bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute rotational trauma to the knee: poor agreement between clinical assessment and magnetic resonance imaging findings
Authors: Frobell R. B. , Lohmander L. S. , Roos H. P. 
Published: May 2006

Objectives: To determine the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in the general population; the pathology associated with a knee sprain verified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); and the agreement between clinical findings and MRI.Material and methods: Inclusion criterion was an acute rotational trauma to the knee associated with effusion. One hundred and fifty‐nine consecutive patients, mean age 27 years and 36% women, were included after clinical assessment at the orthopedic emergency unit. Patients were referred to an MRI examination (1.0 or 1.5 T) performed within a median of 8 days of the initial visit.Results: The annual incidence of MRI verified ACL injuries was 0.81/1000 inhabitants aged 10–64 years. Fifty‐six percent (n=89) of those included had sustained an ACL injury of whom 38% had an associated medial meniscus tear. There was a poor agreement between initial clinical antero‐posterior laxity and MRI verified presence of an ACL tear (κ 0.281). Every second patellar dislocation was diagnosed as a ligament injury.Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the incidence of ACL injuries is higher than previously described. We also show that the first clinical examination after an acute knee trauma has a low diagnostic value. Further assessment with MRI improves the chances of a correct diagnosis of intraarticular pathology and is recommended in the early phase after a rotational knee trauma.
Testosterone Undecanoate Restores Erectile Function in a Subset of Patients with Venous Leakage: A Series of Case Reports
Authors: Yassin Aksam A. , Saad Farid , Traish Abdulmaged 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Androgens are critical for maintaining penile structure and function and androgen deficiency alters the function of the corporal veno-occlusive mechanism in animal models. However, there are limited research and data supporting this association in humans.

Methods
Case reports of hypogonadal men (N = 12) with low plasma testosterone and moderate to severe erectile dysfunction are presented. Comorbidities varied, including diabetes mellitus type I or II, metabolic syndrome with possible related hypertension, dyslipidemia, or obesity. Oral phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor therapy did not improve erectile function. Each patient underwent baseline dynamic infusion pharmacocavernosometry and cavernosography revealing various degrees of corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction. The patients underwent treatment with 1,000 mg injectable testosterone undecanoate (NebidoR) on day 1, followed by another injection after 6 weeks and every 3 months thereafter. Dynamic infusion pharmacocavernosography was repeated in all 12 patients after 3 months of treatment.

Results
Five of the 12 patients reported significant improvement in erectile function within 12–20 weeks of androgen treatment and are currently under follow-up. Compared with baseline pharmacocavernosography, repeat radiological studies in patients who reported improvement in erectile function did not show veins draining the corporal bodies. The patients who responded to androgens also noted improvement in sexual desire domain (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF] scores increased from 4 ± 0.7 to 8 ± 0.3) and erectile function domain (IIEF scores increased from 6 ± 2 to 24 ± 1).

Conclusion
The observations made in these limited series of case reports suggest that testosterone improved erectile function in hypogonadal patients by restoring veno-occlusive function. Prospective, multi-institutional, double-blind placebo-controlled trials in hypogonadal patients are indicated.
Landslides and Their Contribution to Land‐cover Change in the Mountains of Mexico and Central America1
Authors: Restrepo Carla , Alvarez Nora 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTLandsliding is a natural process influencing montane ecosystems, particularly in areas with elevated rainfall and seismic activity. Yet, to date, little effort has been made to quantify the contribution of this process to land‐cover change. Focusing on the mountains of Mexico and Central America (M‐CA), we estimated the contribution of landsliding to land‐cover change at two scales. At the scale of M‐CA, we classified the terrain into major landforms and entered in a GIS historical data on earthquake‐ and rainfall‐triggered landslides. At the scale of the Sierra de Las Minas of Guatemala, we investigated Landsat TM data to map rainfall‐triggered landslides. During the past 110 yr, >136,200 ha of land in the mountains of M‐CA have been affected by landslides, which translates into disturbance rates exceeding 0.317 percent/century. In Sierra de Las Minas, rainfall associated with hurricane Mitch affected 1765 ha of forest, or equivalently, landslides triggered by storms of this magnitude transformed between 0.196 (return time of 500 yr) and 1.290 (return time of 75 yr) percent of forest/century. Although landsliding results in smaller rates of land‐cover change than deforestation, we hypothesize that it has a stronger impact on ecosystems, both in qualitative and quantitative terms, given its influence on vegetation and soil. Moreover, interactions between landsliding and deforestation may be altering the expression of this complex process such that the few protected areas in the mountains of M‐CA may represent the only possibility for the conservation of this process.
Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus: Management issues in primary practice
Authors: Pongmarutani Tiwaporn , Alpert Patricia T. , Miller Sally K. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractPurpose: To provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with an update on pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with an emphasis on management considerations for primary care practitioners.Data sources: An extensive literature review was conducted using both Medline and CINAHL databases. Research articles reflecting the most compelling findings were included in this review.Conclusions: NPs who care for children with SLE may be able to prevent or delay the morbidities associated with this disease and its treatments, if they keep abreast of the new information evolving in this realm of rheumatologic diseases.Implications for practice: As more is learned about pediatric SLE, better treatments have evolved such that the survival rates have increased. The primary care of pediatric SLE patients that is focused on preventing or delaying SLE morbidities may help to restore, maintain, or improve the quality of life for these patients.
How we do it: Softband®– management of glue ear*
Authors: Ramakrishnan Y. , Davison T. , Johnson I.J.M. 
Published: May 2006

Keypoints• The management of refractory glue ear in some groups of children can be challenging.• The conventional option of using a hearing aid is sometimes fraught with complicance issues and the need for repeated impressions for hearing moulds.• The Softband offers an alternative method of managing refractory glue being safe, well‐tolerated, non‐invasive and easy to administer.
Are drawings a reliable way of recording retraction pockets?
Authors: Awad Z. , Pothier D. 
Published: May 2006

Objectives. Although widely used, drawings have never been assessed for their accuracy and reproducibility when used to record retraction pockets. We set out to determine the relative reliability of drawings and endoscopic photographs to record retractions of the tympanic membrane. Method. A series of 10 standardised ‘reference’ slides of retraction pockets were shown to 18 Otolaryngologists. Next to each slide were 10 drawings of a retraction pocket and 10 photographs of retraction pockets. Half of the photographs and half of the drawings were of the same ear as the ‘reference’ image and half were of a different ear, chosen at random. Participants were asked if each drawing and photograph was the same ear as ‘reference’ image, and to assess the relative stage of the pathology. Results. Differences between the assessments of the photographs and drawings were dramatic. Where photographs were used, participants were able to identify an identical ear 96.4% of the time and a different ear 81.7% of the time; where drawings were used, this fell to 46.7% and 68.2% respectively (P < 0.001). Identification of the relative stage of pathology was also significantly better with a photograph of a tympanic membrane (96%) rather than a drawing (53.3%) (P < 0.001). Conclusions. This is the first attempt in the literature to compare the relative diagnostic accuracy of drawings of the tympanic membrane with photographs. A great deal of reliance is placed on clinical drawings of varying quality by clinicians. Digital photography is considerably more accurate than drawings and its use should be encouraged.
Value of post‐nasal space biopsy in patients with adult onset serous otitis media
Authors: Sadr A.H. , Prior M. 
Published: May 2006

Background. Otitis media with effusion (OME) is common in children but this is not the case in adults. In adults it can be associated with nasopharyngeal neoplasms (NPN). It is accepted practice in the UK to biopsy the posterior nasal space (PNS) to rule out neoplasms. We believe this routine practice is no longer justified in view of modern methods of examination of PNS. Aims and objectives. To identify the incidence of NPN in adults with otitis media with effusion without any other signs and symptoms suggestive of NPN. We also identified the presenting symptoms and signs of all patients who were diagnosed with NPN during the study period. Methods. This is a retrospective study of 158 adult onset otitis media who had a posterior nasal space biopsy performed. The patients with positive and negative biopsy results were analysed for their presenting signs and symptoms. Results. Only 58 patients had OME as the sole presentation. The rest had other signs or symptoms in addition to OME. All patients with OME as the sole presentation had negative biopsy results and all patients with a positive biopsy result for NPN had other symptoms or signs in addition to OME. Conclusions. The role of PNS biopsy in adults with isolated OME seems to be questionable in view of the limited information it provides. This may be due to wider use of endoscopes which enable us to detect small abnormalities in PNS.
Patients’ views on the utility of quality of life questionnaires in head and neck cancer: a randomised trial
Authors: Srinivasan R.T. , Morton R.P. , Mehanna H.M. 
Published: May 2006

Objectives. (i) Evaluate head and neck cancer (HNC) patient perspectives regarding the usefulness of quality of life questionnaires (QLQ) in communicating their health problems to clinicians; (ii) identify the QLQ that HNC patients find most useful. Design. Randomised questionnaire study. Patients completed all four validated HNC QLQs. Order of questionnaire presentation was randomised to counterbalance for order effects. Participants. Eighty patients diagnosed and treated for HNC in a tertiary referral HNC centre. Outcome measures. Patient ratings of perceived usefulness and preferences of studied questionnaires. Results. Patients reported high relevance to their problems and high ease of understanding of all questionnaires, with FACT scoring highest (79% and 89% respectively). 58% participants (67% respondents) would like to complete a questionnaire in clinic, as it would help them describe their health problems to their doctors; 28% of participants did not. Almost half preferred a particular QLQ, FACT being most preferred. Conclusions. Patients report that HNC QLQs effectively describe their health concerns. Most are in favour of completing QLQs in clinic, as an aid for describing health problems to clinicians. There appears to be a difference between clinicians and patients regarding perceived usefulness of QLQs in the clinic setting.
Investigation into the effects of cidofovir on an in vitro model of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
Authors: Donne A.J. , Hampson L. , He X. , Rothera M.P. , Homer J.J. , Hampson I.N. 
Published: May 2006

Problem. Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) has no cure, and cidofovir is currently the most contemporary adjuvant treatment. Cidofovir has reported activity against Human Papilloma Virus type 16, but no laboratory studies have yet been performed on HPV type 6 which is the main cause of RRP. This work describes the generation of a novel HPV 6 related cell line and its use to evaluate the effects of Cidofovir. Method. HPV6b E6 cDNA was stably introduced into HPV negative C33A cervical carcinoma cells to produce the C33AT6E6 cell line. Two different doses of Cidofovir were applied to parent C33A, C33AT6E6 and C33AT16E6 (type 16 cell line) with appropriate controls. Growth and FACS cell cycle analysis were performed after 3 and 6 days of continuous exposure followed by 2 and 3 days post‐drug withdrawal. Result.PCR analysis confirmed HPV6 E6 expression in C33AT6E6 cells. High dose cidofovir was toxic at 3 and 6 days exposure in all cells tested. Low dose exposure was toxic for C33AT16E6 cells at 3 days whereas C33A and C33AT6E6 only showed minimal toxicity at 6 days. C33A and C33AT6E6 cells also showed earlier recovery following drug withdrawal. Conclusion.Cidofovir showed varying degrees of non‐specific toxicity against all three cell lines tested. However, HPV16 E6 expressing cells were more sensitive than either parent or HPV6 E6 expressing cells indicating that cidofovir has no selective advantage for the RRP related HPV6 E6 expressing cell line.
Calf muscle wasting after tibial shaft fracture: Figure 1
Authors: Khalid M , Brannigan A , Burke T 
Published: May 2006

Objectives:To study the long term effect of tibial shaft fractures treated by immobilisation in a long leg cast on the calf muscle bulk.Methods:Computed tomography scans were performed at fixed points on the lower legs of 23 non-professional athletes who sustained closed tibial fractures 16 years previously. Length of immobilisation was determined from the hospital records. All the fractures were treated non-operatively. The cross sectional area of the various leg compartments was measured and compared with the non-injured leg.Results:There was a significant reduction in cross sectional area of the posterior compartment (p<0.001, Student’sttest). No such difference was seen in the anterolateral compartment.Conclusion:Tibial fractures treated non-operatively are associated with significant long term calf muscle wasting.
Changes in exercise characteristics, maximal voluntary contraction, and explosive strength during prolonged tennis playing
Authors: Girard O , Lattier G , Micallef J-P , Millet G P 
Published: May 2006

Objectives:To examine changes in exercise characteristics, maximal voluntary contraction, and explosive strength during prolonged tennis playing.Methods:Maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC), leg stiffness (hopping), and peak power in squat (SJ) and countermovement (CMJ) jumps were measured before, every 30 minutes during, and 30 minutes after a three hour tennis match in 12 well trained players. Heart rate (HR), the effective playing time (EPT), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and muscle soreness of knee extensors were also measured.Results:Decreases in MVC (−9%; p<0.05) and leg stiffness (−9%; p  =  0.17) were observed after the match and were significantly correlated (r =  0.66; p  =  0.05). Peak power in SJ and CMJ tests was maintained during the match but was lower (p<0.001) 30 minutes after. Average HR and EPT were 144 (8) beats/min and 21 (4)% respectively. A strong correlation was found between EPT and HR (r =  0.93; p<0.05). RPE and muscle soreness increased linearly during the exercise and were significantly correlated (r =  0.99; p<0.001).Conclusions:Progressive reductions in maximal voluntary strength and leg stiffness highly correlated with increases in perceived exertion and muscle soreness were observed throughout a three hour tennis match, whereas explosive strength was maintained and decreased only after the match. These alterations may result in less efficient on-court movement and stroke production. They are, however, lower than those reported during continuous exercise of the same duration. The intermittent pattern of tennis and the numerous stretch-shortening cycle movements partly explain these results.
Cost and Benefit of Ecuador's Dollarization Experience
Authors: Berríos Rubén 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIn 2000, Ecuador adopted the dollar as its official currency and gave up the sucre in a desperate move to halt inflation and help a distressed financial system. But dollarization, a substitute for deeper economic reforms, has been a mixed blessing and has had limited results. The measure brought temporary macroeconomic stability but did not ease other social and economic problems. Higher oil prices that have pushed up revenues and an increase in remittances from Ecuadoreans who have migrated abroad have helped Ecuador's economy, but also leave deeper problems unsolved. Many Ecuadoreans still resent dollarization because it has tarnished sovereignty, as monetary policy is no longer determined by Ecuador's Central Bank but by the Federal Reserve System.
Automatic generation of gene finders for eukaryotic species
Authors: Munch Kasper , Krogh Anders 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
The number of sequenced eukaryotic genomes is rapidly increasing. This means that over time it will be hard to keep supplying customised gene finders for each genome. This calls for procedures to automatically generate species-specific gene finders and to re-train them as the quantity and quality of reliable gene annotation grows.

Results
We present a procedure, Agene, that automatically generates a species-specific gene predictor from a set of reliable mRNA sequences and a genome. We apply a Hidden Markov model (HMM) that implements explicit length distribution modelling for all gene structure blocks using acyclic discrete phase type distributions. The state structure of the each HMM is generated dynamically from an array of sub-models to include only gene features represented in the training set.

Conclusion
Acyclic discrete phase type distributions are well suited to model sequence length distributions. The performance of each individual gene predictor on each individual genome is comparable to the best of the manually optimised species-specific gene finders. It is shown that species-specific gene finders are superior to gene finders trained on other species.
Actin polymerisation at the cytoplasmic face of eukaryotic nuclei
Authors: Münter Sylvia , Enninga Jost , Vazquez-Martinez Rafael , Delbarre Erwan , David-Watine Brigitte , Nehrbass Ulf , Shorte Spencer L 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
There exists abundant molecular and ultra-structural evidence to suggest that cytoplasmic actin can physically interact with the nuclear envelope (NE) membrane system. However, this interaction has yet to be characterised in living interphase cells.

Results
Using a fluorescent conjugate of the actin binding drug cytochalasin D (CD-BODIPY) we provide evidence that polymerising actin accumulates in vicinity to the NE. In addition, both transiently expressed fluorescent actin and cytoplasmic micro-injection of fluorescent actin resulted in accumulation of actin at the NE-membrane. Consistent with the idea that the cytoplasmic phase of NE-membranes can support this novel pool of perinuclear actin polymerisation we show that isolated, intact, differentiated primary hepatocyte nuclei support actin polymerisation in vitro. Further this phenomenon was inhibited by treatments hindering steric access to outer-nuclear-membrane proteins (e.g. wheat germ agglutinin, anti-nesprin and anti-nucleoporin antibodies).

Conclusion
We conclude that actin polymerisation occurs around interphase nuclei of living cells at the cytoplasmic phase of NE-membranes.
Gene by environment QTL mapping through multiple trait analyses in blood pressure salt-sensitivity: identification of a novel QTL in rat chromosome 5
Authors: Soler Júlia M Pavan , Pereira Alexandre C , Tôrres César H , Krieger José E 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
The genetic mechanisms underlying interindividual blood pressure variation reflect the complex interplay of both genetic and environmental variables. The current standard statistical methods for detecting genes involved in the regulation mechanisms of complex traits are based on univariate analysis. Few studies have focused on the search for and understanding of quantitative trait loci responsible for gene × environmental interactions or multiple trait analysis. Composite interval mapping has been extended to multiple traits and may be an interesting approach to such a problem.

Methods
We used multiple-trait analysis for quantitative trait locus mapping of loci having different effects on systolic blood pressure with NaCl exposure. Animals studied were 188 rats, the progenies of an F2 rat intercross between the hypertensive and normotensive strain, genotyped in 179 polymorphic markers across the rat genome. To accommodate the correlational structure from measurements taken in the same animals, we applied univariate and multivariate strategies for analyzing the data.

Results
We detected a new quantitative train locus on a region close to marker R589 in chromosome 5 of the rat genome, not previously identified through serial analysis of individual traits. In addition, we were able to justify analytically the parametric restrictions in terms of regression coefficients responsible for the gain in precision with the adopted analytical approach.

Conclusion
Future work should focus on fine mapping and the identification of the causative variant responsible for this quantitative trait locus signal. The multivariable strategy might be valuable in the study of genetic determinants of interindividual variation of antihypertensive drug effectiveness.
Smoking, respiratory symptoms and likely asthma in young people: evidence from postal questionnaire surveys in the Wythenshawe Community Asthma Project (WYCAP)
Authors: Frank Peter , Morris Julie , Hazell Michelle , Linehan Mary , Frank Timothy 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Although it is recognised that smoking is a major risk factor for subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is associated with respiratory symptoms, there is less agreement concerning the relationship between asthma and smoking. This study aims to examine the relationship between cigarette smoking and asthma prevalence.

Method
Data were used from two postal questionnaire surveys (1999 and 2001) in two general practice populations, using a respiratory questionnaire based on the ECRHQ and a generic quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D). Only subjects less than 45 years old were included in the survey. An empirical definition of likely asthma was used based on respiratory questionnaire responses. Smoking was examined according to three categories, current smoker, ex smoker and never smoker.

Results
Almost 3500 subjects were included in the analyses. Current smokers had a higher prevalence of likely asthma compared to never smokers, odds ratio (OR) 1.59 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24 to 2.04). and also compared to ex smokers OR 1.79 (CI 1.25 to 2.56), but there was no difference between ex smokers and never smokers (OR 1.00 (0.75–1.35)). Current smoking was also positively associated with all symptoms but not with a history of hayfever/eczema.

Conclusion
Although the positive association found between current smoking and obstructive airways disease is likely to be due to the effect of cigarettes on asthma, it could reflect an association with early COPD (GOLD stages 0 or 1). Smoking cessation has a beneficial effect on the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and is therefore of paramount importance among these young adults.