bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Triggering and modulation of the host-parasite interplay byEchinococcus multilocularis: a review
Authors: MEJRI N. , HEMPHILL A. , GOTTSTEIN B. 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYAs more facts emerge regarding the ways in whichE. multilocularis-derived molecules trigger the host immune response and modulate the host-parasite interplay, it becomes possible to envisage how the parasite can survive and proliferate in its intermediate host, while in other hosts it dies out. Through effects on cells of both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune response,E. multiloculariscan orchestrate a range of outcomes that are beneficial not only to the parasite, in terms of facilitating its intrahepatic proliferation and maturation, and thus life cycle over all, but also to its intermediate host, in limiting pathology. The present review deals with the role of metacestode surface molecules as well as excretory/secretory (E/S) metabolic products of the parasite in the modulation of the host responses such as to optimize its own survival.
Echinococcus multilocularisas an experimental model in stem cell research and molecular host-parasite interaction
Authors: BREHM K. 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYTotipotent somatic stem cells (neoblasts) are key players in the biology of flatworms and account for their amazing regenerative capability and developmental plasticity. During recent years, considerable progress has been made in elucidating molecular features of neoblasts from free-living flatworms, whereas their role in parasitic species has so far merely been addressed by descriptive studies. Very recently, however, significant advances have been made in thein vitroculture of neoblasts from the cestodeEchinococcus multilocularis. The isolated cells proved capable of generating mature metacestode vesicles under laboratory conditions in a manner that closely resembles the oncosphere-metacestode transition during natural infections. Using the established neoblast cultivation protocols, combined with targeted manipulation ofEchinococcusgenes by RNA-interference, several fundamental questions of host-dependent parasite development can now be addressed. Here, I give an overview of current cultivation techniques forE. multilocularisneoblasts and present experimental approaches to study their function. Furthermore, I introduce theE. multilocularisgenome sequencing project that is presently in an advanced stage. The combined input of data from theE. multilocularissequencing project, stem cell cultivation, and recently initiated attempts to genetically manipulateEchinococcuswill provide an ideal platform for hypothesis-driven research into cestode development in the next years.
Laser pulse compression and amplification via Raman backscattering in plasma
Authors: Sharma Ashutosh , Kourakis Ioannis 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA simple theoretical model is proposed for the interaction between two counter-propagating laser pulses (a pump and a seed pulse) in unmagnetized plasma. Pulse compression and amplification are observed via numerical simulation. A one dimensional fluid model for stimulated Raman backscattering is proposed to investigate the pulse compression and pulse amplification mechanisms. To accomplish this, energy is transferred from the long pump pulse to a seed pulse, with a Langmuir plasma wave mediating the transfer. The study focuses on the intensity profile of the pump laser pulse. A Gaussian and a ring intensity profile are, separately, considered for the pump laser pulse.
An ultrasound-directed robotic system for microwave ablation of liver cancer
Authors: Huang Qiang , Bian Gui-bin , Duan Xing-guang , Zhao Hong-hua , Liang Ping 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which leads to more than one million deaths every year in the world, is the second most common malignancy in China. As microwave ablation (MWA) is an effective method for the treatment of liver cancer, an ultrasound-directed (US-directed) robotic system was designed to assist surgeons on positioning the needle. This interventional robotic system includes a 5-DOF needle-guiding robot, a conventional 2D ultrasound device, a workstation for path planning and image processing and an electromagnetic tracking device. In clinical environments, we first use real-time freehand 3D ultrasound reconstruction and image analysis methods to attain tumour position, and then manipulate the guiding hole of the robot to position the needle affirmed by the surgeon. Finally, the feasibility of the interventional robotic system are validated by experimental results.
Robot-assisted MRI-guided prostatic interventions
Authors: Goldenberg Andrew A. , Trachtenberg John , Yi Yang , Weersink Robert , Sussman Marshall S. , Haider Masoom , Ma Liang , Kucharczyk Walter 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYThis paper reports on recent progress made toward the development of a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible robot-assisted surgical system for closed-bore image-guided prostatic interventions: thermal ablation, radioactive seed implants (brachytherapy), and biopsy. Each type of intervention will be performed with a different image-guided, robot-based surgical tool mounted on the same MRI-guided robot through a modular trocar. The first stage of this development addresses only laser-based focal ablation. The robot mechanical structure, modular surgical trocar, control architecture, and current stage of performance evaluation in the MRI environment are presented. The robot actuators are ultrasonic motors. A methodology of using such motors in the MRI environment is presented. The robot prototype with surgical ablation tool is undergoing tests on phantoms in the MRI bore. The tests cover MRI compatibility, image visualization, robot accuracy, and thermal mapping. To date, (i) the images are artifact- and noise-free for certain scanning pulse sequences; (ii) the robot tip positioning error is less than 1.2 mm even at positions closer than 0.3 m from the MRI isocenter; (iii) penetration toward the target is image-monitored in near-real time; and (iv) thermal ablation and temperature mapping are achieved using a laser delivered on an optical fiber and MRI, respectively.
A hybrid robot system for CT-guided surgery
Authors: Liu Da , Wang Tianmiao , Tang Can , Zhang Fan 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYThe common serial robot or parallel robot is difficult to implement for CT-guided surgery in a limited workspace. A novel hybrid robot with 9 degrees of freedom is presented in this paper, whose detailed structure is analysed based on screw theory and displacement manifold (DM). The dexterity of the hybrid robot is provided in terms of Riemann manifold (RM). Besides, DICOM (digital imaging communications in medicine) image processing, spatial registration and 3D dynamic reconstruction in the operation planning subsystem are analysed, in which some innovative methods are introduced. Meanwhile, the architecture of the CT-guided hybrid robot system and its subsystems are proposed. Simulative clinical experiment showed that the locating precision of the hybrid robot reaches 1.08 mm, which can meet the requirement of CT-guided surgery.
On the kinematics of the 3-

R

RUR spherical parallel manipulator
Authors: Deidda R. , Mariani A. , Ruggiu M. 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYIn the present paper, the kinematics of a three-degree-of-freedom spherical wrist is investigated. The wrist consists of a fixed base connected to a moving platform by three identical legs, each with a RRUR chain (R and U denote a revolute pair and a universal pair, respectively). For each leg, the first R pair is to be considered actuated. Although in previous works the kinematics synthesis of this architecture was carried out, no detailed studies were presented on the kinematic issues of the wrist. This paper presents the mobility analysis, the direct and inverse position kinematics, the differential kinematics of the manipulator including inspection on the jacobian matrix and the analysis of the singularities. The geometrical condition matched in case of mechanical interference between legs is addressed, too. A numerical example of the manipulator kinematics was performed to obtain the workspace, the condition number and the mechanical inteference condition.
Sugar and fat intake among children in Scotland: what is needed to reach the dietary targets?
Authors: McNeill Geraldine , Masson Lindsey F , Craig Leone CA , Macdiarmid Jennie I , Holmes Bridget A , Nelson Michael , Sheehy Christine 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the intake and sources of non-milk extrinsic sugars (NMES) and fat among children in Scotland in relation to socio-economic status, and to estimate the changes in diet required to achieve recommended levels of intake.DesignCross-sectional survey with diet assessed by semi-quantitative FFQ.SettingEighty postcode sectors across Scotland.SubjectsChildren (n 1398) aged 3–17 years recruited from the Child Benefit register (76 % of those contacted).ResultsThe mean intake of NMES of 17·4 (95 % CI 17·0, 17·8) % food energy was considerably higher than the UK recommended population average of 11 % food energy. The mean intake of total fat of 32·9 (95 % CI 32·7, 33·2) % food energy met the recommended population average of no more than 35 % food energy, while the mean intake of SFA of 13·8 (95 % CI 13·7, 14·0) % food energy was above the recommended population average of no more than 11 % food energy. Despite clear socio-economic gradients in the mean daily consumption of many ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’ food groups, socio-economic differences in NMES as a percentage of food energy were limited and there was no significant variation in the intake of total fat or SFA as a percentage of food energy with socio-economic status. Modelling of the data showed that removing sugar-sweetened soft drinks and increasing fruit and vegetable intake by 50 % would not restore the intake of NMES and SFA to recommended levels.ConclusionsMajor changes in the intake of many food groups will be required to bring the NMES and saturated fat intake in line with current dietary recommendations.
Association of plaque echostructure and cardiovascular risk factors with symptomatic carotid artery disease
Authors: Giannoukas  , Sfyroeras  , Griffin  , Saleptsis  , Antoniou  , Nicolaides  
Published: December 2009

Background: Severity of stenosis remains the main factor for assessing risk of stroke in patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) disease. This study was conducted to investigate the association of plaque echostructure and other established and emerging cardiovascular risk factors with symptomatic ICA disease. Design: Cross-sectional study of consecutive patients with significant (> 50 %) ICA stenosis. Patients and methods: Carotid plaque echostructure, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, serum lipoprotein (a), homocysteine, vitamin B12, folate, cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein ratio, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, and the Framingham risk score were assessed in 124 consecutive patients (70 asymptomatic; 54 symptomatic) with significant (> 50 %) ICA stenosis. Results: The asymptomatic and symptomatic groups did not differ in terms of gender distribution (p = 0.76) and severity of stenosis (p = 0.62). Echolucent plaques (type 1 and 2) were more predominant in patients with symptomatic disease (p = 0.004, OR = 2.13, 95 % CI = 1.26-3.6). Patients with plaques type 1 were relatively younger than those with type 4 (p = 0.02). None of the other factors assessed had any significant association with symptomatic disease and any type of carotid plaque. Conclusions: Besides the severity of carotid stenosis, the presence of an echolucent plaque appears as an important factor associated with symptomatic ICA disease. Also, young patients are more likely to have an echolucent plaque suggesting an age-related association with plaque maturation.
Inflammation, DNA-centered radicals, and oxidative genotoxicity: The role of HOCl produced by myeloperoxidase in carcinogenesis
Authors: Gomez-Mejiba Sandra , Zhai Zili , Ramirez Dario 
Published: December 2009

AbstractMyeloid cells (macrophages and neutrophils) infiltrate and synthesize myeloperoxidase (MPO) in sites of inflammation, producing gentotoxicity. In RAW 264.7 macrophages, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces superoxide radical anion, nuclear deformation (nuclear protuberances), MPO synthesis, biomolecule oxidation and cell death. “Freezing” LPS-triggered macrophage activation with the nitrone spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) prevented cell activation and death. Oxidation of proteins and genomic DNA was also blocked, with formation of protein- and DNA-DMPO nitrone adducts, as analyzed by immuno-spin trapping with a polyclonal anti-DMPO serum. Interestingly, confocal microscopy analysis of these cells showed that MPO, genomic DNA, and DNA-DMPO nitrone adducts co-localized in the nuclear protuberances. These observations, and the fact that DNA is negatively charged and MPO is a cationic protein, suggest a role for uptaken or newly synthesized MPO in oxidative genotoxicity induced by myeloid cells in sites of inflammation. In order to understand MPO-induced formation of DNA-centered radicals, we studied DNA-DMPO nitrone adducts in calf thymus DNA treated with micromolar concentrations of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) added as a bolus or generated in situ by the MPO/H2O2/Cl- system in the presence of DMPO. We also investigated DNA-DMPO nitrone adducts inside living cells containing MPO. The cell models we used were: i) human leukemia (HL)-60 cells, which overexpress MPO, ii) RAW 264.7 macrophages activated with LPS (1 ng/ml for 24 h), to induce MPO, and iii) A549 human airway epithelial cells pre-loaded with human MPO. When these cells were activated with the phorbol ester PMA, the number of 6-thioguanine-resistant cells with the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HRPT) mutation increased. This mutation was prevented by each of the following: the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin; the MPO inhibitors salicylhydroxamic acid and 4-aminobenzoic acid hydrazide; the cell-permeable HOCl scavenger resveratrol; and DMPO, which traps DNA-centered radicals and prevents further oxidation. Genomic DNA-centered radicals and further mutagenesis induced by activated myeloid cells in sites of inflammation can be prevented by blocking MPO activity, preventing formation of and/or scavenging HOCl, or trapping DNA-centered radicals. Our findings provide new therapeutic avenues for preventing carcinogenesis induced by infiltration and activation of myeloid cells in sites of inflammation, for example, in the lung exposed to particulate matter. SUPPORTED BY NIEHS 5R00ES015415-03
Angiopoietin‐2 in the perinatal period and the role of intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: MALAMITSI‐PUCHNER ARIADNE , BOUTSIKOU THEODORA , ECONOMOU EMMANUEL , TZONOU ANASTASIA , MAKRAKIS EVANGELOS , NIKOLAOU KONSTANTINOS E. , HASSIAKOS DIMITRIOS 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. Angiopoietin‐2, an angiogenic factor, causing destabilization and postnatal remodeling of blood vessels, is upregulated by hypoxia. We hypothesized that circulating Angiopoietin‐2 levels might differ in intrauterine growth restricted and appropriate for gestational age fetuses and neonates, as the former have restricted growth and development and suffer from in utero hypoxia. Methods. This is a prospective, controlled study, including forty asymmetric, mainly due to hypertension or pre‐eclampsia intrauterine growth restricted (0–9 customized centiles, corrected for gestational age, sex, maternal weight, height, ethnic group, and parity), and 20 appropriate for gestational age (42–82 customized centiles) full‐term infants, as well as their mothers. Blood samples were drawn from mothers, from the doubly clamped umbilical cord (mixed arteriovenous blood, representing fetal state), and from neonates on days 1 (N1) and 4 (N4) of life (representing transition and stabilization to extrauterine life, respectively). Circulating angiopoietin‐2 levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay and the statistical analysis involved t‐test and Pearson correlation. Results. Angiopoietin‐2 levels were significantly higher in intrauterine growth restricted cases only in N4 (p=0.04). No dependence on the mode of delivery and gender was documented. Conclusions. These findings may suggest that intrauterine hypoxia possibly does not upregulate circulating angiopoietin‐2 levels in intrauterine growth restricted fetuses and day 1 neonates; however, increased angiopoietin‐2 on N4, after stabilization to extrauterine life, might signify initiation of catch‐up growth‐related angiogenesis and stimulation of angiogenic factors, granted that angiopoietin‐2 is critically involved in postnatal vascular remodeling.
Is fetal growth impaired after in vitro fertilization?
Authors: AHLBORG LIV , EK SVERKER , FRIDSTRÖM MARGARETA , KUBLICKAS MARIUS , LEIJON MAGNUS , NISELL HENRY 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. The objective was to study fetal growth parameters in in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies and to investigate the relationship between fetal growth and maternal blood pressure. Methods. We examined 64 women, pregnant after in vitro fertilization, with repeated ultrasound examinations measuring biparietal diameter, femur length, and abdominal diameter fetal weight at 24, 30, and 36 weeks of gestation. We calculated deviations in percent from expected values in regards to biparietal diameter, femur length, abdominal diameter, and fetal weight. Blood pressure was measured every second week. Results. Biparietal diameter in the study group was significantly smaller at 24 (−3.3%, 95%CI −4.4 to −2.2) and 30 (−1.4%; 95%CI −2.5% to −0.3) weeks. Femur length differed significantly on all three occasions, at 24 (−6.3%; 95%CI −7.7 to −5.1), 30 (−6.6%; 95%CI −8.0 to −5.3), and 36 (−3.9%; 95%CI; −5.0 to −2.8) weeks. Abdominal diameter demonstrated a significant deviation at 24 weeks (−1.6%; 95%CI −2.8 to −0.4). Fetal weight did not reach significant deviations at any gestational age. There was no correlation between deviation of the individual growth parameters or estimated fetal weight and elevated blood pressure. Conclusion. The growth pattern of in vitro fertilization pregnancies does not seem to differ from spontaneously conceived pregnancies to any appreciable extent. In the present material, no relationship between fetal growth and maternal blood pressure could be observed. We could not show that an impaired fetal growth predates the development of hypertension.
Vascular endothelial growth factor expression is unaltered in placentae and myometrial resistance arteries from pre‐eclamptic patients
Authors: Oh Min‐Jeong , Lee Jae Kwan , Lee Nak Woo , Shin Jung‐Ho , Yeo Min Koo , Kim Aeree , Kim In Sun , Kim Hai‐Joong 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is any difference for vascular endothelial growth factor expression in placentae and myometrial resistance arteries from control and pre‐eclamptic patients to clarify the source of the increased total vascular endothelial growth factor in pre‐eclampsia. Methods. With placentae tissue samples and small pieces of myometrium from the controls (n=10) and pre‐eclampsia patients (n=7), vascular endothelial growth factor immunohistochemistry and mRNA in situ hybridization were performed. We also measured the serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels by competitive enzyme immunoassay at the same time. Results. Vascular endothelial growth factor was identified primarily in syncytiotrophoblast in placental tissue, and it was also identified in smooth muscle cells in the myometrium and perivascular smooth muscle in myometrial resistance arteries. However, there were no differences in vascular endothelial growth factor expression between the groups in the presence of elevated serum levels of total vascular endothelial growth factor in pre‐eclamptic patients (median 18.2 ng/ml versus 4.9 ng/ml). Conclusion. This study suggests that the placenta and perivascular smooth muscle are not the origin of the increased total vascular endothelial growth factor in pre‐eclampsia. To clearly understand the role of vascular endothelial growth factor in pre‐eclampsia, further studies are required to determine the sites of increased vascular endothelial growth factor synthesis.
Performance of Pap smear and human papilloma virus testing in the follow‐up of women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 managed conservatively
Authors: SANTOS ANDRÉ LUIS FERREIRA , FRANÇOISE MAURICETTE DERCHAIN SOPHIE , OTÁVIO SARIAN LUIS , MARTINS MARCOS ROBERTO , MORAIS SIRLEI SIANI , SYRJÄNEN KARI JUHANI 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. Conservative management (follow‐up) of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 (CIN1) is acceptable, but evidence on performance of follow‐up tools, such as Pap smear and human papilloma virus (HPV) test, is still needed. Methods. A cohort of 78 women with histologically confirmed CIN1, referred because of atypical squamous cell or low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion in their Pap smear, was enrolled between August 2000 and September 2002 and was prospectively followed‐up at 6 and 12 months, until September 2003. Follow‐up examinations included Pap test and Hybrid Capture II (HCII) with high‐risk HPV, colposcopy, and cervical biopsies in patients with persistent abnormalities. Odds ratios and performance indicators (with 95% confidence interval) were calculated for HPV and Pap test results in detecting biopsy‐confirmed CIN during the follow‐up. Results. Thirty‐seven (47%) of the women were HPV‐positive at baseline. At first follow‐up visit, 30 women had persistent CIN1 and one woman progressed to CIN2; 15 patients had CIN1 and one patient CIN2 at the second follow‐up visit. Women with persistent CIN1 (or progression) during follow‐up had a significantly higher HPV detection rate and abnormal Pap tests, compared to women with regressive disease. Cytology had a far better sensitivity in detecting CIN than HCII at the first follow‐up visit (81 versus 52%, respectively), whereas both examinations had equivalent sensitivities at the second follow‐up visit (69 and 56%, respectively). Cytology had a superior negative predictive value at the first follow‐up visit and better positive predictive value, in addition, at the second visit. Conclusions. Because cytological abnormalities correlated generally better with the persistence of biopsy‐confirmed CIN1 in this follow‐up protocol, HCII test is the second‐hand option to Pap test, but the use of both Pap and HCII together seems an unnecessary waste of resources.
Reliability of an automatic ultrasound system in the post partum period in measuring urinary retention
Authors: Van Os Adriana F. M. , Van der Linden Paul J. Q. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. Urinary retention in the post partum period may lead to short‐ and long‐term complications.Objective. To investigate the reliability of an automatic ultrasound system to measure the volume of the bladder post partum.Methods. About 85 women, who delivered vaginally were observed 6 hr post partum. When the bladder volume measured by Bladder, Scan™ BVI 3000® was more than 300 ml, it was compared with the bladder volume measured by catheterization.Results. Ten additional catheterizations were performed by using BladderScan™ BVI 3000®, when compared with the number of estimated catherizations based on clinical indications. Eight women had a residual volume of more than 300 ml, of whom two got an indwelling catheter. Using Bland‐Altman methods, there was no significant difference in volumes measured by BladderScan™ BVI 3000® or by catheterization. Also, there was no significant difference between two observers.Conclusion. The BladderScan™ BVI 3000® is a reliable and non‐invasive method to recognize urinary retention in the post partum period.