bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis of intravenously administered contrast media reveals changes in vascular barrier functions in a murine colitis model
Authors: Aychek Tegest , Vandoorne Katrien , Brenner Ori , Jung Steffen , Neeman Michal 
Published: January 2011

AbstractInflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract associated with alterations and dysfunction of the intestinal microvasculature. The goal of this work was to develop a preclinical protocol for quantitative functional characterization of the colonic microvasculature in a murine colitis model. Experimental colitis was induced in mice by addition of dextran sodium sulfate to the drinking water. Histopathologic analysis revealed severe multifocal colitis. Dynamics of intravenously injected macromolecular dextran‐FITC and biotin‐BSA‐GdDTPA in the colonic microvasculature were imaged using fluorescent confocal endomicroscopy and MRI (9.4 T), respectively. Both MRI and fluorescent confocal endomicroscopy revealed a substantial increase in the permeability of the colonic microvasculature associated with colitis, resulting in extravascular accumulation of the macromolecular contrast agent in the lumen of the colon. MRI data were validated by immunohistochemical staining of the contrast agent and leakage of fluorescently labeled BSA‐FAM coinjected with the MRI contrast agent. Leakage of plasma proteins and deposition of a provisional matrix can support inflammation and stimulate remodeling of the colonic vasculature. Thus, the plasma protein leakage from the colonic microvasculature at the focal inflammatory patches could be quantified by MRI, providing a biomarker for assessment of disease progression. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The somatosensory blink reflex in upper and lower brainstem lesions
Authors: León Lucía , Casanova‐Molla Jordi , Lauria Giuseppe , Valls‐Solé Josep 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe brainstem pathways that mediate the somatosensory blink reflex (SBR) are not completely understood. We hypothesized that the circuits of the SBR might be affected separately from those of the trigeminal blink reflex (TBR). We examined 7 patients with mesencephalic lesions and 8 patients with medullary lesions. The SBR was elicited by median nerve stimulation. The TBR was elicited by supraorbital nerve stimulation. In patients with upper brainstem lesions, the TBR was normal, whereas the SBR was generally abnormal. The SBR was either absent or small and was significantly delayed with respect to control subjects. The opposite was the rule in patients with lower brainstem lesions who had delayed or absent TBR and no abnormal findings in the SBR. The SBR is mediated through circuits in the upper brainstem. Study of the SBR can be helpful in the neurophysiological assessment of patients with mesencephalic lesions. Muscle Nerve 43: 196–202, 2011
Effects of resistance training on force steadiness and common drive
Authors: Beck Travis W. , DeFreitas Jason M. , Stock Matt S. , Dillon Michael A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of an 8‐week resistance training program on force steadiness and common drive for the vastus lateralis muscle. Eight untrained men performed a resistance training program. Before the program and at the end of each week, the subjects performed a trapezoid isometric muscle action of the leg extensors, and bipolar surface electromyographic signals were recorded from the vastus lateralis. The signals were decomposed into action potential trains that were cross‐correlated to measure common drive. Force steadiness was quantified as the standard deviation of force during the constant‐force portion of the trapezoid muscle action. The training program did not consistently affect force steadiness or common drive for any of the subjects. Although future studies are needed with different muscles and training programs, changes in the overall motor control scheme are not likely with resistance training. Muscle Nerve 43: 245–250, 2011
An early diagnostic tool for diabetic neuropathy: Conduction velocity distribution
Authors: Tuncer Seckin , Dalkilic Nizamettin , Esen Haci Hasan , Avunduk Mustafa Cihat 
Published: January 2011

AbstractDiabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects much of the human population. As a secondary complication, diabetic neuropathy causes time‐dependent damage to peripheral nerves. In this study, experimental diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ; 50 mg/kg intraperitoneally) in rats. Diabetic animals were grouped into those with 2 or 4 weeks of diabetes, whereas a control group received only the STZ vehicle (0.1 M citrate). Sciatic nerves were dissected, and compound action potentials (CAPs) were recorded. Results deduced by conventional calculation carried less information when compared with conduction velocity distribution (CVD) obtained by a computer‐based mathematical model. Using the conventional approach, statistically significant changes were first seen in the fourth week of diabetes, whereas results deduced by CVD measurement could be seen in the second week. Consequently, the CVD calculation provides more information for the early diagnosis of neuropathies compared with classical conduction velocity measurements. Muscle Nerve 43: 237–244, 2011
Repeated courses of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Clinical and biological results from a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Chiò Adriano , Mora Gabriele , Bella Vincenzo La , Caponnetto Claudia , Mancardi Gianluigi , Sabatelli Mario , Siciliano Gabriele , Silani Vincenzo , Corbo Massimo , Moglia Cristina , Calvo Andrea , Mutani Roberto , Rutella Sergio , Gualandi Francesca , Melazzini Mario , Scimè Rosanna , Petrini Mario , Bondesan Paola , Garbelli Silvia , Mantovani Stefania , Bendotti Caterina , Tarella Corrado ,   and the STEMALS Study Group
Published: January 2011

AbstractGranulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) induces a transient mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells from bone marrow to peripheral blood. Our aim was to evaluate safety of repeated courses of G‐CSF in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), assessing disease progression and changes in chemokine and cytokine levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Twenty‐four ALS patients entered an open‐label, multicenter trial in which four courses of G‐CSF and mannitol were administered at 3‐month intervals. Levels of G‐CSF were increased after treatment in the serum and CSF. Few and transitory adverse events were observed. No significant reduction of the mean monthly decrease in ALSFRS‐R score and forced vital capacity was observed. A significant reduction in CSF levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) was observed. G‐CSF treatment was safe and feasible in a multicenter series of ALS patients. A decrease in the CSF levels of proinflammatory cytokines MCP‐1 and IL‐17 was found, indicating a G‐CSF–induced central anti‐inflammatory response. Muscle Nerve 43: 189–195, 2011
Effects of formoterol on protein metabolism in myotubes during hyperthermia
Authors: Ametller Elisabet , Busquets Sílvia , Fuster Gemma , Figueras Maria T. , Oliveira Cibely Cristine Fontes De , Toledo Míriam , Korzeniewska Katarzyna , Argilés Josep M. , López‐Soriano Francisco J. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractProteolysis in skeletal muscle is mainly carried out by the activity of the ubiquitin‐dependent proteolytic system. For the study of protein degradation through the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway, we used a model of hyperthermia in murine myotubes. In C2C12 cells, hyperthermia (41°C) induced a significant increase in both the rate of protein synthesis (18%) and degradation (51%). Interestingly, the addition of the β2‐adrenoceptor agonist formoterol resulted in a significant decrease in protein degradation (21%) without affecting protein synthesis. The decrease in proteolytic rate was associated with decreases in gene expression of the different components of the ubiquitin‐dependent proteolytic system. The effects of the β2‐agonist on protein degradation were dependent exclusively on cAMP formation, because inhibition of adenylyl cyclase completely abolished the effects of formoterol on protein degradation. It can be concluded that hyperthermia is a suitable model for studying the anti‐proteolytic potential of drugs used in the treatment of muscle wasting. Muscle Nerve 43: 268–273, 2011
Pediatric sciatic neuropathy associated with neoplasms
Authors: Mcmillan Hugh J. , Srinivasan Jayashri , Darras Basil T. , Ryan Monique M. , Davis James , Lidov Hart G. , Gill Deepak , Jones H. Royden 
Published: January 2011

AbstractSeven children with sciatic neuropathy associated with an underlying neoplasm are reported. Clinical presentation, electrophysiological data, imaging, pathology, and/or autopsy results are described. Pain and weakness, primarily foot drop, were the most common presenting symptoms. The mechanism of sciatic neuropathy was varied and included: nerve infiltration by the adjacent neoplasm (neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and leukemic or lymphomatous infiltration); an expanding, intrinsic neurogenic tumor (perineurioma); or intraoperative stretch injury (osteosarcoma resection). The prognosis for sciatic nerve recovery was good among children who survived their associated cancer. Three children died from the cancer or complications of treatment. One child with perineurioma remained clinically stable, and two children improved after treatment of their neoplasm. Muscle Nerve 43: 183–188, 2011
Immune trigeminal sensory neuropathy with esophageal achalasia: Improvement with long‐term immunotherapy
Authors: Figueroa Juan J. , Engelstad Janean K. , Spinner Robert J. , Dyck P. James B. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractWe report a patient who developed subacute facial‐predominant numbness and anhidrosis, oral incoordination, and esophageal achalasia with resultant cachexia. Great auricular nerve biopsy showed extensive epineurial perivascular inflammatory infiltrates. Sensation, sweating, and swallowing improved with pulse intravenous methylprednisolone given over 5 years. We suggest that the patient's deficits, including achalasia, were due to an immune‐mediated sensory and autonomic neuropathy and that, in such cases, pathologic studies of the great auricular nerve may be diagnostically informative. Muscle Nerve 43: 289–293, 2011
The biochemistry of living tissues: Examination by MRS
Authors: Ross Brian D. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractMRS defines the molecular state of water, the chemical environment of cells and tissues and the qualitative and quantitative state of intermediary metabolism. Because cancer has disordered physiology, obvious differences in MR spectra can be observed. However, the detailed understanding of the biochemistry of cancer will also emerge from careful, quantitative multinuclear MR. The intermediary metabolism of ATP, the Krebs cycle, creatine, cholines and lipids, is discussed. Finally, the biochemical challenge posed by oncogenes may be amenable to MR analyses.
Practical applications of chemical shift imaging
Authors: Brown Truman R. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractMethods of spectral localization are briefly reviewed and divided into two classes: those using phase encoding and those using frequency selective RF pulses in a constant gradient. A potentially troubling artifact in the latter case is the spatial misregistration of different compounds which causes serious errors in 31P spectra from smaller regions. Chemical shift imaging (CSI) is presented as a typical example of phase encoding techniques. An analytical expression for the relationship of the signal observed to the true signal (the point spread function) is derived. Examples of CSI in one, two, and three dimensions are used to illustrate the principles of this type of localization.
The contribution made by cell death and oxygenation to 31P MRS observations of tumour energy metabolism
Authors: Tozer G. M. , Griffiths J. R. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThis review discusses the relationship between tumour oxygenation status, tumour cell death and the 31P MRS parameters associated with cellular energy metabolism (phosphocreatine, nucleoside triphosphates and P1). The presence of cells dying by apoptosis, and during mitosis would be unlikely to affect the 31P spectrum directly since they represent only a small fraction of tumour cells and remain energized until phagocytosed. Histologically necrotic cells also probably contribute nothing to the 31P spectrum. Instead, the spectrum appears to reflect the degree of hypoxia of the remaining viable cells, and the metabolic alterations required to sustain ATP synthesis as the oxygen supply diminishes. The biochemical theory developed to account for the 31P spectra of acutely hypoxic tissues does not apply to chronically hypoxic tumours. The concentrations of free ADP and P1 have major roles in the control of oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, as in normal tissues, but the precise relationships are still obscure. Cell‐killing following therapy may indirectly affect 31P MRS parameters via changes in oxygen concentration brought about by an improvement in tumour blood flow and alterations in oxygen consumption rates and diffusion distances.
Measurement of tumor blood flow by deuterium NMR and the effects of modifiers
Authors: Evelhoch Jeffrey L. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractTumor metabolism is directly coupled to tumor blood flow (TBF) and both metabolism and blood flow may be determinants of tumor response to treatment. Since NMR has been used extensively to monitor tumor metabolism noninvasively, development of NMR‐based methods for TBF measurement was motivated by the desire to examine the roles tumor metabolism and blood flow may play as determinants of therapeutic response. The concept of using deuterated water as an NMR‐detectable, flow‐limited tracer for the measurement of tissue blood flow (or capillary perfusion) was introduced in 1987 by Ackerman and coworkers (Proc. Natl., Acad. Sci., USA84, 4099–4102 (1987)). Since that time, methods have been devised using both spectroscopic and imaging detection for TBF measurement based on either clearance or uptake of deuterated water. In general, the clearance methods are more straightforward to implement, while the uptake methods are less invasive to the tumor. When used with appropriate caution, both approaches yield reliable results. To date, these methods have been applied in a relatively limited number of animal tumors. However, their use is increasing and some of these methods ultimately should be applicable in human tumors.
Anthropological analysis of the phenomenon of atlas occipitalisation exemplified by a skull from twardogóra (17th c.)—southern Poland
Authors: Senator M. , Gronkiewicz S. 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACTOccipitalisation of the atlas is one of the most frequent osseous anomalies of the atlas. It is characterised by the adhesion of the first cervical vertebra with the basilar part of the occipital bone. The most probable cause of the occipitalisation is a congenital disorder. The atlanto‐occipital fusion may lead to narrowing of the space for medulla oblongata, spinal cord and vertebral artery. This in turn may lead to many physiological symptoms. The skull from Twardogóra, Southern Poland, showed partial atlanto‐occipital fusion and presented an asymmetry in structure and shape of apertures for the vessels and nerves around the foramen magnum. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of caring for a child with cancer on single parents compared with parents from two‐parent families
Authors: Klassen Anne F. , Dix David , Papsdorf Michael , Klaassen Robert J. , Yanofsky Rochelle , Sung Lillian 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBackgroundIt is currently unknown how the intensive and often prolonged treatment of childhood cancer impacts on the lives of single parents. Our aims were to determine whether single parents differ from parents from two‐parent families in terms of caregiver demand (the time and effort involved in caregiving), and health‐related quality of life (HRQL).ProceduresForty single parents and 275 parents from two‐parent families were recruited between November 2004 and February 2007 from five pediatric oncology centers in Canada. Parents were asked to complete a questionnaire booklet composed of items and scales to measure caregiver demand and HRQL (SF‐36). The booklet also measured the following constructs: background and context factors, child factors, caregiving strain, intrapsychic factors, and coping factors.ResultsSingle parents did not differ from parents from two‐parent families in caregiving demand and physical and psychosocial HRQL. Compared with Canadian population norms for the SF‐36, both groups reported clinically important differences (i.e., worse health) in psychosocial HRQL (effect size ≥ −2.00), while scores for physical HRQL were within one standard deviation of population norms.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the impact of caregiving on single parents, in terms of caregiving demand and HRQL is similar to that of parents from two‐parent families. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 74–79. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prognostic value of PAX–FKHR fusion status in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the cooperative soft tissue sarcoma study group (CWS)
Authors: Stegmaier Sabine , Poremba Christopher , Schaefer Karl‐Ludwig , Leuschner Ivo , Kazanowska Bernarda , Békássy Albert N. , Bielack Stefan S. , Klingebiel Thomas , Koscielniak Ewa 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBackgroundAlveolar Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMA) are characterized by chromosomal translocations, fusing the PAX3 or PAX7 gene with FKHR in about 85%. Previous studies have suggested that the fusion type is associated with prognosis. In order to investigate the predictive value of the PAX–FKHR fusion status on disease outcome of patients with RMA treated in the CWS trials we performed a retrospective analysis.ProcedureBetween 1986 and 2004, out of 446 patients with RMA treated in four consecutive CWS trials, tumor samples from 126 patients were available for RT‐PCR analysis. Survival depending on fusion status in context with known clinical risk‐factors was analyzed.ResultsOut of 126 samples, 121 had adequate quality for PAX–FKHR fusion status analysis. PAX–FKHR fusions were detected in 101 samples: 60% PAX3–FKHR and 24% PAX7–FKHR fusions, 17% were fusion‐negative. There was no significant difference in survival between patients with PAX3–FKHR versus PAX7–FKHR positive tumors. The fusion transcript negative cohort showed a more favorable outcome than the fusion transcript positive cohort among patients with metastatic disease. From the established clinical risk‐factors none was associated with a significantly higher risk of failure or death in a multivariate analysis.ConclusionsPAX–FKHR fusion type was not a significant predictor for survival in our analysis. More extensive molecular analyses are needed to identify features with prognostic relevance and useful therapeutic impact. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 406–414. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adipokines, body fatness, and insulin resistance among survivors of childhood leukemia
Authors: Tonorezos Emily S. , Vega Gloria L. , Sklar Charles A. , Chou Joanne F. , Moskowitz Chaya S. , Mo Qianxing , Church Timothy S. , Ross Robert , Janiszewski Peter M. , Oeffinger Kevin C. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBackgroundFollowing our previous reports of an increased prevalence of insulin resistance and adiposity among acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors, particularly women treated with cranial radiotherapy (CRT), we aimed to (1) assess the relationships between adipokines (leptin and adiponectin), CRT, and measures of body fatness and (2) determine correlates of insulin resistance, by gender.MethodsWe conducted cross‐sectional evaluation of 116 ALL survivors (median age: 23.0 years; range: 18–37; average time from treatment: 17.5 years), including fasting laboratory testing (adiponectin, leptin, insulin, and glucose), anthropometric measurements (weight, height, and waist circumference), DXA (total body fat and truncal‐to‐lower‐body‐fat ratio), and abdominal CT (visceral fat). We estimated insulin resistance using the homeostasis model for assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Analytic approaches included regression models and Wilcoxon rank sum testing.ResultsMean leptin per kilogram fat mass was higher for females (0.7 ng/ml/kg) than males (0.4 ng/ml/kg, P < 0.01), and among subjects who had received CRT compared to those who had not received CRT (females CRT =0.9 ng/ml/kg, no CRT = 0.7 ng/ml/kg; P = 0.1; males CRT = 0.5 ng/ml/kg, no CRT = 0.3 ng/ml/kg; P < 0.01). Elevated HOMA‐IR was nearly uniformly present, even among subjects with BMI < 25 kg/m2, and was associated with higher leptin:adiponectin ratio (LA ratio; P < 0.01).ConclusionsAmong survivors of childhood leukemia, higher leptin levels were associated with measures of body fat and insulin resistance. Anthropomorphic and metabolic changes many years after ALL treatment remain a major health problem facing survivors and may be related to central leptin resistance. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 31–36. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sensitivity to strobilurin fungicides of Italian Venturia inaequalis populations with different origin and scab control
Authors: Fiaccadori Riccardo , Cicognani Elena , Alberoni Giulia , Collina Marina , Brunelli Agostino 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Venturia inaequalis (Cooke) Winter with reduced sensitivity to strobilurins has been reported in several countries, including Italy. This study aimed to characterise the sensitivity to strobilurins of three different types of V. inaequalis population: (a) wild types; (b) from commercial orchards satisfactorily managed with strobilurins; (c) from an experimental orchard with control failures by trifloxystrobin and kresoxim‐methyl. In vitro sensitivity tests included antigerminative activity on population conidia and mycelial growth inhibition on monoconidial isolates. Cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) analysis was used for the detection of G143A substitution.RESULTS: Wild‐type populations showed EC50 values lower than 0.031 mg L−1, while those of orchards with good performance by strobilurins presented EC50 values never higher than 0.063 mg L−1. Samples with scab control failures showed a strongly reduced population sensitivity. Similar differences were confirmed in monoconidial isolates. The G143A substitution was always detected in low‐sensitivity populations, only sometimes in well‐controlled populations and generally not in wild types.CONCLUSIONS: In vitro sensitivity assays were able to discriminate the three population types with different scab management, while the qualitative PCR analysis (CAPS) was only partially reliable. High sensitivity differences among V. inaequalis populations with good and poor field control by strobilurins were observed. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry