bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Monovarietal Argentinian Olive Oils from New Productive Zones
Authors: Ceci Liliana N. , Carelli Amalia A. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractQuality characteristics (acidity, peroxide value, K232, K270, ΔK, oxidative stability index) and chemical data (antioxidant compound, fatty‐acid, sterol, erythrodiol‐uvaol, and wax compositions) were studied in monovarietal virgin‐olive oil samples (2004–2005 harvests) from different regions of Argentina. The data obtained according to standard methods were compared with international quality and purity criteria. The total‐polyphenol content ranged from 25 to 263 mg/kg, showing the highest values for Coratina and Arauco oils. The α‐tocopherol content varied between 160 and 428 mg/kg; these values are generally stated to belong to good quality oils. Most of the samples from the new productive zones failed at least one purity criterion. Arbequina samples presented the highest deviations from the International Olive Oil Council criteria in fatty acids, waxes, and sterol percentages, indicating a poor adaptation of this cultivar to the agronomic medium and its sensibility to adverse climatic conditions. Principal component analysis revealed that the harvest‐year influence was attributable to environmental factors.
Intramedullary Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation of femoral fracture in children
Authors: Jawadi Ayman Hussain , Abdul-Samad Adham 
Published: October 2007

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of standard intramedullary Kirschner wires (K-wires) for the treatment of femoral shaft fracture in children. Methods We report the results of intramedullary K-wires nailing in 178 children with a mean age of 7.7 years (range, 4–14 years) from 2000 to 2005, retrospectively. A total of 184 diaphyseal femoral fractures were treated with both antegrade and retrograde nailing using the same principles of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). The patients were followed for 12 months on average (range, 6–24 months). Results No major complication (limb length discrepancy >15 mm, non-union, avascular necrosis, knee joint stiffness) occurred during the observation period. All fractures healed within 7.1 weeks on average (range, 5–12 weeks). Associated injuries were seen in 16.9% of the cases. All but seven fractures were reduced by closed manipulation. Early mobilization and weight bearing was allowed. Intramedullary K-wires were removed after an average of 4.8 months (range, 3–12 months) without any complications. Conclusions In children, intramedullary fixation by using standard K-wires provides effective treatment for the diaphyseal femoral fracture that has excellent clinical results. Each intramedullary K-wire costs US $5, which adds a cost effective advantage to this method of treatment.
Abduction pillow immobilization following hip surgery: A welcome alternative for selected patients
Authors: Albrektson Josh , Kay Robert M. , Tolo Vernon T. , Skaggs David L. 
Published: October 2007

Background Studies have shown that when using a spica cast following hip surgery in children, there are associated complications such as soiling, pressure sores, and osteopenic fractures. Methods Charts were retrospectively reviewed for all patients who had undergone hip surgeries by one surgeon at one institution between 1999 and 2005. The method of post-operative immobilization (spica cast or abduction pillow) and complications were recorded for each patient. Results There was a total of 32 patients. Of these, 11—all of whom had a diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip—were treated using a spica cast. In the 21 patients treated in an abduction pillow, 4 (19%) were switched to a spica cast for the following reasons: (1) distal femoral fracture as a result of vigorous resuscitation during a choking episode, (2) parental preference, (3) for added immobilization over concern of implant loss of fixation, and (4) concern of migration of the hip, which again migrated after being changed to a spica cast and eventually required a pelvic osteotomy. Conclusion It is our opinion that only one of these complications in the children treated with an abduction pillow (the case of possible implant migration) may have been avoided if the child had originally been placed in a spica cast. The child who was successfully resuscitated after a choking incident weeks after the surgery may have had a worse outcome if it had been in a spica cast. This incident occurred at home and the abduction pillow was easily and quickly removed to allow resuscitation. An abduction pillow is a welcome alternative to a spica cast following hip surgery for many patients with neuromuscular and syndromic conditions. However, in children with osteopenic bone at risk for implant failure and in children with unstable hip reductions, a spica cast may be preferable.
Should patients with pH-documented laryngopharyngeal reflux routinely undergo oesophagogastroduodenoscopy? A retrospective analysis
Authors: Reichel O , Issing W J 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjectives:Patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux uncommonly suffer from conditions associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, in some laryngopharyngeal reflux patients, oesophagitis and Barrett's metaplasia can be diagnosed by oesophagogastroduodenoscopy. However, it is unclear which patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux would benefit from routine oesophagogastroduodenoscopy.Study design:Retrospective analysis.Materials and methods:Analysis of the results of oesophagogastroduodenoscopy in 28 patients with pH-documented laryngopharyngeal reflux.Results:Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy showed oesophagitis in five patients (four with grade A, one with grade B), hiatus hernia in 10 patients (36 per cent), Barrett's metaplasia in two patients, Helicobacter pylori-associated chronic gastritis in two patients and gastric mucosal erosions in seven patients (25 per cent). In 13 patients, no abnormalities were detected (46 per cent). Barrett's metaplasia or grade B oesophagitis was diagnosed only in patients with heartburn as their main presenting symptom.Conclusions:Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy is indicated in at least those laryngopharyngeal reflux patients reporting heartburn as their main complaint.
Clinical diagnosis of Ménière's disease: how useful are the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium guidelines?
Authors: Stapleton E , Mills R 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIntroduction:Ménière's disease is a diagnosis requiring expert clinical judgment. There are several differences between the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery diagnostic guidelines and Prosper Ménière's original description of the disease.Methods:Six hundred and fifty patients attending a specialist balance clinic had their clinical profiles fully analysed according to each set of diagnostic criteria.Results:Application of the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery guidelines resulted in the diagnosis of three times more patients than did use of Ménière's diagnostic criteria. Treatment options for patients in both groups were similar. It is unlikely that the application of different diagnostic criteria would have an effect on the treatment of individual patients.Discussion:The American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery guidelines are more sensitive and less specific in diagnosing Ménière's disease than Prosper Ménière's original description. Standardised criteria should be applied across published series, in order to make results accurate, comparable and useful in the long term. We would recommend the introduction of a stricter diagnostic category for definite Ménière's disease.
Congenital cholesteatoma of mastoid origin
Authors: Lee J H , Hong S J , Park C H , Jung S H 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjective:We report an extremely rare case of congenital cholesteatoma of mastoid origin.Case report:A male patient was admitted with a one-month history of dizziness and headache, plus tinnitus in the right ear. Computed tomography scanning of the temporal bone showed destruction of the posterior wall of the external auditory canal by a lesion of soft tissue density in the right mastoid cavity, and also destruction of the bony plates of the posterior fossa and the sigmoid sinus, and of the mastoid tegmen. During surgery, a huge cholesteatoma sac was observed in the mastoid cavity, containing a large amount of keratinous material. The tegmen mastoideum and the bony plates of the posterior fossa and the sigmoid sinus were also observed to be destroyed. The skin and the tympanic membrane of the external auditory canal were intact, and the middle ear and aditus ad antrum mucosa were normal. The huge cholesteatoma sac was completely excised via a partial translabyrinthine approach, eradicating the superior and posterior semicircular canals.Conclusion:This case of congenital cholesteatoma of mastoid origin was diagnosed by clinical examination, radiological evaluation and surgical findings.
Is electrogustometry useful for screening abnormalities of taste?
Authors: Ellegård E K , Hay K D , Morton R P 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackground:Electrogustometry is an accurate and increasingly popular method used to examine taste. However, its usefulness as a screening test is unknown.Methods:We asked 114 subjects, some healthy but most with medical conditions possibly affecting taste, to rate their overall taste ability, on a scale of zero to 10. Those who had current symptoms related to taste– and who rated their taste as five or worse – were defined as ‘aberrant tasters’. We recorded automated electrogustometry thresholds, and visual analogue scale intensity ratings, for solutions of the four basic tastes (sweet, sour, salty and bitter). A visual analogue scale score of 50 was used as a cut-off point to identify ‘poor tasters’.Results:The sensitivity and specificity of electrogustometry in identifying abnormal taste function were low.Conclusions:We conclude that automated electrogustometry is not a useful clinical screening method for taste disturbance in a population such as ours.
Marrow proliferation as a cause of hearing loss in beta-thalassaemia major
Authors: Thio D , Prasad V , Anslow P , Lennox P 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjective:The aim of this report was to highlight the fact that hearing loss in thalassaemia patients can be related to marrow expansion affecting the ossicles, resulting in a conductive loss.Case report:A six-year-old boy with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassaemia developed a unilateral hearing loss shortly after commencing desferrioxamine therapy. Otoxicity was assumed, but the deficit was later found to be of a conductive nature, due to marrow proliferation within the ossicular chain as a consequence of the disease process – a phenomenon previously unreported in the literature.Conclusion:It is important to elucidate the precise nature of new onset hearing loss in patients receiving iron chelation therapy, in order to avoid unnecessary cessation of much needed medication, on the assumption of ototoxicity.
Quilting sutures for nasal septum
Authors: Hari C , Marnane C , Wormald P J 
Published: October 2007

AbstractSuturing of the nasal septum after septal surgery is a commonly performed procedure designed to prevent complications such as septal haematoma and bleeding. It is also useful for closing any inadvertent tears of the septal mucosa and providing additional support for the cartilage pieces retained in septoplasty. In addition, the suture can be placed through the middle turbinates, stabilising them during the healing process. Placing knots for interrupted sutures in the posterior and middle part of the nasal septum can be technically difficult. We describe a continuous suturing technique for approximating the mucosal flaps following septal surgery.
Dynamics forβ-shifts and Diophantine approximation
Authors: ADAMCZEWSKI BORIS , BUGEAUD YANN 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWe investigate theβ-expansion of an algebraic number in an algebraic baseβ. Using tools from Diophantine approximation, we prove several results that may suggest a strong difference between the asymptotic behaviour of eventually periodic expansions and that of non-eventually periodic expansions.
UV radiation - a threat to Antarctic benthic marine diatoms?
Authors: Wulff Angela , Zacher Katharina , Hanelt Dieter , Al-Handal Adil , Wiencke Christian 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis investigation was motivated by the lack of ultraviolet radiation (UVR, 280–400 nm) studies on Antarctic benthic marine microalgae. The objective was to estimate the impact of UV-B (280–315 nm) and UV-A (315–400 nm), on photosynthetic efficiency, species composition, cell density and specific growth rate in a semi-natural soft-bottom diatom community. In both experiments, cell density increased over time. The most frequently observed species were Navicula cancellata, Cylindrotheca closterium, Nitzschia spp., and Petroneis plagiostoma. For both experiments, a shift in species composition and a decreased photosystem II (PSII) maximum efficiency (Fv/Fm) over time was observed, irrespective of treatment. UVR significantly reduced Fv/Fm on days 3 and 10 (Expt 1), disappearing on the last sampling date. A similar trend was found in Expt 2. A significant UV effect on cell density was observed in Expt 1 (day 10) but not in Expt 2. No treatment effects on species composition or specific growth rate were found. Thus, the UV effects were transient (photosynthetic efficiency and cell density) and the growth of the benthic diatoms was generally unaffected. Overall, according to our results, UVR does not seem to be a threat to benthic marine Antarctic diatoms.
FRET studies with Factor X mutants provide insight into the topography of the membrane-bound Factor X/Xa
Authors: Qureshi Shabir H. , Yang Likui , Yegneswaran Subramanian , Rezaie Alireza R. 
Published: October 2007

FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) studies have shown that the vitamin K-dependent coagulation proteases bind to membrane surfaces perpendicularly, positioning their active sites above the membrane surfaces. To investigate whether EGF (epidermal growth factor) domains of these proteases play a spacer function in this model of the membrane interaction, we used FRET to measure the distance between the donor fluorescein dye in the active sites of Fl–FPR (fluorescein–D-Phe-Pro-Arg-chloromethane)-inhibited fXa (activated Factor Xa) and its N-terminal EGF deletion mutant (fXa-desEGF1), and the acceptor OR (octadecylrhodamine) dye incorporated into phospholipid vesicles composed of 80% phosphatidylcholine and 20% phosphatidylserine. The average distance of closest approach (L) between fluorescein in the active site and OR at the vesicle surface was determined to be 56±1 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm) and 63±1 Å for fXa-desEGF1 compared with 72±2 Å and 75±1 Å for fXa, in the absence and presence of fVa (activated Factor V) respectively, assuming κ2=2/3. In comparison, an L value of 95±6 Å was obtained for a S195C mutant of fXa in the absence of fVa in which fluorescein was attached directly to Cys195 of fXa. These results suggest that (i) EGF1 plays a spacer function in holding the active site of fXa above the membrane surface, (ii) the average distance between fluorescein attached to Fl–FPR in the active site of fXa and OR at the vesicle surface may not reflect the actual distance of the active-site residue relative to the membrane surface, and (iii) fVa alters the orientation and/or the height of residue 195 above the membrane surface.
Characterization of the DNA- and dNTP-binding activities of the human cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase catalytic subunit UL54
Authors: Picard-Jean Frédéric , Bougie Isabelle , Bisaillon Martin 
Published: October 2007

The catalytic subunit of the human cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase is critical for the replication of the virus. In the present study, we report the expression and purification of a recombinant catalytic subunit of the human cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase expressed in bacteria which retains polymerase activity. As a first step towards elucidating the nature of the interaction between the enzyme, DNA and dNTPs, we have utilized endogenous tryptophan fluorescence to evaluate the binding of ligands to the enzyme. Using this technique, we demonstrate that the minimal DNA-binding site of the enzyme is 6 nt. We also report the first detailed study of the binding kinetics and thermodynamic parameters involved in the interaction between the enzyme, DNA and dNTPs. Our thermodynamic analyses indicate that the initial formation of the enzyme–DNA binary complex is driven by a favourable entropy change, but is also clearly associated with an unfavourable enthalpic contribution. In contrast, the interaction of dNTPs to the binary complex was shown to depend on a completely different mode of binding that is dominated by a favourable enthalpy change and associated with an unfavourable entropy change. In order to provide additional insights into the structural modifications that occur during catalysis, we correlated the effect of DNA and dNTP binding on protein structure using CD. Our results indicate that the enzyme undergoes a first conformational change upon the formation of the protein–DNA binary complex, which is followed by a second structural modification upon dNTP binding. The present study provides a better understanding of the molecular basis of DNA and dNTP recognition by the catalytic subunit of the human cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase.
Management of initial orthostatic hypotension: lower body muscle tensing attenuates the transient arterial blood pressure decrease upon standing from squatting
Authors: Krediet C. T. Paul , Go-Schön Ingeborg K. , Kim Yu-Sok , Linzer Mark , Van Lieshout Johannes J. , Wieling Wouter 
Published: October 2007

IOH (initial orthostatic hypotension) comprises symptoms of cerebral hypoperfusion caused by an abnormally large transient MAP (mean arterial pressure) decrease 5–15 s after arising from a supine, sitting or squatting position. Few treatment options are available. In the present study, we set out to test the hypothesis that LBMT (lower body muscle tensing) attenuates IOH after rising from squatting and its symptoms in daily life. A total of 13 IOH patients (nine men; median age, 27 years) rose from squatting twice, once with LBMT and once without. In addition, seven healthy volunteers (five men; median age, 27 years) were studied in a cross-over study design. They stood up from the squatting position three times, once combined with LBMT. Blood pressure (Finometer) was measured continuously, and CO (cardiac output) by Modelflow and TPR (total peripheral resistance) were computed. MAP, CO and TPR were compared without and with LBMT. Using a questionnaire, the perceived effectiveness of LBMT in the patients' daily lives was evaluated. With LBMT, the minimal MAP after standing up was higher in both groups (19 mmHg in patients and 13 mmHg in healthy subjects). In healthy subjects, the underlying mechanism was a blunted TPR decrease (to 47% compared with 60%; P&lt;0.05), whereas in the patients no clear CO or TPR pattern was discernible. During follow-up, eight out of ten patients using LBMT reported fewer IOH symptoms. In conclusion, LBMT is a new intervention to attenuate the transient blood pressure decrease after standing up from squatting, and IOH patients should be advised about the use of this manoeuvre.
Maternal fish oil supplementation in pregnancy modifies neonatal leukotriene production by cord-blood-derived neutrophils
Authors: Prescott Susan L. , Barden Anne E. , Mori Trevor A. , Dunstan Janet A. 
Published: October 2007

Fish oil supplementation has been shown to reduce neutrophil production of inflammatory LTB4 (leukotriene B4) in adults. The present study is the first to examine the effects on neonatal neutrophil function following supplementation in pregnancy. Pregnant women with allergic disease (n=98) were randomized to receive either fish oil [3.7 g of n−3 long-chain PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids)/day] or a placebo supplement for the final 20 weeks of pregnancy. Leukotriene production by neonatal neutrophils was measured after stimulation with the calcium ionophore A23187. This was examined in relation to supplementation, cell membrane fatty acid levels and mononuclear cytokine production. Neutrophil LTB4 production was significantly reduced in neonates whose mothers had received fish oil in pregnancy. This was most evident for isomer 2 of LTB4 (P=0.031), although this was also observed for total LTB4 (P=0.051) and isomer 1 (P=0.088). There was also a trend for lower production of other PUFA metabolites, namely 5-HETE (5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid; P=0.054) in the fish oil group. Accordingly, LTB4 levels were inversely related to membrane n−3 PUFA levels. Less inflammatory products (LTB5) were only produced at very low levels, although there was a trend for higher levels of this metabolite in the fish oil group. Consistent with this, LTB5 levels were positively correlated with n−3 PUFA membrane levels, particularly EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) and negatively correlated with n−6 PUFAs. Neonates with lower neutrophil LTB4 production also had lower production of pro-inflammatory IL (interleukin)-6 responses (r=0.35, P=0.005) and regulatory IL-10 responses (r=0.37, P=0.003) by LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-stimulated neonatal mononuclear cells. In conclusion, maternal dietary changes can modify neonatal neutrophil function. This has implications for the early immune programming, which can be influenced by the inflammatory milieu of local tissues during initial antigen encounter. It also provides evidence of another pathway through which long-chain PUFAs status can influence early immune development.
Increasing the fat-to-carbohydrate ratio in a high-fat diet prevents the development of obesity but not a prediabetic state in rats
Authors: Sinitskaya Natalia , Gourmelen Sylviane , Schuster-Klein Carole , Guardiola-Lemaitre Béatrice , Pévet Paul , Challet Etienne 
Published: October 2007

Metabolic disorders induced by high-fat feeding in rodents evoke some, if not all, of the features of human metabolic syndrome. The occurrence and severity of metabolic disorders, however, varies according to rodent species, and even strain, as well as the diet. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the long-term obesogenic and diabetogenic effects of three high-fat diets differing by their fat/carbohydrate ratios. Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a control high-carbohydrate and low-fat diet [HCD; 3:16:6 ratio of fat/carbohydrate/protein; 15.48 kJ/g (3.7 kcal/g)], a high-fat and medium-carbohydrate diet [HFD1; 53:30:17 ratio of fat/carbohydrate/protein; 19.66 kJ/g (4.7 kcal/g)], a very-high-fat and low-carbohydrate diet [HFD2; 67:9:24 ratio of fat/carbohydrate/protein; 21.76 kJ/g (5.2 kcal/g)] or a very-high-fat and carbohydrate-free diet [HFD3; 75:0:25 ratio of fat/carbohydrate/protein; 24.69 kJ/g (5.9 kcal/g)] for 10 weeks. Compared with the control diet (HCD), rats fed with high-fat combined with more (HFD1) or less (HFD2) carbohydrate exhibited higher BMI (body mass index; +13 and +10% respectively; P&lt;0.05) and abdominal fat (+70% in both HFD1 and HFD2; P&lt;0.05), higher plasma leptin (+130 and +135% respectively; P&lt;0.05), lower plasma adiponectin levels (−23 and −30% respectively; P&lt;0.05) and impaired glucose tolerance. Only the HFD1 group had insulin resistance. By contrast, a very-high-fat diet devoid of carbohydrate (HFD3) led to impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and hypoadiponectinaemia (−50%; P&lt;0.05), whereas BMI, adiposity and plasma leptin did not differ from respective values in animals fed the control diet. We conclude that increasing the fat-to-carbohydrate ratio to the uppermost (i.e. carbohydrate-free) in a high-fat diet prevents the development of obesity, but not the prediabetic state (i.e. altered glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity).