bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide genetic aberrations of thymoma using cDNA microarray based comparative genomic hybridization
Authors: Lee Gui Youn , Yang Woo Ick , Jeung Hei Cheul , Kim Sang Chul , Seo Min Young , Park Chan Hee , Chung Hyun Cheol , Rha Sun Young 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackgroundThymoma is a heterogeneous group of tumors in biology and clinical behavior. Even though thymoma is divided into five subgroups following the World Health Organization classification, the nature of the disease is mixed within the subgroups.ResultsWe investigated the molecular characteristics of genetic changes variation of thymoma using cDNA microarray based-comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) with a 17 K cDNA microarray in an indirect, sex-matched design. Genomic DNA from the paraffin embedded 39 thymoma tissues (A 6, AB 11, B1 7, B2 7, B3 8) labeled with Cy-3 was co-hybridized with the reference placenta gDNA labeled with Cy-5. Using the CAMVS software, we investigated the deletions on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 13 and 18 throughout the thymoma. Then, we evaluated the genetic variations of thymoma based on the subgroups and the clinical behavior. First, the 36 significant genes differentiating five subgroups were selected by Significance Analysis of Microarray. Based on these genes, type AB was suggested to be heterogeneous at the molecular level as well as histologically. Next, we observed that the thymoma was divided into A, B (1, 2) and B3 subgroups with 33 significant genes. In addition, we selected 70 genes differentiating types A and B3, which differ largely in clinical behaviors. Finally, the 11 heterogeneous AB subtypes were able to correctly assign into A and B (1, 2) types based on their genetic characteristics.ConclusionIn our study, we observed the genome-wide chromosomal aberrations of thymoma and identified significant gene sets with genetic variations related to thymoma subgroups, which might provide useful information for thymoma pathobiology.
High resolution radiation hybrid maps of bovine chromosomes 19 and 29: comparison with the bovine genome sequence assembly
Authors: Prasad Aparna , Schiex Thomas , McKay Stephanie , Murdoch Brenda , Wang Zhiquan , Womack James E , Stothard Paul , Moore Stephen S 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
High resolution radiation hybrid (RH) maps can facilitate genome sequence assembly by correctly ordering genes and genetic markers along chromosomes. The objective of the present study was to generate high resolution RH maps of bovine chromosomes 19 (BTA19) and 29 (BTA29), and compare them with the current 7.1X bovine genome sequence assembly (bovine build 3.1). We have chosen BTA19 and 29 as candidate chromosomes for mapping, since many Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for the traits of carcass merit and residual feed intake have been identified on these chromosomes.

Results
We have constructed high resolution maps of BTA19 and BTA29 consisting of 555 and 253 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers respectively using a 12,000 rad whole genome RH panel. With these markers, the RH map of BTA19 and BTA29 extended to 4591.4 cR and 2884.1 cR in length respectively. When aligned with the current bovine build 3.1, the order of markers on the RH map for BTA19 and 29 showed inconsistencies with respect to the genome assembly. Maps of both the chromosomes show that there is a significant internal rearrangement of the markers involving displacement, inversion and flips within the scaffolds with some scaffolds being misplaced in the genome assembly. We also constructed cattle-human comparative maps of these chromosomes which showed an overall agreement with the comparative maps published previously. However, minor discrepancies in the orientation of few homologous synteny blocks were observed.

Conclusion
The high resolution maps of BTA19 (average 1 locus/139 kb) and BTA29 (average 1 locus/208 kb) presented in this study suggest that by the incorporation of RH mapping information, the current bovine genome sequence assembly can be significantly improved. Furthermore, these maps can serve as a potential resource for fine mapping QTL and identification of causative mutations underlying QTL for economically important traits.
Comparative evaluation of (1, 3)-β-D-glucan, mannan and anti-mannan antibodies, and Candidaspecies-specific snPCR in patients with candidemia
Authors: Alam Fasahat F , Mustafa Abu S , Khan Zia U 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
Candidemia is a major infectious complication of seriously immunocompromised patients. In the absence of specific signs and symptoms, there is a need to evolve an appropriate diagnostic approach. A number of methods based on the detection of Candida mannan, nucleic acid and (1,3)-beta- D- glucan (BDG) have been used with varying specificities and sensitivities. In this retrospective study, attention has been focused to evaluate the usefulness of two or more disease markers in the diagnosis of candidemia.

Methods
Diagnostic usefulness of Platelia Candida Ag for the detection of mannan, Platelia Candida Ab for the detection of anti-mannan antibodies, Fungitell for the detection of BDG, and of a semi-nested PCR (snPCR) for the detection Candida species-specific DNA have been retrospectively evaluated using 32 sera from 27 patients with culture-proven candidemia, 51 sera from 39 patients with clinically suspected candidemia, sera of 10 women with C. albicans vaginitis, and sera of 16 healthy controls.

Results
Using cut-off values recommended by the manufacturers, the sensitivity of the assays for candidemia patients were as follows: Candida snPCR 88%, BDG 47%, mannan 41%, anti-mannan antibodies 47%, respectively. snPCR detected 5 patients who had candidemia due to more than one Candida species. The sensitivities of the combined tests were as follows: Candida mannan and anti-mannan antibodies 75%, and Candida mannan and BDG 56%. Addition of snPCR data improved the sensitivity further to 88%, thus adding 10 sera that were negative by BDG and/or mannan. In clinically suspected, blood culture negative patients; the positivities of the tests were as follows: Candida DNA was positive in 53%, BDG in 29%, mannan in 16%, and anti-mannan antibodies in 29%. The combined detection of mannan and BDG, and mannan, BDG and Candida DNA enhanced the positivity to 36% and 54%, respectively. None of the sera from Candida vaginitis patients and healthy subjects were positive for Candida DNA and mannan.

Conclusion
The observations made in this study reinforce the diagnostic value of snPCR in the sensitive and specific diagnosis of candidemia and detection of more than one Candida species in a given patient. Additionally, in the absence of a positive blood culture, snPCR detected Candida DNA in sera of more than half of the clinically suspected patients. While detection of BDG, mannan and anti-mannan antibodies singly or in combination could help enhancing sensitivity and eliminating false positive tests, a more extensive evaluation of these assays in sequentially collected serum samples is required to assess their value in the early diagnosis of candidemia.
Gender differences in the clinical management of patients with angina pectoris: a cross-sectional survey in primary care
Authors: Crilly Mike , Bundred Peter , Hu Xiyuan , Leckey Lisa , Johnstone Fiona 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Background
Previous research suggests that women admitted to hospital with acute myocardial infarction (MI) are managed less intensively than men. Chronic stable angina is the commonest clinical manifestation of coronary heart disease in the community, but little information is available concerning its contemporary clinical management. The aim of this study is to assess the extent of gender differences in the clinical management of angina pectoris in primary care.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey undertaken in 8 sentinel centres serving 63,724 individuals in the city of Liverpool (15% of the city population). Aspects of clinical care assessed included: risk factor recording (smoking, cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index); secondary prevention (aspirin, beta-blocker, statin); cardiac investigation (exercise ECG, perfusion scanning, angiography); and revascularisation (percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting). Male-to-female adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated (adjusted for age, angina duration, age at diagnosis and previous MI) using logistic regression.

Results
1,162 patients (610 men; 552 women) with angina were identified. Women were older than men (71 vs 67 years), with a shorter duration of angina (6 vs 7 years), and a lower prevalence of previous MI (25% vs 43%). Men were significantly more likely than women to undergo detailed risk factor assessment (AOR = 1.35, 95%CI 1.06 to 1.73); receive 'triple' secondary prevention with aspirin, beta-blockers and statins (AOR = 1.47, 95%CI 1.07 to 2.02); access exercise ECG testing (AOR = 1.31, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.68); angiography (AOR = 1.61, 95%CI 1.23 to 2.12); and undergo coronary revascularisation (AOR = 1.93, 95%CI 1.39 to 2.68).

Conclusion
Systematic gender differences exist in the comprehensive clinical management of patients with angina in primary care.
Serum IL-15 in patients with early systemic sclerosis: a potential novel marker of lung disease
Authors: Wuttge Dirk M , Wildt Marie , Geborek Pierre , Wollheim Frank A , Scheja Agneta , Åkesson Anita 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by autoimmunity, vasculopathy and fibrosis. IL-15 is a pleiotropic cytokine that has impact on immune, vascular and connective tissue cells. We therefore investigated IL-15 in the circulation of patients with early SSc and explored possible associations of serum IL-15 with vasculopathy and fibrosis. Serum levels of IL-15 were analysed in 63 consecutive patients with SSc of disease duration less than 4 years and without disease-modifying treatment. Thirty-three age-matched healthy control individuals were enrolled. Serum IL-15 levels were increased in the sera of SSc patients compared with that of healthy control individuals (P < 0.01). Serum IL-15 levels correlated with impaired lung function, assessed both by the vital capacity (P < 0.05) and by the carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (P < 0.05). The association between IL-15 and the vital capacity remained after multiple linear regression analysis. Patients with intermediate serum IL-15 levels had a higher prevalence of increased systolic pulmonary pressure compared with patients with either low or high serum IL-15 levels (P < 0.05). Moreover, increased serum IL-15 levels were associated with a reduced nailfold capillary density in multivariable logistic regression analysis (P < 0.01). Serum IL-15 levels also correlated inversely with the systolic blood pressure (P < 0.01). We conclude that IL-15 is associated with fibrotic as well as vascular lung disease and vasculopathy in early SSc. IL-15 may contribute to the pathogenesis of SSc. IL-15 could also be a candidate biomarker for pulmonary involvement and a target for therapy in SSc.
Chest computed tomography with multiplanar reformatted images for diagnosing traumatic bronchial rupture: a case report
Authors: Le Guen Morgan , Beigelman Catherine , Bouhemad Belaid , Wenjïe Yang , Marmion Frederic , Rouby Jean-Jacques 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Introduction
Unnoticed bronchial injury during the early stage of resuscitation of multiple trauma is not rare and increases mortality and morbidity.

Methods
Three-dimensional reconstruction of the airways using a workstation connected to a multidetector chest computed tomography (CT) scanner may change the diagnostic strategy in patients with blunt chest trauma with clinical signs evocative of bronchial rupture.

Results
In this case report of a young motor biker, a complete disruption of the intermediary trunk was first misdiagnosed using standard chest helical CT and bronchoscopy. Postprocessing procedures including three-dimensional extraction of the tracheobronchial tree were determinants for establishing the diagnosis, and emergent surgical repair was successfully performed. Follow-up using CT with three-dimensional reconstructions evidenced a bronchial stenosis located at the site of the rupture.

Conclusion
The present study demonstrates the potential interest of performing three-dimensional reconstructions by extraction of the tracheal–bronchial tree in patients with severe blunt chest trauma suspected of bronchial rupture.
Editorial—It’s the Findings, Stupid, Not the Assumptions
Authors: Shugan Steven M. 
Published: September 2007

Observing reality is especially valuable. However, without models, every situation at every time on every variable would be unpredictable. Assumptions allow models and theories to assert constancy. Assumptions distill and simplify reality by dismissing the conspicuous but irrelevant. Criticizing assumptions as unrealistic is absurd. Abstraction is the precise virtue of an assumption. For example, seldom are we prisoners facing interrogation, yet the prisoner’s dilemma remains relevant. The adage “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” is relevant for more than birds. Unrealistic assumptions that deny current beliefs breed great new theories. Assumptions are analogous to the basic ingredients in a gourmet recipe. Only the final product of the recipe dictates whether the ingredients suffice. Similarly, assumptions are realistic when they produce good theories, satisfactory predictions, valuable implications, and correct recommendations. Output matters far more than input. Realism is only an issue when creatively diagnosing poorly performing models, not when judging model performance. Assumptions are the source of value in empirical analyses. If data sets were truly the source of value, empirical research studies would only greatly devalue the raw data by dramatically reducing rich observations to a few meager summary statistics or estimated parameters. Most empirical research makes a contribution by ignoring (assuming away) most information in the data. We must dramatically shift our attention far away from the hopeless pursuit and sophistry of realistic assumptions to the contribution those assumptions produce. There are scientific methods for evaluating model output (i.e., predictions, findings, implications, recommendation) on criteria such as accuracy, reliability, validity, robustness, and so on. No corresponding objective scientific methods exist for evaluating realism. Realism depends only on personal taste.
Charnley low-friction arthroplasty
Authors: Wroblewski B. M. , Siney P. D. , Fleming P. A. 
Published: September 2007

We studied survival to 38 years after Charnley low-friction arthroplasty of the hip. We used revision as an end-point, while adopting a policy of regular follow-up and early revision for radiological changes alone if indicated. Between November 1962 and June 2005, 22 066 primary low-friction arthroplasties (17 409 patients) had been performed at Wrightington Hospital by more than 330 surgeons. By June 2006, 1001 (4.5%) hips had been revised and 1490 patients (2662 hips, 12%) had died. At 31 years, where a minimum of 40 hips were still attending follow-up, survival with revision for infection as an endpoint was 95%, for dislocation 98%, for a fractured stem 88.6%, for a loose stem 72.5% and for a loose acetabular component 53.7%. Wear and loosening of the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene acetabular component were the main long-term problems. We conclude that regular follow-up after hip replacement is essential and that all operative findings should be recorded at revision.
Posterior cruciate ligament balancing in total knee replacement
Authors: Christen B. , Heesterbeek P. V. , Wymenga A. , Wehrli U. 
Published: September 2007

We have examined the relationship between the size of the flexion gap and the anterior translation of the tibia in flexion during implantation of a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)-retaining BalanSys total knee replacement (TKR). In 91 knees, the flexion gap and anterior tibial translation were measured intra-operatively using a custom-made, flexible tensor-spacer device. The results showed that for each increase of 1 mm in the flexion gap in the tensed knee a mean anterior tibial translation of 1.25 mm (SD 0.79, 95% confidence interval 1.13 to 1.37) was produced. When implanting a PCL-retaining TKR the surgeon should be aware that the tibiofemoral contact point is related to the choice of thickness of the polyethylene insert. An additional thickness of polyethylene insert of 2 mm results in an approximate increase in tibial anterior translation of 2.5 mm while the flexed knee is distracted with a force of between 100 N and 200 N.
Revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Ohly N. E. , Murray I. R. , Keating J. F. 
Published: September 2007

We reviewed 87 patients who underwent revision reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. The incidence of meniscal tears and degenerative change was assessed and related to the interval between failure of the primary graft and revision reconstruction. Patients were divided into two groups: early revision surgery within six months of graft failure, and delayed revision. Degenerative change was scored using the French Society of Arthroscopy system. There was a significantly higher incidence of articular cartilage degeneration in the delayed group (Mann-Whitney U-test, 53.2% vs 24%, p < 0.01). No patient in the early group had advanced degenerative change, compared to 9.2% of patients in the delayed group. There was no significant difference (Mann-Whitney U-test, p = 0.3) in the incidence of meniscal tears between the two groups. We conclude that revision reconstruction should be carried out within six months of primary graft failure, in order to minimise the risk of degenerative change.
Vacuum-mixing cement does not decrease overall porosity in cemented femoral stems
Authors: Messick K. J. , Miller M. A. , Damron L. A. , Race A. , Clarke M. T. , Mann K. A. 
Published: September 2007

The role of vacuum mixing on the reduction of porosity and on the clinical performance of cemented total hip replacements remains uncertain. We have used paired femoral constructs prepared with either hand-mixed or vacuum-mixed cement in a cadaver model which simulated intra-operative conditions during cementing of the femoral component. After the cement had cured, the distribution of its porosity was determined, as was the strength of the cement-stem and cement-bone interfaces. The overall fraction of the pore area was similar for both hand-mixed and vacuum-mixed cement (hand 6%; vacuum 5.7%; paired t-test, p = 0.187). The linear pore fractions at the interfaces were also similar for the two techniques. The pore number-density was much higher for the hand-mixed cement (paired t-test, p = 0.0013). The strength of the cement-stem interface was greater with the hand-mixed cement (paired t-test, p = 0.0005), while the strength of the cement-bone interface was not affected by the conditions of mixing (paired t-test, p = 0.275). The reduction in porosity with vacuum mixing did not affect the porosity of the mantle, but the distribution of the porosity can be affected by the technique of mixing used.
The use of gravity or manual-stress radiographs in the assessment of supination-external rotation fractures of the ankle
Authors: Schock H. J. , Pinzur M. , Manion L. , Stover M. 
Published: September 2007

Supination-external rotation (SER) fractures of the ankle may present with a medial ligamentous injury that is not apparent on the initial radiographs. A cadaver gravity-stress view has been described, but the manual-stress view is considered to be the examination of choice for the diagnosis of medial injuries. We prospectively compared the efficacy of these two examinations. We undertook both examinations in 29 patients with SER fractures. Of these, 16 (55%) were stress-positive, i.e. and had widening of the medial clear space of > 4 mm with a mean medial clear space of 6.09 mm (4.4 to 8.1) on gravity-stress and 5.81 mm (4.0 to 8.2) on manual-stress examination, and 13 patients (45%) were stress-negative with a mean medial clear space of 3.91 mm (3.3 to 5.1) and 3.61 mm (2.6 to 4.5) on examination of gravity- and manual-stress respectively. The mean absolute visual analgoue scale score for discomfort in the examination of gravity stress was 3.45 (1 to 6) and in the manual-stress procedure 6.14 (3 to 10). We have shown that examination of gravity-stress is as reliable and perceived as more comfortable than that of manual stress. We recommend using it as the initial diagnostic screening examination for the detection of occult medial ligamentous injuries in SER fractures of the ankle.
Arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement secondary to paediatric hip disorders
Authors: Ilizaliturri V. M. , Nossa-Barrera J. M. , Acosta-Rodriguez E. , Camacho-Galindo J. 
Published: September 2007

Open reduction of the prominence at the femoral head-neck junction in femoroacetabular impingement has become an established treatment for this condition. We report our experience of arthroscopically-assisted treatment of femoroacetabular impingement secondary to paediatric hip disease in 14 hips in 13 consecutive patients (seven women, six men) with a mean age of 30.6 years (24 to 39) at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up was 2.5 years (2 to 4). Radiologically, 13 hips had successful restoration of the normal geometry and only one had a residual deformity. The mean increase in the Western Ontario McMasters Osteoarthritis Index for the series at the last follow-up was 9.6 points (4 to 14). No patient developed avascular necrosis or sustained a fracture of the femoral neck or any other complication. These findings suggest that femoroacetabular impingement associated with paediatric hip disease can be treated safely by arthroscopic techniques.
Cementless fixation of megaprostheses using a conical fluted stem in the treatment of bone tumours
Authors: Bruns J. , Delling G. , Gruber H. , Lohmann C. H. , Habermann C. R. 
Published: September 2007

We reviewed 25 patients in whom a MUTARS megaprosthesis with a conical fluted stem had been implanted. There were three types of stem: a standard stem was used in 17 cases (three in the proximal femur, nine in the distal femur and five proximal tibia), a custom-made proximal femoral stem in four cases and a custom-made distal femoral stem in four cases. The mean age of the patients was 40.1 years (17 to 70) and the mean follow-up was for 2.5 years (0.9 to 7.4). At follow-up two patients had died from their disease: one was alive with disease and 22 were disease-free. One of 23 prostheses had been removed for infection and another revised to a cemented stem. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 24.9 (12 to 30) and the mean Karnofsky index was 82% (60% to 100%). There was no radiological evidence of loosening or subsidence. Stem stress shielding was seen in 11 patients and was marked in five of these. There were five complications, rupture of the extensor mechanism of the knee after extra-articular resection in two patients, deep venous thrombosis in one, septic loosening in one, and dislocation of the hip in one. The survival rate after seven years was 87% (95% confidence interval (CI) 83 to 91) for the patients and 95% (95% CI 91 to 99) for the megaprosthesis. A longer follow-up is needed to confirm these encouraging results.