bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CellTrack: an open-source software for cell tracking and motility analysis
Authors: Sacan Ahmet , Ferhatosmanoglu Hakan , Coskun Huseyin 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Motivation: Cell motility is a critical part of many important biological processes. Automated and sensitive cell tracking is essential to cell motility studies where the tracking results can be used for diagnostic or curative decisions and where mathematical models can be developed to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cell motility.
Results: We have developed CellTrack: a self-contained, extensible, and cross-platform software package for cell tracking and motility analysis. Besides the general purpose image enhancement, object segmentation and tracking algorithms, we have implemented a novel edge-based method for sensitive tracking of the cell boundaries, and constructed an ensemble of methods that achieves refined tracking results even under large displacements or deformations of the cells.
Availability: CellTrack is an Open Source project and is freely available at http://db.cse.ohio-state.edu/CellTrack
Contact: sacan@cse.ohio-state.edu
Brachial Neuritis With Bilateral Diaphragmatic Paralysis Following Herpes Zoster: A Case Report
Authors: Hoque Romy , Schwendimann Robert N , Liendo Cesar , Chesson Andrew L 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

We present a case of supine respiratory failure due to a bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis associated with brachial neuritis secondary to thoracic herpes zoster. Fluoroscopy in both the standing and supine positions revealed bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis accentuated in the supine position. To our knowledge, this is the first case of thoracic herpes zoster associated with brachial neuritis and bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis.
Morphea Profunda Presenting As a Neuromuscular Mimic
Authors: Voermans N C , Pillen S , de Jong E M , Creemers M CW , Lammens M , van Alfen N 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Localized scleroderma is characterized by idiopathic fibrosis of the skin and adjacent structures, and muscle involvement occurs predominantly in deep morphea. We report a patient with linear scleroderma who presented with slowly progressive atrophy, muscle weakness, and loss of function of her right arm, mimicking a neuromuscular disorder. Muscle biopsy eventually revealed zones of myositis, compatible with morphea profunda. Morphea profunda may thus present as a neuromuscular mimic, even in case of nonprogressive skin sclerosis.
Myositis in morphea profunda is generally limited to one region, whereas inflammatory myopathies generally cause diffuse proximal muscle weakness and atrophy. Furthermore, skin changes in morphea profunda differ from those seen in dermatomyositis, and histological features of muscle biopsy can further distinguish between morphea profunda and inflammatory myopathies. Muscle biopsy in morphea profunda implies the risk of sampling error, whereas results of electromyography and muscle imaging might better represent the extent of muscle inflammation.
Functional interaction between mutations in the granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor receptor in severe congenital neutropenia
Authors: Ward Alister C. , Gits Judith , Majeed Fidel , Aprikyan Andrew A. , Lewis Rowena S. , O’Sullivan Lynda A. , Freedman Melvin , Shigdar Sarah , Touw Ivo P. , Dale David C. , Dror Yigal 
Published: May 2008

SummaryMost severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) cases possess constitutive neutrophil elastase mutations; a smaller cohort has acquired mutations truncating the granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor receptor (G‐CSF‐R). We have described a case with constitutive extracellular G‐CSF‐R mutation hyporesponsive to ligand. Here we report two independent acquired G‐CSF‐R truncation mutations and a novel constitutive neutrophil elastase mutation in this patient. Co‐expression of a truncated receptor chain restored STAT5 signalling responses of the extracellular G‐CSF‐R mutant, while constitutively‐active STAT5 enhanced its proliferative capacity. These data add to our knowledge of SCN and further highlight the importance of STAT5 in mediating proliferative responses to G‐CSF.
Antiplatelet drugs
Authors: De Meyer Simon F. , Vanhoorelbeke Karen , Broos Katleen , Salles Isabelle I. , Deckmyn Hans 
Published: May 2008

SummaryPlatelets play a major role in thromboembolic diseases, and so antiplatelet therapy remains crucial in treatment and prophylaxis. Upon vascular injury, platelets rapidly adhere to the exposed subendothelial matrix, after which they become activated, resulting in the recruitment of additional platelets from the circulation to eventually form a stable arterial platelet plug. Although controlled plug formation is desired for the prevention of excessive blood loss and for promoting wound healing, several pathological conditions may result in the formation of occlusive thrombi leading to severe clinical complications, including myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke.Many antiplatelet approaches have been investigated, interfering with one or more of the different stages in thrombus formation. This review discusses antiplatelet agents that interfere with the three principal phases in thrombus formation: platelet adhesion, amplification of platelet activation and platelet aggregation. For each stage, novel experimental targets and clinically established antiplatelet strategies will be reviewed. Limitations and possible benefits will be discussed for each target.
Advances in the understanding of mast cell function
Authors: Heib Valeska , Becker Marc , Taube Christian , Stassen Michael 
Published: May 2008

SummaryMast cells were formerly thought to contribute mainly to, sometimes even, fatal allergic reactions through the release of biologically highly active cytokines, chemokines, lipid mediators, proteases and biogenic amines. This potential harmful response is triggered by crosslinking of cell‐bound IgE by the respective allergen. This review updates our current understanding of the emerging roles of mast cells with an emphasis on their relevance in protective host immunity. The activation of mast cells independently of Immunoglobulin E can lead to the initiation of fast inflammatory reactions, which were shown to be life‐saving in murine models of bacterial infections. Besides their critical functions in innate immunity, mast cells promote and shape the development of adaptive immune responses. Thus, mast cells are increasingly being recognized as sentinels of innate and modulators of adaptive immunity.
Effects of food‐web structure on periphyton stoichiometry in eutrophic lakes: a mesocosm study
Authors: DANGER M. , LACROIX G. , OUMAROU C. , BENEST D. , MÉRIGUET J. 
Published: May 2008

Summary1. Aquatic herbivores typically have much higher concentrations of nutrients (e.g. N and P) in their tissues than there is in the food they eat. These stoichiometric differences can cause herbivores to be limited by the elemental quality of their food, which could affect, in turn, the structure of consumer communities and even alter key ecosystem processes.2. In streams and in the littoral zone of shallow lakes, periphyton is an important food resource for benthic animals. Studying the elemental composition of periphyton may help us to understand food‐web structure, and any reciprocal effect of this structure on periphyton stoichiometry.3. To understand how alterations in the food‐web structure affect the elemental composition of periphyton in a eutrophic lake, we carried out a long‐term experiment (14 months) in large‐scale mesocosms (40 m3), in which we manipulated food‐web structure, and which were dominated either by planktivorous fish (Rutilus rutilus) or herbivorous invertebrates (without fish). Periphyton was sampled monthly at three depths (0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 m) to determine its biomass and elemental composition (C/N/P ratio). Food‐web structure, physical and chemical parameters were monitored throughout the experiment.4. Fish had indirect positive effect on periphyton biomass, leading to twofold higher levels than in herbivore‐dominated mesocosms. This result was probably due to control of benthic consumers by fish, suggesting a strong top–down control on periphyton by their consumers in fishless enclosures.5. The elemental ratios C/P and C/N were lower in deep water in both treatments, mainly mediated by light availability, in accordance with the light/nutrient ratio hypothesis. These ratios were also lower in fishless treatments, probably due to increases in inorganic nutrient availability and grazing pressure in herbivore‐dominated systems. During winter, periphyton elemental composition was similar in both treatments, and was unrelated to inorganic nutrient availability.6. These results indicate that any alteration of food‐web structure in lakes, such as in biomanipulation experiments, is likely to modify both the biomass and elemental quality of periphyton. Resultant effects on the consumers of periphyton and macrophytes could play a key role in the success of biomanipulations and should be taken into account in further studies.
Wheat allergen exposure and the prevalence of work‐related sensitization and allergy in bakery workers
Authors: Jacobs J. H. , Meijster T. , Meijer E. , Suarthana E. , Heederik D. 
Published: May 2008

Background:  Occupational airway diseases are common among bakers. The present study describes the association between exposure to wheat allergen levels and sensitization to wheat allergens, work‐related upper and lower respiratory symptoms and asthma in bakery workers.Methods:  As part of a Health Surveillance System for early detection of (allergic) occupational airway diseases a so‐called ‘validation study’ was performed among Dutch bakers for validation of a diagnostic model that predict the likelihood of sensitization to specific workplace allergens. The present study used serology and questionnaire results of a subgroup of 860 bakers participating in the validation study. An earlier developed job‐exposure matrix was used to predict average and cumulative personal exposure to wheat allergens.Results:  The prevalence of wheat sensitization, work‐related respiratory symptoms and asthma increased till average wheat exposure levels of approximately 25–30 μg/m3, leveled off and decreased at higher exposure concentrations. Exposure–response curves showed a stronger pronounced bell‐shape with cumulative exposure. Associations were strongest for asthma and work‐related lower respiratory symptoms (PR∼2 and PR∼3.5–4.5 for average and cumulative exposure, respectively). Associations were only found in atopics. Wheat sensitization was an important factor in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms.Conclusion:  In accordance with earlier studies, the present study showed a bell‐shaped exposure–response relationship especially for cumulative wheat allergen exposure with sensitization, allergic respiratory symptoms and asthma. The healthy worker effect may be the possible explanation for the bell‐shaped relationship.
Competitive speciation and costs of choosiness
Authors: KOPP M. , HERMISSON J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe investigate how costs of choosiness affect the evolution of assortative mating in a simple model of competitive speciation. The model allows for a comprehensive analysis by analytical and numerical techniques. We obtain results for two types of costs: mating costs, which restrict the number of males a choosy female can evaluate, and viability costs, which decrease a choosy female's survival. Mating costs significantly reduce the range of parameters for which speciation is possible, but only if the number of males a female can evaluate is small (less than 10). This type of costs can be eliminated if females are allowed to mate randomly at the end of the mating period. Although, in this case, it is not possible to achieve complete reproductive isolation, our results show partial isolation with strong phenotypic clustering. Viability costs counteract selection for assortative mating. As this selection is typically weak, speciation is possible only if viability costs, too, are weak. The above restrictions are less severe if extreme phenotypes have an intrinsically higher carrying capacity.
Anatomical Features of the Carpal Flexor Retinaculum of the Horse
Authors: Probst A. , Macher R. , Hinterhofer C. , Polsterer E. , Guarda I. H. , König H. E. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThis study aims to elucidate the topographical anatomy of the carpal flexor retinaculum or palmar anular carpal ligament (PACL) in the horse. Ten specimen of the carpus of five healthy horses were studied by dissection in layers. Slices of 5 mm in thickness facilitated observation of the soft tissues. The superficial layer of the PACL subdivides into five compartments: one for the palmar nerve and the arterial and venous branches, one for only the radial artery, one for the radial vein, and one for the tendon of the radial carpal flexor muscle, and finally for the deep layer that supports all tendinous structures located palmar to the carpus, as well as the median artery and palmar medial nerve. The sections of the segmented PACL that are affected by carpal canal syndrome may vary with the aetiology of the space‐occupying process. Precise anatomical knowledge of the structures may help in understanding the pathological processes and determining the most appropriate therapy.
Cost analysis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a tertiary care setting in Taiwan
Authors: CHIANG Chi‐Huei 
Published: May 2008

Background and objective:  The prevalence of COPD in the Western Pacific is increasing. The present study determined the total direct health‐care costs for the management of COPD patients with differing degrees of disease severity. The study also aimed to find the key cost drivers in the management of COPD.Methods:  COPD patients were recruited from a tertiary care hospital during April 2002 and March 2003. One‐year costs were identified by applying cost data to medical information obtained by review of medical records. Costs included those for medications, oxygen therapy, laboratory and diagnostic tests, clinic visits, emergency room visits and hospital stays.Results:  There were 160 patients recruited. Patients were categorized by COPD severity: moderate A COPD (50 ≤ FEV1% < 80; n = 54), moderate B COPD (30 ≤ FEV1% < 50; n = 54) and severe COPD (FEV1% < 30; n = 52). Patients with moderate A, moderate B and severe COPD had an average of 0.82, 2.6 and 3.5 exacerbations per year, respectively. Average numbers of emergency room visits were 0.41 ± 0.94, 1.20 ± 1.39 and 1.73 ± 2.44 per year in moderate A, moderate B and severe COPD patients, respectively. The mean total direct costs were New Taiwan dollars 288 825, 149 031 and 38 203 for severe COPD, moderate B COPD and moderate A COPD, respectively. The total annual cost was correlated with the disease severity. Hospitalization contributed the major portion of cost and also correlated with disease severity.Conclusions:  There is a correlation between the cost of COPD and disease severity with hospitalization owing to disease exacerbation being a major contributor to cost. The keys to reducing health‐care costs lie with reducing the frequency of exacerbations and the disease severity.
Patient satisfaction with sedation for flexible bronchoscopy
Authors: HIROSE Takashi , OKUDA Kentaro , ISHIDA Hiroo , SUGIYAMA Tomohide , KUSUMOTO Sojiro , NAKASHIMA Masanao , YAMAOKA Toshimitsu , ADACHI Mitsuru 
Published: May 2008

Background and objective:  Patient satisfaction with health care has increasingly been recognized as an important health outcome, but few studies have examined patient satisfaction with flexible bronchoscopy (FB). The purpose of this study was to assess patient satisfaction with FB conducted under conscious sedation and to identify the aspects of the procedure related to patient satisfaction.Methods:  Patients' willingness to return for repeat FB was measured on a 5‐point scale. Patients were asked whether they were bothered by the anaesthetic spray, scope insertion, shortness of breath, coughing, pharyngeal pain, chest pain or swallowing pain. Patients were asked to assess the quality of the physician, the institution and nursing, and their satisfaction with the privacy, waiting time and information provided about the procedure.Results:  Of 161 consecutive eligible patients who underwent FB, 129 (80.1%) completed the questionnaire. Of the 129 patients, 65.8% reported that they would return for a repeat FB (12.4% would definitely return and 53.4% would probably return). Male gender, shorter examination time, excellent physician quality and not being bothered by coughing, pharyngeal pain or swallowing pain were related to greater patient satisfaction. The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that male gender was related to greater patient satisfaction.Conclusions:  Bronchoscopists should try to recognize the factors that influence patient satisfaction and adjust their management accordingly.
Trends in asthma prevalence and severity in Omani schoolchildren: Comparison between ISAAC phases I and III
Authors: AL‐RAWAS Omar A. , AL‐RIYAMI Bazdawi M. , AL‐MANIRI Abdullah A. , AL‐RIYAMI Asya A. 
Published: May 2008

Background and objective:  This study evaluated changes in the prevalence of asthma symptoms and asthma severity in Omani school children over time.Methods:  Two cross‐sectional surveys, in 1995 and 2001, were conducted as part of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children on Omani schoolchildren in two different age groups (6–7 and 13–14 years).Results:  There were 7067 children surveyed in 1995 (3893 in the younger and 3174 in the older group) and 7879 in 2001 (4126 in the younger and 3753 in the older group). Over the 6 years there was a significant increase in the prevalence of current wheeze ‘any wheeze during the past 12 months’ (from 7.1% to 8.4%; P = 0.035) in the younger group with no significant change in asthma diagnosis (10.5% vs 10.6%) or any other asthma symptoms. In the older group, all asthma symptoms remained unchanged except speech‐limiting wheeze which declined from 4.0% to 2.8% (P = 0.007). In both surveys, more than 60% of current wheezers reported severe asthma symptoms, while only 60% of these reported a diagnosis of asthma.Conclusion:  The prevalence of both asthma and severe asthma remains high among Omani children. There is significant ‘under‐diagnosis’ and/or ‘under‐treatment’ of asthmatic children which requires urgent evaluation and intervention.
Peripheral blood picture following mild head trauma in children
Authors: Alioglu Bulent , Ozyurek Emel , Avci Zekai , Atalay Basar , Caner Hakan , Ozbek Namik 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground: The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in peripheral white blood cell, and differential counts following mild head trauma in a pediatric population.Methods: Fifty‐one patients (mean age, 79 ± 62 months) with mild head trauma (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score 15) who were admitted to the emergency department, were studied. Two blood specimens were collected from each patient, one on arrival and one after 24 h at the emergency department. Complete blood count was performed using a hemocytometer and the absolute cell counts for each sample were calculated after examination of peripheral smear.Results: No patient developed any complication during the hospital stay or after discharge. Significant differences were found for white blood cell, neutrophil, and immature cell counts just after and 24 h after trauma (P = 0.047, 0.039 and 0.009, respectively).Conclusions: Mild head trauma may cause an increase in white blood cell, neutrophil and band counts in children just after trauma. In a child with a mild head trauma, who is asymptomatic, with GCS score of 15 and absence of risk factors, and without clinical deterioration, complete blood cell count may be omitted from laboratory workup. But a prospective randomized study comparing mild head trauma patients with good and bad clinical outcome is needed to draw a definite conclusion.
Hemorrhage due to tracheoarterial fistula with severe motor and intellectual disability
Authors: Hamano Kimiko , Kumada Satoko , Hayashi Masaharu , Uchiyama Akira , Kurihara Eiji , Tamagawa Kimiko , Enomoto Syoko , Chou Hiroyuki 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground: Tracheoarterial fistula (TAF) is an unusual but highly lethal complication of tracheostomy, and successful surgical intervention for TAF has been reported. Few investigations are available for TAF in severe motor and intellectual disability (SMID). The aim of the present paper was to analyzed TAF in SMID to clarify which clinical variables might predict the occurrence of TAF, and adequate management for lifesaving.Methods: Medical records at Metropolitan Fuchu Medical Center were retrospectively investigated for SMID between 1970 and 2000, and 10 TAF patients verified on operation or autopsy were identified. Details were reviewed including clinical status, emergency treatment at the occurrence of TAF, and operation and/or autopsy recordings.Results: Four of 10 patients underwent successful operation and survived, while the other six died from hemorrhagic shock. Eight patients had tracheoinnominate artery fistula, the others had tracheocarotid artery fistula. Characteristic features as SMID such as etiology of brain disease, muscle tonus and convulsion were no apparent relevance to occurrence of TAF. All patients suffered from endotracheal granuloma extending to the arterial walls. Seven of 10 patients had re‐bleeding after stabilization of the first massive hemorrhage, especially fiber bronchoscopy to confirm the diagnosis of TAF precipitated to fatal re‐bleeding. One patient underwent interruption of the artery at relapse of TAF, the other three underwent suturing and had good outcome.Conclusions: There were no apparent predictors of TAF in SMID. Tracheal granuloma was recognized and consequent on formation of TAF, so control of granuloma may prevent TAF. Fiber bronchoscopy for suspected TAF is not recommended because it precipitates fatal bleeding.
Barriers to vaccination among Japanese medical students: Focus group interviews
Authors: Okamoto Shigeru , Slingsby Brian Taylor , Nakayama Takeo , Nakamura Kanae , Fukuda Risa , Gomi‐Yano Harumi , Ohno Hiroshi , Matsumura Tadashi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground: To date, medical schools and clinical training hospitals in Japan that require students to show immunity for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), and hepatitis B prior to the commencement of residency are limited.Methods: This qualitative study used focus group interviews to elucidate why medical students do not undergo vaccination. A total of three groups were identified and interviewed: group A (two men, three women), group B (two men, two women), group C (three men, two women). All recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed according to the constant comparative method with a series of codes and categories.Results: Findings elucidated that vaccination for medical students is not mandatory in Japan. Analysis found that the factors that influence willingness to be vaccinated can be divided into three dimensions (individual level, university/regional hospital level, governmental level) and two primary categories (cost of vaccination, awareness of vaccination) consisting of 10 codes. These factors did not exist in isolation, but have mutually overlapping areas.Conclusions: Vaccination against vaccine‐preventable diseases is essential to a hospital’s infectious‐disease countermeasures and cannot continue to be overlooked by physicians (at the individual level), by universities and residency programs (at the community level) nor by the government (at the national level).