bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surveying the Population with Epilepsy: Ulcers, Allergies, and Other Medical Comorbidities
Authors: Burneo Jorge 
Published: September 2006

Somatic Comorbidity of Epilepsy in the General Population in Canada Téllez-Zenteno JF, Matijevic S, Wiebe S Epilepsia 2005;46:1955–1962 Purpose There is a notion that people with epilepsy have substantial and often unrecognized comorbidity of chronic conditions. However, most studies focus on selected patient groups; population-based studies are scarce. We compared the prevalence of chronic somatic conditions in people with epilepsy with that in the general population using Canadian, nationwide, population-based health data. Method We examined epilepsy-specific and general population health data obtained through two previously validated, independently performed, door-to-door Canadian health surveys, the National Population Health Survey (NPHS, N = 49,000) and the Community Health Survey (CHS, N = 130,882), which represent 98% of the Canadian population. The prevalence of epilepsy and 19 other chronic conditions was ascertained through direct inquiry from respondents about physician-diagnosed illnesses. Weighted prevalence, prevalence ratios (PR), and 95% confidence intervals were obtained for the entire population and for males and females separately. Multivariate analyses assessed the strength of association of comorbid conditions with epilepsy as compared with the general population. Results People with epilepsy had a statistically significant higher prevalence of most chronic conditions than the general population. Conditions with particularly high prevalence in epilepsy (prevalence ratio ≥ 2.0) include stomach/intestinal ulcers (PR, CHS 2.5, NPHS 2.7), stroke (PR, CHS 3.9, NPHS 4.7), urinary incontinence (PR, CHS 3.2, NPHS 4.4), bowel disorders (PR, CHS 2.0, NPHS 3.3), migraine (PR, CHS 2.0, NPHS 2.6), Alzheimer's disease (PR, NPHS 4.3), and chronic fatigue (PR, CHS 4.1). There were no gender-specific differences in prevalence of chronic conditions among people with epilepsy. Conclusions People with epilepsy in the general population, not only those actively seeking medical care, have a high prevalence of chronic somatic comorbid conditions. The findings are consistent across two independent surveys, which show that people with epilepsy in the general population have a two- to five-fold risk of somatic comorbid conditions, as compared with people without epilepsy. This patient-centered comorbidity profile reflects health aspects that are important to people with epilepsy, and indicate the need for a more integrated approach to people with epilepsy. The impact of epilepsy relative to other comorbid conditions requires further analysis, as does the contribution of comorbidity to epilepsy intractability and to differential health care needs. Similarly, it remains to be determined whether the observed comorbidity patterns are specific to epilepsy or simply reflect a pattern that is common to chronic illnesses in general.
When is Hot Not So Hot? Fever Reduces Brain Inhibition
Authors: Olsen Richard W. 
Published: September 2006

Why Does Fever Trigger Febrile Seizures? GABAA Receptor γ2 Subunit Mutations Associated with Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies Have Temperature-Dependent Trafficking Deficiencies Kang JQ, Shen W, Macdonald RL J Neurosci 2006;26:2590–2597 With a worldwide incidence as high as 6.7% of children, febrile seizures are one of the most common reasons for seeking pediatric care, but the mechanisms underlying generation of febrile seizures are poorly understood. Febrile seizures have been suspected to have a genetic basis, and recently, mutations in GABAA receptor and sodium channel genes have been identified that are associated with febrile seizures and generalized seizures with febrile seizures plus pedigrees. Pentameric GABAA receptors mediate the majority of fast synaptic inhibition in the brain and are composed of combinations of α( 1 – 6 ), β( 1 – 3 ), and γ( 1 – 3 ) subunits. In αβγ2 GABAA receptors, the γ2 subunit is critical for receptor trafficking, clustering, and synaptic maintenance, and mutations in the γ2 subunit have been monogenically associated with autosomal dominant transmission of febrile seizures. Here, we report that whereas trafficking of wild-type α1 β2 γ2 receptors was slightly temperature dependent, trafficking of mutant α1 β2 γ2 receptors containing γ2 subunit mutations [ γ2(R43Q), γ2(K289M),and γ2(Q351X)] associated with febrile seizures was highly temperature dependent. In contrast, trafficking of mutant α1 β2 γ2 receptors containing an α1 subunit mutation [ α1(A322D)] not associated with febrile seizures was not highly temperature dependent. Brief increases in temperature from 37 to 40°C rapidly (<10 min) impaired trafficking and/or accelerated endocytosis of heterozygous mutant α1 β2 γ2 receptors containing γ2 subunit mutations associated with febrile seizures but not of wild-type α1 β2 γ2 receptors or heterozygous mutant α1(A322D) β2 γ2 receptors, suggesting that febrile seizures may be produced by a temperature-induced dynamic reduction of susceptible mutant surface GABAA receptors in response to fever.
Does Glutamate Released by Astrocytes Cause Focal Epilepsy?
Authors: D'Ambrosio Raimondo 
Published: September 2006

An Astrocytic Basis of Epilepsy Tian GF, Azmi H, Takano T, Xu Q, Peng W, Lin J, Oberheim N, Lou N, Wang X, Zielke HR, Kang J, Nedergaard M Nat Med 2005;11:973–981. Hypersynchronous neuronal firing is a hallmark of epilepsy, but the mechanisms underlying simultaneous activation of multiple neurons remains unknown. Epileptic discharges are in part initiated by a local depolarization shift that drives groups of neurons into synchronous bursting. In an attempt to define the cellular basis for hypersynchronous bursting activity, we studied the occurrence of paroxysmal depolarization shifts after suppressing synaptic activity using tetrodotoxin (TTX) and voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blockers. Here we report that paroxysmal depolarization shifts can be initiated by release of glutamate from extrasynaptic sources or by photolysis of caged Ca2+ in astrocytes. Two-photon imaging of live exposed cortex showed that several antiepileptic agents, including valproate, gabapentin, and phenytoin, reduced the ability of astrocytes to transmit Ca2+ signaling. Our results show an unanticipated key role for astrocytes in seizure activity. As such, these findings identify astrocytes as a proximal target for the treatment of epileptic disorders.
Why do larvae of Utetheisa ornatrix penetrate and feed in pods of Crotalaria species? Larval performance vs. chemical and physical constraints
Authors: Ferro Viviane Gianluppi , Guimarães Paulo Roberto , Trigo José Roberto 
Published: September 2006

AbstractLarvae of Utetheisa ornatrix (L.)(Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) are found mainly inside unripe pods of several alkaloid‐bearing Crotalaria (Fabaceae) species. Although eggs are laid on the leaves, the larvae are usually found feeding on unripe seeds in the pods. In this work, we investigated the selective pressures that could explain why U. ornatrix larvae feed primarily on unripe pods with seeds and not on leaves. Our results showed that larval survivorship in the laboratory was unaffected by feeding on leaves or unripe seeds, and that larval development up to the pupal stage was better in larvae that fed on unripe seeds, although perforating unripe pods to reach seeds was costly in terms of survivorship. Females were also heavier when fed on unripe seeds, but there was no significant difference in the fecundity of females fed either of the two diets. Feeding on unripe seeds in pods had other benefits for U. ornatrix, including a lower predation rate for larvae that fed inside compared to larvae that fed outside the pods. Similarly, adults derived from larvae that fed on unripe seeds were preyed upon less frequently by the orb‐weaving spider Nephila clavipes than were adults that fed on leaves. The latter benefit may be closely related to the high concentration of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in unripe seeds, which is about five times more than in leaves. These alkaloids are sequestered by the larvae and transferred to adults, which then become chemically protected. However, this chemical defence does not protect the larvae against ants such as Ectatomma quadridens and Camponotus crassus. Pods with unripe seeds that confer physical protection to larvae and pyrrolizidine alkaloids that confer chemical protection to adults limit the use of leaves by U. ornatrix larvae.
Nutrigenomics: a case study in the measurement of insect response to nutritional quality
Authors: Coudron Thomas A. , Yocum George D. , Brandt Sandra L. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractRecent developments in the area of nutrigenomics hold the promise of providing valuable information about the impact of nutrition on a wide range of biochemical parameters by investigating how nutrition alters global gene expression patterns. Our goal is to use a nutrigenomics approach to identify insect molecular markers that could be used as early indicators of insect responses to different nutritional sources. Such molecular markers could be chosen for degree of expression and evaluated for suitability as nutritional biomarkers by examining developmental and generational expression. Ideal markers would be highly expressed, manifested in the first generation within one developmental stage, and consistent over many generations. Our objective for the current study was to illustrate the potential discovery of molecular markers using Perillus bioculatus (F.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), when reared on an optimal vs. suboptimal diet, and analyze the presence of differentially expressed genes resulting from those treatments. In this paper we present preliminary results of microarray and subtractive hybridization experiments that represent the feasibility of using nutrigenomics to assist in analyzing insect responses to nutritional changes and dietary quality with the intent of stimulating further studies in this area.
Correlation of p16 and pRb expression with HPV detection in Bowen’s disease
Authors: Willman Joseph H. , Heinz David , Golitz Loren E. , Shroyer Kenneth R. 
Published: September 2006

Background:  Bowen’s disease is a form of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma which may be caused by ultraviolet radiation, human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, or other causes. Although p16 over‐expression is a surrogate marker of HPV E7‐mediated catabolism of pRb in premalignant and malignant lesions of the cervical mucosa, the correlation of p16 and pRb expression with HPV detection in Bowen’s disease has not been well characterized.Methods:  A retrospective study on formalin‐fixed tissues was performed. Immunohistochemistry for p16 and pRb was performed on 32 cases. DNA was successfully extracted from 20 cases, and polymerase chain reaction was performed to amplify a highly conserved region of the HPV L1 open reading frame.Results:  Twenty‐eight of 32 (88%) cases showed strong diffuse staining for p16 but were negative for pRb; two of 32 cases (6%) were negative for p16 but were diffusely positive for pRb; one case was strongly positive for both p16 and pRb, and one case was negative for both p16 and pRb. Three of 20 cases (15%) contained HPV DNA. All three of these cases showed strong p16 expression and lack of pRb staining.Conclusions:  Most cases of Bowen’s disease strongly express p16 but not pRb. In contrast to HPV‐associated lesions of the cervical mucosa, p16 overexpression in cutaneous Bowen’s disease appears to be unrelated to HPV status. The p16 overexpression in Bowen’s disease may reflect disruption of the G1/S checkpoint, resulting in unregulated cell cycle progression.
Cutaneous mixed tumor with lipomatous stroma
Authors: Vicioso Luis , Gallego Elena , Sanz Andrés 
Published: September 2006

Aim:  Mixed tumors are usually composed of two components, one epithelial and the other mesenchymal. The latter component is commonly myxoid or myxochondroid; a massively lipomatous stroma is very unusual. To date, only two cases of mixed tumor of the skin have been reported with this type of stroma.Methods and results:  We report the case of a 61‐year‐old man with a mixed tumor situated on the hand, an unusual site for these tumors, with over 90% of the tumor composed of adipose tissue. The tumor was a well‐circumscribed, 4.5‐cm mass, with the gross appearance of a lipoma. The lipomatous stroma contained nests and ribbons of epithelial cells, with occasional tubular structures, surrounded by a scarce amount of fibromyxoid tissue. Immunohistochemical study showed findings similar to those seen in classic mixed tumors.Conclusion:  Together with a few other cases in the skin and parotid gland, this report shows how massive adipose differentiation can arise in a mixed tumor of the skin.
An unusual presentation of periocular Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Leibovitch Igal , Davis Garry , Huilgol Shyamala C. , Crompton John , James Craig L. , Selva Dinesh 
Published: September 2006

Aim:  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon but potentially aggressive tumor. We describe a rare presentation of MMC of the upper lid.Methods:  A 63‐year‐old male presented with a 3‐month history of right upper lid fullness. Examination revealed a large multinodular mass protruding into the conjunctival aspect of the eyelid. An enlarged right submandibular lymph node was also noted.Results:  An incisional biopsy was suggestive of MCC. Staged surgical excision with rapid paraffin sections was performed. The tumor cells were seen invading the tarsal plate and adjacent to the palpebral conjunctiva but not into the epidermis. MCC was confirmed using immunohistochemical stains and neuroendocrine markers (cytokeratins Cam 5.2, AE1/3, CK20, chromogranin, synaptophysin, and Leu 7). The lymph node biopsy was also confirmed as metastatic MCC. The patient was treated with postsurgical chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with no recurrence during a 6 months follow‐up period.Conclusion:  Although uncommon, periocular MCC may present as an atypical conjunctival multinodular mass.
Parathyroid hormone modifies human periodontal ligament cell proliferation and survival in vitro
Authors: Lossdörfer S. , Götz W. , Jäger A. 
Published: September 2006

Background and Objective:  Periodontal ligament (PDL) cells show traits that are typical of osteoblasts, such as osteoblastic marker gene expression and the ability to respond to parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulation in an osteoblast‐like manner with respect to differentiation and local factor production. In the present study, we hypothesized that human PDL cells might respond to PTH stimulation with changes in proliferation and cell survival and thereby provide another mechanism by which PTH might affect the reparative potential of PDL cells. We speculated that the maturation state of the cells and the mode of PTH(1‐34) administration would have an impact on the cellular response.Material and Methods:  PDL cells were challenged with PTH(1‐34) intermittently or continuously at different maturation states. Cell number, 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, DNA fragmentation, nitric oxide production and the duration of the PTH(1‐34) effect were determined.Results:  Intermittent PTH(1‐34) treatment of preconfluent cells caused a significant increase in proliferation and DNA fragmentation, whereas in more mature cells, proliferation was less enhanced while apoptosis was more pronounced than in immature cells. Continuous PTH(1‐34) exposure did not alter proliferation in any maturation state but increased DNA fragmentation in preconfluent cells. PTH(1‐34) prevented etoposide‐induced apoptosis after 6 h but no longer after 24 h. Nitric oxide production was unaffected.Conclusion:  These results indicate that human PDL cells respond to PTH(1‐34) with changes in proliferative and apoptotic signaling in a maturation‐state‐dependent manner. Besides changes in local factor production, these findings provide a further possible mechanism to support the idea that PDL cells possess the potential to be involved in the regulation of dental hard tissue repair.
Areca nut extracts reduce the intracellular reactive oxygen species and release of myeloperoxidase by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes
Authors: Lai Y.‐L. , Lin J.‐C. , Yang S.‐F. , Liu T.‐Y. , Hung S.‐L. 
Published: September 2006

Background and Objective:  Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) represent the first line of host defense. Areca nut extract inhibits the bactericidal activity of, and the release of superoxide anion (O2– ) by, PMN. This study investigated the effects of areca nut extract on the intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and on the extracellular release of lysosomal enzyme, myeloperoxidase (MPO), by PMN. The effects of arecoline, a principal component of areca nut, were also examined.Material and Methods:  Human PMN were treated with various concentrations of areca nut extract or arecoline followed by treatment with Hanks' balanced salt solution, with or without cytochalasin B and fMet‐Leu‐Phe (CB/fMLP). The viability of PMN was determined using propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. The presence of intracellular ROS was determined using 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescin diacetate and fluorometry. MPO release was determined using a substrate assay.Results:  Areca nut extract (25 and 50 µg/ml) significantly decreased the viability of PMN. The intracellular levels of ROS and the extracellular release of MPO were induced in PMN by CB/fMLP. Exposure of PMN to areca nut extract (up to 25 µg/ml) or to arecoline (up to 2 mg/ml) did not directly affect the levels of ROS and MPO activity. However, under conditions that did not affect the viability of PMN, the ability of CB/fMLP to trigger production of intracellular ROS and release of MPO in human PMN was significantly suppressed by areca nut extract and arecoline.Conclusion:  Areca nut impaired the activation of PMN by CB/fMLP that might decrease the effectiveness of PMN in the host defense. Alternatively, exposure of PMN to areca nut extract could decrease the capacity of PMN to damage tissues.
Echinococcus granulosus in northern Queensland
Authors: BANKS DJD , COPEMAN DB , SKERRATT LF 
Published: September 2006

Objective  To provide information on possible ecological determinants of infection with Echinococcus granulosus in a beef pastoral area of northern Queensland.Procedure  An ecological study was carried out on the prevalence and viability of infection with Echinococcus granulosus in definitive and potential intermediate hosts, and their predator prey relationships.Seven adjacent extensive beef properties 100 km south of Townsville, that included areas of savannah, open woodland and dense closed scrub, were selected for the study. Infection with E granulosus in dingoes was determined at post mortem, and in domestic dogs by examining duodenal mucus after purging with arecoline hydrobromide. Cattle, wild pigs and macropods were examined at post mortem for viable hydatid cysts. The diet of dingoes was investigated by identifying the hair of prey species found in their stomach and colon, and that of domestic dogs by questioning their owners.Results  Prevalence of hydatidosis in adult cattle ranged from 41% in animals from properties with large areas of dense closed scrub, to 3% on properties with little or no scrub. Hydatid cysts were found in 21.8% of black‐striped wallabies (Macropus dorsalis), 9.4% of feral pigs, 1.5% of wallaroos (Macropus robustus), and 1.4% of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus). No rufous rat kangaroos (Aepyprymnus rufescens) or swamp wallabies (Wallabia bicolor) were infected. Most cysts in macropods were viable, whereas in pigs about half were viable and in cattle only 0.7% contained viable protoscoleces. Infection with E granulosus was detected in 76% of dingoes, whereas no infection was detected in domestic dogs in the study area.Conclusions  It was concluded that the sylvatic cycle of E granulosus in the study area was maintained mainly through predation of black‐striped wallabies by dingoes, and that the verges of dense scrub were the main nidus of infection.
Detection of Anaplasma platys and Babesia canis vogeli and their impact on platelet numbers in free‐roaming dogs associated with remote Aboriginal communities in Australia
Authors: BROWN GK , CANFIELD PJ , DUNSTAN RH , ROBERTS TK , MARTIN AR , BROWN CS , IRVING R 
Published: September 2006

Objective   To detect Anaplasma platys and Babesia canis vogeli infection, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based assays, in free‐roaming dogs associated with eight Aboriginal communities in remote areas of Australia and to determine the impact of infection through the assessment of platelet numbers.Procedures   Blood samples from 215 dogs were screened by PCR for A platys and B canis vogeli using established genus‐specific DNA primers for the 16S and 18S rRNA genes respectively. Both A platys DNA and B canis vogeli DNA were confirmed from the screening PCR either by sequencing or by the use of species‐specific primers. Peripheral blood films from 92 of the 215 dogs were used to estimate platelet numbers through an indirect method.Results   Of 215 dogs, 69 (32%) were positive for A platys, 22 (10%) for B canis vogeli and 24 (11%) for both. The two organisms were detected singularly and as coinfection in all communities. For the 92 dogs in which peripheral blood films were examined, the mean estimated platelet counts for the non‐infected dogs was 318 × 109/L, those infected with A platys alone was 256 × 109/L, those with B canis vogeli alone was 276 × 109/L and those infected with both parasites was 169 × 109/L. In young dogs, infection produced significantly decreased mean platelet counts when compared to uninfected dogs. Thrombocytopenia (< 200 × 109/L) was detected in 18 (51%) dogs infected with A platys alone, 3 (33%) dogs infected with B canis vogeli alone, 13 (72%) dogs coinfected, and 8 (27%) uninfected dogs.Conclusions   A platys and B canis vogeli infection, either singularly or together, was widespread in free roaming dogs associated with remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory and north‐western New South Wales. Moreover, both A platys and B canis vogeli infections were associated with a reduction in mean platelet numbers in dog populations, particularly in young dogs. The fact that 51% of dogs infected with A platys alone and 72% dogs coinfected were thrombocytopenic compared to 27% of uninfected dogs suggests that the organism alone or in combination with B canis vogeli has the potential to cause thrombocytopenia and perhaps contribute to a clinical bleeding disorder in infected dogs.
Rapid, Sensitive, and Discriminating Identification ofNaegleriaspp. by Real-Time PCR and Melting-Curve Analysis
Authors: Robinson Bret S. , Monis Paul T. , Dobson Phillip J. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTThe free-living amoeboflagellate genusNaegleriaincludes one pathogenic and two potentially pathogenic species (Naegleria fowleri,Naegleria italica, andNaegleria australiensis) plus numerous benign organisms. Monitoring of bathing water, water supplies, and cooling systems for these pathogens requires a timely and reliable method for identification, but current DNA sequence-based methods identify onlyN. fowlerior require full sequencing to identify other species in the genus. A novel closed-tube method for distinguishing thermophilicNaegleriaspecies is presented, using a single primer set and the DNA intercalating dye SYTO9 for real-time PCR and melting-curve analysis of the 5.8S ribosomal DNA gene and flanking noncoding spacers (ITS1, ITS2). Collection of DNA melting data at close temperature intervals produces highly informative melting curves with one or more recognizable melting peaks, readily distinguished for sevenNaegleriaspecies and the relatedWillaertia magna. Advantages over other methods used to identify these organisms include its comprehensiveness (encompassing all species tested to date), simplicity (no electrophoresis required to verify the product), and sensitivity (unambiguous identification from DNA equivalent to one cell). This approach should be applicable to a wide range of microorganisms of medical importance.