bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Selected Diagnostic Methods for Identification of Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium andersoni in Routine Examination of Faeces
Authors: Kváč M. , Květoňová D. , Půžová G. , Ditrich O. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryThis study involved the comparison of suitability of different methods for routine diagnostics of Cryptosporidium spp. Two staining methods, one concentration–sedimentation method, seven concentration–floatation methods and one combined floatation–sedimentation method were compared. The methods were tested with two concentrations (1 × 105 and 1 × 106/g) of C. parvum and C. andersoni. The methods were evaluated using light microscope, magnification 400× for concentration methods and 1000× for stained samples respectively. Specificity of both staining methods was 95–100%. Ziehl‐Neelsen with P < 0.01 is more suitable for identification of C. andersoni and modified Miláček‐Vítovec with P < 0.01 for identification of C. parvum. Concerning specificity and sensitivity, the floatation–concentration method by Sheather was found to provide the best results of all selected methods. The merthiolate iodine formaldehyde concentration (MIFC) method was the least specific one. The least suitable method concerning sensitivity and costs was the floatation method with caesium chloride (CsCl) with a specificity of 29%.
Generalized deficits in visual selective attention after V4 and TEO lesions in macaques
Authors: De Weerd Peter , Desimone Robert , Ungerleider Leslie G. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractTo test the role of areas V4 and TEO in the attentional filtering of distracting information, we studied the effects of lesions in these areas, in monkeys discriminating target stimuli surrounded by irrelevant distracters. The lesions were restricted, such that a single visual field quadrant was affected by a V4 lesion alone, a TEO lesion alone, or a combined lesion in V4 and TEO, while one quadrant served as a normal control. The monkeys fixated a spot while discriminating the orientation, colour or motion of target stimuli presented extrafoveally in each quadrant. When the target was presented alone, discrimination deficits in the quadrants affected by the lesions were generally small. However, these deficits were substantially increased by surrounding the target with luminance, colour or motion distracters. The discrimination of target orientation was more impaired than the discrimination of target colour or motion, irrespective of distracter type. The discrimination of target motion was strongly affected only by motion distracters. The magnitude of the impairments increased with distracter strength and with the extent to which the distracters conveyed information conflicting with the target. Deficits in the quadrant affected by combined V4 and TEO lesions were twice as large as those in quadrants affected by V4 or TEO lesions alone. The results suggest that in the absence of V4 and TEO, information from both relevant and irrelevant stimuli is ‘averaged’ together across several different feature domains, impairing the discrimination of the relevant target features. The results suggest a broad role of V4 and TEO in visual selective attention.
Respiratory survival mechanisms in acetylcholinesterase knockout mouse
Authors: Chatonnet Fabrice , Boudinot Éliane , Chatonnet Arnaud , Taysse Laurent , Daulon Sébastien , Champagnat Jean , Foutz Arthur S. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractCholinergic neurotransmission ensures muscle contraction and plays a role in the regulation of respiratory pattern in the brainstem. Inactivation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by organophosphates produces respiratory failure but AChE knockout mice survive to adulthood. Respiratory adaptation mechanisms which ensure survival of these mice were examined in vivo by whole body plethysmography and in vitro in the neonatal isolated brainstem preparation. AChE−/− mice presented no AChE activity but unaffected butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity. In vivo, bambuterol (50–500 µg/kg s.c.) decreased BChE activity peripherally but not in brain tissue and induced apnea and death in adult and neonate AChE−/− mice without affecting littermate AChE+/+ and +/− animals. In vitro, bath‐applied bambuterol (1–100 µm) and tetraisopropylpyrophosphoramide (10–100 µm) decreased BChE activity in the brainstem but did not perturb central respiratory activity recorded from spinal nerve rootlets. In vitro, the cholinergic agonists muscarine (50–100 µm) and nicotine (0.5–10 µm) induced tonic activity in respiratory motoneurons and increased the frequency of inspiratory bursts in AChE+/+ and +/− animals. These effects were greatly attenuated in AChE−/− animals. The results suggest that, in mice lacking AChE, (i) BChE becomes essential for survival peripherally but plays no critical role in central rhythm‐generating structures and (ii) a major adaptive mechanism for respiratory survival is the down‐regulated response of central respiratory‐related neurons and motoneurons to muscarinic and nicotinic agonists.
Expression and localization of cyclooxygenase‐1 and ‐2 in human sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Maihöfner Christian , Probst‐Cousin Stefan , Bergmann Markus , Neuhuber Winfried , Neundörfer Bernhard , Heuss Dieter 
Published: September 2003

AbstractProstaglandins (PGs) are critical mediators of physiologic processes and inflammation. They are produced by two different isoforms of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, namely COX‐1 and COX‐2. In particular COX‐2 was demonstrated to be crucial for PG‐synthesis in inflammation. Recently, inhibition of COX‐2 was shown to prevent the loss of motor neurons in a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Furthermore, spinal COX‐2 expression was shown to be increased in transgenic mice that produce an ALS–like syndrome. Therefore, we investigated the expression of COX‐1 and COX‐2 in the spinal cord of seven human sporadic ALS patients by means of immunohistochemistry. Specimens from seven patients without any neurological disease served as controls. COX‐2 expression was dramatically increased in the spinal cord of patients with ALS. Its protein was found in motor neurons, interneurons and glial cells. Statistical analysis showed a significantly higher expression of COX‐2 in ALS for both neurons and glia. In contrast, COX‐1 expression was predominantly confined to microglia and no apparent difference was detected between controls and ALS. In addition, we studied the concentration of prostaglandin E2 (PG E2) as a marker for COX activity in the cerebrospinal fluid of nine patients diagnosed for ALS and compared the results with those from nine patients without motor neuron disease. PG E2 levels were markedly increased in ALS cases (45.8 ± 35.1 pg/mL) compared to the non‐ALS specimens (15.8 ± 3.7 pg/mL). The results of our study corroborate a potential role for COX‐2 in the pathogenesis of motor neuron death in ALS. Selective COX‐2 inhibition might therefore offer a new possibility in the treatment of human ALS. However, to determine the exact role of COX‐2 in human ALS will require further research.
Neurotrophin‐3 down‐regulates trkA mRNA, NGF high‐affinity binding sites, and associated phenotype in adult DRG neurons
Authors: Gratto Kelly A. , Verge Valerie M. K. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractNeurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) binds to multiple trks, not only its initially identified receptor trkC. Recent studies in our laboratory show that NT‐3 negatively regulates nociceptive phenotype associated with the trkA subpopulation. Due to the extensive overlap in trkA and trkC expression it is uncertain whether there is a direct influence of NT‐3 on trkA in adult sensory neurons. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine whether NT‐3 might alter trkA and associated neuronal phenotype outside of the trkC subpopulation. The effect of a seven‐day intrathecal infusion of NT‐3 on intact, uninjured adult rat dorsal root ganglion neurons was investigated. Serial sections were processed for receptor radioautography or in situ hybridization to identify and colocalize neurons expressing high‐affinity nerve growth factor (NGF) binding sites, substance P (SP), trkC, or trkA mRNAs and to examine the influence of NT‐3 on these populations. NT‐3 does not appear to alter trkC expression, but evokes a notable reduction in trkA, high‐affinity NGF binding sites, and SP levels. It is unlikely that signalling by trkC greatly influences this response because the down‐regulation of SP occurs most notably in trkA neurons that lack trkC. Moreover, we have shown here that message levels of two trkA isoforms are differentially modulated by NT‐3; infusion results in greater down‐regulation of the noninsert containing isoform. These findings suggest a clinically relevant role for NT‐3 as an antagonist to NGF, but also raise the caution that not just trkC‐positive neurons are influenced following exposure to the neurotrophin.
Relationship between cyclooxygenase‐2 and nitric oxide synthase‐2 in rat cortex after stress
Authors: Madrigal José L. M. , García‐Bueno Borja , Moro María A. , Lizasoain Ignacio , Lorenzo Pedro , Leza Juan C. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractMany studies have focused on the relationships between distinct enzymatic sources of oxidative mediators. Recently, we have shown that cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS‐2) isoforms are up‐regulated and account for oxidative damage in brain after stress. To assess the time course of these events, we have used adult male Wistar rats, some of which were immobilized for 6 h. Whereas pretreatment with the specific COX‐2 inhibitor NS‐398 (5 mg/kg i.p.) decreased Ca2+‐independent NOS activity after 6 h of stress, pretreatment with the specific NOS‐2 inhibitor 1400 W (4 mg/kg i.p.) did not decrease prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) accumulation induced by stress after 6 h. The observed effects of NS‐398 and 1400 W were independent of the general response to stress – neither drug modified stress‐induced corticosterone response – which might indicate a possible adaptive role for COX‐2 and NOS‐2 pathways in this situation. These findings are discussed as possible therapeutic targets in the context of neuropsychiatric disorders related to stress.
Learning and memory impairments in Kvβ1.1‐null mutants are rescued by environmental enrichment or ageing
Authors: Need Anna C. , Irvine Elaine E. , Giese K. Peter 
Published: September 2003

AbstractMice with a null mutation of the K+ channel regulatory subunit Kvβ1.1 have altered excitability in hippocampal neurons and are impaired in the social transmission of food preferences (STFP) task. It was previously unclear whether this impairment is related to learning and memory (L & M) deficits or to developmental abnormalities. In this study we show that rearing the Kvβ1.1 mutants in an enriched environment rescues the impairment in the STFP task. Furthermore, we found that STFP performance was impaired in 12‐month‐old wild‐type mice, but not in the Kvβ1.1 mutants at this age, indicating that the Kvβ1.1 mutants show an age‐related rescue of the deficits observed in the young mutants. Ibotenic acid lesions of the hippocampus in the 12‐month‐old Kvβ1.1 mutants caused an impairment in the STFP task. Our findings indicate that performance in the STFP task is age‐dependent and involves the hippocampus. Furthermore, we have established that the impairments in the Kvβ1.1 mutants are related to L & M and not to performance disabilities. Finally, we suggest that the loss of Kvβ1.1 function is beneficial for L & M in middle age.
Rhinal–hippocampal EEG coherence is reduced during human sleep
Authors: Fell Juergen , Staedtgen Mario , Burr Wieland , Kockelmann Edgar , Helmstaedter Christoph , Schaller Carlo , Elger Christian E. , Fernández Guillén 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe deficiency of declarative memory compared with waking state is an often overlooked characteristic of sleep. Here, we investigated whether rhinal–hippocampal coherence, an electrophysiological correlate of declarative memory formation, is significantly altered during sleep as compared with waking state. For this purpose, we analysed recordings of intracranial EEG activity during sleep obtained directly from within the medial temporal lobe in patients with unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy. We found a general reduction of rhinal–hippocampal EEG coherence during sleep compared with waking state, which was most pronounced within the upper gamma bands (average decrease up to 56%). The observed coherence changes clearly differ from findings reported for surface EEG data and thus appear to be specific for the medial temporal lobe. The decrease of rhinal–hippocampal EEG coherence from waking state towards sleep may yield an electrophysiological explanation for the sleep‐related deficiency of declarative memory.
Familial Partial Epilepsy with Variable Foci in a Dutch Family: Clinical Characteristics and Confirmation of Linkage to Chromosome 22q
Authors: Callenbach Petra M. C. , Van Den Maagdenberg Arn M. J. M. , Hottenga Jouke J. , Van Den Boogerd Eelke H. , De Coo René F. M. , Lindhout Dick , Frants Rune R. , Sandkuijl Lodewijk A. , Brouwer Oebele F. 
Published: September 2003

Summary:  Purpose: Three forms of idiopathic partial epilepsy with autosomal dominant inheritance have been described: (a) autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE); (b) autosomal dominant lateral temporal epilepsy (ADLTE) or partial epilepsy with auditory features (ADPEAF); and (c) familial partial epilepsy with variable foci (FPEVF). Here we describe linkage analysis in a Dutch four‐generation family with epilepsy fulfilling criteria of both ADNFLE and FPEVF. Methods: Clinical characteristics and results of EEG, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were evaluated in a family with autosomal dominantly inherited partial epilepsy with apparent incomplete penetrance. Linkage analysis was performed with markers of the ADNFLE (1p21, 15q24, 20q13.3) and FPEVF (2q, 22q11‐q12) loci. Results: Epilepsy was diagnosed in 10 relatives. Age at onset ranged from 3 months to 24 years. Seizures were mostly tonic, tonic–clonic, or hyperkinetic, with a wide variety in symptoms and severity. Most interictal EEGs showed no abnormalities, but some showed frontal, central, and/or temporal spikes and spike–wave complexes. From two patients, an ictal EEG was available, showing frontotemporal abnormalities in one and frontal and central abnormalities in the other. Linkage analysis with the known loci for ADNFLE and FPEVF revealed linkage to chromosome 22q in this family. Conclusions: The clinical characteristics of this family fulfilled criteria of both ADNFLE and FPEVF. The frequent occurrence of seizures during daytime and the observation of interictal EEG abnormalities originating from different cortical areas were more in agreement with FPEVF. The observed linkage to chromosome 22q supported the diagnosis of FPEVF and confirmed that this locus is responsible for this syndrome.
Large Enantiomeric Excesses of l-Form Amino Acids in Deep-sea Hydrothermal Sub-vent of 156 °C Fluids at the Suiyo Seamount, Izu–Bonin Arc, Pacific Ocean
Authors: Takano Yoshinori , Horiuchi Tsukasa , Kobayashi Kensei , Marumo Katsumi , Urabe Tetsuro 
Published: September 2003

Abstract
The present report describes the stereochemistry of amino acids under extreme conditions of 156 °C and greater than 140 atmospheres in a submarine volcanic hydrothermal sub-vent. The lack of evidence of abiotically synthesized amino acids such as ω-amino acid specimens and unexpected large enantiomeric excesses of l-form amino acids support the existence of a vigorous subjacent microbial oasis, which extends the known terrestrial habitable zone.
Electrochemical Properties of Ar+ Sputtered Polycrystalline Diamond Electrodes with Smoothed Surfaces
Authors: Sato Rika , Kondo Takeshi , Shimizu Kenichi , Honda Kensuke , Shibayama Yoshiyuki , Shirahama Keiya , Fujishima Akira , Einaga Yasuaki 
Published: September 2003

Abstract
The initial rough, faceted surfaces of boron-doped conductive polycrystalline diamond electrodes were smoothed by Ar+ ion sputtering at very low energy (50 eV). A lower background current was measured at the modified electrodes with a mirror-like appearance than at the initial polycrystalline electrodes. The electrochemical responses to several redox systems also showed a morphological-dependence in some cases. Here, we discuss the electrochemical properties of the diamond electrodes with the smoothed surfaces from the point of view of a novel electrode material.
Hydroxyurea‐induced splenic regrowth in an adult patient with severe hemoglobin SC disease
Authors: Huang Yiwu , Ananthakrishnan Thyagarajan , Eid Joseph E. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractHydroxyurea has been extensively used in patients with sickle cell anemia and severe sickle cell‐hemoglobin C (SC) disease to reduce the severity of their diseases. We report here our experience with an adult patient with severe SC disease who developed symptomatic splenomegaly requiring splenectomy while being treated with hydroxyurea. This case suggests that hydroxyurea might restore some splenic function in functionally asplenic patients with sickle cell anemia or SC disease, but also raises the clinical concern that hydroxyurea may induce splenic regrowth, resulting in symptomatic splenomegaly. With the increasing use of hydroxyurea in the management of SS disease or other hemoglobinopathies, the importance of spleen monitoring must be further emphasized in these patients. Am. J. Hematol. 74:125–126, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss Inc.
Cyclooxygenase‐2 in oligodendroglial neoplasms
Authors: Castilla Elias A. , Prayson Richard A. , Kanner Andrew A. , Rybicki Lisa A. , Tubbs Raymond R. , Vogelbaum Michael A. , Barnett Gene H. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDAlthough increased expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) has been described in association with a variety of neoplasms, including tumors of astrocytic derivation, limited data are available on COX‐2 expression in oligodendrogliomas.METHODSThe current study retrospectively reviewed 53 oligodendrogliomas and 7 oligodendroglioma‐predominant oligoastrocytomas (mixed gliomas) for COX‐2 expression and MIB‐1 proliferative index (by immunohistochemistry) and for chromosome 1p status (by fluorescence in situ hybridization).RESULTSPatients included 35 males and 25 females, with a mean age of 41 years (range, 12–73 years) at the time of surgery. Forty‐four tumor specimens were classified as World Health Organization (WHO) Grade II neoplasms and 16 as WHO Grade III tumors. MIB‐1 labeling indices (marker of cell proliferation) ranged from 0 to 22.3 (mean 4.5). Twenty‐eight tumor specimens demonstrated allelic loss on chromosome 1p. Positive staining was observed in 17 tumor specimens with COX‐2 antibody. COX‐2–positive tumor specimens were also evaluated with CD68 (macrophage/microglial cell marker) by coimmunolabeling to confirm that the observed COX‐2 immunostaining was not due to immunoreactive macrophages or microglial cells. COX‐2 expression, lack of allelic loss at chromosome 1p, and high proliferation indices were associated with decreased survival (P = 0.002, P = 0.009, and P = 0.015, respectively). No correlation with outcome was found with patient gender, age at diagnosis, or histologic grade.CONCLUSIONSChromosome 1p, COX‐2 immunoreactivity, and MIB‐1 labeling indices correlated with outcome and were associated with decreased survival. There was not a one‐to‐one correspondence between COX‐2 immunoreactivity and lack of allelic loss at chromosome 1p. Tumors with expression of COX‐2 by immunohistochemistry may, in theory, benefit from treatment with therapeutic agents that inhibit COX‐2. Cancer 2003;98:1465–72. © 2003 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.11632
Radiofrequency ablation of invasive breast carcinoma followed by delayed surgical excision
Authors: Burak William E. , Agnese Doreen M. , Povoski Stephen P. , Yanssens Tamara L. , Bloom Kenneth J. , Wakely Paul E. , Spigos Dimitrios G. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) is gaining acceptance as a treatment modality for several tumor types. However, its use in patients with breast carcinoma remains investigational. The current study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of treating small breast malignancies with RFA and to evaluate the postablation magnetic resonance imaging scans (MRI) and histologic findings.METHODSPatients with core‐needle biopsy–proven invasive carcinoma (< 2 cm in greatest dimension) underwent ultrasound‐guided RFA under local anesthesia. Surgical excision was undertaken 1–3 weeks later. All patients had breast MRI scans performed before ablation and repeated within 24 hours of surgery.RESULTSTen patients completed the treatment and experienced minimal or no discomfort. The mean tumor size was 1.2 cm (range, 0.8–1.6 cm). The mean time required for ablation was 13.8 minutes (range, 7–21 minutes). There were no treatment‐related complications other than minimal breast ecchymosis. A pre‐RFA MRI scan showed enhancing tumors in 9 of 10 (90%) patients. A post‐RFA MRI scan revealed no residual lesion enhancement in 8 of these 9 patients (89%), and the zone of ablation was demonstrated in all patients. One patient had residual enhancement anteriorly consistent with residual tumor, which was confirmed histologically. Evaluation of the remaining ablated lesions revealed a spectrum of changes ranging from no residual tumor to coagulation necrosis with recognizable malignant cells. Immunostains for cytokeratin 8/18 were negative in these recognizable malignant cells.CONCLUSIONSRFA of small breast malignancies can be performed under local anesthesia in an office‐based setting. A postablation MRI scan appears to predict histologic findings, although tumor viability needs to be assessed in a long‐term study. Cancer 2003;98:1369–76. © 2003 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.11642
Radiotherapy alone or after subtotal resection for benign skull base meningiomas
Authors: Mendenhall William M. , Morris Christopher G. , Amdur Robert J. , Foote Kelly D. , Friedman William A. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe objective of the current study was to analyze the long‐term local control and complications in a series of patients who were treated with radiotherapy for benign skull base meningiomas.METHODSBetween January 1984 and July 2001, 101 patients were treated with radiotherapy alone (n= 66) or after undergoing subtotal resection (n= 35). Sixty‐one patients had previously untreated tumors, and 40 patients had tumors that were recurrent after prior surgery. Patients had follow‐up from 0.6 years to 19 years (median, 5.1 years). The follow‐up of living patients ranged from 1.3 years to 19 years (median, 5.4 years).RESULTSThe long‐term local control rates were 95% at 5 years, 92% at 10 years, and 92% at 15 years. Multivariate analysis of local control revealed that none of the parameters evaluated significantly influenced this endpoint. The cause‐specific survival rates were 97% at 5 years, 92% at 10 years, and 92% at 15 years; and the absolute survival rates were 86% at 5 years, 71% at 10 years, and 62% at 15 years. Multivariate analysis of cause‐specific survival revealed that only gender significantly influenced this endpoint (P= 0.0185). Severe complications were observed in eight patients, and three patients experienced complications that were fatal.CONCLUSIONSThe probability of long‐term progression‐free survival after radiotherapy exceeded 90% and was comparable to the results of complete resection and radiosurgery. Subtotal resection was useful for decompressing the tumor if improvement in neurologic function was anticipated after surgery. Extensive subtotal resection may result in permanent neurologic deficits and did not improve long‐term local control. Cancer 2003;98:1473–82. © 2003 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.11645