bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term cognitive profile and incidence of dementia after STN‐DBS in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Aybek Selma , Gronchi‐Perrin Aline , Berney Alexandre , Chiuvé Sabina Catalano , Villemure Jean‐Guy , Burkhard Pierre R. , Vingerhoets François J. G. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAn effect of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN‐DBS) on cognition has been suspected but long‐term observations are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term cognitive profile and the incidence of dementia in a cohort of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients treated by STN‐DBS. 57 consecutive patients were prospectively assessed by the mean of a neuropsychological battery over 3 years after surgery. Dementia (DSM‐IV) and UPDRS I to IV were recorded. 24.5% of patients converted to dementia over 3 years (incidence of 89 of 1,000 per year). This group of patients cognitively continuously worsened over 3 years up to fulfilling dementia criteria (PDD). The rest of the cohort remained cognitively stable (PD) over the whole follow‐up. Preoperative differences between PDD and PD included older age (69.2 ± 5.8 years; 62.6 ± 8 years), presence of hallucinations and poorer executive score (10.1 ± 5.9; 5.5 ± 4.4). The incidence of dementia over 3 years after STN‐DBS is similar to the one reported in medically treated patients. The PDD presented preoperative risk factors of developing dementia similar to those described in medically treated patients. These observations suggest dementia being secondary to the natural evolution of PD rather than a direct effect of STN‐DBS. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Health related quality of life in patients with dystonia and their caregivers in New Zealand and Australia
Authors: Lim Vanessa K. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractHealth Related Quality of Life (HRQL) was assessed by the SF‐36 in a group of patients with dystonia in New Zealand and Australia. The caregivers of these people were also asked to participate. Low scores from the SF‐36 indicate a disability or limitation in HRQL. Compared with the national norms of the respective countries, the participants with dystonia for both countries were significantly lower in the eight dimensions of the SF‐36, suggesting that patients with dystonia have lower HRQL compared with their respective national norms without dystonia. In contrast to the patients with dystonia, caregivers did not show lower HRQL scores than their national norms, suggesting that while dystonia affects the HRQL of those with the disorder, their caregivers may be less affected. Descriptive and demographic information were also gathered and are discussed. An important factor that may affect the HRQL of patients with dystonia is the length of time required to be diagnosed in this sample and the number of medical practitioners the patients consulted prior to a confirmed diagnosis. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Striatal delivery of CERE‐120, an AAV2 vector encoding human neurturin, enhances activity of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system in aged monkeys
Authors: Herzog Christopher D. , Dass Biplob , Holden James E. , Stansell James , Gasmi Mehdi , Tuszynski Mark H. , Bartus Raymond T. , Kordower Jeffrey H. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractNeurturin (NTN) is a potent survival factor for midbrain dopaminergic neurons. CERE‐120, an adeno‐associated virus type 2 (AAV2) vector encoding human NTN (AAV2‐NTN), is currently being developed as a potential therapy for Parkinson's disease. This study examined the bioactivity and safety/tolerability of AAV2‐NTN in the aged monkey model of nigrostriatal dopamine insufficiency. Aged rhesus monkeys received unilateral injections of AAV2‐NTN into the caudate and putamen, with each animal therefore serving as its own control. Robust expression of NTN within the nigrostriatal system was observed 8 months postadministration. 18F‐fluorodopa imaging using positron emission tomography revealed statistically significant increases in 18F‐fluorodopa uptake in the injected striatum compared with the uninjected side at 4 and 8 months. In addition, at 8 months postadministration, a significant enhancement in tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive fibers and an increase in the number of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive cells was observed in the AAV2‐NTN injected striatum compared with the uninjected side. Robust activation of phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase immunoreactivity in the substantia nigra was also observed. Histopathological analyses revealed no adverse effects of AAV2‐NTN in the brain. Collectively, these results are consistent with the neurotrophic effects of NTN on the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system and extend the growing body of evidence supporting the concept that AAV2‐NTN may have therapeutic benefit for Parkinson's disease. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Mathematical analysis of a viscoelastic problem with temperature‐dependent coefficients—Part I: Existence and uniqueness
Authors: Barral Patricia , Naya‐Riveiro M. Cristina , Quintela Peregrina 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe aim of this article is to study the quasistatic evolution of a thermoviscoelastic problem whose behaviour law is of the Maxwell–Norton type with coefficients depending on temperature. In this law, the deformation rate tensor is a superposition of viscoelastic and thermal contributions. The existence and uniqueness of the solution is proved. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An integrated sample preparation to determine coccidiostats and emerging Fusarium‐mycotoxins in various poultry tissues with LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Jestoi Marika , Rokka Mervi , Peltonen Kimmo 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe usefulness of an existing sample preparation technique used for ionophoric coccidiostats (lasalocid, monensin, salinomycin and narasin) was applied in the analysis of emerging Fusarium‐mycotoxins beauvericin (BEA) and enniatins (ENNs) in poultry tissues (liver and meat). Also, maduramicin and liver as a new sample matrix was introduced. The developed methods were validated and applied for the determination of coccidiostats and BEA/ENNs in Finnish poultry tissues in 2004–2005. The validation parameters demonstrated that the integrated sample preparation technique is applicable to the parallel determination of these contaminants in poultry tissues. Of the samples analysed (276 meat and 43 liver), only trace levels of LAS, MON, SAL, NAR and MAD were detected in 7, 3, 5, 6 and 4% of the samples, respectively. Interestingly, for the first time, traces of BEA and ENNs could also be detected in animal tissues. BEA and ENNs A, A1, B and B1 were found in 2, 0.3, 0.6, 4 and 3% of the samples, respectively. The simultaneous presence of coccidiostats and mycotoxins was detected in three turkey samples in 2004.
Green tea catechins upregulate superoxide dismutase and catalase in fruit flies
Authors: Li Yuk Man , Chan Ho Yin Edwin , Huang Yu , Chen Zhen Yu 
Published: April 2007

AbstractChinese Longjing green tea is an excellent source of polyphenol antioxidants. HPLC analysis revealed that Longjing green tea catechin extract (GTC) contained 62% epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), 19% epigallocatechin (EGC), 9% epicatechin gallate (ECG), and 7% epicatechin (EC). Investigating the effect of GTC on the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster, we observed that a 10 mg GTC/mL diet could prolong its 50% survival time by 36% and mean lifespan by 16%. This was consistent with 17% reduction in total body lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) level in GTC‐treated flies compared to the control group. Supplementation of 10 mg GTC/mL diet increased the survival time only in wild type Oregon‐R‐C (OR) but not in two mutant fly lines, SODn108/TM3 (gene for superoxide dismutase (SOD) was knocked out) and Catn1/TM3 (gene for catalase was knocked out), when the flies were challenged with paraquat or hydrogen peroxide. Accordingly, SOD and catalase activities in OR wild type increased by 40 and 19%, respectively. RT‐PCR analysis indicated that the genes for copper–zinc containing SOD (CuZnSOD), manganese containing SOD (MnSOD), and catalase were upregulated. It was concluded that prolonging lifespan by GTC in D. melanogaster was influenced, among others, by upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes.
Dose effects of the food spice cardamom on aspects of hamster gut physiology
Authors: Huang Ya‐Ling , Yen Gow‐Chin , Sheu Fuu , Lin Jin‐Yuarn , Chau Chi‐Fai 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe dose effects of pectic polysaccharide‐rich extract from the food spice cardamom (Amomum villosum Lour.) on intestinal environment were investigated. The results showed that pectic polysaccharides and hemicellulose were the major polysaccharides in the cardamom extract. The administration of cardamom extract (0.5 and 1.5 g/100 g diet) effectively (p < 0.05) shortened hamster gastrointestinal transit time by ∼︁ 58%, increased fecal moisture contents (148–174%), increased SCFA concentrations in hindgut (4.0‐ to 7.8‐fold), decreased the activities of β‐D‐glucuronidase (by 71.4–85.7%), β‐D‐glucosidase (by 24.3–51.5%), mucinase (by 63.6–72.7%), and urease (by 88.8–90.4%) in feces, and reduced the production of toxic ammonia (by 16.1–64.5%). These findings suggested that the consumption of cardamom extract (at least 0.5 g/100 g diet or 40 mg/day) might exert a favorable effect on improving the gastrointestinal milieu, and also provide a clue to substantiate its traditional therapeutic uses and dosage for intestinal health improvement.
Factor VII polymorphisms influence the plasma response to diets with different fat content, in a healthy Caucasian population
Authors: Fernández de la Puebla Rafael Ángel , Pérez‐Martínez Pablo , Carmona José , López‐Miranda Carmen Marín José , Paniagua Juan Antonio , Fuentes Francisco , Pérez‐Jiménez Francisco 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTo determine the influence of the factor VII gene polymorphisms, R353Q and 5'F7, on factor VII Ag plasma levels after the consumption of diets with different fat contents. Methods: 59 healthy individuals (42 RR, 16 RQ, 1 QQ at the R353Q and 46 A1A1, 13 A1A2 at the 5'F7) consumed 3 diets during 4‐weeks each: a Saturated diet (SAT) enriched in saturated fatty acid (SFA) (38% fat, 20% SFA), followed by a carbohydrate (CHO)‐rich diet (30% fat, 55% CHO) or a Mediterranean diet (MEDIT) enriched in monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) (38% fat, 22% MUFA) following a randomized crossover design. Plasma lipids and FVII Ag plasma levels were determined at the end of each dietary period. Results: After a SAT diet, RR homozygotes had greater concentrations of FVII Ag compared with MEDIT and CHO diets than did carriers of the minority Q allele (82.76 ± 1.3 vs. 75.02 ± 2.4, p = 0.001). The 5'F7 polymorphism behaved in a similar fashion (A1A1 81.98 ± 1.4 vs. A1A2 75.37 ± 2.4, p = 0.026). Conclusions: Our data show that carriers of the RR and/or A1A1 genotype present higher FVII Ag levels after the consumption of a SAT diet compared with the MEDIT and CHO rich diets.
Effects of red grape skin and seed extract supplementation on atherosclerosis in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits
Authors: Frederiksen Hanne , Mortensen Alicja , Schrøder Malene , Frandsen Henrik , Bysted Anette , Knuthsen Pia , Rasmussen Salka E. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractEpidemiological studies have suggested an association between consumption of red wine and other polyphenolic compounds and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits were used to investigate the effects of polyphenols in a red grape skin and seed extract (GSE) on the development of atherosclerosis. WHHL rabbits received either semisynthetic diet (casein based) or semisynthetic diet added GSE over a period of 15 wk. Plasma lipids and aortic cholesterol accumulation were measured. Feeding semisynthetic diet was associated with increasing hypercholesterolemia, which was developing slower in GSE group compared to the controls as recorded by significantly lower plasma cholesterol in dosage week 7 (males: P < 0.05, females: P < 0.01) and 11 (males: P < 0.01). Aortic atherosclerosis evaluated as the cholesterol content in aortic tissue was comparable in the control and GSE‐dosed females, but it was significantly reduced in the abdominal part of GSE‐dosed male compared to the controls (P < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding GSE extract to WHHL rabbits had no significant effects in females but was associated with transient less hypercholesterolemic response to semisynthetic diet and, furthermore, retarded the development of aortic atherosclerosis in males as demonstrated by significantly lower cholesterol content in the abdominal part.
Axonal degeneration in the Trembler‐j mouse demonstrated by stimulated single‐fiber electromyography
Authors: Meekins Gregg D. , Carter Gregory T. , Emery Michael J. , Weiss Michael D. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe Trembler‐j (Tr‐j) mouse is a naturally occurring mutant with a point mutation in the peripheral myelin protein‐22 gene causing severe peripheral nerve demyelination. It is a genetically homologous murine model for Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1A (CMT 1A). Our prior pilot studies using stimulated single‐fiber needle electromyograpy (SSFEMG) showed increased jitter in 60‐day‐old Tr‐j mice compared to age‐matched, wildtype animals. The aim of this study was to better elucidate the etiology of increased jitter in Tr‐j mice and test the following hypotheses: (1) the increased jitter in Tr‐j mice is due to turnover of endplates secondary to axonal degeneration with reinnervation and not to conduction block secondary to demyelination of motor nerve axons; and (2) aging Tr‐j mice demonstrate increased jitter and fiber density compared with younger mutant mice due to progressive motor axon loss. SSFEMG studies performed on 60‐ and 140‐day‐old mice indicated that average mean consecutive difference (MCD) and fiber density estimates (FDE) were significantly increased in Tr‐j mice at both ages compared to age‐matched wildtypes. FDE also increased substantially in older mutant mice. Intraperitoneal neostigmine injections produced significant reductions in average MCD in Tr‐j mice, suggesting that impaired neuromuscular transmission is an early pathologic feature in these mice and likely reflects distal axonal degeneration. Our findings corroborate our prior pilot study, although in a much larger number of animals across a wider age span. Our study also indicates that SSFEMG, performed in a serial fashion, is a useful, noninvasive method of detecting progressive axon loss in this murine model of CMT 1A. This technique may be a valuable tool to study the affects of genetic or pharmaceutical interventions in murine models of peripheral neuropathy. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Decentralisation and poverty: conceptual framework and application to Uganda
Authors: Steiner Susan 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn order to shed further light on the discussion about decentralisation‐poverty linkages in developing countries, this article introduces a conceptual framework for the relationship between decentralisation and poverty. The framework takes the form of an optimal scenario and indicates potential ways for an impact of decentralisation on poverty. Three different but interrelated channels are identified. Decentralisation is considered to affect poverty through providing opportunities for previously excluded people to participate in public decision‐making, through increasing efficiency in the provision of local public services due to an informational advantage of local governments over the central government and through granting autonomy to geographically separable conflict groups and entitling local bodies to resolve local‐level conflicts. Based on the experience with decentralisation in Uganda, it is shown that these channels are often not fully realised in practice. Different reasons are singled out for the Ugandan case, among them low levels of information about local government affairs, limited human capital and financial resources, restricted local autonomy, corruption and patronage, high administrative costs related with decentralisation and low downward accountability. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managerial autonomy: does it matter for the performance of water utilities?
Authors: Braadbaart Okke , van Eybergen Niels , Hoffer Jan 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe public administration literature asserts that autonomy is central to performance. In this article we develop a managerial autonomy index, which we apply to 22 water utilities in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The 16 items that underlie our composite autonomy index display a high degree of internal consistency. This speaks for the validity of the autonomy concept. We find that the autonomy scores of the 22 utilities vary widely. We also find strong and positive associations between autonomy scores and six out of eight key performance indicators. Our results support the idea that autonomy is central to the performance of water service providers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of low‐molecular‐weight heparin and antithrombin versus antithrombin alone for the prevention of symptomatic venous thromboembolism in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Meister Bernhard , Kropshofer Gabriele , Klein‐Franke Andreas , Strasak Alexander M. , Hager Josef , Streif Werner 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackgroundChildren with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have a substantial risk for thromboembolism (TE) that is related to L‐asparaginase‐induced antithrombin (AT) deficiency and placement of central venous lines. Recent in vitro studies showed that the anticoagulant effects of low‐molecular‐weight heparin were profoundly affected by endogenous AT levels in children undergoing ALL therapy.MethodsA total of 112 consecutively recruited children with newly diagnosed ALL treated according to BFM 95/2000 protocols were enrolled in this trial. This prospective cohort study was carried out to determine the influence of combined low molecular weight heparin‐prophylaxis (enoxaparin 1 mg/kg/ per day) and AT supplementation versus AT alone (noncontemporaneous control group) on the incidence of symptomatic TE during a follow‐up of 240 days.ResultsTo maintain AT plasma levels above 50%, nearly 60% of all children needed at least one, most children two or three AT supplementations during induction therapy. 12.7% of the children that did receive only AT‐prophylaxis (n = 71) (95% CI = 6.0–22.7) developed objectively confirmed symptomatic TE, as compared with no TE in children after combined prophylaxis (n = 41) (95% CI = 0.0–8.6, P < 0.05). Thromboses were located in the sinovenous system in the brain (n = 3), the lower deep veins (n = 3), the upper deep veins (n = 2) and in an upper deep vein combined with pulmonary embolism (n = 1).ConclusionProphylaxis with enoxaparin was safe and effective in preventing TE. Although our data are encouraging, the in vivo efficacy of combined enoxaparin and AT prophylaxis to prevent symptomatic venous TE in children with ALL should be evaluated in a prospective randomized clinical trial. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:298–303. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determining objectives: A behavior systems approach
Authors: Homme Lloyd 
Published: April 2007

AbstractInstructional objectives may be obtained form subject matter experts (SMEs), or they may be derived empirically form the analysis and design of behavior systems. In the latter case, instructional objectives are defined as sets of behaviors required to fulfill the overall objectives of the behavior system when these behaviors are best executed by human beings and when no humans can be found whose behavior repertoire already contains these specific behaviors.It is essential to start with a definition of systems objectives and derive these behavior specifications in the process of designing the behavior system which will fulfill these objectives. A distinction is made between educational and training objectives. Educational objectives are equated with systems objectives, and training objectives are equated with behavior components of behavior systems.
Mechanical properties–morphology relationships in nano‐/microstructured epoxy matrices modified with PEO–PPO–PEO block copolymers
Authors: Larrañaga Maider , Serrano Elena , Martin Maria Dolores , Tercjak Agnieszka , Kortaberria Galder , de la Caba Koro , Riccardi Carmen Cristina , Mondragon Iñaki 
Published: April 2007

AbstractEpoxy‐based blends containing poly(ethylene oxide)‐co‐poly(propylene oxide)‐co‐poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO–PPO–PEO) block copolymers with different PEO/PPO molar ratios have been investigated in order to analyze the effect of the generated morphologies and interactions between components on the mechanical properties of the blends. Mechanical, morphological and dynamic mechanical analyses indicate that the observed increase of flexural modulus can be related to the decrease of free volume. In modified systems that remain miscible, an increase of flexural modulus, strength and fracture toughness can be observed. Also, macrophase‐ and microphase‐separated systems show an increase of fracture toughness but not of flexural modulus and strength at low contents of block copolymers. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Interfacial interaction in EVA‐carbon nanotube and EVA‐clay nanocomposites
Authors: Miltner Hans E. , Peeterbroeck Sophie , Viville Pascal , Dubois Philippe , Van Mele Bruno 
Published: April 2007

AbstractProper filler‐matrix compatibility is a key factor in view of obtaining nanocomposites with well‐dispersed nanofillers displaying enhanced properties. In this respect, polymer‐filler interaction can be improved by a proper combination of matrix and nanofiller polarities. This is explored for matrices ranging from nonpolar high density poly(ethylene) to ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers with varying vinyl acetate contents, in combination with several types of organoclay or carbon nanotubes. A novel in situ characterization methodology using modulated temperature differential scanning calorimetry is presented to evaluate the matrix‐filler interaction. During quasi‐isothermal crystallization of the matrix, an “excess” contribution is observed in the recorded heat capacity signal because of reversible melting and crystallization. Its magnitude considerably decreases upon addition of nanofiller in case of strong interfacial interaction, whereas the influence is moderate in case of a less interacting matrix‐filler combination. It is suggested that the “excess heat capacity” can be used to quantify the segmental mobility of polymer chains in the vicinity of the nanofiller. Hence it provides valuable information on the strength of interaction, governed by the physical and chemical nature of matrix and filler. Heating experiments subsequent to quasi‐isothermal crystallization point at a certain degree of molecular ordering, responsible for crystal nucleation in EVA copolymers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 1291–1302, 2007