bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Competition Between Cucumber Mosaic Virus Subgroup I and II Isolates in Tobacco
Authors: Tian Zhaofeng , Qiu Jiyan , Yu Jialin , Han Chenggui , Liu Weicheng 
Published: March 2009

AbstractHistorical reports indicate that Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) strain subgroup I is more prevalent than subgroup II in most parts of the world, but recent reports suggest that subgroup II isolates may be far more abundant than previously found in China. In order to evaluate the dominance of CMV subgroup I and subgroup II strains in co‐infected tobacco plants, four isolates, NX and YQ in subgroup I, and ZL and AG in subgroup II, were tested in competition experiments. In these comparisons, the frequency of infection was assessed, and ratios between singly and doubly infected plants were calculated based on ELISA tests of tobacco leaves. In contrast to previous reports suggesting that subgroup I strains are usually more competitive than subgroup II strains in the field, the results from the present study indicate that the subgroup II ZL isolate was more competitive than the subgroup I YQ isolate, even though the ZL isolate caused milder symptoms than YQ in singly infected tobacco. In contrast, the subgroup I strains NX and YQ were more competitive than subgroup II AG. This information provides evidence for variation in the competitive abilities of subgroup II strains in tests with subgroup I strains, and suggests that direct competition during mixed infections may account in part for the recent spread of some subgroup II strains in China and elsewhere.
The management of patent ductus arteriosus in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Hoellering Adam B , Cooke Lucy 
Published: March 2009

Aim:  This study aimed to establish current management practice for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) among individual consultant neonatologists in Australia and New Zealand, to examine the influences that drives practice and highlight the importance of future randomised controlled trials in the region.Methods:  Eligible subjects were identified from the Directory of Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Australia and New Zealand, 2007. A questionnaire was sent online to each consultant and was followed up with a letter and telephone call. Seven questions addressed management approach, the drug used and the treatment regimen, threshold for referral for surgical ligation and the literature influencing practice. Data were collected from 22 August 2007 to 22 November 2007.Results:  The overall response rate was 95%. For infants ≤28 weeks or ≤1000 g, all consultants treat PDA by one of four distinct management approaches. Expectant management was favoured by 35%, echocardiographic targeted prophylaxis 32%, presymptomatic treatment 16% and prophylaxis by 17%. There were marked regional variations in practice. Within individual units, more than one approach is used in 14 out of 24 units. Long courses of indomethacin are used to treat PDA by 86%. For 22% of consultants, management is not influenced by published literature.Conclusions:  Differences of opinion in the literature are reflected by the heterogeneity in clinical practice across regions and within units. Crucial questions undergoing evaluation are whether data extrapolated from a previous area are relevant to PDA in modern neonatology and whether targeting treatment early can translate to improved clinical outcome.
Review article: Pathogenic role of complement activation in anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic auto‐antibody‐associated vasculitis
Authors: VAN TIMMEREN MIRJAN M , CHEN MIN , HEERINGA PETER 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYSmall‐vessel vasculitides associated with anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic auto‐antibodies (ANCA) are severe systemic diseases that may affect any organ. Increasing evidence from clinical, animal and in vitro studies indicates that ANCA are causally involved in disease pathogenesis mainly through activation of neutrophils resulting in endothelial cell injury. Recent studies suggest a previously unsuspected but crucial role for alternative pathway complement activation in ANCA disease pathogenesis. In this brief review, we will discuss the evidence for complement system activation in ANCA‐associated vasculitides and propose a working model that links ANCA, neutrophils and complement activation in causing an inflammatory amplification loop that may explain the severe leukocytoclastic inflammation that is typical for ANCA‐associated vasculitis.
Learning from experience: Using action research to discover consumer needs in post‐seclusion debriefing
Authors: Ryan Rob , Happell Brenda 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTApproximately 16% of consumers are secluded during an inpatient admission. Despite the harmful psychological consequences resulting from the use of physical force, restraint, control, and temporary sequestration of therapeutic communication, there is little evidence of nursing practices to support consumers who are secluded. This paper will outline the findings from an action research project examining post‐seclusion debriefing practice. A series of focus groups was undertaken with mental health nurses (MHN) and consumer consultants (CC) to investigate current practice, identify consumer/clinician preferences, and scope future practice possibilities. The findings suggest that CC need assistance in dealing with the negative feelings evoked by seclusion. MHN use a range of approaches for debriefing; however, these sometimes do not meet consumer preferences. MHN focus on explaining why seclusion happened and how to avoid it. While mitigation is a critical issue, CC want more emotional support from debriefing. MHN saw the possibility of using the debriefing to support consumers' transit from seclusion to high‐dependency status and then to low‐dependency status. Opinions raised regarding the potential for CC to have a role in debriefing were divided. The findings will be used to inform the development of a consumer debriefing training program for MHN and CC.
Interhemispheric balance of overt attention: a theta burst stimulation study
Authors: Cazzoli Dario , Wurtz Pascal , Müri René M. , Hess Christian W. , Nyffeler Thomas 
Published: March 2009

AbstractInterhemispheric imbalance is discussed as a pathophysiological mechanism in visuospatial neglect. It is suggested that after a lesion of the right hemisphere the mutual transcallosal inhibition is impaired, resulting in an increased activity of the left hemisphere. We investigated the interhemispheric balance of attention in healthy subjects by using a free visual exploration task and by interfering with the neural activity of the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) of either hemisphere using an inhibitory transcranial magnetic stimulation routine with theta burst stimulation (TBS). Subjects explored colour photographs of real‐life scenes presented on a computer screen under four conditions: (i) without TBS; (ii) after TBS over the right PPC; (iii) after TBS over the left PPC; and (iv) after TBS over the right PPC and, after the first half of the task, over the left PPC. Eye movements were measured, and distribution of mean cumulative fixation duration over screen halves was analyzed. TBS over the right PPC resulted in a significant rightward shift of mean cumulative fixation duration of ∼30 min. The shift could be reversed when a subsequent train of TBS was applied over the left PPC. However, left PPC stimulation alone had no significant effect on visual exploration behaviour. The present study shows that the effect of TBS on the PPC depends on which hemisphere is stimulated and on the state of the contralateral homologue area. These findings are in accordance with the predictions of the interhemispheric rivalry model in neglect.
The neuroanatomy of grapheme–color synesthesia
Authors: Jäncke Lutz , Beeli Gian , Eulig Cornelia , Hänggi Jürgen 
Published: March 2009

AbstractGrapheme–color synesthetes perceive particular colors when seeing a letter, word or number (grapheme). Functional neuroimaging studies have provided some evidence in favor of a neural basis for this type of synesthesia. Most of these studies have reported extra activations in the fusiform gyrus, which is known to be involved in color, letter and word processing. The present study examined different neuroanatomical features (i.e. cortical thickness, cortical volume and cortical surface area) in a sample of 48 subjects (24 grapheme–color synesthetes and 24 control subjects), and revealed increased cortical thickness, volume and surface area in the right and left fusiform gyrus and in adjacent regions, such as the lingual gyrus and the calcarine cortex, in grapheme–color synesthetes. In addition, we set out to analyze structural connectivity based on fractional anisotropy (FA) measurements in a subsample of 28 subjects (14 synesthetes and 14 control subjects). In contrast to the findings of a recent neuroanatomical study using modern diffusion tensor imaging measurement techniques, we did not detect any statistically significant difference in FA between synesthetes and non‐synesthetes in the fusiform gyri. Our study thus supports the hypothesis of local anatomical differences in cortical characteristics in the vicinity of the V4 complex. The observed altered brain anatomy in grapheme–color synesthetes might be the anatomical basis for this particular form of synesthesia but it is also possible that the detected effects are a consequence (rather than the primary cause) of the life‐long experience of grapheme–color synesthesia.
Partial compensation for N‐type Ca2+ channel loss by P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels underlines the differential release properties supported by these channels at cerebrocortical nerve terminals
Authors: Ladera Carolina , Martín Ricardo , Bartolomé‐Martín David , Torres Magdalena , Sánchez‐Prieto José 
Published: March 2009

AbstractN‐type and P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels support glutamate release at central synapses. To determine whether the glutamate release mediated by these channels exhibits distinct properties, we have isolated each release component in cerebrocortical nerve terminals from wild‐type mice by specifically blocking N‐type Ca2+ channels with ω‐conotoxin‐GVIA and P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels with ω‐agatoxin‐IVA. In addition, we have determined the release properties at terminals from mice lacking the α1B subunit of N‐type channels (Cav 2.2) to test the possibility that P/Q‐type channels can compensate for the loss of N‐type Ca2+ channels. We recently demonstrated that, while evoked glutamate release depends on P/Q‐ and N‐type channels in wild‐type nerve terminals, only P/Q‐type channels participate in these knockout mice. Moreover, in nerve terminals expressing solely P/Q‐type channels, metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGluR7) fails to inhibit the evoked Ca2+ influx and glutamate release. Here, we show that the failure of mGluR7 to modulate evoked glutamate release is not due to a lack of receptors, as nerve terminals from mice lacking N‐type Ca2+ channels express mGluR7. Indeed, we show that other receptor responses, such as the inhibition of forskolin‐induced release, are preserved in these knockout mice. N‐type channels are more loosely coupled to release than P/Q‐type channels in nerve terminals from wild‐type mice, as reflected by the tighter coupling of release in knockout nerve terminals. We conclude that the glutamate release supported by N‐ and P/Q‐type channels exhibits distinct properties, and that P/Q‐type channels cannot fully compensate for the loss of N‐type channels.
Induction and expression of GluA1 (GluR‐A)‐independent LTP in the hippocampus
Authors: Romberg Carola , Raffel Joel , Martin Lucy , Sprengel Rolf , Seeburg Peter H. , Rawlins J. Nicholas P. , Bannerman David M. , Paulsen Ole 
Published: March 2009

AbstractLong‐term potentiation (LTP) at hippocampal CA3–CA1 synapses is thought to be mediated, at least in part, by an increase in the postsynaptic surface expression of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole proprionic acid (AMPA) receptors induced byN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation. While this process was originally attributed to the regulated synaptic insertion of GluA1 (GluR‐A) subunit‐containing AMPA receptors, recent evidence suggests that regulated synaptic trafficking of GluA2 subunits might also contribute to one or several phases of potentiation. However, it has so far been difficult to separate these two mechanisms experimentally. Here we used genetically modified mice lacking the GluA1 subunit (Gria1−/−mice) to investigate GluA1‐independent mechanisms of LTP at CA3–CA1 synapses in transverse hippocampal slices. An extracellular, paired theta‐burst stimulation paradigm induced a robust GluA1‐independent form of LTP lacking the early, rapidly decaying component characteristic of LTP in wild‐type mice. This GluA1‐independent form of LTP was attenuated by inhibitors of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and protein kinase C (PKC), two enzymes known to regulate GluA2 surface expression. Furthermore, the induction of GluA1‐independent potentiation required the activation of GluN2B (NR2B) subunit‐containing NMDA receptors. Our findings support and extend the evidence that LTP at hippocampal CA3–CA1 synapses comprises a rapidly decaying, GluA1‐dependent component and a more sustained, GluA1‐independent component, induced and expressed via a separate mechanism involving GluN2B‐containing NMDA receptors, neuronal nitric oxide synthase and PKC.
Inhibition of thalamic excitability by 4,5,6,7‐tetrahydroisoxazolo[4,5‐c]pyridine‐3‐ol: a selective role for δ‐GABAAreceptors
Authors: Herd Murray B. , Foister Nicola , Chandra Dev , Peden Dianne R. , Homanics Gregg E. , Brown Verity J. , Balfour David J.K. , Lambert Jeremy J. , Belelli Delia 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe sedative and hypnotic agent 4,5,6,7‐tetrahydroisoxazolo[4,5‐c]pyridine‐3‐ol (THIP) is a GABAAreceptor (GABAAR) agonist that preferentially activates δ‐subunit‐containing GABAARs (δ‐GABAARs). To clarify the role of δ‐GABAARs in mediating the sedative actions of THIP, we utilized mice lacking the α1‐ or δ‐subunit in a combined electrophysiological and behavioural analysis. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings were obtained from ventrobasal thalamic nucleus (VB) neurones at a holding potential of −60 mV. Application of bicuculline to wild‐type (WT) VB neurones revealed a GABAAR‐mediated tonic current of 92 ± 19 pA, which was greatly reduced (13 ± 5 pA) for VB neurones of δ0/0mice. Deletion of the δ‐ but not the α1‐subunit dramatically reduced the THIP (1 μm)‐induced inward current in these neurones (WT, −309 ± 23 pA; δ0/0, −18 ± 3 pA; α10/0, −377 ± 45 pA). Furthermore, THIP selectively decreased the excitability of WT and α10/0but not δ0/0VB neurones. THIP did not affect the properties of miniature inhibitory post‐synaptic currents in any of the genotypes. No differences in rotarod performance and locomotor activity were observed across the three genotypes. In WT mice, performance of these behaviours was impaired by THIP in a dose‐dependent manner. The effect of THIP on rotarod performance was blunted for δ0/0but not α10/0mice. We previously reported that deletion of the α1‐subunit abolished synaptic GABAAresponses of VB neurones. Therefore, collectively, these findings suggest that extrasynaptic δ‐GABAARs vs. synaptic α1‐subunit‐containing GABAARs of thalamocortical neurones represent an important molecular target underpinning the sedative actions of THIP.
GABAAreceptors mediate the opposing roles of dopamine and the tegmental pedunculopontine nucleus in the motivational effects of ethanol
Authors: Ting‐A‐Kee Ryan , Dockstader Colleen , Heinmiller Andrew , Grieder Taryn , Van Der Kooy Derek 
Published: March 2009

AbstractRecent work has demonstrated that changes in ventral tegmental area (VTA) GABAAreceptor ion conductance properties are responsible for switching morphine’s positive reinforcing properties from a dopamine‐independent to a dopamine‐dependent pathway when an animal transitions from a non‐deprived (minimal drug exposure) to a dependent (chronic drug exposure) and withdrawn state. Here we show that a double dissociation of ethanol’s positive reinforcing properties is exactly opposite to that seen with morphine. In C57BL/6 mice, ethanol‐conditioned place preferences were blocked in dopamine D2 receptor knockout non‐deprived mice, but not by a lesion of the tegmental pedunculopontine nucleus (TPP). On the other hand, TPP lesions, but not a D2 receptor mutation, blocked ethanol‐conditioned place preferences in ethanol‐dependent and withdrawn mice. The opposite effects of ethanol and opiates can be explained by their proposed actions through a common VTA GABAAreceptor switching mechanism.
The Effect of sacral nerve stimulation on uterine activity: a pilot study
Authors: Govaert B. , Melenhorst J. , Link G. , Hoogland H. , Van Gemert W. , Baeten C. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIntroduction Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a treatment for consecutive therapy resistant faecal incontinence or constipation. Little is known about the effects of SNS on uterocervical function. Therefore, it is advised to turn off the stimulator during pregnancy or to wait with permanent implantation of the stimulator until family completion. Diagnostic ultrasound provides an, non‐invasive, opportunity to study various aspects of uterine activity. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the influence of SNS on endometrial waves of the nonpregnant uterus by ultrasound recordings.Method  Six patients with an implanted SNS were included. Ultrasound recordings were performed with the stimulator turned off and in three stimulation frequencies. Uterine activity is described as wave frequency and wave direction.Results  All three premenopausal patients showed endometrial activity with the stimulator turned off. This activity was maintained with the stimulator turned on in two patients, but disappeared in one patient. All three postmenopausal patients had no endometrial activity with the stimulator turned off. In one patient there was activity with the stimulator turned on at a frequency of 21 Hz.Conclusion  We have shown some effect of SNS on uterine activity. In premenopausal women we discovered that SNS seems to exhibit no effect or an inhibitory effect rather than an excitatory effect on uterine activity. Based on the preliminary results of this study, we can not recommend any guidelines for SNS usage during conception and pregnancy. A larger study in premenopausal women with SNS is needed to investigate the significance of these changes.
Systematic review on the efficacy and safety of injectable bulking agents for passive faecal incontinence
Authors: Luo C. , Samaranayake C. B. , Plank L. D. , Bissett I. P. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective  The aim of this study was to systematically review all published evidence to determine the efficacy and safety of injectable bulking agents for passive faecal incontinence (FI) in adults.Method  Electronic searches were performed for MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI Web of Knowledge and other relevant databases. Hand searching of relevant conference proceedings was undertaken. Studies were considered if they met the predefined inclusion criteria of more than ten adult patients and receiving an injectable bulking agent for passive FI with a validated means of assessing preoperative and postoperative incontinence.Results  Thirteen case series studies and one randomized placebo‐controlled trial (RCT) were included with a total of 420 patients. Two completed RCTs with placebo control were identified but results were unobtainable. Coaptite, Contigen, Durasphere, EVOH and PTQ injections were assessed with 24, 73, 83, 21 and 208 patients respectively. Most studies reported a statistically significant improvement in incontinence scores and quality of life. No statistically significant difference was found between the treatment and placebo arms in the RCT. No serious adverse events were reported.Conclusions  Currently there is little evidence for the effectiveness of injectable bulking agents in managing passive FI. The inability to obtain results from two further RCTs concerned the reviewers and hindered their ability to make strong recommendations. The identified injectable bulking agents appear to be safe with only minor complications reported.
Exposure to Agent Orange is a significant predictor of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA)‐based recurrence and a rapid PSA doubling time after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Shah Sagar R. , Freedland Stephen J. , Aronson William J. , Kane Christopher J. , Presti Jr Joseph C. , Amling Christopher L. , Terris Martha K. 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo investigate and report the clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients with prostate cancer and previous exposure to Agent Orange (AO), particularly in relationship to race.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn 1495 veterans who had undergone RP the clinicopathological characteristics, biochemical progression rates, and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) doubling time (DT) after recurrence between AO‐exposed and unexposed men were compared using logistic and linear regression and Cox proportional hazards analyses, and stratified by race.RESULTSThe 206 (14%) men with AO exposure were more likely to be black (P = 0.001), younger (P < 0.001), treated more recently (P < 0.001), have a higher body mass index (P = 0.001), have clinical stage T1 disease (P < 0.001), and have lower preoperative PSA levels (P = 0.001). After adjusting for several clinical characteristics, AO exposure was not significantly related to adverse pathological features but was significantly associated with biochemical progression risk (relative risk 1.55, 95% confidence interval 1.15–2.09, P = 0.004) and shorter PSADT (P < 0.001) after recurrence (8.2 vs 18.6 months). When stratified by race, these associations were present and similar in both races, with no significant interaction between race and AO exposure for predicting biochemical recurrence or mean adjusted PSADT (P interaction >0.20).CONCLUSIONSPatients with AO exposure and treated with RP were more likely to be black, present with lower risk features, have an increased risk of biochemical progression, and shorter PSADT after recurrence. When stratified by race, the association between AO exposure and poor outcomes was present in both races. These findings suggest that among selected men who choose RP, AO exposure might be associated with more aggressive prostate cancer.