations. It is shown that a key instance of one such relation cannot be used for classes of solution whose minimum value is zero, and an additional integral must be evaluated explicitly instead. The SKdVZK equation contains two nonlinear terms whose ratio b increases as the electron distribution becomes increasingly flat-topped. As b and hence the deviation from electron isothermality increases, it is found that for cnoidal wave solutions that travel faster than long-wavelength linear waves, there is a more pronounced variation of the growth rate with the angle θ at which the perturbation is applied. Solutions whose minimum values are zero and which travel slower than long-wavelength linear waves are found, at first order, to be stable to perpendicular perturbations and have a relatively narrow range of θ for which the first-order growth rate is not zero.
Effect of haemin on growth, protein content and the antioxidant defence system inTrypanosoma cruzi
Authors: CICCARELLI A. , ARAUJO L. , BATLLE A. , LOMBARDO E. 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARYA nutritional characteristic of trypanosomatid protozoa is thatin vitrothey need a haem-compound as a growth factor, which is supplied as haemoglobin, haematin or haemin. Because haemin and related porphyrins are an important source of oxidative stress in biological systems, the effect of haemin on growth, protein content and the antioxidant defence system inTrypanosoma cruziwas evaluated. We have observed that, in epimastigotes grown under different haemin concentrations in the culture medium (0–30 mg/l), 5 mg/l was the haemin concentration yielding optimum growth. Above 15 mg/l there was a clear decrease in growth rate, producing the epimastigote to amastigote transformation. Such morphological change was observed together with a marked injury of the enzymatic machinery of the parasite, leading to diminished protein synthesis as well as lower activity of the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and trypanothione reductase), reduced total thiol content and a marked increase in the HaemOx-1 activity and expression. The current work demonstrates that there is a correlation between higher haemin concentrations in the culture medium and oxidative damage in the cells. Under these conditions induction of HaemOx-1 would indicate the important role of this enzyme as an antioxidant defence response inTrypanosoma cruzi.
Characterization of two classes of benzodiazepine binding sites in Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: NOËL F. , MENDONÇA-SILVA D. L. , THIBAUT J-P. B. , LOPES D. V. S. 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARYAs we have recently shown that GABA should be considered a putative neurotransmitter inSchistosoma mansoni, the present work aimed to search for GABAAreceptors in adult worms using [3H]-flunitrazepam to label the allosteric benzodiazepine binding site which is classically present on GABAAreceptor complexes. We detected a large population (Bmax=8·25±1·1 pmol . mg protein−1) of high affinity (Kd=33·6±1·5 nm) binding sites for flunitrazepam. These sites harboured a singular pharmacological modulation that does not fit well with a mammalian central benzodiazepine receptor, mainly due to a very high affinity for Ro5-4864 and a very low affinity for clonazepam. We also detected a second population of benzodiazepine binding sites labelled with high affinity (IC50=85 nm) by [3H]-PK11195, a selective ligand of the mammalian peripheral benzodiazepine receptor. In conclusion, this work describes the pharmacological properties of a large population of central-like benzodiazepine receptors supporting their study as putative new targets for the development of anti-parasitic agents. We also describe, for the first time, the presence of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors in this parasite.
Increasing children's fruit and vegetable consumption: distribution or a multicomponent programme?
Authors: Reinaerts Evelien , Nooijer Jascha de , Candel Math , de Vries Nanne 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo measure the effects of two school-based interventions on children's intake of fruit and vegetables (F&V).Design and methodsA total of six primary schools were randomly assigned to (1) a free F&V distribution programme, or (2) a multicomponent programme, consisting of a classroom curriculum and parental involvement. The two interventions were evaluated on their effects and compared with six control schools in a pre-test–post-test design. Two methods were used for dietary assessment: a pre-structured food recall and a food-frequency questionnaire including only F&V.SubjectsA total of 939 parents of children aged 4–12 years filled out the questionnaire at both pre-test and post-test. The response rate was 54%.ResultsMultilevel analyses showed that both programmes were equally effective in increasing children's fruit consumption by 0.2 portions per day. The free F&V distribution increased vegetable intake among non-native children and the oldest age group, and the multicomponent programme among the oldest children and girls. The distribution also caused an increased 24 h fruit, juice and vegetable intake among the youngest and the oldest age groups, and the multicomponent programme among all children.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that both interventions were shown to be effective for different subgroups regarding age, gender and ethnicity. When comparing both interventions, the distribution programme was shown to be more effective, especially in increasing vegetable consumption. An important next step will be to investigate which intervention has the greatest potential to be implemented in primary schools.
A systematic review of associations between environmental factors, energy and fat intakes among adults: is there evidence for environments that encourage obesogenic dietary intakes?
Authors: Giskes Katrina , Kamphuis Carlijn BM , van Lenthe Frank J , Kremers Stef , Droomers Mariel , Brug Johannes 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo review the literature examining associations between environmental factors, energy and fat intakes among adults, and to identify issues for future research.MethodsLiterature searches of studies published between 1980 and 2004 were conducted in major databases (i.e. PubMed, Human Nutrition, Web of Science, PsychInfo, Sociofile). Additional articles were located by citation tracking.ResultsTwenty-one articles met the inclusion criteria. No study provided a clear conceptualisation of how environmental factors may influence these dietary intakes. Availability, social, cultural and material aspects of the environment were relatively understudied compared with other factors such as seasonal/day of the week variation and work-related factors. Few studies examined the specific environmental factors implicated in the obesity epidemic, and there was little study replication. All studies were observational and cross-sectional.ConclusionsIt is too premature to conclude whether or not environmental factors play a role in obesogenic and unhealthy dietary intakes. More studies need to examine associations with those environmental factors thought to contribute to obesogenic environments. There needs to be more development in theories that conceptualise the relationship between environmental factors and dietary intakes.
Remaining challenges in Tanzania's efforts to eliminate iodine deficiency
Authors: Assey Vincent D , Mgoba Celestin , Mlingi Nicholaus , Sanga Alfred , Ndossi Godwin D , Greiner Ted , Peterson Stefan 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine iodine levels in salt and iodine deficiency prevalence in school-aged children in 16 districts in Tanzania with previous severe iodine deficiency.DesignA cross-sectional study in schoolchildren. Systematic probability sampling was used to select schools and subjects for goitre assessment and urinary iodine determination.SettingSixteen districts randomly selected from the 27 categorised as severely iodine-deficient in Tanzania.SubjectsThe study population was primary-school children aged 6–18 years who were examined for goitre prevalence and urinary iodine concentration (UIC). Salt samples from schoolchildren's homes and from shops were tested for iodine content.ResultsThe study revealed that 83.3% of households (n = 21 160) in the surveyed districts used iodised salt. Also, 94% of sampled shops (n = 397) sold iodised salt, with a median iodine level of 37.0 ppm (range 4.2–240 ppm). Median UIC in 2089 schoolchildren was 235.0 μg l− 1and 9.3% had UIC values below 50 μg l− 1. The overall unweighted mean visible and total goitre prevalence was 6.7% and 24.3%, respectively (n = 16 222). The age group 6–12 years had the lowest goitre prevalence (3.6% visible and 18.0% total goitre,n = 7147). The total goitre prevalence had decreased significantly in all districts from an unweighted mean of 65.4% in the 1980s to 24.3% in 1999 (P < 0.05). We believe this difference was also biologically significant.ConclusionThese findings indicate that iodine deficiency is largely eliminated in the 16 districts categorised as severely iodine-deficient in Tanzania, and that the iodine content of salt purchased from shops is highly variable.
ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION
Authors: PASK E. A. 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARY1. All methods of artificial respiration require a free airway from the exterior to the alveoli so that effective pulmonary exchange can occur.2. All methods of artificial respiration should be accompanied by effective anti‐shock measures.3. A variety of methods, supine pressure methods, prone pressure methods, positive inflation of the lungs and postural methods either in manual or in mechanical form can provide adequate pulmonary ventilation. Any method selected should be carried out intelligently so that the occurrence of this pulmonary exchange is assured.4. It is probable that the efficiency of methods of artificial respiration will be assessed by the degree to which they assist the blood circulation. There is evidence that there are differences in this respect between the methods, but we cannot yet state with certainty which type of method produces the most desirable effect in man.
THORACOLUMBAR SPLANCHNICECTOMY AND SYMPATHECTOMY
Authors: GRIFFITHS H. W. C. , GILLIES JOHN 
Published: February 2007

SummaryA method of combined analgesia, vasoconstrictor paralysis and narcosis has been devised, to provide an ischæmic field and adequate relaxation, with safeguards against disturbances of circulatory and respiratory dynamics. The reduction in operating time and the complete insignificance of any loss of blood are advantages which contribute to the undoubted value of the method and the satisfactory results achieved. Frequently, the hypotension induced has been extreme, possibly unnecessarily so. As the series proceeded equally satisfactory results have been obtained with systolic pressures of about 70 mm. Hg, which may be regarded as the optimal level.The development of this work owes much to the kindly cooperation and stimulating encouragement of Professor J. R. Lear‐month, C.B.E., Ch.M., F.R.C.S.E.
MODIFICATIONS OF THE CLOVER'S ETHER INHALER
Authors: GALLEY A. H. , KING A. CHARLES 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThe relevant medical literature has been reviewed objectively and the conclusion reached that the Wilson‐Smith modification was first in the field.The importance of adequate air‐passages within anæsthetic machines is stressed and attention drawn to the fact that the “ wide‐bore principle,” introduced as long ago as 1899, has since become the sine qua non for all modern apparatus involving the closed method.The various wide‐bore modifications are briefly described, compared and contrasted, and the various devices employed for maintaining the wide‐bore whilst allowing for variation in ether vapour strength are illustrated.Quotations are given which show exactly how the benefits of wide‐bore inhalers appeared to those who first used them.
Distriibution of electrical myotonia in myotonic muscular dystrophy
Authors: Streib Erich W. , Sun Sallie F. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTwenty‐five successive patients with myotonic dystrophy were examined to determine the anatomical distribution of electrical myotonia. Proximal and distal limb muscles and orbicularis oris and masseter muscles were examined. Electrical myotonia was present in all muscles examined in only 3 patients. Moreover, of the 15 muscles examined, none showed myotonic discharges in every patient, the highest individual muscle involvement being 96%.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: Successful treatment with dantrolene and bromocriptine
Authors: Granato Jerome E. , Stern Barney J. , Ringel Alan , Karim Amin H. , Krumholz Allan , Coyle Joseph , Adler Sam 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA patient with chronic schizophrenia treated with fluphenazine developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome, characterized by fever, obtundation, rigidity, and tremulousness. Hyperthermia and elevated serum creatine kinase were successfully corrected by parenteral treatment with dantrolene. Obtundation, rigidity, and tremulousness responded to high doses of bromocriptine.
Dopamine‐containing neurons in the spinal cord: Anatomy and some functional aspects
Authors: Lindvall Olle Lindvall , Björklund Anders Björklund , Skagerberg Gunnar 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe anatomy of the recently discovered diencephalospinal dopaminergic system is summarized and its possible role in physiological and pathological processes suggested. The cell bodies of origin of this system are localized periventricularly in the dorsal hypothalamus and caudal thalamus, and the terminal innervations are found in the dorsal horn at all spinal levels and around the preganglionic sympathetic neurons in the thoracolumbar spinal cord. Available data favor the participation of the spinal dopaminergic system in pain modulation and autonomic and motor responses. Dysfunction of spinal dopaminergic neurons could be involved in the pathophysiology of certain conditions, such as parkinson's disease. It appears possible that the beneficial effects of dopamine agonists in this condition as well as some of the side effects of neuroleptics are mediated through their actions on spinal dopaminergic mechanisms.
Is “subcortical dementia” a recognizable clinical entity?
Authors: Mayeux Richard , Stern Yaakov , Rosen Jeffery , Frank Benson D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe concept of “subcortical dementia” is controversial, lacking clinical validation and having only a questionable pathological basis. Over 100 patients with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or Huntington's disease, subdivided into three functional disability stages, were given a brief quantitative neuropsychological assessment. Patients with Huntington's or Parkinson's disease were less intellectually impaired than those with Alzheimer's disease at each functional stage. Criteria for dementia were present in all of the Alzheimer's patients but in only half of the Huntington's and Parkinson's disease groups. Patients with similar overall intellectual function scores had no distinct pattern of neuropsychological test performance. Depression, absent in patients with Alzheimer's disease, was present in half the patients with Huntington's and Parkinson's disease and was correlated with intellectual decline. The concept of subcortical dementia is misleading. The pattern of neuropsychological impairment is not distinct, and the neuropathological basis of dementia in these diseases may result from a combination of cortical and subcortical degeneration.
Independent maternal origin of Chinese swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Lei C. Z. , Zhang W. , Chen H. , Lu F. , Liu R. Y. , Yang X. Y. , Zhang H. C. , Liu Z. G. , Yao L. B. , Lu Z. F. , Zhao Z. L. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryTo obtain more knowledge on the origin and genetic diversity of the swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in China, the complete mitochondrial D‐loop sequences of 119 samples representing seven native types were compared. Two mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineages (lineages A and B) were determined for the Chinese swamp buffalo. Examination of the diversity patterns suggest that lineage A has undergone a population expansion event. Divergence of lineages A and B was estimated at 18 000 years ago. Combined analyses of mtDNA sequences from Chinese, Indian, Brazilian/Italian and Southeast Asian/Australian buffalo samples showed independent domestication events in the swamp buffalo from China and the river buffalo from the India subcontinent. The spread of swamp and river buffalo from China and India respectively to mainland Southeast Asia suggests that Southeast Asia is a hybrid zone for buffalo. Our data support the hypothesis of the evolution of domesticated swamp and river buffalo from ancestral swamp‐like animals. These ancestral animals were extensively distributed across mainland Asia and most likely are represented today by the wild Asian buffalo (Bubalus arnee).
Pancytopenia and secondary myelofibrosis could be induced by primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: LIM D.‐J. , OH E. J. , PARK C.‐W. , KWON H.‐S. , HONG E.‐J. , YOON K.‐H. , KANG M.‐I. , CHA B.‐Y. , LEE K.‐W. , SON H.‐Y. , KANG S.‐K. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryHyperparathyroidism may be a precipitating factor important to the development of myelofibrosis: however, there has been only a few reports regarding myelofibrosis secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism. Recently, a rare case of pancytopenia caused by myelofibrosis in a 41‐year‐old woman who complained of general weakness and arthralgia presented to our clinical service. The patient was diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism with pancytopenia. Bone marrow biopsy revealed myelofibrosis. Right parathyroidectomy was performed and a parathyroid adenoma was totally excised. After surgery, the CBC counts and other clinical abnormalities gradually improved without further intervention. We concluded that the pancytopenia was because of bone marrow fibrosis resulting from primary hyperparathyroidism. Therefore, physicians should consider myelofibrosis secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism as a cause of pancytopenia in hypercalcemic patients, even though it is rare.
Sickle cell–haemoglobin E (HbSE) compound heterozygosity: a clinical and haematological study
Authors: KNOX‐MACAULAY H. H. M. , AHMED M. M. , GRAVELL D. , AL‐KINDI S. , GANESH A. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThe paucity of clinical reports in the world literature suggests that, as a disease entity, haemoglobin SE compound heterozygosity is of negligible importance. In view of the significant community prevalence of this haemoglobinopathy in the Sultanate of Oman where it is the second most prevalent sickling disorder, a hospital study of 12 SE compound heterozygotes from six unrelated Arab families was undertaken to determine their clinico‐haematological features. Our findings were compared with those reviewed in the literature. Clinical and haematological evaluation was carried out by conventional methods including chromatographic haemoglobin analysis. At least 50% of those studied were asymptomatic throughout the study period but sickling‐related complications occurred in the rest and included the acute chest syndrome (1/12), severe vaso‐occlusive skeletal pain (2/12), frontal bossing (1/12) possibly indicative of significant chronic haemolysis and recurrent infections of the urinary tract (1/12). Steady‐state haemoglobin levels fell within the reference range while MCV and MCH values were, as expected, reduced in most cases; nevertheless, concomitant inheritance of α‐thalassaemia trait was also likely. Red cell morphology was striking by the absence or rarity of pseudo‐sickled cells in the blood films of many patients during the steady state and in crises. Bearing in mind the prevalence of 0.05% of SE compound heterozygosity in Oman, the findings in this single study of the largest number of SE patients and their relatives confirm the predominantly asymptomatic nature of this sickling disorder in individuals in the community at large. HbF levels do not appear to explain the heterogeneous nature of this haemoglobinopathy. Correlation of the variable clinical and haematological features of SE cases with their α‐globin gene status and β‐cluster haplotypes (linked to the βs‐ and βe‐genes) merits a separate investigation, which is being currently organized.