bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early onset muscle weakness and disruption of muscle proteins in mouse models of spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Boyer Justin G , Murray Lyndsay M , Scott Kyle , De Repentigny Yves , Renaud Jean-Marc , Kothary Rashmi 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
The childhood neuromuscular disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by mutations or deletions of the survival motor neuron (SMN1) gene. Although SMA has traditionally been considered a motor neuron disease, the muscle-specific requirement for SMN has never been fully defined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate muscle defects in mouse models of SMA.

Methods
We have taken advantage of two different mouse models of SMA, the severe Smn

-/-
;SMN2 mice and the less severe Smn

2B/-
mice. We have measured the maximal force produced from control muscles and those of SMA model mice by direct stimulation using an ex vivo apparatus. Immunofluorescence and immunoblot experiments were performed to uncover muscle defects in mouse models of SMA. Means from control and SMA model mice samples were compared using an analysis of variance test and Student’s t tests.

Results
We report that tibialis anterior (TA) muscles of phenotype stage Smn

-/-
;SMN2 mice generate 39% less maximal force than muscles from control mice, independently of aberrant motor neuron signal transmission. In addition, during muscle fatigue, the Smn

-/-
;SMN2 muscle shows early onset and increased unstimulated force compared with controls. Moreover, we demonstrate a significant decrease in force production in muscles from pre-symptomatic Smn

-/-
;SMN2 and Smn

2B/-
mice, indicating that muscle weakness is an early event occurring prior to any overt motor neuron loss and muscle denervation. Muscle weakness in mouse models of SMA was associated with a delay in the transition from neonatal to adult isoforms of proteins important for proper muscle contractions, such as ryanodine receptors and sodium channels. Immunoblot analyses of extracts from hindlimb skeletal muscle revealed aberrant levels of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase.

Conclusions
The findings from this study reveal a delay in the appearance of mature isoforms of proteins important for muscle contractions, as well as muscle weakness early in the disease etiology, thus highlighting the contributions of skeletal muscle defects to the SMA phenotype.
Predictive value of specific IgE for clinical peanut allergy in children: relationship with eczema, asthma, and setting (primary or secondary care)
Authors: van Veen Wilma J , Dikkeschei Lambert D , Roberts Graham , Brand Paul LP 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe usefulness of peanut specific IgE levels for diagnosing peanut allergy has not been studied in primary and secondary care where most cases of suspected peanut allergy are being evaluated. We aimed to determine the relationship between peanut‐specific IgE levels and clinical peanut allergy in peanut‐sensitized children and how this was influenced by eczema, asthma and clinical setting (primary or secondary care). We enrolled 280 children (0–18 years) who tested positive for peanut‐specific IgE (> 0.35 kU/L) requested by primary and secondary physicians. We used predefined criteria to classify participants into three groups: peanut allergy, no peanut allergy, or possible peanut allergy, based on responses to a validated questionnaire, a detailed food history, and results of oral food challenges.Fifty‐two participants (18.6%) were classified as peanut allergy, 190 (67.9%) as no peanut allergy, and 38 (13.6%) as possible peanut allergy. The association between peanut‐specific IgE levels and peanut allergy was significant but weak (OR 1.46 for a 10.0 kU/L increase in peanut‐specific IgE, 95% CI 1.28‐1.67). Eczema was the strongest risk factor for peanut allergy (aOR 3.33, 95% CI 1.07‐10.35), adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics. Asthma was not significantly related to peanut allergy (aOR 1.93, 95% CI 0.90‐4.13). Peanut allergy was less likely in primary than in secondary care participants (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.25‐0.86), at all levels of peanut‐specific IgE.The relationship between peanut‐specific IgE and peanut allergy in children is weak, is strongly dependent on eczema, and is weaker in primary compared to secondary care. This limits the usefulness of peanut‐specific IgE levels in the diagnosis of peanut allergy in children.
In-vitro experimental evaluation of skin-to-surface recovery of four bacterial species by antibacterial and non-antibacterial medical examination gloves
Authors: Leitgeb Johannes , Schuster Rupert , Eng Aik-Hwee , Yee Bit-New , Teh Yee-Peng , Dosch Verena , Assadian Ojan 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
The number of bacteria recovered from a stainless steel coupon after touching a pigskin substrate with an examination glove coated on its outside with polyhexanide (PHMB), as compared to the number of bacteria recovered in the same manner with non-coated control gloves was evaluated.

Methods
Suspensions containing 1 × 109 colony-forming units of 4 clinically relevant bacterial species (Enterococcus faecium ATCC #51559; Escherichia coli ATCC #25922; Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC #4352; and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC #33591) were used to contaminate Gamma-irradiated pigskin substrates. Bacterial recoveries from the pigskin substrate, stainless steel coupons, and each glove swatch were performed. A difference in the bacterial recovery from the stainless steel coupons after touching with coated and uncoated control gloves was measured.

Results
For E. faecium, the coated glove showed a reduction of 4.63 log10 cfu recovery, when compared to control gloves. For E. coli, the coated glove showed 5.48 log10 cfu, for K. pneumoniae 5.03 log10 cfu, and for S. aureus 5.72 log10 cfu recovery, when compared to the non-coated control glove.

Conclusion
An in-vitro experiment designed to mimic cross-contamination of clinically relevant bacteria in a simulated healthcare setting following glove contact with a contaminated biological surface and cross-transfer to a stainless steel surface has demonstrated that an examination glove coated on its outside surface with PHMB was able to reduce bacterial recovery from a contaminated surface by > 4 log10 cfu, compared to a control non-coated examination glove. These elaborated results may encourage further clinical investigation on the clinical impact of an antibacterial examination glove.
Grandparents’ Childcare and Female Labor Force Participation
Authors: Posadas Josefina , Vidal-Fernandez Marian 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
In the United States, approximately 20% of employed mothers with children under 5 use grandparents as their primary source of childcare. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79), we investigate whether the availability of this source of childcare has a causal effect on mother’s labor force participation. We compare Ordinary Least Squares 0(OLS), women’s Fixed Effects (FE) and Instrumental Variables (IV) estimates. We find that OLS estimates overestimate the effect of grandparental childcare on young mothers’ labor force participation and are not significantly different from IV estimates. In our preferred specification, FE, we find that the availability of grandparental childcare significantly increases mothers’ labor force participation by 9 percentage points and that this effect is largely driven by minority, single or never married mothers. Our findings suggest that policies that raise retirement ages might increase older cohorts’ labor participation rates at the expense of young women’s through childcare availability.

JEL codes

J2; I3.
Dietary patterns and suicide in Japanese adults: The Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study
Authors: Nanri Akiko , Mizoue Tetsuya , Poudel-Tandukar Kalpana , Noda Mitsuhiko , Kato Masayuki , Kurotani Kayo , Goto Atsushi , Oba Shino , Inoue Manami , Tsugane Shoichiro 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundAlthough dietary patterns have been linked to depression, a frequently observed precondition for suicide, no study has yet examined the association between dietary patterns and suicide risk.AimsTo prospectively investigate the association between dietary patterns and death from suicide.MethodParticipants were 40 752 men and 48 285 women who took part in the second survey of the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study (1995–1998). Dietary patterns were derived from principal component analysis of the consumption of 134 food and beverage items ascertained by a food frequency questionnaire. Hazard ratios of suicide from the fourth year of follow-up to December 2005 were calculated.ResultsAmong both men and women, a ‘prudent’ dietary pattern characterised by a high intake of vegetables, fruits, potatoes, soy products, mushrooms, seaweed and fish was associated with a decreased risk of suicide. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio of suicide for the highest v. lowest quartiles of the dietary pattern score was 0.46 (95% CI 0.28–0.75) (P for trend, 0.005). Other dietary patterns (Westernised and traditional Japanese) were not associated with suicide risk.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that a prudent dietary pattern may be associated with a decreased risk of death from suicide.
Post-traumatic stress reactions in survivors of the 2011 massacre on Utøya Island, Norway
Authors: Dyb Grete , Jensen Tine K. , Nygaard Egil , Ekeberg Øivind , Diseths Trond H. , Wentzel-Larsen Tore , Thoresen Siri 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundAlthough youths in many countries have been exposed to terrorism, few studies have examined early risk and protective factors for the subsequent development of mental health problems.AimsTo investigate the levels of post-traumatic stress in survivors of the 2011 massacre on Ut⊘ya Island compared with the general population in Norway, and to identify predictive factors.MethodFour hundred and ninety survivors were invited to participate. Structured face-to-face interviews were performed 4–5 months after the attack.ResultsThere were 325 study participants (response rate 66%). Survivors had been highly exposed to danger and loss. Post-traumatic stress levels were more than six times higher in survivors than in the general population. Predictors were female gender, minority ethnic status, high level of trauma exposure, pain, the loss of someone close and social support.ConclusionsSurvivor characteristics that can be assessed in the early aftermath of a terrorist attack strongly predict the subsequent mental health problems of exposed youths. The highly elevated symptoms observed were largely attributable to the traumatic experience and reflect the mental health costs of the terrorist attack.
USE OF ANTIPLATELET AGENTS FOR THE PREVENTION OF FIRST AND RECURRENT STROKE
Authors: Gorelick Philip B. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

Antiplatelet agents are an important component of the neurologist's armamentarium for stroke prevention. This chapter reviews major antiplatelet agents that are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for stroke prevention. The discussion focuses primarily on the efficacy, safety, and cost of the following agents in recurrent stroke prevention: aspirin, aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole, clopidogrel, and ticlopidine. The use of aspirin in prevention of a first stroke will also be discussed as will the concepts of aspirin "resistance" and "failure."
ORGANIZING A HOSPITAL SYSTEM FOR EFFECTIVE STROKE PREVENTION
Authors: Ruland Sean D. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

Over the past few decades, many new discoveries in the field of stroke have led to a substantial expansion of evidence-based guidelines for stroke care. Examples such as acute reperfusion therapy for ischemic stroke, warfarin for atrial fibrillation, carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic and asymptomatic disease, endovascular treatments, antithrombotic therapy, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, blood pressure control, and rehabilitative techniques have focused attention on the stroke care delivery system in the United States and elsewhere. Despite the advances and existing guidelines, many authors have suggested that evidence-based stroke treatments are underused. Quality indicator identification, proposed legislation, stroke care delivery system development, and continuing research efforts are aimed at defining quality stroke care and improving its access and delivery.
Ni-Catalyzed Three-component Coupling Reaction of Conjugated Enyne, Carbonyls, and Dimethylzinc to Construct Allenyl Alcohols
Authors: Mori Yasuyuki , Onodera Gen , Kimura Masanari 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Nickel catalyzes the three-component coupling reaction of dimethylzinc, enyne, and carbonyls to provide tetrasubstituted allenyl alcohols. Diethylzinc and diphenylzinc can participate in similar coupling reactions to provide the corresponding allenyl alcohols in reasonable yields.
Alternative Complement Pathway Activation Products in Urine and Kidneys of Patients with ANCA-Associated GN
Authors: Gou Shen-Ju , Yuan Jun , Wang Chen , Zhao Ming-Hui , Chen Min 
Published: October 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Previous study revealed that complement activation products of the alternative pathway could be detected in renal specimens of human ANCA-associated vasculitis. The current study aimed to investigate the clinical and pathologic significance of complement activation products in the urine and kidneys of patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Renal biopsy specimens from 29 patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis diagnosed at Peking University First Hospital from January of 2008 to December of 2010 were randomly collected. Urine samples from 27 of 29 patients in active stage and 22 ANCA-associated vasculitis patients in complete remission who were independent of the above-mentioned 29 patients were collected. Urine samples from 28 patients with lupus nephritis and 25 healthy individuals were also collected. The renal deposition of Bb, C3d, and C5b-9 were detected by immunohistochemistry. The urinary levels of Bb, C3a, C5a, and soluble C5b-9 were determined by ELISA.

Results
The deposition, measured by the mean optical density of Bb, which is an alternative complement pathway marker, in glomeruli correlated with the proportion of total crescents (r=0.50, P=0.006), the extent of interstitial infiltrate (r=0.59, P=0.001), interstitial fibrosis (r=0.45, P=0.01), and tubular atrophy (r=0.55, P=0.002), whereas it correlated inversely with the proportion of normal glomeruli (r=−0.49, P=0.008). The urinary levels of Bb, C3a, C5a, and soluble C5b-9 were all significantly higher in active compared with remission stage. The urinary levels of Bb in patients with active ANCA-associated vasculitis correlated with the serum creatinine (r=0.56, P=0.002) and correlated inversely with the proportion of normal glomeruli in renal specimens (r=−0.49, P=0.009).

Conclusions
The present study provides additional evidence that complement activation through the alternative pathway occurred in the development of ANCA-associated vasculitis. The renal deposition of Bb and urinary Bb levels were associated with the severity of renal injury.
MgZnAl hydrotalcite-like compounds preparation by a green method: effect of zinc content
Authors: Sánchez-Cantú Manuel , Pérez-Díaz Lydia , Rubio-Rosas Efraín , Abril-Sandoval Victor , Merino-Aguirre Jorge , Reyes-Cruz Federico , Orea Laura 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA series of MgZnAl hydrotalcite-like compounds with different zinc content (1–25 mass % of nominal zinc content) were prepared by a simple and environmentally-friendly method. The solids were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric (TG), nitrogen adsorption-desorption at −196°C (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and CO2 temperature-programmed desorption (CO2-TPD). Transesterification of castor oil with methanol was selected as a probe reaction to stress the effect of zinc incorporation. From the XRD analysis of fresh samples it was demonstrated that the incorporation of zinc is feasible in the nominal range of 1–10 mass % while in the samples with higher zinc content, zinc nitrate and ZnO as secondary crystalline phases were observed. Furthermore, the analysis of samples calcined at 450°C indicated the coexistence of the ZnO and MgO crystalline phases. From the EDS and TG characterizations, the zinc percentage and thermal decomposition of the samples were determined. It was revealed that the samples exhibited the characteristic platy-like habit of hydrotalcite-like compounds. The BET analysis confirmed that the calcined samples presented an increment in their specific surface area values compared with the pristine ones. It was established that the amount of basic sites diminished with the zinc incorporation, which also affected the conversion degree of the transesterification reaction.
Efficient hydrolysis of glucose-1-phosphate catalyzed by metallomicelles with histidine residue
Authors: Liu Ying , Meng Xiang-Guang , Li Jian-Mei , Li Xiao-Hong , Yu Wei-Feng 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPhosphate esters play an important role in genetic information transfer, cell signal transduction, energy transmission and metabolic processes of living beings. Efficient catalytic hydrolysis of phosphate esters is still an attractive and challenging problem. Here, a new 2-amino-N-dodecyl-3-(1H-imidazol-5-yl)propanamide (L2) surfactant was synthesized and its metallomicelles of La3+, Cu2+, Co2+, and Zn2+ complexes were used as mimic metalloenzymes to catalyze the hydrolysis of glucose-1-phosphate (G1P) in a buffer solution at 35°C. The metallomicelle systems can efficiently catalyze the hydrolysis of G1P. The rare-earth metallomicelle LaL2 has the highest catalytic activity compared with those of the transition metal micelles CuL2, CoL2, and ZnL2. Different association behaviors of metallomicelles and substrate G1P were proposed. The imidazole group might accelerate the hydrolysis by activating H2O associated with the metal into a metal-OH− group. A possible catalytic mechanism was also discussed.
Neuromuscular Training to Target Deficits Associated With Second Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Authors: Di Stasi Stephanie , Myer Gregory D. , Hewett Timothy E. 
Published: October 2013

Synopsis Successful return to previous level of activity following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is not guaranteed, and the prevalence of second ACL injury may be as high as 30%. In particular, younger athletes who return to sports activities within the first several months after ACL reconstruction may be at significantly greater risk of a second ACL rupture compared to older, less active individuals. Significant neuromuscular deficits and functional limitations are commonly identified in athletes following ACL reconstruction, and these abnormal movement and neuromuscular control profiles may be both residual of deficits existing prior to the initial injury and exacerbated by the injury and subsequent ACL reconstruction surgery. Following ACL reconstruction, neuromuscular deficits are present in both the surgical and nonsurgical limbs, and accurately predict second-ACL injury risk in adolescent athletes. While second ACL injury in highly active individuals may be predicated on a number of modifiable and nonmodifiable factors, clinicians have the greatest potential to address the modifiable postsurgical risk factors through targeted neuromuscular interventions. This manuscript will (1) summarize the neuromuscular deficits commonly identified at medical discharge to return to sport, (2) provide the evidence underlying second-ACL injury risk factors, (3) propose a method to assess the modifiable deficits related to second-ACL injury risk, and (4) outline a method of intervention to prevent second ACL injury. The program described in this clinical commentary was developed with consideration for the modifiable factors related to second-injury risk, the principles of motor learning, and careful selection of the exercises that may most effectively modify aberrant neuromuscular patterns. Future validation of this evidence-based, late-phase rehabilitation program may be a critical factor in maximizing return-to-activity success and reduction of second-injury risk in highly active individuals. Level of Evidence Therapy, level 5. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(11):777–792. Epub 10 October 2013. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4693
Quality of life in adult intradural primary spinal tumors: 36-Item Short Form Health Survey correlation with McCormick and Aminoff-Logue scales
Authors: Guirado Vinícius M. P. , Taricco Mario A. , Nobre Moacyr R. C. , Couto Júnior Euro B. , Ribas Eduardo S. C. , Meluzzi Alexandre , Brock Roger S. , Pena Dias Mario R. , Rodrigues Rodrigo , Teixeira Manoel J. 
Published: October 2013

Object
The most appropriate method to determine the quality of life of patients with intradural primary spinal tumors (IPSTs) is not still well established.

Methods
Clinical data in 234 patients who underwent surgery for intradural spinal disease were collected prospectively. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), a generic score scale, was administered to 148 patients with IPSTs to demonstrate if the survey can be used to effectively evaluate these patients. Forty-eight patients were excluded because they did not complete the protocol. The study was finally conducted with 100 patients (45 male and 55 female) with IPSTs, and the results were compared with those of 2 other scales: the McCormick scale and the Aminoff-Logue scale.

Results
Construct validity was demonstrated by confirming the hypothesized relationship between the scores of the SF-36 and the McCormick scale (p = 0.003), the Aminoff-Logue gait subscale (p = 0.025), the Aminoff-Logue micturition subscale (p = 0.013), and the Aminoff-Logue defecation subscale (p = 0.004). Reliability was demonstrated for all 8 SF-36 domain scales and the Physical Component Summary and the Mental Component Summary of the SF-36, where in each the Cronbach alpha satisfied the Nunnally criterion of > 0.85.

Conclusions
The authors' results demonstrated that SF-36 provides valid and reliable data for patients with IPSTs and that the survey can be used appropriately to evaluate these patients.
Gouvernementalité et participation
Authors: Gourgues Guillaume , Rui Sandrine , Topçu Sezin 
Published: October 2013

L’enjeu d’une analyse des critiques de la démocratie participative ne peut aucunement se limiter à une délimitation fictive entre approches distanciées et approches normatives. L’examen de la pluralité et des mutations des postures critiques qui traversent les recherches sur la participation et la délibération publique nous permet de dégager une partition plus significative entre des perspectives surplombantes et celles faisant une place aux évaluations, aux modes d’engagement et aux jugements des acteurs sociaux, généralement sévères à l’égard de l’offre publique de participation. Par-delà la diversité des cadres théoriques mobilisés, se dégage un mouvement général : la critique sociale joue un rôle actif dans toutes réflexions et orientations relatives à la participation, qu’il s’agisse de la production de l’ordre ou au contraire des résistances dont les pratiques participatives font l’objet. Cette consubstantialité des critiques théoriques et sociales invite alors à retenir une approche en termes de « gouvernementalité », afin d’apprécier si, au regard de l’analyse singulière des rapports de pouvoir qu’elle défend, il y a là une posture et une voie analytique propre à renouveler la critique de la participation.