bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic analysis of Batten disease
Authors: Gardiner R. M. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryBatten disease, or neuronal ceroid‐lipofuscinosis (CLN) comprises a group of inherited neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the accumulation of autofluorescent lipopigment in neurones. The three main childhood varieties — infantile (CLN1), late‐infantile (CLN2) and juvenile (CLN3) — manifest autosomal recessive inheritance. The basic biochemical defect remains unknown. The strategy of positional cloning is being pursued to elucidate the molecular basis of Batten disease. The infantile disease locus (CLN1) has been mapped by linkage analysis to human chromosome 1p32, and the juvenile disease locus (CLN3) to human chromosome 16p12. In each case marker loci in strong linkage disequilibrium with the disease loci have been identified. Locus heterogeneity between classical late‐infantile CLN (CLN2) and both CLN1 and CLN3 has been demonstrated. Work is in progress to clone CLN1 and CLN3 and to map CLN2. Identification of linked markers has provided a new approach to prenatal diagnosis. The methodology exists for positional cloning of these genes and elucidation of the molecular genetic basis of the ceroid lipofuscinoses.
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies in lactic acidosis and mitochondrial disorders
Authors: Cross J. H. , Gadian D. G. , Connelly A. , Leonard J. V. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryCongenital lactic acidoses form a large group of disorders that are commonly associated with profound neurological dysfunction. Difficulties are frequently encountered in establishing a diagnosis, and the mechanisms underlying brain damage are poorly understood. We have performed proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) on 24 patients under investigation for suspected metabolic disorder, and have compared the MRS observations of brain lactate with measurements of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate. We have shown good concordance between the two types of observation, confirming the value of the CSF measurements. Regional variations in brain lactate are detected in some cases, and these may help to elucidate the mechanisms underlying selective brain damage.
Falcarindiol impairs the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase by abrogating the activation of IKK and JAK in rat primary astrocytes
Authors: Shiao Young‐Ji , Lin Yun‐Lian , Sun Ya‐Hui , Chi Chih‐Wen , Chen Chieh‐Fu , Wang Chuen‐Neu 
Published: November 2004

The effects of falcarindiol on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induced by lipopolysaccharide/interferon‐γ (LPS/IFN‐γ) in rat primary astrocytes were investigated. The molecular mechanisms underlying falcarindiol that confers its effect on iNOS expression were also elucidated.
Falcarindiol abrogated the LPS/IFN‐γ‐mediated induction of iNOS by about 80%. Falcarindiol attenuated the induction of iNOS in a concentration‐dependent manner.
The inhibitory effect of falcarindiol on iNOS induction was attributable to decrease in the protein content and the mRNA level of iNOS.
Treatment with 50 μM of falcarindiol for 30 min decreased LPS/IFN‐γ‐induced nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation by 32%.
Treatment with 50 μM of falcarindiol for 60 min diminished the LPS/IFN‐γ‐mediated activation of IκB kinase‐α (IKK‐α) and IKK‐β by 28.2 and 29.7%, respectively.
Falcarindiol modulated the nuclear translocation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (Stat1) in a time‐dependent manner. Falcarindiol (50 μM) decreased the tyrosine phosphorylation of janus kinase 1 (JAK1) by 84.8% at 5 min. Falcarindiol also abrogated the tyrosine phoshorylation of JAK2 by 82.3% at 10 min.
The present study demonstrates that falcarindiol attenuated the activation of IKK and JAK contributing to the blockade of activation of NF‐κB and Stat1, thereby leading to the suppression of iNOS expression.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 144, 42–51. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706022
Deoxycholic acid inhibits pacemaker currents by activating ATP‐dependent K+ channels through prostaglandin E2 in interstitial cells of Cajal from the murine small intestine
Authors: Jun Jae Yeoul , Choi Seok , Chang In‐Youb , Yoon Cha Kyung , Jeong Hye‐Gwang , Kong In Deok , So Insuk , Kim Ki Whan , You Ho Jin 
Published: November 2004

We investigated the role of deoxycholic acid in pacemaker currents using whole‐cell patch‐clamp techniques at 30°C in cultured interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) from murine small intestine.
The treatment of ICC with deoxycholic acid resulted in a decrease in the frequency and amplitude of pacemaker currents and increases in resting outward currents. Also, under current clamping, deoxycholic acid produced the hyperpolarization of membrane potential and decreased the amplitude of the pacemaker potentials.
These observed effects of deoxycholic acid on pacemaker currents and pacemaker potentials were completely suppressed by glibenclamide, an ATP‐sensitive K+ channel blocker.
NS‐398, a specific cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitor, significantly inhibited the deoxycholic acid‐induced effects. The treatment with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) led to a decrease in the amplitude and frequency of pacemaker currents and to an increase in resting outward currents, and these observed effects of PGE2 were blocked by glibenclamide.
We next examined the role of deoxycholic acid in the production of PGE2 in ICC, and found that deoxycholic acid increased PGE2 production through the induction of COX‐2 enzyme activity and its gene expression.
The results suggest that deoxycholic acid inhibits the pacemaker currents of ICC by activating ATP‐sensitive K+ channels through the production of PGE2.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 144, 242–251. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706074
Models of co‐occurring substance misuse and psychosis: are personality traits the missing link?
Authors: HIDES LEANNE , LUBMAN DAN I. , DAWE SHARON 
Published: November 2004

AbstractTraditional models of co‐occurring substance misuse in psychosis, including the vulnerability and coping (self‐medication) hypotheses, have tended to focus on state‐specific factors, such as the severity of substance misuse or psychotic symptoms. In contrast, more recent personality models posit that co‐morbidity is related to individual differences in stable trait‐specific personality variables that underlie affective outcomes, coping strategies and subsequent risk for substance use. This paper reviews the current evidence base for these three models, and suggests that future research examine the inter‐relationships between trait and state‐specific personality, affective and behavioural variables on co‐morbidity.
Cannabis use and psychotic disorders: an update
Authors: HALL WAYNE , DEGENHARDT LOUISA , TEESSON MAREE 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis paper evaluates three hypotheses about the relationship between cannabis use and psychosis in the light of recent evidence from prospective epidemiological studies. These are that: (1) cannabis use causes a psychotic disorder that would not have occurred in the absence of cannabis use; (2) that cannabis use may precipitate schizophrenia or exacerbate its symptoms; and (3) that cannabis use may exacerbate the symptoms of psychosis. There is limited support for the first hypothesis. As a consequence of recent prospective studies, there is now stronger support for the second hypothesis. Four recent prospective studies in three countries have found relationships between the frequency with which cannabis had been used and the risk of receiving a diagnosis of schizophrenia or of reporting psychotic symptoms. These relationships are stronger in people with a history of psychotic symptoms and they have persisted after adjustment for potentially confounding variables. The absence of any change in the incidence of schizophrenia during the three decades in which cannabis use in Australia has increased makes it unlikely that cannabis use can produce psychoses that would not have occurred in its absence. It seems more likely that cannabis use can precipitate schizophrenia in vulnerable individuals. There is also reasonable evidence for the third hypothesis that cannabis use exacerbates psychosis.
A review of research on residential programs for people with severe mental illness and co‐occurring substance use disorders
Authors: BRUNETTE MARY F. , MUESER KIM T. , DRAKE ROBERT E. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSubstance use disorder is the most common and clinically significant co‐morbidity among clients with severe mental illnesses, associated with poor treatment response, homelessness and other adverse outcomes. Residential programs for clients with dual disorders integrate mental health treatment, substance abuse interventions, housing and other supports. Ten controlled studies suggest that greater levels of integration of substance abuse and mental health services are more effective than less integration. Because the research is limited by methodological problems, further research is needed to establish the effectiveness of residential programs, to characterize important program elements, to establish methods to improve engagement into and retention in residential programs and to clarify which clients benefit from this type of service.
Transplacental Passage of Vancomycin in the ex vivo HumanPerfusion Model
Authors: Hnat Michael D. , Gainer Julie , Bawdon Roger E. , Wendel George D. 
Published: November 2004

Objectives: To determine maternal–fetal transplacental passage of vancomycin in the ex vivo human placental perfusion model.Methods: Six term placentas were collected immediately after delivery and perfused with physiologic medium using the single cotyledon perfusion system. Vancomycin was added to the maternal medium and perfused through the maternal circulation of the cotyledon. Over a 1‐h period in an open system, samples of the
perfusate were collected at defined intervals from the fetal venous catheter and from the maternal effluence to assess vancomycin transfer. Thereafter, the system was closed for 1–5 h to establish accumulation. Transport fraction and clearance indexes were calculated by perfusing antipyrine  14C
(positive control). Vancomycin was estimated by high pressure liquid chromatography and antipyrine  14C
concentration was determined by liquid scintillation.Results: Mean vancomycin maternal peak and trough concentrations ranged from 30.0 to 51.5 µg/ml and 7.7 to 16.4 µg/ml, respectively. Clearance indexes were minimal with a mean peak range of 0.000–0.080 and a mean trough range of 0.00–0.17. For each placenta, transport fraction for antipyrine  14C
was > 1.85 with a single pass of > 40%. No accumulation of vancomycin was noted when the system was closed for 1–5 h. The mean peak clearance index was zero after perfusing the placenta for up to 5 h with 35.8 µg/ml of vancomycin.Conclusion: Transplacental passage of vancomycin was minimal in the ex vivo human placental perfusion model, with no detectable accumulation.
HPV Prevalence and Concordance in the Cervix and Oral Cavity of Pregnant Women
Authors: Smith E. M. , Ritchie J. M. , Yankowitz J. , Wang D. , Turek L. P. , Haugen T. H. 
Published: November 2004

Objectives: This investigation examined human papillomavirus (HPV) in pregnant women in order to characterize viral prevalence, types and concordance between infection in the cervix and in the oral cavity.Methods: A total of 577 pregnant women seeking routine obstetric care were evaluated for HPV infection in their cervix during gestation and immediately before delivery, and in the oral cavity during gestation. Male partners present during the gestational clinic visit also provided a specimen from their oral cavity. HPV assessment was performed by PCR, dot blot hybridization and DNA sequencing. A sexual and health questionnaire was completed by the pregnant women.Results: HPV prevalence in women was 29% in the cervix and 2.4% in the oral cavity. Among those with both gestational and delivery specimens, 35% were infected at least once and 20% had infection at both intervals. At delivery, 68% of infected women had an oncogenic HPV type in the cervix. There was no type‐specific HPV concordance between the two cervical specimens, nor cervical and oral results in women, nor with cervical and oral findings between partners.Conclusion: The lack of association in HPV positivity and types between the cervix and oral cavity in these women suggests that self‐inoculation is uncommon. This source of infection does not appear to be from oral contact with a current male partner, since there also was no concordance between partners. These results suggest either other modes of HPV transmission or differences in susceptibility to HPV infection or its clearance in the oral cavity and genital mucosa.
Bicarbonate Stimulated Adenylyl Cyclases
Authors: Cann Martin 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBicarbonate ion is fundamental to the biology of all living organisms. HCO3‐ is vital to such diverse physiological processes as carbon fixation, cellular homeostasis, sperm maturation, and nucleotide synthesis. A defined subset of adenylyl cyclases identified in eukaryotes and prokaryotes are directly activated by HCO3‐. As such, cAMP represents the first identified biological effector for fluctuations in intracellular inorganic carbon levels. The identification of a signal transduction pathway activated by HCO3‐ has far reaching implications for understanding how the cell responds to fluctuations in this essential anion. IUBMB Life, 56: 529‐534, 2004
Cell Cycle Regulators in Bladder Cancer: Relationship to Schistosomiasis
Authors: Eissa Sanaa , Ahmed Maha Imam , Said Heba , Zaghlool Ashraf , El‐Ahmady Omar 
Published: November 2004

AbstractDysregulation of cell cycle control may lead to genomic instability, neoplastic transformation and tumor progression. In terms of the particular roles in regulation of the cell‐cycle, p21(WAF1) causes growth arrest through inhibition of cyclin‐dependant kinases required for G1/S transition. P16 (INK4A) and p15 (INK4B) are thought to act as tumor suppressors, since their inactivation and/or deletion are observable in various types of malignancies. Cyclin D1 is hypothesized to control cell cycle progression through the G1‐S check point. The present study evaluated p21 expression, p16 and p15 gene deletion and cylin D1 expression in bladder carcinoma among Egyptian patients, in relation to different clinicopathological features of the tumors and presence or absence of bilharziasis. Tissue specimens were obtained from 132 patients with bladder carcinoma and 50 normal tissue samples from the same patients served as control. P21 was determined by Western blot (WB) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA), p16 and p15 gene deletions were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Cyclin D1 was detected by WB. Levels of p21 were lower in malignant tumors than in normal tissues. Lower expression of p21 was evident in lymph node positive, well differentiated tumors and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) than in lymph node negative, poorly differentiated tumors and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). In all normal samples, p15 and p16 genes were detected while cyclin D1 was not detected. P16 and p15 genes were deleted in 38.7% (41/106) and 30.2% (32/106) of bladder tumors respectively. The deletion of both genes was associated with poor differentiation grade and presence of bilharziasis. P16 deletion was also correlated to advancing tumor stage. Cyclin D1 was expressed in 57.5% of bladder tumors (69/120), where its expression was correlated to early stage, well differentiation grade, schistomiasis, and low levels of p21. Cell cycle is dysregulated in bladder carcinoma. This was evident from the increased expression of cyclin D1, the decreased levels of p21 and the deletion of p15 and p16 genes. Moreover, p16 and p15 gene deletion was related to tumor progression and might have a role in bilharzial bladder carcinogenesis. Cyclin D1 over‐expression appears to be an early event in bladder cancer and might explain bilharzial associated bladder carcinogenesis. IUBMB Life, 56: 557‐564, 2004
Adenylyl and Guanylyl Cyclases from the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Baker David 
Published: November 2004

AbstractCompletion of several malaria parasite genome sequences and advances in Plasmodium gene manipulation technology, will lead to significant advances in our knowledge of the biology of these organisms. Biochemical analysis of the cyclic nucleotide signalling pathways of P. falciparum has provided important information on malaria parasite development. The Plasmodium purine nucleotide cyclase enzymes have extremely unusual structures and the regulatory mechanisms controlling parasite enzyme activity are distinct from those operating on the analogous host molecules. Study of these enzymes could therefore lead to novel strategies for anti‐malarial intervention in addition to providing unique insights into the intriguing biology of the parasite. IUBMB Life, 56: 535‐540, 2004
Efficacy of a Reduced Application Time of Ovide Lotion (0.5% Malathion) Compared to Nix Creme Rinse (1% Permethrin) for the Treatment of Head Lice
Authors: Meinking Terri L. , Vicaria Maureen , Eyerdam Deborah H. , Villar Maria Elena , Reyna Susan , Suarez German 
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  Our objective was to conduct a randomized, investigator‐blinded evaluation of the pediculicidal and ovicidal activity of a reduced application time (20 minutes) of Ovide (0.5% malathion) compared to Nix (1% permethrin) in a south Florida population infested with Pediculus humanus capitis. Either Ovide or Nix was applied according to the label instructions. However, Ovide application time was reduced to 20 minutes. At day 8, subjects with live lice were re‐treated with the same product and procedure as on day 1. Ovicidal and pediculicidal efficacy were evaluated at days 8 and 15. A subject free of lice and viable eggs at day 15 was considered to be a treatment success. Percent efficacy was calculated using the number of subjects free of lice and viable eggs per total number of subjects treated. We found that a 20‐minute application of Ovide was significantly more pediculicidal and ovicidal (98%) compared to Nix (55%) at day 15 (p < 0.0001). The percentage of Ovide subjects who required treatment at day 8 was half that of the Nix group. The reinfestation rate was 0% with Ovide and 33% with Nix. In conclusion, a 20‐minute treatment with Ovide, instead of the approved 8‐ to 12‐hour application, cured 40 of 41 subjects (98%), demonstrating superior efficacy to Nix. The poor efficacy of Nix confirms the resistance of head lice to permethrin in south Florida.
Effects of Herbicide on the Invasive Biennial Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) and Initial Responses of Native Plants in a Southwestern Ohio Forest
Authors: Carlson Adriane M. , Gorchov David L. 
Published: November 2004

Abstract Restoration often includes control of invasive plants, but little is known about how native plant communities respond to this control. The biennial Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) Cavara and Grande (garlic mustard) is one of the most prevalent invasive plants in forests of eastern North America. We investigated the effects of the herbicide Round‐up (glyphosate) on Alliaria and the response of the forest floor plant community to the herbicide and the subsequent decline of Alliaria. In an old‐growth Acer–Fagus stand and a second‐growth Liriodendron‐dominated stand in Hueston Woods State Nature Preserve, Ohio, United States, we spot applied Round‐up in November 2000 and 2001 in 25 1 × 1–m plots and maintained 25 control plots. Herbicide decreased Alliaria density in both stands and reduced the density of other species in leaf during treatment (mostly exotic winter annuals) in the old‐growth stand. Treatment did not affect the initial density of the Alliaria cohort that germinated in the spring of 2001, but decreased the 2002 cohort. Community differences were found in the old‐growth stand after Alliaria reduction, specifically greater cover of spring ephemerals in the herbicide treatment. In the second‐growth stand, herbicide treatment increased reproduction of the late‐summer perennial, Phryma leptostachya. These results indicate that glyphosate reduces Alliaria without negatively impacting native species and that some native species respond positively to a single‐year reduction in this invasive biennial.
An Afforestation System for Restoring Bottomland Hardwood Forests: Biomass Accumulation of Nuttall Oak Seedlings Interplanted Beneath Eastern Cottonwood
Authors: Gardiner Emile S. , Stanturf John A. , Schweitzer Callie J. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBottomland hardwood forests of the southeastern United States have declined in extent since European settlement. Forest restoration activities over the past decade, however, have driven recent changes in land use through an intensified afforestation effort on former agricultural land. This intense afforestation effort, particularly in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, has generated a demand for alternative afforestation systems that accommodate various landowner objectives through restoration of sustainable forests. We are currently studying an afforestation system that involves initial establishment of the rapidly growing native species eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoidesBartr. ex Marsh.), followed by enrichment of the plantation understory with Nuttall oak (Quercus nuttalliiPalm.). In this article, we examine the growth and biomass accumulation by Nuttall oak seedlings to determine whether this species can be established and whether it will develop beneath the cottonwood overstory. After 3 years of growth beneath cottonwood canopies, Nuttall oak seedlings were similar in height (126 cm), but were 20% smaller in root‐collar diameter than seedlings established in open fields. Seedlings established in the open accumulated more than twice the biomass of seedlings growing beneath a cottonwood canopy. However, the relative distribution of accumulated biomass in seedlings did not differ in the two environments. Ten percent of total seedling biomass was maintained in leaf tissue, 42% was maintained in stem tissue, and 48% was maintained in root tissue on open‐grown seedlings and seedlings established in the understory of cottonwood plantations. Though establishment in the more shaded understory environment reduced Nuttall oak growth, seedling function was not limited enough to induce changes in plant morphology. Our results suggest that an afforestation system involving rapid establishment of forest cover with a quick‐growing plantation species, followed by understory enrichment with species of later succession, may provide an alternative method of forest restoration on bottomland hardwood sites and perhaps other sites degraded by agriculture throughout temperate regions.
Insights into Ecosystem Composition and Function in a Sequence of Degraded Semiarid Steppes
Authors: Maestre Fernando T. , Cortina Jordi 
Published: November 2004

Abstract We evaluated changes in ecosystem function in semiarid Stipa tenacissima L. steppes along a degradation gradient in southeast Spain. We used soil surface indicators to obtain surrogates of ecosystem function (resistance to erosion, infiltration, and nutrient cycling) and related these values to the main abiotic and biotic characteristics of the experimental sites. When ranked in an ordered sequence, the trajectory of these indicators showed abrupt changes, providing empirical evidence of discontinuities in ecosystem function along the degradation gradient evaluated. Surrogates of resistance to erosion showed nonlinear relationships with variables defining the spatial structure of patches, the area covered by sprouting shrubs, and species richness. The latter two variables were significantly related to surrogates of nutrient cycling and infiltration. Our results suggest that sprouting shrubs are playing a key role in improving ecosystem function and composition in degraded S. tenacissima steppes. The implications of our results for the optimization of restoration procedures in semiarid degraded steppes are discussed.