bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diabetes mellitus and the peripheral nervous system: Manifestations and mechanisms
Authors: Zochodne Douglas W. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractDiabetes targets the peripheral nervous system with several different patterns of damage and several mechanisms of disease. Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is a common disorder involving a large proportion of diabetic patients, yet its pathophysiology is controversial. Mechanisms considered have included polyol flux, microangiopathy, oxidative stress, abnormal signaling from advanced glycation endproducts and growth factor deficiency. Although some clinical trials have demonstrated modest benefits in disease stabilization or pain therapy in DPN, robust therapy capable of reversing the disease is unavailable. In this review, general aspects of DPN and other diabetic neuropathies are examined, including a summary of recent therapeutic trials. A particular emphasis is placed on the evidence that the neurobiology of DPN reflects a unique yet common and disabling neurodegenerative disorder. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Morphological analysis of bead–string shaped and core–shell attapulgite@polystyrene (ATP@PS) particles via emulsion polymerization
Authors: Liu Yushan , Liu Peng , Su Zhixing 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA convenient method for the preparation of bead–string shaped and core–shell attapulgite@polystyrene (ATP@PS) composite particles through emulsion polymerization from needle‐shaped attapulgite is reported. The pretreatment of attapulgite with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in ultrasonic is essential for successful encapsulation and for creating strong interfacial interaction between attapulgite and polystyrene (PS). The different morphologies of the ATP@PS particles, bead–string shaped and core–shell shaped, obtained with different amounts of styrene charges, were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Encapsulation mechanisms of the two morphologies were also developed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile approach to obtain individual‐nanotube dispersion at high loading in carbon nanotubes/polyimide composites
Authors: Yang Zhi , Chen Xiaohua , Pu Yuxing , Zhou Lingping , Chen Chuansheng , Li Wenhua , Xu Longshan , Yi Bin , Wang Yanguo 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA big challenge in making a composite lies in achieving individual‐nanotube dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a polymer matrix, without aggregation and entanglement and excellent interfacial adhesion between the CNTs and the polymers matrix. In this communication, using polyethylene glycol‐200, we successfully prepared CNT‐reinforced polyimide composites that exhibit individual‐nanotube dispertion in the matrix at high‐loading CNT's. The content of CNTs in a composite can reach 43 wt%. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of Al2O3 in the electrosynthesis of polypyrrole with fuzzy morphology—Microtentacle
Authors: Xiao Yinghong , Che Jianfei , Sun Xiaoliang , Wang Jing 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPolypyrrole (PPy) thin films were electrochemically polymerized onto the electrode surface. In this study alumina was used as the template and PPy film was prepared by electrochemical polymerization using Al/Al2O3 as the working electrode. Surface morphology of PPy was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the results revealed that the application of the template resulted in PPy with fantastic surface morphology which was called microtentacle and the length of the tentacle could reach 15 µm. The morphology can evidently increase the roughness, thus the surface area of the electrode substrate, and provide an intimate contact with the surrounding brain tissue compared to the hard, stiff metal surface. Relationship between PPy morphology and electrochemical polymerization parameters, such as polymerization time, was investigated. The study provided a fundamental method to prepare a PPy‐modified electrode with high surface area. Potential application of the study is proposed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel highly elastic magnetic materials for dampers and seals: Part I. Preparation and characterization of the elastic materials
Authors: Abramchuk S. , Kramarenko E. , Stepanov G. , Nikitin L. V. , Filipcsei G. , Khokhlov A. R. , Zrínyi M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe new generation of magnetic elastomers represents a new type of composites, consisting of small (mainly nano and micron‐sized) magnetic particles dispersed in a highly elastic polymeric matrix. The combination of polymers with magnetic materials displays novel and often enhanced properties. Highly elastic magnetic composites are quite new and understanding of the behavior of these materials depending on the composition, external conditions, and the synthesis processes is still missing. Thus, the aim of this work is the study of fundamental principles governing the preparation of these materials as well as their structure and elastic properties. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The proteomic alterations of Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis cultured at different temperatures
Authors: Wang Jingqiang , Zhao Caifeng , Meng Bo , Xie Junhua , Zhou Chuanqi , Chen Xishu , Zhao Kang , Shao Jianmin , Xue Yanfen , Xu Ningzhi , Ma Yanhe , Liu Siqi 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThermoanaerobacter tengcongensis, one of many thermophilic organisms, survives harsh living conditions in temperatures ranging from 50 to 80°C. In this comprehensive analysis, we present a robust approach, 2‐DE and MALDI‐TOF MS, to compare and identify the bacterial proteins responding to the temperature stress. In total, 164 spots of 2‐DE were found with the significant changes in spot volume at three culture temperatures, 55, 75, and 80°C, respectively; furthermore, 87 unique proteins were characterized by MS. Our results reveal that the electrophoretic images of the bacterial proteins, extracted from two culture temperatures (55 and 75°C), had similar patterns; however, the bacteria cultured at 80°C had dramatically decreased their spot volumes. Additionally, the temperature‐sensitive proteins are broadly divided into two groups: specific expression at certain temperatures and consistent changes of expression responsive to temperature. For instance, three proteins closely related with redox regulation, dihydrolipoamide acyltransferase, NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, and ferredoxin, were only detected in the bacteria cultured at 55°C. Whereas, two chaperonins, GroES and GroEL, were found to show a consistent increase during the elevated temperatures with the determinations, either by MS or Western blot. The proteomic information, thus expedites our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regarding how thermophilic bacteria adapt to the alterations in living environment.
Protein expression profiles in Saccharomyces cerevisiae during apoptosis induced by H2O2
Authors: Magherini Francesca , Tani Chiara , Gamberi Tania , Caselli Anna , Bianchi Laura , Bini Luca , Modesti Alessandra 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe identified the proteins involved during apoptosis induced by H2O2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and analyzed the global protein pattern by 2‐DE. We analyzed classical parameters of apoptosis such as chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, and morphology changes of cells. Exposure of yeast cells to nonphysiological doses of peroxides decreases the expression (or increases degradation) of enzymes involved in protection against oxidative stress. This leads the yeast cells to a reduction of their antioxidant defense and makes the cells more prone to apoptosis. In our data the down expression of peroxiredoxin II and GST I, could induce a perturbation of mitochondrial function with an alteration of permeability of the membrane leading to the mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis. Moreover, we identified a new spot of a classical glycolytic enzyme: the glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase during apoptosis. It is known that GAPDH is an extremely abundant glycolytic enzyme with multiple functions and that its overexpression is evident during apoptosis induced by a variety of stimuli. Our results confirm that it is a major intracellular messenger mediating apoptotic death and that this new spot of GAPDH could be an intracellular sensor of oxidative stress during apoptosis induced by H2O2 in S. cerevisiae.
The expression of S100A8 in pancreatic cancer‐associated monocytes is associated with the Smad4 status of pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Sheikh Adnan A , Vimalachandran Dale , Thompson Christopher C. , Jenkins Rosalind E. , Nedjadi Taoufik , Shekouh Ali , Campbell Fiona , Dodson Andrew , Prime Wendy , Crnogorac‐Jurcevic Tatjana , Lemoine Nicholas R. , Costello Eithne 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe cross‐talk between tumour cells and the surrounding supporting host cells (stroma) is a key regulator of cancer growth and progression. By undertaking 2‐DE analysis of laser capture microdissected malignant and stromal components of pancreatic tumours and benign ductal elements, we have identified high levels of S100A8 and S100A9 in tumour‐associated stroma but not in benign or malignant epithelia. Immunohistochemical analysis (n = 71 patients) revealed strong expression of both proteins in stromal myeloid cells, subsequently identified as CD14+/CD68‐ monocytes/macrophages. Co‐immunofluorescence revealed that S100A8 was expressed in a subset of S100A9‐positive cells. Correlation of the expression of S100A8 and S100A9 to patient parameters revealed that the microenvironments of tumours which lacked expression of the tumour suppressor protein, Smad4, had significantly reduced numbers of S100A8‐immunoreactive (p = 0.023) but not S100A9‐immunoreactive (p = 0.21) cells. The ratio of S100A8‐ to S100A9‐positive cells within individual tumours was significantly lower in Smad4‐negative tumours than in Smad4‐positive tumours (p<0.003). Pancreatitic specimens also contained S100A8‐ and S100A9‐expressing cells, although this was not observed in regions displaying extensive fibrosis. In conclusion, our study provides an extensive analysis of S100A8 and S100A9 in pancreatic disease and highlights a potentially important relationship between pancreatic cancer cells and their surrounding microenvironment.
Presence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in respiratory cultures from cystic fibrosis patients is associated with lower lung function
Authors: Ren Clement L. , Morgan Wayne J. , Konstan Michael W. , Schechter Michael S. , Wagener Jeffrey S. , Fisher Kathryn A. , Regelmann Warren E. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe prevalence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections is increasing in both the general population and cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. We hypothesized that MRSA infection of the conductive airways as seen in CF would be associated with more severe disease than that seen with methicillin sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). To test this hypothesis, we used data from the Epidemiologic Study of Cystic Fibrosis (ESCF), a large observational study of CF patients in North America, to compare CF patients with MRSA in their respiratory tract cultures to those with MSSA. During a 1‐year time period from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2001, data from 20,451 patients were collected by the ESCF, and 1,834 (7.5%) patients had respiratory tract cultures that were positive for S. aureus only. Compared to patients with MSSA only, patients with MRSA only had significantly more airflow obstruction, as measured by forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1). The mean FEV1 for patients 6–17 years old with MRSA was 80.7% predicted compared to 89.4% in the MSSA group (P < 0.001). The likelihood of hospitalization and treatment with oral, inhaled, and intravenous antibiotics were all significantly increased in patients with MRSA compared to those with MSSA. Similar results were seen in patients ≥18 years old. The results of our study highlight the growing clinical impact of MRSA infections in CF patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:513–518. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Food allergy and asthma morbidity in children
Authors: Simpson Alyson B. , Glutting Joe , Yousef Ejaz 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackgroundCoexisting food allergy and asthma is a significant problem in the pediatric population. Studies have looked at the association between food sensitization and asthma severity. It is unknown whether specific food allergies are associated with increased asthma morbidity.ObjectiveWe studied the independent effect that allergy to egg, milk, fish, and peanut has on the number of hospitalizations and courses of systemic steroids in children with asthma.MethodsWe performed a medical record review to evaluate the effect food allergy to egg, fish, peanut, and milk has on asthma morbidity. We reviewed the records of 201 children aged 3 months to 14 years with the diagnosis of asthma (ICD‐9 codes 493.90, 493.91, and 493.92), of which 88 had coexistent food allergy. All children in the food allergy group had food‐specific IgE concentrations greater than the 95% positive predictive value. We compared the rate of hospitalizations and use of systemic steroids between children with asthma and food allergies and those without coexisting food allergy using direct‐entry, multiple regression analysis. Patients were adjusted for the severity of their asthma based on symptoms documented at their first visit to the allergist according to the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program guidelines and presence of environmental allergy, eczema, smoke exposure, and gastroesophageal reflux.ResultsPeanut and milk allergies were both associated with increased number of hospitalizations (P = 0.009, 0.016), and milk allergy was associated with increased use of systemic steroids (P = 0.001).ConclusionPeanut and milk allergies were associated with increased hospitalization and steroid use and may serve as early markers for increased asthma morbidity. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:489–495. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nerve growth factor mediates steroid‐resistant inflammation in respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Mohtasham Lida , Auais Alexander , Piedimonte Giovanni 
Published: April 2007

AbstractNeurotrophic factors and receptors are upregulated in the respiratory tract of humans and rodents infected by the respiratory syncytial virus, leading to airway inflammation and hyperreactivity. The contribution of neurotrophic pathways to the recruitment of immuno‐inflammatory cells and their response to anti‐inflammatory therapy remains unclear. We sought to determine whether selective nerve growth factor inhibition prevents the immuno‐inflammatory response against infection, and explored the effect of inhaled corticosteroids on virus‐induced neurotrophic upregulation and the consequent recruitment of immuno‐inflammatory cells into the airways. We tried to inhibit the recruitment of lymphocytes and monocytes into the airways of infected weanling rats using immunologic inhibition of nerve growth factor with a specific blocking antibody, or chemical inhibition of receptor tyrosine kinase with K252a. The anti‐inflammatory activity of inhaled corticosteroids was studied in infected rats treated with budesonide, fluticasone, or vehicle. Immunological or chemical inhibition of nerve growth factor or its high‐affinity receptor tyrosine kinase pathway inhibited the recruitment of inflammatory cells triggered by nociceptive irritation of infected rat airways, thereby reducing local and systemic immuno‐inflammatory responses against the virus. Neurotrophic upregulation in infected airways was not affected by inhaled corticosteroids. As a logical consequence, these commonly used drugs were also unable to stop the recruitment of immune and inflammatory effector cells into infected airways. Overexpression of neurotrophic factors and receptors in airways infected by respiratory syncytial virus is critical for the development of airway inflammation and hyperreactivity, which is resistant to the anti‐inflammatory effect of inhaled corticosteroids. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:496–504. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Severe systemic adverse reaction to proton pump inhibitors in an infant
Authors: Baldassarre Emanuele , Sagaon Mario Mendoza , Ferrarini Alessandra , Bianchetti Mario G. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractEpisodes of respiratory distress with chest retraction and wheezing, sometimes associated with facial edema, were noted after administering the proton pump inhibitors omeprazole and esomeprazole in an infant with gastroesophageal reflux. The disturbances relieved dramatically after withdrawing the proton pump inhibitor. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:563–564. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Amiloride‐insensitive nasal potential difference varies with the menstrual cycle in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Sweezey Neil B. , Smith David , Corey Mary , Ellis Lynda , Carpenter Susan , Tullis D. Elizabeth , Durie Peter , O'Brodovich Hugh M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractRationaleThere is no adequate explanation for gender‐based differences in rates of mortality and of deterioration in pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. One potential explanation is that gender hormones (sex steroids) may modulate the severity of CF lung disease, the principal cause of mortality in CF, by altering respiratory transepithelial ion transport.ObjectiveTo determine whether respiratory epithelial ion transport varied during the menstrual cycle of CF females.MethodsThe nasal transepithelial electrical potential difference (NPD) was determined as a measure of ion transport across human respiratory epithelium, coincident with measurements of endogenous serum hormone levels in the luteal and follicular phases of the menstrual cycle in CF females aged 16–22 years.ResultsThe component of the NPD that is insensitive to the Na+ transport blocker amiloride, but not the amiloride‐sensitive component, changed in association with endogenous, menstrual cycle‐induced changes in serum levels of progesterone and estrogen (P = 0.02, n = 7, paired t‐test). Measurements using Cl− free perfusates suggested that the changes are not a result of Cl− conductance.ConclusionsOur results suggest that in CF respiratory epithelium amiloride‐insensitive, but not amiloride‐sensitive, ion transport is altered by female gender hormones in vivo. We speculate that amiloride‐insensitive ion transport may contribute to the regulation of human airway surface fluid. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:519–524. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prediction of folding transition‐state position (βT) of small, two‐state proteins from local secondary structure content
Authors: Huang Ji‐Tao , Cheng Jin‐Pei 
Published: April 2007

AbstractFolding kinetics of proteins is governed by the free energy and position of transition states. But attempts to predict the position of folding transition state on reaction pathway from protein structure have been met with only limited success, unlike the folding‐rate prediction. Here, we find that the folding transition‐state position is related to the secondary structure content of native two‐state proteins. We present a simple method for predicting the transition‐state position from their α‐helix, turn and polyproline secondary structures. The method achieves 81% correlation with experiment over 24 small, two‐state proteins, suggesting that the local secondary structure content, especially for content of α‐helix, is a determinant of the solvent accessibility of the transition state ensemble and size of folding nucleus. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compounds from Ageratum conyzoides: isolation, structural elucidation and insecticidal activity
Authors: Moreira Márcio D , Picanço Marcelo C , Barbosa Luiz Cláudio A , Guedes Raul Narciso C , Barros Emerson C , Campos Mateus R 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis work aimed at identifying plant compounds with insecticidal activity against Diaphania hyalinata (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Musca domestica (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), Periplaneta americana (L.) (Blattodea: Blattidae) and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae). The plant species used were: basil (Ocimum selloi Benth.), rue (Ruta graveolens L.), lion's ear (Leonotis nepetaefolia L.), Jimson weed (Datura stramonium L.), ‘baleeira’ herb (Cordia verbenaceae L.), mint (Mentha piperita L.), wild balsam apple (Mormodica charantia L.) and billy goat weed (Ageratum conyzoides L.). Firstly, the insecticidal activities of hexane and ethanol plant extracts were evaluated against adults of R. dominica. Among them, only the hexane extract of A. conyzoides showed insecticidal activity. The hexane extract of this plant species was therefore fractionated by silica gel column chromatography to isolate and purify its bioactive chemical constituents. Three compounds were identified using IR spectra, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HMBC and NOE after gel chromatography: 5,6,7,8,3′, 4′, 5′‐heptamethoxyflavone, 5,6,7,8,3′‐pentamethoxy‐4′, 5′‐methylenedioxyflavone and coumarin. The complete assignment of 13C NMR to 5,6,7,8,3′‐pentamethoxy‐4′, 5′‐methylenedioxyflavone was successfully made for the first time. 5,6,7,8,3′‐Pentamethoxy‐4′, 5′‐methylenedioxyflavone did not show any insecticidal activity against the four insect species tested. 5,6,7,8,3′, 4′, 5′‐Heptamethoxyflavone showed low activity against D. hyalinata and R. dominica and was not toxic to M. domestica or P. americana. In contrast, coumarin showed insecticidal activity against all four insect pest species tested, with the following order of susceptibility: R. dominica < P. americana < D. hyalinata < M. domestica after 24 h exposure. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of pyrethroid analogues to identify key structural features for enhanced esterase resistance in Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Gunning Robin V , Moores Graham D , Jewess Philip , Boyes Alastair L , Devonshire Alan L , Khambay Bhupinder PS 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIt has been reported previously that the major resistance mechanism to pyrethroid insecticides by the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) in Australia is a consequence of overproduction of esterase isoenzymes. This paper reports structure–activity relationships that support such a view, based on in vivo bioassays conducted with a range of pyrethroid structures containing a variety of acid and alcohol moieties and the correlation with in vitro esterase inhibition assays against the same structures, and identifies the critical regions of the molecule with regard to esterase inhibition, and hence resistance. The implications of this work in terms of possible resistance management are evaluated and discussed. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Photochemical etching of silicon by two photon absorption
Authors: Ouyang H. , Deng Y. , Knox W. H. , Fauchet P. M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPhotochemical etching of silicon assisted by two‐photon absorption (TPA) in the presence of hydrofluoric acid (HF) is demonstrated using a below‐bandgap femtosecond laser source. We investigate the morphology of the etched silicon as a function of the laser power, exposure time, as well as the substrate doping level. Self‐organized periodic silicon trenches with ∼150 nm spacing were observed at the etch front as the initial stage of the TPA photochemical etching process. Since the etching front can be precisely controlled by the focal point, this technique can be used for writing silicon microfluidic systems and for 3D micromachining. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)