bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The action formulation: A proposed heuristic for clinical case formulation
Authors: Shahar Golan , Porcerelli John H.
Published: June 2006

The authors propose the action formulation (TAF), a heuristic for clinical case formulation. The action formulation relies on the action perspective, which depicts individuals as actively shaping their environment, and is premised upon four guidelines: (a) map the client's social environment, focusing on sources of support, chronic interpersonal difficulties, and negative and positive life events; (b) identify how the clients, in the context of their personalities, psychopathologies, and strengths, actively influence their environment; (c) differentiate between maladaptive, risk‐related, interpersonal cycles, and adaptive, protective‐based ones; and (d) tailor integrative techniques to short‐circuit the former cycles and bolster the latter ones. Links between TAF and emerging issues in clinical assessment are discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 62: 1115–1127, 2006.
Context in action: Implications for the study of children and adolescents
Authors: Henrich Christopher C.
Published: June 2006

Action theories acknowledge the reciprocal nature of the relationship between individual action and social context. In this article, the author discusses various ways that the social context and the individual's actions can interact in childhood and adolescence. From an ecological perspective, emphasis is placed on two main issues: Children and adolescents develop within an interactive web of social contexts, and the examination of some contexts without taking into account others can lead to an incomplete and inaccurate accounting of the role of the social environment. Social contexts are frequently dynamic systems that fluctuate over time, and the extent to which children and adolescents can exert effortful control over changes in contexts varies. Implications of the ecological perspective for action‐oriented research are discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 62: 1083–1096, 2006.
Daily interpersonal events in pain patients: Applying action theory to chronic illness
Authors: Davis Mary C. , Affleck Glenn , Zautra Alex J. , Tennen Howard
Published: June 2006

Action theory proposes that individuals actively shape and then respond to their environments, highlighting the role of stable person characteristics in the development and maintenance of life's interpersonal difficulties. In this study, the authors adopt the action perspective in their examination of predictors of daily interpersonal events among chronic pain patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They probe the extent to which stable symptoms of illness explained between‐person variation, and fluctuating symptoms explain day‐to‐day variation in both positive and negative events. Their evaluation of patients' daily diary reports indicate that between‐person differences accounted for more variance in the occurrence of positive events relative to negative events (48% vs. 31%, respectively). Likewise, between‐person factors accounted for more variance in appraisals of positive compared to negative events across relationship domains. Both intractable illness symptoms and disability, and daily fluctuations in pain and fatigue, were only weakly related to patients' reports of their interpersonal experiences. Consistent with action theory, these results suggest that stable person characteristics are strongly related to daily stressors and particularly daily
positive events in pain patients, but still account for less than 50% of the variance in events and their appraisals. In contrast, elevations in illness‐related features, both between individuals and within individuals from day‐to‐day, are not robust predictors of positive or negative social exchanges. These findings point to the value of capturing the experiences of individuals intensively over time, an approach that can help to elaborate the contributions of both stable factors and circumstance in shaping social contexts in chronic illness. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 62: 1097–1113, 2006.
Mutation of the SNF2 family member Chd2 affects mouse development and survival
Authors: Marfella Concetta G.A. , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Coles Andrew H. , Garlick David S. , Jones Stephen N. , Imbalzano Anthony N.
Published: June 2006

The chromodomain helicase DNA‐binding domain (Chd) proteins belong to the SNF2‐like family of ATPases that function in chromatin remodeling and assembly. These proteins are characterized by the presence of tandem chromodomains and are further subdivided based on the presence or absence of additional structural motifs. The Chd1–Chd2 subfamily is distinguished by the presence of a DNA‐binding domain that recognizes AT‐rich sequence. Currently, there are no reports addressing the function of the Chd2 family member. Embryonic stem cells containing a retroviral gene‐trap inserted at the Chd2 locus were utilized to generate mice expressing a Chd2 protein lacking the DNA‐binding domain. This mutation in Chd2 resulted in a general growth delay in homozygous mutants late in embryogenesis and in perinatal lethality. Animals heterozygous for the mutation showed decreased neonatal viability and increased susceptibility to non‐neoplastic lesions affecting most primary organs. In particular, approximately 85% of the heterozygotes showed gross kidney abnormalities. Our results demonstrate that mutation of Chd2 dramatically affects mammalian development and long‐term survival. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 162–171, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New designer drug 4‐iodo‐2,5‐dimethoxy‐β‐phenethylamine (2C‐I): studies on its metabolism and toxicological detection in rat urine using gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric and capillary electrophoretic/mass spectrometric techniques
Authors: Theobald Denis S. , Pütz Michael , Schneider Erhard , Maurer Hans H.
Published: June 2006

Studies are described on the metabolism and the toxicological analysis of the phenethylamine‐derived designer drug 4‐iodo‐2,5‐dimethoxy‐β‐phenethylamine (2C‐I) in rat urine using gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) techniques, and for a particular question, using capillary electrophoretic/mass spectrometric (CE/MS) techniques. The identified metabolites indicated that 2C‐I was metabolized on the one hand by O‐demethylation in position 2 and 5, respectively, followed either by N‐acetylation or by deamination with subsequent oxidation to the corresponding acid or reduction to the corresponding alcohol, respectively. The latter metabolite was hydroxylated in β‐position and further oxidized to the corresponding oxo metabolite. On the other hand, 2C‐I was metabolized by deamination with subsequent oxidation to the corresponding acid or reduction to the corresponding alcohol, respectively. 2C‐I and most of its metabolites were partially excreted in conjugated form. The authors' systematic toxicological analysis (STA) procedure using full‐scan GC/MS after acid hydrolysis, liquid–liquid extraction and microwave‐assisted acetylation allowed the detection of an intake of a dose of 2C‐I in rat urine that corresponds to a common drug users' dose. Assuming similar metabolism, the described STA procedure should be suitable for proof of an intake of 2C‐I in human urine. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zirconia‐coated graphite adsorption bar micro‐extraction combined with ETV‐ICP‐MS for the determination of trace amounts of Cd, Hg and Pb in environmental and biological samples
Authors: Pu Xuli , Jiang Zucheng , Hu Bin
Published: June 2006

In this work, a new and simple micro‐extraction method termed graphite adsorption bar micro‐extraction was developed, for the first time, for electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ETV‐ICP‐MS) determination of trace Cd, Hg and Pb. In this method, the graphite bar was first coated with zirconia and then inserted into the sample solution for extraction. The graphite bar enriched with the analytes was inserted directly into a graphite tube, and subsequently analyzed by ETV‐ICP‐MS according to an established temperature program. The experimental parameters, which had influence on the extraction and vaporization, were systematically investigated and the optimal experimental conditions were established. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits of the method were 0.05, 0.42 and 0.06 pg/ml for Cd, Hg and Pb and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) for 11 replicates at the 0.1 ng/ml level were 7.4, 8.2 and 7.7%, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of trace Cd, Hg and Pb in environmental and biological samples. The results of the experiments indicate that the method has a high enrichment factor and sample utilization efficiency. Furthermore, the method is fast and environment‐friendly. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of low‐abundant in vitro metabolites of stable isotope‐labelled BAL4815 by accurate mass capillary‐LC‐ESI‐qTof‐MS and MS/MS
Authors: Wind Mathias , Spickermann Jochen , Schleimer Michael , Donzelli Massimiliano , Gebhardt Klaus , Sturm‐Haurany Rima , Klauer Dominique , Fullhardt Pascal , Schmitt‐Hoffmann Anne
Published: June 2006

The metabolic profile of BAL4815, an antifungal azole drug, was determined using in vitro rat hepatocyte incubations and subsequent analysis by capillary LC‐qTof‐MS and MS/MS including accurate mass determination. For the detection of the metabolites, a mixture of the drug and its deuterium‐labelled analogue was used for incubations. Metabolic stability of BAL4815 was high in cultured rat hepatocytes. However, several low‐abundant metabolites were detected by the use of capillary LC‐qTof‐MS and manual investigation of the data. The peak intensity of the most abundant metabolite was close to the limit of detection. Except for an apparent oxidation product, the masses of the other detected metabolites could not be assigned to a single and frequently occurring biotransformation. Accurate mass determination and possible elemental compositions suggested that metabolism occurred through a combination of glutathionylation and defluorination. This was verified using accurate mass MS/MS. The use of accurate mass measurements and the derived suggestions for the elemental compositions were essential to elucidate this atypical metabolic pathway. A mass accuracy better than 8 ppm could be achieved for most assigned MS and MS/MS signals with intensities less than 6 cps in the spectra. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New designer drug N‐(1‐phenylcyclohexyl)‐3‐ethoxypropanamine (PCEPA): Studies on its metabolism and toxicological detection in rat urine using gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric techniques
Authors: Sauer Christoph , Peters Frank T. , Staack Roland F. , Fritschi Giselher , Maurer Hans H.
Published: June 2006

Studies are described on the metabolism and toxicological detection of the phencyclidine‐derived designer drug N‐(1‐phenylcyclohexyl)‐3‐ethoxypropanamine (PCEPA) in rat urine using gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric techniques. The identified metabolites indicated that PCEPA was metabolized by N‐dealkylation, O‐deethylation partially followed by oxidation of the resulting alcohol to the corresponding carboxylic acid, hydroxylation of the cyclohexyl ring at different positions of PCEPA, N‐dealkyl PCEPA, O‐deethyl PCEPA, and of the corresponding carboxylic acids. Finally, aromatic hydroxylation of PCEPA, the corresponding carboxylic acids, and O‐deethyl PCEPA, the latter partially followed by oxidation to the corresponding carboxylic acid and hydroxylation of the cyclohexyl ring could be observed. All metabolites were partially excreted in the conjugated form. The authors' systematic toxicological analysis (STA) procedure using full‐scan GC/MS after acid hydrolysis, liquid‐liquid extraction, and microwave‐assisted acetylation allowed the detection in rat urine of an intake of a common drug users' dose of PCEPA. Assuming a similar metabolism in humans, the STA in human urine should be suitable as proof of intake of PCEPA. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designer drug 2,4,5‐trimethoxyamphetamine (TMA‐2): Studies on its metabolism and toxicological detection in rat urine using gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric techniques
Authors: Ewald Andreas H. , Fritschi Giselher , Maurer Hans H.
Published: June 2006

Studies are described on the metabolism and the toxicological detection of the amphetamine‐derived designer drug 2,4,5‐trimethoxyamphetamine (TMA‐2) in rat urine using gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) techniques. The identified metabolites indicated that TMA‐2 was metabolized by oxidative deamination to the corresponding ketone followed by reduction to the corresponding alcohol, O‐demethylation followed by oxidative deamination, and finally O,O‐bis‐demethylation. All metabolites carrying hydroxy groups were found to be partly excreted in urine as glucuronides and/or sulfates. The authors' systematic toxicological analysis (STA) procedure using full‐scan GC/MS after acid hydrolysis, liquid‐liquid extraction, and microwave‐assisted acetylation allowed the detection, in rat urine, of an intake of TMA‐2 that corresponds to a common drug users' dose. Assuming similar metabolism, the described STA procedure in human urine should be suitable as proof of an intake of TMA‐2. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
KDI tripeptide of γ1 laminin protects rat dopaminergic neurons from 6‐OHDA induced toxicity
Authors: Väänänen Antti J. , Rauhala Pekka , Tuominen Raimo K. , Liesi Päivi
Published: June 2006

Our previous studies indicate that the KDI (Lys‐Asp‐Ile) tripeptide of γ1 laminin protects central neurons from mechanical trauma and excitotoxicity. At least part of the neuroprotective effect of the KDI tripeptide may be mediated by its inhibitory function on ionotropic glutamate receptors. We studied the protective effect of the KDI tripeptide against 6‐hydroxy‐dopamine (6‐OHDA) induced neurotoxicity in a rat experimental model of Parkinson's disease (PD). We found that a single unilateral injection of the KDI tripeptide into the substantia nigra before an injection of 6‐OHDA protected the dopaminergic neurons from the neurotoxicity of 6‐OHDA. Compared to rats treated with 6‐OHDA alone, the KDI + 6‐OHDA‐treated substantia nigra was relatively intact with large numbers of dopaminergic neurons present at the injection side. In the rats treated with 6‐OHDA alone, no dopaminergic neurons were detected, and the substantia nigra‐area at the injection side was filled with blood‐containing cavities. Quantification of the rescue effect of the KDI tripeptide indicated that, in animals receiving KDI before 6‐OHDA, 33% of tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra were present as compared to the contralateral non‐injected side. In animals receiving 6‐OHDA alone, only 1.4% of the tyrosine hydroxylase expressing dopaminergic neurons could be verified. If this much protection were achieved in humans, it would be sufficient to diminish or greatly alleviate the clinical symptoms of PD. We propose that the KDI tripeptide or its derivatives might offer a neuroprotective biological alternative for treatment of PD. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
P2 purinergic receptors signal to glycogen synthase kinase‐3β in astrocytes
Authors: Neary Joseph T. , Kang Yuan
Published: June 2006

Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)‐3 was identified initially as an enzyme that regulates glycogen synthesis in response to insulin, but more recent studies indicate that it is also involved in numerous cellular processes, including cell survival, cell cycle regulation, proliferation, and differentiation. Because extracellular ATP exerts trophic actions on astrocytes, we investigated a possible signaling linkage from P2 purinergic receptors to GSK3β. Addition of ATP to primary cultures of rat cortical astrocytes resulted in phosphorylation of Ser9 on GSK3β and a concomitant decrease in GSK3 activity. UTP and 2′,3′‐O‐(4‐benzoyl)‐benzoyl ATP (BzATP) increased phosphorylation of Ser9 on GSK3β indicating that metabotropic P2Y and ionotropic P2X receptors are coupled to GSK3β. Signaling studies showed that phosphorylation of Ser9‐GSK3β in response to ATP was inhibited by downregulation of protein kinase C (PKC) but not by blockade of Akt or p70 S6 kinase pathways. PKC also links P2 receptors to ERK in astrocytes, but inhibition of ERK signaling did not block phosphorylation of Ser9‐GSK3β stimulated by P2 receptors. Mechanical strain, which releases ATP, also stimulated Ser9 phosphorylation and this was attenuated by hydrolysis of extracellular ATP with apyrase or by blockade of P2 receptors. We conclude that P2 receptors are coupled to GSK3β by a PKC‐dependent pathway that is independent of Akt, p70 S6 kinase, and ERK pathways. These findings suggest that purinergic signaling contributes to the regulation of GSK3β functions, one of which may be the response of astrocytes to CNS injury on release of ATP. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A regional coupled air–ocean wave model and the simulation of the South China sea summer monsoon in 1998
Authors: Huijuan Lin , Yongfu Qian , Yaocun Zhang , Xuejuan Ren
Published: June 2006

Wind‐generated ocean waves play a key role in the transfer of momentum, heat, and water vapor between air and sea. In order to reveal the influences of ocean waves on the South China Sea summer monsoon (SCSSM) and to discuss the related mechanisms, a regional atmospheric climate model (with 9 layers in P‐σ coordinate) is coupled to the third generation ocean wave model using the sea‐state‐dependent roughness, and the coupled model (referred to as P‐σRCM‐WAM) is applied to simulate the SCSSM‐developing processes as applicable for 1998. Four simulations are performed and their results compared with one another. The difference between the fully coupled and uncoupled models in terms of the pentad mean wind fields at the 850 hPa level shows a cyclonic circulation over the northern South China Sea (SCS) and southern China before the SCSSM onset. During the onset of the SCSSM the cyclonic circulation changes to a prevailing southwesterly flow over the northern SCS, thus accelerating the SCSSM onset. After the onset the differential wind field shows a divergent pattern. The evolution of precipitation is also modified by the coupling. In response to the air–ocean wave (AW) coupling, the SCSSM rainfall increases in the northern SCS during the SCSSM onset; after the onset the rainfall decreases over the SCS and increases over South China. Considering the atmospheric fields at seasonal timescales, the fully coupled model better simulates the intensity of the 500 hPa geopotential height field and obtains the precipitation with the spatial pattern and amount that are closer to the observations, especially in June, compared with the uncoupled model. The AW feedback in the momentum coupling process results in an anticyclonic differential wind field at the 850 hPa level near the coast. During the SCSSM onset, the thermal positive feedback is dominant in causing changes in the heat fluxes and intensifies the 850 hPa wind field over the Bay of Bengal (BOB) and northern SCS. The BOB and the SCS are both sensitive regions for the onset of SCSSM in the momentum and thermal coupling experiments. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Appropriate application of the standardized precipitation index in arid locations and dry seasons
Authors: Wu Hong , Svoboda Mark D. , Hayes Michael J. , Wilhite Donald A. , Wen Fujiang
Published: June 2006

The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) is now widely used throughout the world in both a research and an operational mode. For arid climates, or those with a distinct dry season where zero values are common, the SPI at short time scales is lower bounded, referring to non‐normally distributed in this study. In these cases, the SPI is always greater than a certain value and fails to indicate a drought occurrence. The nationwide statistics based on our study suggest that the non‐normality rates are closely related to local precipitation climates. In the eastern United States, SPI values at short time scales can be used in drought/flood monitoring and research in any season, while in the western United States, because of its distinct seasonal precipitation distribution, the appropriate usage and interpretation of this index becomes complicated. This would also be the case for all arid climates. From a mathematical point of view, the non‐normally distributed SPI is caused by a high probability of no‐rain cases represented in the mixed distribution that is employed in the SPI construction. From a statistical point of view, the 2‐parameter gamma model used to estimate the precipitation probability density function and the limited sample size in dry areas and times would also reduce the confidence of the SPI values.

On the basis of the results identified within this study, we recommend that the SPI user be cautious when applying short‐time‐scale SPIs in arid climatic regimes, and interpret the SPI values appropriately. In dry climates, the user should focus on the duration of the drought rather than on just its severity. It is also worth noting that the SPI results from a statistical product of the input data. This character makes it difficult to link the SPI data to the physical functioning of the Earth system. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Dystonia, mental deterioration, and dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria in a family with ADAR1 mutation
Authors: Tojo Kana , Sekijima Yoshiki , Suzuki Tamio , Suzuki Noriyuki , Tomita Yasushi , Yoshida Kunihiro , Hashimoto Takao , Ikeda Shu‐ichi
Published: June 2006

A family with dystonia associated with dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH), mental deterioration, and tissue calcification is described. The proband possessed an adenosine deaminase acting on the RNA 1 gene (ADAR1) mutation Gly1007Arg. This ADAR1 mutation could disturb RNA editing at Q/R sites of glutamate receptor in the brain and increase Ca2+ influx into neurons, which is thought to induce dystonia and mental deterioration. The observations in our family raise the possibility that the ADAR1 mutation might be a direct cause or a predisposing factor for heredodegenerative dystonia. Further investigation of ADAR1 mutations will shed light on the genotype–phenotype correlation in DSH. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) mutations in a Swedish Parkinson cohort and a healthy nonagenarian
Authors: Carmine Belin Andrea , Westerlund Marie , Sydow Olof , Lundströmer Karin , Håkansson Anna , Nissbrandt Hans , Olson Lars , Galter Dagmar
Published: June 2006

Specific variants of Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) have been shown to associate with Parkinson's disease (PD). Several mutations have been found in PD populations from different parts of the world. We investigated the occurrence of three mutations (R1441G/C/H, G2019S, and I2020T) in our Swedish case–control material and identified four carriers of the G2019S mutation in 284 PD cases and 1 95‐year‐old carrier in 305 controls. The other two variants were absent in our material. We conclude that the LRRK2 G2019S mutation constitutes a significant factor for PD in the Swedish population and that it is not completely penetrant. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Botulinum toxin a may be efficacious as treatment for jaw tremor in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Schneider Susanne A. , Edwards Mark J. , Cordivari Carla , Macleod William N. , Bhatia Kailash P.
Published: June 2006

Jaw tremor in Parkinson's disease (PD) may not respond well to conventional treatment. It causes embarrassment and social handicap. We piloted the use of botulinum toxin (BTX) injections in three patients with PD jaw tremor. BTX A (Dysport; mean, 53 U; range, 30–100 U) was given into each masseter muscle. Outcome was assessed by subjective and clinical improvement and by video recording before and 4 to 9 weeks after injections. There was an excellent response in all without side effects. BTX injections into the masseter may effectively improve jaw tremor and be useful in PD and other conditions. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Iron metabolism in Parkinsonian syndromes
Authors: Berg Daniela , Hochstrasser Helmine
Published: June 2006

Growing evidence suggests an involvement of iron in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Several of the diseases are associated with parkinsonian syndromes, induced by degeneration of basal ganglia regions that contain the highest amount of iron within the brain. The group of neurodegenerative disorders associated with parkinsonian syndromes with increased brain iron content can be devided into two groups: (1) parkinsonian syndromes associated with brain iron accumulation, including Parkinson's disease, diffuse Lewy body disease, parkinsonian type of multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal ganglionic degeneration, and Westphal variant of Huntington's disease; and (2) monogenetically caused disturbances of brain iron metabolism associated with parkinsonian syndromes, including aceruloplasminemia, hereditary ferritinopathies affecting the basal ganglia, and panthotenate kinase associated neurodegeneration type 2. Although it is still a matter of debate whether iron accumulation is a primary cause or secondary event in the first group, there is no doubt that iron‐induced oxidative stress contributes to neurodegeneration. Parallels concerning pathophysiological as well as clinical aspects can be drawn between disorders of both groups. Results from animal models and reduction of iron overload combined with at least partial relief of symptoms by application of iron chelators in patients of the second group give hope that targeting the iron overload might be one possibility to slow down the neurodegenerative cascade also in the first group of inevitably progressive neurodegenerative disorders. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Validity of the 30‐item geriatric depression scale in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: McDonald William M. , Holtzheimer Paul E. , Haber Michael , Vitek Jerrold L. , McWhorter Kimberly , DeLong Mahlon
Published: June 2006

Depression in Parkinson's disease (dPD) is difficult to diagnose because depressive symptoms can overlap with symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Subject‐rated scales such as the 30‐item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) may be useful in screening for dPD. There were 57 patients (33 men, 24 women; mean age, 58.6 years [SD ± 8.4]) enrolled in a study of pallidotomy for intractable PD who were evaluated for depression before and after surgery. Subjects were evaluated using the 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual‐III (SCID), and the GDS. SCID was used to diagnose major depression with confirmation by an expert geropsychiatrist. Receiver‐operating curves (ROC) were used to identify cutoff points with maximal discriminant validity for diagnosing dPD. A total of 213 evaluation time points were included for the 52 patients with time points that included a valid SCID diagnosis, GDS, and HDRS. A ROC established points of maximum specificity/sensitivity for the GDS at a cutoff of 9/10 (sensitivity = 0.809, specificity = 0.837, positive predictive value [PPV] = 0.584, negative predictive value [NPV] = 0.939) and for the HDRS at a cutoff of 12/13 (sensitivity = 0.810, specificity = 0.821, PPV = 0.580, NPV = 0.934). The GDS was moderately correlated with the HDRS (Pearson's r = 0.54; P < 0.001). The GDS is useful in screening for dPD. A cutoff score of 9/10 has acceptable discriminant validity for dPD, and the GDS has a moderate correlation with the HDRS in PD patients. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
A case of dysferlinopathy presenting choreic movements
Authors: Takahashi Toshiaki , Aoki Masashi , Imai Takashi , Yoshioka Masaru , Konno Hidehiko , Higano Shuichi , Onodera Yoshiaki , Saito Hiroshi , Kimura Itaru , Itoyama Yasuto
Published: June 2006

Mutations in the dysferlin gene cause limb–girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (LGMD2B). The involvement of the central nervous system in dysferlinopathy has not been described. We describe the clinical features of a patient with LGMD2B associated with dysferlin mutations (homozygous G3370T) who presented progressive choreic movements. The patient had no evidence of other causes of chorea. It is suggested that the chorea may be associated with the altered expression of the brain isoform of dysferlin. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Food allergy
Authors: Burks Wesley , Ballmer‐Weber Barbara K.
Published: June 2006

This article reviews the classification of food allergies, their prevalence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Introduction to bioinformatics
Authors: Akalın Pinar Kondu
Published: June 2006

This article introduces the field of bioinformatics and describes bioinformatic approaches and their application to the study of protein allergens. The predominant bioinformatics tools and resources are listed and discussed.
Practical and predictive bioinformatics methods for the identification of potentially cross‐reactive protein matches
Authors: Goodman Richard E.
Published: June 2006

A bioinformatics comparison of proteins introduced into food crops through genetic engineering provides a mechanism to identify those proteins that may present an increased risk of allergic reactions for individuals with existing allergies. The goal is to identify proteins that are known to be allergens or are so similar to an allergen that they may induce allergic cross‐reactions. Three comparative approaches have traditionally been used, or considered for safety evaluations. One identifies any short (6–8) amino acid segment of the protein that exactly matches a known allergen sequence. The second is an overall primary sequence comparison using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) or FASTA to find matches of greater than 35% identity over 80 amino acids. The third is based on 3‐D prediction programs to identify 3‐D similarities that might predict potential cross‐reactivity. The utility of each of these approaches was debated in the bioinformatics workshop. The consensus agreement from the expert workshop participants was that the short‐segment match (e. g., 6–8 amino acids) provides an unacceptably high rate of false positive matches and an uncertain rate of true positive matches, and was not particularly useful for an allergenicity evaluation performed in the context of comprehensive safety evaluation. There was no consensus regarding the most appropriate bioinformatics method, an acceptable scoring criteria for triggering closer examination subsequent to a positive match, or an acceptable scoring mechanism for ranking the utility of the various 3‐D approaches that were discussed during the workshop. However, the general consensus was that the most practical approach at this time is to evaluate primary sequence identities to known allergens using either FASTA or BLAST. While there was good agreement that identities of greater than 35% over 80 or more amino acids (recommended by Codex in 2003) is quite conservative, the conclusion was that additional data or studies would be needed to justify changing this criterion as there is some evidence that some individuals sensitized to proteins in evolutionarily conserved protein families may experience cross‐reactions to proteins sharing approximately 40% identity.
Competition of nitroxyl contrast agents as an in vivo tissue redox probe: Comparison of pharmacokinetics by the bile flow monitoring (BFM) and blood circulating monitoring (BCM) methods using X‐band EPR and simulation of decay profiles
Authors: Okajo Aya , Matsumoto Ken‐ichiro , Mitchell James B. , Krishna Murali C. , Endo Kazutoyo
Published: June 2006

Nitroxyl radicals used as tissue redox‐sensitive contrast agents in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and/or NMR imaging should satisfy the following two conditions: 1) the molecules disperse into tissues rapidly, and 2) paramagnetic loss occurs by simple reduction of the radical. The pharmacokinetic trends of several nitroxyl contrast agents were compared with the results obtained by bile flow monitoring (BFM) and blood circulation monitoring (BCM) methods using X‐band EPR. The nitroxyl radicals (TEMPO, TEMPONE (oxo‐TEMPO), and amino‐TEMPO) showed additional EPR signals in the bile that were attributed to metabolites formed during transport from blood to bile through the liver. However, the highly hydrophilic CAT‐1 (trimethylammonium‐TEMPO), which has low membrane permeability, showed minimal concentration in the bile. Probes that have carboxyl moiety, such as carboxy‐TEMPO and carboxy‐PROXYL, can be transported via anion transporter into hepatic cells. The EPR signal decay profiles of the nitroxyl radicals were simulated based on the experimental data. The simulation, which we previously applied to mouse blood, was modified to simultaneously fit the experimental results of BFM and BCM obtained with rats. The simulation data showed the simplicity/complexity of the pharmacokinetic mechanisms and that carbamoyl‐PROXYL and TEMPOL (hydroxy‐TEMPO) are suitable contrast agents for assessing tissue redox status. Magn Reson Med, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fast automatic linear off‐resonance correction method for spiral imaging
Authors: Chen Weitian , Meyer Craig H.
Published: June 2006

Field inhomogeneity and susceptibility variations, coupled with a long readout, can result in image blurring in spiral imaging. Many correction methods based on a priori off‐resonance information, such as an acquired field map, have been proposed in the literature. Automatic off‐resonance correction methods are alternative approaches that estimate a field map from the image data themselves. In this paper we propose a fast automatic off‐resonance correction method that performs linear correction without acquiring a field map. The method requires only about two times the total computation time compared to image reconstruction by gridding. It can also be used in combination with a full field map automatic off‐resonance correction method to increase the extent of correction. The method is demonstrated by in vivo coronary artery imaging. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental regulation of biglycan expression in muscle and tendon
Authors: Lechner Beatrice E. , Lim Jae H. , Mercado Mary Lynn , Fallon Justin R.
Published: June 2006

Biglycan is an extracellular ligand for the dystrophin‐associated protein complex (DAPC) that is upregulated in both dystrophic and regenerating muscle. Biglycan also binds to collagen VI, mutations of which cause a congenital muscular dystrophy (Ullrich's; UCMD) that is also characterized by connective tissue abnormalities. The expression of biglycan in early development and postnatal ages has not been well characterized. Here we show that biglycan transcript levels peak at ∼21 weeks' gestation in human fetal muscle. Immunocytochemical analysis of developing mouse muscle shows that biglycan can be detected in muscle as early as embryonic day (E)16 and is most abundant between postnatal day (P)1 and P7. Biglycan is also highly expressed in developing tendon, with maximal levels observed at E16–18. This robust tendon expression is correlated with a sharp peak in biglycan transcript levels in the hindlimb. Finally, at E18 collagen VI colocalizes with biglycan in tendon. These results suggest that biglycan has a particularly important function during muscle and connective tissue development. Moreover, biglycan may play a role in the pathogenesis of collagen VI–associated congenital muscular dystrophies. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Approaches to the treatment of mitochondrial diseases
Authors: DiMauro Salvatore , Hirano Michio , Schon Eric A.
Published: June 2006

Therapy for mitochondrial diseases is woefully inadequate. However, lack of a cure does not equate with lack of treatment. Palliative therapy is dictated by good medical practice and includes anticonvulsant medication, control of endocrine dysfunction, and surgical procedures. Removal of noxious metabolites is centered on combating lactic acidosis, but extends to other metabolites. Attempts to bypass blocks in the respiratory chain by administration of electron acceptors have not been successful, but this may be amenable to genetic engineering. Administration of metabolites and cofactors is the mainstay of real‐life therapy and is especially important in disorders due to primary deficiencies of specific compounds, such as carnitine or coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). There is increasing interest in the administration of reactive oxygen radicals (ROS) scavengers, both in primary mitochondrial diseases and in neurodegenerative diseases. Gene therapy is a challenge because of polyplasmy and heteroplasmy, but novel experimental approaches are being pursued. One important strategy is to decrease the ratio of mutant to wild‐type mitochondrial genomes (“gene shifting”) by different means: (1) converting mutated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genes into normal nuclear DNA genes (“allotopic expression”); (2) importing cognate genes from other species (“xenotopic expression”); (3) correcting mtDNA mutations by importing specific restriction endonucleases; (4) selecting for respiratory function; and (5) inducing muscle regeneration. Germline therapy raises ethical problems but is being considered for prevention of maternal transmission of mtDNA mutations. Preventive therapy through genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis is becoming increasingly important for nuclear DNA–related disorders. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Impaired abdominal muscle contractility after high‐intensity exhaustive exercise assessed by magnetic stimulation
Authors: Verges Samuel , Schulz Christian , Perret Claudio , Spengler Christina M.
Published: June 2006

High‐intensity exercise can induce diaphragm fatigue which can, in turn, limit exercise performance. We investigated whether expiratory muscles fatigue similarly during exhaustive exercise. Eleven healthy male volunteers cycled to exhaustion at 85% maximal power. Before, immediately after exercise, and after 30 and 60 min of recovery, the nerve roots supplying the abdominal muscles were stimulated magnetically at the T10 level in the prone position after full potentiation. Twitch gastric pressure (Pga,tw) was simultaneously recorded. After cycling, Pga,tw was significantly reduced compared to before exercise (40.2 ± 6.6 vs. 45.3 ± 7.5 cmH2O; P < 0.001), whereas after 30 and 60 min of recovery differences were no longer significant. The reduction in Pga,tw directly after exercise correlated neither with the fitness level nor with abdominal muscle work, respiratory sensations, or blood lactate concentration during exercise. These results indicate that the ventilatory requirements during intensive exercise can impair abdominal muscle contractility similar to diaphragmatic contractility. Thus, abdominal muscle fatigue may also contribute to exercise limitation, especially when expiratory resistance is increased as in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Survey of electrodiagnostic laboratories regarding hemorrhagic complications from needle electromyography
Authors: Gruis Kirsten L. , Little Ann A. , Zebarah Valerie A. , Albers James W.
Published: June 2006

Little is known about the complications of needle electromyography (EMG) performed on anticoagulated patients, and no guidelines exist regarding its performance. We conducted an anonymous survey of academic EMG laboratories in the U.S. to understand current practices and complications with regard to anticoagulated patients and those receiving antiplatelet medications. Forty‐seven (78%) of 60 EMG laboratories responded to the survey. Four laboratories (9%) reported at least one hemorrhagic complication requiring medical or surgical intervention in an anticoagulated patient, whereas none reported a hemorrhagic complication in patients receiving antiplatelet medications. Ten (21%) reported willingness to evaluate cranial, paraspinal, and all limb muscles in anticoagulated patients. This survey suggests that hemorrhagic complications from needle EMG of anticoagulated patients are rare. It also suggests that needle EMG of patients receiving antiplatelet therapy is not associated with increased reports of hemorrhagic complications. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Peak power of muscles injured by lengthening contractions
Authors: Widrick Jeffrey J. , Barker Tyler
Published: June 2006

Excessive or extreme lengthening contractions have a well‐characterized depressive effect on skeletal muscle isometric force. In addition to producing force, active muscles must often shorten in order to meet the power requirements of locomotion and other physical activities. However, the impact of lengthening contractions on muscle power is poorly understood. We evaluated the effect of 20 isometric contractions or 20 lengthening contractions (20% strain at 1.5 fiber lengths/s) on the force–velocity–power relationships of mouse soleus muscles in vitro at 35°C. Pre‐ and posttreatment data were obtained as the muscles shortened through their optimal length (Lo). The isometric treatment did not alter Lo, the curvature of the force–velocity relationship (a/Po), or soleus maximal shortening velocity (Vmax), whereas peak force (Po) displayed a slow, time‐dependent decline of 10% across the experiments. Following the lengthening treatment, Lo increased by 6%, a/Po increased by 22%, and Vmax and Po fell by 24% and 26%, respectively. Under optimal conditions for producing power, muscles damaged by lengthening contractions attained 22% less force and shortened 20% more slowly than before damage. Consequently, soleus peak power fell 37% after lengthening, a 2.5‐fold greater decline than noted for the isometric treatment. Under the conditions studied here, the excessive power loss following lengthening contractions was due to force and velocity deficits of approximately equal relative magnitude. Because power represents the ability of the muscle to perform work, reductions in both force and shortening velocity should be considered when evaluating and treating lengthening‐induced skeletal muscle injuries. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Relationship between abdominal and pelvic floor muscle activation and intravaginal pressure during pelvic floor muscle contractions in healthy continent women
Authors: Madill Stéphanie J. , McLean Linda
Published: June 2006

Aim

Activation of the abdominal muscles might contribute to the generation of a strong pelvic floor muscle contraction, and consequently may contribute to the continence mechanism in women. The purpose of this study was to determine the abdominal muscle activation levels and the patterns of muscle activity associated with voluntary pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractions in urinary continent women.

Methods

Fifteen healthy continent women participated. They performed three maximal contractions of each of the four abdominal muscles and of their PFMs while in supine. Abdominal and PFM activity was recorded using electromyography (EMG), and intravaginal pressure was recorded using a custom modified Femiscan™ probe.

Results

During voluntary maximal PFM contractions, rectus abdominus was activated to 9.61 (±7.42)% maximal voluntary electrical activity (MVE), transversus abdominus was activated to 224.30(±47.4)% MVE, the external obliques were activated to 18.72(±13.33)% MVE, and the internal obliques were activated to 81.47(±63.57)% MVE. A clear pattern of activation emerged, whereby the transversus abdominus, internal oblique, and rectus abdominus muscles worked with the PFM in the initial generation of maximal intravaginal pressure. PFM activity predominated in the initial rise in lower vaginal pressure, with later increases in pressure (up to 70% maximum pressure) being associated with the combined activation of the PFM, rectus abdominus, internal obliques, and transverses abdominus. These abdominal muscles were the primary source of intravaginal pressure increases in the latter 30% of the task, whereas there was little increase in PFM activation from this point on. The external oblique muscles showed no clear pattern of activity, but worked at approximately 20% MVE throughout the PFM contractions, suggesting that their role may be predominantly in postural setting prior to the initiation of intravaginal pressure increases.

Conclusions

Defined patterns of abdominal muscle activity were found in response to voluntary PFM contractions in healthy continent women. Neurourol. Urodynam. 25:722–730, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of an HPLC‐PAD‐MS assay for the identification and quantification of major phenolic edelweiss (Leontopodium alpium Cass.) constituents
Authors: Schwaiger Stefan , Seger Christoph , Wiesbauer Bettina , Schneider Peter , Ellmerer Ernst P. , Sturm Sonja , Stuppner Hermann
Published: June 2006

The analytical assessment of edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) herb extracts, used in traditional alpine medicine, has resulted in the development of a HPLC‐PAD‐MS method that allows baseline separation of almost all constituents. Peak assignment of 14 analytes was achieved by comparison of retention times, UV and mass spectra with those of reference compounds either commercially available (luteolin, apigenin and chlorogenic acid) or isolated from edelweiss plants by column chromatography. Ten of the isolated analytes were identified as the known natural products: quercetin‐3‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside, luteolin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside, luteolin‐3′‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside, luteolin‐4′‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside, apigenin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside, 6‐hydroxy‐luteolin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside, luteolin‐7,4′‐di‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside, chrysoeriol‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside, leontopodic acid and 3,5‐dicaffeolyquinic acid. One analyte, 3,4,5‐tri‐(E)‐caffeoly‐d‐glucaric acid proved to be a new natural product and was named leontopodic acid B. Structure elucidation was carried out by means of MS and NMR spectroscopy in all cases. The aerial plant parts of L. alpinum (capitula, inflorescence leaves, stems, stem leaves and leaves of the basal rosette) showed variable amounts of the above‐mentioned constituents, although qualitative differences were not observable. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Some safety aspects on the design of sparger systems for the oxidation of organic liquids
Authors: Weber Manfred
Published: June 2006

This article summarizes all important parameters for a proper and safe design of the sparger system for large bubble columns, used for the oxidation of organic liquids with air or oxygen enriched air. As an example, this is done for the oxidation of cumene (isopropylbenzene), which is worldwide used in phenol processes. Based on data in the literature and newly measured flammability limits at 100° C and 5 barg, the potential hazards from uncontrolled gas reactions can be avoided, ultimately avoiding an explosion in the sparger system. For normal operation, a minimum flow of gas is necessary to ensure a uniform flow through all outlets, which are typically holes with a diameter of several millimeters. All holes should be directed towards the vessel bottom to self‐drain the sparger. For start‐up, a previous inerting of the sparger with nitrogen is preferable. Nevertheless, a certain amount of organic liquid may still be in the sparger system prior to start up. Therefore, the compressed air/oxygen should have a temperature below the Oxidation Initiation Temperature to avoid any initiation of a liquid phase oxidation within the sparger. In addition, the pressure in the sparger system should be high enough to keep the gas phase concentration of the organic liquid below the Lower Flammability Limit. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2006