bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genomic imprinting in the development and evolution of psychotic spectrum conditions
Authors: Crespi Bernard 
Published: September 2008

AbstractI review and evaluate genetic and genomic evidence salient to the hypothesis that the development and evolution of psychotic spectrum conditions have been mediated in part by alterations of imprinted genes expressed in the brain. Evidence from the genetics and genomics of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, Prader‐Willi syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, and other neurogenetic conditions support the hypothesis that the etiologies of psychotic spectrum conditions commonly involve genetic and epigenetic imbalances in the effects of imprinted genes, with a bias towards increased relative effects from imprinted genes with maternal expression or other genes favouring maternal interests. By contrast, autistic spectrum conditions, including Kanner autism, Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, Turner syndrome, Angelman syndrome, and Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome, commonly engender increased relative effects from paternally expressed imprinted genes, or reduced effects from genes favouring maternal interests. Imprinted‐gene effects on the etiologies of autistic and psychotic spectrum conditions parallel the diametric effects of imprinted genes in placental and foetal development, in that psychotic spectrum conditions tend to be associated with undergrowth and relatively‐slow brain development, whereas some autistic spectrum conditions involve brain and body overgrowth, especially in foetal development and early childhood. An important role for imprinted genes in the etiologies of psychotic and autistic spectrum conditions is consistent with neurodevelopmental models of these disorders, and with predictions from the conflict theory of genomic imprinting.
Female secondary coloration in the Mexican boulder spiny lizard is associated with nematode load
Authors: Calisi R. M. , Malone J. H. , Hews D. K. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractMale secondary sexual traits purportedly facilitate female choice of a potential mate's quality. One example of male quality is the ability to resist detrimental infections by parasites; sexual traits that reflect parasite infection can allow females to select for parasite resistance in future offspring. High parasite numbers can constrain the exaggeration of male traits, but few studies have examined the effects of parasites on female secondary traits. Female Mexican boulder spiny lizards Sceloporus pyrocephalus, undergo a change in secondary sexual coloration over their breeding season and express red gular regions and gray gular stripes in association with late stages of follicle maturation during the reproductive cycle, as well as blue ventral stripes. We examined if color change associated with the female reproductive cycle varied in hue, saturation and brightness in relation to high nematode loads. Our results suggest that high nematode loads of particular areas of the body are correlated with dull, as opposed to bright, secondary sexual coloration in females of S. pyrocephalus. One reason females could be most vulnerable to nematodes during late reproductive stages is because of corresponding high concentrations of circulating testosterone known to occur in this species at this time. Testosterone has demonstrated immunosuppressive effects in many species; however, results have varied and conclusive evidence for its role in immune function remains controversial. Using a subset of individuals from this study, we found that high concentrations of plasma testosterone were significantly related to high nematode loads. These findings prompt further studies examining the physiological attributes of parasite infestation, the honest signaling capabilities of nematode loads and their potential role in sexual selection for coloration in females.
Neurite outgrowth is enhanced by laminin‐mediated down‐regulation of the low affinity neurotrophin receptor, p75NTR
Authors: Rankin Sherri L. , Guy Clifford S. , Mearow Karen M. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractLaminin (LN), an extracellular matrix component, is a key factor in promoting axonal regeneration, coordinately regulating growth in conjunction with trophic signals provided by the neurotrophins, including nerve growth factor (NGF). This study investigated potential interactions between the LN and NGF‐mediated signaling pathways in PC12 cells and primary neurons. Neurite outgrowth stimulated by NGF was enhanced on a LN substrate. Western blot analysis of pertinent signal transduction components revealed both enhanced phosphorylation of early signaling intermediates upon co‐stimulation, and a LN‐induced down‐regulation of p75NTR which could be prevented by the addition of integrin inhibitory arginine‐glycine‐aspartate (RGD) peptides. This p75NTR down‐regulation was associated with a LN‐mediated up‐regulation of PTEN and resulted in a decrease in Rho activity. Studies using over‐expression or siRNA‐mediated knock‐down of PTEN demonstrate a consistent inverse relationship with p75NTR, and the over‐expression of p75NTR impaired neurite outgrowth on a LN substrate, as well as resulting in sustained activation of Rho which is inhibitory to neurite outgrowth. p75NTR is documented for its role in the transduction of inhibitory myelin‐derived signals, and our results point to extracellular matrix regulation of p75NTR as a potential mechanism to ameliorate inhibitory signaling leading to optimized neurite outgrowth.
Interaction of cocaine‐, benztropine‐, and GBR12909‐like compounds with wild‐type and mutant human dopamine transporters: molecular features that differentially determine antagonist‐binding properties
Authors: Schmitt Kyle C. , Zhen Juan , Kharkar Prashant , Mishra Manoj , Chen Nianhang , Dutta Aloke K. , Reith Maarten E. A. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe widely abused psychostimulant cocaine is thought to elicit its reinforcing effects primarily via inhibition of the neuronal dopamine transporter (DAT). However, not all DAT inhibitors share cocaine’s behavioral profile, despite similar or greater affinity for the DAT. This may be due to differential molecular interactions with the DAT. Our previous work using transporter mutants with altered conformational equilibrium (W84L and D313N) indicated that benztropine and GBR12909 interact with the DAT in a different manner than cocaine. Here, we expand upon these previous findings, studying a number of structurally different DAT inhibitors for their ability to inhibit [3H]CFT binding to wild‐type, W84L and D313N transporters. We systematically tested structural intermediates between cocaine and benztropine, structural hybrids of benztropine and GBR12909 and a number of other structurally heterologous inhibitors. Derivatives of the stimulant desoxypipradrol (2‐benzhydrylpiperidine) exhibited a cocaine‐like binding profile with respect to mutation, whereas compounds possessing the diphenylmethoxy moiety of benztropine and GBR12909 were dissimilar to cocaine‐like compounds. In tests with specific isomers of cocaine and tropane analogues, compounds with 3α stereochemistry tended to exhibit benztropine‐like binding, whereas those with 3β stereochemistry were more cocaine‐like. Our results point to the importance of specific molecular features – most notably the presence of a diphenylmethoxy moiety – in determining a compound’s binding profile. This study furthers the concept of using DAT mutants to differentiate cocaine‐like inhibitors from atypical inhibitors in vitro. Further studies of the molecular features that define inhibitor–transporter interaction could lead to the development of DAT inhibitors with differential clinical utility.
Sphenopalatine Ganglion Radiofrequency Ablation for the Management of Chronic Cluster Headache
Authors: Narouze Samer , Kapural Leonardo , Casanova Jose , Mekhail Nagy 
Published: September 2008

Objectives.— Chronic cluster headache patients are often resistant to pharmacological management. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) was shown before to improve episodic cluster headache but not chronic cluster headache. We were interested to examine the effect of such intervention in patients with intractable chronic cluster headache who failed pharmacological management.Methods.— Fifteen patients with chronic cluster headache, who experienced temporary pain relief following SPG block, underwent percutaneous RFA via the infrazygomatic approach under fluoroscopic guidance. Collected data include demographic variables, onset and duration of the headache, mean attack intensity (MAI), mean attack frequency (MAF), and pain disability index (PDI) before and up to 18 months after procedure.Results.— At 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, 12‐, 18‐month follow‐up, the MAI was 2.6, 3.2, 3.2, 3.4, 4.2, respectively (P < .0001, P < .0001, P < .0001, P < .0005, P < .003, respectively). The PDI improved from 55 (baseline) to 17.2 and 25.6 at 6 and 12 months respectively (P < .001). The MAF improved from 17 attacks/week to 5.4, 6.4, 7.8, 8.6, 8.3 at 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, 12‐, 18‐month follow‐up visits (P < .0001, P < .0001, P < .0001, P < .002, P < .004, respectively).Conclusion.— Our data showed that percutaneous RFA of the SPG is an effective modality of treatment for patients with intractable chronic cluster headaches. Precise needle placement with the use of real‐time fluoroscopy and electrical stimulation prior to attempting radiofrequency lesioning may reduce the incidence of adverse events.
Serum Concentrations of s100b and NSE in Migraine
Authors: Teepker Michael , Munk Karoline , Mylius Veit , Haag Anja , Möller Jens C. , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Schepelmann Karsten 
Published: September 2008

Background.— The protein s100b indicates astrocytal damage as well as dysfunction of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB), and neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) is regarded as a marker for neuronal cell loss. Recently, s100b was shown to be a potentially useful marker for migraine in children. In this study, we investigated the levels of s100b and NSE in adult migraineurs during and after migraine attacks in order to gain some more insight into migraine pathophysiology.Methods.— Serum levels of s100b and NSE were measured in 21 migraineurs and compared with 21 healthy subjects matched by sex and age. In migraineurs, blood samples were taken during a migraine attack and following a pain‐free period of 2‐4 days.Results.— During migraine attacks elevated s100b levels could be observed. Maximal concentrations were detected in the pain‐free period after 2‐4 days. Regarding NSE, serum levels were decreased slightly during and after migraine bouts.Conclusions.— Our data suggest a prolonged disruption of BBB during and after migraine attacks. Other possible explanations concerning the detected serum levels of s100b and NSE will be discussed; however, neuronal cell death can be ruled out by the decreased serum concentrations of NSE. With regard to the results of the present study, further research is necessary to evaluate the role of s100b and NSE in migraine.
A Study to Evaluate the Feasibility of an Aerobic Exercise Program in Patients With Migraine
Authors: Varkey Emma , Cider Åsa , Carlsson Jane , Linde Mattias 
Published: September 2008

Objectives.— The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate an exercise program to improve maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) in untrained patients with migraine without making their migraines worse.Patients and methods.— Twenty‐six patients were studied at a headache clinic in Sweden. The exercise program, based on indoor cycling, was performed 3 times per week during 12 weeks. VO2 max, migraine status, side effects, and quality of life were evaluated.Results.— VO2 max increased from 32.9 mL/kg/minute to 36.2 mL/kg/minute (P = .044). Quality of life increased and significant improvements in migraine status (attack frequency, symptom intensity, and intake of medicine) were seen. During the 12 weeks of exercise, on one occasion one patient had a migraine attack, which started immediately after training. No other side effects were reported.Conclusions.— The evaluated exercise program was well tolerated by the patients and improved their VO2 max with no deterioration of migraine status.
Obesity in the Pediatric Headache Population: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Hershey Andrew D. , Powers Scott W. , Nelson Timothy D. , Kabbouche Marielle A. , Winner Paul , Yonker Marcy , Linder Steven L. , Bicknese Alma , Sowel Michael K. , McClintock William ,   the American Headache Society Pediatric Adolescent Section
Published: September 2008

Objective.— To examine the prevalence of obesity, the relationship between weight compared with headache frequency and disability, and effect of weight change on headache outcomes within a pediatric headache population.Background.— Headache and obesity are both common conditions in children and adults. Research in adults has suggested a relationship between the 2 conditions. This relationship has not yet been explored within a pediatric population. The effect of obesity and weight change on headache outcomes may have important implications for clinical care.Method.— Data on height, weight, age, and gender, as well as headache frequency and disability, were collected on 913 consecutive patients at 7 pediatric headache centers, the body mass index (BMI) calculated and the BMI percentile determined. The same data were collected on patients seen at 3‐ (n = 213) and 6‐month (n = 174) follow‐up for comparative analysis.Results.— The prevalence of overweight patients at initial visit did not significantly differ from the general pediatric population. BMI percentile was significantly correlated with headache frequency and disability at initial visit, although the correlations were relatively small. For children who were obese or at risk for overweight as initial visit, change in BMI was significantly positively correlated with change in headache frequency at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up.Conclusions.— Obesity is associated with headache frequency and disability in the pediatric headache population. For children who are overweight, weight loss can contribute to a reduction in headaches over time. Clinicians should consider child weight status in providing care for pediatric headache.
Cervical Mobility in Women With Migraine
Authors: Bevilaqua‐Grossi Debora , Pegoretti Katia S. , Goncalves Maria C. , Speciali José G. , Bordini Carlos A. , Bigal Marcelo E. 
Published: September 2008

Objective.— To contrast the cervical range of motion (CROM) in women with episodic migraine (EM), transformed migraine (TM), and controls without migraine headaches.Background.— Migraineurs often complain about neck pain. Furthermore, neck problems can worsen the headaches in individuals with migraine. Individuals with neck pain usually have reduced CROM. Nonetheless, studies assessing the CROM in migraineurs are scarce.Methods.— Our sample was selected in an outpatient headache clinic, and consisted of 45 women aged 20‐54 years old, 15 per group. Cervical mobility was evaluated in movements of flexion, extension, right lateral flexion, left lateral flexion, right rotation, and left rotation using the CROM technique, and was contrasted among the groups. Migraine clinical patterns were also evaluated (frequency, duration of migraine, pain in the moment of evaluation, pain in movement, and pain localization) as a function of CROM.Results.— Compared with controls, individuals with TM had numerically inferior CROM in all parameters, and significant reduction in 3 of them: extension (59.3 vs 68.1, P = .02), left lateral flexion (44.5 vs 49.1, P = .03), and right rotation (62.2 vs 69.6, P = .02). Compared with individuals with migraine, the TM group presented significantly reduced mobility only for extension (59.3 vs 68.4, P = .02). Migraineurs also had numerically inferior ROM, contrasted to controls, in 5 of the 6 parameters, although significance was seen just for right rotation (60.8 vs 68.6 P < .01). There was no correlation between cervical mobility and migraine parameters. The CROM was not reduced for the symptomatic side of migraine, in cases of unilateral pain.Conclusion.— Contrasted to controls, individuals with episodic and TM have decreased cervical range of motion.
The Global Brain by Satish Nambisan and Mohanbir Sawney
Authors: Feldman Laurence P. 
Published: September 2008

Books reviewed in this issue:

The Global Brain
Do It Wrong Quickly: How the Web Changes the Old Marketing Rules
Reinventing Project Management: The Diamond Approach to Successful Growth and Innovation
Selling Blue Elephants: How to Make Great Products that People Want before They Even Know They Want Them
Role of photodynamic therapy in psoriasis: a brief review
Authors: Tandon Yasmeen K. , Yang Marjorie F. , Baron Elma D. 
Published: September 2008

Background and purpose: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a light treatment modality which involves either systemic or local application of a photosensitizing compound, which preferentially deposits in the target cells, and is then followed by selective illumination of the lesion with visible light. The purpose of this study was to review the literature to examine the success, side effects, and different protocols used thus far to treat psoriasis using PDT.Methods: A thorough review of the literature was performed and analyzed.Results and conclusions: After a thorough review of the literature, PDT remains a potential treatment for psoriasis. Clinical improvement has been observed in most studies. The major limiting factor seen in many of the studies was the side effect of pain and burning sensations associated with PDT. This highlights the need for other photosensitizers with better tolerability profiles.
Alveolar Ridge Regeneration with Equine Spongy Bone: A Clinical, Histological, and Immunohistochemical Case Series
Authors: Di Stefano Danilo Alessio , Artese Luciano , Iezzi Giovanna , Piattelli Adriano , Pagnutti Stefano , Piccirilli Marcello , Perrotti Vittoria 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTBackground: In the case of localized ridge atrophy, a ridge augmentation procedure, with the use of bone substitutes and barrier membranes, may then be necessary.Purpose: The aim of the present study was a clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical evaluation of an equine spongy bone in alveolar ridge augmentation procedures.Materials and Methods: Five patients showing horizontal mandibular ridge defects participated in this study. A ridge augmentation was performed through an onlay apposition of equine bone covered by a titanium‐reinforced membrane. After 6 months of healing, five bone cores from nonaugmented sites (control) and five from augmented sites (test) were retrieved.Results: In test sites, no postoperative complications occurred. Horizontal bone width increased from ≤4 to ≥7 mm. In control sites, the newly formed bone represented 33%, and in test sites, 35% of the total area. The mean value of the microvessel density was 25.6 +/– 3.425 per mm2 in controls, while 33.3 +/– 2.5 vessels per mm2 in the test sites were found (p < .05). Both groups showed a high intensity (++) of vascular endothelial growth factor expression in the newly formed bone, while a low intensity (+) was found in the mature bone.Conclusion: Equine bone appeared to be biocompatible and to be associated with new vessel ingrowth. Within the limits of the small sample size, the present study indicated that equine bone could be used in mandibular ridge augmentations.
Apical Peri‐Implantitis: Possible Predisposing Factors, Case Reports, and Surgical Treatment Suggestions
Authors: Dahlin Christer , Nikfarid Hossein , Alsén Bengt , Kashani Hossein 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTBackground: Apical peri‐implantitis is often diagnosed by clinical findings such as pain, redness, tenderness, swelling, and sometimes the presence of a fistulous tract. There are few theories about how such a lesion occurs. Hence, the current clinical treatment protocols are scanty.Purpose: The aim of this report was to evaluate and confer a more extended surgical protocol and to discuss possible predisposing factors for the development of retrograde peri‐implantitis.Materials and Methods: Two patients were extensively evaluated with regard to clinical signs, implant treatment, postoperative complications, and surgical treatment. The surgical protocol comprised debridement, with the additional removal of the apical portion of the affected implant. Postoperative checkup included clinical examination and radiographs. The follow‐up period ranged from 1 to 3 years following surgical debridement. The possible predisposing factors are also discussed in the article.Results: Both cases healed uneventfully with no further symptoms. Radiographs revealed complete bone fill into the resected area and continuous stable bone levels around the previously affected implants.Conclusions: It is concluded that recommendations for treatment of apical peri‐implantitis are still minimal. In the present study, a surgical approach with resection of the apical portion of the affected implants in combination with debridement is suggested. Our experience was that partially resected oral implants remain osseointegrated and also function well clinically with a follow‐up period up to 3 years.
Within‐Subject Comparison of Two Rigid Bar Designs Connecting Two Interforaminal Implants: Patients' Satisfaction and Prosthetic Results
Authors: Mericske‐Stern Regina , Probst Dieter , Fahrländer Fritz , Schellenberg Marc 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTBackground: There is evidence for the superiority of two‐implant overdentures over complete dentures in the mandible. Various anchorage devices were used to provide stability to overdentures. The aim of the present study was to compare two designs of a rigid bar connecting two mandibular implants.Materials and Methods: Completely edentulous patients received a new denture in the maxilla and an implant‐supported overdenture in the mandible. They were randomly allocated to two groups (A or B) with regard to the bar design. A standard U‐shaped bar (Dolder bar) was used connecting the two implants in a straight line. For comparison, precision attachments were soldered distal to the bar copings. Group A started the study with the standard bar (S‐bar), while group B started with the attachment‐bar (A‐bar). After 3 months, they had to answer a questionnaire (visual analogue scale [VAS]); then the bar design was changed in both groups. After a period of another 3 months, the patients had to answer the same questions; then they had the choice to keep their preferred bar. Now the study period was extended to another year of observation, and the patients answered again the same questionnaire. In vivo force measurements were carried out with both bar types at the end of the test periods. The prosthetic maintenance service carried out during the 6‐month period was recorded for both bar types in both groups. Statistical analysis as performed with the SPSS statistical package (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).Results: Satisfaction was high in both groups. Group B, who had entered the study with the attachment bar, gave slightly better ratings to this type for four items, while in group A, no differences were found. At the end of the 6‐month comparison period, all but one patient wished to continue to wear the attachment bar. Prosthetic service was equal in groups A and B, but the total number of interventions is significantly higher in the attachment bar. Force patterns of maximum biting were similar in both bar designs, but exhibited significantly higher axial forces in the attachment bar.Conclusions: Both bar designs provide good retention and functional comfort. High stability appears to be an important factor for the patients' satisfaction and oral comfort. Rigid retention results in a higher force impact and appears to evoke the need for the retightening of occlusal screws, resulting in more maintenance service.