bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polydactyly — Bifid Thumb
Authors: Huffstadt A. J. C. 
Published: March 2006

The case of a five year old girl with a bifid thumb is presented. The radial thumb showed opposition function at the metacarpal but the phalanges were crooked and stiff. The ulnar thumb could flex and extend actively. The treatment consisted of amputation of the crooked phalanges of the radial thumb and transfer of the ulnar thumb on its neurovascular bundles to the first ray to provide extension, flexion and opposition. The final functional result is nearly normal.
Flexor Tendon Excursions in “No-Man's Land”
Authors: Mcgrouther D. A. , Ahmed M. R. 
Published: March 2006

The excursions of the digital flexor tendons have been measured relative to the sheath and to one another at a point in no-man's land over the proximal phalanx, in fresh cadavers. Passive metacarpo-phalangeal joint movement produces no relative motion. Distal interphalangeal joint motion produces excursion of Flexor Digitorum Profundus on Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (a mean of 1 mm for ten degrees of flexion in the index finger). Proximal interphalangeal joint motion produces excursion of the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis and Flexor Digitorum Profundus together relative to the sheath (1.3 mm for ten degrees of joint flexion in the index finger). The significance of these measurements is discussed in relation to the exploration of tendon injuries, the mechanism of failure after tendon repair, dynamic mobilisation and the anatomy of no-man's land.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Caused by a Simple Ganglion
Authors: Harvey F. J. , Bosanquet J. S. 
Published: March 2006

The compression of peripheral nerves by simple ganglia is a well recognized and documented clinical entity. It has been reported where ganglia have been associated with the ankle, knee and elbow joints (D. M. Brooks, 1952). It is probably best known in compression of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve in the wrist, first described by Seddon (Seddon H. J. 1952). Median nerve compression at the wrist, however, that causes a carpal tunnel syndrome would appear to be well recognized but poorly documented. Brooks (1952) described a case and until now, no others have been recorded in the literature. This case report describes such median nerve involvement with some interesting features.
Thermographic Diagnosis of Glomus Tumour
Authors: Corrado E. M. , Passaretti U. , Messore L. , Lanza F. 
Published: March 2006

We will describe the advantages offered by tele-thermographic test of glomus tumour localized in the hand. Such advantages are the simplicity and absolute safety of the test and the possibility of obtaining useful information on the site and size of the neoplasm, permitting a correct diagnosis even if the characteristic signs are lacking. The test, moreover, can be carried out on an out-patient basis. We will present some of the cases in which dynamic thermography permitted us to confirm the clinical diagnosis of glomus tumour.
Lunato-Triquetral Fusion and Associated Spinal Abnormality
Authors: Thakkar D. H. 
Published: March 2006

Lunato-triquetral fusion is a rare congenital anomaly. Its association with skeletal dysplasias, tarsal coalitions and synostotic states in the upper limbs and other parts of the body is well established. There is no mention in the English literature about its association with congenital spinal abnormalities and secondary osteoarthrosis in the wrist and two such cases are now described. Both cases presented with symptoms in the dominant hand and had symptoms of backache in the past. Their clinical course and X-ray findings are described.
The Microanatomy of Dupuytren's Contracture
Authors: Mcgrouther D. A. 
Published: March 2006

The palmar fascial ligaments have been examined by microdissection using an operating microscope in fresh and preserved cadaveric hands. The palmar fascia is seen to be a precise three dimensional system of skin ligaments having discreet transverse, longitudinal and vertical fibre systems. In the normal hand there is relative motion between the ligament systems on movement. The longitudinal fibres provide a system of skin anchorage which operates irrespective of the position of the underlying joints and acts particularly to resist shearing forces in gripping. The distribution of the lesions of Dupuytren's Disease has been recorded in a series of clinical cases; nodules, skin pits, distortion of the palmar creases, cords and joint contractures, and the pathogenesis of the disease is related to the anatomy of the palmar ligaments. The disease is described as a process of contracture along anatomical pathways. A hypothesis for the development of Dupuytren's Disease is presented whereby the loss of normal motion between palmar fascial ligaments gives rise on use of the hand to stress concentrations which stimulate fibrous tissue deposition and contracture.
Dupuytren's Contracture: Morphological and Biochemical Changes in Palmar Aponeurosis
Authors: Hamamoto H. , Ueba Y. , Sudo Y. , Sanada H. , Yamamuro T. , Takeda T. 
Published: March 2006

The palmar aponeurosis removed from ten patients with Dupuytren's contracture was studied using morphological and biochemical approaches. The histological characteristic of Dupuytren's contracture is the presence of numerous nodules among the lamellar structures of the collagen fibres. In the nodules, there are many active fibroblasts which are surrounded by immature fibres and metachromatic substances demonstrated by toluidine blue staining. Ultrastructurally, the active fibroblasts have the characteristics of myofibroblasts, as previously reported by Dr. Gabbiani. We found that some fibroblasts have intracellular collagen fibrils in the cytoplasm. When assayed by Siegel and Martin's method, lysyl oxidase activity of the palmar aponeurosis was significantly higher in Dupuytren's contracture than in normal hands. Biochemical studies such as electrophoretic analysis of mucopolysaccharides, determination of uronic acid and collagen contents were undertaken to compare the aponeurosis of Dupuytren's contracture with normal cases. The uronic acid contents were higher in Dupuytren's contracture than in the controls. However, no difference between the two groups was found in the collagen contents and in the composition of the mucopolysaccharides. These characteristic features; existence of myofibroblasts and intracellular collagen fibrils and increase in the activity of lysyl oxidase probably play a significant role in the establishment of flexion contracture of the fingers in Dupuytren's contracture.
The Niebauer-Cutter Prosthesis in Excision Arthroplasty of the Trapezium
Authors: Rajan S. , Nylander G. , Fransson S. G. 
Published: March 2006

Sixteen patients had excision arthroplasty of the trapezium, using the Niebauer-Cutter prosthesis. The average period of postoperative follow-up was thirteen months. All patients had severe preoperative disabilities and the majority were relieved from resting pain and pain during active use of their hands. The postoperative range of motion with regard to the palmar and radial abduction was found to be satisfactory, while varying degrees of limitation of circumduction was the rule. There was no correlation between the patients’ own judgment of the postoperative benefits and the objectively measured range of motion. One patient had a luxation of the prosthesis, while another had a subluxation when opposing the thumb. This frequency of luxation/subluxation seems to be less than that experienced with the other common type of prosthesis, the Swanson prosthesis. Although it is obvious that the ideal prosthesis for treatment of disabilities in the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb is still not available, it was concluded that the Niebauer-Cutter prosthesis is the best choice at the present.
The pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopaenic purpura
Authors: Cooper Nichola , Bussel James 
Published: March 2006

SummaryImmune thrombocytopaenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune bleeding disease that is rarely fatal. However, in many adults treatment is unsatisfactory, with as much morbidity from the immunosuppressive effects of treatment as from bleeding. Identifying the underlying disease process should help us to identify more targeted therapies and improve not only the treatment but also the quality of life of patients with this disorder.
Direct Exposure to Corticosterone During Embryonic Development Influences Behaviour in an Ovoviviparous Lizard
Authors: Uller Tobias , Olsson Mats 
Published: March 2006

AbstractIt is becoming increasingly clear that conditions experienced during embryonic development can be of major importance for traits subsequent to parturition or hatching. For example, in mammals, offspring from stressed mothers show a variety of changes in behavioural, morphological, and life‐history traits. The effects of maternal stress on trait development are believed to be mediated via transfer of glucocorticoids, the main hormones released during the stress response, from mother to offspring. However, also other physiological maternal responses during stress could be responsible for changes in offspring phenotype. We investigated the direct effects of corticosterone on offspring development, without other confounding factors related to increased maternal stress, by injection of corticosterone in eggs of the ovoviviparous lizardLacerta vivipara. Corticosterone‐manipulated offspring did not show impaired development, reduced body size or body condition at parturition. However, corticosterone‐treated offspring showed altered anti‐predator behaviour, as measured by the time required to emerge from shelter after a simulated predator attack. Differential steroid exposure during development, possibly mediated by maternal stress response, may explain some of the variation in behaviour among individuals in natural populations.
Inhibition of TGF‐β1 expression in human peritoneal mesothelial cells by pcDU6 vector‐mediated TGF‐β1 shRNA
Authors: LIU FUYOU , LIU HONG , PENG YOUMING , LIU YINGHONG , LI JUN , CHEN XING 
Published: March 2006

SUMMARY:Background and Aim:  Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) is an important mediator of the fibrosis process. High expression of TGF‐β1 is closely related to peritoneal fibrosis. RNA interference using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) can mediate sequence‐specific inhibition of gene expression in mammalian cells. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of shRNA targeting TGF‐β1 on the expression of TGF‐β1 in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC).Methods:  TGF‐β1 specific shRNA expression vectors were constructed and introduced to HPMC stimulated with 4.25% D‐glucose (Gs) and 10 µg/mL of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Expression of TGF‐β1 mRNA was assessed by semiquantification reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). The TGF‐β1 protein level in the culture supernatant was determined by sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:  The expression of TGF‐β1 was upregulated significantly in HPMC stimulated with 4.25% D‐Gs and 10 µg/mL LPS P < 0.01. TGF‐β1 expression in pcDU6 plasmid vector‐mediated TGF‐β1 shRNA groups were obviously downregulated when compared to the 4.25% D‐Gs and 10 µg/mL LPS group (P < 0.01) and the pcDU6 void vector group (P < 0.05), with no significant difference among pcDU6 plasmid vector ‐mediated TGF‐β1 shRNA groups (P > 0.05). No significant difference was found between teh pcDNA3.1(–) vector plasmid‐mediated TGF‐β1 antisense RNA group and pcDU6 void vector group (P > 0.05). The expression of TGF‐β1 in pcDU6 plasmid vector‐mediated TGF‐β1 shRNA groups were obviously downregulated when compared to the pcDNA3.1(–) plasmid vector‐mediated TGF‐β1 antisense RNA group (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  TGF‐β1‐specific shRNA can significantly inhibit the expression of TGF‐β1 in HPMC stimulated with 4.25% D‐Gs and 10 µg/mL LPS in HPMC. These results suggest the possible application of TGF‐β1‐specific shRNA in preventing peritoneal fibrosis in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis.
Reverse correlation between ankle‐brachial index and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients on maintenance haemodialysis
Authors: FU WENCHENG , YE CHAOYANG , MEI CHANGLIN , RONG SHU , WANG WENJING 
Published: March 2006

SUMMARY:Background:  Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) are highly prevalent among patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) and contribute to most cardiovascular mortalities in this population. Ankle‐brachial index (ABI) has been recently demonstrated to be a predictor for all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in MHD Patients. The main objective of the present study is to see whether ABI is correlated with LVH in MHD patients.Methods:  One hundred and sixteen MHD patients selected from our dialysis unit were enrolled in this study. Colour Doppler ultrasonic examinations were performed at their hearts, both lower extremities and non‐fistula upper extremities to determine the morphological and haemodynamic changes of their hearts and the systolic pressures of both their posterior tibial arteries, dorsalis pedis arteries and non‐fistula brachial arteries. ABI was calculated on the basis of systolic pressures of the lower extremities and non‐fistula upper extremities, and the correlation between ABI and LVH was analysed.Results:  Seventy‐four (63.8%) MHD patients presented with LVH and related haemodynamic changes of varying degrees. There was a significant difference in ABI between the LVH group and the non‐LVH group (0.96 ± 0.15 vs 1.25 ± 0.12, P < 0.001). Bivariate analysis showed that left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was negatively correlated with ABI, serum Alb and Hb (r = −0.482, −0.329, −0.247, P < 0.01), positively correlated with hypertension, serum calcium, serum phosphorus and calcium‐phosphorus product. (r = 0.235, 0.168, 0.231,0.282, P < 0.05), and ABI was reversely correlated with hypertension, serum calcium, serum phosphorus and calcium‐phosphorus product. (r = −0.195, −0.405, −0.271, −0.384, −0.461, P < 0.05), positively correlated with serum albumin (r = 0.338, P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression demonstrated ABI was independently associated with LVMI in MHD patients (β = −103.522, P = 0.000).Conclusion:  There is high incidence of LVH and decreased ABI in MHD patients. A decrease in ABI to some extent reflects the degree of LVH in this population.
Role of PAX2 gene polymorphisms in Henoch–Schonlein purpura nephritis
Authors: YI ZHU‐WEN , FANG XIANG‐LING , WU XIAO‐CHUAN , HE XIAO‐JIE , HE QING‐NAN , DANG XI‐QIANG , ZHU CUI‐PING , MO SHUANG‐HONG 
Published: March 2006

SUMMARY:Objective:  To investigate the distribution of polymorphisms in the PAX2 gene in children with Henoch–Schonlein purpura with and without nephritis (HSPN and HSP, respectively), with particular attention to the relationship between PAX2 gene polymorphisms and the development of kidney pathology.Methods:  Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral leukocytes of 39 HSPN patients, 23 HSP patients without nephritis and 100 normal children, and three known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), including 1410C>T, 1521A>C and 1544C>T in exon 8 and exon 9 of the PAX2 gene were studied as the candidate polymorphisms. The above two exons were amplified, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were detected by denatured high‐pressure liquid chromatography and direct DNA sequencing was performed for sequences with abnormal elution peaks.Results:  In all samples confirmed by direct sequencing, we identified two SNP, which present as complete linkage haplotype 1410C>T + 1521A>C, in exon 8. We did not identify any SNP in exon 9. The frequency of the PAX2 heterozygous genotype 1410CT/1521AC in the HSPN group (28.20%) was significantly higher than in the HSP without HSPN group (4.35%) or in the control group (12.00%) (P < 0.05). The odds ratio (OR) values for HSPN and HSP were 6.05 and 2.62, respectively, and the 95% confidence intervals (CI) were 1.23–29.78 and 1.09–6.30, respectively. However, no differences in the frequency distribution was found between the HSP without nephritis and normal groups. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between the polymorphism and clinical manifestation or kidney pathology in the HSPN group (P > 0.05).Conclusion:  The 1410CT/1521AC PAX2 genotype does not increase susceptibility for HSP, but is likely to increase the susceptibility of kidney involvement, resulting in a HSPN diagnosis.
Community‐based disaster preparedness and climate adaptation: local capacity‐building in the Philippines
Authors: Allen Katrina M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractCommunity‐based disaster preparedness (CBDP) approaches are increasingly important elements of vulnerability reduction and disaster management strategies. They are associated with a policy trend that values the knowledge and capacities of local people and builds on local resources, including social capital. CBDP may be instrumental not only in formulating local coping and adaptation strategies, but also in situating them within wider development planning and debates. In theory, local people can be mobilised to resist unsustainable (vulnerability increasing) forms of development or livelihood practices and to raise local concerns more effectively with political representatives. This paper focuses on the potential of CBDP initiatives to alleviate vulnerability in the context of climate change, and their limitations. It presents evidence from the Philippines that, in the limited forms in which they are currently employed, CBDP initiatives have the potential both to empower and disempower, and warns against treating CBDP as a panacea to disaster management problems.
El Niño platforms: participatory disaster response in Peru
Authors: Warner Jeroen , Oré Maria Teresa 
Published: March 2006

AbstractClimate change is expected to lead to greater extremes (droughts and floods) in river regimes around the world. While the number of major calamities is predicted to rise, the efforts of the public sector, experts and local stakeholders are badly coordinated. Consequently, aid does not reach target groups, resulting in unnecessary losses. Hence, there is a need for more participatory and integrative approaches. To ensure a more concerted response to climate‐induced disasters, stakeholders could coordinate and negotiate within Multi‐Stakeholder Platforms. Such roundtables are increasingly being established for vision‐building and integrated water resource management, but could be employed in disaster management as well. After discussing the advantages and disadvantages of participation, this article trace the rise of and the problems facing two ‘El Niño’ platforms: one in Ica, a city on the Peruvian coast that flooded unexpectedly in January 1998, and one in Ayacucho, which saw a climate change‐induced drought around the same time. The issue of internal and external legitimacy receives particular emphasis.
Uptake and translocation of manganese in seedlings of two varieties of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesiivar.viridisandglauca)
Authors: Duc̆ić Tanja , Leinemann Ludger , Finkeldey Reiner , Polle Andrea 
Published: March 2006

SummaryDouglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) varietyglauca(DFG) but not the varietyviridis(DFV) showed symptoms of manganese (Mn) toxicity in some field sites. We hypothesized that these two varieties differed in Mn metabolism.To test this hypothesis, biomass partitioning, Mn concentrations, subcellular localization and54Mn‐transport were investigated.Total Mn uptake was three‐times higher in DFG than in DFV. DFV retained > 90% of54Mn in roots, whereas > 60% was transported to the shoot in DFG. The epidermis was probably the most efficient Mn barrier since DFV contained lower Mn concentrations in cortical cells and vacuoles of roots than DFG. In both varieties, xylem loading was restricted and phloem transport was low. However, sieve cells still contained high Mn concentrations.DFV displayed higher biomass production and higher shoot : root ratios than DFG. Our results clearly show that both varieties of Douglas fir differ significantly in Mn‐uptake and allocation patterns rendering DFG more vulnerable to Mn toxicity.
End‐to‐end electronic control of the hospital transfusion process to increase the safety of blood transfusion: strengths and weaknesses
Authors: Davies Amanda , Staves Julie , Kay Jonathan , Casbard Angela , Murphy Michael F. 
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND:  Incorrect blood component transfused is a frequent serious incident associated with transfusion and often involves misidentification of the patient and/or the unit of blood.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  This study extended the evaluation of an electronic system involving bar code technology and handheld computers. Electronic control of collection of blood from blood refrigerators was incorporated into a previously described process for blood sample collection and blood administration. Practice was evaluated before and after its introduction in cardiac surgery.RESULTS:  The baseline audits revealed poor practice. Significant improvements were found following the introduction of the electronic system, including from 8 percent to 100 percent in checking that the blood group and unit number on the blood pack matched the compatibility label and the pack was in date (p ≤ 0.0001). Similar significant improvements were found in blood sample collection, the collection of blood from blood refrigerators, and the documentation of transfusion. Staff found the system easy to operate and preferred it to standard procedures.CONCLUSIONS:  A bar code patient identification system improved transfusion practice, although areas for improvement were identified. These results provide support for further work on the development of such systems for both transfusion and other procedures requiring patient identification.
Hemolytic disease of the newborn due to anti‐Dib: a case study and review of the literature
Authors: Mochizuki Kazuhiro , Ohto Hitoshi , Hirai Shigeru , Ujiie Niro , Amanuma Fumitaka , Kikuta Atsushi , Miura Saori , Yasuda Hiroyasu , Ishijima Ayako , Suzuki Hitoshi 
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND:  The severity of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) due to Diegob (Dib) mismatch ranges from no symptoms to severe jaundice that requires exchange transfusion (ET). The clinical significance of anti‐Dib is incompletely recognized.CASE REPORT:  A male newborn, referred with jaundice, was revealed to have HDN due to Dib mismatch and was treated successfully with phototherapy and high‐dose intravenous gamma globulin (IVGG).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  The literature of HDN caused by Dib mismatch was reviewed. The cases were classified into three groups according to their severity: the mildest needed no therapy (NO), the moderate group received phototherapy alone (PHOTO), and the most severe was treated with ET and/or high‐dose IVGG therapy plus phototherapy (ET/IVGG).RESULTS:  Among 27 cases of HDN due to Dib reported to date, 10, 6, and 11 cases required NO, PHOTO, and ET/IVGG, respectively. A significant correlation (p < 0.01) was found between the maternal anti‐Dib titer and the severity of the disease when the ET/IVGG group was compared with the NO group. All mothers of the group that needed ET/IVGG had an anti‐Dib titer of 64 or greater.CONCLUSION:  A maternal high titer (≥64) of anti‐Dib is associated with a higher risk of severe hyperbilirubinemia for mismatched newborns.