bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Esophageal Subepithelial Fibrosis in Children With Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Chehade Mirna , Sampson Hugh A , Morotti Raffaella A , Magid Margret S 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTObjectives:Esophageal subepithelial fibrosis has been reported in adults with eosinophilic esophagitis (EE). Our goal was to determine the prevalence of esophageal fibrosis in children with EE, to determine whether it is specific for EE, and to correlate it with clinical and pathological features.Patients and Methods:Twenty‐one children with EE, 7 with eosinophilic gastroenteritis, 6 with gastroesophageal reflux disease, and 17 control children were studied. Distal esophageal biopsy specimens containing lamina propria were evaluated for extent of subepithelial collagen deposition by use of trichrome staining. Fibrosis was defined as abnormally increased collagen deposition, determined after the establishment of normal patterns on sections of esophagus from pediatric autopsies. Maximum numbers of intraepithelial and lamina propria eosinophils per high‐power field by hematoxylin and eosin staining and mast cells per high‐power field by immunohistochemical staining for tryptase were determined. Eosinophil and mast cell degranulation in epithelium and lamina propria was determined by use of immunohistochemical staining for major basic protein and tryptase, respectively. The patients' records were reviewed.Results:Esophageal subepithelial fibrosis was present in 12 (57%) patients with EE, 1 with eosinophilic gastroenteritis, 0 with gastroesophageal reflux disease, and 1 control patient. Forty‐two percent of those with fibrosis had dysphagia, 80% of whom had food impactions; these symptoms were present only in patients with fibrosis. Within the EE group, fibrosis was not associated with duration of symptoms or with increasing numbers of infiltrating eosinophils/mast cells, but it was associated with eosinophil degranulation.Conclusions:Esophageal subepithelial fibrosis is prevalent in EE and is specific for the disease in children. It is associated with dysphagia, and it may explain and predict future esophageal dysmotility. Fibrosis is related to the extent of esophageal eosinophil activation, as evidenced by eosinophil degranulation.
The context of tetanus toxoid application influences the outcome of antigen‐specific and self‐directed humoral immune response
Authors: Stojanović Marijana , Živković Irena , Inić‐Kanada Aleksandra , Petrušić Vladimir , Mićić Mileva , Dimitrijević Ljiljana 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTResults are presented concerning our attempts to create a suitable model system for studying the connection between microbial antigen (micAg), autoimmunity and autoimmune disease on the basis of hyper‐immunization and application of micAg in different contexts. Our research was focused on tetanus toxoid (TTd) as a model micAg. Non‐pretreated and complete Freund's adjuvant pretreated BALB/c mice were immunized with high doses of TTd mixed with glycerol or aluminum hydroxide as adjuvants. The main aims of the experiments were to evaluate the properties of induced humoral immune responses, evaluate the pathological potential of induced immune responses and determine possible correlations between the properties of a humoral immune response and its pathological potential. The production of TTd‐specific and self‐reactive β2‐glycoprotein I (β2‐GP I)‐specific antibodies (Abs) was detected in all groups but with specific, context‐related properties. Analysis of pregnancy‐related pathology (anti‐β2‐GP I Abs‐associated) showed differences in the pathological potential of the induced immune response. It was demonstrated that severity of pathology is positively correlated to the abundance of IgG that recognizes β2‐GP I adsorbed onto phosphatidylserine, and to IgG affinity. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that molecular mimicry, which results in generation of anti‐β2‐GP I Abs upon TTd immunization, is necessary but not sufficient for the development of pregnancy‐related pathology.
Pathogen profile update: Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: MICHIELSE CAROLINE B. , REP MARTIJN 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYTaxonomy: Kingdom Fungi; Phylum Ascomycota; Class Sordariomycetes; Order Hypocreales; Family Nectriaceae; genus Fusarium.Host range: Very broad at the species level. More than 120 different formae speciales have been identified based on specificity to host species belonging to a wide range of plant families.Disease symptoms: Initial symptoms of vascular wilt include vein clearing and leaf epinasty, followed by stunting, yellowing of the lower leaves, progressive wilting, defoliation and, finally, death of the plant. On fungal colonization, the vascular tissue turns brown, which is clearly visible in cross‐sections of the stem. Some formae speciales are not primarily vascular pathogens, but cause foot and root rot or bulb rot.Economic importance: Can cause severe losses in many vegetables and flowers, field crops, such as cotton, and plantation crops, such as banana, date palm and oil palm.Control: Use of resistant varieties is the only practical measure for controlling the disease in the field. In glasshouses, soil sterilization can be performed.Useful websites: http://www.broad.mit.edu/annotation/genome/fusarium_group/MultiHome.html; http://www.fgsc.net/Fusarium/fushome.htm; http://www.phi‐base.org/query.php
The nature of Staphylococcus aureus MurA and MurZ and approaches for detection of peptidoglycan biosynthesis inhibitors
Authors: Blake Katy L. , O'Neill Alex J. , Mengin‐Lecreulx Dominique , Henderson Peter J. F. , Bostock Julieanne M. , Dunsmore Colin J. , Simmons Katie J. , Fishwick Colin W. G. , Leeds Jennifer A. , Chopra Ian 
Published: March 2009

Summary Staphylococcus aureus and a number of other Gram‐positive organisms harbour two genes (murA and murZ) encoding UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine enolpyruvyl transferase activity for catalysing the first committed step of peptidoglycan biosynthesis. We independently inactivated murA and murZ in S. aureus and established that either can sustain viability. Purification and characterization of the MurA and MurZ enzymes indicated that they are biochemically similar in vitro, consistent with similar overall structures predicted for the isozymes by molecular modelling. Nevertheless, MurA appears to be the primary enzyme utilized in the staphylococcal cell. Accordingly, murA expression was approximately five times greater than murZ expression during exponential growth, and the peptidoglycan content of S. aureus was reduced by approximately 25% following inactivation of murA, but remained almost unchanged following inactivation of murZ. Despite low level expression during normal growth, murZ expression was strongly induced (up to sixfold) following exposure to inhibitors of peptidoglycan biosynthesis, which was not observed for murA. Strains generated in this study were validated as potential tools for identifying novel anti‐staphylococcal agents targeting peptidoglycan biosynthesis using known inhibitors of the pathway.
Dynamics of thromboxane level changes during early phase of allograft reperfusion
Authors: Dołęgowska Barbara , Błogowski Wojciech , Domański Leszek 
Published: March 2009

Abstract: Background: Thromboxane (Tx) is a metabolite of arachidonic acid, which exerts a significant influence on kidney homeostasis, and may be involved in the pathogenesis of allograft rejection. The aim of this study was to: examine the dynamics of TxB2 changes during early phase of kidney allograft reperfusion, and analyze whether the observed changes in the concentrations and direction of TxB2 changes, are associated with post‐transplant graft function.Methods: Sixty‐nine transplant recipients were divided into early, slow and delayed graft function group. Blood samples were collected directly before and during first the five minutes of allograft reperfusion. TxB2 concentrations were measured using ELISA. Creatinine and GFR levels were measured on the first, fifth, and 10th post‐transplant day.Results: The results demonstrated that during reperfusion significant differences in TxB2 concentrations occur in all groups. Moreover, significant differences in the concentrations, as well as in the dynamics of TxB2 changes between patients with immediate graft function, and individuals with allograft activation problems, were noticed. These differences were associated with post‐transplant graft function.Conclusions: Human renal transplantations are accompanied by changes in TxB2 concentrations, and the dynamics of TxB2 changes is associated with early post‐transplant graft function. Our results also highlight TxB2 as a potential pre‐transplant marker of post‐transplant allograft function.
‘Views of professionals on aims and outcomes of transition for young people with learning disabilities’
Authors: Kaehne Axel , Beyer Stephen 
Published: March 2009

Accessible summaryLeaving school can be difficult for many young people with learning disabilities. We wanted to know how teachers and support workers work together to make leaving school easier for young people with learning disabilities. Also, what do teachers think should be the next step for young people? Many young people want a job but when we asked teachers and support workers they said most people go to college and do not get a job. We asked teachers why this happens.SummaryThe paper reports the findings of a study of professionals in strategic and operational positions who were involved in transition planning for young people with learning disabilities. Respondents were asked to comment on what they regarded as the optimal aim and outcome of transition from school to post‐school placements. The results illustrate the problems and advantages of inter‐agency partnerships in delivering meaningful post‐school destinations for young people leaving school.
Masked repetition and translation priming in second language learners: A window on the time‐course of form and meaning activation using ERPs
Authors: Midgley Katherine J. , Holcomb Phillip J. , Grainger Jonathan 
Published: March 2009

AbstractEvent‐related potentials (ERPs) and masked translation priming served to examine the time‐course of form and meaning activation during word recognition in second language learners. Targets were repetitions of, translations of, or were unrelated to the immediately preceding prime. In Experiment 1 all targets were in the participants' L2. In Experiment 2 all targets were in the participants' L1. In Exp 1 both within‐language repetition and L1‐L2 translation priming produced effects on the N250 component and the N400 component. In Experiment 2 only within‐language repetition produced N250 effects, while both types of priming produced N400 effects. These results suggest rapid involvement of semantic representations during on‐going form‐level processing of printed words, and an absence of facilitatory connections between the form representations of non‐cognate translation equivalents in L2 learners. The implications for bilingual theories of word processing are discussed.
Association between longitudinal changes in depressive symptoms and plasma fibrinogen levels in school teachers
Authors: Von Känel Roland , Bellingrath Silja , Kudielka Brigitte M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDepression and anxiety previously predicted coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. Inflammation contributes to CAD and shows an association with depression. We followed 57 teachers (mean 49±8 years) over 21 months and investigated whether changes in depressive and anxiety symptoms relate to those in the CAD risk and inflammation marker fibrinogen and vice versa. Increase in depressive symptoms and in fibrinogen levels were significantly correlated. While controlling for baseline depression rendered the association between changes in depression and fibrinogen nonsignificant, taking into account baseline fibrinogen levels maintained the predictive value of fibrinogen change for depression change. Anxiety and fibrinogen changes were not significantly correlated. This dynamic relationship between depression and the inflammatory biomarker fibrinogen might advance our knowledge about psychobiological mechanisms underlying both CAD and sickness behavior.
Transport of interleukin‐1 across cerebromicrovascular endothelial cells
Authors: Skinner RA , Gibson RM , Rothwell NJ , Pinteaux E , Penny JI 
Published: March 2009

Background and purpose: The inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) has profound actions in the brain, causing neuronal cell death and exacerbating brain damage. While circulating levels are normally low, IL‐1 can be produced on the vascular side of the brain endothelium, and within the brain. The naturally occurring IL‐1 receptor antagonist has been administered peripherally in a Phase II trial in acute stroke patients; understanding how IL‐1 and IL‐1 receptor antagonist penetrate the brain is, therefore, of considerable importance.Experimental approach: Anin vitroblood–brain barrier model was generated by co‐culture of porcine brain microvascular endothelial cells with astrocytes. The mechanisms of transcellular transport of IL‐1β and IL‐1 receptor antagonist were characterized in this model, using endocytosis inhibitors and IL‐1 receptor‐blocking antibodies.Key results: Transcellular IL‐1β and IL‐1 receptor antagonist transport was temperature‐dependent and IL‐1β was transported with higher affinity than IL‐1 receptor antagonist. IL‐1β inhibited IL‐1 receptor antagonist transport more potently than IL‐1 receptor antagonist inhibited IL‐1β transport. Transport of IL‐1β and IL‐1 receptor antagonist was not via adsorptive‐mediated endocytosis, although inhibition of microtubule assembly significantly attenuated transport of both cytokines. An antibody directed to the type II IL‐1 receptor significantly reduced IL‐1β transport.Conclusions and implications: These results are consistent with IL‐1 and IL‐1 receptor antagonist being transported across cultured cerebromicrovascular endothelial cells and suggest that IL‐1β transport may occur via a type II IL‐1 receptor‐dependent mechanism. Understanding IL‐1 transport into the brain may have benefits, particularly in enhancing penetration of IL‐1 receptor antagonist into the brain.
Epileptiform synchronization in the cingulate cortex
Authors: Panuccio Gabriella , Curia Giulia , Colosimo Alfredo , Cruccu Giorgio , Avoli Massimo 
Published: March 2009

SummaryPurpose: The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)—which plays a role in pain, emotions and behavior—can generate epileptic seizures. To date, little is known on the neuronal mechanisms leading to epileptiform synchronization in this structure. Therefore, we investigated the role of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission in epileptiform activity in this cortical area. In addition, since the ACC presents with a high density of opioid receptors, we studied the effect of opioid agonism on epileptiform synchronization in this brain region.Methods: We used field and intracellular recordings in conjunction with pharmacological manipulations to characterize the epileptiform activity generated by the rat ACC in a brain slice preparation.Results: Bath‐application of the convulsant 4‐aminopyridine (4AP, 50 μM) induced both brief and prolonged periods of epileptiform synchronization resembling interictal‐ and ictal‐like discharges, respectively. Interictal events could occur more frequently before the onset of ictal activity that was contributed byN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Mu‐opioid receptor activation abolished 4AP‐induced ictal events and markedly reduced the occurrence of the pharmacologically isolated GABAergic synchronous potentials. Ictal discharges were replaced by interictal events during GABAergic antagonism; this GABA‐independent activity was influenced by subsequent mu‐opioid agonist application.Conclusions: Our results indicate that both glutamatergic and GABAergic signaling contribute to epileptiform synchronization leading to the generation of electrographic ictal events in the ACC. In addition, mu‐opioid receptors appear to modulate both excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms, thus influencing epileptiform synchronization in the ACC.
Mazes, Conflict, and Paradox: Tools for Understanding Chronic Pain
Authors: Brown Cary A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis article presents an argument for framing chronic pain within a complex adaptive systems (CAS) paradigm. The first aim of this article is to demonstrate how chronic pain can be framed as a CAS and how paradox, one of the core characteristics of a CAS, exists within the chronic pain experience. The second aim is to illustrate how paradox exists at multiple levels within the health care encounter and ongoing experience of chronic pain. Finally, the article will use the example of interactions at the patient/clinician level to illustrate how health care workers' efforts to deal with issues emergent from the range of paradoxes have for the most part been ineffective, and at times harmful, to persons experiencing chronic pain.This article uses the example of chronic pain to explore how the manner in which health care providers and patients recognize and deal with paradoxes can either worsen the pain experience or help generate creative new ways to manage the chronic pain condition. The CAS principles discussed in this article hold application across a range of chronic conditions for which a traditional biomedical paradigm proves insufficient.
Personality traits as prospective predictors of suicide attempts
Authors: Yen S. , Shea M. T. , Sanislow C. A. , Skodol A. E. , Grilo C. M. , Edelen M. O. , Stout R. L. , Morey L. C. , Zanarini M. C. , Markowitz J. C. , McGlashan T. H. , Daversa M. T. , Gunderson J. G. 
Published: March 2009

Objective:  To examine higher order personality factors of negative affectivity (NA) and disinhibition (DIS), as well as lower order facets of impulsivity, as prospective predictors of suicide attempts in a predominantly personality disordered sample.Method:  Data were analyzed from 701 participants of the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study with available follow‐up data for up to 7 years. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses was used to examine NA and DIS, and facets of impulsivity (e.g. urgency, lack of perseverance, lack of premeditation and sensation seeking), as prospective predictors of suicide attempts.Results:  NA, DIS and all facets of impulsivity except for sensation seeking were significant in univariate analyses. In multivariate models which included sex, childhood sexual abuse, course of major depressive disorder and substance use disorders, only NA and lack of premeditation remained significant in predicting suicide attempts. DIS and the remaining impulsivity facets were not significant.Conclusion:  NA emerged as a stronger and more robust predictor of suicide attempts than DIS and impulsivity, and warrants greater attention in suicide risk assessment. Distinguishing between facets of impulsivity is important for clinical risk assessment.
Use of antifungal agents for oral candidiasis: results of a national survey
Authors: Martínez‐Beneyto Y , López‐Jornet P , Velandrino‐Nicolás A , Jornet‐García V 
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Background:  Candida albicans is an opportunistic agent that colonizes the oral mucosa.Objectives:  To determine the attitude of Spanish dentists toward the oral treatment of candidiasis.Method:  Between May and November 2006, a questionnaire was circulated to a random selection of 1134 dentists obtained from the General Dental Council’s main list. The survey consisted of a block of socio‐demographic items followed by another block related to the diagnosis and treatment of oral candidiasis. Replies to the questionnaire were received from 840 (74%) dentists.Results:  50.4% of respondents were men, and 48.1% were female with a mean age of 38 and 12.2 years of professional experience. Miconazole was the most popular choice of antifungal agent prescribed (59.3%), followed by nystatin (57.7%) for topical use. Systemic antifungal agents were used by 30.20% of dentists, with a strong association between their use and the number of years in practice, gender and professional qualifications (P < 0.005).Conclusion:  Most Spanish dentists make clinical diagnosis and treat oral infections by C. albicans themselves with topical drugs (miconazole and nystatin) as a first choice. Systemic treatments are more commonly chosen by male dentists with long professional experience, especially by stomatologists.
Lithium Restores Neurogenesis in the Subventricular Zone of the Ts65Dn Mouse, a Model for Down Syndrome
Authors: Bianchi Patrizia , Ciani Elisabetta , Contestabile Andrea , Guidi Sandra , Bartesaghi Renata 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDown syndrome (DS), a high‐incidence genetic pathology, involves brain hypoplasia and mental retardation. Emerging evidence suggests that reduced neurogenesis may be a major determinant of brain underdevelopment in DS. To establish whether it is possible to improve neurogenesis in DS, Ts65Dn mice—the most widely used model for DS—and euploid mice were treated with control or lithium chow for 1 month. During the last 3 days animals received one daily injection of 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine (BrdU)—a marker of proliferating cells—and were sacrificed 24 h after the last injection. Neurogenesis was examined in the subventricular zone (SVZ), a region that retains a neurogenic potential across life. We found that Ts65Dn mice had less (−40%) BrdU+ cells than euploid mice, indicating severe proliferation impairment. Treatment with lithium increased the number of Brdu+ cells in both euploid and Ts65Dn mice. In the latter the number of Brdu+ cells became similar to that of untreated euploid mice. Our study shows that lithium is able to restore cell proliferation in the SVZ of the Ts65Dn mouse and point at treatments with mood stabilizers as a potential tool to improve neurogenesis in patients with DS.
Environmental, genomic and taxonomic perspectives on methanotrophic Verrucomicrobia
Authors: Op den Camp Huub J. M. , Islam Tajul , Stott Matthew B. , Harhangi Harry R. , Hynes Alexander , Schouten Stefan , Jetten Mike S. M. , Birkeland Nils‐Kåre , Pol Arjan , Dunfield Peter F. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryAerobic methanotrophic bacteria are capable of utilizing methane as their sole energy source. They are commonly found at the oxic/anoxic interfaces of environments such as wetlands, aquatic sediments, and landfills, where they feed on methane produced in anoxic zones of these environments. Until recently, all known species of aerobic methanotrophs belonged to the phylum Proteobacteria, in the classes Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria. However, in 2007–2008 three research groups independently described the isolation of thermoacidophilic methanotrophs that represented a distinct lineage within the bacterial phylum Verrucomicrobia. Isolates were obtained from geothermal areas in Italy, New Zealand and Russia. They are by far the most acidophilic methanotrophs known, with a lower growth limit below pH 1. Here we summarize the properties of these novel methanotrophic Verrucomicrobia, compare them with the proteobacterial methanotrophs, propose a unified taxonomic framework for them and speculate on their potential environmental significance. New genomic and physiological data are combined with existing information to allow detailed comparison of the three strains. We propose the new genus Methylacidiphilum to encompass all three newly discovered bacteria.