bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oocyte maturation in Xenopus laevis is blocked by the hormonal herbicide, 2,4‐dichlorophenoxy acetic acid
Authors: Stebbins‐Boaz Barbara , Fortner Katherine , Frazier Jessie , Piluso Suzanne , Pullen Samuel , Rasar Melissa , Reid William , Sinclair Kristin , Winger Elisa 
Published: December 2003

AbstractOocyte maturation is dependent on a complex program of morphological, ultrastructural, and biochemical signaling events, and if disrupted could lead to decreased fertility and population decline. The in vitro sensitivity of amphibian oocytes and oocyte maturation to plant growth factor and widely used hormonal herbicide, 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D), was examined in this study to determine its potential impact on early development and possible contribution to the global amphibian decline. Progesterone, which acts through a membrane receptor, triggers meiotic maturation in full grown (stage VI) Xenopus oocytes, characterized by cytoskeletal reorganization, nuclear dissolution, chromosome condensation, and spindle formation. Biochemically, the Mos/MAPK/MPF signaling pathway is activated, in part dependent on translational activation of specific maternal mRNAs such as c‐Mos. Light microscopy revealed unusual asymmetric morphotypes in oocytes exposed to 2,4‐D alone characterized by a white spot and bulge, termed coning, in the animal pole where the germinal vesicle (nucleus) persisted intact. Treatment of oocytes with cytochalasin B, a microfilament inhibitor, blocked these morphotypes but nocodazole, a microtubule depolymerizing agent, did not. Confocal microscopy showed that 2,4‐D, itself, caused substantial depolymerization of perinuclear microtubules. Importantly, 2,4‐D blocked progesterone‐induced maturation as measured by the lack of nuclear breakdown, confirmed by the lack of Mos expression, MPF activation, and cytoplasmic polyadenylation of cyclin B1 mRNA. However, Western blot analysis and U0126 inhibitor studies showed that 2,4‐D, either alone or in the presence of progesterone, induced MAPK phosphorylation through MAPKK. These results show that 2,4‐D disrupts oocyte cytoskeletal organization and blocks maturation while stimulating an independent MAPK signaling pathway. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67:233–242, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of heat shock protein in broiler embryo tissues after acute cold or heat stress
Authors: Leandro Nadja Suzana Mogyca , Gonzales Elisabeth , Ferro Jesus Aparecido , Ferro Maria Inês Tiraboschi , Givisiez Patrícia Emília Naves , Macari Marcos 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis study evaluated the expression of heat shock protein 70 kD (hsp70) in broiler chicken embryos subjected to cold (Experiment I) or high incubation temperature (Experiment II). In each experiment, fertile eggs were distributed in three incubators kept at 37.8°C. At day 13 (D13), D16, and D19 of incubation, the embryos were subjected to acute cold (32°C) or heat (40°C) for 4–6 hr. Immediately after cold or heat exposure, samples from the liver, heart, breast muscle, brain, and lungs of 40 embryos were taken per age and treatment (control or stressed embryos). A tissue pool from 10 embryos was used as 1 replication. The levels of hsp70 in each tissue sample was quantified by Western blot analysis. The data were analyzed in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with four replications. hsp70 was detected in all embryo tissues, and the brain contained 2‐ to 5‐times more hsp70 protein compared to the other tissues in either cold or heat stressed embryos. hsp70 increases were observed in the heart and breast muscle of cold stressed embryos at D16 and D19, respectively. Heat stressed embryos showed an increase of hsp70 in the heart at D13 and D19, and in the lung at D19 of incubation. Younger embryos had higher hsp70 synthesis than older embryos, irrespective of the type of thermal stressor. The results indicate that the expression of hsp70 in broiler chicken embryos is affected by cold and heat distress, and is tissue‐ and age‐dependent. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67:172–177, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sphincter electromyography in diagnosis of multiple system atrophy: technical issues
Authors: Podnar Simon , Fowler Clare J. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractPossible technical reasons for the controversy over the role of sphincter electromyography (EMG) in the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA) were analyzed. In a review of the literature, a high sensitivity (>60%) was found reported in 11 studies that included late components, and no value of the test was found in 4 studies that excluded them. This was also corroborated in a pilot study of 5 patients with probable MSA. With late components included, the mean motor unit potential (MUP) duration was prolonged in all 4 patients with an adequate single‐MUP analysis sample and, with late components excluded, in 2 of 5 patients on multi‐MUP analysis. At least in diagnostic EMG of MSA patients, late components should be included in the measurement of MUP duration. Muscle Nerve 2003
Pulmonary complications of chronic neuromuscular diseases and their management
Authors: Perrin Christophe , Unterborn John N. , Ambrosio Carolyn D' , Hill Nicholas S. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractChronic neuromuscular diseases may affect all major respiratory muscles groups including inspiratory, expiratory, and bulbar, and respiratory complications are the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Untreated, many of these diseases lead inexorably to hypercapnic respiratory failure, precipitated in some cases by chronic aspiration and secretion retention or pneumonia, related to impairment of cough and swallowing mechanisms. Many measures are helpful including inhibition of salivation, cough‐assist techniques, devices to enhance communication, and physical therapy. In addition, ventilatory assistance is an important part of disease management for patients with advanced neuromuscular disease. Because of its comfort, convenience, and portability advantages, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) has become the modality of first choice for most patients. Patients to receive NPPV should be selected using consensus guidelines, and initiation should be gradual to maximize the chances for success. Attention should be paid to individual preferences for interfaces and early identification of cough impairment that necessitates the use of cough‐assist devices. For patients considered unsuitable for noninvasive ventilation, invasive mechanical ventilation should be considered, but only after a frank but compassionate discussion between the patient, family, physician, and other caregivers. Muscle Nerve 29: 5–27, 2004
Acquired rippling muscle disease with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Greenberg Steven A. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractRippling muscle disease (RMD) is a rare disorder that occurs in both familial and sporadic forms. Seven patients have previously been reported with myasthenia gravis and sporadic RMD. There have been conflicting reports of the electrophysiological characteristics of rippling muscles in this acquired form. Another such patient is reported, and the clinical, electrophysiological, and laboratory features of this disorder are described. In addition, this patient had alopecia areata and recurrent metastatic thymoma, years after resection of a benign thymoma. This report emphasizes the clinical manifestations of RMD in association with myasthenia gravis (RMD‐MG), and its distinctive features, in this and previously reported patients. Muscle Nerve 29: 143–146, 2004
Peripheral neuropathy, episodic myoglobinuria, and respiratory failure in deficiency of the mitochondrial trifunctional protein
Authors: Spiekerkoetter Ute , Bennett Michael J. , Ben‐Zeev Bruria , Strauss Arnold W. , Tein Ingrid 
Published: December 2003

AbstractMitochondrial trifunctional protein (TFP) deficiency is a rare disorder of the fatty acid β‐oxidation cycle with heterogeneous phenotypes and occurs secondary to either α‐ or β‐subunit mutations. We characterized the neuromyopathic phenotype of TFP deficiency through adolescence or adulthood in 11 patients, 8 with β‐subunit mutations and 3 with α‐subunit mutations. Two independent clinical features occurred: infantile‐onset progressive peripheral neuropathy and episodic exercise‐, illness‐ or fasting‐induced rhabdomyolysis accompanied by respiratory failure (in five patients). The combination of episodic rhabdomyolysis and peripheral neuropathy occurred in 10 of the 11 patients. The neuromyopathic phenotype is common in TFP deficiency (11 of 27 families from our cohort). Therefore, this disorder must be considered in the differential diagnosis of progressive peripheral neuropathy with or without episodic myoglobinuria. Muscle Nerve 29: 66–72, 2004
Bilateral neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome
Authors: Tilki Hacer Erdem , Stålberg Erik , Incesu Lütfi , Başoğlu Ahmet 
Published: December 2003

AbstractWe report a case of bilateral neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Electrophysiological examination suggested the presence of bilateral lower brachial plexus neuropathy. Radiography showed rudimentary bilateral cervical ribs. In the cases reported in the literature to date, the clinical findings are typically unilateral despite the common presence of bilateral bony abnormalities. Neurogenic TOS should be considered in young women, even if they present with bilateral symptoms, when they have occupations requiring strenuous activity of the upper limbs. Muscle Nerve 29: 147–150, 2004
Assessment of voluntary activation by stimulation of one muscle or two synergistic muscles
Authors: Williams David M. , Bilodeau Martin 
Published: December 2003

AbstractIn order to test the hypothesis that suboptimal activation of synergistic muscles explains the nonlinear nature of the interpolated twitch–voluntary torque relationship, we evaluated differences between stimulating a single muscle [biceps brachii (BB)] and two synergists simultaneously [BB and brachioradialis (BR)] on variables related to the estimation of voluntary activation. Ten subjects performed maximal and submaximal voluntary contractions while electrical stimulation was applied either to the BB, or BB and BR simultaneously, to assess voluntary activation. Simultaneous stimulation of the two synergistic muscles produced significantly greater torque at rest and a significantly greater activation index (95% vs. 91.7% for stimulation of BB only). However, simultaneous stimulation of BB and BR did not consistently elicit greater additional torque during contraction, nor did it improve the linearity of the interpolated twitch–voluntary torque relationship. The greater activation index observed for the simultaneous stimulation of BB and BR compared to BB is explained by the greater torque elicited at rest. We conclude that the nonlinear relationship between interpolated and voluntary elbow flexion torque is not explained by suboptimally activated synergistic muscles. Muscle Nerve 29: 112–119, 2004
Isolated sensory manifestations in neuralgic amyotrophy: Report of eight cases
Authors: Seror P. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractA series of eight patients with isolated clinical and electrophysiological sensory deficit related to neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) is reported. NA was diagnosed by clinical and electrodiagnostic features and disease course. Imaging and laboratory investigations excluded other disorders. The results showed mild to severe involvement of eight individual sensory nerves: lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve lesions in three instances and partial lesions of the median nerve in five cases. Our findings suggest that isolated clinical and electrodiagnostic sensory involvement in NA is not exceptional but rather is unrecognized. The pattern of these nerve lesions agrees with the most typical pattern of NA, which is a mononeuritis or mononeuritis multiplex. The present study also shows that the spectrum of NA is diverse and may vary from pure motor to pure sensory deficit, according to the nature of the involved nerve fibers. Muscle Nerve 29: 134–138, 2004
Satellite cells and myonuclei in young and elderly women and men
Authors: Kadi Fawzi , Charifi Nadia , Denis Christian , Lexell Jan 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe overall aim of this study was to assess the effects of aging on the satellite cell population. Muscle biopsies were taken from the tibialis anterior muscle of healthy, moderately active young (age range, 20–32 years;n= 31) and elderly (age range, 70–83 years;n= 27) women and men with comparable physical activity pattern. Satellite cells and myonuclei were visualized using a monoclonal antibody against neural cell adhesion molecule and counterstained with Mayer's hematoxylin. An average of 211 (range, 192–241) muscle fibers were examined for each individual. Compared with the young women and men, the elderly subjects had a significantly lower (P< 0.011) number of satellite cells per muscle fiber but a significantly higher (P< 0.004) number of myonuclei per muscle fiber. The number of satellite cells relative to the total number of nuclei [satellite cells/(myonuclei + satellite cells)] was significantly lower in the elderly than in the young women and men. These results imply that a reduction in the satellite cell population occurs as a result of increasing age in healthy men and women. Muscle Nerve 29: 120–127, 2004
Exercise‐induced gene expression in soleus muscle is dependent on time after spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Dupont‐Versteegden Esther E. , Houlé John D. , Dennis Richard A. , Zhang Junming , Knox Micheal , Wagoner Gail , Peterson Charlotte A. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractCycling exercise attenuates atrophy in hindlimb muscles and causes changes in spinal cord properties after spinal cord injury in rats. We hypothesized that exercising soleus muscle expresses genes that are potentially beneficial to the injured spinal cord. Rats underwent spinal cord injury at T10 and were exercised on a motor‐driven bicycle. Soleus muscle and lumbar spinal cord tissue were used for messenger RNA (mRNA) analysis. Gene expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was elevated 11‐ and 14‐fold, respectively, in soleus muscle after one bout of exercise performed 5 days after spinal cord transection. Also, c‐fos and heat shock protein‐27 (HSP27) mRNA abundance were increased 11‐ and 7‐fold, respectively. When exercise was started 2 days after the injury, the changes in gene expression were not observed. By contrast, at 2 but not at 5 days after transection, expression of the HSP27 gene was elevated sixfold in the lumbar spinal cord, independent of exercise. Electromyographic activity in soleus muscles was also decreased at 2 days, indicating that the spinal cord was less permissive to exercise at this early time. Long‐term exercise for 4 weeks attenuated muscle atrophy equally well in rats started at 2 days or 5 days after injury. We conclude that BDNF and GDNF released from exercising muscle may be involved in exercise‐induced plasticity of the spinal cord. Furthermore, the data suggest that the lumbar spinal cord undergoes time‐dependent changes that temporarily impede the ability of the muscle to respond to exercise. Muscle Nerve 29: 73–81, 2004
Evoked potentials elicited by stimulation of the lateral and anterior femoral cutaneous nerves in meralgia paresthetica
Authors: Cordato Dennis J , Yiannikas Con , Stroud Jill , Halpern Jean‐Pierre , Schwartz Raymond S. , Akbunar Mehmet , Cook Melissa 
Published: December 2003

AbstractSeventy‐five consecutive patients with clinical symptoms and signs of meralgia paresthetica underwent bilateral somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) studies involving stimulation of skin areas innervated by the lateral and anterior femoral cutaneous nerves of the thighs. The most common abnormality was an absolute lateral femoral cutaneous SEP latency > 40 ms in 35 patients (47%), followed by an absent response in 14 patients (19%), an absolute latency < 40 ms but amplitude reduction > 50% compared with the contralateral response in 8 patients (11%), and an absolute latency < 40 ms but > 5 ms interside latency difference in 5 patients (7%). Anterior femoral cutaneous SEPs were of value in distinguishing meralgia paresthetica from a proximal lumbar radiculopathy in an additional 4 patients and confirming bilateral meralgia paresthetica in 10 patients. Muscle Nerve 29: 139–142, 2004
Muscle‐fiber conduction velocity and electromyography as diagnostic tools in patients with suspected inflammatory myopathy: A prospective study
Authors: Blijham Paul J. , Hengstman Gerald J.D. , Ter Laak Henk J. , Van Engelen Baziel G.M. , Zwarts Machiel J. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractCombinations of different techniques can increase the diagnostic yield from neurophysiological examination of muscle. In 25 patients with suspected inflammatory myopathy, we prospectively performed needle electromyography (EMG) and measured muscle‐fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) in a single muscle, using a technique with direct muscle‐fiber stimulation and recording. Results of MFCV were compared with final diagnosis, EMG, and needle muscle biopsy. Diagnostic accuracy of combined MFCV and EMG studies was 72%, compared to 60% for EMG alone. This improvement was due to a gain in specificity. The MFCV did not prove useful in discriminating inflammatory myopathy from other myopathies. Furthermore, we found a correlation of 92% between variability of MFCV and myopathic changes in muscle biopsy. We conclude that the utility of electrodiagnostic examination can be increased if EMG examination is combined with MFCV studies. Muscle Nerve 29: 46–50, 2004
Electroneurography index based on nerve conduction study data: Method and findings in control subjects
Authors: Tacconi Paolo , Manca Davide , Tamburini Giorgio , Ferrigno Paola , Cossu Gianni , Cannas Antonino , Giagheddu Marcello 
Published: December 2003

AbstractWe developed a summary score of data obtained from nerve conduction studies (NCS). The principle of such approach is that when a nonrandom trend to lower amplitudes or conduction velocities is present, it may be revealed by a summary nerve conduction score. In a group of normal subjects, peroneal, sural, ulnar, and superficial radial nerves were studied; age‐ and height‐related F‐wave and soleus H‐reflex latencies were also examined. Z‐scores of distal latencies, amplitudes, conduction velocities, F‐wave latencies, and H‐index were averaged in order to obtain three electroneurography (ENG) indices: a simple arithmetic (ENG index 1) and two weighted means (index 2 and index 3), assigning a double or triple weight to lower limb z‐scores. Reference limits were established using multiple regression equations of ENG indices against age and height. This technique could be useful in providing a better cut‐off between normal and diseased populations and in improving test–retest variability of NCS when follow‐up studies are required. Muscle Nerve 29: 89–96, 2004
Neuromuscular expression of the BTB/POZ and zinc finger protein myoneurin
Authors: Cifuentes‐Diaz Carmen , Bitoun Marc , Goudou Daniele , Seddiqi Nadia , Romero Norma , Rieger François , Perin Jean‐Pierre , Alliel Patrick M. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractMyoneurin belongs to the BTB/POZ and zinc finger protein family whose members have been implicated in regulatory functions of gene expression. Myoneurin has been identified in various tissues, but muscle is a privileged site of myoneurin gene transcription. We examined the neuromuscular expression of myoneurin during development and after axotomy. Myoneurin expression is developmentally regulated in mouse muscle and appeared to be associated with neuromuscular junctions during the late embryonic period. Myoneurin is located in and around synaptic myonuclei in mouse and human adult muscle. The expression of myoneurin is dysregulated after nerve section. Thus, the restricted myoneurin expression in synaptic myonuclei appeared to be controlled by muscle electrical activity. Myoneurin is identified within the peripheral condensed chromatin and the euchromatin/heterochromatin regions, and thus fulfills structural and expression criteria to represent a synaptic gene regulator. Muscle Nerve 29: 59–65, 2004
Creatine monohydrate supplementation does not increase muscle strength, lean body mass, or muscle phosphocreatine in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Tarnopolsky Mark , Mahoney Douglas , Thompson Terry , Naylor Heather , Doherty Timothy J. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractCreatine monohydrate (CrM) supplementation may increase strength in some types of muscular dystrophy. A recent study in myotonic muscular dystrophy type 1 (DM1) did not find a significant treatment effect, but measurements of muscle phosphocreatine (PCr) were not performed. We completed a randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over trial using 34 genetically confirmed adult DM1 patients without significant cognitive impairment. Participants received CrM (5 g, ∼0.074 g/kg daily) and a placebo for each 4‐month phase with a 6‐week wash‐out. Spirometry, manual muscle testing, quantitative isometric strength testing of handgrip, foot dorsiflexion, and knee extension, handgrip and foot dorsiflexion endurance, functional tasks, activity of daily living scales, body composition (total, bone, and fat‐free mass), serum creatine kinase activity, serum creatinine concentration and clearance, and liver function tests were completed before and after each intervention, and muscle PCr/β‐adenosine triphosphate (ATP) ratios of the forearm flexor muscles were completed at the end of each phase. CrM supplementation did not increase any of the outcome measurements except for plasma creatinine concentration (but not creatinine clearance). Thus, CrM supplementation at 5 g daily does not have any effects on muscle strength, body composition, or activities of daily living in patients with DM1, perhaps because of a failure of the supplementation to increase muscle PCr/β‐ATP content. Muscle Nerve 29: 51–58, 2004
Na+,K+‐ATPase concentration and fiber type distribution after spinal cord injury
Authors: Ditor D.S. , Hamilton S. , Tarnopolsky M.A. , Green H.J. , Craven B.C. , Parise G. , Hicks A.L. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractComplete spinal cord injury (SCI) is characterized, in part, by reduced fatigue‐resistance of the paralyzed skeletal muscle during stimulated contractions, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The effects of complete SCI on skeletal muscle Na+,K+‐adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) concentration, and fiber type distribution were therefore investigated. Six individuals (aged 32.0 ± 5.3 years) with complete paraplegia (T4–T10; 1–19 years since injury) participated. There was a significantly lower Na+,K+‐ATPase concentration in the paralyzed vastus lateralis (VL) when compared to either the subjects' own unaffected deltoid or literature values (from our laboratory, utilizing the same methodology) of VL Na+,K+‐ATPase concentration for the healthy able‐bodied (141.6 ± 50.0, 213.4 ± 23.9, 339 ± 16 pmol/g wet wt., respectively; P < 0.05). There was also a significant negative correlation between the Na+,K+‐ATPase concentration in the paralyzed VL and years since injury (r = −0.75, P < 0.05). These findings are clinically relevant as they suggest that reductions in Na+,K+‐ATPase contribute to the fatigability of paralyzed muscle after SCI. Unexpectedly, the VL muscles of our subjects had a higher proportion of their area represented by type I fibers compared to literature values for the VL of the healthy able‐bodied (52.6 ± 25.3% vs. 36 ± 11.3%, respectively; P < 0.05). As all our subjects had upper motor neuron injuries and, therefore, experienced muscle spasticity, our findings warrant further investigation into the relationship between muscle spasticity and fiber type expression after SCI. Muscle Nerve 29: 38–45, 2004