bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subthalamic nucleus stimulation is efficacious in patients with Parkinsonism and LRRK2 mutations
Authors: Schüpbach Michael , Lohmann Ebba , Anheim Mathieu , Lesage Suzanne , Czernecki Virginie , Yaici Sadek , Worbe Yulia , Charles Perrine , Welter Marie‐Laure , Pollak Pierre , Dürr Alexandra , Agid Yves , Brice Alexis 
Published: November 2006

AbstractStimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) improves motor signs in patients with levodopa‐responsive Parkinson's disease (PD). Mutations in the leucine‐rich repeat kinase‐2 (LRRK2) gene cause Parkinsonism. We assessed 69 patients under STN stimulation and found heterozygous LRRK2 mutations in 9 (G2019S in 8 and T2031S in 1). The age at onset of PD, the clinical characteristics before or after neurosurgery, and the clinical response to STN stimulation were similar in both groups. Two patients with the G2019S LRRK2 mutation still benefited from STN stimulation, 9 and 10 years after surgery. Patients with LRRK2 mutations are, therefore, good candidates for STN stimulation. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Update on the neurology of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Fowler Clare J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe differential diagnosis of a patient with apparent Parkinson's Disease (PD) and bladder symptoms is considered and the bladder dysfunction of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is reviewed. Recent insights into the progression of the neuropathology of PD have enabled thinking about the stage of the disease at which bladder dysfunction is likely to occur and the expected clinical context of the problem. Bladder symptoms of neurological origin are likely in a patient who has had treated motor symptoms for some years and in whom the ongoing neuropathology has progressed beyond involvement of the basal ganglia, so that symptoms due to cortical dysfunction as well as the adverse effects of dopaminergic medication are also confounding factors. Bladder symptoms in a man with lesser neurological disability should be investigated to exclude underlying outflow obstruction. Possible management options are considered. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of spirulina on the number of ovary mast cells in lead‐induced toxicity in rats
Authors: Karaca Turan , Şimşek Nejdet 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe present study investigated the protective effect of Spirulina against the lead‐induced increase in mast cells in the ovary during the oestrous cycle of rats. In the ovary cortex and medulla of lead‐exposed animals, there was a significant increase in the number of mast cells; however, when also treated with Spirulina, a decrease was observed. The number of mast cells when Spirulina (300 mg/kg) was used alone was not significantly different from that of the control group. These results indicate that Spirulina decreases the number of mast cells induced by lead in the cortex and medulla of rat ovary. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pycnogenol increases the probability of the contraction state in chick embryonic cardiomyocytes, indicating inotropic effects
Authors: Hasegawa Noboru , Kinoshita Hiromi , Mochizuki Miyako 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe influence of pycnogenol on the probability of contraction was studied in chick cardiomyocytes. Ventricles from 9–11 day chicken embryos were cultured. After 10–11 days in culture, stable spontaneous contractions were recorded and the contraction kinetics analysed. Isoproterenol and pycnogenol increased the probability of the contraction state. After pretreatment with the β‐receptor antagonist, propranolol reduced the isoproterenol‐ and pycnogenol‐increased probability of contraction state. These data suggested that pycnogenol has inotropic effects via stimulation of β‐receptor mediated activity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of deamidation of intact proteins by isotopic envelope and mass defect with ion cyclotron resonance Fourier transform mass spectrometry
Authors: Robinson Noah E. , Zabrouskov Vlad , Zhang Jennifer , Lampi Kirsten J. , Robinson Arthur B. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAfter synthesis and folding, proteins undergo many post‐synthetic modifications, including cleavage, oxidation, glycosylation, methylation, racemization, phosphorylation, and deamidation. Of these modifications, non‐enymatic deamidation is the most prevalent. Each asparaginyl and glutaminyl residue in a protein is a miniature molecular clock that deamidates with a genetically determined half‐time. These half‐times vary from a few hours to more than a century, depending on a primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure near the amide residue. It has been suggested that these clocks regulate many biological processes. A few such processes have been discovered. These discoveries have been difficult because deamidation is inconvenient to measure. While most post‐synthetic changes are easily measured by mass spectrometry, deamidation increases molecular mass by only one nominal Dalton, so the deamidated isotopic envelope overlaps the undeamidated isotopic envelope. While peptide deamidation rate determination through deconvolution of these envelopes has been accomplished for several hundred peptides, deconvolution becomes more difficult as the molecular weight increases. In high‐resolution mass spectrometers, this deconvolution is possible for larger molecules and an alternative method based on the 19 mDa mass defect between the deamidated envelope and the isotopic envelope of protein fragments can also be utilized. We herein report a comparison of the envelope deconvolution and the mass defect methods for measurement of deamidation in human eye lens crystallins, with special emphasis on βB2 crystallin and γS crystallin. Measurement of extent of deamidation of βB2 crystallin in a 7 Tesla ion cyclotron resonance Fourier transform mass spectrometer is found to be accurate to a relative standard deviation in a single measurement of about 4% for each method. The envelope deconvolution method is further illustrated by detection of deamidation in intact γS crystallin, a 20 904 Da protein, and discovery of the principal γS deamidation site. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Memoriam Kurt H. Meyer † 1882–1952
Authors: Hopff Heinrich 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAm 14. April 1952 starb unerwartet an den Folgen eines Herzleidens in Menton Professor Kurt Otto Hans Meyer, Direktor des Instituts für organische Chemie der Universität Genf. Die Nachricht von seinem Hinscheiden löste in den Kreisen seiner zahlreichen Freunde und Kollegen tiefe Trauer aus. Die Wissenschaft beklagt den Verlust einer führenden Persönlichkeit, der die Chemie auf verschiedenen Gebieten grundlegende Arbeiten verdankt.
Fibre Washing
Authors: Besso R. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAfter rasping or milling, the Fibre Washing System must: remove the maximum “free” and “bound” starch, and water; and retain the majority of fibre. A maximum starch yield for minimum investment and operating costs was desirable. Machinery now available used gravity or centrifugal forces; and either, Woven Fibres, Perforated Plate, or Wedge Wire Screens for filtration. Experience has shown that the most successful machines used centrifugal forces in combination with wedge wire, but even they discharged fibre with high moisture and starch contents, and required pumps, tanks, chutes, pipelines, controls, and sometimes heavy foundations.By applied experience and careful design, a new machine called the Screen Washer, was developed and improved on the best features of the existing machines, giving lower moisture and starch contents in the discharged fibre, transporting fibres between stages mechanically, and requiring only one filtrate pump as ancillary equipment for a three‐stage system. Being mechanical in operation it would accept all rates of flow from zero to maximum without supervision, was silent, totally enclosed, direct driven, free from vibration, and fabricated from high grade stainless steel.The Screen Washer could be installed singly or as a packaged three‐stage “cascade” system, no special foundations were necessary. A range of heavy duty stainless steel screens were available with apertures from 50 μ and above. It could be used successfully on cereal and root fibres, maize grits, maize germ, and other liquid/solid separations, giving improved performance against similar systems and with lower capital and running costs.
Experimental study on heat transmission to the vestibule during CO2 laser use in revision stapes surgery
Authors: Szymański M , Morshed K , Mills R 
Published: November 2006

We studied the transmission of heat to the vestibule during revision stapes surgery with a piston in situ, using a CO2 laser, in an in vitro model. A type K thermocouple was placed around the medial end of stainless steel and fluoroplastic wire pistons in a ‘vestibule’ filled with saline. The effect of laser hits on fluoroplastic wire and stainless steel stapes prostheses was investigated. The effect of introducing a vein graft to seal the stapedotomy was also examined. Greater temperature rises occurred with stainless steel than with fluoroplastic wire pistons. The addition of the vein graft reduced heat transmission.Application of the CO2 laser to fluoroplastic wire pistons, using the power settings suggested by the manufacturer, is not likely to damage the inner-ear structures. Application of 6 W laser energy to stainless steel pistons can potentially disturb the inner-ear function.
Malignant hyperthermia and central core disease causative mutations in Swedish patients
Authors: Broman M. , Islander G. , Müller C. R. , Ranklev‐Twetman E. 
Published: November 2006

Background:  Malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptibility is a pharmacogenetic disorder of intracellular calcium homeostasis. In susceptible individuals, halogenated anaesthetics and/or suxamethonium may trigger an MH reaction. The diagnosis of MH susceptibility is made by an in vitro contracture test of biopsied muscle strips.Methods:  In 27 MH susceptible (MHS) probands and four MH negative (MHN) probands, exons 17, 39, 40, 45 and 46 of the RYR1 gene were screened for MH causative mutations. In addition, in three patients with established central core disease (CCD), exons 17, 39, 40, 45 and 46 and exons 95, 100, 101 and 102 were screened for MH and CCD causative mutations. All screenings were performed by direct sequencing of the entire exons.Results:  MH causative mutations were found in five of the 27 MHS probands (19%). CCD causative mutations were found in two of three CCD patients in the C‐terminal exons. None of the CCD patients showed a mutation in N‐terminal exon 17 or in the central exons.Conclusions:  In a Swedish population, screening of N‐terminal exon 17 and the central exons for MH causative mutations in the RYR1 gene covers 19% of families. Thus, other mutations must also be responsible for MH susceptibility in Sweden. Although the number of CCD patients in this study was small, screening of the C‐terminal exons for CCD causative mutations seems to be a promising tool in the process of making a diagnosis.
Root nitrogen concentration of sorghum above 2% produces least Striga hermonthica seed stimulation
Authors: Ayongwa G.C. , Stomph T.J. , Emechebe A.M. , Kuyper T.W. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA series of pot and laboratory experiments was carried out to assess the effects of N status of sorghum roots and timing of N application (as NH4NO3) on the germination of Striga hermonthica seeds. Root N concentrations varied from 10 to 26 mg N g−1. The cut root and the root exudates technique used in assaying S. hermonthica seed germination gave similar results. However, the cut root technique was easier to handle and more discriminating at low germination levels. S. hermonthica seed germination per unit sorghum root mass followed a broken‐stick model. It decreased with increasing root N concentrations, reaching lowest levels at a root N concentration of 19.5 mg N g−1, after which no further reduction occurred. It was not possible to reduce S. hermonthica seed germination to a zero level. Timing of N application influenced the time a higher N concentration is reached, not the S. hermonthica seed germination. Both timing and rate of N application are important in maintaining root N concentrations above 19.5 mg N g−1, thereby potentially reducing S. hermonthica germination in the field. Translation of results to reductions in infection levels and yield losses is hampered by density‐dependent relations after the S. hermonthica germination stage.
Modafinil and unconstrained motor activity in
schizophrenia
Authors: Farrow Tom F. D. , Hunter Michael D. , Haque Rozana , Spence Sean A. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryAvolition affects quality of life in chronic schizophrenia. We investigated
the effect of modafinil upon unconstrained motor activity in 18 male
patients. In a randomised crossover design study wrist-worn actigraphic
monitors were used to objectively record motor activity over a 20 h period.
Patients' total activity was significantly greater when given the drug.
These data suggest that modafinil increases quantifiable motor behaviour in
schizophrenia and may have an impact on avolition.
Factors associated with suicidal ideation in the general population
Authors: Casey Patricia R. , Dunn Graham , Kelly Brendan D. , Birkbeck Gail , Dalgard Odd Stefan , Lehtinen Ville , Britta Sohlam , Ayuso-Mateos Jose Luis , Dowrick Christopher ,   ODIN Group
Published: November 2006

BackgroundVery few studies have examined the cross-national prevalence of suicidal ideation in the general population or variables associated with it.AimsTo examine the risk factors for suicidal ideas in the general population.MethodAs part of a five-country two stage epidemiological study of depressive disorder (the ODIN study) a random sample of over 12 000 people were screened using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). There followed detailed analysis of item 9 of the BDI, which measured the severity of suicidal ideation.ResultsAge, marriage, concern by others and severity of depressed mood independently increased or decreased the odds of suicidal ideation overall. An interaction between life events and social supports was identified, although this differed between men and women. Only concern by others and severity of depression were independently associated with serious suicidal ideation. The study does not allow for interpretation of the direction of the association.ConclusionsA number of social, clinical and demographic variables were independently associated with all suicidal ideation and with serious suicidal ideation. Longitudinal studies are required to confirm whether these are risk factors for or the result of suicidal ideation or have some other relationship.
Neuropsychological performance at the age of 13 years and adult
schizophreniform disorder
Authors: Cannon Mary , Moffitt Terrie E. , Caspi Avshalom , Murray Robin M. , Harrington Honalee , Poulton Richie 
Published: November 2006

SummaryWe examined neuropsychological functioning at age 13 years in adolescents
who later developed schizophreniform disorder, compared with healthy
controls and with adolescents diagnosed as having had a manic episode or
depression or anxiety disorder. Participants were from an unselected birth
cohort. Attentional, executive and motor impairments at age 13 were found in
those who later fulfilled diagnostic criteria for schizophreniform disorder,
suggesting that these impairments may be the earliest emerging
neuropsychological impairments in schizophrenia-related disorders.
Smoking Is Associated with Lower Bone Mineral Density and Reduced Cortical Thickness in Young Men
Authors: Lorentzon Mattias , Mellström Dan , Haug Egil , Ohlsson Claes 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Context: Smoking has previously been associated with reduced areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in elderly subjects, but the association remains controversial in adolescents.
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether smoking was associated with aBMD or volumetric BMD (vBMD) and bone size in young men.
Design and Setting: aBMD was measured using dual x-ray absorptiometry. vBMD and bone size were measured using peripheral quantitative computerized tomography (pQCT). Smoking habits were assessed using questionnaires. Levels of sex steroids, PTH, and 25-OH-vitamin D were measured in serum.
Participants: The population-based Gothenburg Osteoporosis and Obesity Determinants (GOOD) study includes 1068 young men, age 18.9 ± 0.6 yr (mean ± sd).
Main Outcome Measure: The main outcome measure was smoking as predictor of bone parameters and serum sex hormone levels.
Results: Of the study subjects, 8.7% smoked daily. Bone parameters were compared between smokers and nonsmokers. Smokers had significantly lower aBMD (dual x-ray absorptiometry) of the total body (crude: −2.1%; adjusted for age, height, weight, calcium intake, and physical activity: −1.8%), lumbar spine (crude: −4.3%; adjusted: −3.3%), and trochanter (crude: −6.6%; adjusted: −5.0%) than nonsmokers. Using peripheral quantitative computerized tomography, we found that smokers had lower cortical thickness of both the radius (crude: −2.8%; adjusted: −2.9%) and tibia (crude: −4.5%; adjusted: −4.0%) than the nonsmokers, whereas no difference was seen for cortical vBMD. Smokers had higher serum levels of total and free testosterone and lower 25-OH-vitamin D than nonsmokers. Adjustment for testosterone and/or 25-OH-vitamin D levels did not alter the associations between smoking and bone parameters.
Conclusions: We demonstrate that smoking was associated with lower aBMD and reduced cortical thickness in young men.
Acid Suppressive Therapy and the Effects on Protease Inhibitors
Authors: Fulco Patricia Pecora , Vora Urvi B , Bearman Gonzalo ML 
Published: November 2006

Objective: To review the literature associated with the pharmacokinetic interaction between protease inhibitors (Pls) and acid suppressive therapies and to characterize the impact of this interaction on virologic and immunologic outcomes. Data Sources: A MEDLINE search (1966–October 2006) was conducted using the names of the 10 Pls and specific acid suppressive therapies including antacids, histamine2-receptor antagonists, and proton pump inhibitors. Abstracts and poster presentations from recent HIV/AIDS meetings were reviewed for relevance. References from retrieved articles, as well as product packaging and manufacturer information, were evaluated. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Pertinent pharmacokinetic, immunologic, and virologic studies, in healthy and HIV-infected patients, evaluating the use of a PI and acid suppressive therapy were reviewed. Data Synthesis: Potential interactions between concomitant acid suppressive therapy and Pls were evaluated. Available information indicates that indinavir and atazanavir require an acidic gastric medium for adequate absorption. Indinavir pharmacokinetic parameters are variable with acid suppressive therapy but primarily result in decreased oral absorption. This interaction abates with concurrent ritonavir use. No immunologic or virologic data are available regarding the concomitant use of indinavir and acid suppressive therapy. The minimum concentration of atazanavir, area under the concentration-time curve, and maximum concentration are significantly reduced when used concurrently with acid suppressive therapy. Atazanavir 300 or 400 mg boosted with ritonavir 100 mg increases plasma concentrations when used with acid suppressive drugs. Virologic and immunologic outcomes appear stable when boosted atazanavir is used in HIV-positive patients. Atazanavir therapeutic monitoring should be considered when used in combination with acid suppressive therapy. Conclusions: Of the Pls reviewed, significant pharmacokinetic interactions exist between acid suppressive therapy and indinavir or atazanavir. These Pls should be used with low-dose ritonavir if acid suppressive therapy is necessary.
Prescription Medications: Beliefs, Experiences, Behavior, and Adherence of Sheltered Housing Residents
Authors: George Johnson , Munro Kim , Mccaig Dorothy J , Stewart Derek C 
Published: November 2006

Background: Data on medication utilization among residents of sheltered housing complexes (SHCs) are limited. Objective: To evaluate the extent of nonadherence to prescribed medications among residents of SHCs and identify factors associated with nonadherence. Methods: A 58 item, pre-piloted questionnaire with validated items for patient self-assessment of medication risk; adherence; disability; health beliefs, experiences, and behavior; and general items on demographics, health, and medication use was mailed to 1137 SHC residents in Aberdeen, Scotland. Predictors of nonadherence (Morisky score >0) were identified using logistic regression. Results: Of the 695 (61.1%) respondents, 645 (mean ± SD age, 78.2 ± 7.8 y) reported using prescribed drugs. Nonadherence was reported by 176 of 627 (28.1%) residents. The predictors of nonadherence were: disagreeing with the statement, “I ensure I have enough medicines so that I don't run out” (OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.77), agreeing with the statements, “I make changes in the recommended management to suit my lifestyle” (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.60) and “I get confused about my medicines” (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.77), younger age (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.94 to 0.99), not getting help from someone to use the medications correctly (OR 2.20; 95% CI 1.21 to 3.99), and agreeing with the statement, “I am concerned about the side effects from my medicines” (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.63). Conclusions: Over one-quarter of SHC residents were found to be nonadherent to prescribed drugs. Risk factors for nonadherence include younger age, confusion about drugs, lack of support for drug supply and administration, interference of treatment recommendations with lifestyle, and a perceived view of risks outweighing benefits in using recommended drug therapy.
Searching the NCBI Databases Using Entrez
Authors: Baxevanis Andreas D. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractOne of the most widely‐used interfaces for the retrieval of information from biological databases is the NCBI Entrez system. Entrez capitalizes on the fact that there are pre‐existing, logical relationships between the individual entries found in numerous public databases. The existence of such natural connections, mostly biological in nature, argued for the development of a method through which all the information about a particular biological entity could be found without having to sequentially visit and query disparate databases. Two Basic Protocols describe simple, text‐based searches, illustrating the types of information that can be retrieved through the Entrez system. An Alternate Protocol builds upon the first Basic Protocol, using additional, built‐in features of the Entrez system, and providing alternative ways to issue the initial query. The Support Protocol reviews how to save frequently‐issued queries. Finally, Cn3D, a structure visualization tool, is also discussed.
Chromatographic Analysis of Amino and Organic Acids in Physiological Fluids to Detect Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Authors: Woontner Michael , Goodman Stephen I. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis unit describes methods for the preparation of samples for analysis of physiological amino acids and organic acids. Amino acids are analyzed by ion‐exchange chromatography using an automated system. Organic acids are analyzed by gas‐chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Analysis of amino and organic acids is necessary to detect and monitor the treatment of many inborn errors of metabolism.
Principles of Resonance Energy Transfer
Authors: Szöllősi János , Damjanovich Sándor , Nagy Péter , Vereb György , Mátyus László 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis unit describes the basic principles of the fluorescence resonance energy (FRET) process. In addition, it characterizes available parameters and instruments for FRET measurements, discusses limitations, and shows a few examples of the application of FRET.