bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF UNILATERAL AND BILATERAL CAGES WITH RESPECT TO CLINICAL OUTCOMES AND STABILITY IN INSTRUMENTED POSTERIOR LUMBAR INTERBODY FUSION
Authors: Lee Ji-Ho , Lee Jae Hyup , Yoon Kang-Sup , Kang Seung-Baik , Jo Chris H. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVEWe sought to compare the clinical and radiological results of instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using unilateral or bilateral polyetheretherketone cages and pedicle screws.METHODSOne hundred eighty-seven cases of degenerative spine that had been followed for at least 18 months were reviewed retrospectively. In 88 cases (147 levels), one cage was inserted, and in 99 cases (152 levels), two cages were inserted. Visual analog scale, Oswestry disability index, and functional rating indices were measured. Lumbar lordosis, lumbar scoliotic and fusion level scoliotic angles, and stable fixation were determined before surgery and 12 months postoperatively on standing x-rays. Amounts of intra- and postoperative blood loss, total quantities transfused, and operation times were also evaluated.RESULTSNo significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of visual analog scale, Oswestry disability index, functional rating indices, lumbar lordosis, lumbar scoliotic angles, fusion level scoliotic angles, or fixation stabilities. However, the amounts of postoperative blood loss, total blood loss, and total transfusion for two-level PLIF using a unilateral cage were statistically smaller than those for two-level PLIF using bilateral cages. Times required for PLIF using a unilateral cage were also significantly shorter than those for PLIF using bilateral cages.CONCLUSIONUnilateral cage and bilateral pedicle screw insertion may be a good alternative surgical option because it provides adequate alignment, balance, and mechanical stability in addition to reducing operative time, blood loss, and transfusion requirements.
CURVULARIA FUNGI PRESENTING AS A LARGE CRANIAL BASE MENINGIOMA
Authors: Singh Harminder , Irwin Sibyl , Falowski Steven , Rosen Mark , Kenyon Lawrence , Jungkind Donald , Evans James 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE
Fungal infections are emerging as a growing threat to human health, especially in immunocompromised patients. Candida, Cryptococcus, and Aspergillus are a few of the commonly encountered organisms leading to brain abscesses. In this report, we describe Curvularia geniculata as the causative agent in central nervous system infection.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION
Our review of the literature did not reveal a similar published case of central nervous system infection with this organism. A 35-year-old African-American man presented with obstructive hydrocephalus from a large cranial base lesion. Imaging characteristics on computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging scans were consistent with those of a cranial base meningioma.

INTERVENTION
The patient underwent an endoscopic transnasal/transclival approach to the anterior middle cranial base for biopsy and decompression of this lesion. A spindle cell proliferation was observed on frozen section, which favored a diagnosis of meningioma. However, on permanent sections, we identified fungal hyphae with budding. Subsequent biopsies grew Curvularia in fungal cultures. Deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing was used to confirm the identification of the isolate as Curvularia geniculata.

CONCLUSION
Limited data are available for in vitro susceptibility testing of Curvularia, and treatment modalities have not yet been standardized. The prognosis is usually poor. Despite being treated with voriconazole and intravenous amphotericin, this patient progressed to multiorgan failure and ultimately died. This is the first reported case of central nervous system infection by Curvularia geniculata.
STENT-MEDIATED WEDGING OF A CALCIFIC EMBOLUS TO RECANALIZE AN OCCLUDED MIDDLE CEREBRAL ARTERY
Authors: Schirmer Clemens M. , Thaler David E. , Malek Adel M. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE
Calcific cerebral emboli are rare yet pose a difficult therapeutic challenge because of their lack of response to thrombolytic therapy and their propensity for fragmentation.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION
A 75-year-old woman developed aphasia and hemiparesis after cardiac catheterization from a near-occlusive calcific embolus to the left middle cerebral artery origin. The calcific embolus was shown to be hemodynamically limiting by computed tomographic perfusion and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

INTERVENTION
The patient was treated medically for 6 days with anticoagulation, antiplatelet, and hypertensive therapies but continued to deteriorate. A decision was made to attempt retrieval of the calcific embolus. Conventional intracranial mechanical clot and coil retrieval systems were used initially but were unsuccessful and caused migration of the calcific embolus, leading to complete occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery origin. At this point, the decision was made to wedge the calcific embolus against the vessel wall. A balloon-mounted coronary stent was used to achieve this successfully, resulting in recanalization of the middle cerebral artery trunk and flow restoration.

CONCLUSION
Symptomatic calcific emboli, which are poorly responsive to pharmacological therapy and difficult to recover using conventional retrieval systems, may be treated by immobilization against the vessel wall using a balloon-mounted stent.
The use of aggression in primary school boys' decisions about inclusion in and exclusion from playground football games
Authors: Woods Ruth 
Published: August 2008

Background Sociometric studies have shown that some aggressive boys are popular, perceived as popular or cool, dominant, and central in the peer group (Estell, Cairns, Farmer, & Cairns, 2002; Milich & Landau, 1984; Prinstein & Cillessen, 2003; Rodkin, Farmer, Pearl, & Van Acker, 2006). This is not predicted by social information processing (SIP) models which see aggression as socially incompetent, resulting from distorted understanding of the social world (e.g. Crick & Dodge, 1994). However, sociologists of childhood have argued that some aggressive boys are popular because they use aggression to gain status and dominance, to undermine those of lower status, and to achieve hegemonic masculinity (Adler & Adler, 1998; Ferguson, 2000; Renold, 2007).Aims This study aims to connect psychological and sociological literatures, asking whether social processes of status formation contribute to the link between popularity and aggression identified sociometrically.Sample The paper describes case studies of three boys, aged between 8 and 10 years, attending a London primary school.Methods Sociometric data on liking, disliking, and aggression are combined with ethnographic and interview data for each case study.Results The data show that one way in which aggression aids popularity and dominance is through boys' strategic use of aggression to enforce decisions about inclusion and exclusion in desirable activities. It can be difficult for individual boys to achieve acceptance without resorting to aggression.Conclusions The data provide support for sociological explanations of aggression in terms of status and inclusion, and challenge the SIP claim that aggressive children are socially incompetent and biased.
Chronic pain syndrome associated with health anxiety: A qualitative thematic comparison between pain patients with high and low health anxiety
Authors: Tang Nicole K. Y. , Salkovskis Paul M. , Hodges Amy , Soong Elaina , Hanna Magdi H. , Hester Joan 
Published: August 2008

ObjectivesBased on the high prevalence of health anxiety among patients with chronic pain and the conceptual overlap between the diagnostic criteria for hypochondriasis and pain disorder, it has been suggested that the cognitive‐behavioural theory of severe and persistent health anxiety can be applied to understand the problems presented by a subgroup of chronic pain patients. This study aimed to provide qualitative data to complement the progress of the existing experimental research and theory development.DesignA cross‐sectional design with two groups was adopted.MethodIn‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 60 chronic pain patients seeking medical treatment from a specialist clinic, and theoretical thematic analysis was performed on a subset of interview transcripts drawn from the five most health anxious and the five least health anxious of this sample.ResultsFive themes emerged from the analysis, and they concerned (1) pain appraisal, (2) pain preoccupation, (3) coping strategies, (4) self‐identity, and (5) suicidal ideation. Differences were observed between the health anxious and non‐health anxious pain patients consistently across all these themes.ConclusionsThe phenomenological information both informs and supports the idea that the cognitive‐behavioural model of health anxiety can be adapted for the understanding of and development of treatments for pain patients with health anxiety. The findings also challenge the common practice of ‘lumping’ pain patients into a single group and underline the importance of matching treatments to the patients' psychological characteristics.
Unexplained chronic fatigue and core conflictual relationship themes: A study in a chronically fatigued population
Authors: Vandenbergen Jan. , Vanheule Stijn. , Rosseel Yves. , Desmet Mattias. , Verhaeghe Paul. 
Published: August 2008

Objective. Unexplained fatigue syndromes are multidimensional phenomena that involve a constellation of symptoms. This paper explores whether typical relationship patterns are associated with self‐reported and clinically rated fatigue symptoms in chronically fatigued patients.Method. Relationship patterns were assessed by means of the core conflictual relationship theme (CCRT) method. This method examines transference patterns, and was applied to interview data collected from chronically fatigued patients (N=30). Chronic fatigue was assessed by means of a self‐report questionnaire and was also rated clinically.Results. Both self‐reported and clinically rated fatigue correlated with relationship themes. The intensity of fatigue related to the perception of others as not respecting and as negatively interfering. The typical reaction of the self to relationships consists of feeling disrespected, anger, passivity, and reduced feelings of self‐consistency.Conclusion. Patients' perception of interpersonal relationships as distressing may be pivotal in understanding these results. Implications for clinical intervention and future research are indicated.
Longitudinal assessment of anxiety, depression, and fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Brown R. F. , Valpiani E. M. , Tennant C. C. , Dunn S. M. , Sharrock M. , Hodgkinson S. , Pollard J. D. 
Published: August 2008

Objectives. No longitudinal studies have concurrently evaluated predictors of anxiety, depression, and fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). This study determined factors that best predicted anxiety, depression, and fatigue in MS patients from a large pool of disease, cognitive, life‐event stressor (LES), psychosocial, life‐style, and demographic factors.Design. A 2‐year prospective longitudinal study evaluated predictors of psychological distress and fatigue in PwMS.Methods. One hundred and one consecutive participants with MS were recruited from two MS clinics in Sydney, Australia. LES, anxiety, depression, and fatigue were assessed at baseline and at 3‐monthly intervals for 2‐years. Disease, cognitive, demographic, psychosocial, and life‐style factors were assessed at baseline. Patient‐reported relapses were recorded and corroborated by neurologists or evaluated against accepted relapse criteria.Results. Depression strongly predicted anxiety and fatigue, and anxiety and fatigue strongly predicted later depression. Psychological distress (i.e. anxiety, depression) was also predicted by a combination of unhealthy behaviours (e.g. drug use, smoking, no exercise, or relaxation) and psychological factors (e.g. low optimism, avoidance coping), similar to the results of community‐based studies. However, state‐anxiety and fatigue were also predicted by immunotherapy status, and fatigue was also predicted by LES and demographics.Conclusions. These results suggest that similar factors might underpin psychological distress and fatigue in MS patients and community‐well samples, although MS treatment factors may also be important. These results might assist clinicians in determining which MS patients are at greatest risk of developing anxiety, depression, or fatigue.
Atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype and low-density lipoprotein size and subclasses in patients with growth hormone deficiency before and after short-term replacement therapy
Authors: Rizzo Manfredi , Trepp Roman , Berneis Kaspar , Christ Emanuel R 
Published: August 2008

The authors and journal apologize for an error in the above paper which appeared in 361-367. The acknowledgements should appear as below.AcknowledgementsThe study was funded by grant from the Swiss National Foundation to Emanuel R. Christ (No. #32000B0-100146). Kaspar Berneis was supported by a grant from Swiss National Foundation (3200BO-105258). The authors gratefully acknowledge the excellent technical assistance of S. Vosmeer.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism is associated with central adiposity and increased androgenicity in healthy postmenopausal women
Authors: Lambrinoudaki Irene , Kaparos George , Papadimitriou Dimitra , Sergentanis Theodoros N , Creatsa Maria , Alexandrou Andreas , Logothetis Emmanuel , Christodoulakos George , Kouskouni E 
Published: August 2008

ObjectiveTo assess the association of genetic polymorphisms related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk with anthropometric parameters and indices of androgenicity in healthy postmenopausal women.DesignCross-sectional study in a University Menopause Clinic.MethodsThe following polymorphisms were assessed in 84 healthy postmenopausal women: glycoprotein IIIa Leu33Pro, apolipoprotein E2/E3/E4, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) Ala222Val, apolipoprotein B Arg3500Gln, paraoxonase 1 Gln192Arg, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 4G/5G, cholesterol-7 α-hydroxylase A-204C, and cholesterol ester transfer protein (TaqIB) B1/B2. Hormonal assays included FSH, LH, 17-β-estradiol, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), DHEA sulfate, Δ-4-androstenedione (Δ4A), free androgen index (FAI), free estrogen index (FEI), and homocysteine (Hcy). The anthropometric components were body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).ResultsMTHFR Ala222Val polymorphism was positively associated with testosterone, FAI, and FEI (P=0.001, P=0.0004, and P=0.014 respectively) and negatively with SHBG (P=0.047). Furthermore, women bearing this polymorphism had higher BMI and WHR compared with women with the wild-type variant (P=0.027 and P=0.044 respectively).ConclusionsMTHFR Ala222Val polymorphism is associated with increased androgenicity and elevated BMI and WHR in healthy postmenopausal women. The significance of this association with respect to the CVD risk of postmenopausal women remains to be elucidated in future studies.
Monogenic polycystic ovary syndrome due to a mutation in the lamin A/C gene is sensitive to thiazolidinediones but not to metformin
Authors: Gambineri A , Semple R K , Forlani G , Genghini S , Grassi I , Hyden C S S , Pagotto U , O'Rahilly S , Pasquali R 
Published: August 2008

ContextDespite the very high prevalence of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the underlying pathogenetic mechanism has remained obscure.ObjectiveTo determine the cause of two sisters' PCOS associated with severe insulin resistance.DesignClinical case report.MethodsTwo sisters who presented with hyperandrogenism and menstrual disorders in the context of PCOS, and were subsequently found to be severely insulin resistant. Physical examination revealed muscular hypertrophy with a paucity of fat in the extremities, trunk and gluteal regions, in spite of excess fat deposits in the face, neck and dorsocervical region. Known genes involved in familial partial lipodystrophy were screened. At the same time, metformin (1700 mg/day) was commenced. After 2–3 years of uninterrupted therapy, lack of clinical improvement led to the introduction of pioglitazone (30 mg/day).ResultsBoth sisters were found to be heterozygous for the R482Q mutation in the lamin A/C gene (LMNA) gene, establishing the definitive diagnosis as Dunnigan-type familial partial lipodystrophy complicated by severe insulin resistance and secondary PCOS. Treatment with pioglitazone resulted in progressive amelioration of insulin resistance, hyperinsulinaemia and hyperandrogenaemia. Menses also improved, with restoration of a eumenorrhoeic pattern, and the framework of ultrasound PCO was in complete remission.ConclusionsAssessment of insulin sensitivity and adipose tissue topography should be a key part of the initial evaluation of patients with PCOS. Identifying such forms of PCOS with monogenic insulin resistance as the primary pathogenic abnormality may have practical implications for therapy, since they respond to thiazolidinediones, but not to metformin.
Sequencing and Comparative Analysis of a Conserved Syntenic Segment in the Solanaceae
Authors: Wang Ying , Diehl Adam , Wu Feinan , Vrebalov Julia , Giovannoni James , Siepel Adam , Tanksley Steven D 
Published: August 2008

AbstractComparative genomics is a powerful tool for gaining insight into genomic function and evolution. However, in plants, sequence data that would enable detailed comparisons of both coding and noncoding regions have been limited in availability. Here we report the generation and analysis of sequences for an unduplicated conserved syntenic segment (CSS) in the genomes of five members of the agriculturally important plant family Solanaceae. This CSS includes a 105-kb region of tomato chromosome 2 and orthologous regions of the potato, eggplant, pepper, and petunia genomes. With a total neutral divergence of 0.73–0.78 substitutions/site, these sequences are similar enough that most noncoding regions can be aligned, yet divergent enough to be informative about evolutionary dynamics and selective pressures. The CSS contains 17 distinct genes with generally conserved order and orientation, but with numerous small-scale differences between species. Our analysis indicates that the last common ancestor of these species lived ∼27–36 million years ago, that more than one-third of short genomic segments (5–15 bp) are under selection, and that more than two-thirds of selected bases fall in noncoding regions. In addition, we identify genes under positive selection and analyze hundreds of conserved noncoding elements. This analysis provides a window into 30 million years of plant evolution in the absence of polyploidization.
A Weighted-Holm Procedure Accounting for Allele Frequencies in Genomewide Association Studies
Authors: Dalmasso Cyril , Génin Emmanuelle , Trégouet David-Alexandre 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
In the context of genomewide association studies where hundreds of thousand of polymorphisms are tested, stringent thresholds on the raw association test P-values are generally used to limit false-positive results. Instead of using thresholds based on raw P-values as in Bonferroni and sequential Sidak (SidakSD) corrections, we propose here to use a weighted-Holm procedure with weights depending on allele frequency of the polymorphisms. This method is shown to substantially improve the power to detect associations, in particular by favoring the detection of rare variants with high genetic effects over more frequent ones with lower effects.
Identification and Characterization of Arabidopsis Indole-3-Butyric Acid Response Mutants Defective in Novel Peroxisomal Enzymes
Authors: Zolman Bethany K , Martinez Naxhiely , Millius Arthur , Adham A Raquel , Bartel Bonnie 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Genetic evidence suggests that indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) is converted to the active auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) by removal of two side-chain methylene units in a process similar to fatty acid β-oxidation. Previous studies implicate peroxisomes as the site of IBA metabolism, although the enzymes that act in this process are still being identified. Here, we describe two IBA-response mutants, ibr1 and ibr10. Like the previously described ibr3 mutant, which disrupts a putative peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase/dehydrogenase, ibr1 and ibr10 display normal IAA responses and defective IBA responses. These defects include reduced root elongation inhibition, decreased lateral root initiation, and reduced IBA-responsive gene expression. However, peroxisomal energy-generating pathways necessary during early seedling development are unaffected in the mutants. Positional cloning of the genes responsible for the mutant defects reveals that IBR1 encodes a member of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family and that IBR10 resembles enoyl-CoA hydratases/isomerases. Both enzymes contain C-terminal peroxisomal-targeting signals, consistent with IBA metabolism occurring in peroxisomes. We present a model in which IBR3, IBR10, and IBR1 may act sequentially in peroxisomal IBA β-oxidation to IAA.
Sex-Biased Lethality or Transmission of Defective Transcription Machinery in Arabidopsis
Authors: Onodera Yasuyuki , Nakagawa Kosuke , Haag Jeremy R , Pikaard Diane , Mikami Tetsuo , Ream Thomas , Ito Yusuke , Pikaard Craig S 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Unlike animals, whose gametes are direct products of meiosis, plant meiotic products undergo additional rounds of mitosis, developing into multicellular haploid gametophytes that produce egg or sperm cells. The complex development of gametophytes requires extensive expression of the genome, with DNA-dependent RNA polymerases I, II, and III being the key enzymes for nuclear gene expression. We show that loss-of-function mutations in genes encoding key subunits of RNA polymerases I, II, or III are not transmitted maternally due to the failure of female megaspores to complete the three rounds of mitosis required for the development of mature gametophytes. However, male microspores bearing defective polymerase alleles develop into mature gametophytes (pollen) that germinate, grow pollen tubes, fertilize wild-type female gametophytes, and transmit the mutant genes to the next generation at moderate frequency. These results indicate that female gametophytes are autonomous with regard to gene expression, relying on transcription machinery encoded by their haploid nuclei. By contrast, male gametophytes make extensive use of transcription machinery that is synthesized by the diploid parent plant (sporophyte) and persists in mature pollen. As a result, the expected stringent selection against nonfunctional essential genes in the haploid state occurs in the female lineage but is relaxed in the male lineage.