bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non—Traumatic Flexion Deformity of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint—Its Pathogenesis and Treatment
Authors: Miura Takayuki 
Published: March 2006

The pathogenesis of camptodactyly may be the lack of equilibrium between the flexion and extension forces. The imbalance must be a result of palmar translocation of lateral slips of the extensor apparatus due to anchoring of the middle phalanx in the flexed position by fibrous substrata, abnormal shortening of the flexor digitorum superficialis or abnormal insertion of the lumbricals. It is reasonable therefore to start dynamic splint therapy as early as possible and carry on for a long time. Long-standing malposition of the extensor lateral slips possibly introduced contracture of periarticular tissues and the transverse retinacular ligament, making treatment more difficult. For those patients resistant to dynamic splint therapy, a surgical procedure is necessary. Surgical procedures are discussed.
Trigger Thumb in Adults after Hyperextension Injury
Authors: Ametewee K. 
Published: March 2006

Three cases of trigger thumb in adults developing after hyperextension injury are described. The similarity of the mode of injury in the cases and its possible role in the production of initial stenosis in the tendon sheath is discussed. Trauma alone may not cause triggering in the fingers, for there are other important factors such as rheumatoid disease, which with trauma may play apart. Trauma may however be the sole initiating factor in other cases of adult trigger thumbs.
Magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of cystic pancreatic lesions: differentiation of benign and malignant lesion status
Authors: Hänninen E. Lopez , Pech M. , Ricke J. , Denecke T. , Amthauer H. , Lehmkuhl L. , Böhmig M. , Röttgen R. , Pinkernelle J. , Felix R. , Langrehr J. 
Published: March 2006

Purpose: To characterize cystic pancreatic lesions and tumors with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to assess the value of morphological criteria in differentiating pseudocysts versus cystic tumors and benign versus malignant cystic tumors.Material and Methods: Twenty-three patients with cystic pancreatic tumors or lesions underwent plain and contrast-material-enhanced MRI, including magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). The MR findings were characterized and analyzed by two readers, and the role of various imaging criteria and combinations thereof for final lesion assignment were assessed. Final diagnoses were obtained from the results of open surgery ( n = 19) and/or biopsy ( n = 4).Results: Final diagnoses included cystic tumors ( n = 11) and pseudocysts ( n = 12). The lesions were located in the head (56%) and body or tail (44%). Lesion diameters ranged from 7 to 50 mm. Various lesion contrast enhancement patterns were observed for both benign and malignant lesions. Serous cystadenomas were located in the head, they were lobulated, and had wall diameters⩽2 mm; with the combination of these characteristics all patients with serous cystadenoma could be identified, whereas in no other patient was this constellation observed.Conclusion: MRI facilitated the diagnosis of serous cystadenomas, although no definite morphologic criterion for the differentiation between pseudocysts and mucinous cystadenomas was identified. In consideration of the substantial therapeutic consequences, either diagnostics in unclear cystic pancreatic lesions should comprise cyst fluid analysis if necessary, or eligible patients should be referred for surgical resection.
Apparent diffusion coefficient maps of pediatric mass lesions with free-breathing diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance: feasibility study
Authors: Olsen Ø. E. , Sebire N. J. 
Published: March 2006

Purpose: To assess the technical feasibility of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping based on free-breathing diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (DW-MR) outside the CNS in children. Material and Methods: Twelve children with mass lesions of varied histopathology were scanned with short- tau inversion recovery (STIR), contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (CE-T1W), and diffusion-weighted (b = 0, 500 and 1000 s/mm2) sequences. ADC maps were calculated. Lesion-to-background signal intensity ratios were measured and compared between STIR/CE-T1W/ADC overall (Friedman test) and between viable embryonal tumors and other lesions (Kruskal-Wallis test). Results: ADC maps clearly depicted all lesions. Lesion-to-background signal intensity ratios of STIR (median 3.7), CE-T1W (median 1.4), and ADC (median 1.6) showed no overall difference (chi-square = 3.846; P = 0.146), and there was no difference between viable embryonal tumors and other lesions within STIR/CE-T1W/ADC (chi-square 1.118/0.669/<0.001; P = 0.290/0.414/1.000, respectively). Conclusion: ADC mapping is feasible in free-breathing imaging of pediatric mass lesions outside the CNS using standard clinical equipment.
Volumetric coronary angiography using the 256-detector row computed tomography scanner: comparison in vivo and in vitro with porcine models
Authors: Mori S. , Kondo C. , Suzuki N. , Hattori A. , Kusakabe M. , Endo M. 
Published: March 2006

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of volumetric cine imaging in human cardiac studies by comparing in vivo and in vitro coronary angiography using a 256-detector row computed tomography (CT) without ECG gating.Material and Methods: The left and right coronary arteries of two domestic pigs were scanned in vivo and in vitro in cine mode using the 256-detector row CT. The device scanned approximately 100 mm in the cranio-caudal direction with one rotation, with a slice thickness of 0.5 mm.Results: The coronary arteries could be observed to the third-degree branches in vitro, but could be visualized clearly only to the proximal portion (first-degree or second-degree branches) in vivo.Conclusion: Application of cardiac volumetric cine imaging with 256-detector row CT may be a promising means of obtaining diagnostic information and has potential for adoption to human studies.
Helping smokers to decide on the use of efficacious smoking cessation methods: a randomized controlled trial of a decision aid
Authors: Willemsen Marc C. , Wiebing Marieke , Van Emst Andrée , Zeeman Grieto 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACTAims  Most smokers attempt to stop smoking without using help. We evaluated the efficacy of a decision aid to motivate quitters to use efficacious treatment.Setting and participants  A total of 1014 were recruited from a convenience sample of 3391 smokers who intended to quit smoking within 6 months.Design and intervention  Smokers were assigned randomly to either receive the decision aid or no intervention. The decision aid was expected to motivate quitters to use efficacious cessation methods and contained neutral information on treatment methods, distinguishing between efficacious and non‐efficacious treatments.Measurements  Baseline questionnaire and follow‐ups were used 2 weeks and 6 months after the start of the intervention. Findings  The decision aid increased knowledge of cessation methods and induced a more positive attitude towards these methods. Furthermore, 45% reported increased confidence about being able to quit and 43% said it helped them to choose between treatments. However, no clear effect on usage of treatment aids was found, but the intervention group had more quit attempts (OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.14–2.02) and higher point prevalence abstinence at 6‐month follow‐up (20.2% versus 13.6%; OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.07–2.11).Conclusions  An aid to help smokers decide to use efficacious treatment when attempting to quit smoking had a positive effect on smoking cessation, while failing to increase the usage of efficacious treatment. This finding lends support to the notion that the mere promotion of efficacious treatments for tobacco addiction might increase the number of quit attempts, irrespective of the actual usage of treatment.
HEX, PAX‐8 and TTF‐1 gene expression in human thyroid tissues: a comparative analysis with other genes involved in iodide metabolism
Authors: Lacroix Ludovic , Michiels Stefan , Mian Caterina , Arturi Franco , Caillou Bernard , Filetti Sebastiano , Schlumberger Martin , Bidart Jean‐Michel 
Published: March 2006

SummaryObjective  Benign and malignant thyroid tumours are characterized by alterations of the expression level of thyroid‐specific genes involved in the iodide metabolism. Imbalance in the levels of transcription factors has been recognized as a critical molecular event in the development of neoplasm. The delineation of eventual correlations existing between the expression of transcription factors and of putative target genes in physiological and pathological conditions could be relevant to better understand tumorigenesis.Patients and methods  We examined the expression levels of transcription factors involved in thyroid development [thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF‐1), paired box gene 8 (PAX‐8) and haematopoietically expressed homeobox (HEX)] in 101 thyroid tissues, including 14 normal thyroid tissues, 13 hyperfunctioning tissues, 27 benign adenomas and 47 follicular or papillary carcinomas. Then, we compared their expression levels with those of thyroid‐specific genes involved in iodide metabolism.Results  In benign tumours, PAX‐8 and TTF‐1 gene expression levels were not significantly different from the expression levels in normal tissues. However, a significant decrease was found in carcinomas. Interestingly, HEX gene expression was significantly decreased in both hyper‐ and hypofunctioning benign tissues and also in carcinomas. Expression levels of Pendred syndrome (PDS), natrium iodine symporter (NIS), thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and dual oxidase 1 or 2 (DUOX2) genes were significantly correlated with the expression of PAX‐8 and with that of HEX. Expression level of TTF‐1 was weakly correlated only with the expression levels of PDS and DUOX2.Conclusion  Our findings suggest that alterations in the transcription factors PAX‐8, TTF‐1 and HEX gene expression, by acting individually or together, have a role in both thyroidal tumorigenesis and in the dedifferentiation process.
Effects of growth hormone on insulin resistance and atherosclerotic risk factors in obese type 2 diabetic patients with poor glycaemic control
Authors: Ahn Chul Woo , Kim Chul Sik , Nam Jae Hyun , Kim Hai Jin , Nam Ji Sun , Park Jong Suk , Kang Eun Seok , Cha Bong Soo , Lim Sung Kil , Kim Kyung Rae , Lee Hyun Chul , Huh Kap Bum 
Published: March 2006

SummaryObjective  We aimed to evaluate the combined effects of GH treatment and diet restriction on lipolysis and anabolism, insulin resistance and atherosclerotic risk factors in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Subjects  This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study included 24 obese T2DM patients (male : female = 12 : 12, mean age 53·7 ± 7·2 years) with poor glycaemic control (fasting plasma glucose 10·673 ± 1·121 mmol/l, HbA1C 9·9 ± 2·3%). Sixteen of these patients were treated with recombinant human GH (1–1·5 units/day, 5 days/week) while undergoing diet restriction and exercise for 12 weeks.Methods  Anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance measurements were undertaken to determine the lean body mass and total body fat. Computed tomography (CT) was performed to estimate visceral and subcutaneous fat distribution at the umbilicus level and the muscle area of the midthigh. Insulin resistance was measured by the insulin tolerance test (ITT) and by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR).Results  The ratios VSR (visceral fat area/subcutaneous fat area) and VMR (visceral fat area/thigh muscle area) were significantly decreased in the GH‐treated group compared to the control group. An increase in lean body mass was observed in the GH‐treated group. Levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acid (FFA), fibrinogen, and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) were significantly decreased after GH treatment. Fasting glucose levels decreased similarly (P < 0·05 anova) in both groups during the treatment period. Fasting C‐peptide levels significantly increased, whereas insulin levels significantly decreased, in the GH‐treated group, but no changes were observed in the control group. The insulin sensitivity index (ISI) was significantly increased in the GH‐treated group (1·3 ± 1·4 vs. 1·9 ± 1·0%/min, P < 0·05).Conclusions  GH treatment in obese T2DM patients with poor glycaemic control is beneficial in decreasing the amount of visceral fats, and may therefore result in improvements in insulin resistance, atherosclerotic risk factors and dyslipidaemia.
Hyperleptinaemia and hypoadiponectinaemia are associated with gallstone disease
Authors: Wang S. N. , Yeh Y. T. , Yu M. L. , Dai C. Y. , Chi W. C. , Chung W. L. , Lee K. T. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground  Gallstone disease has been regarded as an obesity‐related disease. Therefore, we hypothesized that leptin and adiponectin, mainly produced by adipose tissue, may play roles in gallstone disease.Patients and methods  The RIA method was used to analyze serum leptin and adiponectin levels of 90 gallstone patients and 91 healthy subjects.Results  Our results showed that BMI, fasting glucose, serum AST and ALT, and leptin were significantly increased in the gallstone patients as compared with the healthy subjects (P < 0·001, P < 0·001, P < 0·001, P < 0·001, P < 0·001, and P = 0·013, respectively). Intriguingly, serum adiponectin was the only variable to be significantly decreased in the gallstone patients (P = 0·002). Furthermore, serum AST, leptin, and adiponectin were significantly associated with gallstone disease (P < 0·001, P = 0·021, and P = 0·006, respectively). Overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg m−2), but not normal‐weight, gallstone patients had an increased serum leptin and a decreased serum adiponectin level as compared with matched healthy subjects (P < 0·001 and P = 0·024, respectively). In addition, serum leptin was positively correlated with BMI and serum cholesterol, while serum adiponectin was inversely correlated with serum triglyceride in the gallstone patients.Conclusions  Our study indicated that hyperleptinaemia and hypoadiponectinaemia might be involved in the occurrence of gallstone disease. However, the causal relationship of hyperleptinaemia and hypoadiponectinaemia with gallstone disease might require further investigation.
Evidence for intestinal oxidative stress in patients with obstructive jaundice
Authors: Assimakopoulos S. F. , Thomopoulos K. C. , Patsoukis N. , Georgiou C. D. , Scopa C. D. , Nikolopoulou V. N. , Vagianos C. E. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground  Obstructive jaundice results in failure of the intestinal barrier with consequent systemic endotoxemia associated with septic complications. We have recently shown that gut barrier failure in experimental obstructive jaundice is associated with high intestinal oxidative stress. This study was undertaken to investigate whether oxidative alterations occur in the intestinal mucosa of patients with obstructive jaundice.Patients and methods  Fifteen patients with malignant biliary obstruction and no signs of cholangitis and 15 control patients were subjected to duodenal biopsy to assess intestinal oxidative stress, estimated by lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde – MDA) and glutathione redox state [reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulphide (GSSG) and GSH/GSSG ratio]. In addition, mucosal biopsies were examined histologically and intestinal mucosal protein content was determined biochemically as an index of intestinal trophic state.Results  Patients with obstructive jaundice presented high levels of intestinal oxidative stress, with significantly increased lipid peroxidation (P < 0·001). Glutathione redox state was also suggestive of high intestinal oxidative stress in jaundiced patients, indicated by significantly decreased GSH (P = 0·001) and GSH/GSSG ratio (P = 0·006) and increased GSSG (P = 0·026). Histological examination showed a mild infiltration of the lamina propria by chronic inflammatory cells in obstructive jaundice, whereas duodenal architecture remained intact and epithelial continuity was retained. Duodenal mucosa was atrophic in jaundiced patients as indicated by a significant reduction of mucosal protein content compared with controls (P = 0·001). Among oxidative stress parameters, intestinal GSH exhibited a significant positive correlation with mucosal protein content (r = 0·588, P = 0·021).Conclusions  Obstructive jaundice in humans induces intestinal oxidative stress, which may be a key factor contributing to intestinal barrier failure and the development of septic complications in this patient population.
The acquisition of stimulus equivalence in individuals with fragile X syndrome
Authors: Hall S. S. , DeBernardis G. M. , Reiss A. L. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground  Few studies have employed stimulus equivalence procedures to teach individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs) new skills. To date, no studies of stimulus equivalence have been conducted in individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common known cause of inherited ID.Method  Five adolescents with FXS were taught basic math and geography skills by using a computerized stimulus equivalence training programme administered over 2 days in 2‐h sessions.Results  Four of the five participants learned the math relations, with one participant demonstrating stimulus equivalence at post‐test. Three of the five participants learned the geography relations, with all three of these participants demonstrating stimulus equivalence at post‐test.Conclusions  These data indicate that computerized stimulus equivalence procedures, conducted in time‐limited sessions, may help individuals with FXS learn new skills. Hypotheses concerning the failure of some participants to learn the training relations and to demonstrate stimulus equivalence at post‐test are discussed.
Coronary heart disease risks in first‐ and second‐generation immigrants in Sweden: a follow‐up study
Authors: SUNDQUIST K. , LI X. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract.Objectives.  To analyse whether there is an association between country of birth in first‐generation immigrants and first hospitalization for or death from coronary heart disease (CHD) and to analyse whether this association remains in second‐generation immigrants.Design.  In this follow‐up study, the MigMed database at the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, was used to identify all hospital diagnoses of and deaths from incident CHD in first‐ and second‐generation immigrants in Sweden between 1 January 1987 and 31 December 2001. Incidence ratios standardized by age, geographical region and socio‐economic status were estimated by sex in first‐ and second‐generation immigrants; the reference group was Swedish‐born people whose parents were both born in Sweden.Subjects.  The total Swedish population aged 25–69 years.Results.  First‐generation immigrants from Finland, central European countries, other eastern European countries and Turkey had higher rates of CHD than men or women in the reference group. First‐generation immigrant women born in southern Europe, other western European countries and Baltic countries had lower CHD risks than the reference group. Sons of both male and female first‐generation immigrants showed CHD risks similar to or slightly higher than those of their parents. Amongst second‐generation women, only subjects with Finnish fathers or mothers had higher risks of developing CHD than the reference.Conclusions.  Increased risks of CHD found in some first‐generation immigrant groups often persist in second‐generation immigrant men. Healthcare professionals and policy makers should take this into account when designing and undertaking measures to prevent CHD.
The Neutralizing Effects of Hyperimmune Antibodies Against Extracellular Fibrinogen‐Binding Protein, Efb, from Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Shannon O. , Uekotter A. , Flock J.‐I. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract Staphylococcus aureus is a significant cause of acute and chronic infection and boasts a diverse array of virulence factors. S. aureus produces and secretes a protein, extracellular fibrinogen (Fg)‐binding protein (Efb), which contributes to virulence in wound infection. Efb binds to both Fg and platelets and inhibits platelet function in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we have characterized the antibody response against Efb. Antibodies generated in response to immunization with Efb can neutralize the biological effects of Efb. Hyperimmune sheep immunoglobulin (Ig)G against Efb blocked the binding of Efb to Fg and prevented Efb‐mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation. Furthermore, these antibodies cross‐reacted with coagulase and blocked coagulase activity in plasma. Immunization of mice with Efb resulted in the generation of high titre specific antibodies. When subjected to a foreign‐body‐associated wound infection, the vaccinated animals developed significantly less severe wound infection than the unvaccinated controls. Also, human IgG against Efb was prepared from commercial IgG pools; however, the monospecific human anti‐Efb that was enriched was unable to neutralize Efb. We conclude that immunization with Efb is required in order to generate a protective antibody response to Efb from S. aureus.
Can Wall Lizards Combine Chemical and Visual Cues to Discriminate Predatory from Non‐Predatory Snakes Inside Refuges?
Authors: Amo Luisa , López Pilar , Martín José 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe ability to use multiple cues in assessing predation risk is especially important to prey animals exposed to multiple predators. Wall lizards, Podarcis muralis, respond to predatory attacks from birds in the open by hiding inside rock crevices, where they may encounter saurophagous ambush smooth snakes. Lizards should avoid refuges with these snakes, but in refuges lizards can also find non‐saurophagous viperine snakes, which lizards do not need to avoid. We investigated in the laboratory whether wall lizards used different predator cues to detect and discriminate between snake species within refuges. We simulated predatory attacks in the open to lizards, and compared their refuge use, and the variation in the responses after a repeated attack, between predator‐free refuges and refuges containing visual, chemical, or visual and chemical cues of saurophagous or non‐saurophagous snakes. Time to enter a refuge was not influenced by potential risk inside the refuge. In contrast, in a successive second attack, lizards sought cover faster and tended to increase time spent hidden in the refuge. This suggests a case of predator facilitation because persistent predators in the open may force lizards to hide faster and for longer in hazardous refuges. However, after hiding, lizards spent less time in refuges with both chemical and visual cues of snakes, or with chemical cues alone, than in predator‐free refuges or in refuges with snake visual cues alone, but there were no differences in response to the two snake species. Therefore, lizards could be overestimating predation risk inside refuges. We discuss which selection pressures might explain this lack of discrimination of predatory from similar non‐predatory snakes.