bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lambrinudi Arthrodesis with Posterior Tibialis Transfer in Adult Drop-Foot
Authors: Elsner Andreas , Barg Alexej , Stufkens Sjoerd A. , Hintermann Beat 
Published: January 2010

Background: The adult drop-foot is one of the most disabling disorders that affects gait and quality of life. Despite orthoses and orthopaedic shoes, the disability often progresses. We have used the Lambrinudi arthrodesis to correct the bony component of drop-foot in association with a posterior tibial tendon transfer to provide lateral ankle stability and active dorsiflexion. This study presents results obtained in a consecutive series of 19 patients. Materials and Methods: Nineteen patients (mean age, 54.7 years) were treated for drop-foot with an osseous dorsiflexing procedure according to Lambrinudi's original technique and a posterior tibial tendon transfer to the lateral cuneiforme bone. Outcome measurements included extended radiographic and clinical investigations, including the AOFAS Hindfoot Score, SF-36, ROM and VAS. The mean followup time was 39 (range, 24 to 62) months. Results: The AOFAS Hindfoot Score improved from 38.9 preoperatively to 73.2 ( p < 0.001) at last followup, and the SF-36 scores improved from 38.3 to 70.5 ( p < 0.001). All patients were able to wear normal shoes at final followup. Conclusion: In this study of 19 patients, Lambrinudi arthrodesis combined with posterior tibial transfer proved to be a reliable and reproducible treatment for semi-rigid and rigid adult drop-foot caused by several aetiologies. It provided a stable correction of the adult drop-foot and high patient satisfaction in the mid- to long-term. In particular, it enabled the patient to wear normal shoes. Level of Evidence: IV, Prospective Case Series
Bipolar Fresh Osteochondral Allograft of the Ankle
Authors: Giannini Sandro , Buda Roberto , Grigolo Brunella , Bevoni Roberto , Di Caprio Francesco , Ruffilli Alberto , Cavallo Marco , Desando Giovanna , Vannini Francesca 
Published: January 2010

Background: Severe post-traumatic ankle arthritis poses a reconstructive challenge in the young and active patient. Bipolar fresh osteochondral allograft (BFOA) may represent an intriguing alternative to arthrodesis and prosthetic replacement. The aim of this study was to describe a lateral trans-malleolar technique for BFOA, and to evaluate the results in a case series. Materials and Methods: From 2004 to 2006, 32 patients, mean age of 36.8 ± 8.4 years, affected by ankle arthritis underwent BFOA with a mean followup of 31.2 months. The graft was prepared by specifically designed jigs, including the talus and the tibia with the medial malleolus. The host surfaces were prepared by the same jigs through a lateral approach. The graft was placed and fixed with twist-off screws. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at 2, 4, and 6 month after operation, and at a minimum 24 months followup. A biopsy of the grafted areas was obtained from 7 patients at 1-year followup for histological and immunohistochemical examination. Results: Preoperative AOFAS score was 33.1 ± 10.9 and postoperatively 69.5 ± 19.4 ( p < 0.0005). Six failures occurred. Cartilage harvests showed hyaline-like histology with a normal collagen component but low proteoglycan presence and a disorganized structure. Samples were positive for MMP-1, MMP-13 and Capsase-3. Conclusion: The use of BFOA represents an intriguing alternative to arthrodesis or arthroplasty. We believe precise allograft sizing, stable fitting and fixation and delayed weightbearing were key factors for a successful outcome. Further research regarding the immunological behavior of transplanted cartilage is needed. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Reconstruction of Car Tire Injuries of Children's Feet
Authors: Demirtas Yener , Neimetzade Tale , Kelahmetoglu Osman , Guneren Ethem 
Published: January 2010

Background: Grade IV and V car tire injuries occurring in children cause extensive soft tissue defects with exposure or loss of tendons and bone on the dorsum of the foot. Free tissue transfer is indicated for reconstruction of these defects because of the limited local tissue available. We describe our management of high-grade car tire foot injuries in children with free anterolateral thigh flap (ALT). Materials and Methods: Five pre-school children with car tire injuries (one grade IV and four grade V) were treated with free ALT flap in the last 4 years. The mean age was 4.8 years. In four patients, immediate flap coverage after initial debridement was performed and delayed reconstruction was used as a secondary procedure in one patient. Results: One of the flaps was re-explored for hematoma evacuation and salvaged. All of the flaps survived completely and there were no donor site complications. None of the flaps required a debulking procedure and custom shoe wear has not been necessary in any of the patients. Minor gait abnormalities were detected in two of the patients. Conclusion: With minimal donor site morbidity, long vascular pedicle allowing anastomosis outside of the trauma zone, we believe free ALT flap provides the ideal soft tissue reconstruction for high grade car tire injuries of foot in children. ALT flap can be further thinned to adapt to the defect, contracts less than muscle flaps and contains a vascularized fascia which can be used for extensor tendon reconstruction. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
Comparison of Free Muscle and Perforator Skin Flaps for Soft Tissue Reconstruction of the Foot and Ankle
Authors: Demirtas Yener , Neimetzade Tale , Kelahmetoglu Osman , Guneren Ethem 
Published: January 2010

Background: Free tissue transfer is generally required for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects of the foot and ankle region because of the limited local tissue available. This type of reconstruction may interfere with postoperative function and footwear if a bulky flap is used. Materials and Methods: Twenty-nine patients had free tissue transfers to the foot and ankle region during a period of 3 years. Sixteen had reconstruction with free anterolateral thigh perforator flaps (ALT) and 13 had reconstruction with free muscle flaps. The outcomes of both types of reconstructions were compared according to flap scores and complications, operative time, hospitalization, gait and shoewear problems. Results: The patients in the ALT group were younger compared with those of the free muscle flap group ( p = 0.022). The operative time and flap complication rate was significantly higher ( p = 0.007 and 0.040, respectively) in the ALT group. ALT was generally used for reconstruction of the dorsal foot, heel and plantar regions. Muscle flaps were preferred in the ankle region, where open fractures of the tibia and fibula were frequently present, and for the patients with increased risk of perioperative morbidity. Conclusion: Free ALT flap consisting of skin and adaptable subcutaneous tissue, both diminishes donor site morbidity and is ideally suited for most soft-tissue reconstruction of the dorsal foot, heel and plantar foot. Free muscle flaps, however, may offer relatively less complicated tissue transfers and are preferred at the ankle region in the presence of open tibia fractures, and in high risk patients to decrease the perioperative morbidity. Level of Evidence: III, Retrospective Case Control Study
Reverse Sural Artery Flap for Reconstruction of Blast Injuries of the Foot and Ankle
Authors: Orr Justin , Kirk Kevin L. , Antunez Vincent , Ficke James 
Published: January 2010

Background: The reverse sural artery fasciocutaneous flap is a versatile soft tissue coverage procedure for traumatic soft tissue defects of the distal tibia, ankle, and foot. War-related blast injuries represent a unique injury mechanism. There are no reports on use of this reconstructive flap in treating highly contaminated war-related musculoskeletal trauma of the foot and ankle. The current study presents results using this soft tissue coverage procedure in a subacute fashion to treat a population of war-related blast injuries. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart study was performed to assess outcomes of ten consecutive patients with severe lower extremity musculoskeletal trauma requiring soft tissue coverage using reverse sural artery fasciocutaneous flaps. Average patient age was 27.2 years. All injuries occurred between 2003 and 2008 as a result of severe war-related blast injuries. Results: All ten patients sustained Gustilo Type IIIB open fractures within the zones of injuries secondary to high energy blasts. Average time to flap coverage was 37 (range, 18 to 112) days post-injury. All ten flaps were well-healed at 12 weeks postoperatively. Major complications included one nonunion, three deep infections with chronic osteomyelitis, and three late elective amputations unrelated to the viability of the flap. Conclusion: In appropriately selected patients with significant open bony and soft tissue trauma to the foot and ankle, the reverse sural artery fasciocutaneous flap should be considered as a viable first option for soft tissue coverage, even in cases of subacute coverage. Early coverage is preferable in cases of severe contamination and soft tissue destruction, but late coverage of distal lower extremity defects with a sural artery flap is possible with good outcomes. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
Does Economic Growth in Nepal Cause Electricity Consumption
Authors: Dhungel Kamal Raj 
Published: January 2010

This article examines the causal relationship between the per capita electricity consumption and the per capita real GDP (natural logarithm) during the period 1980-2006 in Nepal using co-integration and vector error correction model. According to the fi ndings, there is a unidirectional causality from per capita real GDP to per capita electricity consumption. Results show that per capita electricity consumption does not cause per capita real GDP. There is an important policy implication of the fi ndings. It is important because it has significant implications from the point of view of energy conservation, Green House Gas emission reduction and economic development. Energy conservation if the government or the power utility industry approves the appropriate national policy for entering into the practical action will enhance economic development in a sustainable basis.Key words: Co-integration; Unit-root; Causality; Energy conservation; Electricity consumption; Economic growth; NepalDOI: 10.3126/hn.v5i0.2485Hydro Nepal Vol. 5, July 2009 Page:37-41
HIV contamination of commercial PCR enzymes raises the importance of quality control of low-cost in-house genotypic HIV drug resistance tests
Authors: Monleau Marjorie , Plantier Jean-Christophe , Peeters Martine 
Published: January 2010

Background Low-cost in-house technologies for genotypic drug resistance testing use reagents with quality labels for research only. Here, we report on the results of PCR amplifications in negative-controls that were observed in two independent laboratories. Methods Positive PCR amplifications of protease and reverse transcriptase fragments for genotypic drug resistance testing of HIV on dried blood and/or plasma spots were observed on negative-control samples and were analysed in detail by PCR and sequence and phylogenetic analyses to identify the origin of the PCR contamination. Results Detailed analysis revealed that the RT-PCR enzymes were contaminated with an HIV-based vector commercialized by the same company. Conclusions These observations show the need to implement quality control steps that verify for the absence of HIV in new reagent batches because this can significantly compromise molecular diagnosis of HIV and genotypic drug resistance tests using in-house protocols.
Costimulator B7-DC Attenuates Strong Th2 Responses Induced by Nippostrongylus brasiliensis
Authors: Ishiwata Kenji , Watanabe Naohiro , Guo Miao , Tomihara Kei , Brumlik Michael J. , Yagita Hideo , Pardoll Drew , Chen Lieping , Shin Tahiro 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
The caliber and magnitude of T cell responses are regulated by costimulatory molecules following the engagement of TCRs and MHC molecules. B7-DC has the highest homology with B7-H1 in the B7 family, and both of them bind an immunoregulatory molecule, programmed death 1. Previous studies have demonstrated that B7-DC stimulates T cell proliferation and CTL generation, which sharply contrasts the inhibitory role of B7-H1. Th2 cytokines prompt B7-DC expression, which in turn enhances Th1 responses. In this study, we used an intestinal nematode, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, to induce strong Th2 responses and to evaluate B7-DC function under Th2-polarizing conditions in vivo. By either blocking B7-DC expression during N. brasiliensis infection or by examining N. brasiliensis-infected B7-DC knockout mice, we observed enhanced eosinophilia, the overproduction of serum IgE, and increased Th2 cytokine production along with decreased Th1 cytokine production (particularly IFN-γ production), indicating that B7-DC inhibits Th2 responses. Our results further demonstrate that the inhibition of Th2 responses by B7-DC occurs independently of programmed death 1 but conceivably acts through an as yet unknown alternative receptor that enhances Th1 responses. Although the deficiency of B7-DC expression that enhanced the production of IL-13 paradoxically resulted in better protection against N. brasiliensis infection, our results show that B7-DC plays an important role in bolstering a robust Th1 response that is required for effective antiviral and anticancer immunity, even under a strong Th2-polarizing environment induced by N. brasiliensis infection.
TCR Mimic Monoclonal Antibody Targets a Specific Peptide/HLA Class I Complex and Significantly Impedes Tumor Growth In Vivo Using Breast Cancer Models
Authors: Verma Bhavna , Neethling Francisca A. , Caseltine Shannon , Fabrizio Ginger , Largo Sherly , Duty J. Andrew , Tabaczewski Piotr , Weidanz Jon A. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractOur laboratory has developed a process for generating mAbs with selectivity to unique peptides in the context of MHC molecules. Recently, we reported that RL4B, an mAb that we have called a TCR mimic (TCRm) because it recognizes peptide in the context of MHC, has cytotoxic activity in vitro and prevented growth of tumor cells in a prophylactic setting. When presented in the context of HLA-A2, RL4B TCRm recognizes the peptide GVLPALPQV derived from human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-β. In this study, we show that RL4B TCRm has strong binding affinity for the GVLPALPQV peptide/HLA-A2 epitope and fine binding specificity for cells that express endogenous hCGβ Ag and HLA-A2. In addition, suppression of tumor growth with RL4B TCRm was observed in orthotopic models for breast cancer. Using two aggressive human tumor cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, we provide evidence that RL4B TCRm significantly retards tumor growth, supporting a possible role for TCRm agents in therapeutic settings. Moreover, tumors in mice responded to RL4B TCRm therapy in a dose-dependent manner, eliminating tumors at the highest dose. RL4B TCRm strongly detects the hCGβ peptide/HLA-A2 epitope in human primary breast tumor tissue, but does not react or reacts weakly with normal breast tissue from the same patient. These results further illustrate the selective nature of TCRm Abs and the clinical relevance of the GVLPALPQV peptide/HLA-A2 epitope expression in tumor cells, because they provide the first evidence that Abs that mimic the TCR can be used to markedly reduce and suppress tumor growth.
NCX 4040, a Nitric Oxide-Donating Aspirin, Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effects through Inhibition of IκB-α Degradation in Human Monocytes
Authors: Ricciotti Emanuela , Dovizio Melania , Di Francesco Luigia , Anzellotti Paola , Salvatore Tania , Di Francesco Andrea , Sciulli Maria G. , Pistritto Giuseppa , Monopoli Angela , Patrignani Paola 
Published: January 2010

AbstractNO-donating aspirins consist of aspirin to which a NO-donating group is covalently linked via a spacer molecule. NCX 4040 and NCX 4016 are positional isomers with respect to the ‑CH2ONO2 group (para and meta, respectively) on the benzene ring of the spacer. Because positional isomerism is critical for antitumor properties of NO-donating aspirins, we aimed to compare their anti-inflammatory effects with those of aspirin in vitro. Thus, we assessed their impacts on cyclooxygenase-2 activity (by measuring PGE2 levels), protein expression, and cytokine generation(IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α, and IL-10) in human whole blood and isolated human monocytes stimulated with LPS. Interestingly, we found that micromolar concentrations of NCX 4040, but not NCX 4016 or aspirin, affected cyclooxygenase-2 expression and cytokine generation. We compared the effects of NCX 4040 with those of NCX 4016 or aspirin on IκB-α stabilization and proteasome activity in the LPS-stimulated human monocytic cell line THP1. Differently from aspirin and NCX 4016, NCX 4040, at a micromolar concentration range, inhibited IκB-α degradation. In fact, NCX 4040 caused concentration-dependent accumulation of IκB-α and its phosphorylated form. This effect was not reversed by 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, an inhibitor of guanylyl cyclase, thus excluding the contribution of NO-dependent cGMP generation. In contrast, IκB-α accumulation by NCX 4040 may involve an inhibitory effect on proteasome functions. Indeed, NCX 4040 inhibited 20S proteasome activity when incubated with intact cells but not in the presence of cell lysate supernatants, thus suggesting an indirect inhibitory effect. In conclusion, NCX 4040 is an inhibitor of IκB-α degradation and proteasome function, and it should be taken into consideration for the development of novel anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive agents.
An exploratory study of visual and psychological correlates of preference for onscreen subpixel‐rendered text
Authors: Bias Randolph G. , Larson Kevin , Huang Sheng‐Cheng , Aumer‐Ryan Paul R. , Montesclaros Chris 
Published: January 2010

AbstractFont‐rendering technologies play a critical role in presenting clear and aesthetic fonts to enhance the experience of reading from computer screens. This article presents three studies investigating visual and psychological correlates of people's preferences toward different onscreen text enhancements such as ClearType developed by Microsoft. Findings suggested that (a) people's acuity and hue sensitivity were two major factors that affect their preferences to ClearType's color filtering of subpixels on fonts, and (b) specific personality traits such as disagreeableness also could correlate with people's impressions of different onscreen text enhancements that were used. These empirical data would inform digital typographers and human–computer interaction scientists who aim to develop better systems of onscreen reading.
Extreme precipitation over Southeastern Brazil in the austral summer and relations with the Southern Hemisphere annular mode
Authors: Vasconcellos Fernanda Cerqueira , Cavalcanti Iracema F. A. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractSoutheastern Brazil is a highly industrialized and populated region which largely contributes to the country's economy. Extreme precipitation over this region can cause floods and landslides occurrences or lack of precipitation that can affect many sectors of economy. The objective of this work is to identify atmospheric characteristics associated with austral summer extreme precipitation over part of Southeastern Brazil. The atmospheric characteristics obtained from wet and dry composites suggest that extreme precipitation was associated with anomalous circulation over the region, forced by a PSA‐like wavetrain intensified by the Southern Annular Mode. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Hydrological ensemble prediction and verification for the Meuse and Scheldt basins
Authors: Van den Bergh Joris , Roulin Emmanuel 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWe present the hydrological ensemble prediction system developed at the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) of Belgium to study the Meuse and Scheldt basins. An overview is presented of the hydrological model and the operational setup of the forecasting system. We present some results of a 3‐year hindcast that was performed to verify the quality of the probabilistic forecasting system. The raw precipitation forecasts and streamflow forecasts are considered: we provide skill scores and relative economic value for various subcatchments of the Meuse and Scheldt basins. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Highway alignment optimization through feasible gates
Authors: Kang Min Wook , Schonfeld Paul , Jong Jyh‐Cherng 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAn efficient optimization approach, called feasible gate (FG), is developed to enhance the computation efficiency and solution quality of the previously developed highway alignment optimization (HAO) model. This approach seeks to realistically represent various user preferences and environmentally sensitive areas and consider them along with geometric design constraints in the optimization process. This is done by avoiding the generation of infeasible solutions that violate various constraints and thus focusing the search on the feasible solutions. The proposed method is simple, but improves significantly the model's computation time and solution quality. Such improvements are demonstrated with two test examples from a real road project.
ITS applications for work zones
Authors: Golly Tyler , de Barros Alexandre G. , Falls Lynne Cowe 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe use of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in construction work zones to disseminate traffic information has increased significantly in recent years, mainly with the use of Variable Message Signs (VMS). VMS are used based on the assumption that informed drivers will make better travel decisions, thereby reducing congestion. However, the extent of change in driver behavior is difficult to predict prior to ITS deployment. This difficulty leads to the larger problem of justifying investment in ITS. This article proposes an ITS deployment decision support tool using micro‐simulation. The approach determines the required diversion effectiveness of a work zone ITS deployment using VMS. The methodology was tested using the Glenmore Trail/Elbow Drive/5th Street interchange project (GE5) in Calgary, Canada. The results indicate that the proposed approach will assist agencies in justifying ITS investment by exhibiting the potential resultant societal benefits.
Modeling the evolutions of day‐to‐day route choice and year‐to‐year ATIS adoption with stochastic user equilibrium
Authors: Huang Hai‐Jun , Liu Tian‐Liang , Yang Hai 
Published: January 2010

AbstractSuppose that in an urban transportation network there is a specific advanced traveler information system (ATIS) which acts for reducing the drivers' travel time uncertainty through provision of pre‐trip route information. Because of the imperfect information provided, some travelers are not in compliance with the ATIS advice although equipped with the device. We thus divide all travelers into three groups, one group unequipped with ATIS, another group equipped and in compliance with ATIS advice and the third group equipped but without compliance with the advice. Each traveler makes route choice in a logit‐based manner and a stochastic user equilibrium with multiple user classes is reached for every day. In this paper, we propose a model to investigate the evolutions of daily path travel time, daily ATIS compliance rate and yearly ATIS adoption, in which the equilibrium for every day's route choice is kept. The stability of the evolution model is initially analyzed. Numerical results obtained from a test network are presented for demonstrating the model's ability in depicting the day‐to‐day and year‐to‐year evolutions.