bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alteration of TGA factor activity in rice results in enhanced tolerance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Fitzgerald Heather A. , Canlas Patrick E. , Chern Maw‐Sheng , Ronald Pamela C. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryIn dicotyledonous plants broad‐spectrum resistance to pathogens is established after the induction of the systemic acquired resistance (SAR) response. In Arabidopsis the NPR1 protein can regulate SAR by interacting with members of the TGA class of basic, leucine‐zipper transcription factors to alter pathogenesis‐related (PR) gene expression. Overexpression of (At)NPR1 in Arabidopsis enhances resistance to multiple pathogens. Similarly, overexpression of (At)NPR1 in rice enhances resistance to the bacterial pathogen, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). These results suggest that components of the (At)NPR1‐mediated SAR defense response may be conserved between monocots and dicots. To determine whether or not rice TGA factors are involved in disease resistance responses, the effect of altering the function of rice TGA2.1 was analyzed in transgenic plants. Transgenic rice overexpressing an rTGA2.1 mutant, that can no longer bind DNA, and transgenic rice that have the endogenous rTGA2.1 silenced by dsRNA‐mediated silencing were generated. Both types of transgenic rice displayed increased tolerance to Xoo, were dwarfed, and had altered accumulation of PR genes. The results presented in this study suggest that wild‐type rTGA2.1 has primarily a negative role in rice basal defense responses to bacterial pathogens.
Patterns of alcohol consumption in bipolar patients comorbid for alcohol abuse or dependence
Authors: McKowen James W , Frye Mark A , Altshuler Lori L , Gitlin Michael J 
Published: July 2005

Objectives:  Despite a high prevalence rate, patients with bipolar disorder and active alcohol use are routinely excluded from controlled clinical trials leaving clinicians with little evidence‐based medicine to guide treatment. This report evaluates preliminary data of alcohol consumption patterns utilizing the Alcohol Timeline Followback (TLFB) method in actively drinking patients with bipolar disorder.Methods:  A sample of 30 patients underwent a Structured Diagnostic Interview for DSM‐IV (SCID‐IV) as well as completing various measures of alcohol use and associated morbidity.Results:  In the month prior to study entry, the TLFB reported 18.4/30 ± 9.12 drinking days, 9.9 ± 4.73 drinks per drinking day and 169.4 ± 101.71 total standard drinks for this study group. There was a significant difference in the number of drinks per drinking day between those diagnosed with rapid cycling than non‐rapid cycling bipolar disorder and those with a new diagnosis versus established diagnosis of bipolar disorder.Discussion:  This study highlights heavy alcohol use in patients with bipolar disorder and alcohol comorbidity. The TLFB method provides ‘real world’ quantification of use. Further studies are encouraged to elucidate implications of heavy drinking patterns as found in our rapid cycling and newly diagnosed cohorts.
The epidemiology of bipolar disorder: sociodemographic, disability and service utilization data from the Australian National Study of Low Prevalence (Psychotic) Disorders
Authors: Morgan Vera A , Mitchell Philip B , Jablensky Assen V 
Published: July 2005

Objectives:  Data from the Australian National Study of Low Prevalence (Psychotic) Disorders were used to describe the clinical and sociodemographic profile of individuals with bipolar disorder, their levels of impairment and disability, and use of medication and treatment services.Methods:  A 1‐month census of contacts with mental health services, private psychiatric and general practices, as well as contact points in marginalized settings, was conducted in a national catchment of 1.1 million adults. The census yielded 3,800 individuals who screened positive for psychosis, of whom a random sample of 980 were administered a comprehensive semi‐structured interview schedule. Results are presented on 112 persons with an ICD‐10 diagnosis of bipolar disorder.Results:  Overall, 69.6% of the 112 persons who met the ICD‐10 criteria for bipolar disorder reported a recurrent episodic illness, 25.0% had a chronic course without clear remissions, and 5.4% had a single episode of mania. Assessed on a lifetime basis, suicidal ideation was common (78.6%) and levels of drug and alcohol abuse/dependence were high (32.1%). The majority (84.8%) had had at least one contact with inpatient, outpatient or emergency services in the previous year. Those with serious impairment had levels of service utilization similar to the rest of the sample, but were more likely to report a poorer quality of life and unmet service needs. While the percentage experiencing social and occupational dysfunction was substantial and similar for both sexes, women appeared to be better integrated socially than men. Comparisons with schizophrenia patients within the same survey sample highlighted less chronic impairment but equal or greater utilization of services by bipolar patients.Conclusions:  Despite low levels of chronicity, the burden of social disablement associated with bipolar disorder is high. The data suggest a number of important gaps in the provision of services for this predominantly treated population.
Safety and tolerability of emerging pharmacological treatments for bipolar disorder
Authors: Dunner David L 
Published: July 2005

Objectives:  Over the past few years numerous new agents have been examined for their efficacy in bipolar disorder (BPD). New antiepileptic agents and atypical antipsychotics currently form the bulk of these emerging agents. As the armamentarium for treating BPD increases, it allows for the possibility of choosing drugs on the basis of their tolerability as well as their efficacy, rather than on efficacy alone.Methods:  Efficacy data for newer antiepileptic drugs (lamotrigine, topiramate, gabapentin, oxcarbazepine) and atypical antipsychotics (olanzapine, clozapine, risperidone, quetiapine, ziprasidone, aripiprazole) are briefly reviewed. The article focuses on relative safety and tolerability of these agents.Results:  In general, most of these newer agents have better side effect and tolerability profiles than older agents commonly used to treat BPD (lithium, valproate, carbamazepine); however, these must be weighed against efficacy demonstrated to date in randomized, controlled trials. Cognitive impairment is a concern with topiramate, weight gain and risk of diabetes with some of the atypical antipsychotic agents, and rash with lamotrigine.Conclusions:  Side effects of newer emerging agents for the treatment of BPD can be effectively managed and the risks reduced by instituting practical strategies early in management.
Effect of phenolic compounds on the in vitro growth of two fungi associated with Ips typographus
Authors: Sallé A. , Monclus R. , Yart A. , Lieutier F. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryThe susceptibility of Ophiostoma piceaperdum (n = 17) and O. bicolor isolates (n = 7) to catechin and resveratrol has been investigated with growth bioassays on malt‐agar medium. While catechin (10−3 m) did not have any significant influence, resveratrol (10−3 m) inhibited the growth of the two species, particularly the growth of O. piceaperdum isolates. We did not observe any synergistic inhibitory effect between the two phenolic compounds. Significant differences either in fungal growth on malt agar medium or susceptibility to resveratrol occurred among isolates for both species. Our results corroborate previous observations of high genetic and virulence variability among isolates of ophiostomatoid fungi and indicate that further studies should take into account the intraspecific variability of the fungal species of this group.
The role of Spulerina simploniella in the spread of chestnut blight
Authors: Diamandis S. , Perlerou C. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryThe bark miner Spulerina simploniella (Lepidoptera: Gracilariidae) was found in coppice chestnut (Castanea sativa) forests in Greece but was not found in chestnut orchards. Its larvae mine under the thin periderm of young trees, 4–10 years old, while the stem bark is still smooth. Under normal conditions it does not cause any damage to the trees. However, when chestnut blight caused by Cryphonectria parasitica is present in the area, the insect may be an agent of disease spread. Experiments revealed that spraying of 23 pupation sites with a C. parasitica conidiospore suspension caused canker formation at a rate of 100% in the coppice chestnut forests of Mount Athos, North Greece. It is believed that rain during the pupation period (approximately May 23 to June 15) may deposit conidiospores on the freshly exposed phloem and cause cankers. This bark miner has been detected in several parts of Greece, however, always in intensively managed chestnut coppice forests.
Persistent posterior globe flattening after orbital cavernous haemangioma excision
Authors: Wu Johnny , Lai Tze Foon , Leibovitch Igal , Selva Dinesh 
Published: July 2005

AbstractA 54‐year‐old man presented with left intraconal cavernous haemangioma resulting in globe compression and hyperopia. The tumour was excised completely via lateral orbitotomy approach. Complete excision of tumour did not result in resolution of globe flattening and hyperopia after 21 months. Persistent globe flattening despite removal of a longstanding orbital tumour may be caused by remodelling of the sclera from long‐term compression.
Orbital leiomyoma: a case report with clinical, radiological and pathological correlation
Authors: Merani Rohan , Khannah Gagan , Mann Stephen , Ghabrial Raf 
Published: July 2005

AbstractOrbital leiomyoma is a benign tumour of smooth muscle origin that can be clinically, radiologically and histopathologically difficult  to  diagnose  due  to  the  rarity  of  leiomyomas  in this location. A 74‐year‐old woman presented with a  2‐month history of painless proptosis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed a well‐circumscribed intraconal lesion separate from the optic nerve, and not eroding adjacent bone. A right lateral orbitotomy via a lid crease incision was performed to remove the firm lobulated lesion. Postoperatively there was an obvious decrease in proptosis. Microscopically the lesion was a well‐circumscribed tumour composed of spindle cells. There were no light microscopic features to suggest malignancy, and immunohistochemistry was used to confirm the diagnosis of leiomyoma. Leiomyoma is a tumour that is rarely found in the orbit most likely due to the paucity of smooth muscle in this location. The differential diagnosis is wide, and the role of radiology, histology and immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of leiomyoma is discussed. Surgical excision in this case excluded malignancy, provided a definitive diagnosis of a rare entity and resulted in marked clinical improvement.
Scedosporium prolificans sclerokeratitis 10 years after pterygium excision with adjunctive mitomycin C
Authors: Singh Ravinder P , McCluskey Peter 
Published: July 2005

Abstract Scedosporium prolificans is an unusual infection, especially following pterygium surgery. A 63‐year‐old man who developed an uncomfortable, red right eye 10 years after pterygium surgery with adjunctive mitomycin C is described. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of S. prolificans sclerokeratitis following pterygium surgery with adjunctive mitomycin C.
Orthokeratology for myopic children: wolf in sheep's clothing?
Authors: Kwok L Stephen , Pierscionek Barbara K , Bullimore Mark , Swarbrick Helen A , Mountford John , Sutton Gerard 
Published: July 2005

AbstractOrthokeratology attempts to reduce myopia by remoulding the corneal shape with contact lenses. A recent resurgence is predicated on new contact lens designs with a prefigured back contact surface and higher oxygen transmissibility. This Clinical Controversy presents an analysis of the risk factors associated with orthokeratology and its suitability for children, followed by commentaries from specialists who have an interest in the method. Some state that there is a lack of data on relative risks of corneal infection and that there is a need for large‐scale randomized controlled studies; however, opinion is expressed by others that orthokeratology is a clinically safe procedure using modern lenses. It is noted that the physiological and biophysical bases of orthokeratology are virtually unknown, and further research on the human cornea is indicated to scientifically establish the safety of orthokeratology. Prospective patients, and their parents in the case of children, should be fully informed of the risks.
Site‐specific and developmental expression of pannexin1 in the mouse nervous system
Authors: Ray Arundhati , Zoidl Georg , Weickert Svenja , Wahle Petra , Dermietzel Rolf 
Published: July 2005

AbstractUntil recently, members of the connexin gene family were believed to comprise the sole molecular component forming gap junction channels in vertebrates. The recent discovery of the pannexin gene family has challenged this view, as these genes may encode for a putative second class of gap junction proteins in vertebrates. The expression of pannexin genes overlaps with those cellular networks known to exhibit a high degree of gap junctional coupling. We investigated the spatio‐temporal mRNA distribution of one member of this gene family, pannexin1 (Panx1), in the brain and retina of mice using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and a combination of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry for cellular resolution. Our results demonstrate a widespread expression of Panx1 in the brain, retina and other non‐neuronal tissues. In the cortex, cerebellum and eye, Panx1 is expressed at early embryonic time points and peaks around embryonic day 18 followed by a decline towards adulthood. Most notably, Panx1 is detectable in neurons of many brain nuclei, which are known to be coupled by gap junctions as well as in previously unrecognized areas. Abundant expression was found in the adult hippocampal and neocortical pyramidal cells and interneurons, neurons of the reticular thalamus, the inferior olive, magnocellular hypothalamic neurons, midbrain and brain stem motoneurons, Purkinje cells and the retina.
Distribution and functional characterization of human Nav1.3 splice variants
Authors: Thimmapaya R. , Neelands T. , Niforatos W. , Davis‐Taber R. A. , Choi W. , Putman C. B. , Kroeger P. E. , Packer J. , Gopalakrishnan M. , Faltynek C. R. , Surowy C. S. , Scott V. E. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe focus of the present study is the molecular and functional characterization of four splice variants of the human Nav1.3 α subunit. These subtypes arise due to the use of alternative splice donor sites of exon 12, which encodes a region of the α subunit that resides in the intracellular loop between domains I and II. This region contains several important phosphorylation sites that modulate Na+ channel kinetics in related sodium channels, i.e. Nav1.2. While three of the four Nav1.3 isoforms, 12v1, 12v3 and 12v4 have been previously identified in human, 12v2 has only been reported in rat. Herein, we evaluate the distribution of these splice variants in human tissues and the functional characterization of each of these subtypes. We demonstrate by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) that each subtype is expressed in the spinal cord, thalamus, amygdala, cerebellum, adult and fetal whole brain and heart. To investigate the functional properties of these different splice variants, each α subunit isoform was cloned by RT‐PCR from human fetal brain and expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Each isoform exhibited functional voltage‐dependent Na+ channels with similar sensitivities to tetrodotoxin (TTX) and comparable current amplitudes. Subtle shifts in the V1/2 of activation and inactivation (2–3 mV) were observed among the four isoforms, although the functional significance of these differences remains unclear. This study has demonstrated that all four human splice variants of the Nav1.3 channel α subunit are widely expressed and generate functional TTX‐sensitive Na+ channels that likely modulate cellular excitability.
Offer and demand: proliferation and survival of neurons in the dentate gyrus
Authors: Lehmann Konrad , Butz Markus , Teuchert‐Noodt Gertraud 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe proliferation and survival of new cells in the dentate gyrus of mammals is a complex process that is subject to numerous influences, presenting a confusing picture. We suggest regarding these processes on the level of small networks, which can be simulated in silico and which illustrate in a nutshell the influences that proliferating cells exert on plasticity and the conditions they require for survival. Beyond the insights gained by this consideration, we review the available literature on factors that regulate cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus in vivo. It turns out that the rate of cell proliferation and excitatory afferents via the perforant path interactively determine cell survival, such that the best network stability is achieved when either of the two is increased whereas concurrent activation of the two factors lowers cell survival rates. Consequently, the mitotic activity is regulated by systemic parameters in compliance with the hippocampal network's requirements. The resulting neurogenesis, in contrast, depends on local factors, i.e. the activity flow within the network. In the process of cell differentiation and survival, each cell's spectrum of afferent and efferent connections decides whether it will integrate into the network or undergo apoptosis, and it is the current neuronal activity which determines the synaptic spectrum. We believe that this framework will help explain the biology of dentate cell proliferation and provide a basis for future research hypotheses.
Estrogen regulates adrenal medullary function producing sexual dimorphism in nociceptive threshold and β2‐adrenergic receptor‐mediated hyperalgesia in the rat
Authors: Khasar Sachia G. , Dina Olayinka A. , Green Paul G. , Levine Jon D. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractEpinephrine produces sexually dimorphic β2‐adrenergic receptor‐mediated mechanical hyperalgesia, with male rats exhibiting greater hyperalgesia. Because female rats have higher plasma epinephrine levels, and β‐adrenergic receptor sensitivity is affected by chronic exposure to agonists, we tested the hypothesis that this sexual dimorphism is due to epinephrine‐induced desensitization of β2‐adrenergic receptors. Following gonadectomy, epinephrine hyperalgesia, as measured by the Randall–Selitto paw‐withdrawal test, was unchanged in male rats while in females it was increased. Prepubertal male and female rats do not demonstrate sexual dimorphism in either plasma epinephrine level or epinephrine‐induced hyperalgesia. Adrenal medullectomy and adrenal denervation both significantly enhanced epinephrine hyperalgesia, but only in females. In contrast, the sexually dimorphic hyperalgesia induced by prostaglandin E2, another agent that acts directly to sensitize primary afferent nociceptors, was not enhanced by adrenal medullectomy or denervation. Chronic administration of epinephrine in male rats, to produce plasma levels similar to those of gonad‐intact females, significantly attenuated epinephrine‐induced hyperalgesia, making it similar to that in females. These results strongly support the suggestion that estrogen regulates plasma epinephrine in female rats and differential sensitivity to β2‐adrenergic agonists accounts for the sexual dimorphism in epinephrine‐induced hyperalgesia. Unexpectedly, regulation of adrenal medullary function by estrogen was also found to modulate baseline nociceptive threshold such that females had a lower nociceptive threshold.
The lateral ventromedial thalamic nucleus spreads nociceptive signals from the whole body surface to layer I of the frontal cortex
Authors: Monconduit Lénaïc , Villanueva Luis 
Published: July 2005

AbstractNeurons within the lateral ventromedial thalamic nucleus (VMl) convey selectively nociceptive information from all parts of the body. The present experiments were performed in rats and were designed to determine the organization of cortical projections from VMl neurons. In a first series of experiments, these cells were characterized electrophysiologically and individually labelled in a Golgi‐like manner following juxtacellular electrophoresis of biotin–dextran. In a second experimental series, topical applications of the tracers fluorogold and tetramethylrhodamine‐labelled dextran were placed into both the rostral‐most and caudal areas of layer I of the dorsolateral frontal cortex, respectively. All VMl nociceptive neurons were fusiform and their full dendritic arborizations were bipolar, extending in the lateromedial axis. VMl cells are thus particularly well located to receive widespread nociceptive inputs via a brainstem link, viz. the medullary subnucleus reticularis dorsalis. VMl neurons driven by ‘whole body’ nociceptive receptive fields project to the rostral part of the layer I of the dorsolateral frontal cortex. These projections are widespread because double‐labelling data showed a great number of VMl neurons labelled from both rostral and caudal dorsolateral cortices. The VMl comprises a homogeneous, organized subset of thalamic neurons that allow any signals of pain to modify cortical activity in a widespread manner, by interacting with the entire layer I of the dorsolateral neocortex.
Optical monitoring of progressive synchronization in dentate granule cells during population burst activities
Authors: Murayama Masanori , Miyazaki Kenichi , Kudo Yoshihisa , Miyakawa Hiroyoshi , Inoue Masashi 
Published: July 2005

AbstractMonitoring multiple neurons is essential for understanding neuronal network activities. While calcium imaging from a population of cells is an effective method to study the network dynamics of a neural structure, it has been difficult to image from densely packed structures, such as the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus, due to overlap of the cells. We have developed a novel method to label multiple granule cells with a Ca2+ indicator in rat hippocampal slices using Oregon Green 488 BAPTA‐1 (OGB‐1) AM. Synchronized burst activities (0.3–1.4 Hz), which were induced by applying 50 µm 4‐aminopyridine, were monitored extracellularly with a glass electrode placed at the granule cell layer in the dentate gyrus. During the burst activities, spontaneously occurring action potential‐induced Ca2+ transients from multiple (4–12) granule cells were monitored with a cooled CCD camera with single‐cell resolution. Temporal structures of firing patterns from the multiple neurons were determined from Ca2+ transients. In each single‐burst‐event recorded from the extracellular electrode, each neuron fired synchronously within a 200 ms time window. The latency and its variance from the onset time of the single‐burst‐events to one of the Ca2+ transients decreased over time (< 7.5 min). These results indicate that the synchrony of the action potentials within a single‐burst‐event was enhanced as the burst activities proceeded. This progressive synchronization may be a key feature in making self‐organizing neuronal networks.