bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cervicothoracic goitre: an anatomical or radiological definition? Report of 223 surgical cases
Authors: Page C , Strunski V 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectives:To analyse and compare chest radiographs and cervicothoracic computed tomography scans taken prior to thyroid surgery, in order to locate and predict thoracic extension of substernal goitres.Method:This eight-year, retrospective study included 223 patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy for benign, substernal, multinodular goitres. Chest radiographs and computed tomography scans were reviewed by two physicians (a senior ENT surgeon and a senior radiologist).Results:The most frequent mode of extension was anterior or prevascular, seen in 76 per cent of cases, especially on the left side. Fifty-nine per cent of goitres did not reach the aortic arch and 11 per cent extended beyond the aortic arch. A cervical surgical approach was performed in approximately 99 per cent of cases.Discussion:Thorough examination of computed tomography scans is essential in order to identify and classify substernal goitres and to decide the best surgical procedure. A cervical surgical procedure is almost always sufficient and safe for the surgical management of substernal goitres.Conclusion:Computed tomography appears to be the best imaging modality for identifying and characterising substernal goitres. Surgical management is almost always via a cervical approach and does not differ from that used for benign cervical goitres. In the future, magnetic resonance imaging may be used; its results would need to be compared with those of computed tomography.
Leg crossing with muscle tensing, a physical counter-manoeuvre to prevent syncope, enhances leg blood flow
Authors: Groothuis Jan T. , van Dijk Nynke , ter Woerds Walter , Wieling Wouter , Hopman Maria T. E. 
Published: March 2007

In patients with orthostatic intolerance, the mechanisms to maintain BP (blood pressure) fail. A physical counter-manoeuvre to postpone or even prevent orthostatic intolerance in these patients is leg crossing combined with muscle tensing. Although the central haemodynamic effects of physical counter-manoeuvres are well documented, not much is known about the peripheral haemodynamic events. Therefore the purpose of the present study was to examine the peripheral haemodynamic effects of leg crossing combined with muscle tensing during 70° head-up tilt. Healthy subjects (n=13) were monitored for 10 min in the supine position followed by 10 min in 70° head-up tilt and, finally, for 2 min of leg crossing with muscle tensing in 70° head-up tilt. MAP (mean arterial BP), heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output and total peripheral resistance were measured continuously by Portapres. Leg blood flow was measured using Doppler ultrasound. Leg vascular conductance was calculated as leg blood flow/MAP. A significant increase in MAP (13 mmHg), stroke volume (27%) and cardiac output (18%), a significant decrease in heart rate (−5 beats/min) and no change in total peripheral resistance during the physical counter-manoeuvre were observed when compared with baseline 70° head-up tilt. A significant increase in leg blood flow (325 ml/min) and leg vascular conductance (2.9 arbitrary units) were seen during the physical counter-manoeuvre when compared with baseline 70° head-up tilt. In conclusion, the present study indicates that the physical counter-manoeuvre of leg crossing combined with muscle tensing clearly enhances leg blood flow and, at the same time, elevates MAP.
Level set methods for the displacement of layered materials
Authors: Boon J.A , Budd C.J , Hunt G.W 
Published: March 2007

Previous multi-layered folding models have struggled to describe the geometry of the interfaces between layers. In the level set method (LSM), a single function
ϕ
(
x
,
y
,
t
) can be used to encode all the information of a multi-layer material in which all layers are in contact and thus is a very natural way of dealing with the geometry. This paper shows the potential for the LSM (in multi-layer problems) by demonstrating that it can describe the geometry of multi-layer folding patterns including those with singularities. The method is then applied to describe the mechanics of the modelling of parallel folding in multi-layered structures.
An autonomous self contained wall climbing robot for non‐destructive inspection of above‐ground storage tanks
Authors: Kalra Love P. , Gu Jason 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe aim of this research is to design a wall climbing robot (WCR) for the non‐destructive inspection (NDT) of the above‐ground storage tanks (ASTs) autonomously making the industrial inspection and maintenance tasks safer.Design/methodology/approachA WCR is designed that can be equipped with any NDT sensor. It uses permanent magnets as an adhesion mechanism to crawl over the steel tank walls. A surface coverage algorithm is proposed for the WCR to scan the AST wall surfaces autonomously with the NDT sensors to perform the necessary inspection tasks.FindingsThe proposed surface coverage algorithm performs the complete coverage of the AST walls under different obstacle configurations. It has been tested and demonstrated in simulations.Originality/valueA surface coverage algorithm is proposed for the WCR to perform the non‐destructive inspection of the ASTs autonomously. It can also be used in applications like cleaning glass building and painting ship hulls, etc.
Fibroblast growth factor‐2‐induced host stroma reaction during initial tumor growth promotes progression of mouse melanoma via vascular endothelial growth factor A‐dependent neovascularization
Authors: Tsunoda Satoshi , Nakamura Toshiyuki , Sakurai Hiroaki , Saiki Ikuo 
Published: March 2007

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2 has been considered to play a critical role in neovascularization in several tumors; however, its precise role in tumor progression is not fully understood. In the present study, we have characterized the role of FGF‐2 in B16‐BL6 mouse melanoma cells, focusing on effects during the initial phase of tumor growth. FGF‐2 was injected at the tumor inoculation site of dorsal skin during the initial phase. FGF‐2 induced marked tumor growth and lymph node metastasis. This was well correlated with an increase in neovascularization in the host stroma. FGF‐2 also recruited inflammatory and mesenchymal cells in host stroma. Marked tumor growth, pulmonary metastasis and intensive neovascularization in tumor parenchyma were also observed after a single injection of FGF‐2 into the footpad inoculation site. In contrast, repeated injections of FGF‐2 at a site remote from the footpad tumor were ineffective in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. These promoting activities of FGF‐2 were blocked by local injections of a glucocorticoid hormone, suggesting that host inflammatory responses induced by FGF‐2 are associated with FGF‐2‐induced tumor progression. In addition, although FGF‐2 did not promote cellular proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) mRNA expression in B16‐BL6 cells in vitro, FGF‐2 induced VEGFA expression in host stroma rather than tumor tissue, and local injections of a neutralizing antibody against VEGFA inhibited these activities of FGF‐2 in vivo. These results indicate that abundant FGF‐2 during the initial phase of tumor growth induces VEGFA‐dependent intensive neovascularization in host stroma, and supports marked tumor growth and metastasis. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 541–548)
TACC3 is required for the proper mitosis of sclerotome mesenchymal cells during formation of the axial skeleton
Authors: Yao Ryoji , Natsume Yasuko , Noda Tetsuo 
Published: March 2007

Transforming acidic coiled‐coil‐containing (TACC) family members regulate mitotic spindles and have essential roles in embryogenesis. However, the functions of TACC3 in mitosis during mammalian development are not known. We have generated and characterized three mutant alleles of mouseTacc3including a conditional allele. Homozygous mutants of a hypomorphic allele exhibited malformations of the axial skeleton. The primary cause of this defect was the failure of mitosis in mesenchymal sclerotome cells.In vitro, 36% of primary mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEF) obtained from mutants homozygous for the hypomorphic allele and 67% of MEF fromTacc3null mutants failed mitosis. In cloned immortalized MEF, Tacc3 depletion destabilized spindles and prevented chromosomes from aligning properly. Furthermore, chromosome separation and cytokinesis were also severely impaired. Chromosomes were moved randomly and cytokinesis initiated but the cleavage furrow eventually regressed, resulting in binucleate cells that then yielded aneuploid cells in the next cell division. Thus, in addition to spindle assembly, Tacc3 has critical roles in chromosome separation and cytokinesis, and is essential for the mitosis of sclerotome mesenchymal cells during axial formation in mammals. (Cancer Sci2007; 98: 555–562)
Photodynamic therapy‐generated tumor cell lysates with CpG‐oligodeoxynucleotide enhance immunotherapy efficacy in human papillomavirus 16 (E6/E7) immortalized tumor cells
Authors: Bae Su‐Mi , Kim Yong‐Wan , Kwak Sun‐Young , Kim Yong‐Wook , Ro Duck‐Yeong , Shin Jong‐Chul , Park Choong‐Hak , Han Sei‐Jun , Oh Chung‐Hun , Kim Chong‐Kook , Ahn Woong‐Shick 
Published: March 2007

Immunotherapy with photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers great promise as a new alternative for cancer treatment; however, its use remains experimental. In this study, we examined the immunotherapeutic significance of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐immortalized tumor cell lysates induced by PDT with CpG‐oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN). PDT‐cell lysates were generated by irradiating Radachlorin (5 µg/mL) preloaded TC‐1 cells carrying HPV 16 E7. PDT‐cell lysates plus ODN coinjection for protection against E7‐expressing tumors as well as specific immune responses were evaluated with the following tests: heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, in vitro and in vivo tumor growth inhibition, interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) assay, cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte assay, and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. PDT‐cell lysates plus ODN coinjection showed a significant suppression of tumor growth at both prophylactic and therapeutic levels, compared to PDT (or F/T)‐cell lysates or ODN alone. In addition, we evaluated the level of the immune response with the coinjection. HSP70, an important regulator of inflammatory and immune response, was observed in abundance in the PDT‐cell lysates. IFN‐γ production and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) responses were induced by PDT‐cell lysates plus ODN injection. The coinjection resulted in PDT‐cell lysate‐specific antibodies (IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3) and T‐helper cell responses significantly higher than PDT‐cell lysates alone. Moreover, IFN‐γ production and CTL responses were significantly induced in the PDT‐cell lysate plus ODN immunized groups. These enhanced immune responses appeared to be mediated by CD8+ T cells only. These data suggest that PDT‐cell lysates plus ODN injection may be an effective approach to induce CTL immune responses as a possible immunotherapeutic strategy for cancer therapy. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 747–752)
Natural killer T cells from interleukin‐4‐deficient mice are defective in early interferon‐γ production in response to α‐galactosylceramide
Authors: Togashi Yuji , Chamoto Kenji , Wakita Daiko , Tsutsumi Naonobu , Iwakura Yoichiro , Matsubara Naoki , Kitamura Hidemitsu , Nishimura Takashi 
Published: March 2007

Discovery of the natural killer (NK) T cell‐specific ligand, α‐galactosylceramide (α‐GalCer) has enabled us to investigate the functional regulation of NKT cells. However, the detailed mechanism of cytokine production by NKT cells remains to be elucidated. Here we evaluated the role of interleukin (IL)‐4 in the production of interferon (IFN)‐γ from NKT cells using IL‐4‐deficient C57BL/6 mice (IL‐4−/– mice). Administration of α‐GalCer into wild‐type C57BL/6 mice caused the production of both IFN‐γ and IL‐4 in serum or cytoplasm within 4 h of the injection. Unexpectedly, however, IL‐4−/– mice‐derived NKT cells did not produce any IFN‐γ at early phase after primary stimulation with α‐GalCer. Because NKT cells from IL‐4−/– mice produced IFN‐γ when they were stimulated secondarily with α‐GalCer in vitro for 72 h, NKT cells from IL‐4−/– mice were not completely genetically deficient for IFN‐γ production. To elucidate which cells, NKT cells or dendritic cells (DC), were responsible for the deficiency in IFN‐γ production in IL‐4−/– mice, we carried out an add‐back experiment using purified NKT cells and DC, which were prepared from either wild‐type mice or IL‐4−/– mice. NKT cells from wild‐type mice produced IFN‐γ when they were cocultured with DC prepared from either wild‐type or IL‐4−/– mice, whereas NKT cells from IL‐4−/– mice did not produce IFN‐γ by coculturing with DC from either wild‐type or IL‐4−/– mice. These results indicate that NKT cells, not DC, were responsible for the deficiency in IFN‐γ production in IL‐4−/– mice. Thus, IL‐4 is required for the activation of NKT cells to produce IFN‐γ in response to α‐GalCer. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 721–725)
Performance of six types of oxygen delivery devices at varying respiratory rates*
Authors: Wagstaff T. A. J. , Soni N. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryThe administration of a known concentration of oxygen is an important part of routine care of the sick patient. Many devices are currently available. The actual concentration of oxygen that can be delivered by these devices can be affected by several factors, both from the patient as well as the device itself. Measuring the Fio2 delivered to the lungs in vivo can be both difficult and potentially uncomfortable for the subjects. We constructed a model using a resuscitation manikin, a ventilator and a set of bellows to simulate ventilation. With this model we tested a series of devices – variable performance, fixed performance and high flow – at two fixed tidal volumes. The respiratory rate was increased and its effect on the oxygen concentration assessed. Variable performance systems such as the Hudson mask deliver a significantly reduced oxygen concentration at high respiratory rates. Fixed performance systems delivering 24–40% oxygen deliver appropriate oxygen concentrations across the range of respiratory rates, whereas those delivering 60% show a reduction in performance. High flow systems show no failure of performance at increased respiratory rates.
Acute MDMA and ethanol interaction effects on psychomotor performance
Authors: Dumont G. J. H. , Valkenberg M. M. G. J. , Schoemaker R. , Buitelaar J. K. , Van Gerven J. M. A. , Verkes R. J. 
Published: March 2007

Introduction:  A considerable percentage of young people expose themselves to 3,4‐methylenedioxy‐methamphetamine (MDMA or ‘ecstasy’). Alcohol is relatively commonly used in combination with MDMA (Barrett et al., 2005). As a percentage of MDMA users admit to driving under influence (Riley et al., 2001), the assessment of the effects of co‐administration of these substances on psychomotor performance is warranted.Hypothesis:  We hypothesized that the co‐administration of MDMA and ethanol would ameliorate the impairment induced by ethanol alone.Methods:  We performed a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐ controlled study in 16 healthy volunteers (9 male, 7 female) in the age of 18–29 years. MDMA 100 mg was given orally and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was maintained at 0.6‰ by a three hour 10% alcohol infusion regime (adjustment of infusion rate according to regular sampled breath alcohol concentration). Saccadic and smooth pursuit eye movements, a validated measure of ethanol induced sedation (van Steveninck et al., 1999), were recorded using Nihon Kohden® and Cambridge Electronic Design (CED®) hardware and Spike2® software at 1 : 35 post drug administration. Results were statistically evaluated using GLM in SPSS® 11.5.Results:  Results are presented in table 1. Saccadic peak velocity was increased after MDMA (p=0.000). Co‐administration showed significant increase in peak saccadic velocity compared to placebo (p=0.004), although significantly less then the increase as observed after MDMA alone (p=0.003). Smooth pursuit was significantly impaired after ethanol compared to placebo (p=0.000) and MDMA (p=0.000), co‐adminstration also impaired score compared to placebo (p=0.000) and MDMA (p=0.000).

Eye movement scores per drug

Eye movements
Placebo
Ethanol
MDMA
Ethanol + MDMA

Mean
SD
Mean
SD
Mean
SD
Mean
SD

Peak saccadic

◆, ♠

*, •, ♠

*, •, ◆

velocity (deg/s)
458,1
66,1
452,8
54,8
543,5
76,3
497,2
65,8

Saccadic reaction time (ms)
190,8
25,3
194,4
26,1
193,0
24,9
191,6
24,9

Average smooth

*, ◆

•, ♠

*, ◆

pursuit (%)
49,08
12,00
37,56
9,72
52,74
14,30
38,90
9,85

*=Significant vs. placebo, • =Significant vs. ethanol, ◆=Significant vs. MDMA, ♠ = Significant vs. MDMA + ethanol.

Conclusions:  MDMA induced arousal as measured by the saccadic peak velocity when administered alone and, to a lesser degree, in combination with ethanol. Co‐administration of MDMA with ethanol however could not ameliorate the deterioration of psychomotor accuracy by ethanol as measured by smooth pursuit eye movements. These findings suggest that although MDMA might ameliorate ethanol induced sedation it does not ameliorate impaired psychomotor skills. This might give a false sense of improved performance while intoxicated and thus increases risks of for example road accidents.
The potential value on medication safety of a clinical decision support system in intensive care patients with renal insufficiency
Authors: Helmons P. J. , Grouls R. J. E. , Roos A. N. , Bindels A. J. G. H. , De Clercq P. A. , Wessels‐Basten S. J. W. , Ackerman E. W. , Korsten H. H. M. 
Published: March 2007

Introduction:  Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are defined as electronic or non‐electronic systems designed to aid in clinical decision making, using characteristics of individual patients to generate patient‐specific assessments or recommendations that are then presented to clinicians for consideration (Garg et al., 2005). As the potential value of a CDSS is determined by the benefits on clinical practice of the clinical rules used in this system, it is essential to investigate the necessity and potential benefits on quality of care of these rules (Stiell et al., 1999; Helmons et al., 2006).Purpose  The aim of this study was to determine the potential value of a clinical rule designed to improve dosage adjustment of antibiotics in critically ill patients with renal dysfunction.Methods:  We developed a clinical rule assisting the physicians in selecting the appropriate dosage according to renal function of the ten most frequently prescribed antibiotics. We compared the actual number of dosage adjustments without the support of the CDSS with the theoretical number of dosage adjustments determined by the clinical rule in patients with moderate (creatinin clearance (Clcreat) 10–50 ml/min) and severe (Clcreat < 10 ml/min) renal dysfunction.If dosage adjustment was omitted, we determined the overexposure to the antibiotics in terms of duration and number of dosages administered and the extra drug costs involved.Results:  Seventeen hundred eighty‐eight patients were included in this retrospective study. In the moderate renal failure group, dosage adjustment was omitted in 163 patients (86%). In the severe renal failure group, dosage was not adjusted in 13 patients (54%). The duration of exposure was the most in patients receiving fluconazole and ciprofloxacin (median duration of 6 days). By adjusting the dosage of the ten most frequently prescribed antibiotics according to renal function, more than 116,000 can be saved annually on our ICU.Conclusion:  Dosage adjustment of antibiotics is often omitted in our ICU. We conclude that substantial savings and improvement in medication safety can be achieved by implementing this clinical rule in clinical practice. This technology has enormous potential to reduce medication errors. Further (prospective) research is needed to show that this system is clinically applicable.
Drug clearance during Continuous Veno‐Venous Hemofiltration (CVVH). A mathematical model based on ex‐vivo experiments
Authors: Samson‐Corbeij C. M. , Grouls R. J. E. , Gerards A. , Ackerman E. W. , Douwes‐Draaijer P. , Roos A. N. , Bindels A. J. G. H. 
Published: March 2007

Introduction:  Continuous veno‐venous hemofiltration (CVVH) with an AN69 membrane is used in hemodynamical unstable patients with acute renal failure admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Catharina Hospital in Eindhoven (CHE), the Netherlands. Literature search revealed that only the clearance and kinetics of some antibiotics during CVVH were studied. Data obtained with different renal replacement techniques and membranes can’t easily be extrapolated to CVVH with an AN69 membrane. (Reetze‐Bonorden et al. 1993; Mueller et al., 2003) Due to the lack of clinical research data, dosages in patients treated with CVVH at the ICU of the CHE or are not adjusted or are adjusted on the base of the empirical determined creatinin clearance of 30 ml/min. For aminoglycosides and vancomycin dose adjustment is performed applying therapeutic drug monitoring. Because of this a lot of drugs are possibly suboptimal dosed during CVVH.Aim:  The aim of this study was to develop a predictive mathematical model based on ex‐vivo experiments for the drug clearance by CVVH with an AN69 high‐flux membrane.Methods:  The experimental set‐up consisted of a PRISMA CFM hemofiltration machine with a AN69 HF 0,9 m2, 500 ml heparinised bovine blood as blood compartment, blood flow rate 150 ml/min and ultrafiltration rate 1500 ml/h. The following drugs were added to the blood compartment in therapeutic concentrations, covering a broad range in molecular weight (Mw), % protein binding (%PB), logP and charge (C): amiodarone, amitriptyline, carbamazepine, cyclosporine, clozapine, digoxin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, gentamycin, midazolam, acetaminophen, theophylline, tobramycin, valproic acid and vancomycin. The sieving coefficient (SC) was calculated by SC=(2x concentration ultrafiltrate) / (concentration post membrane + concentration pre membrane).Results:  All four parameters; %PB, logP, C and Mw contributed statistically significant (p < 0,05) to the SC. The regression line, explaining 75% of the variance (R2=0,751) is:
SC=0,826 − 0,06%PB − 0,055 logP − 0,085C + 0,000095MW
Conclusion:  Based on the ex‐vivo experiments a mathematical model has been extracted to predict a‐priori the sieving coefficient of drugs during CVVH with an AN69 high‐flux membrane on the base of protein binding, charge, logP and molecular weight. This model has to be validated in vivo and can then be used, if valid, for drugs which physico‐chemical properties in the ranges studied: p%PB 0 − 98%, logP −7,32 – 7, Mw 151 – 1500, C −1 – 3.