bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of inhibitory rTMS on bladder function in Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Brusa Livia , Agrò Enrico Finazzi , Petta Filomena , Sciobica Francesco , Torriero Sara , Lo Gerfo Emanuele , Iani Cesare , Stanzione Paolo , Koch Giacomo 
Published: January 2009

AbstractPatients affected by Parkinson's disease (PD) may present with lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction characterized by involuntary detrusor overactivity. We evaluated possible impact of a 2‐week course of low frequency 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on LUT behavior in eight advanced PD patients complaining of urinary disturbances. We tested the effects of rTMS measuring urodynamic examination and the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) questionnaire, used for evaluation of subjective LUTS. rTMS was able to improve temporarily LUT behavior in PD patients, increasing bladder capacity and the first sensation of filling phase. Moreover, a reduction of IPSS score was noticed, due to an improvement on filling phase symptoms. The beneficial effects assessed with the IPSS lasted for up to 2 weeks after the end of the stimulation. rTMS seems to be an effective, noninvasive alternative treatment for PD patients with urinary disturbances. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Funding of Parkinson research from industry and US federal and foundation sources
Authors: Dorsey E. Ray , Thompson Joel P. , Frasier Mark , Sherer Todd , Fiske Brian , Nicholson Sean , Johnston S. Claiborne , Holloway Robert G. , Moses Hamilton 
Published: January 2009

AbstractFunding for biomedical and neuroscience research has increased over the last decade but without a concomitant increase in new therapies. This study's objectives were to determine the level and principal sources of recent funding for Parkinson disease (PD) research and to determine the current state of PD drug development. We determined the level and principal sources of recent funding for PD research from the following sources: US federal agencies, large PD foundations based in the United States, and global industry. We assessed the status of PD drug development through the use of a proprietary drug pipeline database. Funding for PD research from the sources examined was approximately $1.1 billion in 2003 and $1.2 billion in 2005. Industry accounted for 77% of support from 2003 to 2005. The number of drugs in development for PD increased from 67 in 2003 to 97 in 2007. Of the companies with at least one compound in development for PD in 2007, most were small (62% had annual revenue of less than $100 million), and most (53%) were based outside the United States. These companies will likely require partnerships to drive successful development of new PD therapies. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Formation of microporous poly(hydroxybutyric acid) membranes for culture of osteoblast and fibroblast
Authors: Huag Han‐Shiang , Chou Shiu‐Huey , Don Trong‐Ming , Lai Wei‐Chi , Cheng Liao‐Ping 
Published: January 2009

AbstractMicroporous membranes of a biodegradable polymer, poly(hydroxybutyric acid) (PHB), were prepared by a phase‐inversion process and their cell compatibility was evaluated in vitro. A ternary system, ethanol/chloroform/PHB, was employed to prepare the membranes, wherein ethanol and chloroform were served as the nonsolvent and solvent for PHB, respectively. In the phase‐inversion process, the polymer dissolution temperature was varied from 80 to 120°C to yield membranes with specific morphologies, such as globular particles, porous channels, etc. Moreover, cell viability was examined on the formed membranes. Two cell lines, osteoblast hFOB1.19 and fibroblast L929, were cultured in vitro. It was found that these two types of cells exhibited different responses on different membranes: the hFOB1.19 cells showed significant increase in cell proliferation with increase in surface roughness, whereas the L929 cells demonstrated an opposite trend, preferring to attach and grow on a flat surface. PHB membranes with different morphologies exhibit different cell compatibilities, which may be useful means for the architectural design of materials for tissue engineering. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control of stereochemical structures of silicon‐containing polymeric systems
Authors: Kawakami Yusuke , Kakihana Yuriko , Ooi Osamu , Oishi Motoi , Suzuki Keigo , Shinke Satoshi , Uenishi Kazuya 
Published: January 2009

AbstractVarious optically active silicon compounds have been synthesized or separated, and used to synthesize silicon‐containing polymers with well‐controlled stereochemical structures. Hydrosilylation, anionic ring‐opening polymerization and cross‐coupling reactions have been used to synthesize optically active and/or stereoregular silicon‐containing polymers. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Unintended molecular interactions in transgenic plants expressing clinically useful proteins: The case of bovine aprotinin traveling the potato leaf cell secretory pathway
Authors: Badri M. Amine , Rivard Daniel , Coenen Karine , Michaud Dominique 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe assessed the impact of subcellular targeting on the heterologous expression of a clinically useful protease inhibitor, bovine aprotinin, in leaves of potato,Solanum tuberosum. Transgenic potato lines targeting aprotinin to the cytosol, the ER or the apoplast were first generated, and then assessed for their ability to accumulate the recombinant protein. On‐chip detection and quantitation of aprotinin variants by SELDI TOF MS showed the inhibitor to be absent in the cytosol, but present under different forms in the ER and the apoplast. No visible phenotypic effects of aprotinin were observed for the transgenic lines, but aprotinin retention in the ER was associated with a significant decrease of leaf soluble protein content. A 2‐D gel assessment of control and transgenic lines revealed a possible link between this altered protein content and the down‐regulation of proteins implicated in protein synthesis and maturation. These observations, supported by complementary 2‐DE analyses with potato lines targeting aprotinin to the apoplast, suggest an aprotinin‐mediated feedbackin plantanegatively altering protein anabolism. From a practical viewpoint, these data illustrate the importance of taking into account not only the characteristics of recombinant proteins expressed in heterologous environments, but also their possible effects on protein accumulation in the host plant factory.
The proteome of Salmonella Typhimurium grown under in vivo‐mimicking conditions
Authors: Sonck Kathleen A. J. , Kint Gwendoline , Schoofs Geert , Vander Wauven Corinne , Vanderleyden Jos , De Keersmaecker Sigrid C. J. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractTo successfully infect a host, it is a prerequisite for enteric pathogens such as Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium to adapt to their environment, in casu the gastrointestinal tract. The adoption of an appropriate lifestyle is triggered by environmental signals such as the low oxygen availability and high osmolarity prevalent in the gut. In order to gain more insight in the changes that are induced when S. Typhimurium is adapting to these particular conditions, we used 2‐D DIGE technology to investigate the combined effect of low oxygen tension and high osmolarity on the proteome of S. Typhimurium SL1344 compared to standard laboratory conditions. As a validation of the 2‐D DIGE technique, preferential protein labeling by the Cy‐dyes was assessed and proved to be negligible. The differentially expressed proteins identified reflect very well the applied culture conditions. Furthermore, reported transcriptional changes and observed changes at the translational level show overlap. Among the metabolic processes that are upregulated under in vivo‐mimicking conditions are anaerobic fumarate respiration and the utilization of 1,2‐propanediol. We also provide evidence that S. Typhimurium expresses an arginine deiminase pathway for the catabolism of L‐arginine. The increased activity of this pathway was biochemically validated. Finally, also proteins involved in quorum sensing and virulence are differentially expressed under in vivo‐mimicking conditions. These conditions offer possibilities as a simplified model system for the host environment given the high overlap of identifications in our study and reported genuine in vivo studies, respectively.
Effects of green tea extract on lung cancer A549 cells: Proteomic identification of proteins associated with cell migration
Authors: Lu Qing‐Yi , Yang Yanan , Jin Yu Sheng , Zhang Zuo‐Feng , Heber David , Li Frederick P. , Dubinett Steven M. , Sondej Melissa A. , Loo Joseph A. , Rao Jian Yu 
Published: January 2009

AbstractGreen tea polyphenols exhibit multiple antitumor activities, and the mechanisms of action are not completely understood. Previously, we reported that green tea extract (GTE)‐induced actin remolding is associated with increased cell adhesion and decreased motility in A549 lung cancer cells. To identify the cellular targets responsible for green tea‐induced actin remodeling, we performed 2‐DE LC‐MS/MS of A549 cells before and after GTE exposure. We have identified 14 protein spots that changed in expression (≥2‐fold) after GTE treatment. These proteins are involved in calcium‐binding, cytoskeleton and motility, metabolism, detoxification, or gene regulation. In particular we found upregulation of several genes that modulate actin remodeling and cell migration, including lamin A/C. Our data indicated that GTE‐induced lamin A/C upregulation appears to be at the transcriptional level and the increased expression results in the decrease in cell motility, as confirmed by siRNA. The result of the study demonstrates that GTE alters the levels of many proteins involved in growth, motility and apoptosis of A549 cells and their identification may explain the multiple antitumor activities of GTE.
Insights into yeast adaptive response to the agricultural fungicide mancozeb: A toxicoproteomics approach
Authors: Santos Pedro M. , Simões Tânia , Sá‐Correia Isabel 
Published: January 2009

AbstractToxicogenomics has the potential to elucidate gene–environment interactions to identify genes that are affected by a particular chemical at the early stages of the toxicological response and to establish parallelisms between different organisms. The fungicide mancozeb, widely used in agriculture, is an ethylene‐bis‐dithiocarbamate complex with manganese and zinc. Exposure to this pesticide has been linked to the development of idiopathic Parkinson's disease and cancer. Given that many signalling pathways and their molecular components are substantially conserved among eukaryotic organisms, we usedSaccharomyces cerevisiaeto get insights into the molecular mechanisms of mancozeb toxicity and adaptation based on expression proteomics. The early global response to mancozeb was analysed by quantitative proteomics using 2‐DE. The target genes (e.g.TSA1,TSA2,SOD1,SOD2,AHP1,GRE2,GRX1,CYS3,PRE3,PRE6,PRE8,PRE9,EFT1,RPS5,TIF11,HSP31,HSP26,HSP104,HSP60,HSP70‐family) and the putative main transcription activators (e.g. Yap1, Msn2/Msn4, Met4, Hsf1, Aft1, Pdr1, Skn7, Rpn4p, Gcn4) of the complex mancozeb‐induced expression changes are related with yeast response to stress, in particular to oxidative stress, protein translation initiation and protein folding, disassembling of protein aggregates and degradation of damaged proteins. Our results also suggest that this study provided powerful indications that may be useful to expand the knowledge obtained in yeast not only to the global response to mancozeb toxicity in phytopathogenic fungi but also to humans.
Comparative proteomics of leaf, stem, and root tissues of synthetic Brassica napus
Authors: Albertin Warren , Langella Olivier , Joets Johann , Négroni Luc , Zivy Michel , Damerval Catherine , Thiellement Hervé 
Published: January 2009

AbstractComparative proteomics was applied to three vegetative organs of Brassica napus, the leaf, stem, and root using 2‐DE. Among the >1600 analyzed spots, 43% were found to be common to all three organs, suggesting the existence of a “basal” or ubiquitous proteome composed of housekeeping proteins. The green organs, leaf, and stem, were closely related (∼80% common spots) while the root displayed more organ‐specific polypeptides (∼10%). Reference maps were established using MS, allowing the identification of 93, 385, and 266 proteins in leaf, stem, and root proteomes, respectively. Bioinformatic analyses were also performed; in silico functional categorization and cellular localization allow obtaining a precise picture of the cell molecular network within vegetative organs. These proteome maps can be explored using the PROTICdb software at the following address: http://bioinformatique.moulon.inra.fr/proticdb/web_view/.
Analysis of the subproteomes of proteinases and heparin‐binding toxins of eight Bothrops venoms
Authors: Leme Adriana F. Paes , Kitano Eduardo S. , Furtado Maria F. , Valente Richard H. , Camargo Antonio C. M. , Ho Paulo L. , Fox Jay W. , Serrano Solange M. T. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractViperid snakes show the most complex snake‐venom proteomes and offer an intriguing challenge in terms of understanding the nature of their components and the pathological outcomes of envenomation characterized by local and systemic effects. In this work, the venom complexity of eight Bothrops species was analyzed by 2‐DE, and their subproteomes of proteinases were explored by 2‐D immunostaining and 2‐D gelatin zymography, demonstrating the diversity of their profiles. Heparin, a highly sulfated glycosaminoglycan released from mast cells, is involved in anti‐coagulant and anti‐inflammatory processes. Here, we explored the hypothesis that heparin released upon envenomation could interact with toxins and interfere with venom pathogenesis. We first identified the Bothrops venom subproteome of toxins that bind with high‐affinity for heparin as composed of mainly serine proteinases and C‐type lectins. Next, we explored the Bothrops jararaca toxins that bind to heparin under physiological conditions and identified a relationship between the subproteomes of proteinases, and that of heparin‐binding toxins. Only the non‐bound fraction, composed mainly of metalloproteinases, showed lethal and hemorrhagic activities, whereas the heparin‐bound fraction contained mainly serine proteinases associated with coagulant and fibrinogenolytic activities. These data suggest that heparin binding to B. jararaca venom components in vivo has a minor protective effect to venom toxicity.
Analysis of outer membrane porin complexes of Neisseria meningitidis in wild‐type and specific knock‐out mutant strains
Authors: Marzoa Juan , Abel Ana , Sánchez Sandra , Chan Hannah , Feavers Ian , Criado María Teresa , Ferreirós Carlos M. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe structure of the porin complexes of Neisseria meningitidis was assessed in the vaccine strain H44/76 and its homologous mutants lacking the main porins (PorA and PorB) and other outer membrane (OM) components (RmpM and FetA). The analysis using 1‐D blue native (BN) electrophoresis, 2‐D BN/SDS‐PAGE and 2‐D diagonal electrophoresis, followed by LC/MS‐MS (for 1‐D gels) or MALDI‐TOF (for 2‐D gels) revealed at least six porin complexes in the wild‐type strain with molecular masses (MW) ranging from 145 to 195 kDa and variable composition: The two higher MW complexes are formed by PorA, PorB and RmpM, the following three are formed by PorA and PorB, and the lower MW one is formed by only PorB. Complexes in the mutants lacking either PorA, PorB or RmpM, but not those in the mutant lacking FetA, were alterered respect to those in the wild‐type strain. The most evident alteration was seen in the mutant lacking PorB, in which PorA formed only a high MW complex (≈︂800 kDa). Our results suggest that PorA and PorB could form a ‘basic’ template for the transportation systems in the OM of the meningococci. Other proteins (such as RmpM) could be transiently associated to the porin complexes, depending on the specific tranport needs at different stages of the meningococcal life cycle, resulting in a dynamic net of pores of variable composition.
The neuropeptidome of Rhodnius prolixus brain
Authors: Ons Sheila , Richter Florian , Urlaub Henning , Pomar Rolando Rivera 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe show a sensitive and straightforward off‐line nano‐LC‐MALDI‐MS/MS workflow that allowed the first comprehensive neuropeptidomic analysis of an insect disease vector. This approach was applied to identify neuropeptides in the brain of Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of Chagas disease. This work will contribute to the annotation of genes in the ongoing R. prolixus genome sequence project. Peptides were identified by de novo sequencing and comparisons to known neuropeptides from different organisms by database search. By these means, we were able to identify 42 novel neuropeptides from R. prolixus. The peptides were classified as extended FMRF‐amide‐related peptides, sulfakinins, myosuppressins, short neuropeptide F, long neuropeptide F, SIF‐amide‐related peptides, tachykinins, orcokinins, allatostatins, allatotropins, calcitonin‐like diuretic hormones, corazonin, and pyrokinin. Some of them were detected in multiple isoforms and/or truncated fragments. Interestingly, some of the R. prolixus peptides, as myosuppressin and sulfakinins, are unique in their characteristic C‐terminal domain among insect neuropeptides identified so far.
Syndiotactic‐specific radical polymerization of N,N‐dimethylacrylamide in the presence of tartrates: A proposed mechanism for the polymerization
Authors: Hirano Tomohiro , Masuda Shuhei , Nasu Shou , Ute Koichi , Sato Tsuneyuki 
Published: January 2009

AbstractRadical polymerization of N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMAAm) was investigated in the presence of tartrates, such as diethyl L‐tartrate, diisopropyl L‐tartrate, and di‐n‐butyl L‐tartrate, in toluene at low temperatures. Syndiotactic polymers were obtained in the presence of tartrates, whereas isotactic polymers were obtained in the absence of tartrates. The syndiotactic‐specificity increased with increasing amount of tartrates and with decreasing polymerization temperature. NMR analysis suggested that DMAAm and tartrates formed a 1:1 complex through double hydrogen bonding. A mechanism for the syndiotactic‐specific radical polymerization of DMAAm is proposed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 1192–1203, 2009
Connecting humor, health, and masculinities at prostate cancer support groups
Authors: Oliffe John L. , Ogrodniczuk John , Bottorff Joan L. , Hislop T. Gregory , Halpin Michael 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjective: Many commentaries about men's health practices and masculinities indicate that men do not typically engage with self‐health or acknowledge illness, let alone openly discuss their health concerns with other men. Prostate cancer support groups (PCSGs) appear to run contrary to such ideals, yet the factors that influence men's attendance and engagement at group meetings are poorly understood. As part of a larger PCSG study, we noticed that humor was central to many group interactions and this prompted us to examine the connections between humor, health, and masculinities.Methods: A qualitative ethnographic design was used to direct fieldwork and conduct participant observations at the meetings of 16 PCSGs in British Columbia, Canada. Individual semi‐structured interviews were completed with 54 men who attended PCSGs to better understand their perceptions about the use of humor at group meetings.Results: Four themes, disarming stoicism, marking the boundaries, rekindling and reformulating men's sexuality, and when humor goes south were drawn from the analyses. Overall, humor was used to promote inclusiveness, mark the boundaries for providing and receiving mutual help, and develop masculine group norms around men's sexuality. Although there were many benefits to humor there were also some instances when well‐intended banter caused discomfort for attendees.Conclusions: The importance of group leadership was central to preserving the benefits of humor, and the specificities of how humor is used at PCSGs may provide direction for clinical practice and the design of future community‐based men's health promotion programs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How children cope when a parent has advanced cancer
Authors: Kennedy Vida L. , Lloyd‐Williams Mari 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjective: When parents are diagnosed with cancer, children experience significant distress. There is little information regarding the nature of this distress and how children cope, particularly when a parent is diagnosed with advanced cancer. This study aimed to explore how children cope, and to identify areas where there may be barriers to children accessing support to enable them to cope.Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with ill parents with advanced cancer and well parents and/or any children above the age of 7. Interviews were recorded and transcribed fully, and analysed using a constructionist grounded theory approach.Results: Twenty‐eight family participants were interviewed. Four major themes emerged from the data including response to diagnosis, mechanisms of coping, life changes, and positive aspects. Children described being distressed by their parents diagnosis and having concerns related to their parents and their own health. Distraction and maintaining normality were described as the dominant strategies of coping for children, and increased responsibilities and decreased social activity were considered to be the most noticeable of life changes. Parents did not recognise the impact on children to the same degree as described by children and focused on limiting the impact by maintaining normality. Positive aspects described by children and parents included strengthening of relationships and learning to value family members and the important things in life.Conclusions: Open communication within the family may lead to more effective coping and a positive experience for children whose parents have been diagnosed with advanced cancer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of lipid‐binding properties of the N‐terminal helical segments in human apolipoprotein A‐I using fragment peptides
Authors: Tanaka Masafumi , Tanaka Toshitaka , Ohta Shinya , Kawakami Toru , Konno Hiroyuki , Akaji Kenichi , Aimoto Saburo , Saito Hiroyuki 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAlthough the N‐terminal region in human apolipoprotein (apo) A‐I is thought to stabilize the lipid‐free structure of the protein, its role in lipid binding is unknown. Using synthetic fragment peptides, we examined the lipid‐binding properties of the first 43 residues (1–43) of apoA‐I in comparison with residues 44–65 and 220–241, which have strong lipid affinity in the molecule. Circular dichroism measurements demonstrated that peptides corresponding to each segment have potential propensity to form α‐helical structure in trifluoroethanol. Spectroscopic and thermodynamic measurements revealed that apoA‐I (1–43) peptide has the strong ability to bind to lipid vesicles and to form α‐helical structure comparable to apoA‐I (220–241) peptide. Substitution of Tyr‐18 located at the center of the most hydrophobic region in residues 1–43 with a helix‐breaking proline resulted in the impaired lipid binding, indicating that the α‐helical structure in this region is required to trigger the lipid binding. In contrast, apoA‐I (44–65) peptide exhibited a lower propensity to form α‐helical structure upon binding to lipid, and apoA‐I (44–65/S55P) peptide exhibited diminished, but not completely impaired, lipid binding, suggesting that the central region of residues 44–65 is not pivotally involved in the formation of the α‐helical structure and lipid binding. These results indicate that the most N‐terminal region of apoA‐I molecule, residues 1–43, contributes to the lipid interaction of apoA‐I through the hydrophobic helical residues. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.