bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sleep‐related breathing in children with mucopolysaccharidosis
Authors: Nashed A. , Al‐Saleh S. , Gibbons J. , MacLusky I. , MacFarlane J. , Riekstins A. , Clarke J. , Narang I. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryBackground: The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs), a group of genetic lysosomal storage disorders, are associated with significant morbidity. Secondarily to specific associated anatomical abnormalities, MPS is associated with sleep disordered breathing (SDB), specifically obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) that may confer additional morbidity. Few studies have examined SDB in children with MPS using full polysomnography (PSG) and thus the exact prevalence and severity of SDB is unknown. Further, successful treatments for SDB in this population have not been explored. Objectives: This study evaluated both SDB and the efficacy of treatments offered to children with MPS using PSG data. Patients and methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on all children with MPS and a history of suspected OSA who were referred to the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. Both baseline and follow up treatment PSG data were analysed. PSG data recorded included obstructive apnoea‐hypopnoea index (OAHI) and central apnoea index (CAI). Results: Fourteen patients (10 male) underwent a baseline PSG. Three of 14 children on ERT were excluded from the main analyses. The median (range) baseline parameters of the population (n = 11) were recorded. The age was 5.2 years (0.8–17.8) and the body mass index (BMI) was 19.9 (13.7–22.2). The OAHI was 6.6 (0.0–54.8); the CAI was 0.6 (0.0–2.6). Seven of 11 (64%) had evidence for OSA and 3/7 children were classified as having severe OSA (OAHI > 10). Of these, 5/7 children underwent treatment for OSA with 3/5 children showing a significant reduction in their OAHI. Further, the 2 patients on ERT therapy with OSA were also both successfully treated. Conclusions: Children with MPS have a high prevalence of significant OSA and thus should be carefully screened for OSA using full polysomnography and treated accordingly.
Wettability Modification of Nanomaterials by Low-Energy Electron Flux
Authors: Torchinsky I. , Rosenman G. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Controllable modification of surface free energy and related properties (wettability, hygroscopicity, agglomeration, etc.) of powders allows both understanding of fine physical mechanism acting on nanoparticle surfaces and improvement of their key characteristics in a number of nanotechnology applications. In this work, we report on the method we developed for electron-induced surface energy and modification of basic, related properties of powders of quite different physical origins such as diamond and ZnO. The applied technique has afforded gradual tuning of the surface free energy, resulting in a wide range of wettability modulation. In ZnO nanomaterial, the wettability has been strongly modified, while for the diamond particles identical electron treatment leads to a weak variation of the same property. Detailed investigation into electron-modified wettability properties has been performed by the use of capillary rise method using a few probing liquids. Basic thermodynamic approaches have been applied to calculations of components of solid–liquid interaction energy. We show that defect-free, low-energy electron treatment technique strongly varies elementary interface interactions and may be used for the development of new technology in the field of nanomaterials.
Characterization of Titania Incorporated with Alumina Nanocrystals and Their Impacts on Electrical Hysteresis and Photoluminescence
Authors: Shi Lei , Liu Zhiguo , Xu B. O. , Gao Ligang , Xia Yidong , Yin Jiang 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
The structural and optical characterizations of titania incorporated with alumina nanocrystals have been presented in this paper and the films exhibit excellent properties like low current density, small hysteresis as well as high photoluminescence quantum yields of about 361 nm. These properties are promising for the applications in future electronic devices.
The short version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS‐21): Factor structure in a young adolescent sample
Authors: Szabó Marianna 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTThis study explored the factor structure of the short form of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS‐21; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995b) in a young adolescent sample. A group of 484 high school students (Mean age = 13.62 years, Min = 11.83, Max = 15.67 years, 52 % boys) completed the DASS‐21. Several models were tested using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. A model consistent with the factor structure of the adult DASS, with correlated error terms, provided good fit to the data. However, correlations among the factors were very high. A ‘quadripartite’ model involving a common ‘Negative Affect’ factor as well as the three specific factors of Depression, Anxiety and Tension/Stress was tested to explain these correlations and was supported by the data. This model suggests that the core symptoms of Depression and Anxiety are similar in adults and adolescents, but the conceptualisation and assessment of Tension/Stress in adolescents needs further refinement.
Dynein is a motor for nuclear rotation while vimentin IFs is a “brake”
Authors: Gerashchenko Maxim V. , Chernoivanenko Ivan S. , Moldaver Marianna V. , Minin Alexander A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe positioning of the nucleus is achieved by two interconnected processes, anchoring and migration, both of which are controlled by cytoskeleton structures. Rotation is a special type of nuclear motility in many cell types, but its significance remains unclear. We used a vimentin‐null cell line, MFT‐16, which shows extensive nuclear rotation to study the phenomenon in detail. By selective disruption of cytoskeletal structures and video‐microscopic analysis, nuclear rotation was a microtubule‐dependent process that F‐actin partially impedes. The dynein–dynactin complex is responsible and inhibiting this motor by expression of a dominant negative mutant of its component P‐150 completely stops it. Nuclear rotation is powered by dynein associated with the nuclear envelope along stationary microtubules, centrosomes remaining immobile. We confirmed that vimentin IFs inhibit nuclear rotation, and variant proteins of the mutated wild type gene for vimentin that lacked considerable fragments of the N‐ and C‐terminal domains restored nuclear anchoring. Immunochemical analysis showed that these mutated IFs also bound plectin, arguing for a key role of this cytolinker protein in nuclear anchoring. It is proposed that this versatile machinery guarantees not only rotation and the correct location of a nucleus, but also its orientation in a cell.
The integrity of the anterior pretectal nucleus and dorsolateral funiculus is necessary for electroacupuncture‐induced analgesia in the rat tail‐flick test
Authors: Silva Marcelo L. , Silva Josie R.T. , Prado Wiliam A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPrevious studies have indicated that the anterior pretectal nucleus (APtN) is implicated in pathways that descend through the dorsolateral funiculus (DLF) to modulate nociceptive inputs in the spinal dorsal horn. The activation of descending inhibitory mechanisms also seems to be involved in electroacupuncture (EA)‐induced analgesia. This study utilized the tail‐flick test to examine the changes produced by DLF lesion or injection of 2% lidocaine into the APtN in the analgesia induced by 2 or 100 Hz EA applied to the Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupoints in lightly anesthetized rats. Tail‐flick latency was significantly increased by EA, the effect of 2 Hz EA lasting longer than that produced by 100 Hz EA. The effect of either 2 or 100 Hz EA did not occur in DLF lesion rats. The effect of 2 Hz EA did not occur in rats with neural block of the whole or dorsal APtN. In contrast, the effect of 100 Hz EA was reduced in rats with neural block of the whole APtN, but remained unchanged in rats with neural block of the dorsal APtN. We thus conclude that the integrity of the APtN and DLF is necessary for EA‐induced analgesia in the rat tail‐flick test. In addition, the integrity of the dorsal APtN is necessary for the analgesic effect of 2 but not 100 Hz EA.
Effect of chronic intra‐peritoneally administered chimeric peptide of met‐enkephalin and FMRFa‐[d‐Ala2]YFa‐on antinociception and opioid receptor regulation
Authors: Vats Ishwar Dutt , Snehlata  , Nath Mahendra , Pasha M.A. Qadar , Pasha Santosh 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe physiological role of NPFF/FMRFa family of peptides is complex and exact mechanism of action of these peptides is not yet completely understood. In same line of scrutiny, previously we reported an enzymatically stable chimeric analog of YGGFMKKKFMRFamide (YFa) i.e., [d‐Ala2]YAGFMKKKFMRFamide ([d‐Ala2]YFa) which have a role in antinociception and modulatory effect on opioid analgesia. In continuation, presently we investigated using tail‐flick test whether [d‐Ala2]YFa on systemic administration induced any antinociception in rats and if so then which specific opioid receptor(s) μ, δ or κ mediated it. Further, the antinociceptive effect of [d‐Ala2]YFa on 6 days chronic intra‐peritoneal (i.p.) treatment in rats was examined and finally, effect of this chronic treatment on the differential expression of opioid receptors was assessed.[d‐Ala2]YFa on i.p. administration induced dose dependent antinociception which was mainly mediated by δ (DOR) and partially by μ (MOR) and κ (KOR) opioid receptors. Moreover, its antinociceptive effect remained comparable throughout the chronic treatment even during insufficient availability of DOR1. Importantly, during this treatment the mRNA expression of all three opioid receptors (MOR1, KOR1 and DOR1) was increased as assessed by real‐time RTPCR though subsequent western blot analysis revealed a selective increase in the protein level of DOR1, only.Thus, pharmacological behavior of [d‐Ala2]YFa suggests that competency of an opioid agonist to bind with multiple opioid receptors may enhance its potency to induce tolerance free analgesia.
Apolipoprotein E allele 4 is not a sufficient or a necessary predictor of the development of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Heun R. , Gühne U. , Luck T. , Angermeyer M.C. , Ueberham U. , Potluri R. , Natalwala A. , Arendt T. , Riedel-Heller S.G. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe presence of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and of an apolipoprotein E (apoE) ε4 allele both predict the development of Alzheimer's disease. However, the extent to which this allele also predicts the development of MCI is unclear even though MCI is an early transitional stage in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The present study investigates the prevalence of the apoE ε4 allele in incipient MCI. Participants were recruited from the population-based Leipzig Longitudinal Study of the Aged (LEILA75+). All subjects who were initially cognitively healthy, i.e. did not meet MCI criteria described by Petersen [Petersen RC. Mild cognitive impairment. J Intern Med 2004; 256(3): 183–94], and whose apoE status could be determined were followed-up. After 4.5 years, 15.5% of the cognitively healthy target population had developed MCI. The frequencies of the apoE ε4 genotype did not differ between individuals with incipient MCI (12.9%) and individuals who remained cognitively healthy during the study (18.4%, p > 0.5). Consequently, the apoE ε4 genotype is not a necessary or sufficient risk factor for MCI. Further studies need to investigate the influence of the whole range of genetic and environmental risk factors on the course of Alzheimer's disease including the initial development of MCI and the later conversion to Alzheimer's disease.
Altered levels of synapsin I, dopamine transporter, dynorphin A, and neuropeptide Y in the nucleus accumbens and striatum at post‐puberty in rats treated neonatally with pregnenolone or DHEA
Authors: Muneoka Katsumasa , Iwata Masaaki , Shirayama Yukihiko 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIt is well documented that neonatal neurosteroid administration influences brain development. In our previous studies, administration of pregnenolone, the precursor of neurosteroids, during the neonatal period altered the activity of dopamine (DA) in the striatum. Furthermore, neonatal treatment with pregnenolone or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) increased synapse‐related protein synapsin I as well as neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the hippocampus. The present study examined the effects of neonatal treatment with pregnenolone or DHEA on synapsin I, DA transporter (DAT), dynorphin A, and NPY in the striatum and the core and shell of the nucleus accumbens at post‐puberty. Administration of pregnenolone or DHEA during the neonatal period increased immunodensity of synapsin I in the dorsomedial or ventrolateral striatum. DAT immunodensity in the striatum and the nucleus accumbens core as well as dynorphin A immunodensity in the nucleus accumbens core were increased in DHEA‐treated but not in pregnenolone‐treated rats. In addition, the size, but not numbers, of NPY‐positive cells in the nucleus accumbens core was increased in pregnenolone‐ and DHEA‐treated rats. The results suggest that neurosteroid levels during the neonatal period have larger impact on synaptic formation, development of DA and NPY systems in the nigrostriatal rather than the mesolimbic pathway.
Exploratory Analysis of the Relationships between Aerobic Capacity and Self‐Reported Fatigue in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Polymyositis, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Weinstein Ali A. , Drinkard Bart M. , Diao Guoqing , Furst Gloria , Dale Janet K. , Straus Stephen E. , Gerber Lynn H. 
Published: July 2009

ObjectiveTo determine if self‐reported levels of physical activity and fatigue are related to peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and whether these relationships differ among the patient groups (rheumatoid arthritis [RA], polymyositis [PM], and chronic fatigue syndrome [CFS]).DesignCorrelational investigation.SettingTwo ambulatory research clinics at the National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD.ParticipantsThere were 9 patients with PM, 10 with RA, and 10 with CFS. All patients met case criteria for their respective diagnoses.Methods/Main Outcome MeasurementsVO2peak during bicycle ergometry and self‐reported fatigability, fatigue, and physical activity. VO2peak was used as the criterion measurement of physiological fatigue with which the self‐reported variables were compared.ResultsThe Pearson r revealed that self‐reported physical activity correlated with VO2peak (r = 61, P = .01). However, fatigability and fatigue did not correlate with VO2peak. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess the effects of diagnosis group, self‐reported activity level or fatigue, and their interaction. A trend in the data showed a distinctive relationship between fatigue/fatigability within the 3 groups. In addition, when controlling for group status, self‐reported activity predicted aerobic capacity as measured by VO2peak.ConclusionsThis study confirms that patients with chronic, but stable RA, PM, or CFS are fatigued and have significantly decreased aerobic capacity. Self‐reports of physical activity predicted VO2peak, and may be used as an indicator of activity‐based aerobic capacity. Self‐reports of fatigue, however, did not correlate with VO2peak and hence are assessing something other than an index of aerobic capacity, and provide additional information about patients' perceptions, which will require further investigation.
Inter‐rater Reliability of Three Musculoskeletal Physical Examination Techniques Used to Assess Motion in Three Planes While Standing
Authors: Prather Heidi , Hunt Devyani , Steger‐May Karen , Hayes Marcie Harris , Knaus Evan , Clohisy John 
Published: July 2009

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to measure the reliability between examiners of 3 basic maneuvers of the Total Body Functional Profile physical examination test. The hypothesis was musculoskeletal health care providers of different disciplines could reliably use the 3 basic maneuvers as part of the musculoskeletal physical examination.DesignA prospective observational study was conducted. Twenty‐eight adult volunteers were measured on both the left and right side by 2 independent raters on a single occasion.SettingThe subjects were recruited through advertisements placed by the orthopedic department at a tertiary university.ParticipantsTwenty‐eight volunteers were recruited and completed the study. The volunteers were between the ages of 18 and 51 years of age, had no symptoms in the lower extremity or spine, had no previous history of surgery or tumor involving the lower extremity, and no medical conditions that would preclude participation.MethodsOn a single occasion, 2 examiners per 1 volunteer were blinded to their own and each others' measurements. Each examiner assessed the distance of frontal and sagittal plane lunge and angle of motion for transverse plane testing.Main Outcome MeasurementsInter‐rater agreement is expressed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The difference between raters is reported with 95% CIs. Baseline demographics, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), and Harris hip questionnaires were completed by all participants.ResultsThe UCLA and Harris hip scores showed no significant activity restrictions or pain limitations in all participants. The inter‐rater reliability for sagittal, frontal, and transverse plane matrix testing was good with ICCs of 0.86 (95% CI 0.77‐0.91), 0.90 (95% CI 0.84‐0.94), and 0.85 (95% CI 0.75‐0.91), respectively. The rater reliability between disciplines for transverse, sagittal, and frontal plane matrix testing was good with ICCs of 0.89 (95% CI 0.80‐0.94), 0.88 (95% CI 0.79‐0.94), and 0.90 (95% CI 0.81‐0.95), respectively.ConclusionsThe inter‐rater reliability for 3 basic maneuvers of the Total Body Functional Profile is good among musculoskeletal health care providers of different disciplines. These 3 maneuvers may be used consistently as part of the musculoskeletal physical examination.
Maternal diets deficient in folic acid and related methyl donors modify mechanisms associated with lipid metabolism in the fetal liver of the rat
Authors: McNeil Christopher J. , Hay Susan M. , Rucklidge Garry J. , Reid Martin D. , Duncan Gary J. , Rees William D. 
Published: July 2009

Previously we have examined the effects of diets deficient in folic acid ( − F) or folate deficient with low methionine and choline ( − F LM LC) on the relative abundance of soluble proteins in the liver of the pregnant rat. In the present study we report the corresponding changes in the fetal liver at day 21 of gestation. The abundance of eighteen proteins increased when dams were fed the − F diet. When dams were fed the − F LM LC diet, thirty-three proteins increased and eight decreased. Many of the differentially abundant proteins in the fetal liver could be classified into the same functional groups as those previously identified in the maternal liver, namely protein synthesis, metabolism, lipid metabolism and proteins associated with the cytoskeleton and endoplasmic reticulum. The pattern was consistent with reduced cell proliferation in the − F LM LC group but not in the − F group. Metabolic enzymes associated with lipid metabolism changed in both the − F and − F LM LC groups. The mRNA for carnitine palmitoyl transferase were up-regulated and CD36 (fatty acid translocase) down-regulated in the − F group, suggesting increased mitochondrial oxidation of fatty acids as an indirect response to altered maternal lipid metabolism. In the − F LM LC group the mRNA for acetyl CoA carboxylase was down-regulated, suggesting reduced fatty acid synthesis. The mRNA for transcriptional regulators including PPARα and sterol response element-binding protein-1c were unchanged. These results suggest that an adequate supply of folic acid and the related methyl donors may benefit fetal development directly by improving lipid metabolism in fetal as well as maternal tissues.
The role of the vestibular assessment
Authors: Phillips J S , FitzGerald J E , Bath A P 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the role of vestibular assessment in the management of the dizzy patient.Materials and methods:A retrospective review of case notes and vestibular assessment reports of 100 consecutive patients referred for vestibular assessment.Results:Sixty of the 100 patients had an abnormal vestibular assessment. Eleven patients had benign paroxysmal positional vertigo as the sole diagnosis, of whom nine had not had a Dix–Hallpike manoeuvre performed before referral. Of patients referred for vestibular rehabilitation, 76 per cent had an abnormal electrophysiological assessment. After vestibular assessment, 35 patients were discharged with no further follow-up appointments in the ENT department.Conclusions:All patients should have a Dix–Hallpike manoeuvre performed prior to referral for vestibular assessment. The majority of our patients undergoing vestibular rehabilitation had abnormal test results, although a significant number did not. Prior to referral, it is worth considering the implication of a ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ result for the management of the patient. Careful consideration should be given to the development of dedicated dizziness clinics run by practitioners with a specialist interest in balance disorders, in order to ensure appropriate requests for vestibular assessment.
Findings at exploratory tympanotomy for conductive hearing loss
Authors: Robertson G , Mills R 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIntroduction:Despite advances in imaging and other diagnostic tests, it is often impossible to establish with confidence a pre-operative diagnosis in a patient with a conductive hearing loss.Methods:We studied a series of 340 exploratory tympanotomies for conductive hearing loss carried out by a single surgeon.Results:The most common operative diagnosis was otosclerosis (n = 164, 48.2 per cent). Ossicular discontinuity was found more commonly than previously reported (n = 103, 30.3 per cent). A small but significant number of patients were found to have cholesteatoma (n = 7.2 per cent).Conclusions:This information is of value when discussing potential findings at surgery for conductive hearing loss. While otosclerosis is the commonest finding in such cases, a significant number of patients have defects of the ossicular chain.
ECOSYSTEM PERSPECTIVE AND BARACK OBAMA'S CAMPAIGN FOR THE PRESIDENCY
Authors: Crocker Jennifer , Hughes Shayne B. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe presidential campaign of Barack Obama was remarkable for the millions of volunteers and donors it inspired. In this article, we argue that the Obama campaign was inspirational because it communicated an ecosystem perspective—a perspective in which people care about something larger than the self. We describe the characteristics of ecosystem perspectives revealed in a program of social psychological research and how these characteristics translate to ecosystem leadership. We then consider Obama's speeches and actions at critical moments in the campaign that suggest to us an ecosystem perspective.