bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions Among Related Genes of Renin-Angiotensin System Associated With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Yang Jin-Kui , Zhou Jian-Bo , Xin Zhong , Zhao Lei , Yu Mei , Feng Jian-Ping , Yang Hui , Ma Ya-Hong
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between epistasis among related genes of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Gene polymorphisms were genotyped in 394 type 2 diabetic patients and 418 healthy control subjects in this case-control study. We used the multifactor dimensionality reduction method to identify gene-gene interactions.

RESULTS

No single locus was associated with type 2 diabetes, except for the insert/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene in female subjects. In multi-locus analyses, in male subjects the model of rs2106809 (ACE2), rs220721 (Mas), rs699 (AGT), and I/D (ACE) was significant (P = 0.043). This combination was associated with a 4.00 times (95% CI 2.51–6.38; P < 0.0001) greater prevalence of type 2 diabetes. In female subjects, the model of rs2106809 (ACE2), I/D (ACE), and rs1403543 (AGTR2) was significant (P = 0.012). This three-locus combination was associated with a 2.76 times (1.91–3.97; P < 0.0001) greater prevalence of type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Interactions among RAS-related genes were associated with type 2 diabetes in a Chinese population.
Kinematic motion analysis of the joints of the forelimbs and hind limbs of dogs during walking exercise regimens
Authors: Holler Peter J. , Brazda Verena , Dal-Bianco Barbara , Lewy Elisabeth , Mueller Marion C. , Peham Christian , Bockstahler Barbara A.
Published: July 2010

Objective—To assess forelimbs and hind limb joint kinematics in dogs during walking on an inclined slope (uphill), on a declined slope (downhill), or over low obstacles (cavaletti) on a horizontal surface and compare findings with data acquired during unimpeded walking on a horizontal surface.

Animals—8 nonlame dogs (mean ± SD age, 3.4 ± 2.0 years; weight, 23.6 ± 4.6 kg).

Procedures—By use of 10 high-speed cameras and 10 reflecting markers located on the left forelimbs and hind limbs, joint kinematics were recorded for each dog during uphill walking, downhill walking, and walking over low obstacles or unimpeded on a horizontal surface. Each exercise was recorded 6 times (10 s/cycle); joint angulations, angle velocities and accelerations, and range of motion for shoulder, elbow, carpal, hip, stifle, and tarsal joints were calculated for comparison.

Results—Compared with unimpeded walking, obstacle exercise significantly increased flexion of the elbow, carpal, stifle, and tarsal joints and extension in the carpal and stifle joints. Only uphill walking caused increased hip joint flexion and decreased stifle joint flexion; downhill walking caused less flexion of the hip joint. During obstacle exercise, forward angle velocities in the elbow and stifle joints and retrograde velocity in the tarsal joint changed significantly, compared with unimpeded walking. Joint angle acceleration of the elbow joint changed significantly during all 3 evaluated exercises.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—These evidence-based data indicated that each evaluated exercise, except for downhill walking, has a specific therapeutic value in physical therapy for dogs.
Associations of horse age, joint type, and osteochondral injury with serum and synovial fluid concentrations of type II collagen biomarkers in Thoroughbreds
Authors: Nicholson Anne M. , Trumble Troy N. , Merritt Kelly A. , Brown Murray P.
Published: July 2010

Objective—To determine the effects of horse age, osteochondral injury, and joint type on a synthesis biomarker and 3 degradative biomarkers of type II collagen in Thoroughbreds.

Animals—Healthy rested adult (3- to 12-year-old) Thoroughbreds (n = 19), yearling (1- to 2-year-old) Thoroughbreds (40), and Thoroughbred racehorses (2 to 7 years old) undergoing arthroscopic surgery for removal of osteochondral fragments that resulted from training or racing (41).

Procedures—Samples of blood and metacarpophalangeal, metatarsophalangeal, or carpal joint synovial fluid (SF) were collected from all horses. Commercially available assays were used to analyze SF and serum concentrations of type II collagen biomarkers of synthesis (carboxy propeptide of type II collagen [CPII]) and degradation (cross-linked C-telopeptide fragments of type II collagen [CTX II], neoepitope generated by collagenase cleavage of type I and II collagen [C1,2C], and neoepitope generated by collagenase cleavage of type II collagen [C2C]).

Results—Osteochondral injury affected concentrations of CPII, CTX II, C1,2C, and C2C in SF, serum, or both, compared with concentrations in healthy adult horses. Compared with adult horses, yearling horses had increased SF or serum concentrations of degradative biomarkers (CTX II, C1,2C, and C2C). Concentrations were higher in carpal than metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints for all biomarkers in osteochondral-injured horses. Variable differences in SF concentrations between joint types were detected in healthy adult and yearling horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Horse age, osteochondral injury, and joint type all significantly affected type II collagen biomarker concentrations in SF and serum of Thoroughbreds.
Comparison of Doppler ultrasonography and high-definition oscillometry for blood pressure measurements in healthy awake dogs
Authors: Chetboul Valérie , Tissier Renaud , Gouni Vassiliki , de Almeida Virginie , Lefebvre Hervé P. , Concordet Didier , Jamet Nathalie , Sampedrano Carolina Carlos , Serres François , Pouchelon Jean-Louis
Published: July 2010

Objective—To determine the intra- and interobserver variability of systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) measurements obtained with 2 indirect methods in awake dogs and percentage of successful measurements.

Animals—6 healthy conscious adult dogs.

Procedures—4 observers with different levels of training measured SAP and DAP on 4 days by use of Doppler ultrasonography (DU) and high-definition oscillometry (HDO). The examinations were randomized. Measurements for each technique were recorded 5 consecutive times, and mean values (total, 720 measurements) were used for statistical analysis.

Results—All within- and between-day coefficients of variation (CVs) for SAP were < 15% irrespective of the observer or method (HDO, 3.6% to 14.1%; DU, 4.1% to 12.4%). Conversely, half the CVs for DAP were > 15% with the highest within- and between-day CVs obtained by the least experienced observer by use of DU (19.5% and 25.9%, respectively). All attempts with HDO were successful, whereas DAP could not be measured by use of DU by the least experienced observer in 17% of attempts.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—SAP may be assessed in healthy dogs by use of DU and HDO with good repeatability and reproducibility after a short period of training. Conversely, the variability of DAP is higher and longer training is required to assess DAP via DU than via HDO.
Evaluation of 30- and 25-diopter intraocular lens implants in equine eyes after surgical extraction of the lens
Authors: McMullen Richard J. , Davidson Michael G. , Campbell Nigel B. , Salmon Jacklyn H. , Gilger Brian C.
Published: July 2010

Objective—To determine appropriate intraocular lens (IOL) implant strength to approximate emmetropia in horses.

Sample Population—16 enucleated globes and 4 adult horses.

Procedures—Lens diameter of 10 enucleated globes was measured. Results were used to determine the appropriate-sized IOL implant for insertion in 6 enucleated globes and 4 eyes of adult horses. Streak retinoscopy and ocular ultrasonography were performed before and after insertion of 30-diopter (D) IOL implants (enucleated globes) and insertion of 25-D IOL implants (adult horses).

Results—In enucleated globes, mean ± SD lens diameter was 20.14 ± 0.75 mm. Preoperative and postoperative refractive state of enucleated globes with 30-D IOL implants was −0.46 ± 1.03 D and −2.47 ± 1.03 D, respectively; preoperative and postoperative difference in refraction was 2.96 ± 0.84 D. Preoperative anterior chamber (AC) depth, crystalline lens thickness (CLT), and axial globe length (AxL) were 712 ± 0.82 mm, 11.32 ± 0.81 mm, and 40.52 ± 1.26 mm, respectively; postoperative AC depth was 10.76 ± 1.16 mm. Mean ratio of preoperative to postoperative AC depth was 0.68. In eyes receiving 25-D IOL implants, preoperative and postoperative mean refractive error was 0.08 ± 0.68 D and −3.94 ± 1.88 D, respectively. Preoperative AC depth, CLT, and AxL were 6.36 ± 0.22 mm, 10.92 ± 1.92 mm, and 38.64 ± 2.59 mm, respectively. Postoperative AC depth was 8.99 ± 1.68 mm. Mean ratio of preoperative to postoperative AC depth was 0.73.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Insertion of 30-D (enucleated globes) and 25-D IOL implants (adult horses) resulted in overcorrection of refractive error.
Pharmacokinetics of gabapentin in cats
Authors: Siao Kristine T. , Pypendop Bruno H. , Ilkiw Jan E.
Published: July 2010

Objective—To determine the pharmacokinetics of gabapentin in cats after IV and oral administration.

Animals—6 healthy female adult domestic shorthair cats.

Procedures—Gabapentin was administered IV (4 mg/kg) or orally (10 mg/kg) in a crossover randomized design. Blood samples were obtained immediately before gabapentin administration and at various times up to 960 minutes after IV administration or up to 1,440 minutes after oral administration. Blood samples were immediately transferred to tubes that contained EDTA and were centrifuged at 4°C. Plasma was harvested and stored at −20°C until analysis. Plasma concentrations of gabapentin were determined by use of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Gabapentin concentration-time data were fit to compartment models.

Results—A 3-compartment model with elimination from the central compartment best described the disposition of gabapentin administered IV to cats, but a 1-compartment model best described the disposition of gabapentin administered orally to cats. After IV administration, the mean ± SEM apparent volume of the central compartment, apparent volume of distribution at steady state, and clearance and the harmonic mean ± jackknife pseudo-SD for terminal half-life were 90.4 ± 11.3 mL/kg, 650 ± 14 mL/kg, 3 ± 0.2 mL/min/kg, and 170 ± 21 minutes, respectively. Mean ± SD systemic availability and harmonic mean ± jackknife pseudo-SD terminal half-life after oral administration were 88.7 ± 11.1% and 177 ± 25 minutes, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The disposition of gabapentin in cats was characterized by a small volume of distribution and a low clearance.
Determination of the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance to macrolide antimicrobials or rifampin in Rhodococcus equi isolates and treatment outcome in foals infected with antimicrobial-resistant isolates of R equi
Authors: Giguère Steeve , Lee Elise , Williams Elliott , Cohen Noah D. , Chaffin M. Keith , Halbert Natalie , Martens Ronald J. , Franklin Robert P. , Clark Carol C. , Slovis Nathan M.
Published: July 2010

Objective—To determine the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance to macrolide antimicrobials or rifampin in Rhodococcus equi isolates and to describe treatment outcome in foals infected with antimicrobial-resistant isolates of R equi.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Sample Population—38 isolates classified as resistant to macrolide antimicrobials or rifampin received from 9 veterinary diagnostic laboratories between January 1997 and December 2008.

Procedures—For each isolate, the minimum inhibitory concentration of macrolide antimicrobials (ie, azithromycin, erythromycin, and clarithromycin) and rifampin was determined by use of a concentration-gradient test. Prevalence of R equi isolates from Florida and Texas resistant to macrolide antimicrobials or rifampin was determined. Outcome of antimicrobial treatment in foals infected with antimicrobial-resistant isolates of R equi was determined.

Results—Only 24 of 38 (63.2%) isolates were resistant to > 1 antimicrobial. Two isolates were resistant only to rifampin, whereas 22 isolates were resistant to azithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, and rifampin. The overall prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant isolates in submissions received from Florida and Texas was 3.7% (12/328). The survival proportion of foals infected with resistant R equi isolates (2/8 [25.0%]) was significantly less, compared with the survival proportion in foals that received the same antimicrobial treatment from which antimicrobial-susceptible isolates were cultured (55/79 [69.6%]). Odds of nonsurvival for foals infected with resistant R equi isolates were 6.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 37) times the odds for foals infected with susceptible isolates.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Interpretation of the results emphasized the importance of microbiological culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing in foals with pneumonia caused by R equi.
Outbreak of malignant catarrhal fever among cattle associated with a state livestock exhibition
Authors: Moore Dale A. , Kohrs Paul , Baszler Timothy , Faux Cynthia , Sathre Peter , Wenz John R. , Eldridge Leonard , Li Hong
Published: July 2010

Case Description—Severe disease and death were identified in cattle exhibited at a state fair that were naturally infected with ovine herpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2).

Clinical Findings—Most affected cattle had anorexia, signs of depression, diarrhea, fever, and respiratory distress ultimately leading to death. Mean duration of clinical signs prior to death was 6 days (range, 1 to 26 days). Mean number of days between apparent exposure and death was 71 days (range, 46 to 139 days).

Treatment and Outcomes—19 of 132 cattle cohoused in 1 barn died of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF). The diagnosis of sheep-associated MCF was confirmed on the basis of results of an OvHV-2–specific PCR assay performed on tissue samples obtained from affected cattle. The disease was associated but not significantly with distance from the center of the barn and was not associated with distance from the center of the sheep pens.

Clinical Relevance—Outbreaks of MCF in cattle are unusual, particularly in association with livestock exhibitions. Because the clinical signs may be similar to those of some transboundary diseases, cases of MCF should be reported and investigated. Findings for this outbreak provided evidence to suggest that fair boards and veterinarians should reexamine biosecurity recommendations for livestock exhibitions.
NBO and NICS analysis of the allylic rearrangements (the Cope and 3-aza-Cope rearrangements) of hexa-1,5-diene and N-vinylprop-2-en-1-amine: A DFT study
Authors: Zahedi Ehsan , Ali-Asgari Safa , Keley Vahid
Published: July 2010

In this work, ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed on the 3,3-sigmatropic rearrangements of hexa-1,5-diene (Cope) and N-vinylprop-2-en-1-amine (3-aza-Cope) in the gas phase. The barrier heights and heats of reactions calculated at the B3LYP/6-311G** level of theory were in good agreement with experimental data. Transition states optimized with B3LYP/6-311G** theory were used for calculating the nucleus independent chemical shift (NICS) and, a natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis was also performed at the same level of theory. Our results indicate that the aromaticities of the transition states are controlled by the out-of-plane component and that the chair-like transition state of the Cope rearrangement exhibits the strongest aromatic character. Analysis of donor-acceptor (bonding and anti-bonding) interactions of σ3–4 → π*1–2 suggests that the TS structure in the hexa-1,5-diene reaction (the Cope rearrangement) has more aromatic character than the N-vinylprop-2-en-1-amine reaction (the 3-aza-Cope rearrangement). The NBO results show that in the hexa-1,5-diene and N-vinylprop-2-en-1-amine rearrangements, activation energies are controlled by σ3–4 → π*1–2 and σ3–4 → π*1–2 resonance energies.
Individual Expectation: An Overlooked, but Pertinent, Factor in the Treatment of Individuals Experiencing Musculoskeletal Pain
Authors: Bialosky Joel E. , Bishop Mark D. , Cleland Joshua A.
Published: July 2010

Physical therapists consider many factors in the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal pain. The current literature suggests expectation is an influential component of clinical outcomes related to musculoskeletal pain for which physical therapists frequently do not account. The purpose of this clinical perspective is to highlight the potential role of expectation in the clinical outcomes associated with the rehabilitation of individuals experiencing musculoskeletal pain. The discussion focuses on the definition and measurement of expectation, the relationship between expectation and outcomes related to musculoskeletal pain conditions, the mechanisms through which expectation may alter musculoskeletal pain conditions, and suggested ways in which clinicians may integrate the current literature regarding expectation into clinical practice.
Low maternal PAPP‐A is associated with small‐for‐gestational age newborns and stillbirths
Authors: Marttala Jaana , Peuhkurinen Sini , Laitinen Paivi , Gissler Mika , Nieminen Pentti , Ryynanen Markku
Published: July 2010

We investigated the association of first trimester low maternal serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) levels with small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) newborns and stillbirths (SBs) in a retrospective national population‐based register study. The study group comprised 921 women with the lowest 5% PAPP‐A levels (≤0.3 MoM) and the control group comprising 18,615 women with PAPP‐A levels >0.3 MoM. In the study group there were 35 (3.8%) and in the control group 213 SGA newborns (1.1%), respectively (OR, 3.41; 95% CI, 2.37–4.91). There were 9 (1.0%) and 51 (0.3%) cases of SBs in the study and control groups, respectively (p < 0.002; OR, 3.59; 95% CI, 1.76–7.32). Low PAPP‐A is a risk factor for SGA and SB.
Sagittal synostosis and ossified scalp hematoma: cause or consequence?
Authors: Piatt Joseph H.
Published: July 2010

In this paper, the author presents 2 cases of sagittal synostosis with scaphocephaly that featured ossified scalp hematomas straddling the sagittal suture in the midparietal region. These ossified lesions were originally cephalohematomas. Collection of blood under the pericranium across the midline was possible in these cases because sagittal synostosis had obliterated the sagittal suture and its dense attachment to overlying periosteum. Scaphocephaly very likely exacerbated the difficulty of the deliveries and contributed to the causation of the scalp hemorrhages.

The alternative hypothesis, that ossification of a scalp hematoma immobilized the suture and caused synostosis, is not tenable for reasons that are reviewed. Sagittal synostosis in these 2 instances was not a complication of birth trauma.
Repeat decompression surgery for recurrent spinal metastases
Authors: Laufer Ilya , Hanover Andrew , Lis Eric , Yamada Yoshiya , Bilsky Mark
Published: July 2010

Object

In this paper, the authors' goal was to determine the outcome of reoperation for recurrent epidural spinal cord compression in patients with metastatic spine disease.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients who underwent spine surgery at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1996 and 2007. Thirty-nine patients who underwent reoperation of the spine at the level previously treated with surgery were identified. Only patients whose reoperation was performed because of tumor recurrence leading to high-grade epidural spinal cord compression or recurrence with no further radiation options were included in the study. Patients who underwent reoperations exclusively for instrumentation failure were excluded. All patients underwent additional decompression via a posterolateral approach without removal of the spinal instrumentation.

Results

Patients underwent 1–4 reoperations at the same level. A median survival time of 12.4 months was noted after the first reoperation, and a median survival time of 9.1 months was noted after the last reoperation. At last follow-up 22 (65%) of 34 patients were ambulatory at the time of last follow-up or death, and the median time between loss-of-ambulation and death was 1 month. Functional status was maintained or improved by one Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group grade in 97% of patients. A major surgical complication rate of 5% was noted.

Conclusions

Reoperation represents a viable option in patients with high-grade epidural spinal cord compression who have recurrent metastatic tumors at previously operated spinal levels. In carefully selected patients, reoperation can prolong ambulation and result in good functional and neurological outcomes.
Microsurgical nerve root decompression in scoliotic lumbar spines—the relationship between important anatomical structures in correlation to imaging and implications for daily practice: anatomic cadaveric study
Authors: Ali Amar , Baraliakos Xenofon , Kanawati Bilal , Boudelal Redouane , Teske Wolfram , Kraemer Juergen , Theodoridis Theodoros
Published: July 2010

Object

In a retrospective study in cadavers, the authors investigated the anatomical parameters between the convex and concave side in lumbar scoliosis for microsurgical discectomy and the decompression of spinal stenosis.

Microsurgical intervention is the gold standard for lumbar herniotomy or the decompression of the spinal stenosis. However, the risk for complications during these procedures is higher due to the anatomical variations caused by the scoliosis.

Methods

In 4 adult cadaveric scoliotic lumbar spines, the authors studied the anatomical relationship between important structures for performance of microsurgical discectomy or decompression, such as the dural sac, spinal nerve roots, and adjacent anatomical structures. They measured the following distances and compared these findings with those acquired using conventional radiographs in daily practice: nerve root outlet–ganglion center, nerve shoulder–superior disc, nerve shoulder–pedicle, nerve axilla–pedicle, nerve axilla–lower pedicle, ganglion center–pedicle, ganglion center–lower pedicle, and nerve root angle.

Results

The mean distance of nerve root outlet–ganglion center, nerve shoulder–superior disc, nerve shoulder–pedicle, nerve axilla–pedicle, and ganglion center–pedicle was significantly different between the convex and concave side (all p < 0.05), in contrast to the results of nerve axilla–lower pedicle and ganglion center–lower pedicle, which both related to the pedicle of the lower segment (difference not significant).

Conclusions

For the first time, information on the anatomical variations between convex and concave sides in scoliotic lumbar spines is described, supported by comparisons with radiographic examinations. These results confirm a topographic anatomical discrepancy. This knowledge can be used in daily perioperative practice for patients undergoing microsurgical decompression.
Posterior decompression with kyphosis correction for thoracic myelopathy due to ossification of the ligamentum flavum and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament at the same level
Authors: Zhang Hong-Qi , Chen Ling-Qiang , Liu Shao-Hua , Zhao Di , Guo Chao-Feng
Published: July 2010

Object

The object of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of posterior decompression with kyphosis correction for thoracic myelopathy due to ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) at the same level.

Methods

Between January 2003 and December 2005, 11 patients (8 men and 3 women) with thoracic myelopathy due to OLF and OPLL at the same level underwent posterior decompressive laminectomy and excision of OLF. Posterior instrumentation was also performed for stabilization of the spine and reducing the thoracic kyphosis angle by approximately 5–15° (kyphosis correction), and spinal fusion was performed in all cases. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 4 years (mean 2.8 years). The outcomes were evaluated using a recovery scale based on the Japanese Orthopaedic Association classification. The score of each patient was calculated before surgery, 1 year after surgery, and at the final follow-up visit.

Results

After surgery, the thoracic kyphosis in the stabilization area was reduced from 30.0 ± 4.02° to 20.8 ± 2.14° on average. The mean score on the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale improved from 3.5 ± 1.69 preoperatively to 8.5 ± 1.63 at the final follow-up, with a recovery rate of 68.0%. The results were good in 9 patients and fair in 2 patients. Postoperative MR imaging showed that the spinal cord was shifted posteriorly and decompressed completely in all cases. Myelopathy was not aggravated in any case after surgery.

Conclusions

A considerable degree of neurological recovery was observed after posterior decompression and kyphosis correction. The procedure is easy to perform with a low risk of postoperative paralysis. The authors therefore suggest that the procedure is useful for patients whose spinal cords are severely impinged by OLF and OPLL at the same level.
Interspinous ligamentoplasty in the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis: midterm clinical results
Authors: Hong Soon-Woo , Lee Ho-Yeon , Kim Kyeong Hwan , Lee Sang-Ho
Published: July 2010

Object

Pseudarthrosis and adjacent-segment degeneration remain problems after fusion surgery. To overcome these complications, many dynamic stabilization methods have been developed. This study was conducted to elucidate the midterm results on the effectiveness of interspinous ligamentoplasty (ILP) to treat degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Methods

Thirty-two consecutive surgeries involving decompression and ILP were performed by 2 surgeons at the authors' institution during 2001 and 2002. Nine patients were excluded from the study because of inadequate follow-up or radiological data, leaving a study population of 23 patients with a mean duration of follow-up of 64.6 months (range 60–77). All the patients had symptomatic spinal stenosis and Grade 1 spondylolisthesis at L4–5 level without foraminal stenosis and deformity. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Radiological measurements included segmental lordosis, total lumbar lordosis, posterior disc height, anterior slippage, angular motion, translational motion, and facet degeneration grade. Eighteen patients who had undergone bilateral laminotomy alone were included as a Control Group.

Results

Twenty-two of the 23 patients who underwent ILP returned to their active daily lives. Symptomatic instability was less common in the ILP Group than in the Control Group (4.3% vs 27.8%). The mean postoperative VAS leg scores, VAS back scores, and ODI scores at final follow-up were significantly improved in both groups, in comparison to preoperative scores; however, the mean difference in ODI scores was significantly greater in the ILP group (29.3% vs 16.6%, p = 0.049). In radiological analysis, segmental and total lordoses were significantly increased in the ILP Group. In both groups slippage increased, disc height decreased, and angular motion was maintained, but translational motion decreased with statistical significance in the ILP Group, whereas it increased in the Control Group. Radiological instability was observed in 3 patients in the ILP Group, and 9 in the Control Group (significant between-groups difference, p = 0.016).

Conclusions

Interspinous ligamentoplasty is a good option treating patients with Grade 1 degenerative spondylolisthesis requiring surgery. It is less invasive and effectively stabilizes the unstable spine with a relatively small incidence of postoperative instability. Interspinous ligamentoplasty provides satisfactory clinical and radiological results at midterm follow-up.
Prevention of secondary ischemic events by superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery bypass surgery after tuberculosis-induced vasculopathy in a 5-year-old child
Authors: Misch Martin , Thomale Ulrich-Wilhelm , Keitzer Rolf , Vajkoczy Peter
Published: July 2010

Tuberculosis-related vasculopathy and resulting ischemic events are a common finding after tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in children. The authors report on a case of recurring ischemic episodes that were refractory to repetitive endovascular procedures (transluminal angioplasty, stent insertion, in-stent vessel dilation). After failure of endovascular treatment, extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass surgery was performed to prevent further ischemia.

This 5-year-old girl presented with a series of ischemic events in the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory 12 months after her presentation with TBM. Angiography studies showed a 50% lumen reduction of the left MCA. After failure of antithrombocyte aggregation and repeated endovascular procedures to prevent new ischemia, EC-IC bypass surgery was performed. The left superficial temporal artery–MCA bypass was found to be capable of preventing new ischemic events in the 21-month follow-up period, despite a near-total MCA occlusion on follow-up conventional and MR angiography studies. Bypass surgery seems to be a reliable tool to augment cerebral blood flow in tuberculosis-related stenoocclusive changes of cerebral vasculature after the failure of endovascular procedures.
Postoperative neurological deterioration in pediatric moyamoya disease: watershed shift and hyperperfusion
Authors: Hayashi Toshiaki , Shirane Reizo , Fujimura Miki , Tominaga Teiji
Published: July 2010

Object

Young patients with moyamoya disease frequently exhibit extensive cerebral infarction at the time of initial presentation, and even in the early postoperative period. To investigate clinical characteristics in the early postoperative period, the authors prospectively analyzed findings of MR imaging, MR angiography, and SPECT before and after surgery. The authors focused in particular on how postoperative neurological deterioration occurred.

Methods

Between August 2005 and June 2009, 22 patients younger than 18 years of age with moyamoya disease were treated at Miyagi Children's Hospital. The mean patient age (± SD) was 8.58 ± 4.55 years (range 2–17 years). Superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery bypass and indirect bypass of encephalosynangiosis between the brain surface and the temporal muscle, galea, and dura mater were performed in 35 hemispheres. Magnetic resonance imaging and MR angiography were performed before surgery, at 7 days postoperatively, and 3–6 months after surgery. A 123I-isopropyl iodoamphetamine SPECT scan was also obtained pre- and postoperatively.

Results

During the postoperative period, neurological deterioration was observed after 15 operations (10 cases of motor paresis, 1 of aphasia, and 4 of sensory disturbance) in 13 patients. All symptoms had resolved by the time of discharge, except in 2 patients who suffered cerebral infarction. All patients exhibited disappearance (94.3%) or reduction (5.7%) of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) during the follow-up period. Perioperative studies revealed 2 different types of radiological findings, focal uptake decrease on SPECT indicative of cerebral ischemia due to dynamic change in cerebral hemodynamics caused by bypass flow, the so-called watershed shift, and perioperative edematous lesions on MR imaging due to cerebral hyperperfusion. The frequent occurrence of preoperative TIAs was significantly associated with watershed shift, whereas preoperative MR imaging findings and preoperative SPECT findings were not. Age at operation was the only factor significantly associated with postoperative hyperperfusion.

Conclusions

In young patients, moyamoya disease exhibits rapid progression, resulting in poor clinical outcome. The risk of postoperative neurological deterioration in very young moyamoya patients with frequent TIAs should be noted. The findings in this study showed that direct bypass is not completely safe in patients with moyamoya disease because it causes dynamic change in postoperative cerebral hemodynamics.
Some freshwater phytoplankton as new reports and one new forma from Bangladesh
Authors: Alfasane Md. Almujaddade , Islam Md. Shafiqul , Khondker Moniruzzaman
Published: July 2010

Eight newly recorded taxa of freshwater phytoplankton from Bangladesh have been described in the present paper. Of these, 3 species are from Cryptomonadales, 2 species from each of Volvocales and Euglenales and one species from Chromulinales. In addition one new forma of Pediastrum duplex Meyen var. duplex fa. nagdaensis M.A. Alfasane, M.S. Islam & M. Khondker fa. nov. (Chlorococcales) has also been described in this account.Keywords: Phytoplankton; Chlamydomonas; Pyramidomonas; Pediastrum; Epicystis; Chroomonas.DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v17i1.5394Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 17(1): 87-92, 2010 (June)
Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunb. (Apiaceae) - A new angiospermic record for Bangladesh
Authors: Khatun B.M. Rezia , Rahman Md. Oliur , Sultana Syeda Sharmeen
Published: July 2010

Not available.Keywords: Hydrocotyle verticillata; new record; Bangladesh.DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v17i1.5398Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 17(1): 105-108, 2010 (June)
Micrasterias torreyi Bail. var. nurulislamii Aziz var. nov. (Chlorophyceae) from Bangladesh
Authors: Aziz Abdul
Published: July 2010

Not available.Keywords:  Micrasterias torreyi Bail. var. nurulislamii Aziz var. nov.; Desmid;  Green alga; Bangladesh.DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v17i1.5399Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 17(1): 109-111, 2010 (June)
The Problems of Radiofrequency Ablation as an Approach for Advanced Unresectable Ductal Pancreatic Carcinoma
Authors: Pezzilli Raffaele , Ricci Claudio , Serra Carla , Casadei Riccardo , Monari Francesco , D’Ambra Marielda , Corinaldesi Roberto , Minni Francesco
Published: July 2010

Advanced ductal pancreatic carcinoma (PC) remains a challenge for current surgical and medical approaches. It has recently been claimed that radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be beneficial for patients with locally advanced or metastatic PC. Using the MEDLINE database, we found seven studies involving 106 patients in which PC was treated using RFA. The PC was mainly located in the pancreatic head (66.9%) with a median size of 4.6 cm. RFA was carried out in 85 patients (80.1%) with locally advanced PC and in 21 (19.9%) with metastatic disease. Palliative surgical procedures were carried out in 41.5% of the patients. The average temperature used was 90 °C (with a temperature range of 30–105 °C) and the ratio between the number of passes of the probe and the size of the tumor in centimeters was 0.5 (range of 0.36–1). The median postoperative morbidity and mortality were 28.3% and 7.5%, respectively; the median survival was 6.5 months (range of 1–33 months). In conclusion, RFA is a feasible technique: however, its safety and long-term results are disappointing; Thus, the RFA procedure should not be recommended in clinical practice for a PC patient.
Identity Reconfiguration of Immigrants in Portugal
Authors: Vieira Ricardo , Mendes Maura
Published: July 2010

The starting point is the principle that there is no immigrant culture, but rather, different ways of living, coexisting and identifying oneself within the cultural worlds that each subject crosses on his or her social path. Here we study Brazilian immigrants in Portugal, working with the first wave (starting at the end of the 1980s) and the second wave (at the turn of the 20th to 21st century). We intend, firstly, to show how identity is reconstructed between two banks: the departure culture and the arrival culture. Secondly, we intend to give a voice to the most silent in the understanding of immigrants: the process of identity reconstruction of Brazilian immigrants is presented, resulting from ethno-biographic interviews. We will consider the cultural transfusion theory and observe the heterogeneous ways of living between cultures, whether by rejecting the departure culture (the Oblato‘s case), refusing the arrival one at a given moment (the mono-cultural subject according to the source culture), living in an ambivalent manner between the two (the multicultural self), or, finally, inventing a third bank, as the poets say, which corresponds to an attitude of including the cultural differences through which one crosses during his or her life history in an intercultural self (the Intercultural Transfuga).
Next Generation Sequencing: Advances in Characterizing the Methylome
Authors: Taylor Kristen H. , Shi Huidong , Caldwell Charles W.
Published: July 2010

Epigenetic modifications play an important role in lymphoid malignancies. This has been evidenced by the large body of work published using microarray technologies to generate methylation profiles for numerous types and subtypes of lymphoma and leukemia. These studies have shown the importance of defining the epigenome so that we can better understand the biology of lymphoma. Recent advances in DNA sequencing technology have transformed the landscape of epigenomic analysis as we now have the ability to characterize the genome-wide distribution of chromatin modifications and DNA methylation using next-generation sequencing. To take full advantage of the throughput of next-generation sequencing, there are many methodologies that have been developed and many more that are currently being developed. Choosing the appropriate methodology is fundamental to the outcome of next-generation sequencing studies. In this review, published technologies and methodologies applicable to studying the methylome are presented. In addition, progress towards defining the methylome in lymphoma is discussed and prospective directions that have been made possible as a result of next-generation sequencing technology. Finally, methodologies are introduced that have not yet been published but that are being explored in the pursuit of defining the lymphoma methylome.
Sintering of Fine Particles in Suspension Plasma Sprayed Coatings
Authors: Latka Leszek , Goryachev Sergey B. , Kozerski Stefan , Pawlowski Lech
Published: July 2010

Suspension plasma spraying is a process that enables the production of finely grained nanometric or submicrometric coatings. The suspensions are formulated with the use of fine powder particles in water or alcohol with some additives. Subsequently, the suspension is injected into plasma jet and the liquid additives evaporate. The remaining fine solids are molten and subsequently agglomerate or remain solid, depending on their trajectory in the plasma jet. The coating’s microstructure results from these two groups of particles arriving on a substrate or previously deposited coating. Previous experimental studies carried out for plasma sprayed titanium oxide and hydroxyapatite coatings enabled us to observe either a finely grained microstructure or, when a different suspension injection mode was used, to distinguish two zones in the microstructure. These two zones correspond to the dense zone formed from well molten particles, and the agglomerated zone formed from fine solid particles that arrive on the substrate in a solid state. The present paper focuses on the experimental and theoretical analysis of the formation process of the agglomerated zone. The experimental section establishes the heat flux supplied to the coating during deposition. In order to achieve this, calorimetric measurements were made by applying experimental conditions simulating the real coatings’ growth. The heat flux was measured to be in the range from 0.08 to 0.5 MW/m2,depending on the experimental conditions. The theoretical section analyzes the sintering during the coating’s growth, which concerns the fine particles arriving on the substrate in the solid state. The models of volume, grain boundary and surface diffusion were analyzed and adapted to the size and chemistry of the grains, temperature and time scales corresponding to the suspension plasma spraying conditions. The model of surface diffusion was found to best describe the sintering during suspension plasma spraying. The formation of necks having the relative size equal to 10% of particle diameter was found to be possible during the thermal cycles occurring at the coatings’ deposition. Transmission electron microscopic observations of the agglomerated zone hydroxyapatite coating confirm the sintering of some of the fine grains.
Semiconducting Polymer Photodetectors with Electron and Hole Blocking Layers: High Detectivity in the Near-Infrared
Authors: Gong Xiong , Tong Ming-Hong , Park Sung Heum , Liu Michelle , Jen Alex , Heeger Alan J.
Published: July 2010

Sensing from the ultraviolet-visible to the infrared is critical for a variety of industrial and scientific applications. Photodetectors with broad spectral response, from 300 nm to 1,100 nm, were fabricated using a narrow-band gap semiconducting polymer blended with a fullerene derivative. By using both an electron-blocking layer and a hole-blocking layer, the polymer photodetectors, operating at room temperature, exhibited calculated detectivities greater than 1013 cm Hz1/2/W over entire spectral range with linear dynamic range approximately 130 dB. The performance is comparable to or even better than Si photodetectors.
Emergent Dynamics of Five-Colour QCD Due to Dimensional Frustration
Authors: Walker Michael Luke
Published: July 2010

The consequences for five-colour QCD of a novel symmetry-breaking mechanism, published in an earlier paper, are further explored. In addition to the emergence of QED and three-colour QCD, there is also a candidate for the Z0μ. The representation theory of SU (N) is applied to the matter sector and yields the quark and electron charge ratios, and a mechanism for generating fermion particle masses.
The evolution in the representation of the foliage of deciduous trees in Chinese painting from the Tang through the Yuan
Authors: Glum Peter
Published: July 2010

Cet article tente d'esquisser l'évolution du feuillage dans la peinture chinoise du paysage des Tang à la fin des Song. Seules sont étudiées les peintures murales des grottes bouddhiques et les peintures des tombes. Les conifères sont omis ainsi que les arbres du second plan qui sous les Tang ont la forme de champignons. Pour les arbres du premier plan, le tronc et les branches sont d'abord dessinés puis recouverts de feuilles disproportionnées, plus grandes que nature mais fort précises du point de vue botanique. Cette règle prévaudra jusqu'à la fin des Tang comme le montrent les peintures des tombes des princes Yide et Zhanghuai (706-711 de notre ère) et celles, datant du milieu du IXe siècle, de la grotte 17 à Dunhuang.

Dans le mausolée Liao à Qingling (1031 de notre ère) dont le style semble être plus tardif, on trouve en plus, parfois au premier plan, mais surtout au plan intermédiaire, des feuilles stéréotypées, ovales ; à l'arrière-plan, elles ne sont plus figurées que par des traits courts ou des taches. Cette formule devait déjà exister en Chine vers la fin des Tang. Sur un rouleau trouvé dans la tombe de Yemaotai (ca. 959-986 ap. J.-C.), le feuillage est évoqué par des aplats de lavis inspirés peut-être des « arbres- champignons». Les paysages peints sur la tombe de Feng Daozhen (1256 ap. J.-C.) près de Datong sont tous exécutés d'une manière libre et fluide. Le feuillage y est représenté par des taches d'encre plus ou moins larges et par de fines hachures grises ou noires, parfois superposées. On retrouve cette manière « impressionniste » dans les célèbres tableaux attribués à Xia Gui et Muqi des Song du Sud. Les difficultés rencontrées par un peintre voulant suggérer les milliers de feuilles d'un arbres ont été surmontées à deux reprises en Europe : dans l'Antiquité puis à la Renaissance. Cette évolution ne put s'accomplir en Chine qu'à l'avènement de la peinture monochrome à l'encre et résulterait d'une vision plus unifiée du paysage. On ignore les différentes étapes de cette évolution qui fut éphémère. Dès 1358, dans les peintures du monastère taoïste Yongle gong, on note un retour aux feuilles individuelles, plus petites, parfois tracées au contour sur un lavis préparatoire. En conclusion, bien qu'elles soient souvent attribuées à des maîtres tels que Xia Gui et Ma Yuan, il semble que des peintures utilisant à la fois la formule des feuilles dessinées une à une et celle du style allusif des Song du Sud ne puissent être des œuvres originales car il est inconcevable que des peintres aient eu recours à deux modes d'expression si opposés.
Une peinture d'offrandes à dPal-ldan dmag-zor rgyal-ma
Authors: Martin du Gard Irène
Published: July 2010

This study intends to describe a beautiful painting of offerings (tibetan : rgyan- tshogs) kept in a french private collection and painted on white cloth in the XIXth century. That rgyan-tshogs is dedicated to a form of dPal-ldan lha-mo (Çrîdevî) : dPal-ldan dmag-zor rgyal-ma. dPal-ldan lha-mo is one of the chos-skyong (skt. dharmapâla). These belonged to a pantheon of pre-buddhist deities and were first accepted then transformed by Buddhism into terrific keepers of the Law. That large thanka (h. 0,80 m ; w. 1,60 m) has a framing imitating brocade and painted in " trompe-l'Oeil ". At the top of the painting, from a kind of gruesome anopy hang human and animal hides held by snakes, with raven flying around. In the middle, above a rkyang are represented the clothes, the ornaments, the attributes of dPal-ldan dmag-zor rgyal- ma offered to her. Thanks to a tibetan text or bskang-gso used in ceremonies of the same name, we have a very precise description of that divinity and of many offerings, reserved to terrific deities, contained in human skulls, as well as an armour, weapons, musical instruments and black animals. These animals (black birds, sheep, yaks, horses, dogs) wild or domestic, belong to the court of dPal-ldan dmag-zor rgyal-ma, are called spyan-gzigs and are supposed to be her guardians. Round her mount are more peculiar animals belonging also to her court, but that are her messengers (pho-nya). Underneath is represented the palace of Mount Meru dwelling of the gods. Numerous musical instruments are represented around the armour and the weapons. Some of them are not tibetan, for instance the mouth-organ or the Chinese carillon... It may indicate that the painting belong to a monastery under Chinese influence. This is confirmed by some stylistic features as the treatment of the black horses or of some beautiful coloured birds.
Note concernant une stèle Vaisnava du Népal
Authors: Béguin Gilles
Published: July 2010

The musée Guimet has bought recently a stone from Nepal depicting the Hindu god Visnu, standing between Laksmî and Garuda. Four arms are appearing on the god. As on many of his representations in Nepal, the position of his two upper attributes, the wheel and the club, are not canonical and inverted. The cult of the "expansions" (vyûha) of Visnu is present in Kâthmandu Valley. The iconography of the musée Guimet stone corresponds with the Çrîdhara vyûha aspect. This special representation seems however more a local tradition than a special worship to Çrîdhara in Nepal.

The style of the sculpture is closed to some pieces of the X th. century but three details are unusual in this context : the special shape of the central fleuron of the diadem of the goddess, her snake torque armlets and the three lotus of the bottom of the stone. All these elements are popular during the XII th. century and it would be reasonnable to date this Visnu sculpture of that period.