bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Functional Significance of Gap Junction Channels in the Epileptogenicity and Seizure Susceptibility of Juvenile Rats
Authors: Gajda Zita , Hermesz Edit , Gyengési Erika , Szupera Zoltán , Szente Magdolna 
Published: June 2006

Summary:  Purpose: The functional significance of gap‐junction (GJ) channels in seizure susceptibility and induction and maintenance of seizures in the developing rat brain was investigated on the 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) in vivo epilepsy model. Methods: In electrophysiological experiments, GJs were manipulated with a blocker or opener before induction or at the active epileptic foci between postnatal days 9 and 28 (P9–28). Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) amplification was used to measure the levels of connexin (Cx) 26, 32, 36, and 43 mRNAs at the untreated cortex or epileptic foci. Results: The basic electrocorticogram (ECoG) and Cx messenger RNA (mRNA) expression patterns exhibited characteristic maturation; the 4‐AP–induced epileptiform activity correlated well with these changes. Cx mRNA expressions were significantly upregulated around P16 (except for Cx26). The Cx26, 36, and 43 gene inducibility was highest around P16 and then declined significantly. In the youngest animals, the GJ opener induced rhythmic synchronous cortical activity. On maturation, the seizures became focalized and periodic; the discharges accelerated their amplitude and frequency increase. A transient decrease (P13–14) and then increase (P15–16) in seizure susceptibility were followed by a tendency to periodicity and focalization. Conclusions: The study suggests that GJ communication is involved in rhythm genesis and synchronization of cortical activity and may enhance the epileptogenicity of the developing brain.
Architectural (Type IA) Focal Cortical Dysplasia and Parvalbumin Immunostaining in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Garbelli Rita , Meroni Alessandra , Magnaghi Giuseppina , Beolchi Maria Sana , Ferrario Arianna , Tassi Laura , Bramerio Manuela , Spreafico Roberto 
Published: June 2006

Summary: Purpose:We analyzed 26 surgically treated patients operated on for intractable epilepsy associated with type IA (architectural) cortical dysplasia, to investigate neuropathologic and immunocytochemical features, particularly of the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic system, and to compare the findings with those observed in normal cortex.Methods:. Routinely stained slides and serial sections immunostained for neurofilaments (SMI 311), microtubule‐associated protein‐2 (MAP‐2), neuron‐specific nuclear protein (NeuN), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), parvalbumin (PV), calbindin (CB), and calretinin (CR) were processed. Some sections were processed by using single‐immunoperoxidase procedures; others were processed for double immunofluorescence labelling and observed by confocal microscopy. The density of inhibitory PV‐immunoreactive interneurons was quantitatively assessed in all patients and control cases by using a two‐dimensional cell‐counting technique on PV immunostained sections.Results:The density of PV‐immunoreactive interneurons was significantly reduced in this group of patients, whereas CB‐ and CR‐ positivity appeared similar to those in normal cortex. In five cases, architectural abnormalities, in addition to those that defined type 1A dysplasia, were present and characterized by abnormal clusters of neurons and laminar cellular loss in superficial cortical laminate.Conclusions:The reduction of PV expression in type IA cortical dysplasia suggests an impairment of the GABAergic system as a possible mechanism for the epileptogenicity; in addition, PV immunoreactivity can be helpful in the neuropathologic characterization of this form of cortical dysplasia.
Occurrence of a Prolonged Nonepileptic Motor Status after a Febrile Seizure
Authors: Specchio Nicola , Cusmai Raffaella , Volkov Josiv , Montaldo Paolo , Vigevano Federico 
Published: June 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Febrile seizures are very common events in the pediatric population, and this disorder could be inherited. A previous article on nonepileptic status after a febrile seizure was published by Japanese authors. They described convulsive manifestations after a febrile seizure with an EEG counterpart characterized by delta activity and rhythmic theta discharges. We report two cases of nonepileptic prolonged motor status occurring after a simple febrile seizure, erroneously diagnosed as an epileptic status. Methods: An EEG was obtained during the episode in both of the children; for one of them, we performed a video‐EEG recording. Results: In both children, this state was characterized by tonic, vibratory posture, and fluctuation of consciousness. The face was not involved, eyes were closed, and the children were not cyanotic. Ictal EEG showed alternating and mixed theta–delta activity. This activity appeared to be rhythmic in some periods. Clinical and EEG features did not change after administration of benzodiazepine. Conclusions: We believe this uncommon condition to be a nonepileptic phenomenon, occurring after a simple febrile seizure, with favorable prognosis.
The zebrafish mutant vps18 as a model for vesicle‐traffic related hypopigmentation diseases
Authors: Maldonado Ernesto , Hernandez Fabiola , Lozano Carlos , Castro Marta E. , Navarro Rosa E. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryHypopigmentation is a characteristic of several diseases associated with vesicle traffic defects, like the Hermansky–Pudlak, Chediak–Higashi, and Griscelli syndromes. Hypopigmentation is also a characteristic of the zebrafish mutant vps18hi2499A, which is affected in the gene vps18, a component of the homotypic fusion and protein sorting complex that is involved in tethering during vesicular traffic. Vps18, as part of this complex, participates in the formation of early endosomes, late endosomes, and lysosomes. Here, we show that Vps18 is also involved in the formation of melanosomes. In the zebrafish mutant vps18hi2499A the retroviral insertion located at exon 4 of vps18, leads to the formation of two abnormal splicing variants lacking the coding sequence for the clathrin repeat and the RING finger conserved domains. A deficiency of Vps18 in zebrafish larvae results in hepatomegaly and skin hypopigmentation. We also observed a drastic reduction in the number of melanosomes in the eye's retinal pigmented epithelium along with the accumulation of immature melanosomes. A significant reduction in the vps18hi2499A larvae visual system capacity was found using the optokinetic response assay. We propose that the insertional mutant vps18hi2499A can be used as a model for studying hypopigmentation diseases in which vesicle traffic problems exist.
Periodontal pathogens in atheromatous plaques isolated from patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Padilla C. , Lobos O. , Hubert E. , González C. , Matus S. , Pereira M. , Hasbun S. , Descouvieres C. 
Published: June 2006

Background and Objective:  It has been suggested that chronic infections may predispose to cardiovascular disease. The relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease has been a subject of increasing research in recent years. The isolation and identification of periodontal bacteria from atheromatous plaque can contribute to our knowledge of this vascular disease. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify periodontal bactera from the periodontal pockets of different patients and to compare them with the microorganisms detected in the atheromatous plaques obtained from the same patients.Material and Methods:  Clinical isolates were obtained from 12 patients with periodontal wounds and atheromathous plaques. These samples were cultured in the appropriate bacteriological culture media and incubated in an anaerobic system. Periodontal bacteria were identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays.Results:  From the 12 patients studied, nine presented different periodontopathic bacterial species. In two, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was present in the periodontal pockets and the respective atheromatous plaques.Conclusion:  The presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans in atheromatous plaques and the periodontal pockets of the same patients could indicate a role for periodontal pathogenic bacteria in the atherosclerosis disease process.
Platelet‐rich plasma/osteoblasts complex induces bone formation via osteoblastic differentiation following subcutaneous transplantation
Authors: Goto H. , Matsuyama T. , Miyamoto M. , Yonamine Y. , Izumi Y. 
Published: June 2006

Background and Objective:  Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has been shown to enhance the maturation of bone grafts following local application and to have biological effects on osteoblasts in vitro. However, PRP is not applied by itself clinically as a result of its poor benefits in large bone defects. The present study was undertaken to develop a clinical alternative to autologous bone, by investigating the application of PRP in combination with osteoblastic cells and evaluating its effects after transplantation.Material and Methods:  PRP and platelet‐poor plasma (PPP) were prepared from blood, obtained from ddY mice, by two centrifugation steps. MC3T3‐E1 cells were labeled with fluorescent carbocyanine just before transplantation. The combination of labeled cells and PRP gel was subcutaneously transplanted into the back of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice, and the transplants were evaluated radiographically and immunohistologically after 4 wk. The effects of PRP were assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and von Kossa staining, and the expression of bone‐related markers was analyzed by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction before transplantation.Results:  Before transplantation, PRP enhanced the expression of Osterix and bone sialoprotein mRNAs compared with PPP. Furthermore, PRP elevated ALP activity and induced the formation of mineralized nodules. After transplantation, the combination of labeled cells and PRP gel formed mineralized tissue, and the transplanted cells visualized in the tissue using fluorescence microscopy expressed osteocalcin and type I collagen.Conclusion:  These results suggest that the application of a PRP/osteoblasts complex has beneficial effects for transplanting engineered cells into bone defects through the promotion of osteoblastic differentiation.
Effect of Hillslope Gradient on Vegetation Recovery on Abandoned Land of Shifting Cultivation in Hainan Island, South China
Authors: Ding Yi , Zang Run‐Guo , Jiang You‐Xu 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn the present study, we investigated the effect of hillslope gradient on vegetation recovery on abandoned land of shifting cultivation in Hainan Island, south China, by measuring community composition and structure of 25‐year‐old secondary forest fallows along a hillslope gradient (up‐, middle‐, and down‐slope position). A total of 49 733 free‐standing woody plant stems higher than 10 cm and belonging to 170 species, 112 genera, and 57 families was found in the three 1‐hm2 investigation plots. Stem density was highest in the down‐slope stand and lowest in the up‐slope stand. Species richness and the Shannon‐Wiener index were both highest in the middle‐slope stand, and lower in the down‐slope and up‐slope stands. The recovery forest fallows on different hillslope positions were all dominated by a few species. The five most abundant species accounted for 70.1%, 58.8%, and 72.9% of total stem densities in stands in the up‐, middle‐, and down‐slope positions, respectively. The five species with the greatest basal areas accounted for 74.5%, 84.3%, and 74.7% of total stem basal area for the up‐, middle‐, and down‐slope positions, respectively. The number of low‐density species (stem abundance less than five) increased from the up‐slope position downward. Of the nine local common species among three different functional groups, the short‐lived pioneer species dominated the up‐slope position, but long‐lived pioneer species dominated the middle‐ and down‐slope positions. The climax species of primary tropical lowland rain forest was found in the downslope position. Both the mean diameter at breast height (DBH) and mean height of the trees increased with decreasing hillslope gradient. The stem density and basal area in different size classes were significantly different in stands in different slope positions. Our results indicated that the rate of secondary succession varies, even over small spatial scales caused by the hillslope gradient, in early vegetation recovery.(Managing editor: Ya‐Qin Han)
Plant Remains from an Archaeological Site as Indicators of Vegetation and Agricultural Practice Between (3 320 ± 400) and (2 080 ± 80) yr BP in Gangetic West Bengal, India
Authors: Ghosh Ruby , Bera Subir , D'Rozario Ashalata , Banerjee Manju , Chakraborty Supriyo 
Published: June 2006

AbstractDiverse plant remains recovered from an archaeological site of Chalcolithic‐Early Historic age in the Bhairabdanga area of Pakhanna (latitude 23°25′N, longitude 87°23′E), situated on the west bank of the Damodar river, Bankura district, West Bengal, India, include food grains, wood charcoals, and palynomorphs. Radiocarbon dating of the recovered biological remains reveal the age of the site as (3 320 ± 400) to (2 080 ± 80) yr BP. The food grains were identified as Oryza sativa L. and Vigna mungo L, and seeds of Brassica cf. campestris L. were also found; these indicate the agricultural practice and food habits of the ancient people living at Pakhanna from the Chalcolithic to the Early Historic period. Sediments including plant remains have been broadly divided into two zones, considering archaeological findings and radiocarbon dating. Analysis of the plant remains (i.e. wood charcoals and palynomorphs) in addition to cultivated food grains has revealed that a rich vegetation cover existed in this area, with a prevailing tropical and humid climate, comprising the timber‐yielding plants Shorea sp., Terminalia sp., and Tamarindus sp., with undergrowths of diverse shrubs and herbs during the Chalcolithic period (zone I) dated (3 320 ± 400) yr BP. Comparatively poorer representation and frequency of plant remains indicate a drier climate during the Early Historic period (zone II) dated as (2 110 ± 340) to (2 080 ± 80) yr BP. Comparisons of the archaeobotanical data recovered from the Chalcolithic and Early Historic period and also a principle components analysis indicate a change in the climate of the area from tropical and humid at (3 320 ± 400) yr BP to tropical and drier conditions at (2 110 ± 340) to (2 080 ± 80) yr BP. The present‐day tropical, dry deciduous vegetation of the area suggests that climate change has occurred in the area since the contemporaneous past. The plant remains database has been utilized to reconstruct the settlement pattern of the community living in the site between (3 320 ± 400) and (2 080 ± 80) yr BP. The community settled near the riverbank, practicing cultivation.(Managing editor: Ya‐Qin Han)
Interstitial cells of Cajal and electrical activity of smooth muscle in porcine ileum
Authors: Hudson N. P. H. , Mayhew I. G. , Pearson G. T. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAim:  To identify the interstitial cells of Cajal in the porcine ileum for the first time immunohistochemically and to examine the electrical properties of intestinal smooth muscle in the same region.Methods:  In vitro intracellular microelectrode recordings were made from smooth muscle cells in cross‐sectional preparations from abattoir‐derived healthy porcine ileum. Immunohistochemical labelling of interstitial cells of Cajal was performed using an anti‐Kit antibody.Results:  Slow waves were recorded in the circular muscle layer of all ileal preparations. The mean resting membrane potential of smooth muscle cells was −61.0 ± 1.3 mV. Slow waves had a mean amplitude of 8.5 ± 0.5 mV, a frequency of 9.9 ± 0.1 cycles per minute and a duration of 5.6 ± 0.1 s. A waxing and waning pattern of slow wave activity was occasionally observed. In addition, higher frequency spiking activity associated with contractions was observed in some recordings. The L‐type calcium channel blocker nifedipine abolished both the spiking activity and the contractions, but had no significant effect on slow wave characteristics. Current‐injection manipulation of the resting membrane potential had no effect on slow wave amplitude, frequency or duration. Kit‐immunoreactive interstitial cells of Cajal were identified in the ileal samples and were present in the region of the myenteric plexus and in the circular and longitudinal muscle layers.Conclusion:  This study recorded slow waves in vitro and demonstrated immunohistochemically the presence of interstitial cells of Cajal in the normal porcine ileum. This study forms a basis for future physiological and pathophysiological comparative studies of intestinal motility.
Improving the
Performance of a Turbine With Low Aspect Ratio Stators by
Aft-Loading
Authors: Pullan Graham , Denton John , Curtis Eric 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Experimental data and numerical simulations are presented from a research turbine with low aspect ratio nozzle guide vanes (NGVs). The combined effects of mechanical and aerodynamic constraints on the NGV create very strong secondary flows. This paper describes three designs of NGV that have been tested in the turbine, using the same rotor row in each case. NGV 2 used three-dimensional design techniques in an attempt to improve the performance of the datum NGV 1 blade, but succeeded only in creating an intense vortex shed from the trailing edge (as previously reported) and lowering the measured stage efficiency by 1.1% points. NGV 3 was produced to avoid the “shed vortex” while adopting a highly aft-loaded surface pressure distribution to reduce the influence of the secondary flows. The stage with NGV 3 had an efficiency 0.5% points greater than that with NGV 1. Detailed comparisons between experiment and computations, including predicted entropy generation rates, are used to highlight the areas where the loss reduction has occurred and hence to quantify the effects of employing highly aft-loaded NGVs.
Detection of Anthrax Toxin in the Serum of Animals Infected with
Bacillus anthracis
by Using Engineered Immunoassays
Authors: Mabry Robert , Brasky Kathleen , Geiger Robert , Carrion Ricardo , Hubbard Gene B. , Leppla Stephen , Patterson Jean L. , Georgiou George , Iverson B. L. 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT

Several strategies that target anthrax toxin are being developed as therapies for infection by
Bacillus anthracis
. Although the action of the tripartite anthrax toxin has been extensively studied in vitro, relatively little is known about the presence of toxins during an infection in vivo. We developed a series of sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for detection of both the protective antigen (PA) and lethal factor (LF) components of the anthrax exotoxin in serum. The assays utilize as capture agents an engineered high-affinity antibody to PA, a soluble form of the extracellular domain of the anthrax toxin receptor (ANTXR2/CMG2), or PA itself. Sandwich immunoassays were used to detect and quantify PA and LF in animals infected with the Ames or Vollum strains of anthrax spores. PA and LF were detected before and after signs of toxemia were observed, with increasing levels reported in the late stages of the infection. These results represent the detection of free PA and LF by ELISA in the systemic circulation of two animal models exposed to either of the two fully virulent strains of anthrax. Simple anthrax toxin detection ELISAs could prove useful in the evaluation of potential therapies and possibly as a clinical diagnostic to complement other strategies for the rapid identification of
B. anthracis
infection.
Expression of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Glycoprotein E2 as a Soluble Secreted Form in a Mammalian Cell Line
Authors: Donofrio Gaetano , Bottarelli Ezio , Sandro Cavirani , Flammini Cesidio Filippo 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT
Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) membrane-anchored type I glycoprotein E2 is an ∼53-kDa immunodominant glycoprotein inducing the production of neutralizing antibodies in the animal host after natural infection or following immunization with live or killed vaccines. The E2 coding region lacking the transmembrane domain was constructed in a soluble secreted form (secE2) and expressed in the medium of a transiently transfected human cell line. The crude conditioned medium containing secE2 can be potentially employed to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay antigen for the diagnosis of BVDV infection or for vaccine purposes.
Immunologic Response toHaemophilus influenzaeType b (Hib) Conjugate Vaccine and Risk Factors for Carriage among Hib Carriers and Noncarriers in Southwestern Alaska
Authors: Baggett Henry C. , Hennessy Thomas W. , Bulkow Lisa , Romero-Steiner Sandra , Hurlburt Debra , Holder Patricia , Parkinson Alan J. , Singleton Rosalyn J. , Levine Orin , Carlone George M. , Butler Jay C. 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTContinuedHaemophilus influenzaetype b (Hib) carriage in rural Alaska contributes to the ongoing risk of invasive disease. Community-wide Hib carriage surveys were conducted in three villages in southwestern Alaska. Sixteen carriers and 32 age- and village-matched controls were enrolled and were vaccinated with Hib oligosaccharide-CRM197conjugate vaccine. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration, antibody avidity, and serum bactericidal activity (SBA) were measured prior to Hib vaccination and 2 and 12 months after vaccination. We identified no demographic or behavioral factors associated with Hib colonization. Prior to vaccination, Hib carriers had a higher IgG geometric mean concentration than controls did (8.2 versus 1.6 μg/ml;P< 0.001) and a higher SBA geometric mean titer (7,132 versus 1,235;P= 0.006). Both groups responded to vaccination with increased IgG and SBA. These data illustrate the role of Hib colonization as an immunizing event and show that Hib carriers in communities with ongoing transmission have no evidence of reduced immune responsiveness that may have put them at risk for colonization.
Members of theFusarium solaniSpecies Complex That Cause Infections in Both Humans and Plants Are Common in the Environment
Authors: Zhang Ning , O'Donnell Kerry , Sutton Deanna A. , Nalim F. Ameena , Summerbell Richard C. , Padhye Arvind A. , Geiser David M. 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTMembers of theFusarium solanispecies complex (FSSC) are increasingly implicated as the causative agents of human mycoses, particularly in the expanding immunocompromised and immunosuppressed patient populations. Best known as ubiquitous plant pathogens and saprotrophs, the FSSC comprises over 45 phylogenetically distinct species distributed among three major clades. To identify which species are associated with human infections, we generated multilocus haplotypes based on four partial gene sequences from 471 isolates. Of these, 278 were from human patients, 21 were from hospital environments, and 172 were from other sources. Phylogenetic trees inferred from an ergosterol biosynthesis gene (erg-3) were highly discordant with those inferred from the three other partial gene sequences; therefore, this partition was analyzed separately. Multilocus analysis showed that isolates from humans were restricted to but spread throughout clade 3 of the FSSC phylogeny, comprising at least 18 phylogenetically distinct species. The majority (74.5%) of the clinical isolates, however, were associated with four major lineages, designated groups 1 to 4. Groups 1 and 2 were strongly supported as phylogenetic species, whereas groups 3 and 4 were not. Although isolates from ocular infections were found in all four groups, they had a significant tendency to belong to group 3 (P< 0.001). Human clinical isolates shared identical multilocus haplotypes with isolates from plants, other animals, and from hospital environments, suggesting potential nosocomiality. The major finding of this study is that FSSC-associated mycoses of humans and other animals have origins in a broad phylogenetic spectrum, indicating widespread ability to cause infection in this diverse species complex.