bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Interictal Spikes on Single‐Cell Firing Patterns in the Hippocampus
Authors: Zhou Jun‐Li , Lenck‐Santini Pierre‐Pascal , Zhao Qian , Holmes Gregory L. 
Published: February 2007

Summary:  Purpose: The interictal EEG spike(s) is the hallmark of the epileptic EEG. While focal interictal spike (IS) have been associated with transitory cognitive impairment, with the type of deficit dependent on where in the cortex the IS arises, the mechanism by which IS result in transitory dysfunction is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of IS on single‐cell firing patterns in freely moving rats with a prior history of seizures. Methods: We studied IS in two seizure models; pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus and recurrent flurothyl models. The effect of spontaneous hippocampal spikes on action potentials (APs) of CA1 cells in rats walking in a familiar environment was investigated using 32 extracellular electrodes. We also compared the effect of spikes on two types of hippcampal cells; place cells that discharge rapidly only when the rat's head is in a specific part of the environment, the so‐called firing field, and interneurons, which are a main source of inhibition in the hippocampus. Results: IS were associated with a decreased likelihood of AP compared with IS‐free portions of the record. Compared to pre‐IS baseline, IS were followed by significant decreases in CA1 APs for periods up to 2 s following the IS in both models. When occurring in flurries, IS were associated with a pronounced decrease in APs. The response to IS was cell‐dependent; IS resulted in decreases in AP firing after the IS in interneurons but not place cells. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that IS have substantial effects on cellular firing in the hippocampus and that these effects last far longer than the spike and slow wave. Furthermore, the effect of IS on cellular firing was cell specific, affecting interneurons more than place cells. These findings suggest that IS may contribute to seizure‐induced cognitive impairment by altering AP firing in a cell‐specific manner.
Two‐Year Outcome of Alcohol Interventions in Swedish University Halls of Residence: A Cluster Randomized Trial of a Brief Skills Training Program, Twelve‐Step–Influenced Intervention, and Controls
Authors: Ståhlbrandt Henriettæ , Johnsson Kent O. , Berglund Mats 
Published: February 2007

Background: High‐risk alcohol consumption among university students is well documented. Several types of intervention have proved to be effective in reducing alcohol consumption. This study examines the 2‐year outcome of 2 different alcohol intervention programs at university halls of residence.Methods: Ninety‐eight university halls of residence (with 556 students) were cluster randomized to 2 different intervention groups: a brief skills training program (BSTP) with interactive lectures and discussions, a twelve‐step–influenced (TSI) program with didactic lectures by therapists trained in the 12‐step approach, and a control group. All students completing the baseline assessment received personalized feedback by mail. Students responded to mailed follow‐up questionnaires after 1, 2, and 3 years, including alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT; years 2 and 3), short index of problems (SIP), and estimated blood alcohol concentration (eBAC).Results: All groups significantly reduced their AUDIT scores from baseline to the second year follow‐up, with no significant differences between the groups. Seventy‐seven percent of the students belonged to a population with high‐risk consumption, using the AUDIT cut‐off scores of 8 and 4 for men and women, respectively. Students with high‐risk alcohol consumption showed significant differences in AUDIT score reduction in favor of the BSTP compared with controls, and had a tendency to show better results than the TSI intervention (p=0.06). Similar trends could be seen using SIP and eBAC. The TSI did not differ significantly from the control group within the group of students with high‐risk alcohol consumption.Conclusions: This study suggests that a BSTP is effective as an intervention in students with high‐risk alcohol consumption.
Regulation of Platelet‐Derived Growth Factor Signaling Pathway by Ethanol, Nicotine, or Both in Mouse Cortical Neurons
Authors: Wang Ju , Gutala Ramana , Sun Dongxiao , Ma Jennie Z. , Sheela Rani CS , Ticku Maharaj K. , Li Ming D. 
Published: February 2007

Background: The higher incidence of smoking among alcoholic subjects suggests the presence of common molecular mechanisms underlying nicotine and alcohol use and abuse. However, these mechanisms are largely unknown. By using cultured fetal mouse cortical neurons as a model system, we sought to identify genes and pathways that are modulated in the cells by ethanol, nicotine, or both.Methods: Primary cerebral cortical cultures were prepared from the brains of 14‐day‐old C57BL/6 mouse fetuses and exposed to ethanol (75 mM), nicotine (0.1 mM), or both for 5 consecutive days. A homeostatic pathway‐focused microarray consisting of 638 sequence‐verified genes was used to measure transcripts differentially regulated by ethanol, nicotine, or both in 5 drug‐treated cortical neuron samples and 5 control samples. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to verify the mRNA expression levels of genes of interest detected from the microarray experiments.Results: Through a pathway‐focused cDNA microarray and balanced experimental design, we identified 65, 111, and 81 significantly regulated genes in the ethanol, nicotine, and ethanol/nicotine‐treated neurons, respectively. Of them, the genes of Akt2, Nsg1, Pdgfa, Pfn1, Rbbp7, and Tcfeb were comodulated. The genes differentially expressed in 1 or more treatment groups could be classified into 4 major clusters, with each cluster consisting of genes involved in different biological processes. The platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling pathway was significantly regulated by all 3 treatments, but by different mechanisms, which may lead to different cellular consequences.Conclusions: Our results indicate that the PDGF pathway represents one of the major biochemical mechanisms in the cellular and molecular responses to each drug in cortical neurons. Finally, we demonstrated that the pathway‐focused microarray system used in the present study is a valuable tool for dissecting the mechanisms of complex signaling pathways such as the PDGF pathway.
Alcohol Dehydrogenase Genetic Polymorphisms, Low‐to‐Moderate Alcohol Consumption, and Risk of Breast Cancer
Authors: Visvanathan Kala , Crum Rosa M. , Strickland Paul T. , You Xiaojun , Ruczinski Ingo , Berndt Sonja I. , Alberg Anthony J. , Hoffman Sandra C. , Comstock George W. , Bell Douglas A. , Helzlsouer Kathy J. 
Published: February 2007

Background: In vitro, human isoenzymes encoded by genes homozygous for the ADH1C*1 or ADH1B*2 alleles metabolize ethanol to acetaldehyde at a faster rate than those homozygous for the ADH1C*2 or ADH1B*1 allele. Because alcohol is a known risk factor for breast cancer, we evaluated the joint association of genetic variants in ADH and alcohol consumption in relation to breast cancer.Methods: A nested case–control study of 321 cases and matched controls was conducted. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ADH1C and ADH1B genes were genotyped. Logistic regression was used to assess odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence limits (CIs) for each SNP. Haplotype analysis of all 5 SNPs was also undertaken.Results: Among drinkers, the median intake of total alcohol was 13 g/wk (10th–90th percentiles; 4.5–135.9) in cases and 18 g/wk (10th–90th percentiles; 4.5–104.1) in controls. Women who drank alcohol tended to be at an increased risk of developing breast cancer compared with those who did not drink (OR=1.40%, 95% CI 0.97–2.03), particularly those who were premenopausal at the time of breast cancer diagnosis (OR=2.69%, 95% CI: 1.00–7.26). Of the known functional alleles, breast cancer risk was not significantly increased among carriers of at least 1 ADH1C*1 or ADH1B*2 allele, when compared with those homozygous for the genotype at each locus. However, breast cancer risk tended to be lower among women who inherited the G allele at ADH1B IVS1+896A>G (OR=0.62, 95% CI 0.37–1.04). Overall haplotype frequencies were not significantly different between cases and controls.Conclusions: In this study low levels of alcohol are associated with a modest increase in breast cancer risk that is not altered by known functional allelic variants of the ADH1B and 1C gene. The protective association conferred by the G allele at ADH1B IVS1+896A>G needs further evaluation.
Deficits in Eye Movement Control in Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Green Courtney R. , Munoz Douglas P. , Nikkel Sarah M. , Reynolds James N. 
Published: February 2007

Background: Prenatal exposure to alcohol can result in a spectrum of adverse developmental outcomes in offspring, collectively termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Deficits in executive function—the psychological processes involved in controlling voluntary goal‐oriented behavior—are prevalent in FASD. Oculomotor tasks have been designed as highly sensitive tools to evaluate components of executive function. Because of the extensive overlap in the brain areas controlling eye movements and those affected in FASD, we hypothesized that individuals with FASD display specific neurobehavioral abnormalities that can be quantified with eye movement testing.Methods: Subjects (8–12 years old) were instructed to look either toward (prosaccade) or away from (antisaccade) a stimulus that appeared in the peripheral visual field. Two fixation conditions were used. In the gap condition, the central fixation point (FP) was removed before the appearance of the peripheral stimulus; in the overlap condition, the FP remained illuminated. Saccadic reaction times (SRTs, time from stimulus appearance to saccade initiation), direction errors (saccades made in the incorrect direction relative to instruction), and express saccades (short‐latency: SRT=90–140 ms) were measured to assess automatic and volitional saccade control.Results: Compared with controls, FASD children had elongated reaction times, excessive direction errors, and no express saccades. Metric analysis of correct prosaccades revealed a trend toward increased saccadic duration and decreased saccadic velocity in FASD subjects.Conclusion: These results reflect deficits in executive function and motor control, and are consistent with dysfunction of the frontal lobes, possibly due to disrupted inhibitory mechanisms. Therefore, eye movement tasks may be powerful and easy tools for assessing executive function deficits in FASD.
Association Between Change in Bone Mineral Density and Decline in Usual Walking Speed in Elderly Community‐Dwelling Japanese Women During 2 Years of Follow‐Up
Authors: Kwon Jinhee , Suzuki Takao , Yoshida Hideyo , Kim Hunkyung , Yoshida Yuko , Iwasa Hajime , Sugiura Miho , Furuna Taketo 
Published: February 2007

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between change in bone mineral density (BMD) and change in usual walking speed in elderly community‐living Japanese women during 2 years of follow‐up.DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study.SETTING: Community‐based.PARTCIPANTS: A total of 182 women aged 70 to 84 who completed a baseline survey and a follow‐up survey 2 years later.MEASUREMENTS: An interview, anthropometric measurements, blood analysis, and physical performance tests were performed at baseline and at follow‐up 2 years later. BMD was evaluated using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry measured at the forearm. Annual percentage changes in BMD and usual walking speed during the 2‐year follow‐up period were calculated; annual percentage changes in BMD were summarized in quartiles. The association between annual bone loss rate and decline in usual walking speed was analyzed using multiple linear regression adjusted for changes in muscle strength, balance capability, and other potential confounders.RESULTS: Change in BMD was significantly related to change in usual walking speed during the 2‐year follow‐up. After multivariate adjustment, usual walking speed declined significantly more in elderly women whose BMD decreased (−3.5% change in walking speed in the first quartile of percentage change in BMD and −3.1% in the second quartile) than in women whose BMD increased (+1.5% in fourth quartile).CONCLUSION: Elderly women whose BMD decreased had a significantly greater decline in usual walking speed than women whose BMD increased, even after multivariate adjustment of potential confounders.
Cadexomer as well as cadexomer iodine induces the production of proinflammatory cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factor by human macrophages
Authors: Ohtani Tomoyuki , Mizuashi Masato , Ito Yumiko , Aiba Setsuya 
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  Although cadexomer iodine is widely used for the treatment of skin ulcers such as decubitus ulcers, the mechanism by which it enhances wound healing is not clear. Recently, it has been demonstrated that macrophages play an important role in wound healing by inducing inflammation and angiogenesis.We examined the effects of cadexomer and cadexomer iodine on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12p40, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) production by macrophages.Human macrophages were obtained by culturing CD14+ monocytes with macrophage colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF) in the presence or absence of cadexomer or cadexomer iodine. The production of cytokines and the expression of mRNA were evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of the culture supernatants and by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis, respectively. In addition, we examined the tissue concentration of VEGF in the wounds treated with or without cadexomer iodine.Cadexomer and cadexomer iodine significantly increased the expression of IL‐1β, IL‐8, TNF‐α and VEGF mRNA, while they did not affect that of IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12p40 or bFGF mRNA. In addition, they significantly increased the production of IL‐1β and TNF‐α. Although we could not detect increased production of VEGF in the culture supernatants, the western blot analysis of macrophages demonstrated the increased production of VEGF by the treatment with either cadexomer or cadexomer iodine. The treatment with cadexomer iodine increased the tissue concentration of VEGF in the skin wounds.These data suggest that cadexomer and cadexomer iodine have beneficial effects on wound healing in addition to those related to their antibacterial activity.
Two New Triterpenoid Saponins from Akebia quinata (Thunb.) Decne.
Authors: Liu Gui‐Yan , Ma Shuang‐Cheng , Zheng Jian , Zhang Ji , Lin Rui‐Chao 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTwo new triterpenoid saponins, hederagenin 3‐O‐α‐L‐arabinopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐α‐L‐arabinopyranoside named akeboside La (compound 1), oleanolic acid 3‐O‐α‐L‐arabinopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐(β‐D‐glucopyranoside named akeboside Lb (compound 2), along with five known saponins, oleanolic acid 3‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐ot‐L‐arabinopyranoside (compound 3), hederagenin 3‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐α‐L‐arabinopyranoside (compound 4), oleanolic acid 3‐O‐β‐D‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐α‐L‐arabinopyranoside (compound 5), 3‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐α‐L‐arabinopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐α‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐(β‐D‐glucopyranoside (compound 6), 3‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐α‐L‐arabinopyranosyl hederagenin 28‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐(β‐D‐glucopyranoside (compound 7) were isolated from the n‐butanol part of the 80% ethanol extracts of the dried stems of Akebia quinata (Thunb.) Decne. Compound 5 was isolated from plants of genus Akebia for the first time. The structures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical properties and spectral data.
Plant Terpenoids: Biosynthesis and Ecological Functions
Authors: Cheng Ai‐Xia , Lou Yong‐Gen , Mao Ying‐Bo , Lu Shan , Wang Ling‐Jian , Chen Xiao‐Ya 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAmong plant secondary metabolites terpenoids are a structurally most diverse group; they function as phytoalex‐ins in plant direct defense, or as signals in indirect defense responses which involves herbivores and their natural enemies. In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the investigation of the ecological role of plant terpenoids. The biosynthesis pathways of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes include the synthesis of C5 precursor isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and its allylic isomer dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP), the synthesis of the immediate diphosphate precursors, and the formation of the diverse terpenoids. Terpene synthases (TPSs) play a key role in volatile terpene synthesis. By expression of the TPS genes, significant achievements have been made on metabolic engineering to increase terpenoid production. This review mainly summarizes the recent research progress in elucidating the ecological role of terpenoids and characterization of the enzymes involved in the terpenoid biosynthesis. Spatial and temporal regulations of terpenoids metabolism are also discussed.
Growth Rings of Roots in Perennial Forbs in Duolun Grassland, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Liu Yong‐Bo , Zhang Qi‐Bin 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAnnual growth rings of roots in perennial forbs have been used in studies of climate change and the ecology of grasslands. However, little has been done in this aspect of research in China. In this study, we report the characteristics of growth rings in the main roots of 13 herb species sampled in Duolun of the Inner Mongolia grassland in northern China. The results show that around two thirds of the species possess clearly demarcated annual rings in the root xylem. Some species of the same genera show different patterns in anatomical structure of the root xylem. Standardized annual ring widths of three species, Potentilla anserine L., Cymbaria dahurica L. and Lespedeza daurica (Laxm.) Schindl., show a common linear trend, indicating a continued favorable growth condition in the sampling sites. Our results provide evidence that growth rings in roots of some perennial forbs in the Inner Mongolia grassland can serve as a new and useful indicator of past changes in the grassland environment.
Overexpression of OsJAC1, a Lectin Gene, Suppresses the Coleoptile and Stem Elongation in Rice
Authors: Jiang Jia‐Fu , Xu Yun‐Yuan , Chong Kang 
Published: February 2007

AbstractLectin plays an important role in defense signaling in plants, but its function in plant growth and development is not well known. Previously, we cloned a rice (Oryza sativa L.) gene OsJAC1 encoding a mannose‐binding jacalin‐related lectin, and found that OsJAC1 was jasmonic acid (JA) inducible. Here we cloned the promoter of OsJAC1, and GUS activity was detected in young roots, coleoptiles, sheaths, leaves, nodes of stems, stems, rachises, pistils, stamens and lemmas of OsJAC1::GUS transgenic rice, suggesting that OsJAC1 is a constitutive expression gene in rice. Moreover, OsJAC1‐overexpressed (Ubi::OsJAC1) rice showed dwarfism with shorter coleptiles resulting from the failure of cell elongation of coleoptiles. In addition, compared with coleoptiles of wild‐type plants, those of OsJAC1 overexpression rice were more sensitive to JA treatment. These data revealed that, besides its roles in defense response, lectin plays an important role in rice growth and development.
Epidemiology of the brown recluse spider bite
Authors: Rhoads Jacqueline 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this article was to provide a comprehensive epidemiological and clinical description of the brown recluse spider bite.Data sources: Review of evidenced‐based scientific literature and practice guidelines. A specific descriptive case study is interwoven through the article to tie in the clinical presenting figure associated with this bite.Conclusions: The brown recluse lives in a circumscribed area of the United States (the south central Midwest) with a few less common recluse species living in the more sparsely populated southwest United States. In these areas, where spider populations may be dense, recluse spiders may be a cause of significant morbidity.Implications for practice: Most spider bites are asymptomatic but what makes this bite so devastating is the toxin injected by the brown recluse spider, which can cause considerable systemic symptoms as well as necrotic skin ulcers (necrotic arachnidism). The article presents process for diagnosis and stresses the importance of identifying the spider if at all possible.
Vedaprofen therapy in cats with upper respiratory tract infection or following ovariohysterectomy
Authors: Lopez S. , Pertuy S. , Horspool L. , Van Laar P. , Rutten A. 
Published: February 2007

Objectives: The antipyretic and analgesic efficacy of vedaprofen (at a dose of 0·5 mg/kg) was evaluated after repeated once‐daily administration (for three or five days) to 80 cats with upper respiratory tract disease or 302 cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Methods: Both clinical trials were randomised, double blinded and placebo controlled. Results: In the upper respiratory tract disease trial, vedaprofen produced a significant reduction in rectal temperature when compared with cats administered antimicrobial treatment only. This antipyretic activity lasted at least four hours after administration on the first day of treatment (day 0) and at least eight hours on day 1 and day 2. Significantly more cats in the treatment group were classified as having returned to normal on day 5, day 6 and day 7 compared with the placebo group. In the ovariohysterectomy trial, scores for behaviour (on day 1, day 2 and day 3) and appetite (on day 1 and day 2) were significantly better in the vedaprofen group than in the placebo‐treated cats. Clinical Significance: Vedaprofen produced a clinically relevant reduction in body temperature and a more rapid return to normality in cats with upper respiratory tract disease. Vedaprofen treatment also resulted in more rapid recovery, presumably through the relief of pain and inflammation, in cats that had undergone soft tissue surgery.
Sample size and statistical power in the small‐animal analgesia literature
Authors: Hofmeister E. H. , King J. , Read M. R. , Budsberg S. C. 
Published: February 2007

Objective: To document the power and required sample sizes to achieve certain treatment objectives in the veterinary analgesia literature. Methods: Pubmed’s MEDLINE database and selected journals were searched. Only publications produced between 1994 and 2004 that reported ‘no difference’ between experimental groups in the abstract, results or conclusion sections and those that were randomised, prospective and blinded were reviewed. The data reported in the publications were then subjected to power analyses to determine the power and necessary sample size (to achieve a power of 0·8) to allow detection of 20 per cent, 50 per cent and 80 per cent treatment effects. Results: Twenty‐two studies provided sufficient data for analysis. Five out of 22 (23 per cent) had sufficient power to detect a 20 per cent treatment effect, 12 of 22 (54 per cent) had sufficient power to detect a 50 per cent treatment effect and 18 of 22 (82 per cent) had sufficient power to detect an 80 per cent treatment effect. The mean number of animals required per group to document a 20 per cent, 50 per cent and 80 per cent treatment effect were 90, 15 and 7, respectively. Clinical Significance: Publications that report no significant difference between analgesic regimens may have committed a Type II error. The reader may inappropriately conclude that there is no difference between treatments when there may, in fact, be a superior analgesic regimen. Clinical practice based on the principles of evidence‐based medicine could therefore result in suboptimal care for patients.