bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic dissection of transcriptional regulation by cDNA‐AFLP
Authors: Vuylsteke Marnik , Van Den Daele Hilde , Vercauteren Annelies , Zabeau Marc , Kuiper Martin 
Published: January 2006

SummaryThis study demonstrates that cDNA‐AFLP is a powerful gel‐based genome‐scale transcript profiling technique to generate quantitative gene expression profiles for eQTL mapping. We used cDNA‐AFLP to monitor the relative abundance of 912 transcripts across 50 Arabidopsis thaliana recombinant inbred lines. Estimates for heritability of cDNA‐AFLP intensity polymorphisms were high, with a median of 0.30 and an interquartile range of 0.21–0.44. A total of 198 expression polymorphisms were significantly linked to specific chromosomal regions (P < 0.05). Both cis‐ and trans‐acting loci correlated with the variation in gene expression levels were found. Some of the trans‐acting loci correlated to multiple expression polymorphisms, suggesting trans‐acting alleles with widespread transcriptional effects. Here, we have illustrated that cDNA‐AFLP constitutes a powerful transcript profiling method that can be utilized for ‘multifactorial genomics’ analysis of any plant or animal species for which segregating populations and molecular marker maps are available.
Functional analysis of EID1, an F‐box protein involved in phytochrome A‐dependent light signal transduction
Authors: Marrocco Katia , Zhou Yongchun , Bury Erik , Dieterle Monika , Funk Markus , Genschik Pascal , Krenz Martina , Stolpe Thorsten , Kretsch Thomas 
Published: January 2006

SummaryEmpfindlicher im Dunkelroten Licht 1 (EID1) is an F‐box protein that functions as a negative regulator in phytochrome A (phyA)‐specific light signalling. F‐box proteins are components of SCF ubiquitin ligase complexes that target proteins for degradation in the proteasome. Here we present further characterization of EID1 at the expression level, and show that it regulates photomorphogenesis in seedlings, rosette leaf development and flowering. Data on transcript expression patterns indicate that EID1 is expressed during all stages of Arabidopsis development and exhibits no light response. Microscope studies demonstrate that EID1 is localized to the nucleus, where it can form speckles under continuous far‐red light that resemble clastosomes. To characterize the composition and formation of SCFEID1 complexes further, we used two‐hybrid and bridge assays in yeast and in planta. EID1 interacts specifically with several Arabidopsis Skp1‐like (ASK) proteins and Cullin1 to form stable dimeric and trimeric complexes. Our results support a two‐step association process in which the F‐box protein binds first to the ASK adaptor, forming a unit which then associates with the catalytic core of the SCF complex. Finally, our data indicate that the EID1 target interaction domain is composed of two independent modules.
Total subcutaneous fistulectomy combined with Karydakis flap for sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease with secondary perianal opening
Authors: Kulacoglu H. , Dener C. , Tumer H. , Aktimur R. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjective  Flap techniques have been performed with success in the treatment of pilonidal disease. However, some complex cases such as perianal pilonidal disease need special attention. We describe a modification of a well‐known flap technique for secondary perianal pilonidal disease and its early results.Patients and method  Total subcutaneous fistulotomy combined with Karydakis flap was performed on 14 patients. An elliptical incision, described by Karydakis, was made while not including the perianal opening. Both sides of the elliptical incision were deepened down to the gluteal muscle and postsacral fascia. At the level of subcutaneous tissue, attention was directed to the secondary perianal opening. A fine probe was inserted through the perianal skin pit, and the connection site between the fistula and the cyst was observed. A small circular skin incision was made around the probe and the fistula tract was totally excised using electrocautery together with the main cyst. The flap was prepared as described by Karydakis. Before suturing the flap to the other side, perianal subcutaneous tissue was sutured with a fine absorbable material, then, the flap was sutured with 4/0 polypropylene.Results  One patient developed seroma. Neither early failure in wound healing nor recurrence was observed at a mean of 16.2 months (range 4–36 months) follow‐up.Conclusion  Total subcutaneous fistulectomy plus Karydakis flap as a single‐stage procedure is an effective surgical modality for sacroccocygeal pilonidal disease with secondary perianal opening.
Changing trends in the management of colorectal cancers and its impact on cancer waiting times
Authors: Raje D. , La Touche S. , Mukhtar H. , Oshowo A. , Ingham Clark C. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjective  The aim of this study was to compare the differences in the presentation, management and waiting times for new colorectal cancer (CRC) patients over 5 years in a single metropolitan cancer centre.Methods  A retrospective comparative study of new patients with CRC presenting in the years 1998 and 2003. The groups were compared for referral type, Dukes' stage, site, cancer waiting times and primary treatment.Results  There were 72 new patients in 1998 and 77 in 2003. In 1998 33% were seen urgently and 28% as emergencies whereas in 2003 55% of patients were seen as urgent or target wait patients and 16% as emergencies. The 2‐week target for urgent referrals was met in 50% of cases in 1998 and 90% in 2003. In 2003 a higher proportion of patients received adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment. Stage at diagnosis was similar in both groups, except stage ‘D’ which was 21% in 1998 and only 12% in 2003. The 31‐day Cancer Waiting Time (CWT) target from decision to treat to first treatment would have been met in 81% of cases in 1998 and 79% in 2003. The 62‐day overall CWT target from referral to first treatment for urgent GP referrals would have been met in 46% of cases in 1998 and 57% in 2003.Conclusion  More CRC patients were referred urgently in 2003. Most, but not all of these were referred as target waits. The time taken for the patient's journey did not improve between the two cohorts, possibly in part, because more complex treatments are now provided. Further work and perhaps new thinking are needed in order to achieve Cancer Waiting Time targets.
Consensus conference on the stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for disordered defaecation
Authors: Corman M. L. , Carriero A. , Hager T. , Herold A. , Jayne D. G. , Lehur P.‐A. , Lomanto D. , Longo A. , Mellgren A. F. , Nicholls J. , Nyström P.‐O. , Senagore A. J. , Stuto A. , Wexner S. D. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAn international working party was convened in Rome, Italy on 16–17 June, 2005, with the purpose of developing a consensus on the application of the circular stapling instrument to the treatment of certain rectal conditions, the so‐called Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection (STARR). Since the procedure has been submitted to only limited objective analysis it was felt prudent to hold a meeting of interested individuals for the purpose of evaluating the current status and to make conclusions and recommendations concerning the applicability of this new approach.
Plant metabolomics: from holistic hope, to hype, to hot topic
Authors: Hall Robert D. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryIn a short time, plant metabolomics has gone from being just an ambitious concept to being a rapidly growing, valuable technology applied in the stride to gain a more global picture of the molecular organization of multicellular organisms. The combination of improved analytical capabilities with newly designed, dedicated statistical, bioinformatics and data mining strategies, is beginning to broaden the horizons of our understanding of how plants are organized and how metabolism is both controlled but highly flexible. Metabolomics is predicted to play a significant, if not indispensable role in bridging the phenotype–genotype gap and thus in assisting us in our desire for full genome sequence annotation as part of the quest to link gene to function. Plants are a fabulously rich source of diverse functional biochemicals and metabolomics is also already proving valuable in an applied context. By creating unique opportunities for us to interrogate plant systems and characterize their biochemical composition, metabolomics will greatly assist in identifying and defining much of the still unexploited biodiversity available today.

Contents

Summary
453

I.
Introducing plant metabolomics
453

II.
The technologies for data acquisition
455

III.
Mind the gap: data analysis, bioinformatics and statistics
458

IV.
Potential and limitations
461

V.
Applications
462

VI.
Data integration, metabolic networks and systems biology
464

VII.
Where do we go from here? Bright prospects for the future
465

Acknowledgements
465

References
465
Recurrent Headache and Migraine as a Public Health Problem—A Population‐Based Study in Sweden
Authors: Molarius Anu , Tegelberg Åke 
Published: January 2006

Objective.—To study the prevalence of recurrent headache and/or self‐considered migraine (RH/M) and its association with self‐rated health, other symptoms, and use of health care and medication in the general population.Methods.—The study comprised a random population sample of 43,770 men and women aged 18 to 79 years covering an area of 58 municipalities in Sweden. The data were obtained using a postal survey questionnaire during March to May 2000. The overall response rate was 65%.Results.—The overall prevalence of self‐reported RH/M was 10% among men and 23% among women. RH was more common (15%) than migraine (4%). The prevalence of RH was highest in the younger age groups (18 to 34 years) and decreased with increasing age. The prevalence of migraine was highest (6%) among 35 to 49 years old. Subjects with RH/M had poorer self‐rated health compared to subjects with no reported headache independent of age. Poor self‐rated health was most common among subjects with both RH and M. Musculoskeletal pain and psychosomatic symptoms were more common among those with RH/M. The association between RH/M and poor self‐rated health was partly explained by these symptoms. Those with RH/M utilized more health care at all levels than those with no RH/M. In addition, subjects with RH/M reported two to three times more often that they had been in need of medical care but not sought it. About two‐thirds of the subjects with RH/M had used analgesic during the last 2 weeks compared with less than one‐third among subjects with no RH/M.Conclusion.—RH/M constitutes a substantial public health problem that mainly affects young and middle aged adults. It is associated with poor self‐rated health, musculoskeletal and psychosomatic symptoms, increased use of health care and medication as well as unmet needs of health care.
Serotonin Depletion, Cortical Spreading Depression, and Trigeminal Nociception
Authors: Supornsilpchai Weera , Sanguanrangsirikul Sompol , Maneesri Supang , Srikiatkhachorn Anan 
Published: January 2006

Background.—The attack of migraine has been observed to be associated with low level of serotonin (5‐HT). Although the mechanism underlying this relationship is still unclear, change in cortical excitability or susceptibility of trigeminal system is a possible explanation.Objectives.—The aim was to study the effect of 5‐HT depletion on the development of cortical spreading depression (CSD) and CSD‐evoked trigeminal nociception.Methods.—Wistar rats were separated into low 5‐HT and control groups (eight rats each). 5‐HT was depleted by administration of para‐chlorophenylalanine, a tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor. CSD was induced by applying 3 mg of potassium chloride on parietal cortex. Cortical activity was monitored for 1 hour. Trigeminal nociception was determined using number of Fos‐immunoreactive (Fos‐IR) neurons in trigeminal nucleus caudalis as the indicator.Results.—Application of KCl led to the development of series of depolarization shift characteristics for CSD. The development of these CSD waves was enhanced in low 5‐HT state. The area under curve of each CSD wave and the number of CSD waves occurring within 1 hour were greater in low 5‐HT group. No significant change in peak amplitude and duration of CSD wave was observed. The numbers of Fos‐IR cells on ipsilateral and contralateral trigeminal nucleus caudalis were significantly greater in the low 5‐HT group than those of the controls.Conclusion.—Our findings indicate that 5‐HT depletion enhances CSD‐induced trigeminal nociception by increasing the cortical excitability and sensitivity of trigeminal nociceptive system. These findings may provide a better understanding regarding the relationship between low 5‐HT and clinical headaches.
Weather and Emergency Room Visits for Migraine Headaches in Ottawa, Canada
Authors: Villeneuve P. J. , Szyszkowicz M. , Stieb D. , Bourque D. A. 
Published: January 2006

Background.—Self‐reported surveys have indicated that weather can trigger migraine headaches. However, to date, we know of no previous study that has examined the relationship between weather and emergency room (ER) visits for this condition.Objective.—To examine associations between ER visits for migraines and selected meteorological conditions within the 24 hours preceding the visit.Design and Methods.—A case‐crossover design was used to study 4039 visits for migraines (ICD‐9: 346) that occurred at an Ottawa hospital between 1993 and 2000. Meteorological conditions were defined using hourly readings from a fixed‐site monitoring station. Conditional logistic regression was used to compare the occurrence of meteorological conditions during the 24 hours leading up to the time of the visit to control periods occurring 1 week before and after.Results.—Precipitation‐related weather events (fog, snow, rain, thunder) were not associated with migraine visits. Similarly, no associations were observed with changes in atmospheric pressure, wind speed, and relative humidity during the 24 hours preceding presentation. No statistically significant differences in the frequency distribution of clusters defined by relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, and temperature were found between case and control intervals. Conversely, a mean wind speed in excess of 19 km per hour was associated with a reduction in ER visits 8 to 12 hours later.Conclusions.—Our findings provide little support for the hypothesis that ER visits for migraines are related to weather conditions occurring within the 24 hours preceding presentation. These results should be interpreted cautiously as some comparisons are based on a small number of cases, and ER visits for migraine may represent a highly selective group of patients who suffer from this condition.
Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Characterization of Interactions between Levetiracetam and Numerous Antiepileptic Drugs in the Mouse Maximal Electroshock Seizure Model: An Isobolographic Analysis
Authors: Luszczki Jarogniew J. , Andres Marta M. , Czuczwar Piotr , Cioczek‐Czuczwar Anna , Ratnaraj Neville , Patsalos Philip N. , Czuczwar Stanislaw J. 
Published: January 2006

Summary: Purpose:Approximately 30% of patients with epilepsy do not experience satisfactory seizure control with antiepileptic drug (AED) monotherapy and often require polytherapy. The potential usefulness of AED combinations, in terms of efficacy and adverse effects, is therefore of major importance. The present study sought to identify potentially useful AED combinations with levetiracetam (LEV)Methods:With isobolographic analysis, the mouse maximal electroshock (MES)‐induced seizure model was investigated with regard to the anticonvulsant effects of carbamazepine (CBZ), phenytoin, phenobarbital (PB), valproate, lamotrigine, topiramate (TPM), and oxcarbazepine (OXC), administered singly and in combination with LEV. Acute adverse effects were ascertained by use of the chimney test evaluating motor performance and the step‐through passive‐avoidance task assessing long‐term memory. Brain AED concentrations were determined to ascertain any pharmacokinetic contribution to the observed antiseizure effect.Results:LEV in combination with TPM, at the fixed ratios of 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, and 4:1, was supraadditive (synergistic) in the MES test. Likewise, the combination of LEV with CBZ (at the fixed ratio of 16:1) and LEV with OXC (8:1 and 16:1) were supraadditive. In contrast, all other LEV/AED combinations displayed additivity. Furthermore, none of the investigated LEV/AED combinations altered motor performance and long‐term memory. LEV brain concentrations were unaffected by concomitant AED administration, and LEV had no significant effect on brain concentrations of concomitant AEDs.Conclusions:These preclinical data would suggest that LEV in combination with TPM is associated with beneficial anticonvulsant pharmacodynamic interactions. Similar, but less profound effects were seen with OXC and CBZ.
Evidence Supporting a Role of Serotonin in Modulation of Sudden Death Induced by Seizures in DBA/2 Mice
Authors: Tupal Srinivasan , Faingold Carl L. 
Published: January 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a serious concern for epilepsy patients. DBA/2 mice are proposed as a SUDEP model, because these mice exhibit respiratory arrest (RA) after audiogenic seizures (AGSs), and RA is also implicated in human SUDEP. Respiratory mechanisms are modulated, in part, by serotonin. Therefore we evaluated the effects of serotoninergic agents on RA incidence in DBA/2 mice. Methods: DBA/2 mice (75%) exhibited AGS and RA, and ∼99% of animals could be resuscitated. The mice exhibiting RA were given a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine, 24 h after the initial AGS, and RA susceptibility was evaluated 30 min later. Ten percent of DBA/2 mice exhibited tonic hindlimb extension (TE) without RA, and a serotonin antagonist (cyproheptadine) was administered to these mice. Results: Fluoxetine (15–25 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced the incidence of RA in DBA/2 mice after AGSs, and this effect was reversible by 72 h. Only the 25‐mg/kg dose reduced AGS severity. In mice exhibiting TE without RA, the incidence of RA was significantly increased 30 min after cyproheptadine (1–2 mg/kg i.p.). Most of these mice exhibited AGSs without RA again by 72 h. Conclusions: These findings indicate that fluoxetine reduced RA in DBA/2 mice at doses that did not reduce seizure severity. Because DBA/2 mice are a proposed model for human SUDEP, these data support evaluation of fluoxetine for SUDEP prevention in the patient population most susceptible to SUDEP. The data raise concern about the use of serotonin antagonists in this patient population.
Amygdala Kindling in the WAG/Rij Rat Model of Absence Epilepsy
Authors: Aker Rezzan Gülhan , Yananli Hasan Raci , Gurbanova Ayten Azizova , Özkaynakçi Aydan Ergün , Ateş Nurbay , van Luijtelaar Gilles , Onat Filiz Yilmaz 
Published: January 2006

Summary:  Purpose: The kindling model in rats with genetic absence epilepsy is suitable for studying mechanisms involved in the propagation and generalization of seizure activity in the convulsive and nonconvulsive components of epilepsy. In the present study, we compared the amygdala kindling rate and afterdischarge characteristics of the nonepileptic Wistar control rat with a well‐validated model of absence epilepsy, the WAG/Rij rat, and demonstrated the effect of amygdala kindling on spike‐and‐wave discharges (SWDs) in the WAG/Rij group. Methods: Electrodes were stereotaxically implanted into the basolateral amygdala of rats for stimulation and recording and into the cortex for recording. After a recovery period, the animals were stimulated at their afterdischarge thresholds. EEG was recorded to analyze SWDs and afterdischarge durations. The seizure severity was evaluated by using Racine's 5‐stage scale. Results: All nonepileptic control and four of seven WAG/Rij animals reached a stage 5 seizure state, whereas three animals failed to reach stage 3, 4, or 5 and stayed at stage 2 after application of 30 stimulations. Interestingly, WAG/Rij rats, resistant to kindling, demonstrated a significantly longer duration of SWDs on the first day of the experiment before kindling stimulation than did the kindled WAG/Rij animals. Additionally, the cumulative total duration and the number of SWDs after the kindling stimulation were statistically increased compared with SWDs before kindling stimulation. Conclusions: The results of our study demonstrate that the progress of amygdala kindling is changed in rats with genetic absence epilepsy, perhaps as a consequence of the hundreds of daily SWDs.
Epileptiform Activity Induced by Pharmacologic Reduction of M‐Current in the Developing Hippocampus in Vitro
Authors: Peña Fernando , Alavez‐Pérez Noé 
Published: January 2006

Summary: Purpose:Benign familial neonatal convulsions (BFNCs), an inheritable epilepsy that occurs in neonates but not in adults, is caused by hypofunctional mutations in genes codifying for the M‐type K+current. In an attempt to develop an in vitro model of this disease, we tested whether blocking M‐current with linopirdine induces epileptiform activity in brain slices from animals of different ages.Methods:Horizontal hippocampus–entorhinal cortex slices were obtained from neonatal (1–2 weeks after birth) and adult (8–9 weeks after birth) rats. Extracellular field recordings of the CA1 region were performed. After recording control conditions, linopirdine was added to the bath, and field activity was recorded continuously for 3 h. 4‐Aminopyridine, a drug commonly used to induce epileptiform activity in vitro, was used as a control for our experimental conditions.Results:Bath perfusion of linopirdine induced epileptiform activity only in slices from neonatal rats. Epileptiform activity consisted of interictal‐like and ictal‐like activity. In slices from adult rats, linopirdine induced erratic interictal‐like activity. In contrast, 4‐aminopyridine was able to induce epileptiform activity in slices from both neonatal and adult rats.Conclusions:We demonstrated that blockade of M‐current in vitro produces epileptiform activity with a developmental pattern similar to that observed in BNFCs. This could be an in vitro model that can be used to study the cellular mechanisms of epileptogenesis and the developmental features of BFNCs, as well as to develop some therapeutic strategies.
Effects of Levetiracetam on Nocturnal Sleep and Daytime Vigilance in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Cicolin Alessandro , Magliola Umberto , Giordano Alessandra , Terreni Anna , Bucca Caterina , Mutani Roberto 
Published: January 2006

Summary:   Purpose: Individuals with epilepsy commonly report daytime sleepiness, attributed to sleep disruption (frequent arousals, awakenings, and stage shifts) induced by ictal and interictal activity or antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) or both. To study the effect of levetiracetam (LEV) on sleep, at full doses but without the interference of epilepsy, we investigated the sleep architecture and daytime vigilance in healthy adults after 3 weeks of treatment.  Methods: The study was of a double‐blind crossover design with random allocation of multiple doses of two different treatments (randomly first LEV ≤2,000 mg/day or placebo for 3 weeks, washout for 4 weeks, and then the alternative treatment for another 3 weeks). Fourteen healthy volunteers were studied with polysomnography (PSG) and the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and sleep log also were evaluated.  Results: After treatment with LEV, statistically significant increases were observed in total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and time spent in non–rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stages 2 and 4. Stage shifts and wake after sleep onset were significantly decreased. Sleep latency was normal at PSG and MSLT in all subjects and did not statistically differ between placebo and LEV. No changes were found in the ESS.  Conclusions: Our findings show that in healthy volunteers, LEV consolidates sleep and does not modify vigilance, two appreciated qualities in epilepsy patients with sleep disturbance and daytime sleepiness.