bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
T2-weighted vs. intrathecal contrast-enhanced MR cisternography in the evaluation of CSF rhinorrhea
Authors: Ecin Gaye , Oner A Yusuf , Tokgoz Nil , Ucar Murat , Aykol Sukru , Tali Turgut 
Published: April 2013

Background Endoscopic surgical approach is being more widely used in the treatment of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. Accurate localization of CSF fistulas prior to surgery is essential in increasing the success of dural repair and in decreasing negative or recurrent explorations. Purpose To evaluate and compare intrathecal contrast medium-enhanced magnetic resonance cisternography (CEMRC) with T2-weighted MR cisternography (T2MRC) in identifying the presence and site of CSF rhinorrhea. Material and Methods Sixty patients with suspected CSF rhinorrhea underwent MR cisternography including intrathecally enhanced fat-suppressed T1WI in three orthogonal planes and T2WI in the coronal plane. Both set of images were reviewed by two blinded radiologists for the presence and location of CSF leakage. Imaging data were compared with surgical findings and/or beta-2 transferrin testing. Results With surgery proven CSF leakage in 20 instances as reference, CEMRC detected 18 (90%), whereas T2MRC reported only 13 (65%) correctly. Overall, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value in detecting CSF fistulas were 92%, 80%, 76%, and 93% for CEMRC, and 56%, 77%, 64%, and 71% for T2MRC, respectively. Conclusion The minimally invasive CEMRC is an effective method with higher sensitivity and specificity than T2MRC in the evaluation of CSF fistulas.
Biomechanical Evaluation of 3 Stabilization Methods on Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocations
Authors: Nüchtern Jakob V. , Sellenschloh Kay , Bishop Nick , Jauch Sabrina , Briem Daniel , Hoffmann Michael , Lehmann Wolfgang , Pueschel Klaus , Morlock Michael M. , Rueger Johannes M. , Großterlinden Lars G. 
Published: April 2013

Background: Traumatic acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations can be addressed with several surgical stabilization techniques. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate biomechanical features of the native joint compared with 3 different stabilization methods: locking hook plate (HP), TightRope (TR), and bone anchor system (AS). Hypothesis: The HP provides higher stiffness than the anatomic reconstruction techniques. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A new biomechanical in vitro model of the AC joint was used to analyze joint stability after surgical repair (HP, TR, and AS). Eighteen cadaveric specimens were randomized for bone density and diameter in the midclavicle section. Joint stiffness was measured by applying an axial load and a defined physiological range of motion for internal and external rotations and upward and downward rotations. Data were recorded at 3 stages: for the native joint after dissecting the AC ligaments, directly after repair, and after axial cyclic loading (1000 cycles with 20 and 70 N at 1 Hz). To evaluate which implant mimics physiological joint properties best, axial stiffness of vertical stability was assessed in combination with rotation. Finally, static loading in the superior direction was applied until failure of the joints occurred. Results: Axial stiffness of the TR and AS groups was 2-fold higher than for the HP group and the native joint (67.1, 66.1, and 22.5 N/mm, respectively; P < .004). Decreased load-to-failure rates were recorded in the HP group compared with the TR and AS groups (248.9 ± 72.7, 832.0 ± 401.4, and 538.0 ± 166.1 N, respectively). The stiffness of the rotations was not significantly different between the treatment methods but was lower in horizontal and downward rotations compared with the native state. Thus, native AC ligaments contributed a significant share to joint stiffness. Conclusion: The TR and AS groups demonstrated higher vertical load capacity. Compared with the TR and AS, the HP demonstrated an axial stiffness closest to the native joint. For restoring physiological properties, reconstruction of the AC ligaments may be necessary. Clinical Relevance: The results show different biomechanical properties of the HP and anatomic reconstructions.
Anterior Ankle Impingement After Tendo-Achilles Lengthening for Long-Standing Equinus Deformity in Residual Poliomyelitis
Authors: Sung Ki Hyuk , Chung Chin Youb , Lee Kyoung Min , Lee Seung Yeol , Park Moon Seok 
Published: April 2013

Background: This study was performed to investigate anterior ankle impingement after tendo-Achilles lengthening for long-standing equinus deformity in patients with residual poliomyelitis and to investigate whether the severity of preoperative equinus deformity affected the occurrence of symptomatic anterior impingement. Methods: Twenty-seven consecutive patients (mean age, 43.8 ± 9.4 years) with residual poliomyelitis who underwent tendo-Achilles lengthening for equinus foot deformity were included. On lateral foot-ankle weight-bearing radiographs, the tibiocalcaneal angle, plantigrade angle, and McDermott grade were measured and the presence of anterior blocking spur was evaluated. Results: Eleven patients (40.7%) had anterior ankle impingement on radiographic findings preoperatively and 24 patients (88.9%) at latest follow-up. There was a significant difference in McDermott grade between preoperative and latest follow-up ( P < .001). There were significant differences in tibiocalcaneal angle and plantigrade angle between the patients with anterior ankle pain and without anterior ankle pain ( P = .006 and .011, respectively) and between the patients with anterior blocking spur and without anterior blocking spur ( P = .005 and .010, respectively). Conclusions: Most patients with residual poliomyelitis had anterior ankle impingement after tendo-Achilles lengthening for long-standing equinus deformity, and the presence of symptomatic anterior ankle impingement was significantly associated with the severity of the equinus deformity. Therefore, for residual poliomyelitis patients with severe long-standing equinus deformity, surgeons should consider the possibility of a subsequent anterior procedure for anterior impingement after tendo-Achilles lengthening. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Does Francis ignore the health services “4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse”: what does this mean for the modern NHS?
Authors: Baxter Michael A 
Published: April 2013

The recent Francis report has spotlighted poor standard of care at Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust in the UK. It asks how this could have happened in a hospital with internal governance mechanisms and regular review from a plethora of external regulators. It further asks who is responsible and accountable for this failure. The report also underscores a widely held anxiety that “mid Staffs” is not unique and such catastrophic failures in care could, and will happen again despite more enhanced regulation and scrutiny. The unasked question in the report is fundamental and revealing. WHY did this happen? This does not require a detailed understanding of the regulatory mechanisms which were designed to detect fault, but rather what was the underlying cause of these often basic care failures. The thesis of this article is that four fundamental changes - 3 in the elements of service delivery and 1 in the requirements for care - have conflated to create a major problem and a service which is unable to face the demands that will increasingly be placed on it. The solutions to this current dilemma require acknowledgement of these issues and transformational changes in the way we think, work and deliver healthcare.
VibraTip® durability in clinical practice: how long does it last?
Authors: Horsfield Ian , Levy Andy 
Published: April 2013

VibraTip® is a battery-powered, disposable, key fob-sized source of vibration used to assess the integrity of vibration perception. To find out how long the device lasts, the stability of its vibration output was measured in response to two usage patterns:- in the first, VibraTip® was subject to 7000 half second activations separated by 2 second rests. This yielded fairly consistent frequency output for the first 6000 activations but an early reduction in amplitude over the first 1000 activations, steadying between 2000 and 6000 activations. in the second, designed to mimic more closely real life clinical usage, runs of ten, half second activations at 2 second intervals were interspersed by 10 minute rests. The cycle was repeated 350 times in all with additional overnight rests to allow electrochemical recovery. VibraTip® performance under these conditions was highly consistent over at least the first 1500 activations, with very little change in vibration frequency even after 3500 discharges. These results indicate that usage patterns markedly affect VibraTip® durability. Rests between ‘patients’ and overnight, characteristic of normal clinical activity, suggests that VibraTip® is likely to provide very consistent performance in the clinical arena for many months of routine use.
Molecular Karyotyping: A Revolutionary Concept in Prenatal Diagnosis
Authors: Charan P , Palma-Dias R , Walker Sp , Ganeesamoorthy D , McGillivray G , Woodrow N 
Published: April 2013

The ‘standard of care’ for chromosome testing has recently changed. For the last 30 years it has involved chromosome testing using microscope analysis. New technology using ‘DNA chips’, i.e. molecular karyotyping or microarray has now become available and is routinely offered to pregnant women undergoing invasive testing for an ultrasound detected fetal abnormality. Women who choose to take advantage of this technology undergo extensive counselling in a multidisciplinary setting regarding the possible implications of an abnormal result. They are advised that there are some molecular changes which are known to be harmless and will not be reported. They are also counselled that some molecular changes will be reported but their clinical significance is uncertain. This article reviews the current evidence-based role of molecular karyotyping in routine clinical practice in the setting of ultrasound detected fetal abnormality.
Unscrambling butterfly oogenesis
Authors: Carter Jean-Michel , Baker Simon C , Pink Ryan , Carter David RF , Collins Aiden , Tomlin Jeremie , Gibbs Melanie , Breuker Casper J 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundButterflies are popular model organisms to study physiological mechanisms underlying variability in oogenesis and egg provisioning in response to environmental conditions. Nothing is known, however, about; the developmental mechanisms governing butterfly oogenesis, how polarity in the oocyte is established, or which particular maternal effect genes regulate early embryogenesis. To gain insights into these developmental mechanisms and to identify the conserved and divergent aspects of butterfly oogenesis, we analysed ade novoovarian transcriptome of the Speckled Wood butterflyPararge aegeria(L.), and compared the results with known model organisms such asDrosophila melanogasterandBombyx mori.ResultsA total of 17306 contigs were annotated, with 30% possibly novel or highly divergent sequences observed.Pararge aegeriafemales expressed 74.5% of the genes that are known to be essential forD. melanogasteroogenesis. We discuss the genes involved in all aspects of oogenesis, including vitellogenesis and choriogenesis, plus those implicated in hormonal control of oogenesis and transgenerational hormonal effects in great detail. Compared to other insects, a number of significant differences were observed in; the genes involved in stem cell maintenance and differentiation in the germarium, establishment of oocyte polarity, and in several aspects of maternal regulation of zygotic development.ConclusionsThis study provides valuable resources to investigate a number of divergent aspects of butterfly oogenesis requiring further research. In order to fully unscramble butterfly oogenesis, we also now also have the resources to investigate expression patterns of oogenesis genes under a range of environmental conditions, and to establish their function.
Global remodeling of nucleosome positions in C. elegans
Authors: Locke George , Haberman Devorah , Johnson Steven M , Morozov Alexandre V 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Eukaryotic chromatin architecture is affected by intrinsic histone-DNA sequence preferences, steric exclusion between nucleosome particles, formation of higher-order structures, and in vivo activity of chromatin remodeling enzymes.

Results
To disentangle sequence-dependent nucleosome positioning from the other factors, we have created two high-throughput maps of nucleosomes assembled in vitro on genomic DNA from the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans. A comparison of in vitro nucleosome positions with those observed in a mixed-stage, mixed-tissue population of C. elegans cells reveals that in vivo sequence preferences are modified on the genomic scale. Indeed, G/C dinucleotides are predicted to be most favorable for nucleosome formation in vitro but not in vivo. Nucleosome sequence read coverage in vivo is distinctly lower in chromosome arms than in central regions; the observed changes in apparent nucleosome sequence specificity, likely due to genome-wide chromatin remodeler activity, contribute to the formation of these megabase-scale chromatin domains. We also observe that the majority of well-positioned in vivo nucleosomes do not occupy thermodynamically favorable sequences observed in vitro. Finally, we find that exons are intrinsically more amenable to nucleosome formation compared to introns. Nucleosome occupancy of introns and exons consistently increases with G/C content in vitro but not in vivo, in agreement with our observation that G/C dinucleotide enrichment does not strongly promote in vivo nucleosome formation.

Conclusions
Our findings highlight the importance of both sequence specificity and active nucleosome repositioning in creating large-scale chromatin domains, and the antagonistic roles of intrinsic sequence preferences and chromatin remodelers in C. elegans.
Sequence read data has been deposited into Sequence Read Archive (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sra; accession number SRA050182). Additional data, software and computational predictions are available on the Nucleosome Explorer website (http://nucleosome.rutgers.edu).
Comprehensive annotation of secondary metabolite biosynthetic genes and gene clusters of Aspergillus nidulans, A. fumigatus, A. niger and A. oryzae
Authors: Inglis Diane O , Binkley Jonathan , Skrzypek Marek S , Arnaud Martha B , Cerqueira Gustavo C , Shah Prachi , Wymore Farrell , Wortman Jennifer R , Sherlock Gavin 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Secondary metabolite production, a hallmark of filamentous fungi, is an expanding area of research for the Aspergilli. These compounds are potent chemicals, ranging from deadly toxins to therapeutic antibiotics to potential anti-cancer drugs. The genome sequences for multiple Aspergilli have been determined, and provide a wealth of predictive information about secondary metabolite production. Sequence analysis and gene overexpression strategies have enabled the discovery of novel secondary metabolites and the genes involved in their biosynthesis. The Aspergillus Genome Database (AspGD) provides a central repository for gene annotation and protein information for Aspergillus species. These annotations include Gene Ontology (GO) terms, phenotype data, gene names and descriptions and they are crucial for interpreting both small- and large-scale data and for aiding in the design of new experiments that further Aspergillus research.

Results
We have manually curated Biological Process GO annotations for all genes in AspGD with recorded functions in secondary metabolite production, adding new GO terms that specifically describe each secondary metabolite. We then leveraged these new annotations to predict roles in secondary metabolism for genes lacking experimental characterization. As a starting point for manually annotating Aspergillus secondary metabolite gene clusters, we used antiSMASH (antibiotics and Secondary Metabolite Analysis SHell) and SMURF (Secondary Metabolite Unknown Regions Finder) algorithms to identify potential clusters in A. nidulans, A. fumigatus, A. niger and A. oryzae, which we subsequently refined through manual curation.

Conclusions
This set of 266 manually curated secondary metabolite gene clusters will facilitate the investigation of novel Aspergillus secondary metabolites.
Lactobacillusspecies isolated from vaginal secretions of healthy and bacterial vaginosis-intermediate Mexican women: a prospective study
Authors: Martínez-Peña Marcos Daniel , Castro-Escarpulli Graciela , Aguilera-Arreola Ma Guadalupe 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background

Lactobacillus jensenii, L. iners, L. crispatus and L. gasseri are the most frequently occurring lactobacilli in the vagina. However, the native species vary widely according to the studied population. The present study was performed to genetically determine the identity of Lactobacillus strains present in the vaginal discharge of healthy and bacterial vaginosis (BV) intermediate Mexican women.

Methods
In a prospective study, 31 strains preliminarily identified as Lactobacillus species were isolated from 21 samples collected from 105 non-pregnant Mexican women. The samples were classified into groups according to the Nugent score criteria proposed for detection of BV: normal (N), intermediate (I) and bacterial vaginosis (BV). We examined the isolates using culture-based methods as well as molecular analysis of the V1–V3 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) sequence analysis was performed to reject clones.

Results
Clinical isolates (25/31) were classified into four groups based on sequencing and analysis of the 16S rRNA gene: L. acidophilus (14/25), L. reuteri (6/25), L. casei (4/25) and L. buchneri (1/25). The remaining six isolates were presumptively identified as Enterococcus species. Within the L. acidophilus group, L. gasseri was the most frequently isolated species, followed by L. jensenii and L. crispatus. L. fermentum, L. rhamnosus and L. brevis were also isolated, and were placed in the L. reuteri, L. casei and L. buchneri groups, respectively. ERIC profile analysis showed intraspecific variability amongst the L. gasseri and L. fermentum species.

Conclusions
These findings agree with previous studies showing that L. crispatus, L. gasseri and L. jensenii are consistently present in the healthy vaginal ecosystem. Additional species or phylotypes were detected in the vaginal microbiota of the non-pregnant Mexican (Hispanic-mestizo) population, and thus, these results further our understanding of vaginal lactobacilli colonisation and richness in this particular population.
Risk factors of short-term mortality after acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients on dialysis: a population-based study
Authors: Yang Ju-Yeh , Lee Tsung-Chun , Montez-Rath Maria E , Chertow Glenn M , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Impaired kidney function is an established predictor of mortality after acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (ANVUGIB); however, which factors are associated with mortality after ANVUGIB among patients undergoing dialysis is unknown. We examined the associations among demographic characteristics, dialysis-specific features, and comorbid conditions with short-term mortality after ANVUGIB among patients on dialysis.

Methods
Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: United States Renal Data System (USRDS), a nation-wide registry of patients with end-stage renal disease. Participants: All ANVUGIB episodes identified by validated algorithms in Medicare-covered patients between 2003 and 2007. Measurements: Demographic characteristics and comorbid conditions from 1 year of billing claims prior to each bleeding event. We used logistic regression extended with generalized estimating equations methods to model the associations among risk factors and 30-day mortality following ANVUGIB events.

Results
From 2003 to 2007, we identified 40,016 eligible patients with 50,497 episodes of ANVUGIB. Overall 30-day mortality was 10.7% (95% CI: 10.4-11.0). Older age, white race, longer dialysis vintage, peritoneal dialysis (vs. hemodialysis), and hospitalized (vs. outpatient) episodes were independently associated with a higher risk of 30-day mortality. Most but not all comorbid conditions were associated with death after ANVUGIB. The joint ability of all factors captured to discriminate mortality was modest (c=0.68).

Conclusions
We identified a profile of risk factors for 30-day mortality after ANVUGIB among patients on dialysis that was distinct from what had been reported in non-dialysis populations. Specifically, peritoneal dialysis and more years since initiation of dialysis were independently associated with short-term death after ANVUGIB.
Interference coordination of heterogeneous LTE systems using remote radio heads
Authors: Kim Jaewon , Lee Donghyun , Sung Wonjin 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we present an operational strategy to mitigate co-channel interference (CCI) by using geographically distributed remote radio heads (RRHs). The inter-node CCI becomes a dominant performance degradation factor for heterogeneous network (HetNet) systems. Recently, there are emerging attempts in Third Generation Partnership Project to adopt advanced techniques to Long Term Evolution Advanced systems to mitigate CCI problems for HetNet systems, namely, the coordinated multipoint transmission (CoMP). However, the CoMP scheme cannot control the CCI generated from outside coordination boundaries. To resolve this problem, we propose a partial activation strategy by using RRHs deployed near cell edge which results in moving coverage boundary effects. Based on Monte Carlo system level simulations, performance of the conventional strategies and the presented strategy is evaluated. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme outperforms the enhanced inter-cell interference coordination and CoMP schemes especially for users located near cell edge areas.
Early exercise improves cerebral blood flow through increased angiogenesis in experimental stroke rat model
Authors: Zhang Pengyue , Yu Huixian , Zhou Naiyun , Zhang Jie , Wu Yi , Zhang Yuling , Bai Yulong , Jia Jie , Zhang Qi , Tian Shan , Wu Junfa , Hu Yongshan 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Early exercise after stroke promoted angiogenesis and increased microvessles density. However, whether these newly formatted vessels indeed give rise to functional vascular and improve the cerebral blood flow (CBF) in impaired brain region is still unclear. The present study aimed to determine the effect of early exercise on angiogenesis and CBF in ischemic region.

Methods
Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to 90 min middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)and randomly divided into early exercise and non-exercised control group 24 h later. Two weeks later, CBF in ischemic region was determined by laser speckle flowmetry(LSF). Meantime, micro vessels density, the expression of tie-2, total Akt and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), and infarct volume were detected with immunohistochemistry, 2,3,5 triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and western blotting respectively. The function was evaluated by seven point’s method.

Results
Our results showed that CBF, vessel density and expression of Tie-2, p-Akt in ischemic region were higher in early exercise group compared with those in non-exercise group. Consistent with these results, rats in early exercise group had a significantly reduced infarct volume and better functional outcomes than those in non-exercise group.

Conclusions
Our results indicated that early exercise after MCAO improved the CBF in ischemic region, reduced infarct volume and promoted the functional outcomes, the underlying mechanism was correlated with angiogenesis in the ischemic cortex.