bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictability of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index in Kenya and Potential Applications as an Indicator of Rift Valley Fever Outbreaks in the Greater Horn of Africa
Authors: Indeje Matayo , Ward M. Neil , Ogallo Laban J. , Davies Glyn , Dilley Maxx , Anyamba Assaf 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIn this paper the progress made in producing predictions of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) over Kenya in the Greater Horn of Africa (GHA) for the October–December (OND) season is discussed. Several studies have identified a statistically significant relationship between rainfall and NDVI in the region. Predictability of seasonal rainfall by global climate models (GCMs) during the OND season over the GHA has also been established as being among the best in the world. Information was extracted from GCM seasonal prediction output using statistical transformations. The extracted information was then used in the prediction of NDVI. NDVI is a key variable for management of various climate-sensitive problems. For example, it has been shown to have the potential to predict environmental conditions associated with Rift Valley Fever (RVF) viral activity and this is referred to throughout the paper as a motivation for the study. RVF affects humans and livestock and is particularly economically important in the GHA. The establishment of predictability for NDVI in this paper is therefore part of a methodology that could ultimately generate information useful for managing RVF in livestock in the GHA. It has been shown that NDVI can be predicted skillfully over the GHA with a 2–3-month lead time. Such information is crucial for tailoring forecast information to support RVF monitoring and prediction over the region, as well as many other potential applications (e.g., livestock forage estimation). More generally, the Famine Early Warning System (FEWS), a project of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and other specialized technical centers routinely use NDVI images to monitor environmental conditions worldwide. The high predictability for NDVI established in this paper could therefore supplement the routine monitoring of environmental conditions for a wide range of applications.
A CGCM Study on the Interaction between IOD and ENSO
Authors: Behera Swadhin K. , Luo Jing Jia , Masson Sebastien , Rao Suryachandra A. , Sakuma Hirofumi , Yamagata Toshio 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAn atmosphere–ocean coupled general circulation model known as the Scale Interaction Experiment Frontier version 1 (SINTEX-F1) model is used to understand the intrinsic variability of the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD). In addition to a globally coupled control experiment, a Pacific decoupled noENSO experiment has been conducted. In the latter, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability is suppressed by decoupling the tropical Pacific Ocean from the atmosphere. The ocean–atmosphere conditions related to the IOD are realistically simulated by both experiments including the characteristic east–west dipole in SST anomalies. This demonstrates that the dipole mode in the Indian Ocean is mainly determined by intrinsic processes within the basin. In the EOF analysis of SST anomalies from the noENSO experiment, the IOD takes the dominant seat instead of the basinwide monopole mode. Even the coupled feedback among anomalies of upper-ocean heat content, SST, wind, and Walker circulation over the Indian Ocean is reproduced.As in the observation, IOD peaks in boreal fall for both model experiments. In the absence of ENSO variability the interannual IOD variability is dominantly biennial. The ENSO variability is found to affect the periodicity, strength, and formation processes of the IOD in years of co-occurrences. The amplitudes of SST anomalies in the western pole of co-occurring IODs are aided by dynamical and thermodynamical modifications related to the ENSO-induced wind variability. Anomalous latent heat flux and vertical heat convergence associated with the modified Walker circulation contribute to the alteration of western anomalies. It is found that 42% of IOD events affected by changes in the Walker circulation are related to the tropical Pacific variabilities including ENSO. The formation is delayed until boreal summer for those IODs, which otherwise form in boreal spring as in the noENSO experiment.
The Use of Suture Anchors in Repair of the Ruptured Patellar Tendon
Authors: Bushnell Brandon D. , Byram Ian R. , Weinhold Paul S. , Creighton R. Alex 
Published: May 2006

Background Rupture of the patellar tendon is a disabling injury that usually requires surgical treatment. The standard method of repair involves placing suture loops through transpatellar tunnels. The use of suture anchors in patellar tendon repair has not been previously described. Hypothesis No difference exists in the amount of gap formation during cyclic loading or in ultimate load-to-failure strength between repairs performed with anchors and those performed with 2 types of transpatellar sutures. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Six matched pairs of cadaveric knees were tested in a custom biomechanical apparatus based on an established model. Repairs were performed using either suture anchors with No. 2 FiberWire or transpatellar suture tunnels using 2 different types of suture—No. 5 Ethibond and No. 2 FiberWire. Gap formation across the repair site during 250 cycles of extension as well as ramp-up load to failure were measured for each repair. Results The mean total gap formation across the repair site at 250 cycles was 4.1 ± 1.9 mm for the suture anchor group, 6.7 ± 1.8 mm for the FiberWire tunnel group, and 8.5 ± 2.7 mm for the Ethibond tunnel group. Mean load to failure was 779 ± 183 N, 730 ± 83 N, and 763 ± 231 N, respectively. Conclusion Significantly less gap formation throughout 250 cycles (P = .009) and no difference in load to failure occurred with patellar tendon repairs performed with suture anchors as compared with repairs performed with transpatellar tunnels. Clinical Relevance The newly described method, using suture anchors for repair of patellar tendon ruptures, may be clinically equal or superior to the established method of using transpatellar tunnels.
The Effect of Cyclic Loading on Rotated Bone-Tendon-Bone Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Constructs
Authors: Berkson Eric , Lee Gregory H. , Kumar Ashwin , Verma Nikhil , Bach Bernard R. , Hallab Nadim 
Published: May 2006

Background Single-incision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a bone–patellar tendon–bone construct is commonly performed with 180° rotation of the graft. It has been hypothesized that further rotation of the graft to 540° can effectively shorten the graft to address graft length–tunnel mismatch. Initial biomechanical failure characteristics of rotated constructs have been reported, but cyclic loading of tendons has not been performed. Hypothesis Graft rotation affects the biomechanical properties of the construct. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Thirty-five bone–patellar tendon–bone composite porcine right knee specimens were randomized into 3 groups and were externally rotated to 0°, 180°, or 540°. Each group was then cyclically loaded in an artificial synovial fluid medium between 50 and 250 N for 5000 cycles, loaded between 50 and 500 N for an additional 5000 cycles, and finally subjected to load-to-failure testing. Results Graft rotation shortened constructs by 1.7 ± 0.8 mm at 180° of rotation and 7.6 ± 2.0 mm at 540° of rotation (P < .01). There was a statistically significant increase in strain during cyclic loading at 540°. No significant differences in maximum load, yield stress, yield strain, or modulus of elasticity were detected in single-cycle load-to-failure testing after cyclic loading. Conclusion Rotation of bone–patellar tendon–bone constructs to 540° predictably shortens the effective graft length at the expense of increased strain with cyclic loading at stresses equivalent to walking and running. Clinical Relevance Although rotation to 540° potentially addresses graft length–tunnel mismatch, further clinical evaluation is required to evaluate the impact of increased strain on knee laxity and to determine the effects of physiologic loading of rotated bone–patellar tendon–bone constructs in vivo.
Mechanical and Biochemical Effect of Monopolar Radiofrequency Energy on Human Articular Cartilage
Authors: Yasura Ko , Nakagawa Yasuaki , Kobayashi Masahiko , Kuroki Hiroshi , Nakamura Takashi 
Published: May 2006

Background There are growing concerns about thermal chondroplasty using radiofrequency energy to treat partial-thickness cartilage defects. However, most studies emphasize effects on chondrocyte viability, and other factors such as mechanical properties are less studied. Hypothesis Radiofrequency energy may cause significant effects on articular cartilage other than chondrocyte viability. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Human osteoarthritic cartilage samples were obtained from total knee arthroplasty, and monopolar radiofrequency energy was applied using commercially available equipment. Material properties (compressive stiffness, surface roughness, and thickness) just before and after thermal treatment were determined using ultrasound. A series of biochemical analyses were also performed after explant culture of the samples. Results The cartilage surface became smoother by radiofrequency energy, whereas cartilage stiffness or thickness was not altered significantly. Collagen fibrils, especially in the superficial layers, were converted to denatured form, whereas proteoglycan contents released in the media as well as retained in the tissue remained unchanged. The concentrations of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-2) were reduced remarkably. Conclusion Radiofrequency energy is able to create a smooth cartilage surface and reduce catabolic enzymes at the cost of collagen denaturation and chondrocyte death in the superficial layers. The stiffness of the cartilage is not changed at time zero. Clinical Relevance Further animal as well as clinical studies will be necessary to fully evaluate the long-term effects of radiofrequency energy.
The Incidence and Cross-sectional Area of the Meniscofemoral Ligament
Authors: Nagasaki Shinya , Ohkoshi Yasumitsu , Yamamoto Kazuki , Ebata Wataru , Imabuchi Ryuusei , Nishiike Jun 
Published: May 2006

Background The incidence, morphologic characteristics, and cross-sectional area of meniscofemoral ligaments of the knee are still not clarified. Hypothesis The incidence of meniscofemoral ligaments is very high, and they contribute significantly to the cross-sectional area of the posterior cruciate ligament complex. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods Clinical study: During arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, the presence of a meniscofemoral ligament was confirmed in 38 patients (16 men, 22 women; mean age, 23.6 years) by observation and probing. Laboratory study: Posterior cruciate ligaments with the lateral meniscus attached were obtained as specimens from 30 patients (3 men, 27 women; mean age, 71.9 years) during total knee arthroplasty. The posterior cruciate ligament and meniscofemoral ligaments were observed, and the cross-sectional area was measured using an area micrometer. Results Clinical study: The anterior meniscofemoral ligament was found in 36.8% of patients, the posterior meniscofemoral ligament was found in 71.1%, and both ligaments were found in 26.7%. The overall incidence of at least 1 meniscofemoral ligament was 84.2%. Laboratory study: The anterior meniscofemoral ligament was present in 5 (16.7%) cases, and the posterior meniscofemoral ligament was present in all cases (100.0%). The cross-sectional area of the posterior cruciate ligament proper was 50.1 ± 16.9 mm2, that of the anterior meniscofemoral ligament was 2.3 ± 1.2 mm2, and that of the posterior meniscofemoral ligament was 7.5 ± 2.5 mm2. The mean ratio of the cross-sectional area of meniscofemoral ligaments to the posterior cruciate ligament proper was 17.2% (4.0%-38.9%). The origin of the posterior meniscofemoral ligament from the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus could be classified into 5 types. Conclusion The meniscofemoral ligaments contributed significantly to the cross-sectional area of the posterior cruciate ligament complex.
Do patients receive recommended treatment of osteoporosis following hip fracture in primary care?
Authors: Petrella Robert J , Jones Tim J 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Osteoporosis results in fractures and treatment of osteoporosis has been shown to reduce risk of fracture particularly in those who have had a history of fracture.

Methods
A prospective study was conducted using patients admitted to a hip fracture rehabilitation program at a large referral center to evaluate the use of treatments recommended for secondary prevention of osteoporotic fracture between September 1, 2001 and September 30, 2003. The frequency of medication use for the treatment of osteoporosis including estrogen replacement therapy, bisphosponates, calcitonin, calcium and vitamin D therapy was determined on admission, at 6 weeks post discharge and one year following discharge. All patients were discharged to the care of their family physician. All family physicians in the referral region received a copy of the Canadian Consensus recommendations for osteoporosis management 1–3 months prior to the study.

Results
During the study period, 174 patients were enrolled and 121 completed all assessments. Fifty-seven family physicians were identified as caring for 1 or more of the study patients. Only 7 patients had previous BMD, only 5 patients had previously been prescribed a bisphosponate and 14 patients were taking calcium and/or vitamin D. All patients were prescribed 2500 mg calcium, 400 IU vitamin D and 5 mg residronate daily during rehabilitation and at discharge.
Following discharge, a significant improvement was seen in all clinical indices of functional mobility, including the functional independence measure (FIM), walking distance, fear of falling score (FFS), and the Berg balance score (BBS). At six weeks a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in calcium and vitamin D use was observed. All patients remained compliant with residronate therapy. At twelve months 71 patients remained on residronate (p < 0.01), 10 were now taking alternate bisphosphonate therapy and few were taking calcium and/or vitamin D (p < 0.001). FIM, FFS and Berg scores were significantly decreased from discharge (p < 0.001) while walking distance was unchanged.

Conclusion
Few patients admitted for hip fracture had previously taken recommended osteoporosis therapy including bisphosphonates. While compliance with Canadian Consensus recommendations was observed at six weeks, this was not the case at twelve months post hip fracture rehabilitation. Interventions to improve not only the detection and treatment of osteoporosis but also the ongoing treatment and management post-fracture need to be developed and implemented.
Genetic dissection of apoptosis and cell cycle control in response of colorectal cancer treated with preoperative radiochemotherapy
Authors: Sturm Isrid , Rau Beate , Schlag Peter M , Wust Peter , Hildebrandt Bert , Riess Hanno , Hauptmann Steffen , Dörken Bernd , Daniel Peter T 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
In previous analyses we identified therapy-induced upregulation of the CDK inhibitor p21CIP/WAF-1 and consequently decreased tumor cell proliferation or loss of Bax as adverse factors for survival in rectal cancer treated with radiochemotherapy. Here, we address the individual role of p53 and its transcriptional targets, p21CIP/WAF-1 and Bax, on apoptosis induced by individual components of multimodal anticancer therapy, i.e. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), ionising γ-radiation (IR) and heat shock/hyperthermia.

Methods
We analysed tumor samples 66 patients with rectal carcinoma treated by a neoadjuvant approach with radiochemotherapy ± heat shock/hyperthermia for the expression and mutation of p53 and the expression of p21CIP/WAF-1 and Bax. These data were correlated with the tumor response. The functional relevance of p53, p21CIP/WAF-1 and Bax was investigated in isogeneic HCT116 cell mutants treated with 5-FU, IR and heat shock.

Results
Rectal carcinoma patients who received an optimal heat shock treatment showed a response that correlated well with Bax expression (p = 0.018). Local tumor response in the whole cohort was linked to expression of p21CIP/WAF-1 (p < 0.05), but not p53 expression or mutation. This dichotomy of p53 pathway components regulating response to therapy was confirmed in vitro. In isogeneic HCT116 cell mutants, loss of Bax but not p53 or p21CIP/WAF-1 resulted in resistance against heat shock. In contrast, loss of p21CIP/WAF-1 or, to a lesser extent, p53 sensitized predominantly for 5-FU and IR.

Conclusion
These data establish a different impact of p53 pathway components on treatment responses. While chemotherapy and IR depend primarily on cell cycle control and p21, heat shock depends primarily on Bax. In contrast, p53 status poorly correlates with response. These analyses therefore provide a rational approach for dissecting the mode of action of single treatment modalities that may be employed to circumvent clinically relevant resistance mechanisms in rectal cancer.
Arteriogenesis depends on circulating monocytes and macrophage accumulation and is severely depressed in op/op mice
Authors: Bergmann Caroline E , Hoefer Imo E , Meder Benjamin , Roth Holger , van Royen Niels , Breit Sabine M , Jost Marco M , Aharinejad Seyedhossein , Hartmann Susanne , Buschmann Ivo R 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
It has been suggested that monocytes/macrophages represent the pivotal cell type during early adaptive growth of pre-existent arterial anastomoses toward functional collateral arteries (arteriogenesis) upon arterial occlusion. This hypothesis was supported by previous studies providing evidence that elevation of the peripheral monocyte count, increased monocyte survival (e.g., granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor), as well as enhanced attraction or adhesion (e.g., monocyte chemoattractant protein 1; intercellular adhesion molecule 1) of the latter cells correlates directly with the arteriogenic response to restore tissue perfusion. However, the experimental proof of the essential role of monocytes/macrophages remains to be given. We therefore hypothesized that arteriogenesis is reduced in a genuine, nonpharmocologically induced monocyte/macrophage-deficient model of femoral artery occlusion in osteopetrotic (op/op) mice. Total leukocyte count did not differ between op/op mice and control (B6C3Fe a/a-Csf1+/+) mice. op/op mice show a significant monocytopenia (0.67%±0.38% vs. 1.53%±0.32%), granulocytosis (33.66%±6.67% vs. 22.83±7.47%), and a concomitant, relative lymphopenia (65.67%±6.58% vs. 75.65%±7.31%). Microsphere-based perfusion measurement 7 days after femoral artery occlusion demonstrated a significantly reduced perfusion restoration upon femoral artery occlusion in op/op mice as compared with controls (28.19%±0.91% vs. 47.88%±2.49%). The application of a novel method of high resolution (microfocus X-ray system) angiography revealed a reduction of proliferation and diameter of collateral arteries. Quantitative immunohistology showed significantly lower numbers of macrophages in the surrounding tissue of proliferating arteries. This study provides additional evidence for the preeminent role of monocytes/macrophages during arteriogenesis in a genuine model of monocyte deficiency, i.e., without pharmacological intervention.
Analysis of DAX1 (NR0B1) and Steroidogenic Factor-1 (NR5A1) in Children and Adults with Primary Adrenal Failure: Ten Years’ Experience
Authors: Lin Lin , Gu Wen-Xia , Ozisik Gokhan , To Wing S. , Owen Catherine J. , Jameson J. Larry , Achermann John C. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Context: Primary adrenal failure is a life-threatening condition that can be caused by a range of etiologies, including autoimmune, metabolic, and developmental disorders. The nuclear receptors DAX1 (NR0B1) and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1/Ad4BP, NR5A1) play an important role in adrenal development and function, and mutations in these transcription factors have been found in patients with adrenal hypoplasia.
Objective: Our objective was to investigate the prevalence of DAX1 and SF1 mutations in children and adults with primary adrenal failure of unknown etiology (i.e. not caused by congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenoleukodystrophy, or autoimmune disease).
Patients: One hundred seventeen patients were included. Eighty-eight individuals presented in infancy or childhood with adrenal hypoplasia or primary adrenal failure of unknown etiology (n = 64 46,XY phenotypic males; n = 17 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis/impaired androgenization; n = 7 46,XX females). Twenty-nine individuals presented in adulthood with Addison’s disease of unknown etiology.
Methods: Mutational analysis of DAX1 (NR0B1) (including exon 2α/1A) and SF1 (NR5A1) was done by direct sequencing.
Results: DAX1 mutations were found in 58% (37 of 64) of 46,XY phenotypic boys referred with adrenal hypoplasia and in all boys (eight of eight) with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and a family history suggestive of adrenal failure in males. SF1 mutations causing adrenal failure were found in only two patients with 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis. No DAX1 or SF1 mutations were identified in the adult-onset group.
Conclusions: DAX1 mutations are a relatively frequent cause of adrenal failure in this group of boys. SF1 mutations causing adrenal failure in humans are rare and are more likely to be associated with significant underandrogenization and gonadal dysfunction in 46,XY individuals.
Implementing cognitive services in community pharmacy: a review of models and frameworks for change
Authors: Roberts Alison S , Benrimoj S I , Chen Timothy F , Williams Kylie A , Aslani Parisa 
Published: May 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate models and frameworks for the implementation of cognitive pharmaceutical services (CPS) in community pharmacy.MethodRelevant literature published in English was identified through searches of online databases (no date limits), texts, conference proceedings, and bibliographies of identified literature. Literature that involved a discussion of models or frameworks for community pharmacy practice change in relation to the implementation of CPS was selected for review. Many of the identified studies were conceptual in nature, and although they were selected in the same way as the empirical research papers, were not able to be critically reviewed in an equivalent manner. A narrative, rather than systematic review, was considered more appropriate.Key findingsMany of the identified models focused on specific services, seeming to overlook the complexity of the implementation process. Many relied on behavioural theories, with an assumption that changing pharmacists' knowledge, skills or attitude will automatically result in successful change, often ignoring organisational aspects of change. Models that included business aspects remain largely untested, and where testing occurred sample sizes were generally small and populations conveniently or purposively sampled, limiting the generalisability of the findings.ConclusionThe factors affecting change are more than just those confined to the individual pharmacist who is providing a service, and the implementation process is more complex, involving a range of organisational factors. Research is needed to identify the key elements of a framework for how new CPS should be implemented and delivered.
Litophynin D and E, Two New Diterpenoids from a Soft Coral Litophyton sp.
Authors: Ochi Masamitsu , Yamada Koji , Futatsugi Kensuke , Kotsuki Hiyoshizo , Shibata Kozo 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The structures of litophynin D and E, two new diterpenoids isolated from a soft coral Litophyton sp., have been established on the basis of spectral and chemical evidence.