bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of Api g 2, a novel allergenic member of the lipid‐transfer protein 1 family from celery stalks
Authors: Gadermaier Gabriele , Egger Matthias , Girbl Tamara , Erler Anja , Harrer Andrea , Vejvar Eva , Liso Marina , Richter Klaus , Zuidmeer Laurian , Mari Adriano , Ferreira Fatima 
Published: December 2010

AbstractScope: Celery represents a relevant cross‐reactive food allergen source in the adult population. As the currently known allergens are not typical elicitors of severe symptoms, we aimed to identify and characterize a non‐specific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP).Methods and results: MS and cDNA cloning were applied to obtain the full‐length sequence of a novel allergenic nsLTP from celery stalks. The purified natural molecule consisted of a single isoallergen designated as Api g 2.0101, which was recombinantly produced in Escherichia coli Rosetta‐gami. The natural and recombinant molecules displayed equivalent physicochemical and immunological properties. Circular dichroism revealed a typical α‐helical fold and high thermal stability. Moreover, Api g 2 was highly resistant to simulated gastrointestinal digestion. As assessed by ELISA, thermal denaturation did not affect the IgE binding of Api g 2. Natural and recombinant Api g 2 showed similar allergenic activity in mediator release assays. Api g 2‐specific IgE antibodies cross‐reacted with peach and mugwort pollen nsLTPs.Conclusion: Based on our results, it can be anticipated that inclusion of recombinant Api g 2 in the current panel of allergens for molecule‐based diagnosis will facilitate the evaluation of the clinical relevance of nsLTP sensitization in celery allergy and help clinicians in the management of food allergic patients.
Motor neuron disease due to neuropathy target esterase gene mutation: Clinical features of the index families
Authors: Rainier Shirley , Albers James W. , Dyck Peter J. , Eldevik O. Petter , Wilcock Sandra , Richardson Rudy J. , Fink John K. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractRecently, we reported that mutations in the neuropathy target esterase (NTE) gene cause autosomal recessive motor neuron disease (NTE‐MND). We describe clinical, neurophysiologic, and neuroimaging features of affected subjects in the index families. NTE‐MND subjects exhibited progressive lower extremity spastic weakness that began in childhood and was later associated with atrophy of distal leg and intrinsic hand muscles. NTE‐MND resembles Troyer syndrome, except that short stature, cognitive impairment, and dysmorphic features, which often accompany Troyer syndrome, are not features of NTE‐MND. Early onset, symmetry, and slow progression distinguish NTE‐MND from typical amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. NTE is implicated in organophosphorus compound–induced delayed neurotoxicity (OPIDN). NTE‐MND patients have upper and lower motor neuron deficits that are similar to OPIDN. Motor neuron degeneration in subjects with NTE mutations supports the role of NTE and its biochemical cascade in the molecular pathogenesis of OPIDN and possibly other degenerative neurologic disorders. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Carbamylated erythropoietin does not alleviate signs of dystrophy in mdx mice
Authors: Wu Melissa P. , Gussoni Emanuela 
Published: December 2010

AbstractErythropoietin promotes myoblast proliferation and inhibits fibrosis and thus it could impede the pathogenesis of muscle degenerative diseases. However, its stimulation of erythropoiesis limits its use as a therapeutic agent. An erythropoietin analog, carbamylated erythropoietin (C‐EPO), retains these protective actions, yet it does not interact with the erythropoietin receptor. To determine whether treatment with C‐EPO alleviates the signs of muscular dystrophy in an animal model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, we treated mdx mice with intraperitoneal injections of 50 μg/kg and 100 μg/kg C‐EPO for 4 and 12 weeks, and we monitored weight, serum creatine kinase levels, and changes in muscle histology. Moderate histological improvement was observed at 4 weeks, which did not translate into a significantly decreased level of serum creatine kinase. At the doses tested, C‐EPO is not an effective therapeutic for the treatment of a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Exercise training enhances the skeletal muscle response to radiation‐induced oxidative stress
Authors: De Lisio Michael , Kaczor Jan J. , Phan Nghi , Tarnopolsky Mark A. , Boreham Douglas R. , Parise Gianni 
Published: December 2010

AbstractOverproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can damage cellular macromolecules and lead to cellular dysfunction or death. Exercise training induces beneficial adaptations in skeletal muscle that may reduce cellular damage from exposure to ROS. To determine the response of exercise‐conditioned muscle to acute increases in ROS, four groups of mice were used: non‐trained (NT, n = 12); NT + high‐dose radiation (HDR, n = 3); exercise‐trained (EX, n = 13, 3 days/week for 10 weeks, 10 m/min to 18 m/min); and EX + HDR (n = 3/group). Quadriceps muscle was harvested 3–5 days following the last exercise bout in the training program for measurement of antioxidant enzyme and metabolic enzyme activity. Total superoxide dismutase (41%), and manganese sodium oxide dismutase (51%) activities were significantly increased in radiation‐challenged EX mice as compared with unchallenged EX mice (all P ≤ 0.05). No such increase was observed in NT mice. Citrate synthase (42%) and cytochrome c oxidase (38%) activities were both elevated in radiation‐challenged EX mice as compared with unchallenged EX mice (both P < 0.05), and no such increase was observed in NT. We demonstrate that preconditioning skeletal muscle with EX enhances the response of antioxidant and mitochondrial enzymes to radiation. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Costimulation blockade inhibits the indirect pathway of allorecognition in nerve allograft rejection
Authors: Ray Wilson Z. , Kasukurthi Rahul , Kale Santosh S. , Santosa Katherine B. , Hunter Daniel A. , Johnson Philip , Yan Ying , Mohanakumar Thalachallour , Mackinnon Susan E. , Tung Thomas H. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractNerve allografts provide a temporary scaffold for host nerve regeneration. The need for systemic immunosuppression limits clinical application. Characterization of the immunological mechanisms that induce immune hyporesponsiveness may provide a basis for optimizing immunomodulating regimens. We utilized wild‐type and MHC class II–deficient mice, as both recipients and donors. Host treatment consisted of triple costimulatory blockade. Quantitative assessment was made at 3 weeks using nerve histomorphometry, and muscle testing was performed on a subset of animals at 7 weeks. Nerve allograft rejection occurred as long as either the direct or indirect pathways were functional. Indirect antigen presentation appeared to be more important. Nerve allograft rejection occurs in the absence of a normal direct or indirect immune response but may be more dependent on indirect allorecognition. The indirect pathway is required to induce costimulatory blockade immune hyporesponsiveness. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Doxorubicin causes diaphragm weakness in murine models of cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Gilliam Laura A.A. , Moylan Jennifer S. , Ann Callahan Leigh , Sumandea Marius P. , Reid Michael B. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractDoxorubicin is a chemotherapeutic agent prescribed for a variety of tumors. While undergoing treatment, patients exhibit frequent symptoms that suggest respiratory muscle weakness. Cancer patients can receive doxorubicin chemotherapy through either intravenous (IV) or intraperitoneal (IP) injections. We hypothesized that respiratory muscle function would be depressed in a murine model of chemotherapy. We tested this hypothesis by treating C57BL/6 mice with a clinical dose of doxorubicin (20 mg/kg) via IV or IP injection. Three days later we measured contractile properties of muscle fiber bundles isolated from the diaphragm. Doxorubicin consistently depressed diaphragm force with both methods of administration (P< 0.01). Doxorubicin IP exaggerated the depression in diaphragm force and stimulated tissue inflammation and muscle fiber injury. These results suggest that clinically relevant doses of doxorubicin cause respiratory muscle weakness and that the loss of function depends, in part, on the route of administration. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Altered mRNA expression after long‐term soleus electrical stimulation training in humans with paralysis
Authors: Adams Christopher M. , Suneja Manish , Dudley‐Javoroski Shauna , Shields Richard K. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIn humans, spinal cord injury (SCI) induces deleterious changes in skeletal muscle that may be prevented or reversed by electrical stimulation muscle training. The molecular mechanisms underlying muscle stimulation training remain unknown. We studied two unique SCI subjects whose right soleus received >6 years of training (30 minutes/day, 5 days/week). Training preserved torque, fatigue index, contractile speed, and cross‐sectional area in the trained leg, but not the untrained leg. Training decreased 10 mRNAs required for fast‐twitch contractions and mRNA that encodes for myostatin, an autocrine/paracrine hormone that inhibits muscle growth. Conversely, training increased 69 mRNAs that mediate the slow‐twitch, oxidative phenotype, including PGC‐1α, a transcriptional coactivator that inhibits muscle atrophy. When we discontinued right soleus training, training‐induced effects diminished slowly, with some persisting for >6 months. Training of paralyzed muscle induces localized and long‐lasting changes in skeletal muscle mRNA expression that improve muscle mass and function. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Insights into genotype–phenotype correlations in spinal muscular atrophy: A retrospective study of 103 patients
Authors: Petit Florence , Cuisset Jean‐Marie , Rouaix‐Emery Nathalie , Cancés Claude , Sablonnière Bernard , Bieth Eric , Moerman Alexandre , Sukno Sylvie , Hardy Noah , Holder‐Espinasse Muriel , Manouvrier‐Hanu Sylvie , Vallée Louis 
Published: December 2010

AbstractSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disorder associated with homozygous deletion of the survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1). Its centromeric copy gene, SMN2, is the major modifying factor. However, the genotype–phenotype correlation is incomplete and is therefore not useful in clinical practice. We studied a cohort of 103 patients in order to refine this correlation. In addition to standard disease severity data, we collected three additional criteria: age at death; brainstem involvement; and loss of ambulation. Gene dosage analysis was conducted by multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA). SMN2 copynumber was highly correlated with survival duration in SMA type I and ambulation conservation or loss in type III. Among SMA severity groups, it was not significantly different in cases with brainstem involvement. Although the SMN2 copynumber could provide prognostic indications, clinical discrepancies still exist among patients, suggesting the existence of unidentified modifying factors. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Activity‐dependent conduction block in multifocal motor neuropathy
Authors: Straver Dirk C.G. , van den Berg Leonard H. , van den Berg‐Vos Renske M. , Franssen Hessel 
Published: December 2010

AbstractPrevious studies suggested that activity‐dependent conduction block (CB) contributes to weakness in multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). Obtaining more robust evidence for activity‐dependent CB is important because it may be a novel target for treatment strategies. We performed nerve conduction studies in 22 nerve segments of 19 MMN patients, before and immediately after 60 seconds of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the relevant muscle. We employed supramaximal electrical stimulation, excluded nerves with marked axonal loss, and adopted criteria for activity‐dependent CB. Per segment, the segmental area ratio [area proximal compound muscle action potential (CMAP)/area distal CMAP] was calculated and, per nerve, total area ratio (area CMAP at Erb's point/area distal CMAP) was obtained. MVC induced no changes in mean area ratios and induced no activity‐dependent CB. In segments with CB before MVC, the MVC induced increased duration prolongation. In MMN, MVC induced temporal dispersion but no activity‐dependent CB. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Evaluation of skeletal muscle during calf exercise by 31‐phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy in patients on statin medications
Authors: Wu Jim S. , Buettner Catherine , Smithline Howard , Ngo Long H. , Greenman Robert L. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractMuscle pain is a common side effect of statin medications, but the cause is poorly understood. We characterized phosphocreatine (PCr) exercise recovery kinetics in 10 patients with hypercholesterolemia before and after a 4‐week regimen of statin therapy using 31‐phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P‐MRS). 31P spectra were obtained before, during, and after exercise on a calf flexion pedal ergometer. Creatine kinase (CK) serum levels were drawn before and after statin therapy. The mean metabolic recovery time constant in subjects increased from 28.1 s (SE = 6.5 s) to 55.4 s (SE = 7.4 s) after statin therapy. The unweighted mean of the pre/post‐recovery time difference was −27.3 s (SE = 12.4 s; P = 0.02). Pre‐ and post‐therapy CK levels were not significantly different (P = 0.50). Metabolic recovery time in the calf is prolonged in patients after statin use. This suggests that statins impair mitochondrial oxidative function, and 31P MRS is a potential study model for statin‐associated myopathy. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Hochpolymeren‐Forschung in der UDSSR
Authors: Mark H. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractProfessor Dr. H. Mark, Brooklyn, hatte kürzlich Gelegenheit, einige sowjetische Institute zu besuchen, die sich mit Arbeiten auf dem Gebiet der Hochpolymeren befassen. Wir bringen hier einige Auszüge aus seinem Reisebericht.
Coaxial electrospinning and emulsion electrospinning of core–shell fibers
Authors: Yarin A.L. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe mini‐review is devoted to coaxial electrospinning (co‐electrospinning, emulsion electrospinning), a group of novel methods for making core–shell nanofibers and hollow nanotubes. The physical aspects of the process are described in brief, in particular, its modeling and possible drawbacks of the process resulting in formation of fibers without a long intact core. After that the main applications of co‐electrospinning are considered. They include drug release, encapsulation of different biologically active compounds, cell scaffolds, formation of nanotubes, and nanofluidics. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applications of controlled electrospinning systems
Authors: Bellan Leon M. , Craighead Harold G. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractElectrospinning is a powerful technique that uses an electrically forced fluid jet to form nanofibers from a material dissolved in a solvent. While the complex whipping motion of a typical electrospinning jet results in a nonwoven mat of fibers, there have been many developments aimed at controlling the deposition of an electrospinning jet to form more ordered patterns of nanofibers. Such controlled deposition is desirable as it would provide a low‐cost fabrication technique for nanoscale devices such as nanomechanical devices, electronic devices, and light‐emitting systems. Nanofibers may also be used as masks or templates to create nanoscale structures in other materials. Other modifications to a standard electrospinning system allow for atypical nanofiber morphologies such as hollow or coaxial nanofibers, side‐by‐side nanofiber deposition, etc. This review will highlight electrospinning systems modified for controlled or atypical deposition, and will discuss applications of the fibers resulting from such systems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct visualization of Smad1/5/8‐mediated transcriptional activity identifies podocytes and collecting ducts as major targets of BMP signalling in healthy and diseased kidneys
Authors: Leeuwis Jan Willem , Nguyen Tri Q , Chuva de Sousa Lopes Susana M , van der Giezen Dionne M , van der Ven Kevin , Rouw Peter JH , Offerhaus G Johan A , Mummery Christine L , Goldschmeding Roel 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) is a key determinant of renal response to injury, exhibiting strong protective as well as regenerative potential in a variety of experimental models. In vitro, beneficial effects of stimulation with BMP7 and other BMPs have been observed in many renal cell types. Still, it remains poorly understood which cells in the native kidney actually respond to BMPs in health and disease. Here, we report the use of BRE:gfp mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of a pSmad1/5/8‐specific BMP‐responsive element (BRE) to directly visualize the spatiotemporal distribution of transcriptional activity downstream of canonical BMP signalling in healthy kidneys and in two distinct models of kidney disease. BRE–GFP signal coincided with expression of endogenous BMP target genes but, surprisingly, it was much more restricted than expected from the widespread distribution of pSmad1/5/8, a classical component of canonical BMP signal tranduction. BRE–GFP was mainly present in podocytes and collecting duct cells, and both glomerular and medullary BRE–GFP decreased following ischaemia–reperfusion injury as well as following unilateral ureteric obstruction, together with decreased BMP7, pSmad1/5/8 and BMP target gene expression. Remarkably, however, BRE–GFP was increased in injured proximal tubules in association with up‐regulation of BMP receptors ALK2 and ALK3. Thus, native BMP transcriptional activity is much more restricted than previously suggested based on pSmad1/5/8 detection alone, and its response to injury varies according to cell type and nephron segment. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The mediating effects of social support and self‐efficacy on the relationship between social distress and emotional distress in head and neck cancer outpatients with facial disfigurement
Authors: Deno Minako , Tashiro Mie , Miyashita Mitsunori , Asakage Takahiro , Takahashi Koji , Saito Kenich , Busujima Yasunobu , Mori Yoshiyuki , Saito Hiroto , Ichikawa Yuji 
Published: December 2010

AbstractObjective: Although social support has been recognized as an important factor in the quality of life of head and neck cancer patients, there has been little investigation of the buffering effect of social support on these patients' social distress or of the coping skill of self‐efficacy. The aim of this study was to examine how social support and self‐efficacy mediate the relationship between social distress and emotional distress in head and neck cancer patients.Methods: Two hundred twenty‐five head and neck cancer patients completed our questionnaire (effective response rate, 92.2%). Of these, 129 (57.3%) had facial disfigurement. These participants responded to questions about perception of social distress, social support, self‐efficacy, and emotional distress (depression and anxiety). We used structural equation modeling for statistical analysis.Results: The fit indices of this model were excellent (χ2(7) = 9.147,p= 0.242, goodness of fit index (GFI) = 0.981, adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI) = 0.922, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.993, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.049). Self‐efficacy strongly buffered the negative influence of social distress on emotional distress. Social support from family members did not have a direct or indirect influence on emotional distress. Social support from friends was related to lower social distress and higher emotional distress.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that self‐efficacy might confound the relationship between social support and emotional distress, and that different sources of social support might play different roles in the mediation of social distress on emotional distress. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship of threat appraisal with coping appraisal to fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer survivors
Authors: McGinty Heather L. , Goldenberg Jamie L. , Jacobsen Paul B. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractObjectives: Prior research suggests that fear of cancer recurrence (FOR) is very common among cancer survivors. This study examined the extent to which the interaction of threat appraisal and coping appraisal accounted for differences in FOR in cancer patients who recently completed treatment. It was hypothesized that greater FOR would be related to a combination of high threat appraisal and low coping appraisal.Methods: A sample of 155 early stage breast cancer patients (mean age = 59 years) who completed surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy between 6 and 24 months previously (mean = 12 months) completed measures of FOR, threat appraisal (perceived risk and severity of a potential cancer recurrence), and coping appraisal (perceived response efficacy and self‐efficacy to perform diet and exercise recommendations to reduce recurrence risk). Basic demographic and clinical information were also collected.Results: Threat appraisal accounted for 30% of the variance in FOR (p<0.001) while coping appraisal accounted for 0% (p = 0.64). After accounting for these variables and relevant covariates, the interaction of threat appraisal and coping appraisal explained 2% of the remaining variance in FOR (p = 0.04). As hypothesized, survivors who reported high threat appraisal and low coping appraisal had the highest FOR.Conclusions: Future research should focus on examining these relationships longitudinally and further assess coping appraisal and how it impacts cancer recurrence fears. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality of life of family caregivers 5 years after a relative's cancer diagnosis: follow‐up of the national quality of life survey for caregivers
Authors: Kim Youngmee , Spillers Rachel L. , Hall Daniel L. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackground. Although cancer has been considered as a chronic disease for those diagnosed, the long‐term impact of cancer on the family caregivers' quality of life (QOL) remains unknown. Thus, the current study aimed: (a) to characterize family caregivers of cancer survivors, (b) to describe the multidimensional aspects of QOL of family caregivers of cancer survivors, and (c) to identify demographic and caregiving experience factors that may play significant roles in the caregivers' QOL around 5 years after the relative's initial diagnosis.Methods. A total of 1218 caregivers participated in the 5‐year follow‐up nationwide QOL Survey for Caregivers. Demographics and caregiving experiences were measured 2 years post‐diagnosis of their relative's cancer. Multidimensional aspects of QOL were assessed, including mental and physical health, psychological adjustment, and spirituality at 5 years post‐diagnosis.Results. Three groups of caregivers were identified: former caregivers due to the recipients being in remission, former caregivers whose recipients were deceased, and current caregivers. Current caregivers reported worst levels of QOL. Bereaved caregivers reported lower levels of psychological and spiritual adjustment than former caregivers whose recipients were in remission. In addition, caregivers' age and stress were consistent predictors of QOL across three caregiver groups at 5 years post‐diagnosis.Conclusions. The findings help to increase evidence‐based awareness of the long‐term impact of cancer on the family caregivers' QOL. Findings also have implications for developing programs, whereby family caregivers in the various phases of caregivership will benefit by improving their QOL. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.