bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Potentially Pathogenic Bacteria as Genital Pathogens in Dairy Cattle
Authors: Petit T , Spergser J , Rosengarten R , Aurich J 
Published: June 2008

ContentsBacteria on the genital mucosa have been studied less in healthy, non‐puerperal cows than in cows with puerperal endometritis. We have thus analysed bacteria in swabs from the vagina and cervix of post‐puerperal cattle (n = 644). Out of the animals, 6.8% had aborted within the last 12 months, 2.6% and 11.6% showed signs of vaginitis and endometritis, respectively. In 17.2% of cervical swabs pathogenic gram‐positive and in 11.5% pathogenic gram‐negative bacteria were found.Arcanobacterium pyogeneswas isolated from 41.3% of cows with endometritis and from 3.5% without endometritis (p < 0.05). From 12.5% of cows with abortion but from no cow without abortion,Staphylococcus aureuswas recovered (p < 0.05). Out of 383 vaginal swabs, 88.3% were positive. In 3.4% of swabs pathogenic gram‐positive and in 16.7% pathogenic gram‐negative microorganisms were found. The percentage of positive vaginal swabs did not differ between pregnant and non‐pregnant animals. In the genital tract, the percentage of swabs positive for normal mucosal bacteria decreased from caudally to cranially (p < 0.05). Pathogenic bacteria were found more often in cervical than in vaginal swabs (p < 0.05). In conclusion, bacteria on the vaginal and cervical mucosa in cattle involve a wide range of species. In animals without endometritis or vaginitis, colonization of the mucosa rather than infection has to be assumed.
Quantal mEPSCs and residual glutamate: how horizontal cell responses are shaped at the photoreceptor ribbon synapse
Authors: Cadetti Lucia , Bartoletti Theodore M. , Thoreson Wallace B. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAt the photoreceptor ribbon synapse, glutamate released from vesicles at different positions along the ribbon reaches the same postsynaptic receptors. Thus, vesicles may not exert entirely independent effects. We examined whether responses of salamander retinal horizontal cells evoked by light or direct depolarization during paired recordings could be predicted by summation of individual miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs). For EPSCs evoked by depolarization of rods or cones, linear convolution of mEPSCs with photoreceptor release functions predicted EPSC waveforms and changes caused by inhibiting glutamate receptor desensitization. A low‐affinity glutamate antagonist, kynurenic acid (KynA), preferentially reduced later components of rod‐driven EPSCs, suggesting lower levels of glutamate are present during the later sustained component of the EPSC. A glutamate‐scavenging enzyme, glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase, did not inhibit mEPSCs or the initial component of rod‐driven EPSCs, but reduced later components of the EPSC. Inhibiting glutamate uptake with a low concentration of dl‐threo‐β‐benzoyloxyaspartate (TBOA) also did not alter mEPSCs or the initial component of rod‐driven EPSCs, but enhanced later components of the EPSC. Low concentrations of TBOA and KynA did not affect the kinetics of fast cone‐driven EPSCs. Under both rod‐ and cone‐dominated conditions, light‐evoked currents (LECs) were enhanced considerably by TBOA. LECs were more strongly inhibited than EPSCs by KynA, suggesting the presence of lower glutamate levels. Collectively, these results indicate that the initial EPSC component can be largely predicted from a linear sum of individual mEPSCs, but with sustained release, residual amounts of glutamate from multiple vesicles pool together, influencing LECs and later components of EPSCs.
Two differential frequency‐dependent mechanisms regulating tonic firing of thalamic reticular neurons
Authors: Mistry Rajen B. , Isaac John T. R. , Crabtree John W. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractTransmission through the thalamus activates circuits involving the GABAergic neurons of the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN). TRN cells receive excitatory inputs from thalamocortical and corticothalamic cells and send inhibitory projections to thalamocortical cells. The inhibitory output of TRN neurons largely depends on the level of excitatory drive to these cells but may also be partly under the control of mechanisms intrinsic to the TRN. We examined two such possible mechanisms, short‐term plasticity at glutamatergic synapses in the TRN and intra‐TRN inhibition. In rat brain slices, responses of TRN neurons to brief trains of stimuli applied to glutamatergic inputs were recorded in voltage‐ or current‐clamp mode. In voltage clamp, TRN cells showed no change in α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionic acid (AMPA) receptor‐mediated excitatory postsynaptic current amplitudes to stimulation at non‐gamma frequencies (< 30 Hz), simulating background activity, but exhibited short‐term depression in these amplitudes to stimulation at gamma frequencies (> 30 Hz), simulating sensory transmission. In current clamp, TRN cells increased their spike outputs in burst and tonic firing modes to increasing stimulus‐train frequencies. These increases in spike output were most likely due to temporal summation of excitatory postsynaptic potentials. However, the frequency‐dependent increase in tonic firing was attenuated at gamma stimulus frequencies, indicating that the synaptic depression selectively observed in this frequency range acts to suppress TRN cell output. In contrast, intra‐TRN inhibition reduced spike output selectively at non‐gamma stimulus frequencies. Thus, our data indicate that two intrinsic mechanisms play a role in controlling the tonic spike output of TRN neurons and these mechanisms are differentially related to two physiologically meaningful stimulus frequency ranges.
Suppression of activity in the forelimb motor cortex temporarily enlarges forelimb representation in the homotopic cortex in adult rats
Authors: Maggiolini Emma , Viaro Riccardo , Franchi Gianfranco 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAfter forelimb motor cortex (FMC) damage, the unaffected homotopic motor cortex showed plastic changes. The present experiments were designed to clarify the electrophysiological nature of these interhemispheric effects. To this end, the output reorganization of the FMC was investigated after homotopic area activity was suppressed in adult rats. FMC output was compared after lidocaine‐induced inactivation (L‐group) or quinolinic acid‐induced lesion (Q‐group) of the contralateral homotopic cortex. In the Q‐group of animals, FMC mapping was performed, respectively, 3 days (Q3D group) and 2 weeks (Q2W group) after cortical lesion. In each animal, FMC output was assessed by mapping movements induced by intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) in both hemispheres (hemisphere ipsilateral and contralateral to injections). The findings demonstrated that in the L‐group, the size of forelimb representation was 42.2% higher than in the control group (P < 0.0001). The percentage of dual forelimb–vibrissa movement sites significantly increased over the controls (P < 0.0005). The dual‐movement sites occupied a strip of the map along the rostrocaudal border between the forelimb and vibrissa representations. This form of interhemispheric diaschisis had completely reversed, with the recovery of the baseline map, 3 days after the lesion in the contralateral FMC. This restored forelimb map showed no ICMS‐induced changes 2 weeks after the lesion in the contralateral FMC. The present results suggest that the FMCs in the two hemispheres interact continuously through predominantly inhibitory influences that preserve the forelimb representation and the border vs. vibrissa representation.
Brain‐derived neurotropic factor and neurogenesis in the adult rat dentate gyrus: interactions with corticosterone
Authors: Pinnock Scarlett B. , Herbert Joe 
Published: June 2008

AbstractFlattening the diurnal corticosterone rhythm prevented the stimulating action of l‐NAME (a nitric oxide synthase, NOS, inhibitor) on progenitor cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus in Lister‐Hooded adult male rats. The increased expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and trkB mRNA in the dentate gyrus which otherwise occurred after l‐NAME was also prevented by clamping the corticoid rhythm in adrenalectomized rats, but was restored by daily additional injections of corticosterone (which replicates the diurnal rhythm). Unilateral infusions of BDNF into the lateral ventricle increased proliferation in the dentate gyrus on the side of the infusion, but this was not observed following implantation of subcutaneous corticosterone, which flattened the diurnal corticosterone rhythm. 5HT1A mRNA in the dentate gyrus was increased on both sides of the brain by unilateral BDNF infusions, but this was also prevented by subcutaneous corticosterone pellets. These results show that the diurnal rhythm of corticosterone regulates the stimulating action of NOS inhibitors on BDNF as well as on neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus, and that BDNF becomes ineffective on both proliferation rates and 5HT1A expression in the absence of a rhythm in corticosterone. This, together with our previous findings, suggests that corticoid rhythms permit both serotonin and NO access to BDNF, and the latter to regulate progenitor cell activity.
Ecological niche partitioning in the picoplanktonic green alga Micromonas pusilla: evidence from environmental surveys using phylogenetic probes
Authors: Foulon Elodie , Not Fabrice , Jalabert Fabienne , Cariou Thierry , Massana Ramon , Simon Nathalie 
Published: June 2008

SummaryVery few studies have analysed the niches of pelagic protist in details. This is because for most protists, both an accurate species definition and methods for routine detection and quantification of cells are lacking. The morphospecies Micromonas pusilla, a marine unicellular green alga, is the most ubiquitous and cosmopolitan picoeukaryote described to date. This species comprises several independent genetic lineages or clades, which are not currently distinguishable based on comparison of their morphology or biogeographical distribution. Molecular probes were used to detect and quantify the genetic clades of M. pusilla in samples from temperate, polar and tropical environments in order to assess potential ecological niche partitioning. The three clades were detected in all biogeographical regions studied and were commonly found in sympatry. Cell abundances recorded for clades A and B were high, especially at coastal stations. Clade C, when detected, was always at low abundances and is suggested to be a low‐light clade. Shifts in the contribution of clades to total M. pusilla abundance were observed along environmental gradients, both at local and basin‐wide scales. This suggests that the phylogenetic clades occupy specific niches and confirms the existence of cryptic species within the morphospecies M. pusilla. Parameters which can precisely explain the distribution of these cryptic species remain to be elucidated.
Shade avoidance
Authors: Franklin Keara A. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryThe threat to plant survival presented by light limitation has driven the evolution of highly plastic adaptive strategies to either tolerate or avoid shading by neighbouring vegetation. When subject to vegetational shading, plants are exposed to a variety of informational signals, which include altered light quality and a reduction in light quantity. The former includes a decrease in the ratio of red to far‐red wavelengths (low R : FR) and is detected by the phytochrome family of plant photoreceptors. Monitoring of R : FR ratio can provide an early and unambiguous warning of the presence of competing vegetation, thereby evoking escape responses before plants are actually shaded. The molecular mechanisms underlying physiological responses to alterations in light quality have now started to emerge, with major roles suggested for the PIF (PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR) and DELLA families of transcriptional regulators. Such studies suggest a complex interplay between endogenous and exogenous signals, mediated by multiple photoreceptors. The phenotypic similarities between physiological responses habitually referred to as ‘the shade avoidance syndrome’ and other abiotic stress responses suggest plants may integrate common signalling mechanisms to respond to multiple perturbations in their natural environment.ContentsSummary930I.Introduction931II.Shade avoidance responses932III.Photoreceptor regulation of shade avoidance932IV.Molecular mechanisms in shade avoidance signalling934V.Crosstalk in shade avoidance signalling939VI.Future perspectives940Acknowledgements940References940
Thrombocytopenia in Patients Treated with Heparin, Combination Antiplatelet Therapy, and Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump Counterpulsation
Authors: BREAM‐ROUWENHORST HEATHER R. , HOBBS RYAN A. , HORWITZ PHILLIP A 
Published: June 2008

Objectives:

Determine the incidence and timing of intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP)‐associated thrombocytopenia, if concomitant antiplatelet agents increase the incidence of thrombocytopenia, and the incidence of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in a contemporary IABP population.
Background:

Previous studies predate the current practice of treating acute coronary syndrome patients with heparin and aspirin plus thienopyridines and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists such that data are unavailable to determine if their co‐administration worsens IABP‐associated thrombocytopenia.
Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of adult IABP patients (n = 107) from 2002 to 2006 was performed to determine the indication for and duration of counterpulsation, platelet counts during and for 7 days postcounterpulsation, medications potentially contributing to thrombocytopenia, and HIT antibody results if obtained.
Results:

Thrombocytopenia, defined as platelets <150,000/mL or >50% decrease from baseline, occurred in 57.9% of patients. Overall, platelets declined to 60.2 ± 22.8% of baseline with the mean (± standard deviation) nadir on day 2.8 ± 2.0. Comparing patients who received heparin, aspirin, thienopyridines, and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists (n = 44) versus heparinized patients ± aspirin (n = 45), platelet nadirs were 62.7 ± 20.9% versus 58.3 ± 23.9% of baseline levels, respectively (P = 0.42). The incidence of HIT was 2.8% in the entire cohort.
Conclusions:

IABP‐associated thrombocytopenia occurred in 57.9% of this cohort. HIT was diagnosed in 2.8% and should be considered as a diagnosis if platelet counts do not stabilize or continue to fall after 3–4 days of counterpulsation. Increased use of antiplatelet therapy does not impact the degree of thrombocytopenia although the current practice of prompt IABP removal may offset this effect.
Immunohistochemical demonstration of D2‐40 in basal cell carcinomas of the skin
Authors: Ishida Mitsuaki , Kushima Ryoji , Okabe Hidetoshi 
Published: June 2008

Background:  Recently, immunoreactivity to D2‐40, a monoclonal antibody to lymphatic endothelium, was shown in a subgroup of epidermal basal cells and the majority of squamous cell carcinomas, but the immunoreactivity to this antibody has not been examined in basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) of the skin.Methods:  Expression of D2‐40 was analyzed together with that of cytokeratin (CK) 17, CK 19, CD34 and Ber‐EP4 by immunohistochemical methods in 10 non‐neoplastic skin tissue samples and 20 BCCs.Results:  Immunoreactivity to D2‐40 was shown in the basal cells at the outer root sheath (ORS) of hair follicles, similar to the CK 19 expression pattern. CK 17 was strongly expressed in the suprabasal cells at the ORS. D2‐40 and CK 19 were focally expressed in 13/20 (65%) and 14/20 (70%) cases of BCCs, respectively, although the distributions of D2‐40 and CK 19 immunoreactivity were not always identical. However, BCC cells were constantly positive for CK 17 even tumor cells that were positive for D2‐40 and/or CK 19. Ber‐EP4 was diffusely expressed in all BCCs, and CD34 was focally expressed in 2/20 cases.Conclusion:  Our results suggested that D2‐40 immunoreactivity in BCCs showed differentiation toward the ORS of hair follicles.
Molluscum‐like cutaneous cryptococcosis: a histopathological and pathogenetic appraisal
Authors: Ramdial Pratistadevi K. , Calonje Eduardo , Sing Yetish , Chotey Nivesh A. , Aboobaker Jamila 
Published: June 2008

Background:  Molluscum‐like cutaneous cryptococcosis (MLCC) is characterized by hypopigmented or skin‐colored papules with central umbilication. The histomorphological nuances of Cryptococcus neoformans infection that effect mimicry of molluscum contagiosum are undocumented. This histopathological study was undertaken to assess the histopathological characteristics of MLCC and to determine potential evolutionary pathogenetic mechanisms and significance.Methods:  A 5‐year retrospective re‐appraisal of cutaneous cryptococcosis biopsies with a clinical molluscum‐like appearance.Results:  All 26 specimens with a molluscum‐like appearance showed a dome‐shaped architecture with central invagination and dermal C. neoformans of varying size and shape, with capsular fragmentation; 20 biopsies had a paucireactive appearance and 6 combined granulomatous and paucireactive foci. Twenty, two and four biopsies showed transepidermal, transfollicular and combined transepidermal and transfollicular elimination (TFE) of fungi, necrobiotic collagen and debris through the central invagination, respectively. Subepithelial neutrophils and collagen necrobiosis were identified in 8 and 14 cases each, respectively. Varying sized and shaped yeasts, capsules of varying width, capsular fragmentation and collagen necrobiosis were ultrastructurally confirmed.Conclusion:  Transepithelial and TFE of C. neoformans, necrobiotic collagen, inflammatory cells and cellular debris account for the morphological attributes of MLCC. The eliminatory process is a potential public health hazard, serving as a vehicle for C. neoformans transfer to the exterior.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the role of positron emission tomography in the follow up of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma following radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Isles M.G. , McConkey C. , Mehanna H.M. 
Published: June 2008

Objectives:  This review examines the effectiveness of positron emission tomography (PET) in the detection of recurrent or persistent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.Design:  A systematic review and meta‐analysis of trials of PET for detecting residual/recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated by radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Trials were quality assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool for assessing diagnostic accuracy studies. Quantitative data were extracted and a bivariate random effects model used to calculate pooled sensitivity and specificity.Setting:  Tertiary referral head and neck centre.Participants:  Prospective and retrospective studies, excluding reviews, which included patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who had fluorodeoxyglucose PET in the post‐treatment phase following primary treatment by radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.Main outcomes measures:  Quality assessment, sensitivity, specificity, false positive rates, false negative rates, positive and negative predictive values.Results:  Twenty‐seven of 1871 identified studies were eligible for inclusion. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of PET for detecting residual or recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were 94% [95% confidence interval (CI), 87–97%] and 82% (95% CI, 76–86%) respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 75% (95% CI, 68–82%), and 95% (95% CI, 92–97%) respectively. Sensitivity was greater for scans performed 10 weeks or more after treatment.Conclusions:  Positron emission tomography is highly accurate in this role. However it is less sensitive early after treatment and has poor anatomical detail. PET may reduce the requirement for check endoscopies and planned neck dissections. A protocol for its use in post‐treatment surveillance is proposed.
The tolerance of ambiguity in late cochlear‐implanted pre‐lingually deaf juveniles
Authors: Seifert E. , Kollbrunner J. , Mantokoudis G. , Vischer M. , Kompis M. 
Published: June 2008

Objectives:  To examine the ambiguity tolerance, i.e. the ability to perceive new, contradictory and complex situations as positive challenges, of pre‐lingually deafened adolescents who received a cochlear implant after their eighth birthday and to identify those dimensions of ambiguity tolerance which correlate significantly with specific variables of their oral communication.Design and setting:  Clinical survey at an academic tertiary referral center.Participants and main outcome measures:  A questionnaire concerning communication and subjectively perceived changes compared to the pre‐cochlear implant situation was completed by 13 pre‐lingually deafened patients aged between 13 and 23 years, who received their cochlear implants between the ages of 8 and 17 years. The results were correlated with the ‘Inventory for Measuring Ambiguity Tolerance’.Results:  The patients showed a lower ambiguity tolerance with a total score of 134.5 than the normative group with a score of 143.1. There was a positive correlation between the total score for ambiguity tolerance and the frequency of ‘use of oral speech’, as well as between the subscale ‘ambiguity tolerance towards apparently insoluble problems’ and all five areas of oral communication that were investigated. Comparison of two variables of oral communication, which shows a significant difference pre‐ and postoperatively, yields a positive correlation with the subscale ‘ambiguity tolerance towards the parental image’.Conclusions:  Pre‐lingually deafened juveniles with cochlear implant who increasingly use oral communication seem to regard the limits of a cochlear implant as an interesting challenge rather than an insoluble problem.
Detection of lung tumours in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck at the time of presentation
Authors: Ghosh S. , Kumar A. , Roland N. , Tandon S. , Lancaster J. , Jackson S. , Jones A. , Jones H.L. , Hanlon R. , Jones T. 
Published: June 2008

Objectives.  Screening for synchronous pulmonary tumours at initial presentation of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is important as detection may alter management. Currently no consensus exists regarding best practice.1 We present the largest series reported, and based on our data propose a pragmatic policy.Methods.  Retrospective review of the findings of pulmonary imaging performed on all patients presenting with HNSCC between January 1996 and January 2007.Results.  A total of 1882 patients were identified. Overall 66 (3.5%) presented with synchronous pulmonary tumours (bronchial carcinomas (1.4%), metastases (2.1%). In terms of numbers needed to scan (NNS) to detect one tumour, in the T1N0‐3 group, NNS = 70. For other stages NNS are 25.6, 26.3 and 17.5 for T2N0, T2N+ and T4N+ respectively. NNS for T0N+ lesions is 6.8. Considering site specific data, NNS is 4.6, 20.4, 42.2, 43.3 and 57.5 for oesophagus, hypopharynx, oropharynx, larynx and oral cavity respectively. No synchronous lesions were detected in our nasal cavity/paranasal sinus series (n = 51). Recurrent disease is highly significant for pulmonary lesions (P < 0.005).Conclusions.  We propose the following protocol. Thoracic CT for all T0 tumours, T2–T4 tumours regardless of N stage, loco‐regional recurrent disease, where signs/symptoms of neoplastic chest disease exist, positive signs on staging CXR. Given that CXR has a NPV of 98.5% it can suffice as an investigation in T1 disease of any site excluding oesophagus, and potentially all lip/oral cavity and nasal cavity/ sinus tumours. If our series was investigated on this basis there would have been a potential cost saving of £61218.Reference.  1 Jackel M.C., Reischl A. & Huppert P. (2007) Efficacy of radiologic screening for distant metastases and second primaries in newly diagnosed patients with head and neck cancer. Laryngoscope 117, 242–247