bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pelvic floor function in elite nulliparous athletes
Authors: Kruger J. A. , Dietz H. P. , Murphy B. A. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectiveThere is preliminary evidence linking long‐term participation in high‐impact exercise with poor performance in labor and increased incidence of stress urinary incontinence, which may be due to altered pelvic floor function. Recent work has shown that HIFIT (high‐impact, frequent intense training) athletes have an increased cross‐sectional area of the levator ani muscle group as visualized using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of this study was to further characterize pelvic floor muscle function and pelvic organ descent in a nulliparous athletic population and compare it with non‐athletic controls matched for age and body mass index, using three‐dimensional/four‐dimensional (3D/4D) pelvic floor ultrasound imaging.MethodsIn this prospective comparative study translabial ultrasound imaging was used to assess pelvic floor anatomy and function in 46 nulliparous female volunteers (aged 19–39 years), 24 HIFIT and 22 controls. Two‐dimensional (2D) and 3D translabial ultrasonography was performed on all subjects, after voiding and in the supine position. Descent of the pelvic organs was assessed on maximum Valsalva maneuver, whilst volume datasets were acquired at rest, during pelvic floor muscle contraction and during a Valsalva maneuver. Participants performed each maneuver at least three times and the most effective was used for evaluation.ResultsHIFIT athletes showed a higher mean diameter of the pubovisceral muscle (0.96 cm vs. 0.70 cm, P < 0.01), greater bladder neck descent (22.7 mm vs. 15.1 mm, P = 0.03) and a larger hiatal area on Valsalva maneuver (21.53 vs. 14.91 cm2, P = 0.013) compared with the control group. There were no significant differences in hiatal area at rest or on maximal voluntary contraction between the two groups.ConclusionHIFIT athletes show significant differences in several of the measured parameters for both function and anatomy of the pelvic floor. Further research into the impact of this altered function on childbirth and continence mechanisms is needed. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Allelic imbalance on chromosomes 3p, 9p and 17p in malignant progression of laryngeal mucosa
Authors: Guo T , Sun J W , Lv Q P , Li X G 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectives/hypothesis:To evaluate the character and significance of microsatellite deoxyribonucleic acid allelic imbalance in laryngeal squamous cell carcinogenesis.Methods:We investigated the frequency of expression and clinical relationships of loss of heterozygosity and microsatellite instability in 49 laryngeal premalignant and malignant lesions. Allelic imbalance was analysed using six polymorphic markers (D3S1234, D9S171, D9S1748, D9S162, D9SINFA and D17S796), via polymerase chain reaction – single sequence length polymorphism – silver staining.Results:Allelic loss was seen in 3.7 per cent of the six markers in hyperplastic lesions, 10.81 per cent in mild dysplasia, 26.03 per cent in moderate to severe dysplasia, and 38.67 per cent in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Significant associations were found between allelic loss and clinical pathological grades (χ2 = 17.686, p = 0.000). No statistically significant difference was found in the frequency of microsatellite instability (χ2 = 0.314, p > 0.05). In the early stages of neoplastic change, the incidence of microsatellite instability was higher than that of loss of heterozygosity.Conclusions:Allelic imbalance was associated with the carcinogenesis and progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Microsatellite analysis might provide new approaches to early genetic detection for patients with premalignant laryngeal lesions.
Cochlear implantation in children with Jervell, Lange-Nielsen syndrome
Authors: Daneshi A , Ghassemi M M , Talee M , Hassanzadeh S 
Published: May 2007

AbstractJervell, Lange-Nielsen syndrome is a condition that causes profound hearing loss and disruption of the normal cardiac rhythm. This disorder is a form of long QT syndrome, a cardiac disorder that causes the cardiac muscle to take longer than usual to recharge between beats. A retrospective case study was performed to document cochlear implantation in three profoundly deaf children (two of them siblings) with Jervell, Lange-Nielsen syndrome. We discuss diagnosis and management of this syndrome and also the long-term performance of cochlear implantation in these Iranian patients, referring especially to the role of the ENT specialist in diagnosis and treatment. The collected data show that cochlear implantation can be relatively safely performed in patients with Jervell, Lange-Nielsen syndrome and that these children received significant benefit from cochlear implantation.
Stapediovestibular dislocation with pneumolabyrinth
Authors: Nishiike S , Hyo Y , Fukushima H 
Published: May 2007

AbstractTraumatic luxation of the stapes into the vestibule is a rare entity, and the disease complicated with pneumolabyrinth is extremely rare. We report the case of a 72-year-old woman with pneumolabyrinth associated with a stapediovestibular dislocation. The patient presented with vertigo and nystagmus following penetrating trauma to the middle ear. High resolution computed tomography scans demonstrated air in the vestibule and dislocation of the stapes. Exploratory tympanotomy demonstrated oozing of the perilymph from the oval window and depression of the stapes into the vestibule. Pneumolabyrinth and stapes luxation detected by high resolution computed tomography should be predictive of a perilymphatic fistula.
Parapharyngeal abscess complicated by endophthalmitis: a rare presentation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Tan V E S , Jeevanan J , Lee B R 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective:We report an extremely rare case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma presenting as a lateral neck abscess complicated by endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis. Endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis complicating a neck abscess has not been reported in the recent English literature. We discuss the possible pathophysiology of neck abscess as a presenting feature of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and the relationship between the parapharyngeal abscess and endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis.Case report:A middle-aged Chinese man presented with a left neck abscess associated with progressive vision deterioration and proptosis of the left eye. Incidentally, his random blood glucose was found to be elevated. Nasal endoscopy also revealed bilateral bogginess in the fossa of Rosenmuller. A diagnosis of left neck abscess with endogenous endophthalmitis associated with underlying diabetes mellitus was made. A computed tomography scan of the neck showed a left parapharyngeal abscess. Incision and drainage of the abscess together with biopsy of the nasopharynx was performed. Due to the non-salvageable condition of the left eye, evisceration was also performed. Pus culture studies from the neck abscess grew Klebsiella pneumoniae, and nasopharyngeal biopsy revealed undifferentiated carcinoma.Conclusion:Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is endemic in South East Asia and can have multiple, varied presentations. Therefore, in this setting, the clinician should have a high index of suspicion, especially in a patient from the Chinese ethnic group.
The alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor as a pharmacological target for inflammation
Authors: de Jonge W J , Ulloa L 
Published: May 2007

The physiological regulation of the immune system encompasses comprehensive anti‐inflammatory mechanisms that can be harnessed for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory disorders. Recent studies indicate that the vagal nerve, involved in control of heart rate, hormone secretion and gastrointestinal motility, is also an immunomodulator. In experimental models of inflammatory diseases, vagal nerve stimulation attenuates the production of proinflammatory cytokines and inhibits the inflammatory process. Acetylcholine, the principal neurotransmitter of the vagal nerve, controls immune cell functions via the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7nAChR). From a pharmacological perspective, nicotinic agonists are more efficient than acetylcholine at inhibiting the inflammatory signaling and the production of proinflammatory cytokines. This ‘nicotinic anti‐inflammatory pathway’ may have clinical implications as treatment with nicotinic agonists can modulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines from immune cells. Nicotine has been tested in clinical trials as a treatment for inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis, but the therapeutic potential of this mechanism is limited by the collateral toxicity of nicotine. Here, we review the recent advances that support the design of more specific receptor‐selective nicotinic agonists that have anti‐inflammatory effects while eluding its collateral toxicity.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)151, 915–929; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707264
Potent and specific action of the mGlu1 antagonists YM‐298198 and JNJ16259685 on synaptic transmission in rat cerebellar slices
Authors: Fukunaga I , Yeo C H , Batchelor A M 
Published: May 2007

Background and purpose:Specific and selective inhibitors for mGlu1 receptors are presently inadequate. A new generation of non‐competitive mGlu1 antagonists with low nanomolar potencies is emerging. We evaluated two new compounds, YM‐298198 and JNJ16259685, for effectiveness, potency and specificity for the first time in a brain slice preparation.Experimental approach:Patch‐clamp recording of Purkinje neurones in cerebellar slices were obtained. The slow mGlu1‐mediated EPSP was used to establish a concentration‐response curve. Fast excitatory synaptic inputs were tested for non‐specific effects.Key results:YM‐298198 and JNJ16259685 inhibited the synaptic activation of mGlu1 in a concentration‐dependent manner (IC50 values of 24 nM and 19 nM, respectively). The antagonists were slow to inhibit and to reverse on washout, probably due to their lipophilic nature. There were no non‐specific effects on fast AMPA receptor‐mediated synaptic transmission in the cerebellum.Conclusions and implications:These compounds are more than a thousand‐fold more potent than previously available compounds. Their selectivity and specificity will be very useful for studying the role of mGlu1 receptors both in vitro and in vivo.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 870–876; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707286
On George Soros and Economic Analysis
Authors: Cross Rod , Strachan Douglas 
Published: May 2007

SUMMARYThis essay considers the Soros critique of the epistemological and analytical foundations underlying theories of rational expectations equilibria and efficient markets. Similarities between Soros and Keynes are found. It is pointed out that Soros is guarded rather than nihilistic about the possibilities of economic knowledge, and developments in economic analysis that resonate with the Soros view are discussed.ZUSAMMENFASSUNGDieser Aufsatz unterwirft die Kritik von Soros an den epistomologischen und analytischen Grundlagen, die den Theorien der rationalen Erwartungen und effizienter Märkte zugrunde liegen, einer näheren Betrachtung. Dabei werden Áhnlichkeiten zwischen Soros und Keynes deutlich. Es kann gezeigt werden, dass Soros den Anwendungsmöglichkeiten ökonomischen Wissens nicht nihilistisch gegenübersteht, sondern sich von ihnen leiten lässt. Darüber hinaus werden Entwick‐lungen der ökonomischen Analyse diskutiert, die mit der Meinung von Soros übereinstimmen.RÉSUMÉCet essai considère la critique Sorosienne des bases épistémologiques et analytiques des théories des équilibres des prévisions rationnelles et des marchés efficients. Des similitudes entre Soros et Keynes sont décelées. II s'avère que Soros est circonspect plut&#x006f;&#x030c;t que nihiliste quant aux possibilityés de la connaissance économique. Des développements dans l'analyse économique compatibles avec l'optique de Soros sont discutés.
Intravenous infusions in hyperbaric chambers: effect of compression on syringe function
Authors: Hopson A. S. M. , Greenstein A. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryHaemodynamic instability is a recognised phenomenon in critically ill patients undergoing hyperbaric therapy. Instability may result from the effects of ambient pressure on the cardiovascular system, devices involved in infusion of drugs and fluids, or a combination of the two. The effect of hyperbaric pressure on air‐containing spaces in syringes has not been previously measured. We connected 60‐ml syringes (Terumo Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) containing coloured water to low volume extensions via three‐way taps. We examined the effect of pressurisation to 2.4 and 2.8 atmospheres absolute (ATA) on the syringes by measuring the displacement of the coloured water in the low volume extension set. There was compression of air spaces within the syringe causing retrograde flow of fluid within the low volume extension set. The mean (95% CI) change in volume was 154 (141–168) μl at 2.4 ATA, and 197 (183–212) μl at 2.8 ATA (both p < 0.0001). We conclude that hyperbaric exposure may cause clinically significant changes in syringe function at infusion rates < 100 ml. h−1.
Site‐ and species‐specific differences in endophyte occurrence in two herbaceous plants
Authors: GANGE ALAN C. , DEY SOMA , CURRIE AMANDA F. , SUTTON BRIAN C. 
Published: May 2007

Summary

Endophyte fungi exist within the living tissues of all plants, but compared with grasses and trees, remarkably little is known about their ecology in herbaceous species. These fungi produce an array of metabolites in culture and there is some evidence that they can increase the resistance of plants to herbivorous insects.
As herbaceous plant endophytes are thought to be unspecialized, ubiquitous taxa, we hypothesized that their occurrence within two closely related plant species would not vary between local plant communities. Furthermore, we expected to find negative relations between endophyte occurrence and that of a herbivorous insect.
We tested these hypotheses by isolating endophytes from Leucanthemum vulgare and Cirsium arvense (Asteraceae) plants growing together in five populations, each about 13 km apart. Damage by the leaf mining fly, Chromatomyia syngenesiae, was also measured on each plant.
C. arvense harboured more species of fungi per plant and the number of isolates recovered per leaf was also higher. Several fungi showed differences in occurrence within the two plants, but these differences were not consistent between sites. The similarity in the endophyte assemblage decreased with increasing intersite distance in C. arvense, but not in L. vulgare. We conclude that endophytes either colonize C. arvense more readily or have greater activity within this host (or both).
Leaf miner attack was positively related to total endophyte species number in L. vulgare, but not so in C. arvense, while occurrence of Chaetomium species was negatively associated with insect attack in both plants. In L. vulgare, only 5% of relations between occurrence of different endophyte species were significant, but in C. arvense this figure was 43% and all were negative.
This study has important implications for understanding the factors that influence plant resistance to insects. It is the first report of endophytic fungi affecting host plant choice by insects in herbaceous plants. The abundance of unspecialized endophytes in forbs means that they are a neglected, but important, aspect of plant‐herbivore relations.
Floral free fall in the Swiss lowlands: environmental determinants of local plant extinction in a peri‐urban landscape
Authors: STEHLIK IVANA , CASPERSEN JOHN P. , WIRTH LEA , HOLDEREGGER ROLF 
Published: May 2007

Summary

Local floras are being depleted by a host of human activities, including habitat destruction and fragmentation, eutrophication, and the intensification of agriculture. Species with particular ecological demands or life‐history attributes are more prone to extinction than species with a broader niche.
We used an old herbarium from the municipality of Küsnacht (Swiss lowlands) as a historical record for comparison with contemporary plant diversity. This comparison revealed that 17% to 28% of all vascular plants that occurred between 1839 and 1915 were extinct by 2003.
Species of different habitats and life‐forms had significantly different rates of extinction: wetlands, disturbed sites and meadows lost most species, whereas forests and rocky habitats were least affected; aquatics and annuals were most prone to extinction, geophytes and hemicryptophytes were intermediate, and phanerophytes and chamaephytes were least affected.
Species adapted to nutrient‐poor soils suffered highest extinction in all habitats, indicating that eutrophication poses an urgent threat to species diversity. Light and soil moisture requirements also had significant effects on extinction, but the direction of the effect varied by habitat.
When species were grouped into IUCN categories of the red list of Switzerland, the rank order of the observed extinction matched the red list assignment.
Because many of the remaining species had high estimated extinction probabilities and because extinction is often delayed (extinction debt), a substantial part of the remaining flora of Küsnacht is likely to go extinct in the near future. This will increase the dominance of the common species that already comprise 81% of the local flora.
The rates and patterns of extinction in Küsnacht are probably representative of surrounding Swiss lowlands and peri‐urban landscapes in most developed countries. Studies such as ours can serve as a call for action and form a basis for future monitoring of biodiversity.
GENETIC STUDY: Association between dopamine transporter genotypes and smoking cessation: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Stapleton John A. , Sutherland Gay , O’Gara Colin 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTThis review assessed the evidence of an association between genotypes of the dopamine transporter (DAT1, SLC6A3) 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) and smoking cessation. Five studies (seven cohorts) comprising 2155 subjects were included in the meta‐analysis. All gave data on the number of smokers who had stopped smoking and the number still smoking for those with one or more variant 9‐repeat alleles and other genotypes. Three studies (comprising five cohorts) were cross‐sectional population surveys and two were smoking cessation treatment programs with follow‐up. Four of the five studies (six of the seven cohorts) showed a trend in favor of cessation when the variant 9‐repeat allele was present, although only one study showed a statistically significant effect. The pooled odds ratio in favor of a greater likelihood of cessation for the variant 9‐repeat allele was 1.15 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.97–1.37]. In a more refined analysis where cohorts within studies were treated as separate samples and adjusted odds ratios were used, the overall pooled odds ratio in favor of cessation with the 9‐repeat alleles was 1.20 (95% CI = 1.01–1.43). These results support the hypothesis that the DAT1 3′UTR VNTR polymorphism is associated with smoking cessation. One or more variant 9‐repeat alleles relative to the more common 10‐repeat allele confers a greater likelihood of cessation, indicative of lower dependence on tobacco. The effect was a 20% increase in the odds of cessation for those with a variant allele.
CLINICAL STUDY: Does naltrexone affect craving in abstinent opioid‐dependent patients?
Authors: Dijkstra Boukje A. G. , De Jong Cor A. J. , Bluschke Sarah M. , Krabbe Paul F. M. , Van Der Staak Cees P. F. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTNaltrexone blocks the opioid receptors that modulate the release of dopamine in the brain reward system and therefore blocks the rewarding effects of heroin and alcohol. It is generally assumed that naltrexone leads to reduction of craving, but few studies have been performed to prove this. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of the administration of naltrexone on craving level after rapid opioid detoxification induced by naltrexone. A naturalistic study was carried out in which patients were followed during 10 months after rapid detoxification. Data about abstinence, relapse, and naltrexone use were collected by means of urine specimens. Craving was measured by the visual analogue scale craving, the Obsessive Compulsive Drug Use Scale, and the Desires for Drug Questionnaire. Results showed that patients who relapsed in opioid use experienced obviously more craving than abstinent people. Patients who took naltrexone did not experience significant less craving than those who did not. These results suggest that the use of opioids is associated with increased craving and that abstinence for opioids is associated with less craving, independent of the use of naltrexone. This is in contrast to the general opinion. Because of the naturalistic design of the study, no firm conclusions can be drawn, but the results grounded the needs of an experimental study.
Age‐dependency of sensitization to aero‐allergens in asthmatics
Authors: Niemeijer N. R. , de Monchy J. G. R. 
Published: May 2007

Skin reactivity (intracutaneous test) to histamine and allergens was studied cross‐sectionally in a Dutch asthmatic patient population from childhood to old age (4–75 years). It was found that the histamine skin reactivity rose significantly (p<0.05) during childhood, was significantly higher in the 10–15‐year age group, and was constant between 20 and 75 years of age. The mean wheal index (histamine ratio) of all allergens was constant during childhood, and decreased after the age of 25 for grass pollen and house‐dust mite and after the age of 15 for the other allergens. The prevalence of a positive skin test decreased with age, except for grass pollen. During childhood the indoor allergens, cat dander and house‐dust mite, were the most important, while after the age of 15 sensitivity to an outdoor allergen, grass pollen, increased markedly. At all ages house‐dust mite was the most important allergen. After the age of 25 the prevalence of every allergen declines. The prevalence of a positive skin test to Cladosporium was unexpectedly high in childhood (10–40%). It can be concluded that the prevalence of a positive skin test declines with age, except for grass pollen. The degree of sensitization in asthmatics peaked in the age groups between 20 and 40 and sensitivity to indoor allergens developed earlier than sensitivity to outdoor allergens.Clinical aspectsSkin tests producing immediate wheal and flare reactions are widely used for the detection of allergy in patients referred for asthmatic prohlems. For good evaluation of a skin test it is important to know the influence of age on skin reactivity. In this study we evaluated the wheal index (histamine ratio) of the skin test and the prevalence of a positive skin test using a set of 6 standardized common aero‐allergens and one non‐standardized, cross‐sectionally, in a Dutch asthmatic patient population (4–75 years). Since standardized allergens were used, the prevalences hetween the different allergens could be compared. It was found that the histamine skin reactivity peaked at the age of 15 and was lower in all other age groups. Therefore, when comparing skin test results in different age groups, it may be important to use wheal indices instead of absolute values. Except for grass pollen the prevalence of a positive skin test decreased with age. During childhood indoor allergens are the most important, while after the age of 15 sensitivity towards outdoor allergens increases. Honse‐dust mite is the most important allergen at all ages. Surprisingly, a fungal allergen (Cladosporium herharuni) was found to he of significance in young children (prevalence 10–40%). The prevalence of at least one positive skin test in asthmatics declined with age, while the degree of sensitization (expressed as the mean wheal index) peaked in young adults (20–40 years of age).