bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Copper Supplementation Improves Functional Activities of Daily Living in Adults With Copper Deficiency
Authors: Prodan Calin I , Rabadi Meheroz , Vincent Andrea S , Cowan Linda D 
Published: February 2011

Objective:
Neurologic manifestations of copper deficiency in adults are increasingly recognized. We sought to determine if copper supplementation over a period of 12 months would improve functional activities of daily living (ADLs) in patients with copper deficiency.

Methods:
We studied 15 consecutively diagnosed patients with copper deficiency that received 12 months of copper supplementation. Functional ADLs were evaluated by the Barthel Index (BI), administered at the time of diagnosis and repeated after 12 months of copper supplementation.

Results:
BI scores were significantly higher after 12 months of continued supplementation when compared with initial scores [(mean ± SD), 74 ± 11.7 versus 83 ± 13.2, P = 0.007, paired t-test]. A significant inverse linear correlation between the duration of symptoms before treatment and the change in the BI scores was noted (P = 0.005).

Conclusions:
Early initiation and sustained supplementation with copper for at least 12 months may improve functional ADLs in patients with copper deficiency.
Hyperalgesia After Volar Wrist Tattoo: A Case of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
Authors: Morte Paul D , Magee Larry M 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Hyperalgesia after a volar wrist tattoo with features consistent with complex regional pain syndrome and a brief literature review is presented. This is the first case of disseminated hyperalgesia reported from a tattoo. It could be related to the increased pain associated with wrist tattooing and the proximity to the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve. The response to prednisone was robust. Further cases may appear considering popularization of wrist tattoos by celebrities.
Effects of 3-4 Diaminopyridine (DAP) in Motor Neuron Diseases
Authors: Bertorini Tulio E , Rashed Hani , Zeno Mitzi , Tolley Elizabeth A , Igarashi Masanori , Li Yingjun D 
Published: February 2011

Objective:
To study the safety of 3-4 diaminopyridine (DAP) in patients with motor neuron diseases and to examine its efficacy in reducing muscle fatigue and weakness and in improving objective parameters of muscle function.

Design:
Assessments of safety included a questionnaire of symptoms, clinical examination, blood testing, and electrocardiography at each visit; efficacy was assessed by subjective scores of fatigue and weakness; an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale and functional ability scores, including timed verbal scores; manual muscle testing; grip dynamometry; pulmonary function tests; timed functional tests; and electrophysiological studies.

Participants:
Thirteen subjects with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and seven subjects with only a lower motor neuron syndrome.

Main Outcomes:
Assess tolerability of DAP and determine if there was symptomatic improvement of muscle fatigue.

Secondary Outcome:
To determine the effects of DAP on objective parameters of muscle function.

Results:
The drug was well tolerated with only four subjects reporting tingling of lips and fingers during the active drug period. The subjective scores for fatigue and weakness showed a mild improvement after 4 weeks on DAP compared with placebo. A significant benefit of DAP was also demonstrated in the timed verbal scores.

Conclusion:
3-4 DAP appeared to be safe and produced subjective benefit in motor neuron diseases. The drug could be added for symptomatic treatment in these diseases. Larger studies are necessary to demonstrate efficacy.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Resulting From Guillain-Barré-Like Syndrome Secondary to West Nile Virus Infection
Authors: Abraham Alon , Ziv Sari , Drory Vivian E 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

A 67-year-old woman developed hypertension, drowsiness, hemianopia, ascending flaccid tetraparesis, and areflexia. Nerve conduction studies revealed a demyelinating polyneuropathy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated hyperintense white matter lesions. IgM antibodies against West Nile virus were positive. She was treated for hypertension and with intravenous immunoglobulins and recovered completely within 2 months. To our knowledge, this is the first case in which West Nile virus infection presented as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome associated with Guillain-Barré-like syndrome.
Comparison of Sudomotor and Sensory Nerve Testing in Painful Sensory Neuropathies
Authors: Killian James M , Smyth Shane , Guerra Rudy , Adhikari Ishan , Harati Yadollah 
Published: February 2011

Objective:
To compare results of quantitative sudomotor axon reflex testing (QSART), dorsal sural, and sural sensory nerve testing in patients with painful sensory neuropathy (PSN).

Methods:
Fifty-six patients with symptoms and neurologic examinations consistent with PSN who had both autonomic and nerve conduction studies were identified from 376 patients with a clinical diagnosis of painful neuropathy. Cases were clinically categorized as large-fiber or small-fiber neuropathies by described criteria. The results of sural, dorsal sural, and QSART tests were then analyzed in relationship to these two clinical groups.

Results:
Evidence of unmyelinated fiber abnormalities by QSART was noted in 85% of clinical large-fiber and 69% of clinical small-fiber groups. Dorsal sural potentials were absent in all the large-fiber group but also in 52% of clinically classified small-fiber neuropathies. When QSART and dorsal sural abnormalities were combined, the identification of abnormalities in all the cases of PSN was 89% with 75% of cases (42) showing mixed large and small fiber abnormalities, 14% unmyelinated sensory fiber abnormalities (by QSART), and 11% normal studies.

Conclusion:
This study demonstrates the value of combining both QSART and dorsal sural sensory testing in verifying the diagnosis of PSN. The majority of cases demonstrate involvement of unmyelinated C fibers as well as large/medium myelinated fibers, thereby separating mixed large- and small-fiber sensory neuropathies from those cases classified by clinical criteria solely as small-fiber neuropathy.
Delayed Cervicobulbar Neuronopathy and Myokymia After Head and Neck Radiotherapy for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Rison Richard A , Beydoun Said R 
Published: February 2011

Introduction:
Delayed progressive cervicobulbar palsy with secondary lingual, facial, and neck myokymia after radiation therapy to the head and neck is a known but rare event with few reported case descriptions.

Case Presentation:
We report a case with a video description of a young Asian woman who developed progressive dysarthria and dysphagia after approximately 1 year after radiation treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Her symptoms, clinical, and electromyographic findings are discussed and were felt to be secondary to a cervicobulbar neuronopathy secondary to the previous radiation she received. A brief literature review was performed and pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment options are discussed.

Conclusion:
Delayed progressive cervicobulbar neuronopathy with myokymia is an uncommon complication of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Clinicians should be aware of this entity to prevent misdiagnosis with other neuromuscular and nonneuromuscular diseases.
Herpes Zoster With Motor Involvement: Discordance Between the Distribution of Skin Rash and Localization of Peripheral Nervous System Dysfunction
Authors: Alshekhlee Amer , Tay Edward , Buczek Marek , Shakir Zaid A , Katirji Bashar 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Herpes zoster viral infection (shingles) frequently appears in the thoracic dermatomes with no detectable weakness. We describe three patients who exhibited classic symptoms of herpes zoster infection of the upper limb with various neuropathic findings, including multiple mononeuropathies, radiculopathy, and brachial plexopathy. The distribution of weakness and electrodiagnostic findings was not limited to the involved dermatomes. Furthermore, the electrodiagnostic studies in one patient show evidence of acquired demyelination; hence, the infectious process may include the axon and/or the myelin sheath of the peripheral nerves. In the upper limb, we suggest that a mismatch between the distribution of the vesicular herpetic rash and weakness, as corroborated by the clinical examination and the electrodiagnostic studies, may occur.
Whole Genome Analysis of Gene Expression Reveals Coordinated Activation of Signaling and Metabolic Pathways during Pollen-Pistil Interactions in Arabidopsis
Authors: Boavida Leonor C. , Borges Filipe , Becker Jörg D. , Feijó José A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPlant reproduction depends on the concerted activation of many genes to ensure correct communication between pollen and pistil. Here, we queried the whole transcriptome of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) in order to identify genes with specific reproductive functions. We used the Affymetrix ATH1 whole genome array to profile wild-type unpollinated pistils and unfertilized ovules. By comparing the expression profile of pistils at 0.5, 3.5, and 8.0 h after pollination and applying a number of statistical and bioinformatics criteria, we found 1,373 genes differentially regulated during pollen-pistil interactions. Robust clustering analysis grouped these genes in 16 time-course clusters representing distinct patterns of regulation. Coregulation within each cluster suggests the presence of distinct genetic pathways, which might be under the control of specific transcriptional regulators. A total of 78% of the regulated genes were expressed initially in unpollinated pistil and/or ovules, 15% were initially detected in the pollen data sets as enriched or preferentially expressed, and 7% were induced upon pollination. Among those, we found a particular enrichment for unknown transcripts predicted to encode secreted proteins or representing signaling and cell wall-related proteins, which may function by remodeling the extracellular matrix or as extracellular signaling molecules. A strict regulatory control in various metabolic pathways suggests that fine-tuning of the biochemical and physiological cellular environment is crucial for reproductive success. Our study provides a unique and detailed temporal and spatial gene expression profile of in vivo pollen-pistil interactions, providing a framework to better understand the basis of the molecular mechanisms operating during the reproductive process in higher plants.
TheArabidopsisMultistress Regulator TSPO Is a Heme Binding Membrane Protein and a Potential Scavenger of Porphyrins via an Autophagy-Dependent Degradation Mechanism
Authors: Vanhee Celine , Zapotoczny Grzegorz , Masquelier Danièle , Ghislain Michel , Batoko Henri 
Published: February 2011

AbstractTSPO, a stress-induced, posttranslationally regulated, early secretory pathway-localized plant cell membrane protein, belongs to the TspO/MBR family of regulatory proteins, which can bind porphyrins. This work finds that boosting tetrapyrrole biosynthesis enhanced TSPO degradation in Arabidopsis thaliana and that TSPO could bind heme in vitro and in vivo. This binding required the His residue at position 91 (H91), but not that at position 115 (H115). The H91A and double H91A/H115A substitutions stabilized TSPO and rendered the protein insensitive to heme-regulated degradation, suggesting that heme binding regulates At-TSPO degradation. TSPO degradation was inhibited in the autophagy-defective atg5 mutant and was sensitive to inhibitors of type III phosphoinositide 3-kinases, which regulate autophagy in eukaryotic cells. Mutation of the two Tyr residues in a putative ubiquitin-like ATG8 interacting motif of At-TSPO did not affect heme binding in vitro but stabilized the protein in vivo, suggesting that downregulation of At-TSPO requires an active autophagy pathway, in addition to heme. Abscisic acid–dependent TSPO induction was accompanied by an increase in unbound heme levels, and downregulation of TSPO coincided with the return to steady state levels of unbound heme, suggesting that a physiological consequence of active TSPO downregulation may be heme scavenging. In addition, overexpression of TSPO attenuated aminolevulinic acid–induced porphyria in plant cells. Taken together, these data support a role for TSPO in porphyrin binding and scavenging during stress in plants.
Metabolic Engineering in Nicotiana benthamiana Reveals Key Enzyme Functions in Arabidopsis Indole Glucosinolate Modification
Authors: Pfalz Marina , Mikkelsen Michael Dalgaard , Bednarek Paweł , Olsen Carl Erik , Halkier Barbara Ann , Kroymann Juergen 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Indole glucosinolates, derived from the amino acid Trp, are plant secondary metabolites that mediate numerous biological interactions between cruciferous plants and their natural enemies, such as herbivorous insects, pathogens, and other pests. While the genes and enzymes involved in the Arabidopsis thaliana core biosynthetic pathway, leading to indol-3-yl-methyl glucosinolate (I3M), have been identified and characterized, the genes and gene products responsible for modification reactions of the indole ring are largely unknown. Here, we combine the analysis of Arabidopsis mutant lines with a bioengineering approach to clarify which genes are involved in the remaining biosynthetic steps in indole glucosinolate modification. We engineered the indole glucosinolate biosynthesis pathway into Nicotiana benthamiana, showing that it is possible to produce indole glucosinolates in a noncruciferous plant. Building upon this setup, we demonstrate that all members of a small gene subfamily of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, CYP81Fs, are capable of carrying out hydroxylation reactions of the glucosinolate indole ring, leading from I3M to 4-hydroxy-indol-3-yl-methyl and/or 1-hydroxy-indol-3-yl-methyl glucosinolate intermediates, and that these hydroxy intermediates are converted to 4-methoxy-indol-3-yl-methyl and 1-methoxy-indol-3-yl-methyl glucosinolates by either of two family 2 O-methyltransferases, termed indole glucosinolate methyltransferase 1 (IGMT1) and IGMT2.
Food safety infosheets
Authors: Chapman Benjamin , MacLaurin Tanya , Powell Douglas 
Published: February 2011

PurposeDespite extensive investments in food handler training, research suggests that training programs are inconsistent, and rarely evaluated for efficacy. The generic prescriptive content and school‐like delivery methods used in current food safety training may be a barrier to application. The purpose of this paper is to develop a food safety communication tool, food safety infosheets, targeted specifically to foodservice food handlers, utilizing popular media stories to illustrate the consequences of poor food handling.Design/methodology/approachFood safety infosheets were designed to be surprising, connect food handlers' actions and consequences, and generate discussion through a verbal narrative framework. A Delphi‐like exercise (n=19), a posting pilot (n=8) were carried out to assess the appropriateness of the concept of food safety infosheets. An intense participatory ethnographic study with an Ontario, Canada, restaurant, and in‐depth interviews with food service operators in Manhattan, Kansas, and Lansing, Michigan, (n=17) were conducted to gather qualitative data on the food service kitchen environment, including barriers to food safety practices, and the communication preferences of those who work in such kitchens.FindingsThe expert group, foodservice operators, and food handlers accepted food safety infosheets as an appropriate concept and valued storytelling as an effective communication strategy. Learning in the kitchen environment is largely hands‐on and visual, and time pressure dictates practices. It is often difficult to attract and keep the attention of food handlers. Storytelling, celebrity and local outbreaks are of interest to the target audience.Originality/valueThis paper provides a blueprint for the design and refinement of food safety communication tools targeted towards a specific audience. By utilizing multiple methodologies, it provides a framework for other researchers to follow.
Nutritionally balanced school meal model for a comprehensive school
Authors: Tikkanen Irma 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to construct and describe a nutritionally balanced school meal model for a comprehensive school. The aim of the model is to illustrate an holistic view to school meals based on the pupils' needs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper introduces Maslow's hierarchy of needs and eight theoretical views to school meals. The empirical data were collected in 2007 from the pupils (168), their parents (82) and the school officials (42) of four comprehensive schools in Finland by using a structured questionnaire which included open questions. Consequently, a description of a nutritionally balanced school meal model for a comprehensive school was constructed.FindingsA constructed model for serving school meals consists of the following views: pupil's needs; nutrition, food choice and waste views; well‐being and energy; education; social‐ecological environment and school meal environment, as well as maintaining good health and preventing health problems. The model is structured according to the theoretical views as well as suggestions from the pupils, parents, and experts. Also the subjects responsible for the activities are included.Practical implicationsThe constructed nutritionally balanced school meal model can be utilized as a standard model when serving school meals in a comprehensive school.Originality/valueThe model may act as a reference model for the school catering organisations and the school officials when decisions related to school meals are made.
Children's perceptions of obesity as explained by the common sense model of illness representation
Authors: Babooram Melanie , Mullan Barbara Ann , Sharpe Louise 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to qualitatively examine the ways in which primary school children, aged between 7 and 12, perceive various facets of obesity as defined by the common sense model of illness representation (CCM).Design/methodology/approachThe study was qualitative in nature. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 33 children on all dimensions of the CSM. Twenty four children were normal weight and nine were overweight. A drawing task formed the methodology for the “identity” section of the interview.FindingsAlthough children identified food intake as a main cause of obesity, almost half did not name sedentary behaviours as a cause of obesity. Duration (timeline) of obesity was regarded by most children as reliant on a person's undertaking of positive health behaviours. Normal weight children were found to list more severe consequences of obesity than the overweight group. It was found that experience contributed to the detailed knowledge of overweight children's perceptions of cures of obesity. Overweight children also spoke of personal incidents of barriers to cures.Practical imlicationsThe findings suggest that the CSMs can be used to classify children's perceptions of obesity. Future childhood obesity interventions can utilise these findings to create campaigns and strategies that are more consistent with children's understandings of this condition.Originality/valueTo the authors' knowledge, no previous study has examined children's perceptions of obesity beyond perceived causes.
Portrait value questionnaire's (PVQ) usefulness in explaining quality food‐related consumer behavior
Authors: Fotopoulos Christos , Krystallis Athanasios , Anastasios Pagiaslis 
Published: February 2011

PurposeSchwartz's portrait value questionnaire (PVQ) has extensively been used in personal values research. The present paper aims to validate the 40‐item PVQ typology, using a nationally representative sample of 997 consumers. The main objective of the survey was to investigate whether higher‐than‐average regular purchasing of quality food products (i.e. organic and PDO labelled products) coincides with stronger identification with specific PVQ values.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was distributed nationwide. Data were collected through personal interviews with 997 consumers. Confirmatory factor analysis and cluster analysis were the main analytical techniques used.FindingsAt the value‐based segmentation level of the analysis, identification with the PVQ value domains decreased per cluster progressively and jointly for almost all value domains, a trend that led to the identification of five distinctive national consumer segments. The trend of stronger identification with security, universalism and benevolence that appeared at the sample level re‐emerged for the “urban upper class”, the “countryside class I” and the “countryside class II”, which accounted for two‐thirds of the overall sample and were the clusters with the most dynamic quality food purchasing profile.Research limitations/implicationsDespite the emergence of a clear relation between consumers' self‐transcendence and security value similarity and higher‐than‐average frequency of quality food purchasing, quality food consumers did not form a separate and clearly diversified cluster if the PVQ inventory functions as a basis for segmentation. Future models should incorporate values together with intermediate‐level constructs (e.g. beliefs and/or attitudes) when attempting to predict consumer behaviour towards quality food products.Originality/valueThe paper shows that while values can be used to meaningfully segment quality food consumers, there is still much to learn regarding the direct and indirect determinants of quality food purchase behaviour.
Deteminants of cross‐contamination during home food preparation
Authors: Kennedy J. , Nolan A. , Gibney S. , O'Brien S. , McMahon M.A.S. , McKenzie K. , Healy B. , McDowell D. , Fanning S. , Wall P.G. 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to determine the potential for the spread of bacteria from raw meat and poultry during home food preparation to the surrounding kitchen environment, hands and prepared food due to unsafe handling practices, which are predicted by consumers' knowledge, behaviour and attitudes.Design/methodology/approachThe potential for transfer of E.coli and C. jejuni was monitored in a simulated domestic kitchen environment while food preparation was filmed (n=60 respondents). A survey was also administered.FindingsThe results of the study show that transfer of bacteria around the kitchen environment and onto prepared meals are predicted by a lack of thoroughly washing contaminated hands, knives and chopping boards both during and after meal preparation. A higher level of perceived importance of correct food handling behaviour is associated with higher levels of educational attainment and age and food risk perceptions are positively associated with age.Practical implicationsThe results highlight the importance of promoting preventative measures and the means of employing them specifically to the young and less educated public who do not frequently cook and prepare food.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to include a verifiable audit of consumer food safety behaviour, microbiological sampling of surfaces, food and hands as well as a consumer survey of knowledge, behaviour and attitudes.