bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visual Representations of the Body in Chinese Medical and Daoist Texts From the Song to the Qing Period (Tenth to Nineteenth Century)
Authors: Despeux Catherine , Barrett Penelope 
Published: August 2006

This article is a preliminary survey of representations of the body produced in China from the Song to the Qjng period in the context of medicine, forensic medicine and Daoism. Despite much common theoretical background, bodily representation in each of these fields differs in function and intent. Each field came to be associated with a particular aspect of the body. For medicine, this was the description of the viscera and the channels and tracts through which qi and humours flowed; for forensic medicine, it was the description of the skeleton; for Daoism, it was the symbolic description of the body as the spatio-temporal locus of a system of mutations and correspondences with the outside world and the spirit world.These representations fall into three categories, reflecting three different approaches to the body: images of the whole body approached from without, including gymnastic postures, locations on the body, somatic measurements, channels and tracts; images of the inside of the body, i.e. the internal organs and the skeleton (which raises issues regarding dissection); and images of the symbolic body, i.e. alchemical processes within the body and the true form of the allegorical body. The images, which are always accompanied by text, require to be read according to specific cultural codes, and reveal particular mental constructions of the body. They perform multiple functions, serving as proof of knowledge, teaching material, medium of transmission, memory aid, or graphic presentation of a text; and for the Daoists, manifesting the form of the true body.
In Vivo Kinematics of the Knee after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Papannagari Ramprasad , Gill Thomas J. , DeFrate Louis E. , Moses Jeremy M. , Petruska Alex J. , Li Guoan 
Published: August 2006

Background Recent follow-up studies have reported a high incidence of joint degeneration in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Abnormal kinematics after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction have been thought to contribute to the degeneration. Hypothesis Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, which was designed to restore anterior knee laxity under anterior tibial loads, does not reproduce knee kinematics under in vivo physiological loading conditions. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Both knees of 7 patients with complete unilateral rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament were magnetic resonance imaged, and 3D models were constructed from these images. The anterior cruciate ligament of the injured knee was arthroscopically reconstructed using a bone–patellar tendon–bone autograft. Three months after surgery, the kinematics of the intact contralateral and reconstructed knees were measured using a dual-orthogonal fluoroscopic system while the subjects performed a single-legged weightbearing lunge. The anterior laxity of both knees was measured using a KT-1000 arthrometer. Results The anterior laxity of the reconstructed knee as measured with the arthrometer was similar to that of the intact contralateral knee. However, under weightbearing conditions, there was a statistically significant increase in anterior translation of the reconstructed knee compared with the intact knee at full extension (approximately 2.9 mm) and 15° (approximately 2.2 mm) of flexion. In addition, there was a mean increase in external tibial rotation of the anterior cruciate ligament–reconstructed knee beyond 30° of flexion (approximately 2° at 30° of flexion), although no statistical significance was detected. Conclusion The data demonstrate that although anterior laxity was restored during KT-1000 arthrometer testing, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction did not restore normal knee kinematics under weightbearing loading conditions. Clinical Relevance Future reconstruction techniques should aim to restore function of the knee under physiological loading conditions.
Distraction Forces on Repaired Bucket-Handle Lesions in the Medial Meniscus
Authors: Becker Roland , Brettschneider Olaf , Gröbel Karl-Heinz , von Versen Rüdiger , Stärke Christian 
Published: August 2006

Background Numerous studies have investigated the biomechanical properties of meniscal repair techniques. One of the most commonly discussed parameters is the failure load in the axis of insertion, although little is known about the distraction forces actually occurring at repaired bucket-handle lesions. Hypothesis There are clinically relevant distraction forces on repaired meniscus bucket-handle lesions. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Meniscus bucket-handle lesions were created and repaired in human cadaveric knees with a vertical suture made from a braided steel wire. A small-sized load sensor was connected to the wire at the periphery of the meniscus. The distraction forces acting on the lesion were measured at different knee joint angles (0°-120° of flexion) with internal and external rotation and with and without weight loading. Forces in excess of 10 N were considered to have clinical relevance. Results Mean forces on the meniscus repair ranged from 1.64 to 4.72 N. Irrespective of the modalities (ie, different flexion angles, weight load, direction of rotation), it was found that the forces were well below the cutoff value of 10 N (P <. 01). Increasing flexion angles generally did not cause an increase in distraction forces. Conclusion The data suggest that distraction forces are not the primary factor in the mechanical stability of meniscal repair. It must therefore be assumed that other factors such as shear forces are of greater significance. Clinical Relevance The results may help to validate the biomechanical properties of different meniscal repair techniques.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor–type O truncated (PTPROt) regulates SYK phosphorylation, proximal B-cell–receptor signaling, and cellular proliferation
Authors: Chen Linfeng , Juszczynski Przemyslaw , Takeyama Kunihiko , Aguiar Ricardo C. T. , Shipp Margaret A. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
The strength and duration of B-cell–receptor (BCR) signaling depends upon the balance between protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activation and protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibition. BCR-dependent activation of the SYK PTK initiates downstream signaling events and amplifies the original BCR signal. Although BCR-associated SYK phosphorylation is clearly regulated by PTPs, SYK has not been identified as a direct PTP substrate. Herein, we demonstrate that SYK is a major substrate of a tissue-specific and developmentally regulated PTP, PTP receptor–type O truncated (PTPROt). PTPROt is a member of the PTPRO family (also designated GLEPP, PTP-Ø, PTP-oc, and PTPu2), a group of highly conserved receptor-type PTPs that are thought to function as tumor suppressor genes. The overexpression of PTPROt inhibited BCR-triggered SYK tyrosyl phosphorylation, activation of the associated adaptor proteins SHC and BLNK, and downstream signaling events, including calcium mobilization and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal–regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) activation. PTPROt overexpression also inhibited lymphoma cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in the absence of BCR cross-linking, suggesting that the phosphatase modulates tonic BCR signaling.
CXCR4 is a prognostic marker in acute myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Spoo Anke C. , Lübbert Michael , Wierda William G. , Burger Jan A. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
CXCR4 chemokine receptors retain hematopoietic progenitors and leukemia cells within the marrow microenvironment. We prospectively evaluated the prognostic implication of CXCR4 in 90 consecutive patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) by flow cytometry. Patients were divided into groups with low (n = 32), intermediate (n = 26), or high (n = 32) CXCR4 expression, as defined by CXCR4 mean fluorescence intensity ratio thresholds of less than 5, 5 to 10, or more than 10, respectively. We found that low CXCR4 expression on AML cells correlated with a better prognosis, resulting in a longer relapse-free and overall survival of 24.3 ± 2.9 months for low CXCR4-expressing patients, compared with 17.4 ± 3.4 months for intermediate and 12.8 ± 2 months (mean ± SEM) for patients with high expression. In univariate analyses, CXCR4 expression, cytogenetics, white blood cell count, and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) predicted for shorter survival. Multivariate analysis revealed CXCR4 expression and unfavorable cytogenetics as independent prognostic factors. We conclude that CXCR4 expression in AML is an independent prognostic predictor for disease relapse and survival that can rapidly and easily be determined at disease presentation. These findings warrant further investigation into the role of CXCR4 in AML and suggest that CXCR4 should be incorporated into the risk assessment of AML patients.
Acetylation of GATA-1 is required for chromatin occupancy
Authors: Lamonica Janine M. , Vakoc Christopher R. , Blobel Gerd A. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
All 3 hematopoietic GATA transcription factors, GATA-1, GATA-2, and GATA-3, are acetylated, although the in vivo role of this modification remains unclear. We examined the functions of an acetylation-defective mutant of GATA-1 in maturing erythroid cells. We found that removal of the acetylation sites in GATA-1 does not impair its nuclear localization, steady-state protein levels, or its ability to bind naked GATA elements in vitro. However, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments revealed that mutant GATA-1 was dramatically impaired in binding to all examined cellular target sites in vivo, including genes that are normally activated and repressed by GATA-1. Together, these results suggest that acetylation regulates chromatin occupancy of GATA-1. These findings point to a novel function for transcription factor acetylation, perhaps by facilitating protein interactions required for stable association with chromatin templates in vivo.
C. elegansfeeding defective mutants have shorter body lengths and increased autophagy
Authors: Mörck Catarina , Pilon Marc 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Background
Mutations that cause feeding defects in the nematode C. elegans are known to increase life span. Here we show that feeding defective mutants also have a second general trait in common, namely that they are small.

Results
Our measurements of the body lengths of a variety of feeding defective mutants, or of a variety of double mutants affecting other pathways that regulate body length in C. elegans, i.e. the DBL-1/TGFβ, TAX-6/calcineurin and the SMA-1/βH-spectrin pathways, indicate that food uptake acts as a separate pathway regulating body length. In early stages, before eating begins, feeding defective worms have no defect in body length or, in some cases, have only slightly smaller body length compared to wild-type. A significant difference in body length is first noticeable at later larval stages, a difference that probably correlates with increasing starvation. We also show that autophagy is induced and that the quantity of fat is decreased in starved worms.

Conclusion
Our results indicate that the long-term starvation seen in feeding-defective C. elegans mutants activates autophagy, and leads to depletion of fat deposits, small cell size and small body size.
Single and multiple dose pharmacokinetics of maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) after oral administration to healthy volunteers
Authors: Grimm Tanja , Skrabala Roswitha , Chovanová Zuzana , Muchová Jana , Sumegová Katarína , Liptáková Anna , Ďuračková Zdeňka , Högger Petra 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackgroundSince plant extracts are increasingly used as phytotherapeutics or dietary supplements information on bioavailability, bioefficacy and safety are warranted. We elucidated the plasma kinetics of genuine extract components and metabolites after single and multiple ingestion of the standardized maritime pine bark extract Pycnogenol (USP quality) by human volunteers.MethodsEleven volunteers received a single dose of 300 mg pine bark extract, five volunteers ingested 200 mg daily for five days to reach steady state concentrations. Plasma samples were obtained before and at defined time points after intake of the extract. Samples were analyzed by HPLC with ion-pair reagents and simultaneous UV and electrochemical detection.ResultsWe quantified total plasma concentrations of catechin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, taxifolin and the metabolite M1 (δ-(3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl)-γ-valerolactone). Additionally, we describe plasma time courses and steady state appearance of ten so far unknown compounds, U1 to U10. After single ingestion, compounds derived from the extract were rapidly absorbed and the majority of them were detectable over whole experimental period of 14 h. The analysis of steady state plasma samples revealed significant phase II metabolism.ConclusionWe present the first systematic pharmacokinetic analysis of compounds derived from maritime pine bark extract. Beyond the known constituents and metabolites we uncovered the plasma time courses of ten unknown compounds. In concert with our previous detection of anti-inflammatory bioefficacy of these plasma samplesex vivowe suggest that constituents and metabolites of Pycnogenol bear potential for disclosure of novel active principles.
Cross sectional study of performance indicators for English Primary Care Trusts: testing construct validity and identifying explanatory variables
Authors: Brown Celia , Lilford Richard 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Background
The performance of Primary Care Trusts in England is assessed and published using a number of different performance indicators. Our study has two broad purposes. Firstly, to find out whether pairs of indicators that purport to measure similar aspects of quality are correlated (as would be expected if they are both valid measures of the same construct). Secondly, we wanted to find out whether broad (global) indicators correlated with any particular features of Primary Care Trusts, such as expenditure per capita.

Methods
Cross sectional quantitative analysis using data from six 2004/05 PCT performance indicators for 303 English Primary Care Trusts from four sources in the public domain: Star Rating, aggregated Quality and Outcomes Framework scores, Dr Foster mortality index, Dr Foster equity index (heart by-pass and hip replacements), NHS Litigation Authority Risk Management standards and Patient Satisfaction scores from the Star Ratings. Forward stepwise multiple regression analysis to determine the effect of Primary Care Trust characteristics on performance.

Results
Star Rating and Quality and Outcomes Framework total, both summary measures of global quality, were not correlated with each other (F = 0.66, p = 0.57). There were however positive correlations between Quality and Outcomes Framework total and patient satisfaction (r = 0.61, p < 0.001) and between screening/'additional services' indicators on the Star Ratings and Quality and Outcomes Framework (F = 24, p < 0.001). There was no correlation between different measures of access to services. Likewise we found no relationship between either Star Rating or Litigation Authority Standards and hospital mortality (F = 0.61, p = 0.61; F = 0.31, p = 0.73).

Conclusion
Performance assessment in healthcare remains on the Government's agenda, with new core and developmental standards set to replace the Star Ratings in 2006. Yet the results of this analysis provide little evidence that the current indicators have sufficient construct validity to measure the underlying concept of quality, except when the specific area of screening is considered.
Service utilization in community health centers in China: a comparison analysis with local hospitals
Authors: Pan Xilong , Dib Hassan H , Wang Xiaohang , Zhang Hong 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
Being an important part of China's Urban Health Care Reform System, Community Health Centers (CHCs) have been established throughout the entire country and are presently undergoing substantial reconstruction. However, the services being delivered by the CHCs are far from reaching their performance targets. In order to assess the role of the CHCs, we examined their performance in six cities located in regions of South-East China. The purpose of this investigation was to identify the utilization and the efficiency of community health resources that are able to provide basic medical and public health services.

Methods
The study was approved by Peking University Health Science Center Institutional Reviewing Board (NO: IRB00001052-T1). Data were collected from all the local health bureaux and processed using SPSS software. Methods of analysis mainly included: descriptive analysis, paired T-test and one-way ANOVA.

Results
The six main functions of the CHCs were not fully exploited and the surveys that were collected on their efficiency and utilization of resources indicate that they have a low level of performance and lack the trust of local communities. Furthermore, the CHCs seriously lack funding support and operate under difficult circumstances, and residents have less positive attitudes towards them.

Conclusion
The community health service must be adjusted according to the requirements of urban medical and health reform, taking into account communities' health needs. More research is required on the living standards and health needs of residents living within the CHC's range, taking into consideration the users' needs in expanding the newly implemented service, and at the same time revising the old service system so as to make the development of CHCs realistic and capable of providing a better service to patients. Several suggestions are put forward for an attainable scheme for developing a community health service.
Japanese version of the Dermatology Life Quality Index: validity and reliability in patients with acne
Authors: Takahashi Natsuko , Suzukamo Yoshimi , Nakamura Motonobu , Miyachi Yoshiki , Green Joseph , Ohya Yukihiro , Finlay Andrew Y , Fukuhara Shunichi ,   the Acne QOL Questionnaire Development Team
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
Patient-reported quality of life is strongly affected by some dermatologic conditions. We developed a Japanese version of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI-J) and used psychometric methods to examine its validity and reliability.

Methods
The Japanese version of the DLQI was created from the original (English) version, using a standard method. The DLQI-J was then completed by 197 people, to examine its validity and reliability. Some participants completed the DLQI-J a second time, 3 days later, to examine the reproducibility of their responses. In addition to the DLQI-J, the participants completed parts of the SF-36 and gave data on their demographic and clinical characteristics. Their physicians provided information on the location and clinical severity of the skin disease.

Results
The participants reported no difficulties in answering the DLQI-J items. Their mean age was 24.8 years, 77.2% were female, and 78.7% had acne vulgaris. The mean score of DLQI was 3.99(SD: 3.99). The responses were found to be reproducible and stable. Results of principal-component and factor analysis suggested that this scale measured one construct. The correlations of DLQI-J scores with sex or age were very poor, but those with SF-36 scores and with clinical severity were high.

Conclusion
The DLQI-J provides valid and reliable data despite having only a small number of items.
Raman spectroscopy: the gateway into tomorrow's virology
Authors: Lambert Phelps J , Whitman Audy G , Dyson Ossie F , Akula Shaw M 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
In the molecular world, researchers act as detectives working hard to unravel the mysteries surrounding cells. One of the researchers' greatest tools in this endeavor has been Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy is a spectroscopic technique that measures the unique Raman spectra for every type of biological molecule. As such, Raman spectroscopy has the potential to provide scientists with a library of spectra that can be used to unravel the makeup of an unknown molecule. However, this technique is limited in that it is not able to manipulate particular structures without disturbing their unique environment. Recently, a novel technology that combines Raman spectroscopy with optical tweezers, termed Raman tweezers, evades this problem due to its ability to manipulate a sample without physical contact. As such, Raman tweezers has the potential to become an incredibly effective diagnostic tool for differentially distinguishing tissue, and therefore holds great promise in the field of virology for distinguishing between various virally infected cells. This review provides an introduction for a virologist into the world of spectroscopy and explores many of the potential applications of Raman tweezers in virology.
Characterization of tamoxifen and 4-hydroxytamoxifen glucuronidation by human UGT1A4 variants
Authors: Sun Dongxiao , Chen Gang , Dellinger Ryan W , Duncan Kimberly , Fang Jia-Long , Lazarus Philip 
Published: August 2006

AbstractIntroductionTamoxifen (TAM) is an antiestrogen widely used in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer in women. One of the major mechanisms of metabolism of TAM and one of its major active metabolites, 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OH-TAM), is via glucuronidation. In the present study, the glucuronidating activities of three common variant isoforms encoded by the human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A4 gene were examined against TAM,trans-4-OH-TAM andcis-4-OH-TAM.MethodsHPLC was used to detect glucuronide conjugates in microsomes from UGT1A4-overexpressing HK293 cells. The UGT1A4 wild-type cDNA was synthesized by RT-PCR using normal human liver total RNA. The UGT1A424Thr/48Leuand UGT1A424Pro/48Valvariants were generated by site-directed mutagenesis of the pcDNA3.1/V5-His-TOPO plasmid expressing wild-type UGT1A424Pro/48Leu. Levels of UGT1A4 expression in UGT-overexpressing cell lines were measured by western blot analysis.ResultsMicrosomes from wild-type UGT1A424Pro/48Leu-overexpressing HK293 cells exhibited significant levels of activity against TAM,trans-4-OH-TAM andcis-4-OH-TAM, forming exclusively the tamoxifen quaternary ammonium glucuronide (TAM-N+-glucuronide) and the 4-hydroxytamoxifen quaternary ammonium glucuronides (trans-4-OH-TAM-N+-glucuronide andcis-4-OH-TAM-N+-glucuronide) with apparentKmvalues of 2.0 μM, 2.2 μM, and 2.1 μM, respectively. Higher glucuronidation activities were found by kinetic analysis for microsomes from the variant UGT1A424Pro/48Val-overexpressing cell line as compared with microsomes from wild-type UGT1A424Pro/48Leu-overexpressing cells against TAM and against both thetransandcisisomers of 4-OH-TAM. A significantly (P< 0.02) lowerKmvalue (~1.6-fold to 1.8-fold) was observed for both 4-OH-TAM isomers, while a near-significant (P= 0.053) decrease inKmwas observed for TAM for the UGT1A424Pro/48Valvariant as compared with wild-type UGT1A4. TheVmax/Kmratio for the UGT1A424Pro/48Valvariant was significantly (P≤ 0.005) higher than that observed for the wild-type UGT1A4 isoform for both thetransandcisisomers of 4-OH-TAM after normalization for UGT1A4 expression by western blotting. No significant effect on enzyme kinetics was observed for the UGT1A424Thr/48Leuvariant against either isomer of 4-OH-TAM or with TAM.ConclusionThese data suggest that the UGT1A4 codon 48 Leu>Val polymorphism significantly alters glucuronidation rates against TAM and its active hydroxylated metabolites, and that this polymorphism may play an important role in individual pharmacological response to TAM therapy.