bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foramen arcuale: anatomical study and review of the literature
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Johnson Philip C. , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Loukas Marios , Oakes W. Jerry 
Published: July 2008

Object
The neurosurgical literature is lacking information on the so-called foramen arcuale. When this foramen is present, the vertebral artery (VA) travels through it after exiting the transverse foramen of the atlas and prior to entering the cranium.

Methods
The authors performed a study in 60 cadavers to determine the incidence of the foramen arcuale and ascertain morphometric information on its anatomy. In specimens in which the foramen arcuale was observed, the authors studied the relationship between it and the VA.
The authors identified a foramen arcuale in 5% of specimens. The mean length and thickness of the osseous struts that converted the groove for the VA into the foramen arcuale were 7.0 and 2.0 mm, respectively. The mean area of the identified foramina was 14.2 mm2. The mean area of the ipsilateral C-1 transverse foramina was 18 mm2 in specimens with a foramen arcuale. The mean measurements of the proximal, intraforaminal (foramen arcuale), and distal diameter of the V3 segment of the VA at the level of the foramen arcuale were 6, 4, and 5 mm, respectively. In all specimens the authors noted that the intraforaminal part of the V3 segment was grossly compressed.

Conclusions
The authors found that the foramen arcuale may compress the V3 segment of the VA. Based on their postmortem study, however, they cannot conclude that compression at this location results in symptomatic VA insufficiency. Based on their review of the literature, it seems that symptomatic compression of the VA at this location may be alleviated in some patients with decompressive procedures.
Anterior approaches to fusion of the cervical spine: a metaanalysis of fusion rates
Authors: Fraser Justin F. , Härtl Roger 
Published: July 2008

Object
Anterior cervical discectomy (ACD), ACD with interbody fusion (ACDF), ACDF with placement of an anterior plate system (ACDFP), corpectomy, and corpectomy with plate placement are used to fuse the cervical spine. The authors conducted a metaanalysis of studies published after 1990 in which fusion rates achieved with each procedure were reported for patients with degenerative disease at one, two, and three disc levels.

Methods
Twenty-one papers each included data on at least 25 patients. In each of the 21 studies the average clinical follow up was more than 12 months, and the results were evaluated according to radiographic evidence of fusion and delineated by the number of levels fused. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used for comparisons. The mean age of the patients was 46.7 years, 46.6% were female, and the mean follow-up period was 39.6 months. The studies included 2682 patients and the overall fusion rate was 89.5%. For single disc–level disease, fusion rates were 84.9% for ACD, 92.1% for ACDF, and 97.1% for ACDFP (p = 0.0002). For two disc–level disease, fusion rates were 79.9% for ACDF, 94.6% for ACDFP, 95.9% for corpectomy, and 92.9% for corpectomy with plate placement (p = 0.0001). For three disc–level disease, fusion rates were 65.0% for ACDF, 82.5% for ACDFP, 89.8% for corpectomy, and 96.2% for corpectomy with plate placement (p = 0.0001). The use of anterior plates significantly improved fusion for one-level (p < 0.0001), two-level (p < 0.0001), and three-level (p < 0.05) ACDF. There was no significant difference in fusion rates between two-level ACDF and corpectomy with plate placement.

Conclusions
The anticipated fusion rate is one of several factors that may guide surgical decision making. Anterior cervical decompression and fusion results in high fusion rates. The results of the authors' study show that regardless of the number of levels fused, the use of an anterior cervical plate system significantly increases the fusion rate. For two-disc–level disease, there was no significant difference between ACD with a plate system or corpectomy with a plate system. For three-disc–level disease, however, the evidence suggests that corpectomy with plate placement is associated with higher fusion rates than discectomy with plate placement.
Cervical high-intensity intramedullary lesions without spinal cord compression in achondroplasia
Authors: van Dijk J. Marc C. , Lubout Charlotte M. A. , Brouwer Patrick A. 
Published: July 2008

ObjectIn the authors' experience, the appearance of a cervical high-intensity intramedullary (CHII) lesion on magnetic resonance (MR) images in the absence of local spinal cord compression is frequently observed in patients with achondroplasia, although it has been mentioned only sporadically in the literature. Hence, the authors conducted a retrospective study in a consecutive single-center series of patients with achondroplasia to determine the prevalence and imaging features of this entity. They also reviewed the literature.MethodsCervical MR imaging studies obtained to establish diagnoses in 25 adult patients with achondroplasia and assessed at the Leiden University Medical Center after neurogenic claudication developed were evaluated for the presence of a CHII lesion. Imaging features of the lesion were described, and a literature search was performed.The CHII lesion was demonstrated in 16 of 25 adult patients with achondroplasia (64%) in the absence of local spinal cord compression. All lesions were located at the C-2 level and appeared to be confined to the gray matter. The CHII lesion was associated with local spinal cord thinning, most likely representing focal atrophy. In their literature search the authors found no description of the CHII lesion in adults, although its presence has been mentioned as a peculiarity in the pediatric achondroplastic population.ConclusionsIn this large series of adults with achondroplasia and symptomatic neurogenic claudication, a CHII lesion was frequently depicted on imaging studies, but it remains a fully explored imaging phenomenon. Its cause and clinical relevance require investigation, as does its prevalence in the general achondroplastic population.
Treatment of painful osteoporotic compression and burst fractures using kyphoplasty: a prospective observational design
Authors: Stoffel Michael , Wolf Iris , Ringel Florian , Stüer Carsten , Urbach Horst , Meyer Bernhard 
Published: July 2008

Object
The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that kyphoplasty is an effective treatment in painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures, even with involvement of the posterior cortical wall.

Methods
Between December 2001 and May 2004, 74 consecutive patients were treated with kyphoplasty for 118 painful osteoporotic compression (38%) or burst (62%) fractures. Additional decompression of the spinal canal was performed in six patients, internal fixation in three. Data were collected in a prospective observational design until May 2005. The preoperative workup included neuroimaging (plain x-ray films, densitometry, short tau inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography scanning) and clinical parameters (general and neurological examinations, visual analog scale [VAS], Karnofsky Performance Scale [KPS], and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF]–36). At predefined time intervals (at discharge and 6 weeks and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-therapy) the patients were evaluated (x-ray films, neurological status, VAS, KPS, and SF-36).
Kyphoplasty led to a significant reduction in kyphotic deformity (mean ± standard error of the mean, sagittal index: preoperative 10 ± 1°, postoperative 5 ± 1°), and an improvement in pain (VAS: preoperative 70 ± 3, postoperative 23 ± 2), activity (KPS score: preoperative 51 ± 3, postoperative 71 ± 2), and mental and physical health (SF-36, mental status: preoperative 43, postoperative 58; SF-36, physical status: preoperative 24, postoperative 35). No secondary narrowing of the spinal canal by the retropulsed posterior wall was observed after the procedure. Clinical improvement was durable (mean follow up 15 ± 1.1 months), although the VAS score secondarily increased slightly. All patients, who suffered from a compression-induced motor deficit, recovered completely during the follow-up interval. The main procedural complications consisted of one symptomatic extravertebral cement leakage (permanent monoparesis) requiring open revision, two nerve root contusions (transient radiculopathy), and one wound infection.

Conclusions
Kyphoplasty is effective in the treatment of painful osteoporotic vertebral compression and burst fractures, at least under medium-term conditions. The potential complication of procedure-related secondary narrowing of the spinal canal by the retropulsed posterior wall in burst fractures appears to be more of a theoretical than an actual risk.
Cervical compression myelopathy: is fusion the main prognostic indicator?
Authors: Sorar Mehmet , Seçkin Hakan , Hatipoglu Cem , Budakoglu Isil Irem , Yigitkanli Kazim , Bavbek Murad , Kars H. Zafer 
Published: July 2008

Object
A variety of factors may affect the neurological improvement in patients with cervical compression myelopathy (CCM) after surgery. The aim of this study was to report and discuss the prognostic factors in a group of patients with insufficient decompression of the spinal canal.

Methods
A prospective follow up and analysis of 20 consecutive patients with CCM treated between 2000 and 2002 was performed. All patients were surgically treated via an anterior approach, either by anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with instrumentation or by cervical corpectomy and fusion with instrumentation. The surgical results were examined using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Asssociation disability scale, with reference to the findings of magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and radiography. Seventeen patients (85%) experienced a 50% or more recovery rate as calculated using the Hirabayashi formula during the follow-up period (mean 32.5 months), despite a persistently narrow spinal canal and permanent or increased intramedullary high-intensity signal after surgery.

Conclusions
Results of the study showed that patients with CCM benefited from anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with instrumentation or cervical corpectomy and fusion with instrumentation procedures despite insufficient decompression of the spinal canal. Fusion of the affected level(s) might be the reason for the acquired high recovery rates. The authors also conclude that the neurological improvement is not correlated with the reversal of or decrease in the intramedullary high-intensity signal change after surgery.
Log-rolling technique producing unacceptable motion during body position changes in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury
Authors: Conrad Bryan P. , Horodyski MaryBeth , Wright John , Ruetz Phyllis , Rechtine Glenn R. 
Published: July 2008

Object
The purpose of the present study was to compare spinal motion generated during log-rolling and kinetic therapy with that generated when using a kinetic treatment table (KTT). The authors' hypothesis was that the KTT would produce less spinal motion while maintaining the benefits of body position changes.

Methods
Cervical and lumbar instability was created in three fresh, unembalmed cadavers. Electromagnetic sensors were fixed to the C5–6 and T12–L2 segments to measure cervical and lumbar spine segmental motion. Body position changes were performed using the traditional log-roll method and a KTT. Spinal motion was measured during each maneuver.
Turning the cadaveric specimens on the KTT bed caused significantly less cervical motion than the log-roll technique as measured in flexion and axial rotation. The log-roll technique caused significantly greater cervical motion during body position changes than turning using the KTT.

Conclusions
Although the global instability will require surgical stabilization, consideration should be given to initial immobilization on a KTT to decrease the likelihood of secondary injury.
Thioredoxin‐Like [2Fe–2S] Ferredoxin
Authors: Meyer Jacques , Andrade Susana LA , Einsle Oliver 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThioredoxin‐like [2Fe–2S] ferredoxin (Trx‐like‐Fd) is a soluble homodimer of ca. 100‐residue subunits, each containing a [2Fe–2S] cluster. This cluster is redox active and shuttles between the diferric [2Fe–2S]2+and the ferric–ferrous mixed‐valence [2Fe–2S]+state. The four cysteine ligands of the cluster occur in an idiosyncratic Cys‐X10, 12‐Cys‐X29, 34‐Cys‐X3‐Cys pattern. The small size of this protein and the tight insertion of the Fe–S cluster within the protein framework suggest an electron transfer function. However, the dimeric structure and the presence of a protruding loop in the vicinity of the Fe–S cluster may be indicative of a regulatory function. Protein folds similar to the Trx‐like‐Fd monomer occur as domains or subunits in many redox enzymes. In these cases, a single copy of the polypeptide chain is present with anN‐terminal extension of ca. 100 residues, and the protruding loop is shorter or absent altogether. Trx‐like‐Fd has been studied in considerable detail by high‐resolution X‐ray crystallography, spectroscopy, and site‐directed mutagenesis. Its function, however, has so far remained unknown.
C
alx‐β Domains
Authors: Hilge Mark 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Calx‐β domains that display the architecture of a seven‐stranded β‐sandwich form a relatively new class of Ca
2+
binding domains and are most closely related to C2 domains. Depending on the presence of a few acidic key residues in their Ca
2+
binding sites, Calx‐β domains can bind up to four Ca
2+
ions with affinities ranging from 10
−7
to 10
−4
M. Functionally, the two copies of Calx‐β domains present in the cytosolic loop of the Na
+
/Ca
2+
exchanger are most extensively investigated and act as sensors for intracellular Ca
2+
. However, the physiological role of the vast majority of Calx‐β domains, located in the extracellular matrix, is intriguing since Ca
2+
concentrations in this environment are generally high.
TheMre11 Nuclease Complex
Authors: Hopfner Karl‐Peter , Bemeleit Derk , Lammens Katja 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe repair of DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) is necessary to maintain genome stability and prevent cell aberration and cancer development. Meiotic recombination 11 (Mre11) and radiation sensitivity 50 (Rad50) form an evolutionary conserved complex (denoted Mre11 complex) that is a key factor in the detection, repair, and signaling of DSBs. The Mre11 complex possesses ATP‐stimulated DNA binding, DNA endo‐ and exonuclease activities as well as DNA cross‐linking functions. The Mre11 complex is a primary sensor for DNA DSBs and is involved in many aspects of the repair of and cellular response to DNA DSBs. Its activity is controlled by at least three different metal binding sites, a manganese‐dependent nuclease (Mre11 phosphodiesterase domain), a magnesium‐dependent ATPase (Rad50 ABC ATPase domain), and a zinc‐mediated DNA tethering function, located at the apex of a long Rad50 coiled‐coil domain. Although the mechanism remains to be shown, current structural and functional data indicate that the Mre11 complex is an ATP‐dependent cross‐linker and a processing factor for DNA ends.
VAP1—Snake Venom Homolog of MammalianADAMs
Authors: Takeda Soichi 
Published: June 2008

AbstractVascular‐apoptosis‐inducing protein‐1 (VAP1) is a zinc endopeptidase from western diamondback snakeCrotalus atroxvenom. VAP1 possesses a metalloproteinase/disintegrin/cysteine‐rich (MDC) domain that bears the typical domain architecture of the adamalysin/reprolysin/ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) family of proteins. Mammalian ADAM proteinases are unique in that they have both proteolytic and adhesive properties. Additionally, as cell‐surface proteins, they constitute a major class of membrane‐anchored sheddases and participate in the processing of cell‐surface‐protein ectodomains, including the latent forms of growth factors, cytokines, and receptors. The crystal structures of VAP1 reveal a C‐shaped MDC domain architecture and a potential protein–protein interaction site in the C domain that faces the catalytic site in the M domain. The structures of VAP1 and related proteins suggest that there is interplay between proteolytic and adhesive functions in the proteinases of the adamalysin/reprolysin/ADAM family.
The Membrane‐Bound Nitrate Reductase
A
from Escherichia Coli:
Nar
GHI
Authors: Bertero Michela 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

The bacterium

Escherichia coli

is able to survive in a wide range of adverse environmental conditions. When oxygen is limited and nitrate is present,

E. coli

synthesizes a specific electron transfer chain to produce energy for its own survival. The chain is constituted by two membrane‐bound enzymes: the initial formate dehydrogenase FdnGHI and the terminal nitrate reductase NarGHI. Electrons are transferred from the formate oxidation site to the nitrate reduction site with a net translocation of protons across the cytoplasmic membrane. In the recent years, crystallographic studies have shed light on the structure and function of the two enzymes revealing a clear picture of the nitrate electron transfer chain at the atomic level. The present article focuses on the advances obtained on NarGHI, its function and architecture, and the eight redox cofactors that form like an electrical wire through all the enzymes, starting from the electron acceptor site to the catalytic center.
Sustainable Groundwater Management
Authors: Brunner Philip , Kinzelbach Wolfgang 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe pressure on global water resources is increasing continuously, and the need for sustainable groundwater management practices has never been greater than now. First formulations of sustainable aquifer management were published as early as 1915, and since then, the attention given to this subject has been growing. However, the huge number of different approaches describing what sustainable water management is, suggests that it is practically impossible to provide a definition general enough to cover all the different systems and at the same time concrete enough to offer useful advice to the stakeholders and decision makers involved. In this article, a short overview of the development of the termsustainabilityin the context of aquifer management is discussed and put into context with the physical features of aquifers. Considering the difficulties that arise in finding a universally applicable definition of sustainability, identifying nonsustainable practices to be avoided and developing a suitable working methodology in a basin‐wide context is a more efficient approach. To illustrate the consequences of nonsustainable practices, some of the most prominent groundwater‐related sustainability issues are briefly discussed—the overpumping of aquifers, the destruction of wetlands, salinization of soils and water resources, as well as the contamination of aquifers with persistent pollutants, such as salt or chlorinated hydrocarbons. Finally, the role of numerical modeling as a tool to develop sustainable management practices is analyzed, and a case study is presented to provide an example of a suitable working methodology within a specific project area.
Consolidation of Soils
Authors: Verruijt Arnold 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe theory of consolidation is of major interest in the analysis of deformations of porous media, in soil and rock mechanics, in nonsteady groundwater movement, and in the subsidence due to groundwater recovery and due to the depletion of reservoirs of gas or oil. In this article, the basic theory of consolidation is presented, and the theory is illustrated by some examples. The examples are taken from the fields of elementary soil mechanics, nonsteady groundwater flow and the production of gas from a deep reservoir. The examples chosen all admit a relatively simple analytical solution, using integral transformation methods.
Gold in Homogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Jiménez‐Núñez Eloása , Echavarren Antonio M. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The important types of transformations catalyzed by homogeneous Au(I) and Au(III) complexes or salts are reviewed. The reactions are organized mechanistically on the basis of the main functional group being activated by the gold catalyst. Particular emphasis is given on the most general reactions for the formation of CC bonds.
N

‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Containing Metal Complexes
Authors: Fantasia Serena , Clavier Hervé , Nolan Steven P. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

In the last decade, coordination chemistry has witnessed the advent of a new class of ligands: the
N
‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs). The “success story” associated with this ligand family can be explained by the unique stereoelectronic properties of the NHCs; these unique properties have led to their numerous applications in catalysis. This article provides an overview of developments and recent advances in the syntheses of NHCs and NHCtransition metal complexes. For these NHC ligand‐containing complexes, an analysis focuses on stability and reactivity patterns is provided. Reactions such as the cleavage of NHCmetal bond, CH and CC activations, NHC migration, and NHC insertion are presented.
Fear‐Potentiated Startle and Light‐Enhanced Startle Models in Drug Discovery
Authors: Groenink Lucianne , Bijlsma Elisabeth Y. , Olivier Berend 
Published: June 2008

AbstractDescribed in this unit are the fear‐potentiated startle (FPS) and light‐enhanced startle (LES) tests. These protocols have proven reliable in detecting the anxiolytic properties of test compounds. The principle of these tests is that the magnitude of the acoustic startle reflex is an index of anxiety. The FPS test includes two training sessions in which an intrinsically aversive foot shock is paired with a neutral cue light. In the test session presentation of this cue light is subsequently used to elicit startle potentiation. In the LES test startle reactivity is increased by presentation of bright light. Because LES is based on the innate aversion of rodents for bright light it does not require training sessions. Although LES has been used less frequently than FPS for screening compounds, it has an advantage in that drug effects on startle potentiation are independent of memory retrieval. Further, the contextual anxiety measured in the LES test could be more relevant for pathological anxiety than the conditioned fear associated with the FPS test. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 41:5.48.1‐5.48.15. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Ussing Chamber and Measurement of Drug Actions on Mucosal Ion Transport
Authors: Brown David R. , O’Grady Scott M. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractUssing chamber technology can be used to investigate the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of drugs and natural substances on polarized epithelia. With this approach, epithelial sheets or confluent epithelial cell monolayers are mounted between two half‐chambers, permitting compound delivery to either the apical or basolateral cell surface. Described in this unit are protocols for determining the effects of test compounds on transepithelial ion transport processes. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 41:7.12.1‐7.12.17. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Drug Testing in Cellular Chemotaxis Assays
Authors: Mellado Mario , Martínez‐A Carlos , Rodríguez‐Frade José Miguel 
Published: June 2008

AbstractDescribed in this unit are methods for measuring the cell migration process. While cell adhesion protocols allow study of migrating cell interactions with the endothelial matrix, cellular migration assays permit analysis of directed cell movement towards a chemotactic gradient, both in vivo and in vitro. An in vitro cell invasion protocol is provided for analysis of the sum of the cell adhesion, migration, and invasion activities involved in tumor cell motility. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 41:12.11.1‐12.11.22. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.