bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multifunctional Imaging of Endogenous Contrast by Simultaneous Nonlinear and Optical Coherence Microscopy of Thick Tissues
Authors: Yazdanfar Siavash , Chen Yen Yu , So Peter T.C. , Laiho Lily H. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA variety of high resolution optical microscopy techniques have been developed in recent years for basic and clinical studies of biological systems. We demonstrate a trimodal microscope combining optical coherence microscopy (OCM) with two forms of nonlinear microscopy, namely two‐photon excited fluorescence (2PF) and second harmonic generation (SHG), for imaging turbid media. OCM combines the advantages of confocal detection and coherence gating for structural imaging in highly scattering tissues. Nonlinear microscopy enables the detection of biochemical species, such as elastin, NAD(P)H, and collagen. While 2PF arises from nonlinear excitation of fluorescent species, SHG is a form of nonlinear scattering observed in materials that lack a center of inversion symmetry, such as type I collagen. Characterization of the microscope showed nearly diffraction‐limited spatial resolution in all modalities. Images were obtained in fish scales and excised human skin samples. The primary endogenous sources of contrast in the dermis were due to elastin autofluorescence and collagen SHG. Multimodal microscopy allows the simultaneous visualization of structural and functional information of biological systems. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuron‐specific phosphorylation of mitogen‐ and stress‐activated protein kinase‐1 involved in cerebral hypoxic preconditioning of mice
Authors: Huang Ping , Qi Zhifeng , Bu Xiangning , Zhang Nan , Han Song , Fang Li , Li Junfa 
Published: February 2007

AbstractStudies have demonstrated the involvement of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade pathways in the development of cerebral ischemic/hypoxic preconditioning (I/HPC). However, the role of mitogen‐ and stress‐activated protein kinase 1 (MSK1), an important downstream kinase of MAPK signaling pathways, in cerebral I/HPC is unclear. By using Western blot and immunostaining methods, we applied our unique “autohypoxia”‐induced I/HPC mouse model to investigate the effects of repetitive hypoxic exposure (H0–H6, n = 6 for each group) on phosphorylation and protein expression levels of MSK1 in the brain of mice. We found that the levels of phosphorylation on threonine 645 (Thr645) and serine 375 (Ser375) of MSK1, but not the protein expression, increased significantly both in hippocampus and in cortex of mice from H1–H6 groups (P < 0.05) over that of the normoxic group (H0, n = 6). Similarly, enhanced phosphorylations on Thr645 and Ser375 of MSK1 were also observed by immunostaining in both the cortex and the hippocampus of mice following three series of hypoxic exposures (H3). In addition, we found by using double‐immunofluorescence labeling that phosphorylated Thr645‐MSK1 colocalized with a neuron‐specific protein, neurogranin, in both cortex and hippocampus of I/HPC mice (H3). These results suggest that the increased neuron‐specific phosphorylation of MSK1 on Thr645 and Ser375, not protein expression, might be involved in the development of cerebral I/HPC in mice. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Different Methods of Creatinine Measurement Significantly Affect MELD Scores
Authors: Cholongitas Evangelos , Marelli Laura , Kerry Andrew , Senzolo Marco , Goodier David W. , Nair Devaki , Thomas Michael , Patch David , Burroughs Andrew K. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Bilirubin (Bil) interferes with creatinine (Cr) measurement. Different laboratory methods are used to overcome this problem. Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scoring incorporates Cr and is used to prioritize patients for liver transplantation. Thus, MELD scores may vary with different Cr measurements influencing patients' priority. Our aim was to evaluate 4 different Cr assays (O'Leary modified Jaffe [mJCr], compensated [rate blanked] kinetic Jaffe [cJCr], enzymatic [ECr], and standard kinetic Jaffe [JCr]) in patients with abnormal liver function tests and assess changes in MELD score. A total of 403 consecutive samples from 158 patients' Cr assays were evaluated. Bland-Altman plots and MELD scores were also evaluated for each assay. Agreement was found to be poor among all Cr assays. Increased variability in Cr occurred with increasing Bil concentrations: Bil <100 μmol/L ≤3-point MELD variation - 3-point difference in 2%; Bil ≥400μmol/L ≤7-point MELD variation - ≥3-point difference in 78%. When MELD was ≥25 (mJCr as reference; mean, 30.5 points), MELD variation was greatest: mean, 28 (MELD cJCr), 27.5 (MELD ECr), and 28.4 (MELD JCr) (P < 0.001). In conclusion, there is poor agreement among different assays for Cr. As Bil concentration rises, there is greater variability in each creatinine measurements and thus greater variability in MELD scores that, this affect prioritization for liver transplantation. Liver Transpl, 2006. © 2006 AASLD.
Reconstructive potential of the lateral arm flap after tumor resection
Authors: Haas Franz , Ensat Florian , Windhager Reinhard , Stammberger Heinz , Koch Horst , Scharnagl Erwin 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe reconstruction of extended tumor‐related defects in different anatomic regions requires a versatile and reliable flap. For many surgeons, the lateral arm flap has become the technique of choice in the reconstruction of small‐ to medium‐sized defects. The aim of this study was to analyze the reconstructive potential of the lateral arm flap after cancer ablation in various indications. Between 1998 and 2006, 14 patients underwent reconstruction with differently composed and designed lateral arm flaps at our institution. Complete coverage of all defects was achieved with a single surgical procedure. With a flap survival rate of 100% in our series, excellent long term results and high patient satisfaction combined with low donor site morbidity, we can recommend the use of the lateral arm flap in tumor patients. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
On the uniform decay for the Korteweg–de Vries equation with weak damping
Authors: Massarolo C. P. , Menzala G. P. , Pazoto A. F. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe aim of this work is to consider the Korteweg–de Vries equation in a finite interval with a very weak localized dissipation namely the H−1‐norm. Our main result says that the total energy decays locally uniform at an exponential rate. Our analysis improves earlier works on the subject (Q. Appl. Math. 2002; LX(1):111–129; ESAIM Control Optim. Calculus Variations 2005; 11(3):473–486) and gives a satisfactory answer to a problem suggested in (Q. Appl. Math. 2002; LX(1):111–129). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of the variation in the imidazole alkaloid profile of Pilocarpus microphyllus in different seasons and parts of the plant by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry fingerprinting and identification of novel alkaloids by tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Abreu IIka N. , Mazzafera Paulo , Eberlin Marcos N. , Zullo Marco António T. , Sawaya Alexandra C. H. F. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPilocarpus microphyllus (Rutaceae), popularly known as jaborandi, is the only commercial source of an imidazole alkaloid named pilocarpine. In the present study, the variation in the profile of imidazole alkaloids in different seasons and in different parts of the P. microphyllus plant during the summer was analyzed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in the positive ion mode [ESI(+)‐MS]. The fingerprints of these extracts repeatedly presented similar ions which were mass‐selected and studied by tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS and ESI‐MS/MS/MS) and high‐resolution mass spectrometry, resulting in the characterization of eight imidazole alkaloids. The data from the ESI(+)‐MS fingerprints were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA), showing that pilocarpine was present mainly in the summer, whereas in the autumn mainly pilosine and winter anhydropilosine were found. Three alkaloids, reported for the first time in extracts of P. microphyllus, were found. Analysis of the distribution of alkaloids in different parts of the plant during the summer showed that, although pilocarpine was present throughout the plant, 13‐nor‐8(11)‐dihydropilocarpine was found mainly in the stem, pilosine and anhydropilosine were present mainly in the intermediary leaves, and the three new alkaloids were mainly found in the leaflets and petioles. Based on the dissociation patterns of these alkaloids, we observed that there were three structurally related groups of alkaloids differing in their distribution in the plant tissues and responding differently to seasonal variations. These results also indicate that these three groups of alkaloids could belong to intermediate, parallel or competitive pathways for pilocarpine formation biosynthesis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of indican, isatin, indirubin and indigotin in Isatis indigotica by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zou Peng , Koh Hwee Ling 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe roots and leaves of Isatis indigotica, named ‘Ban‐Lan‐Gen’ and ‘Da‐Qing‐Ye’, respectively, are widely used for the treatment of influenza, viral pneumonia, mumps, pharyngitis, and hepatitis. The indoxyl derivatives detected in the roots and leaves of I. indigotica have been reported to be biologically active. In the present study, a liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS/MS) method was developed to determine indican, isatin, indirubin and indigotin in the roots and leaves of I. indigotica. The method has been validated for linearity, precision and accuracy. Using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), the limits of detection (LODs) were determined as 0.004 ng for indican, 0.01 ng for isatin, 0.01 ng for indrubin and 0.03 ng for indigotin, while the limits of quantitation (LOQs) were 0.015 ng for indican, 0.04 ng for isatin, 0.04 ng for indirubin and 0.1 ng for indigotin. Compared with previously reported methods, the current method is more rapid, selective and sensitive. This is the first report of the LC/MS/MS determination of indican, isatin, indirubin and indigotin. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical and molecular survey in 124 Chinese patients with Leigh or Leigh‐like syndrome
Authors: Zhang Y. , Yang Y. L. , Sun F. , Cai X. , Qian N. , Yuan Y. , Wang Z. X. , Qi Y. , Xiao J. X. , Wang X. Y. , Zhang Y. H. , Jiang Y. W. , Qin J. , Wu X. R. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryLeigh syndrome is the most common mitochondrial disorder in children characterized by necrotic lesions in the central nervous system. Both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA defects in the mitochondrial respiratory chain can lead to this disease. To characterize the clinical and genetic traits of Leigh or Leigh‐like syndrome patients in China, 124 unrelated cases were collected between 1992 and 2005. Seventy‐seven cases (62.1%) met the typical criteria of Leigh syndrome, including symmetrical bilateral abnormal signals in the basal ganglia, thalamus and brain stem, etc. Other cases (37.9%) belonged to Leigh‐like syndrome with atypical clinical or radiological manifestations. Late‐onset patients accounted for 20.2%, which is more than previously reported. Movement disorder was the most common symptoms in our patients. Thirty‐two patients (25.8%) were confirmed to carry mutant genes. Among them, six cases (4.8%) have been demonstrated to have point mutations in mitochondrial DNA. Two separate patients were detected to have mutations on A8344G and A3243G. The T8993G point mutation was identified in one patient and T8993C in one other patient. SURF1 mutations associated with cytochrome‐c oxidase deficiency were identified in 25 patients (20.2%). Four unreported variations have been identified in SURF1 gene from three patients. G604C was found in 22 patients. Only one patient had C214T mutation in the pyruvate dehydrogenase E1α subunit gene. In the remaining 92 patients (74.2%), a specific molecular dysfunction or underlying metabolic abnormality could not be identified.
Clinical pictures of 75 patients with neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD)
Authors: Ohura T. , Kobayashi K. , Tazawa Y. , Abukawa D. , Sakamoto O. , Tsuchiya S. , Saheki T. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryWe clarified the clinical features of NICCD (neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency) by retrospective review of symptoms, management and long‐term outcome of 75 patients. The data were generated from questionnaires to paediatricians in charge of the patients. Thirty of the patients were referred to hospitals before 1 month of age because of positive results in newborn screening (hypergalactosaemia, hypermethioninaemia, and hyperphenylalaninaemia). The other 45, the screen‐negative patients, were referred to hospitals with suspected neonatal hepatitis or biliary atresia because of jaundice or discoloured stool. Most of the screen‐negative patients presented before 4 months of age, and 11 had failure to thrive. Laboratory data showed elevated serum bile acid concentrations, hypoproteinaemia, low levels of vitamin K‐dependent coagulation factors and hypergalactosaemia. Hypoglycaemia was detected in 18 patients. Serum amino acid analyses showed significant elevation of citrulline and methionine concentrations. Most of the patients were given a lactose‐free and/or medium‐chain triglyceride‐enriched formula and fat‐soluble vitamins. Symptoms resolved in all but two of the patients by 12 months of age. The two patients with unresolved symptoms suffered from progressive liver failure and underwent liver transplantation before their first birthday. Another patient developed citrullinaemia type II (CTLN2) at age 16 years. It is important to recognize that NICCD is not always a benign condition.
Cross pinning of supracondylar fractures from a lateral approach. Stabilization achieved with safety
Authors: Eberhardt Oliver , Fernandez Francisco , Ilchmann Thomas , Parsch Klaus 
Published: February 2007

Purpose Various pin configurations are possible to stabilize a supracondylar fracture. While cross pinning gives the best stabilty the disadvantage is the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. We combine a cross pin fixation with a lateral approach. The aim of the study was to prove our method retrospectively to show the advantage of lateral cross-pinning achieving stabilty and avoiding ulnar nerve injury. Method Between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2002, 84 supracondylar fractures were treated with invasive surgical procedure. The intention was a primary closed reduction. Following closed reduction under general anaesthesia, two K-wires were introduced from the lateral side, one ascending and the other descending. If it was not possible to perform a closed reduction, an open reduction was performed by medial–lateral crossed K-wire fixation. After either an open or closed reduction, the pins were buried under the skin. The results were evaluated using Flynn's score. The mean time of follow-up was 18.9 months. Results Seventy-seven percent of the patients were treated with a closed reduction, while 23% needed an open reduction. A clinical follow-up examination was done at an average of 18.9 months following the trauma. Of those treated with a closed reduction alone, 93% had an excellent or good functional result. Of those requiring an open reduction, 88% had excellent or good result. None of our patients exhibited secondary dislocation or iatrogenic ulnar palsies. Conclusion Closed reduction and lateral crossed pin fixation with ascending and descending K-wires buried under the skin is an effective method to treat type II and III supracondylar fractures in children. The method gives stability and avoids iatrogenic ulnar nerve injuries.
Nasal septal perforations: Our surgical technique
Authors: Presutti Livio , Ciufelli Matteo Alicandri , Marchioni Daniele , Villari Domenico , Marchetti Alessio , Mattioli Francesco 
Published: February 2007

ObjectiveThe aim of this paper was to describe our surgical technique for the treatment of nasal septal perforations.Study and DesignWe studied 31 patients with nasal septal perforation treated with an endoscope‐assisted technique, based on a bilateral dissection of monopedicled mucosal flaps from the nasal fossa floor, sutured at the edge of the perforation previously unstuck, without any graft interposed between the two mucosal layers.ResultsIn our experience with 31 patients, the use of this technique led to the persistent closing (with follow‐up for at least one year) of 96.3% of the perforations smaller than 3 cm.ConclusionsOur technique has the advantage of an endonasal approach, without any external incision, and the use of monopedicled flaps from the nasal fossa floor without any graft interposition, avoiding any other surgical procedure and morbidity in the donor site of the graft. The use of nasal endoscopy permits superior precision in all surgical steps.SignificanceThe high success rate in perforations smaller than 3 cm seems to confirm the effectiveness of this technique.
Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Impedance and Fluorescence Quenching Studies on the Binding of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs)‐Adsorbed and Solution Rutin with Hemoglobin
Authors: Su Yuhua , Xie Qingji , Yang Qin , Tu Xinman , Cao Zhijun , Jia Xue'en , Su Zhaohong , Zhang Youyu , Meng Wenhua , Yao Shouzhuo 
Published: February 2007

AbstractElectrochemical quartz crystal impedance (QCI) technique was utilized to monitor in situ the adsorption of rutin (RT) onto a carbon nanotubes (CNTs)‐modified gold electrode and to study the binding process of solution hemoglobin (Hb) to RT immobilized on the electrode. Time courses of the QCI parameters including crystal resonant frequency were simultaneously obtained during the RT adsorption and Hb‐RT binding. In contrast to the negligible RT adsorption at a bare gold electrode, the modification by CNTs notably enhanced the amount of adsorption, and almost all of the adsorbed RT molecules were found to be electroactive. On the basis of the frequency response from the binding of adsorbed RT to solution Hb and the diminished electroactivity of adsorbed RT after the formation of the electrochemically inactive RT‐Hb adduct, the average binding molar ratio of adsorbed RT to Hb was estimated to be 23.9:1, and the association constant (Ka) for the binding was estimated to be 2.87 × 106 (frequency) and 3.92 × 106 (charge) L mol−1, respectively. Comparable results were obtained from fluorescence quenching measurements in mixed solutions containing RT of fixed concentration and Hb of varying concentrations, demonstrating that the interfacial RT here behaved equivalently in the RT‐Hb binding activity compared to that in solution. This work may have presented a new and general protocol involving CNTs to study many other electroactive natural antioxidants or drugs that are at the interface or in solution, their binding with proteins or other biomolecules, and changes of their antioxidant activity after the binding.
Risk Factors Associated With Resistance to Ciprofloxacin in Clinical Bacterial Isolates From Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Levin Phillip D. , Fowler Robert A. , Guest Cameron , Sibbald William J. , Kiss Alex , Simor Andrew E. 
Published: February 2007

Objective.To determine risk factors and outcomes associated with ciprofloxacin resistance in clinical bacterial isolates from intensive care unit (ICU) patients.Design.Prospective cohort study.Setting.Twenty-bed medical-surgical ICU in a Canadian tertiary care teaching hospital.Patients.All patients admitted to the ICU with a stay of at least 72 hours between January 1 and December 31, 2003.Methods.Prospective surveillance to determine patient comorbidities, use of medical devices, nosocomial infections, use of antimicrobials, and outcomes. Characteristics of patients with a ciprofloxacin-resistant gram-negative bacterial organism were compared with characteristics of patients without these pathogens.Results.Ciprofloxacin-resistant organisms were recovered from 20 (6%) of 338 ICU patients, representing 38 (21%) of 178 nonduplicate isolates of gram-negative bacilli. Forty-nine percent ofPseudomonas aeruginosaisolates and 29% ofEscherichia coliisolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin. In a multivariate analysis, independent risk factors associated with the recovery of a ciprofloxacin-resistant organism included duration of prior treatment with ciprofloxacin (relative risk [RR], 1.15 per day [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.08-1.23];P< .001), duration of prior treatment with levofloxacin (RR, 1.39 per day [95% CI, 1.01-1.91];P= .04), and length of hospital stay prior to ICU admission (RR, 1.02 per day [95% CI, 1.01-1.03];P= .005). Neither ICU mortality (15% of patients with a ciprofloxacin-resistant isolate vs 23% of patients with a ciprofloxacin-susceptible isolate;P= .58 ) nor in-hospital mortality (30% vs 34%;P= .81 ) were statistically significantly associated with ciprofloxacin resistance.Conclusions.ICU patients are at risk of developing infections due to ciprofloxacin-resistant organisms. Variables associated with ciprofloxacin resistance include prior use of fluoroquinolones and duration of hospitalization prior to ICU admission. Recognition of these risk factors may influence antibiotic treatment decisions.
Effect of Healthcare-Acquired Infection on Length of Hospital Stay and Cost
Authors: Graves Nicholas , Weinhold Diana , Tong Edward , Birrell Frances , Doidge Shane , Ramritu Prabha , Halton Kate , Lairson David , Whitby Michael 
Published: February 2007

Objective.To estimate the independent effect of a single lower respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, or other healthcare-acquired infection on length-of-stay and variable costs and to demonstrate the bias from omitted variables that is present in previous estimates.Design.Prospective cohort study.Setting.A tertiary care referral hospital and regional district hospital in southeast Queensland, Australia.Patients.Adults aged 18 years or older with a minimum inpatient stay of 1 night who were admitted to selected clinical specialities.Results.Urinary tract infection was not associated with an increase in length of hospital stay or variable costs. Lower respiratory tract infection was associated with an increase of 2.58 days in the hospital and variable costs of AU$24, whereas other types of infection were associated with an increased length of stay of 2.61 days but not with variable costs. Many other factors were found to be associated with increased length of stay and variable costs alongside healthcare-acquired infection. The exclusion of these variables caused a positive bias in the estimates of the costs of healthcare-acquired infection.Conclusions.The existing literature may overstate the costs of healthcare-acquired infection because of bias, and the existing estimates of excess costs may not make intuitive sense to clinicians and policy makers. Accurate estimates of the costs of healthcare-acquired infection should be made and used in appropriately designed decision-analytic economic models (ie, cost-effectiveness models) that will make valid and believable predictions of the economic value of increased infection control.