bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beat‐to‐Beat Repolarization Variability Measured by T Wave Spectral Variance Index in Chronic Infarcted Animals
Authors: Valverde Esteban RaúI , Quinteiro Ricardo Alberto , Arini Pedro David , Bertrán Guillermo Claudio , Biagetti Marcelo Oscar 
Published: October 2006

Background: Recent experimental and clinical studies have shown that beat‐to‐beat variability of repolarization morphology is associated with an increased risk for developing malignant ventricular arrhythmias. However, few data exist on the relationship between beat‐to‐beat repolarization variability and myocardial infarction itself.Methods and Results: In the present work we tested the algorithm of T wave spectral variance (TWSV) using the two dimension fast Fourier transform, in an animal model of myocardial infarction to extend the evidences that support the existence of beat‐to‐beat alteration in repolarization during the chronic stage of myocardial infarction. Thirty‐four New Zealand rabbits were included in the study and divided in two groups. Group I (N = 24) exposed to surgical ligation of the left anterior descendent coronary artery. Group II (N = 10) sham operated animals. The TWSV index was calculated before and after 15 and 45 days of surgery. Both groups showed significant increments in TWSV after 15 days postsurgery. However, while the sham animals return to its control value, the infarcted group exhibited values of the TWSV index that remains significantly high after 45 days of surgery, with a mean increment of 28.7% (P <0.05 against sham). Moreover, when the infarcted group was qualitatively divided in three subgroups, according to its infarction areas, a trend was found in the correlation between the magnitude of the infarcted area and the TWSV index.Conclusion: This noninvasive measure confirms the presence of temporal repolarization variability associated with chronic myocardial infarction and further contributes to identify the infarcted animals. A.N.E. 2002;7(4):319–325
Ten years of predictions … and counting
Authors: Cozzetto Domenico , Di Matteo Adele , Tramontano Anna 
Published: October 2006

The CASP experiment has been run every other year since 1994. Its objective is to subject the available structure prediction methods to a blind test. This is a short report of the highlights of its last edition.‘Men who wish to know about the world must learn about it in its particular details’ (Heraclitus of Ephesus, 535–475 bc).
An Immune Boost to the War on Cancer
Authors: Williams Nigel 
Published: October 2006

As immunologists learn more and more about the molecular workings of the immune system, they are beginning to apply that knowledge in hopes of developing a new generation of vaccines, as well as treatments for a wide range of diseases. Recent efforts aimed at devising new immunotherapies for cancer show the promise, as well as the potential pitfalls, of these efforts. On the one hand, researchers have found that several strategies have produced encouraging results in animals. Among them: genetically engineering tumor cells to boost their ability to generate an anti-tumor immune response and using specific tumor antigens to do the same. But on the other, they know they have their work cut out for them because years of experience have shown that promising animal results often don't translate into success in humans.
Science invites all immunologists to air their opinions on what the realistic prospects are for these immunotherapies and when they are likely to happen. You can respond in a questionnaire. We will collate the responses received for a month after publication and post the results in late May.
B-type natriuretic peptide in reversible myocardial ischaemia: Table 1
Authors: Chatha K , Alsoud M , Griffiths M J , Elfatih A , Abozguia K , Horton R C , Dunmore S J , Gama R 
Published: October 2006

Background:Coronary heart disease is associated with increased B-type natriuretic peptides (BNPs), and, although controversial, may cause exaggerated exercise-induced BNP secretion. We investigated BNP in relation to reversible myocardial ischaemia.Materials and methods:Serum N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) was measured before and after an exercise electrocardiogram test (ETT) in 14 patients with and 45 patients without exercise-induced myocardial ischaemia. Statistical analysis was carried out on logarithmically transformed data. Results, however, are pre-transformed data.Results:NT-proBNP increased with exercise both in ETT-positive patients (mean (SD) 71.4 (41.2)v76.8 (44.0) ng/l; p<0.001) and ETT-negative patients (54.0 (61.2)v60.1 (69.0) ng/l; p<0.001). Pre-exercise and post-exercise NT-proBNP were higher (p<0.05) in ETT-positive than in ETT-negative patients. Incremental NT-proBNP was similar in ETT-positive (4.7 (4.2) ng/l) and ETT-negative (6.2 (8.6) ng/l) patients.Conclusion:Serum NT-proBNP concentrations are higher in patients with exercise-induced myocardial ischaemia than in those without. Exercise-induced electrocardiographic myocardial ischaemia, however, is not associated with exaggerated BNP secretion.
GRAND UNIFICATION AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN STRING THEORY AND PHENOMENOLOGY
Authors: PATI JOGESH C. 
Published: October 2006

In the first part of this paper, we explain what empirical evidence points to the need for having an effective grand unification-like symmetry possessing the symmetry SU(4)-color in 4D. If one assumes the premises of a future predictive theory including gravity — be it string/M-theory or a reincarnation — this evidence then suggests that such a theory should lead to an effective grand unification-like symmetry as above in 4D, near the string-GUT-scale, rather than the standard model symmetry. Advantages of an effective supersymmetric G (224) = SU (2) L × SU (2) R × SU (4)c or SO(10) symmetry in 4D in explaining (i) observed neutrino oscillations, (ii) baryogenesis via leptogenesis, and (iii) certain fermion mass-relations are noted. And certain distinguishing tests of a SUSY G(224) or SO(10)-framework involving CP and flavor violations (as in μ → eγ, τ → μγ, edm's of the neutron and the electron) as well as proton decay are briefly mentioned. Recalling some of the successes we have had in our understanding of nature so far, and the current difficulties of string/M-theory as regards the large multiplicity of string vacua, some comments are made on the traditional goal of understanding vis a vis the recently evolved view of landscape and anthropism.
Age-related Changes in the Activation of the Intraparietal Sulcus during Nonsymbolic Magnitude Processing: An Event-related Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Ansari Daniel , Dhital Bibek 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Numerical magnitude processing is an essential everyday skill. Functional brain imaging studies with human adults have repeatedly revealed that bilateral regions of the intraparietal sulcus are correlated with various numerical and mathematical skills. Surprisingly little, however, is known about the development of these brain representations. In the present study, we used functional neuroimaging to compare the neural correlates of nonsymbolic magnitude judgments between children and adults. Although behavioral performance was similar across groups, in comparison to the group of children the adult participants exhibited greater effects of numerical distance on the left intraparietal sulcus. Our findings are the first to reveal that even the most basic aspects of numerical cognition are subject to age-related changes in functional neuroanatomy. We propose that developmental impairments of number may be associated with atypical specialization of cortical regions underlying magnitude processing.
The Frontal Cortex and Exogenous Attentional Orienting
Authors: Snyder Janice J. , Chatterjee Anjan 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Normal functioning of the attentional orienting system is critical for effective behavior and is predicated on a balanced interaction between goal-directed (endogenous) processes and stimulus-driven (exogenous) processes. Although both systems have been subject to much investigation, little is known about the neural underpinnings of exogenous orienting. In the present study, we examined the early facilitatory effects and later inhibition of return effects of exogenous cues in patients with frontal and parietal lesions. Three novel findings emerged from this study. First, unilateral frontoparietal damage appears not to affect the early facilitation effects of exogenous cues. Second, dorsolateral prefrontal damage, especially lesions involving the inferior frontal gyrus, produces an exogenous disengage deficit (i.e., the sluggish withdrawal of attention from the ipsilesional to the contralesional field). Third, a subset of patients with dorsolateral prefrontal damage, with lesions involving the middle frontal gyrus, have a reorienting deficit that extends in duration well beyond established boundaries of the normal reflexive orienting system. These results suggest that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex plays an important role in exogenous orienting and that component processes of this system may be differentially impaired by damage to different parts of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
Neuron participation in a synchrony-encoding assembly
Authors: Duret Florence , Shumikhina Svetlana , Molotchnikoff Stéphane 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
Synchronization of action potentials between neurons is considered to be an encoding process that allows the grouping of various and multiple features of an image leading to a coherent perception. How this coding neuronal assembly is configured is debated. We have previously shown that the magnitude of synchronization between excited neurons is stimulus-dependent. In the present investigation we compare the levels of synchronization between synchronizing individual neurons and the synchronizing pool of cells to which they belong.

Results
Even though neurons belonged to their respective pools, some cells synchronized for all presented stimuli while others were rather selective and only a few stimulating conditions produced a significant synchronization. In addition the experiments show that one synchronizing pair rarely replicates the level of synchrony between corresponding groups of units. But when synchronizing clusters of neurons increase in number, the correlation (measured as a coefficient of determination) between unit synchronization and the synchronization between the entire pools of cells to which individual neurons belong improves.

Conclusion
These results prompt the hypothesis that random or spontaneous synchronization becomes progressively less important, whereas coincident spikes related to encoding properties of targets gain significance because a particular configuration of an image biases the excitatory inputs in favor of connections driven by the applied features of the stimulus.
Association of MTHFR gene polymorphisms with breast cancer survival
Authors: Martin Damali N , Boersma Brenda J , Howe Tiffany M , Goodman Julie E , Mechanic Leah E , Chanock Stephen J , Ambs Stefan 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackgroundTwo functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, C677T and A1298C, lead to decreased enzyme activity and affect chemosensitivity of tumor cells. We investigated whether theseMTHFRSNPs were associated with breast cancer survival in African-American and Caucasian women.MethodsAfrican-American (n = 143) and Caucasian (n = 105) women, who had incident breast cancer with surgery, were recruited between 1993 and 2003 from the greater Baltimore area, Maryland, USA. Kaplan-Meier survival and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to examine the relationship betweenMTHFRSNPs and disease-specific survival.ResultsWe observed opposite effects of theMTHFRpolymorphisms A1298C and C677T on breast cancer survival. Carriers of the variant allele at codon 1298 (A/C or C/C) had reduced survival when compared to homozygous carriers of the common A allele [Hazard ratio (HR) = 2.05; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–4.00]. In contrast, breast cancer patients with the variant allele at codon 677 (C/T or T/T) had improved survival, albeit not statistically significant, when compared to individuals with the common C/C genotype (HR = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.31–1.35). The effects were stronger in patients with estrogen receptor-negative tumors (HR = 2.70; 95% CI, 1.17–6.23 for A/C or C/C versus A/A at codon 1298; HR = 0.36; 95% CI, 0.12–1.04 for C/T or T/T versus C/C at codon 677). Interactions between the twoMTHFRgenotypes and race/ethnicity on breast cancer survival were also observed (A1298C,pinteraction= 0.088; C677T,pinteraction= 0.026).ConclusionWe found that theMTHFRSNPs, C677T and A1298C, were associated with breast cancer survival. The variant alleles had opposite effects on disease outcome in the study population. Race/ethnicity modified the association between the two SNPs and breast cancer survival.
Sudden hearing loss in the contralateral ear in postoperative acoustic tumor: Three case reports
Authors: Clemis Jack D. , Mastricola Patricia G. , Schuler‐Vogler Maria 
Published: October 2006

AbstractCareful presurgical otologic assessment of the contralateral ear in acoustic tumor patients is essential, not only to establish baseline data but more importantly to resolve the intense patient anxiety that arises almost immediately when the diagnosis is presented. Any subsequent reduction in hearing acuity in the contralateral ear after the tumor ear has been deafened, poses serious psychological, socio‐economic and medical problems.Three detailed case reports of sudden hearing loss in the contralateral ear of postoperative acoustic tumor patients are presented. The lesion sites include: the middle ear, cochlear, and retrocochlear. In each case, hearing returned to its previous or near‐previous levels. Allergic factors were implicated in two cases.
Postoperative radiation of open head and neckwounds
Authors: Isaacs John H. , Thompson William B. , Cassisi Nicholas J. , Million Rodney R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractComplication rates are lower using postoperative radiation therapy and cure rates at least compatible to preoperative radiation therapy. However, one of the concerns with postoperative radiation treatment is the possibility of delay in beginning the treatment because of an unhealed surgical wound. A delay of more than 6 weeks is detrimental.In order to study the effect of radiation therapy on incompletely healed wounds, a retrospective chart review of such cases during the period 1977 to 1984 was undertaken. One hundred and eighty‐five patients had planned postoperative radiation therapy, and 13 of these began radiation therapy with an unhealed wound or fistula. Six of 10 wounds closed spontaneously, 4 required surgical closure, and 3 failed to heal. Seven patients in this study died with cancer, 2 died of other causes, 3 are alive without disease, and 1 patient remains alive with disease.We conclude that giving radiation therapy to an open wound with appropriate precaution can be done without serious complications.
Non‐hodgkin's lymphoma of the head and neck: The university of iowa experience
Authors: Conley Stephen F. , Staszak Christopher , Clamon Gerald H. , Maves Michael D. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe evaluation of a patient with a mass in the head and neck may require the consideration of lymphoma in the process of differential diagnosis. Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma is a well‐described heterogeneous group of lymphoid malignancies characterized by a natural history ranging from indolent to aggressive growth. Little has been written, however, concerning the specific features of this disease in the head and neck.Between 1974 and 1984, 287 patients were treated for non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting in the head and neck. A multivariant analysis of these cases forms the basis of this report. All case material was reviewed and classified according to the working formulation of the National Cancer Institute and the Ann Arbor Classification System for lymphomas. Sites of initial presentation, methods of diagnosis, choice of therapy and subsequent response to treatment were related to the manifestations of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma in the head and neck. Of particular interest to the head and neck surgeon is the constellation of presenting signs and symptoms which point one to the possibility of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Neodymium‐yag laser photocoagulation of hemangiomas of the head and neck
Authors: Shapshay Stanley M. , David Laurence M. , Zeitels Steven 
Published: October 2006

AbstractHemangiomas of the head and neck region can be a therapeutic challenge depending on their size, flow rate, and location. The neodymium‐yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd‐YAG) laser was used to treat 16 pediatric and adult patients with cavernous, capillary, and mixed hemangiomas as well as hypertrophic port‐wine stains of the head and neck. Low‐power energy and intermittent short exposure accomplished photocoagulation with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. Follow‐up study in these patients has ranged from 1 to 3 years with excellent results in 14 of 16 patients. Few complications and no major morbidity or mortality occurred. Photocoagulation of hemangiomas of the head and neck using the Nd‐YAG laser appears to be an exciting new therapeutic option for this difficult problem. Further clinical study and follow‐up appear to be warranted.
Composition and supramolecular organization of the tectorial membrane
Authors: Thalmann I. , Thallinger G. , Comegys T. H. , Crouch E. C. , Barrett N. , Thalmann R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe have shown that collagen accounts for approximately 40% of the total protein of the tectorial membrane (TM) of the guinea pig and have estimated several essential parameters of TM composition including dry weight, wet weight, and water content. The major collagenous protein was definitively identified as type II collagen by SDS‐PAGE, CNBr peptide mapping, and immunoblot assays. Quickfreeze, deep‐etch electron microscopy of the guinea pig TM demonstrated a dense meshwork of fibers embedded in a complex microfibrillar matrix which may consist of proteoglycans; the larger fibers were similar in size and appearance to type II collagen fibers of elastic cartilage. Finally, the comparative free'amino acid profiles of TM strongly suggest that the TM is chemically transparent with respect to endolymph. Thus, the TM appears to consist of a highly hydrated matrix mechanically stabilized by type II collagen fibers.The possible physicochemical and functional significance of these findings for sound transduction is discussed.
Fibrosarcoma of the head and neck
Authors: Frankenthaler Robert , Goepfert Helmuth , Ayala Alberto G. , Hartwick R. Warren 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA review of 118 archival cases originally diagnosed as fibrosarcoma of the head and neck is presented. Sites of involvement were the sinonasal region, upper aerodigestive tract, skin, and soft tissues. Review of the pathologic specimens applying strict histopathologic criteria including im‐munohistochemical techniques reclassified many of the tumors as malignant fibrous histiocytoma, monophasic sy‐novial sarcoma‐like neoplasm, or dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Improved clinical outcome correlated significantly with lesser tumor size, lower histologic grade, and negative surgical margins. Location in the skin or soft tissue tended to convey improved survival, although not to a level of statistical significance.
The role of computed tomography in revision sinus surgery
Authors: Katsantonis George P. , Friedman William H. , Sivore Michael C. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn this retrospective study, 34 patients with recurrent hyperplastic rhinosinusitis who subsequently underwent further surgical intervention were evaluated with computed tomography scans in order to assess the role of computed tomography in revision sinus surgery. Fourteen of these patients had originally undergone sphenoethmoidectomies, 8 had endoscopic sinus surgeries, 6 had Caldwell‐Luc operations, and 6 had intranasal antrostomies. Computed tomography scan was instrumental in correctly identifying the site and reasons for failure and assisted in localizing further surgical intervention to the appropriate sites in 30 patients. The indications for computed tomography and revision surgery are discussed and defined.
Thyroid carcinoma invading the upper aerodigestive system
Authors: Mccaffrey Thomas V. , Lipton Richard J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWell‐differentiated thyroid carcinoma infrequently invades the upper aerodigestive tract. However, when invasion occurs it is the source of significant morbidity and excess mortality. The most common structures invaded by thyroid carcinoma are the recurrent laryngeal nerves, larynx, pharynx, and esophagus, which can produce symptoms of airway insufficiency, dysphagia, and hemoptysis.Locally invasive thyroid carcinoma can often be successfully treated while preserving function of the upper airway. If the tumor involves only the wall of the larynx or trachea without intraluminal extension, “shaving” the tumor from the trachea or larynx will produce local control rates comparable to more radical and destructive procedures. Intraluminal extension is a more serious problem that usually requires resection of a portion of the aerodigestive tract. Even in this situation, partial laryngeal or tra‐cheal resection with preservation of function might be possible and should be used.Adjuvant therapy using radioiodine or external beam radiotherapy should be considered an integral part of any treatment plan for these tumors. These modalities will significantly reduce the rate of local recurrence and control symptomatic local disease.
Nonsurgical correction of auricular deformities
Authors: Millay Donna J. , Larrabee Wayne F. , Dion E. Richard 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThere appears to be a sound physiologic basis reported in the literature for the success of nonsurgical reshaping of the ear shortly after birth. Cartilage is composed of a cellular component, the chondrocytes, and an extracellular matrix, consisting of collagen and proteoglycan aggregate. Proteoglycan is a macro‐molecule with a core of protein surrounded by many glycosaminoglycans (principally chondroitin sulfate and keratin sulfate) and a hyaluronic acid molecule. The proteoglycan molecule appears to be responsible for cartilage elasticity.6 One of the substances that has been shown to increase cartilage pliability is estrogen, which directly increases hyaluronic acid levels.7–8 At birth, there are very high circulating.
Olfactory neuroblastoma: Clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical characterization of four representative cases
Authors: Schmidt Jonathan L. , Zarbo Richard J. , Clark Jack L. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractOlfactory neuroblastomas are rare tumors whose clinical prognosis is not predictable by assessment of initial stage or grade. The pathologic diagnosis is often difficult because of the wide range of the patients' age and histologies. In this report, we document that the diagnosis of olfactory neuroblastoma can be clarified by immunohistochemical demonstration of a unique antigenic profile that can be obtained in routinely processed biopsies.We describe four cases of olfactory neuroblastoma diagnosed and treated from 1979 to 1989, each confirmed by im‐munohistology. One of our patients was misdiagnosed twice at an outside institution, first as having nasopharyngeal carcinoma and then as having small‐cell, undifferentiated “oat cell” carcinoma.Despite accurate tumor diagnosis and appropriate therapy, we found that there was no apparent correlation of clinical outcome with Kadish clinical stage or histologic grade of tumor.