bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐frequency oscillation (HFO) prevents activation of NF‐κB found with conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) in surfactant‐depleted rabbit lung
Authors: Waragai Aki , Yamashita Hiroko , Hosoi Kenichiro , Hoshina Hiroaki , Noda Eri , Yan Kunimasa , Kawano Toshio 
Published: April 2007

AbstractHigh‐frequency oscillation (HFO) has been recognized as an effective ventilatory strategy to minimize lung injury during respiratory support. Conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) compared with HFO was shown to result in an increased number of PMNs and inflammatory cytokines in the lung lavage fluid. However how mechanical forces can be sensed by cells and converted into biochemical signals for intracellular signal transduction is still unknown. In this current study, we sought to determine whether the activation of Nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) might be involved in the lung injury caused by CMV. Surfactant‐depleted Japanese white rabbits received 1‐ or 4‐hr CMV or 1‐ or 4‐hr HFO. Then, activation of NF‐κB in the lungs was assessed by conducting electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA). In the experiment with whole lungs, NF‐κB activity was much higher in the 4‐hr CMV lungs than in the 4‐hr HFO lungs. To clarify the origin of the cells in which NF‐κB was activated, we did a second lung lavage at the end of ventilation and washed out the cells that had infiltrated the alveoli. The levels of NF‐κB activity were the similar in the lungs of 4‐hr HFO rabbits and in those of 4‐hr CMV ones. On the other hand, NF‐κB activity was much higher in the 4‐hr CMV lungs than in the 4‐hr HFO lungs in the experiment with the lung lavage fluid cells. These results show that the increase in NF‐κB activity in the lungs of 4‐hr CMV rabbits was due mainly to the cells that had infiltrated the alveoli. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:440–445. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accuracy of binding mode prediction with a cascadic stochastic tunneling method
Authors: Fischer Bernhard , Basili Serena , Merlitz Holger , Wenzel Wolfgang 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe investigate the accuracy of the binding modes predicted for 83 complexes of the high‐resolution subset of the ASTEX/CCDC receptor‐ligand database using the atomistic FlexScreen approach with a simple forcefield‐based scoring function. The median RMS deviation between experimental and predicted binding mode was just 0.83 Å. Over 80% of the ligands dock within 2 Å of the experimental binding mode, for 60 complexes the docking protocol locates the correct binding mode in all of ten independent simulations. Most docking failures arise because (a) the experimental structure clashed in our forcefield and is thus unattainable in the docking process or (b) because the ligand is stabilized by crystal water. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Robot Assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty: a review of the current status
Authors: Shah Ketul K. , Louie Michael , Thaly Rahul K. , Patel Vipul R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackgroundOver the last decade minimally invasive endourologic and laparoscopic techniques have become the first line therapies for primary UPJ obstruction. Robotic assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty for the correction of ureteropelvic junction has achieved outcomes comparable to those of open and laparoscopic techniques. We present a comprehensive review of the current literature of robotic assisted pyeloplasty.MethodsWe performed a systemic review of all the current literature examining demographic data, intra operative parameters and post‐operative outcomes.ResultsIn most published series in the literature, the operative time ranges from 122 to 300 minutes and the operative time ranges from 27 to 77 ml. Most series considers subjective improvement in the symptoms and improved drainage on post‐operative diuretic renal scan as the measures of success. The reported success rates vary from 89 to 100%.ConclusionRobotic pyeloplasty is a feasible alternative to laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Short‐term results indicate equivalent outcomes with the laparoscopic procedure. Long‐term studies are still needed to compare robotic and open pyeloplasty outcomes, and to define the role of robotic pyeloplasty in a cost prohibitive health care system. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regular Dislocation Networks in Silicon as a Tool for Nanostructure Devices used in Optics, Biology, and Electronics
Authors: Kittler M. , Yu X. , Mchedlidze T. , Arguirov T. , Vyvenko O. F. , Seifert W. , Reiche M. , Wilhelm T. , Seibt M. , Voß O. , Wolff A. , Fritzsche W. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWell‐controlled fabrication of dislocation networks in Si using direct wafer bonding opens broad possibilities for nanotechnology applications. Concepts of dislocation‐network‐based light emitters, manipulators of biomolecules, gettering and insulating layers, and three‐dimensional buried conductive channels are presented and discussed. A prototype of a Si‐based light emitter working at a wavelength of about 1.5 μm with an efficiency potential estimated at 1 % is demonstrated.
Detection of chromosomal abnormalities, congenital abnormalities and transfusion syndrome in twins
Authors: Sperling L. , Kiil C. , Larsen L. U. , Brocks V. , Wojdemann K. R. , Qvist I. , Schwartz M. , Jørgensen C. , Espersen G. , Skajaa K. , Bang J. , Tabor A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the outcome of screening for structural malformations in twins and the outcome of screening for twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) among monochorionic twins through a number of ultrasound scans from 12 weeks' gestation.MethodsEnrolled into this prospective multicenter observational study were women with twin pregnancies diagnosed before 14 + 6 gestational weeks. The monochorionic pregnancies were scanned every second week until 23 weeks in order to rule out early TTTS. All pregnancies had an anomaly scan in week 19 and fetal echocardiography in week 21 that was performed by specialists in fetal echocardiography. Zygosity was determined by DNA analysis in all twin pairs with the same sex.ResultsAmong the 495 pregnancies the prenatal detection rate for severe structural abnormalities including chromosomal aneuploidies was 83% by the combination of a first‐trimester nuchal translucency scan and the anomaly scan in week 19. The incidence of severe structural abnormalities was 2.6% and two‐thirds of these anomalies were cardiac. There was no significant difference between the incidence in monozygotic and dizygotic twins, nor between twins conceived naturally or those conceived by assisted reproduction. The incidence of TTTS was 23% from 12 weeks until delivery, and all those monochorionic twin pregnancies that miscarried had signs of TTTS.ConclusionTwin pregnancies have an increased risk of congenital malformations and one out of four monochorionic pregnancies develops TTTS. Ultrasound screening to assess chorionicity and follow‐up of monochorionic pregnancies to detect signs of TTTS, as well as malformation screening, are therefore essential in the antenatal care of twin pregnancies. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length and efficacy of misoprostol in first‐trimester pregnancy failure
Authors: Agostini A. , Capelle M. , Ronda I. , Bretelle F. , Cravello L. , Blanc B. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the role of cervical length measurement in predicting successful treatment, by misoprostol administration, of early (first‐trimester) pregnancy failure.MethodA prospective study was conducted of all patients who agreed to medical treatment of pregnancy failure. Cervical length and other sonographic variables were measured using pelvic ultrasound before medical treatment began. Measurements were compared between the group with successful medical treatment and the group in whom treatment failed.ResultsIn 125 women included in the study, the success rate of misoprostol treatment was 64.8%. There were no significant differences between the groups with successful and failed treatment for cervical length (29.9 ± 9.3 vs. 30.4 ± 6.8 mm, P = 0.75), distance between gestational sac and ‘virtual’ cervical internal os (23.9 ± 13 vs. 26.6 ± 13 mm, P = 0.26), crown–rump length (8.7 ± 9.7 vs. 6.7 ± 8.6 mm, P = 0.25), or gestational sac diameter (31.3 ± 14 vs. 30.1 ± 15 mm, P = 0.73).ConclusionCervical length does not predict the success of misoprostol treatment of first‐trimester pregnancy failure. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitive determination of terazosin by x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry based on the formation of ion‐pair associates with zinc thiocyanate
Authors: Silva Raúl A. , Masi Adriana N. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA new, simple and precise indirect method for the determination of terazosin through x‐ray fluorescence (XRF) is proposed. The method is based on the precipitation of an ion‐associate complex formed between terazosin and [Zn(SCN)4]2− and the formation of a thin film on a membrane filter. The optimum conditions for ion‐associate complex formation, such as pH, ionic strength, shaking time and stoichiometry of the complex, were studied. The complex was retained on the membrane filter, and the Zn Kα line was measured by XRF. The method presents the advantages of the separation of the drug from the matrix (excipients), the preconcentration of Zn, producing enhancement of XRF intensity though increased sensitivity, and the elimination of the matrix effects due to the thin film obtained. The lowest detection limit was 0.732 µg ml−1. The validation studies were realized by the related applications and the results were evaluated statistically. The method was successfully applied to terazosin determination in tablets or in bulk. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
7201 Carcinoids: Increasing Incidence Overall and Disproportionate Mortality in the Elderly
Authors: Perez Eduardo A. , Koniaris Leonidas G. , Snell Sarah E. , Gutierrez Juan C. , Sumner William E. , Lee David J. , Hodgson Nicole C. , Livingstone Alan S. , Franceschi Dido 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of the study was to determine outcomes for respiratory and gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors utilizing a large cancer registry.MethodsCases of respiratory and gastrointestinal carcinoid from the Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS) from 1981 to 2001 were reviewed. Descriptive statistics, age‐adjusted tumor incidence, and survival rates were determined.ResultsA total of 7201 cases of malignant carcinoid were identified. Pulmonary and gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors comprised 82% of all carcinoids encountered. The mean age was 64.4 ± 0.15 years. Stratified by location, there were 3000 (51.4%) foregut carcinoids (including those found in the respiratory tree—2325 in the lung), 2130 (36.5%) midgut carcinoids, and 712 (12.2%) hindgut carcinoids. Second, distinct malignancies were observed in 23% of cases. The total age‐adjusted incidence rate has increased from 0.62 per 100,000 in 1980 to 5.17 per 100,000 in 2000. Overall median survival was 21.97 months. The median survival was 19.0 months for foregut carcinoids (excluding those arising in the respiratory tract); 33.9 months for midgut tumors; and 22.7 months for hindgut carcinoids. There was a statistically significant better survival for those with midgut tumors than for those in the other groups (P < 0.001). Age < 60 years, white race, and female sex were all associated with better survival (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe incidence of pulmonary and gastrointestinal carcinoids has dramatically increased since 1981. Tumor location and age ≥ 60 years are the strongest predictors of mortality.
Portal Venous Gas Detected on Computed Tomography in Emergency Situations: Surgery Is Still Necessary
Authors: Monneuse Olivier , Pilleul Frank , Barth Xavier , Gruner Laurent , Allaouchiche Bernard , Valette Pierre‐Jean , Tissot E. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackgroundPortal venous gas (PVG) has been reported to be associated with lethal surgical diagnosis. Recent studies tend to confirm the clinical significance of gas in the portal vein; however, some patients are managed without surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to assess both the diagnoses and the treatment of patients with PVG in an emergency surgical setting.Materials and methodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of 15 patients with PVG in the emergency setting detected by computed tomography (CT) between July 1999 and July 2004. Characteristics assessed included age, sex, clinical presentation, first CT diagnosis of both PVG and the underlying pathology, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, surgical findings, final clinical diagnosis, duration of hospitalization, and evolution of the illness/mortality. All patients were examined one month after operation.ResultsThis series of 5 women and 10 men ranged in age from 38 to 90 years at the time they underwent emergency surgical treatment. The mean preoperative ASA score was 4.20. Computed tomography diagnosed the underlying pathology in all cases: bowel obstruction (4 cases), bowel necrosis (9 cases), and diffuse peritonitis (2 cases). The mean length of hospital stay was 12.4 days. The mortality rate was 46.6%; (7 patients).ConclusionsA wide range of pathologies can generate PVG. Computed tomography can detect both the presence of gas and the underlying pathology. In emergency situations, all the diagnosed causal pathologies required a surgical procedure without delay. We report that the prognosis was related to the pathology itself and was not influenced by the presence of PVG.
Deprivation of pantothenic acid elicits a movement disorder and azoospermia in a mouse model of pantothenate kinase‐associated neurodegeneration
Authors: Kuo Y. M. , Hayflick S. J. , Gitschier J. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryWe asked whether a movement disorder could be elicited by deprivation of pantothenic acid (PA; vitamin B5), the substrate for the enzyme pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2), which is deficient in the inherited neurological disorder PKAN (pantothenate kinase‐associated neurodegeneration formerly called Hallervorden–Spatz syndrome). This study was undertaken because mice made null for Pank2 failed to show the neurological manifestations of the human disease. Wild‐type and Pank2 mutant mice were fed pantothenic acid‐deficient diets and were monitored for general health, fertility and movement compared with animals on control diets over time. Mice of both genotypes on PA‐deficient diets exhibited poor grooming, greying of fur and decreased body weight. With PA deprivation, wild‐type mice manifested azoospermia (a phenotype also seen in Pank2 mice) as well as a movement disorder with a low‐lying pelvis and slow steps. Rear limbs appeared to drag and occasionally extended into unnatural postures for 16–17s duration, possibly indicative of dystonia. Movement disruption probably also occurs in PA‐deprived Pank2 mutant mice, but they died precipitously before undergoing detailed analysis. Remarkably, restoration of dietary PA led to recovery of general health and grooming, weight gain, reversal of the movement disorder, and reappearance of mature sperm within 4 weeks. This study confirms the primacy of PA metabolism in the mechanism of disease in PKAN. PA deprivation provides a useful phenocopy for PKAN and allows us to test pharmacological and other interventional strategies in the treatment of this devastating disease.
On the effect of baryon loading in magnetized counterstreaming plasmas. I. Analytical investigation
Authors: TAUTZ R. C. , SAKAI J.-I. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAssuming a non-relativistic three species electron–positron–ion plasma, the counterstreaming instability is investigated for waves propagating parallel and perpendicular to a homogeneous background magnetic field. From the exact linear dispersion relations, it is shown analytically how the growth rates change with increasing baryon loading, revealing new characteristics that cannot be found either for an unmagnetized plasma involving three particle species or for a plasma with only two particle species.
A multivitamin supplementation and education intervention as an effective means of increasing multivitamin use among postpartum women of Mexican origin
Authors: O'Rourke Kathleen M. , Roddy Mary E. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryPostpartum Hispanic women in the USA are at elevated risk for neural tube defects in subsequent pregnancies from the combined effects of ethnicity, folate depletion from the prior pregnancy and lactation, and high parity rates with short inter‐birth intervals. This study evaluated an education programme and distribution of a 3‐month starter package of multivitamins among Hispanic women attending nutrition clinics for low‐income women in El Paso, Texas. At 1–6 weeks postpartum, 329 subjects were selected to receive education only, multivitamins only, education and multivitamins, or no intervention. Multivariable regression obtained odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals [CI] to measure the association between intervention status and self‐reported multivitamin use at least four times per week at 6 and 12 months postpartum, while controlling for potential confounding variables.Multivitamin distribution was related to consumption at both 6 months (OR = 3.5 [95% CI 1.1, 11.2]) and 12 months (OR = 6.5 [95% CI 1.5, 28.3]). Multivitamins plus education was most effective in increasing multivitamin use at both periods: 6 months (OR = 4.0 [95% CI 1.53, 11.7]) and 12 months (OR = 6.4 [95% CI 1.7, 24.2]). At enrolment, 66% of women regularly took vitamins, and approximately 35% took them at both 6 and 12 months postpartum. The education intervention alone was not associated with multivitamin use at either 6 months (OR = 0.79 [95% CI 0.3, 2.4]) or 12 months (OR = 3.1 [95% CI 0.8, 12.1]). Multivitamin use declines precipitously during postpartum at the time Hispanic women may be susceptible to a subsequent pregnancy. This study provides evidence that multivitamin starter packs sustain multivitamin usage up to 1 year postpartum for a specific high‐risk group, but the effect of educational intervention alone should be further studied.
Blastomycosis in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Gauthier G.M. , Safdar N. , Klein B.S. , Andes D.R. 
Published: April 2007

Abstract: Background. Blastomyces dermatitidis, the etiologic agent of blastomycosis, causes severe disease and substantial mortality in those immunocompromised by acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or malignancy. In solid organ transplant recipients, the epidemiology, clinical features, and outcomes have not been fully described.Methods. We conducted a retrospective case‐series at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. Case patients were solid organ transplant recipients with blastomycosis.Results. From 1986 to 2004, we identified 11 cases of post‐transplant blastomycosis with 64% occurring between 2000 and 2004. Onset of infection occurred a median of 26 months post transplantation with near equal distribution before and after the first year of transplantation. Rejection did not precede any case of post‐transplant blastomycosis. Opportunistic co‐infections were common, occurring in 36% of patients. Pneumonia was the most common clinical presentation and was frequently complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Extrapulmonary disease predominantly involved the skin and spared the central nervous system. The overall mortality rate was 36%; however, this increased to 67% in those with ARDS. None of the surviving patients relapsed or received routine secondary antifungal prophylaxis.Conclusion. Blastomycosis is an uncommon infection following solid organ transplantation that is frequently complicated by ARDS, dissemination, and opportunistic co‐infection. After cure, post‐transplant blastomycosis may not require lifelong antifungal suppression.
Lateral canthal fixation using an oblique vertically orientated asymmetric periosteal transposition flap
Authors: Game Justin , Morlet Nigel 
Published: April 2007

AbstractHerein a modification of the highly useful lateral tarsal strip procedure is presented. The refinement of the technique uses an oblique, vertically orientated, asymmetric, periosteal transposition (OVAPT) flap from the lateral orbital rim to fix the tarsal strip. From a consecutive series of 53 patients, A cohort of 49 procedures on 41 patients with a minimum of 3‐month follow up is described. The procedure had a high rate of success in terms of canthal fixation over the median 14‐month follow up. There was only one case of late stretching of the canthal repair in an anophthalmic orbit, one case of recurrent cicatricial ectropion due to an inadequate skin graft, and finally a case of early recurrent tarsal ectropion. The OVAPT flap further enhances the stability of the tarsal strip procedure, and allows greater control of lid position and tension. The pull is in a superior and lateral direction, mimicking that of the lateral canthal tendon.
Measurement of retinal thickness from three‐dimensional images obtained from C scan images from the optical coherence tomography ophthalmoscope
Authors: Mizota Atsushi , Sakuma Toshiro , Miyauchi Osamu , Honda Miki , Tanaka Minoru 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground:  One of the unique features of the optical coherence tomography (OCT) ophthalmoscope is that it can record C scan images of the retina. The purpose of this study was to determine the best recording time to measure the retinal thickness with the OCT ophthalmoscope. In addition, the accuracy of the measurements was examined by comparing the values obtained by the OCT ophthalmoscope with those obtained with the Stratus OCT Model 3000 (OCT III) assuming that the OCT III gives an accurate measurement of retinal thickness.Methods:  The topography mode of the OCT ophthalmoscope was used. First, the average retinal thickness recorded with 2‐s scans was compared with that recorded with 4‐s scans for a recording area of 15° × 15°. Next, the average retinal thickness recorded by the OCT ophthalmoscope was compared with that obtained by the Fast Macular Thickness program of the OCT III in patients with macular oedema.Results:  The mean retinal thickness of the central area was 208.1 μm for both 2 and 4 s recording times. The average retinal thickness obtained by the OCT ophthalmoscope was highly correlated and not significantly different from the values obtained by the OCT III. The largest differences obtained by the two instruments were seen in the parts of the retina with accumulation of hard exudates.Conclusions:  Accurate measurements of retinal thickness can be obtained with the OCT ophthalmoscope by 2‐s scans, and thus, the OCT ophthalmoscope can be a valuable instrument for clinical assessments of retinal thickness.