bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thigh muscle function in stroke patients revealed by velocity‐encoded cine phase‐contrast magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Wen Hongmei , Dou Zulin , Finni Taija , Havu Marko , Kang Zhuang , Cheng Shumei , Sipilä Sarianna , Sinha Shantanu , Usenius Jussi‐Pekka , Cheng Sulin 
Published: March 2008

AbstractCurrent methods of clinical assessment of muscle coordination and function after stroke do not provide information on deep muscles. The objective of this study was to examine how stroke affects both superficial and deep muscles' coordination and whether muscle function improves after rehabilitation. Muscle function, coordination, and activity of quadriceps femoris (QF) and hamstrings were evaluated in 10 stroke patients with mild hemiparesis and in 6 controls using velocity‐encoded cine phase‐contrast magnetic resonance imaging (VE‐PC MRI), surface electromyography (sEMG), and maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque (MVC). At baseline, the peak muscle velocity of the rectus femoris (RF) and the ratio between the peak velocities of the RF and vasti were lower in the affected limb (AL) of stroke patients than in controls. Co‐contraction of agonists and antagonists was higher in the AL than in controls. Muscle activity measured by sEMG showed similar behavior. After rehabilitation, the activity ratio of hamstrings and adductors to QF decreased slightly toward normal so there were no significant differences between the AL and controls. Impaired biarticular RF muscle function in stroke patients is the limiting factor during knee extension–flexion movements. After rehabilitation, improved functional performance was partly explained by the fact that the activities of the RF and vasti became more synchronized. VE‐PC MRI can provide quantitative in vivo measurements of both superficial and deep muscles, and the information acquired after stroke can be utilized to render therapy more efficient and individually tailored. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Maximal versus submaximal intensity stimulation with variable patterns
Authors: Doucet Barbara M. , Griffin Lisa 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIt is essential to determine optimal parameters of stimulation to maintain muscle force during neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). Protocols that increase in frequency and include doublets can prolong force output over time. However, stimulation intensity level could differentially affect muscle force output during variable‐frequency NMES. We compared three intermittent stimulation patterns at maximal and submaximal intensities of stimulation of the median nerve: (1) a constant 20‐HZ pattern; (2) 90 s at 20 HZ followed by a 90‐s increase from 20 to 40 HZ; and (3) 90 s at 20 HZ followed by 90 s of doublets at 20 HZ. At submaximal intensities, the doublet pattern produced the highest overall force–time integral (FTI). At maximal intensities, the doublet pattern produced the lowest FTI and the increasing frequency pattern produced the least amount of fatigue. Thus, double‐pulse stimulation was more effective during submaximal than maximal intensity NMES. These data demonstrate that intensity level must be taken into consideration when programming frequency patterns for NMES devices. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Scattering by Aggregated Fibres Using a Multiple Scattering T‐Matrix Approach
Authors: Wriedt Thomas , Schuh Roman , Doicu Adrian 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn this paper we consider electromagnetic wave scattering by aggregated fibres using a multiple scattering approach. Scattering by particles of complex shape such as concave particles, torus, or clusters of fibres can not normally be computed using the T‐matrix method. In this paper we are proposing a decompositioning approach to handle this scattering problem. A scattering particle is decomposed into a number of basic units and scattering by such an ensemble of basic constituents is computed using a multiple scattering T‐matrix approach. The range of validity of this approach is investigated by providing exemplary computation results for single fibres and aggregated fibres.
Recent developments in the molecular discrimination of formae speciales of Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Lievens Bart , Rep Martijn , Thomma Bart PHJ 
Published: March 2008

AbstractRapid and reliable detection and identification of potential plant pathogens is required for taking appropriate and timely disease management measures. For many microbial species of which all strains generally are plant pathogens on a known host range, this has become quite straightforward. However, for some fungal species this is quite a challenge. One of these is Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend:Fr., which, as a species, has a very broad host range, while individual strains are usually highly host‐specific. Moreover, many strains of this fungus are non‐pathogenic soil inhabitants. Thus, with regard to effective disease management, identification below the species level is highly desirable. So far, the genetic basis of host specificity in F. oxysporum is poorly understood. Furthermore, strains that infect a particular plant species are not necessarily more closely related to each other than to strains that infect other hosts. Despite these difficulties, recently an increasing number of studies have reported the successful development of molecular markers to discriminate F. oxysporum strains below the species level. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of fatty acid esters of okadaic acid and related toxins in blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) from Norway
Authors: Torgersen Trine , Wilkins Alistair L. , Rundberget Thomas , Miles Christopher O. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMarine algal toxins of the okadaic acid group can occur as fatty acid esters in blue mussels, and are commonly determined indirectly by transformation to their parent toxins by alkaline hydrolysis. Some data are available regarding the identity of the fatty acid esters, mainly of palmitic acid (16:0) derivatives of okadaic acid (OA), dinophysistoxin‐1 (DTX1) and dinophysistoxin‐2 (DTX2). Other fatty acid derivatives have been described, but with limited mass spectral data. In this paper, the mass spectral characterization of the [MH]− and [M+Na]+ ions of 16 fatty acid derivatives of each of OA, DTX1 and DTX2 is presented. The characteristic fragmentation of [M+Na]+ ions of OA analogues provided a useful tool for identifying these, and has not been described previously. In addition, a set of negative ion multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) methods was developed for direct determination of 16 fatty acid esters of OA, 16 fatty acid esters of DTX1 and 16 fatty acid esters of DTX2 in shellfish extracts. The MRM methods were employed to study the profiles of fatty acid esters of OA analogues in blue mussels and to compare these with fatty acid ester profiles reported for other groups of marine algal toxins. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding the bond‐making and bond‐breaking of Fe‐filled SWNT on Ni(111)
Authors: David M. Y. , Kasai K. , Moreno J. L. , Kasai H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn the previous studies, the stable structures and magnetic properties of Fe‐filled single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on Ni (111) were investigated based on first principles calculations. The SWNT transformed into arch‐like structure when the Fe atom was placed inside it near the Ni surface.In order to fully understand the formation of nanoarch when placed near the metal surface, we have provided a detailed mechanism of the bond‐breaking of SWNT and the bond‐making of SWNT‐Fe and Ni surface.The electron distributions and the number of electrons in the majority and minority spins per atomic orbital were discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive Flüssigkeitstilger für Vertikalschwingungen von Ingenieurstrukturen – Teil 2 – Feldversuche
Authors: Reiterer Michael , Altay Okyay , Wendner Roman , Hoffmann Simon , Strauss Alfred 
Published: March 2008

AbstractDie Schwingungsdämpfung von Ingenieurkonstruktionen gewinnt aufgrund erhöhter dynamischer Belastungszustände und zunehmend schlanker Bauweisen an Bedeutung. Eine effektive Maßnahme zur Reduktion von vertikalen Strukturschwingungen ist der Einsatz von klassischen Masse‐Feder‐Dämpfer‐Tilgern, bei der die Schwingungsantworten von angeregten kritischen Eigenfrequenzen der Konstruktion gezielt bedämpft werden. Das Einsatzgebiet dieser Art von Tilgern reicht vom Bauwesen über den Maschinenbau bis hin zur Luft‐ und Raumfahrt.Im Beitrag wird in Ergänzung zum Teil 1 (Laborversuche) der erstmalige praktische Einsatz von Vertikal‐Flüssigkeitstilgern zur Schwingungsdämpfung einer Eisenbahnbrücke aus Stahl vorgestellt. Die Flüssigkeitsmasse wird in einem U‐Rohr geführt, wobei eine Gasfeder zur Frequenzabstimmung dient. Die Energiedissipation erfolgt über Turbulenzeffekte in der Wasser und Luftströmung. Mechanische Bauteile wie Federn und viskose Dämpferelemente sind hier nicht vorhanden. Zu Beginn wird das mechanische Modell des gekoppelten Systems Brücke – Flüssigkeits‐tilger dargelegt, und Bewegungsgleichungen sowie die optimale Abstimmung werden ermittelt. Nach Beschreibung der für den Feldversuch ausgewählten Eisenbahnbrücke wird ein FE‐Modell vorgestellt und die Wirkung des Flüssigkeitstilgers numerisch untersucht. Die praktische Umsetzung der Flüssigkeitstilger wird beschrieben, die nach Installation im Feldversuch erzielte Schwingungsdämpfung wird dargelegt. Es zeigt sich, dass durch Anwendung der Vertikal‐Flüssigkeitstilger im Feldversuch erhebliche Reduktionen der Brückenschwingungen erzielt werden können.
Perforation of Jejunal Diverticula in Steroids and Nonsteroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drug Abusers: A Case Series
Authors: Palanivelu Chinnusamy , Rangarajan Muthukumaran , Rajapandian Subbiah , Maheshkumaar Gobi Shanmugam , Madankumar Madhupalayam Velusamy 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIntroductionJejunal diverticula are rare lesions, and when complications arise, they pose diagnostic difficulties. Perforation is a common complication resulting in an acute abdomen, although preoperative diagnosis is usually not possible. The “gold standard” for management for patients with complications is surgery. We present a series of patients with perforated jejunal diverticula who were on prolonged treatment with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids for Chikungunya fever.MethodsThere were a total of six patients, all of them presenting with perforative peritonitis, with or without shock. Plain abdominal radiogram and ultrasonogram confirmed this, although the exact site of the perforation was not diagnosed preoperatively. All patients underwent exploratory laparotomy and perforated jejunal diverticulum was found. Resection and anastomosis was performed in all cases.ResultsThe mean operating time was 113.5 minutes, and the blood loss was not significant. Postoperative course was uneventful except wound infection in two patients. There was no mortality.ConclusionsProlonged NSAID and steroid use are known to cause ulceration/perforation of the upper digestive tract and colonic diverticula. This seems to be the most likely cause for the perforation of jejunal diverticula in our series of patients. This view is supported by the absence of inflammation and infiltration of neutrophils on histopathological examination of the diverticula.
Evaluation of Breast Lymphatic Pathways with Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Ogasawara Yutaka , Ikeda Hirokuni , Takahashi Mina , Kawasaki Kensuke , Doihara Hiroyoshi 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundIn patients with early breast cancer, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been emerging as a new standard of care. The use of SLNB with a blue dye is convenient and safe, but it requires a high level of technical skill. Recently, an instrument that can provide fluorescence imaging of lymphatic flow has been introduced. In the present study, we analyzed breast lymphatic pathways and discussed its potential as a modality to complement the use of SLNB with a blue dye.MethodsThirty‐seven consecutive patients with breast cancer were examined. To obtain fluorescence imaging, an invisible near‐infrared fluorescence imaging system was used. After indocyanine green was subdermally injected in the subareolar site and at two sites around the tumor, the subcutaneous lymphatic drainage pathway (LDP) was observed.ResultsIn 27 (72.9%) of the patients, the number of LDP from the periareolar area was one or two. In 21(63.6%) of 33 patients with subdermal injection around the tumor, no LDP was observed from the peritumoral area. Lymphatic connection between the peritumoral area and the periareolar area was observed very frequently (91.7%). In 26 (70.3%) of the patients, multiple routes joined together and only one route was ultimately directed to the axilla. Significant correlation was seen between body mass index (BMI) and the transit time to the axilla after injection (p = 0.0038). Additionally, a significant correlation was seen between the number of LPD from the periareolar area and the distance between detected SLNs and the fluorescence line‐disappearing point (p = 0.034).ConclusionsThis instrument can provide some important information, and can be an available and reliable navigator for SLNB with a blue dye.
Bedside Placement of Removable Vena Cava Filters Guided by Intravascular Ultrasound in the Critically Injured
Authors: Spaniolas Konstantinos , Velmahos George C. , Kwolek Christopher , Gervasini Alice , De Moya Marc , Alam Hasan B. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundBedside placement of removable inferior vena cava filters (RVCF) is increasingly used in critically injured patients. The need for fluoroscopic equipment and specialized intensive care unit beds presents major challenges. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) eliminates such problems. The objective of the present study was to analyze the safety and feasibility of IVUS‐guided bedside RVCF placement in critically injured patients.MethodsBetween October 2004 and July 2006 47 IVUS‐guided RVCF were placed at the bedside. Medical and trauma registry records were reviewed. Primary outcome was RVCF‐related complications.ResultsThe mean patient age was 41 ± 19 years, and the mean Injury Severity Score was 30 ± 12. The right common femoral vein was chosen as the site of access in 40 patients, and the left common femoral vein was the access site in 7 patients. The insertion was performed 3.7 ± 2.5 days after admission. Four patients (8.5%) developed common femoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and three (6%) developed a peripheral pulmonary embolism (PE). Complications related to technique were recorded in two patients (4%) and included one misplacement and one access site bleeding with no further associated morbidity. Five patients died during the hospital stay from issues unrelated to RVCF. Forty‐one patients were eligible for follow‐up. Removal of RVCF was offered only to 8 patients and was performed successfully in 4 (10%) at a mean of 130 days (range: 44–183 days).ConclusionsIn this study IVUS‐guided bedside placement of RVCF was feasible but was also associated with complications. Follow‐up was poor, and the rate of removal disappointingly low, underscoring the need for further exploration of the role of RVCF.
Molecular Mechanism of Age‐Specific Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in PPARα (+/−):LDLR (+/−) Mice, an Obese Mouse Model
Authors: Li Yufeng , Sugiyama Eiko , Yokoyama Shin , Jiang Lingling , Tanaka Naoki , Aoyama Toshifumi 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis study aimed to clarify the molecular mechanisms of age‐specific hepatic lipid accumulation accompanying hyperinsulinemia in a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) (+/−):low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) (+/−) mouse line. The hepatic fat content, protein amounts, and mRNA levels of genes involved in hepatic lipid metabolism were analyzed in 25‐, 50‐, 75‐ and 100‐week‐old mice. Severe fatty liver was confirmed only in 50‐ and 75‐week‐old mice. The hepatic expression of proteins that function in lipid transport and catabolism did not differ among the groups. In contrast, the mRNA levels and protein amounts of lipogenic enzymes, including acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase‐1, fatty acid synthase, and glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase, enhanced in the mice with fatty liver. Elevated mRNA and protein levels of lipoprotein lipase and fatty acid translocase, which are involved in hepatic lipid uptake, were also detected in mice with fatty liver. Moreover, both protein and mRNA levels of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1 (SREBP‐1), a transcription factor regulating lipid synthesis, had age‐specific patterns similar to those of the proteins described above. Therefore, the age‐specific fatty liver found in the PPARα (+/−):LDLR (+/−) mouse line is probably caused by age‐specific expression of SREBP‐1 and its downstream lipogenic genes, coordinated by the increased uptake of lipids. All of these factors might be affected by age‐specific changes in serum insulin concentration.
From Aquatic to Terrestrial Food Webs: Decrease of the Docosahexaenoic Acid/Linoleic Acid Ratio
Authors: Koussoroplis Apostolos‐Manuel , Lemarchand Charles , Bec Alexandre , Desvilettes Christian , Amblard Christian , Fournier Christine , Berny Philippe , Bourdier Gilles 
Published: March 2008

AbstractFatty acid composition of the adipose tissue of six carnivorous mammalian species (European otterLutra lutra, American minkMustela vison, European MinkMustela lutreola, European polecatMustela putorius, stone martenMartes foinaand European wild catFelis silvestris) was studied. These species forage to differing degrees in aquatic and terrestrial food webs. Fatty acid analysis revealed significant differences in polyunsaturated fatty acid composition between species. More specifically, our results underline a gradual significant decrease in the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/linoleic acid (LNA) ratio of carnivore species as their dependence on aquatic food webs decreases. In conclusion, the use of the DHA/LNA ratio in long‐term studies is proposed as a potential proxy of changes in foraging behaviour of semi‐aquatic mammals.
Assessing caffeine exposure in pregnant women
Authors: Boylan Sinead M. , Cade Janet E. , Kirk Sara F. L. , Greenwood Darren C. , White Kay L. M. , Shires Susan , Simpson Nigel A. B. , Wild Chris P. , Hay Alastair W. M. 
Published: March 2008

Studies on the effects of caffeine on health, while numerous, have produced inconsistent results. One of the most uncertain and controversial effects is on pregnancy outcome. Studies have produced conflicting results due to a number of methodological variations. The major challenge is the accurate assessment of caffeine intake. The aim of the present study was to explore different methods of assessing caffeine exposure in pregnant women. Twenty-four healthy pregnant women from the UK city of Leeds completed both a detailed questionnaire, the caffeine assessment tool (CAT) designed specifically to assess caffeine intake and a prospective 3 d food and drink diary. The women also provided nine saliva samples over two consecutive days for estimation of caffeine and a metabolite (paraxanthine). Caffeine intakes from the CAT and diary showed adequate agreement (intra-class correlation coefficient of 0·5). For saliva caffeine and paraxanthine measures, the between-sample variation (within the same woman) was greater than between-woman and between-day variation. However, there was still adequate agreement between these measures and the CAT. The CAT is a valuable tool that is now being used in a large prospective study investigating caffeine's role in pregnancy outcome.
Primary tracheal tumours: 21 years of experience at Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
Authors: Zhengjaiang L , Pingzhang T , Dechao Z , Reddy-Kolanu G , Ilankovan V 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectives:To review our experience of the treatment of primary tracheal tumours.Study design:All medical notes of patients with primary tracheal tumours diagnosed between 1981 and 2002 were retrospectively analysed.Results:In this period, 80 patients were diagnosed with primary tracheal malignancy, 48 males and 32 females. The median age was 48 years. Sixty-nine patients had malignant tumours, most commonly adenoid cystic carcinoma (50.7 per cent) or squamous cell carcinoma (30.4 per cent). Fifty-five patients underwent surgery, 30 of whom also received radiotherapy. Twenty-five patients received only radiotherapy. The five-year survival rate for all malignant tumours was 30.5 per cent. The five-year survival rates for adenoid cystic carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were 40.2 and 24.6 per cent, respectively. Local recurrence and distant metastases developed in 21 patients (30.4 per cent).Conclusion:Primary tracheal tumours are rare and mainly malignant. Surgery is the most effective treatment method. Technical advances allow for safe resection of the tumour with a safe, tension-free anastomosis.
Laryngeal chondritis induced by C3–4 osteophyte following supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy: report of two cases
Authors: Seino Y , Nakayama M , Okamoto M , Yokobori S , Takeda M , Miyamoto S 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectives:We have performed supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy or with cricohyoidopexy for tumour (T) stage T2 and T3 laryngeal cancer cases and some T4 cases. We report the clinical symptoms and management, using this technique to avoid complications.Case report:Among patients undergoing the procedure, two cases manifested laryngeal chondritis following laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy. This complication was caused by C3–4 cervical osteophytes physically contacting the cricoid cartilage. Laryngeal microlaryngoscopy was performed, which revealed white, necrotic tissue in the posterior wall of the pharynx and persistent oedema of the neoglottis.Conclusions:When encountering a patient with an excessive osteophyte formation at the level of C3–4, one needs to take extra precautions when undertaking laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy or with cricohyoidopexy.