bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased thalamic inhibition in the absence seizure prone DBA/2J mouse
Authors: Tan Heneu O. , Reid Christopher A. , Chiu Cindy , Jones Mathew V. , Petrou Steven 
Published: February 2008

Summary Genetic background plays a significant role in producing variable seizure outcomes in patients and animal models. The neurobiological mechanism underlying this heterogeneity is not clear. Here we compare GABAergic synaptic properties within the thalamocortical circuit of two commonly used inbred mice strains, the C57B/6 and spike‐and‐wave discharge (SWD) prone DBA/2J. Differences between the strains occur in amplitude, kinetics, and frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) in a region‐specific manner. The biggest difference in synaptic inhibition was seen in the thalamus where DBA/2J mice showed a doubling of mIPSC frequency when compared to C57B/6. EEG analysis revealed higher power in the 6–12 Hz band during non–rapid eye movement sleep in DBA/2J mice. Increased susceptibility of the DBA2/J strain to develop SWDs and increase in the 6–12 Hz EEG power may be due to a hypersynchronous ventrobasal thalamus as a consequence of increased GABAergic input.
Homozygous W748S mutation in the POLG1 gene in patients with juvenile‐onset Alpers syndrome and status epilepticus
Authors: Uusimaa Johanna , Hinttala Reetta , Rantala Heikki , Päivärinta Markku , Herva Riitta , Röyttä Matias , Soini Heidi , Moilanen Jukka S. , Remes Anne M. , Hassinen Ilmo E. , Majamaa Kari 
Published: February 2008

Summary
Purpose: Polymerase gamma (POLG) is the sole enzyme in the replication of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Numerous mutations in the POLG1 gene have been detected recently in patients with various phenotypes including a classic infantile‐onset Alpers‐Huttenlocher syndrome (AHS). Here we studied the molecular etiology of juvenile‐onset AHS manifesting with status epilepticus and liver disease in three teenagers.
Patients and Methods: We examined 14‐ and 17‐year‐old female siblings (patients 1 and 2) and an unrelated 15‐year‐old girl (patient 3) with juvenile‐onset AHS, sequenced POLG1, and the entire mtDNA, examined mtDNA deletions by amplification of the full‐length mtDNA with the long PCR method and used real‐time PCR to quantify mtDNA in the tissue samples.
Results: The initial manifestations were migraine‐like headache and epilepsy, and the terminal manifestations status epilepticus and hepatic failure. A homozygous W748S mutation in POLG1 was detected in the three patients. No deletions or pathogenic point mutations were found in mtDNA, but all three patients had mtDNA depletion.
Conclusions: POLG mutations should be considered in cases of teenagers and young adults with a sudden onset of intractable seizures or status epilepticus, and acute liver failure. The W748S POLG1 mutation seems to lead to tissue‐specific, partial mtDNA depletion in patients with juvenile‐onset Alpers syndrome. Valproic acid should be avoided in the treatment of epileptic seizures in these patients.
Effect of grafting materials on osseointegration of dental implants surrounded by circumferential bone defects. An experimental study in the dog
Authors: Abushahba Faleh , Renvert Stefan , Polyzois Ioannis , Claffey Noel 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAims: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of gap width and graft placement on bone healing around implants placed into simulated extraction sockets in the mandibles of four beagle dogs.Materials and methods: Four Ti‐Unite® implants (13 mm × 3.3 mm) were placed on each side of the mandible. Three implants were surrounded by a 1.35 mm circumferential and a 5 mm deep gap around the coronal portion of the implants. A fourth implant was inserted conventionally into both sides of the mandibles as a positive control. The gaps were filled with either Bio‐Oss®, autogenous bone or with a blood clot alone. The study design was balanced for animal, side and modality. Ground sections were prepared from biopsies taken at 3 months, and computer‐aided histometric measurements of bone/implant contact and area of bone within threads were made for the coronal 5 mm. Data were analysed using analysis of variance.Results: The mean bone/implant contact was 9.8 mm for the control and ranged from 9.3 to 11.3 mm for the three test modalities. The corresponding values for area within threads were 1 mm2 and 1–1.2 mm2. Modality had a significant effect on both bone/implant contact (F=16.9; P<0.0001) and area within threads (F=16.7; P<0.0001).Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that both autogenous bone graft and Bio‐Oss® played an important role in the amount of hard tissue fill and osseointegration occurring within marginal bone defects around implants.
Adjunctive effect of chlorhexidine in ultrasonic instrumentation of aggressive periodontitis patients: a pilot study
Authors: Guarnelli Maria Elena , Franceschetti Giovanni , Manfrini Roberta , Trombelli Leonardo 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAim: The aim of the present pilot randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of ultrasonic mechanical instrumentation (UMI) associated with the professional use of chlorhexidine (CHX) formulations compared with UMI alone during periodontal supportive therapy in patients with generalized aggressive periodontis (G‐AgP).Material and Methods: Nine patients (test group) received a single session of UMI associated with subgingival irrigation under cavitation with CHX 0.02%. A 0.2% CHX solution was used for professional tongue brushing and mouthrinsing. Ten patients (control group) received a similar session of UMI associated with subgingival irrigation and professional tongue brushing and mouthrinsing with a control formulation. Clinical and microbiological parameters were assessed pre‐treatment at 3, 6 and 12 weeks post‐treatment.Results: UMI either with or without additional CHX use determined a significant reduction of supragingival plaque and gingival inflammation as well as a significant reduction of subgingival bacterial pathogens. The additional use of CHX did not result in any additional clinical and microbiological benefit with respect to mere UMI.Conclusions: The adjunctive professional use of CHX formulations to UMI seems to produce no additional effects over UMI alone during supportive therapy in G‐AgP patients.
Thermogravimetric evaluation of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) for the prediction of in vitro dry matter digestibility
Authors: Sharma H.S.S. , Mellon R.M. , Johnston D. , Fletcher H. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThermogravimetry (TG) can be used for assessing the compositional differences in grasses that relate to dry matter digestibility (DMD) determined by pepsin–cellulase assay. This investigation developed regression models for predicting DMD of herbage grass during one growing season using TG results. The calibration samples were obtained from a field trial of eight cultivars and two breeding lines. The harvested materials from five cuts were analysed by TG to identify differences in the combustion patterns within the range of 30–600°C. The discrete results including weight loss, peak height, area, temperature, widths and residue of three decomposition peaks were regressed against the measured DMD values of the calibration samples. Similarly, continuous weight loss results of the same samples were also utilised to generate DMD models. The r2 for validation of the discrete and the best continuous models were 0.90 and 0.95, respectively, and the two calibrations were validated using independent samples from 24 plots from a trial carried out in 2004. The standard error for prediction of the 24 samples by the discrete model (4.14%) was higher than that by the continuous model (2.98%). This study has shown that DMD of grass could be predicted from the TG results. The benefit of thermal analysis is the ability to detect and show changes in composition of cell wall fractions of grasses during different cuts in a year.
Interaction between plant resistance and predation of Aphis fabae (Homoptera: Aphididae) by Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Shannag H.K. , Obeidat W.M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe investigated the compatibility of host plant resistance to the black bean aphid in the faba bean crop with the use of the predatory ladybird beetle for biological control under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Greenhouse experiments indicated that apteriform Aphis fabae reproduced on Vicia faba major (susceptible) and on 79S4 (partially resistant) cultivars at different rates. During the entire experimental period, aphids built up higher populations on V. faba major than on 79S4 cultivar. Aphid numbers on 79S4 were about 37% of those on V. faba major after 14 days. Release of a newly hatched Coccinella septempunctata larva onto each plant significantly reduced aphid density to 32.8% and 57.2% on V. faba major and 79S4 on day 14, respectively. Partial resistance combined with predation was more effective in lessening aphid numbers on faba bean than either the predator or the plant resistance alone. Laboratory tests showed that prey, A. fabae, raised on susceptible cultivar was more suitable for the predator as food source, enhancing the development rate and fecundity than aphids fed on the partially resistant cultivar. Consumption of aphids reared on susceptible cultivar significantly increased the female fecundity and fertility of C. septempunctata by 37.7% and 33.2%, respectively, more than those fed with aphids from partially resistant cultivar. Pre‐oviposition time was shortened by 4.5 days, and oviposition period was extended by 11.4 days. Feeding the predator on aphids from the partially resistant cultivar prolonged the embryonic larval developmental time and the time required from egg laying to adult emergence by 19.8, 10.1 and 32.5 h, respectively. Adult longevity was not influenced by the aphid source. The results are discussed in relation to the compatible utilisation of host plant resistance and biological control in the integrated management of aphids.
Locomotory behaviour of the seven‐spotted ladybird, Coccinella septempunctata, in response to five commonly used insecticides
Authors: Thornham D.G. , Blackwell A. , Evans K.A. , Wakefield M. , Walters K.F.A. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract Coccinella septempunctata is known to actively avoid substrates treated with an insecticide containing the organophosphate dimethoate. This study examines the responses of C. septempunctata to a range of different insecticide products from three chemical classes, carbamates, organophosphates and pyrethroids. Five formulated product insecticides were compared with the active ingredients (AIs) at two different application rates and using two different spray patterns (conferring choice or no‐choice designs) in a randomised block design. Coccinellids’ responses differed between insecticide classes. Pyrethoid treatments significantly reduced locomotion. Organophosphates effected mixed locomotory responses, as found in previous studies. Carbamate treatments effected very few changes in locomotory activity. Similar results were found at both application rates tested and under different test designs. The results of the AI tests indicated that different components of the products were responsible for the different reactions, with the AIs being responsible for some responses but the carriers being responsible for others. Results are discussed in relation to the insecticides’ modes of action and to their potential to increase the efficiency of integrated aphid control.
Genetic variation, pathogenicity and mycelial growth rate differentiation betweenGaeumannomyces graminisvar.triticiisolates derived from winter and spring wheat
Authors: Irzykowska L. , Bocianowski J. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe variability ofGaeumannomyces graminisvar.tritici(Ggt) isolates was evaluated at an intravarietal level using non‐molecular and molecular methods. Pathogenicity and linear growth rate of the pathogen were estimated. Very high pathogenicity was found in 44% of the isolates, medium in 20% and low only in 8%. Significant differences in mycelial growth rate were observed. The quickest linear growth rate ofGgtmycelium was observed at 25°C. Isolates derived from winter wheat grew faster than those obtained from spring wheat. The correlation between growth rates and pathogenicity was not significant. DNA polymorphism determined by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)–PCR was used to assess genetic variation among isolates. Thirty‐two RAPD markers revealed DNA polymorphism suitable for assessing variability among isolates examined. Cluster analysis of RAPD data identified a few groups of isolates. RAPD markers associated with pathogenicity as well as mycelium growth rate were found.
Relationship between baseline cerebral blood flow and vascular responses to changes in PaCO2 measured by positron emission tomography in humans: implication of inter‐individual variations of cerebral vascular tone
Authors: Ito H. , Kanno I. , Ibaraki M. , Suhara T. , Miura S. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAim:  Inter‐individual variations in normal human cerebral blood flow (CBF) at rest condition have been reported. Inter‐individual variation of cerebral vascular tone is considered to contribute to this, and several determinants of cerebral vascular tone have been proposed. In the present study, the relationship between CBF and cerebral vascular tone to inter‐individual variation at rest condition was investigated using positron emission tomography (PET).Methods:  CBF was measured using PET with H215O in each of 20 healthy subjects (20–28 years) under three conditions: at rest (baseline), during hypercapnia and during hypocapnia. The vascular response to change in PaCO2 was calculated as the percentage changes in CBF per absolute change in PaCO2 in response to hypercapnia and hypocapnia.Results:  A significant negative correlation between baseline CBF and the vascular response to hypocapnia was observed in the thalamus, temporal cortex, parietal cortex, occipital cortex and cerebral cortex (P < 0.05). A trend towards negative correlation between baseline CBF and the vascular response to hypocapnia was observed in the cerebellum and putamen (P < 0.1). A significant negative correlation between baseline CBF and the vascular response to hypercapnia was observed in the occipital cortex (P < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed between baseline CBF and haemoglobin concentration, and PaCO2.Conclusion:  These findings support the assumption that cerebral vascular tone might incline towards vasoconstriction and vasodilatation when baseline CBF is low and high between individuals respectively. Although several determinants of cerebral vascular tone have been proposed, the mechanism of such inter‐individual differences in cerebral vascular tone is unknown.
Powerful Bactericidal and Sterilizing Activity of a Regimen Containing PA-824, Moxifloxacin, and Pyrazinamide in a Murine Model of Tuberculosis
Authors: Nuermberger Eric , Tyagi Sandeep , Tasneen Rokeya , Williams Kathy N. , Almeida Deepak , Rosenthal Ian , Grosset Jacques H. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT
PA-824 is a nitroimidazo-oxazine in clinical testing for the treatment of tuberculosis. We report that the novel combination of PA-824, moxifloxacin, and pyrazinamide cured mice more rapidly than the first-line regimen of rifampin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide. If applicable to humans, regimens containing this combination may radically shorten the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
Prevalence of the
erm
(T) Gene in Clinical Isolates of Erythromycin-Resistant Group D
Streptococcus
and
Enterococcus
Authors: DiPersio Linda P. , DiPersio Joseph R. , Frey Kevin C. , Beach Jacqueline A. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

Among 48 erythromycin-resistant group D streptococci (GDS), 36 had the
erm
(T) resistance gene.
erm
(T) was also found in 4 of 31 erythromycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
isolates. This is the first report of the
erm
(T) gene in U.S. GDS isolates and the first report of the
erm
(T) gene in enterococci.
Effect of Low-Dose Ritonavir on the Pharmacokinetics of the CXCR4 Antagonist AMD070 in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Cao Ying Jun , Flexner Charles W. , Dunaway Shelia , Park Jeong-Gun , Klingman Karin , Wiggins Ilene , Conley Jeanne , Radebaugh Christine , Kashuba Angela D. , MacFarland Ron , Becker Stephen , Hendrix Craig W. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

AMD070, a CXCR4 antagonist, has demonstrated antiretroviral activity in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. Since AMD070 is a substrate of cytochrome P450 3A4 and P-glycoprotein, both of which may be affected by ritonavir, we tested for a ritonavir effect on AMD070 pharmacokinetics. Subjects were given a single 200-mg dose of AMD070 on days 1, 3, and 17. Ritonavir (100 mg every 12 h) was dosed from day 3 to day 18. Blood samples to test for AMD070 concentrations were collected over 48 h after each administration of AMD070. Twenty-three male subjects were recruited. Among them, 21 completed the study, and 2 were discontinued for reasons other than safety. All adverse events were grade 2 or lower. AMD070 alone had the following pharmacokinetic features, given as medians (ranges): 3 h (0.5 to 4 h) for the time to peak blood concentration, 256 ng/ml (41 to 845 ng/ml) for the peak concentration (
C
max
), 934 h·ng/ml (313 to 2,127 h·ng/ml) for the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 h to infinity (AUC
0-∞
), 214 liters/h (94 to 639 liters/h) for apparent body clearance, and 4,201 liters (1,996 to 9,991 liters) for the apparent volume of distribution based on the terminal phase. The initial doses of ritonavir increased the
C
max
of AMD070 [geometric mean (90% confidence interval)] by 39% (3 to 89%) and the AUC
0-∞
by 60% (29 to 100%). After 14 days of ritonavir dosing, the pharmacokinetic changes in AMD070 persisted. The plasma pharmacokinetics of ritonavir were consistent with previous reports. It is concluded that AMD070 concentrations were increased with concomitant ritonavir dosing for 14 days in healthy volunteers.
Absence of Amphotericin B-Tolerant Persister Cells in Biofilms of Some
Candida
Species
Authors: Al-Dhaheri Rawya S. , Douglas L. Julia 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

Biofilms and planktonic cells of five
Candida
species were surveyed for the presence of persister (drug-tolerant) cell populations after exposure to amphotericin B. None of the planktonic cultures (exponential or stationary phase) contained persister cells. However, persisters were found in biofilms of one of two strains of
Candida albicans
tested and in biofilms of
Candida krusei
and
Candida parapsilosis
, but not in biofilms of
Candida glabrata
or
Candida tropicalis
. These results suggest that persister cells cannot solely account for drug resistance in
Candida
biofilms.
Genetic Resistance of Mice toMycobacterium paratuberculosisIs Influenced bySlc11a1at the Early but Not at the Late Stage of Infection
Authors: Roupie Virginie , Rosseels Valérie , Piersoel Virginie , Zinniel Denise K. , Barletta Raúl G. , Huygen Kris 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTWe have recently described the development of a luminescentMycobacterium paratuberculosisstrain of bovine origin expressing theluxABgenes ofVibrio harveyi. With this luminescent isolate, fastidious and costly enumeration of CFU by plating them on agar can be replaced by easy and rapid luminometry. Here, we have reevaluated the effect ofSlc11a1(formerlyNramp1) polymorphism on susceptibility toM. paratuberculosis, using this luminometric method. A series of inbred mouse strains were infected intravenously with luminescentM. paratuberculosisS-23 and monitored for bacterial replication in spleen, liver, and lungs for 12 weeks. The results indicate that, as forMycobacterium aviumsubsp.avium, innate resistance to infection is genetically controlled bySlc11a1. In BALB/c, congenic BALB.B10-H2b(BALB/c background;H-2b), C57BL/6, and beige C57BL/6bg/bgmice (allSlc11a1s), bacterial numbers in spleen and liver remained unchanged during the first 4 weeks of infection, whereas in DBA/2 and congenic BALB/c.DBA/2 (C.D2) mice (bothSlc11a1r) and in (C57BL/6 × DBA/2)F1mice (Slc11a1s/r), the bacterial numbers had decreased more than 10-fold at 4 weeks postinfection in both male and female mice. At later time points, additional differences in bacterial replication were observed between the susceptible mouse strains, particularly in the liver. Whereas bacterial numbers in the liver gradually decreased more than 100-fold in C57BL/6 mice between week 4 and week 12, bacterial numbers were stable in livers from BALB/c and beige C57BL/6bg/bgmice during this period. Mycobacterium-specific gamma interferon responses developed earlier and to a higher magnitude in C57BL/6 mice than in BALB/c mice and were lowest in resistant C.D2 mice.
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
MSP2(P44)-18 Predominates and Is Modified into Multiple Isoforms in Human Myeloid Cells
Authors: Sarkar Madhubanti , Troese Matthew J. , Kearns Sarah A. , Yang Tian , Reneer Dexter V. , Carlyon Jason A. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

Anaplasma phagocytophilum
is the etiologic agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis. MSP2(P44), the bacterium's major surface protein, is encoded by a paralogous gene family and has been implicated in a variety of pathobiological processes, including antigenic variation, host adaptation, adhesion, porin activity, and structural integrity. The consensus among several studies performed at the DNA and RNA levels is that a heterogeneous mix of a limited number of
msp2
(
p44
) transcripts is expressed by
A. phagocytophilum
during in vitro cultivation. Such analyses have yet to be extended to the protein level. In this study, we used proteomic and molecular approaches to determine that MSP2(P44)-18 is the predominant if not the only paralog expressed and is modified into multiple 42- to 44-kDa isoforms by
A. phagocytophilum
strain HGE1 during infection of HL-60 cells. The
msp2
(
p44
) expression profile was homogeneous for
msp2
(
p44
)-
18
. Thus, MSP2(P44)-18 may have a fitness advantage in HL-60 cell culture in the absence of selective immune pressure. Several novel 22- to 27-kDa MSP2 isoforms lacking most of the N-terminal conserved region were also identified.
A. phagocytophilum
MSP2(P44) orthologs expressed by other pathogens in the family
Anaplasmataceae
are glycosylated. Gas chromatography revealed that recombinant MSP2(P44)-18 is modified by glucose, galactose, xylose, mannose, and trace amounts of other glycosyl residues. These data are the first to confirm differential modification of any
A. phagocytophilum
MSP2(P44) paralog and the first to provide evidence for expression of truncated versions of such proteins.