bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity and Specificity of the Mini‐Mental State Examination for Identifying Dementia in the Oldest‐Old: The 90+ Study
Authors: Kahle‐Wrobleski Kristin , Corrada Maria M. , Li Bixia , Kawas Claudia H. 
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) in identifying dementia in the oldest‐old when stratified by age and education.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.SETTING: Research clinic and in‐home visits.PARTICIPANTS: Population‐based sample of adults aged 90 and older (n=435) who are enrolled in the 90+ Study, a longitudinal, population‐based study.MEASUREMENTS: Neurological examination to determine dementia diagnosis, MMSE, and demographic data.RESULTS: Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses indicated that the MMSE had high diagnostic accuracy for identifying dementia in subjects aged 90 and older across different age and education groups (area under the ROC curve values ranged from 0.82 to 0.98). A range of possible cutoff values and corresponding sensitivity and specificity are provided for the following age groups: 90–93, 94–96, and ≥97. Age groups were subdivided by educational attainment (≤high school, vocational school or some college, college degree or higher). In subjects aged 90 to 93 with a college degree or higher, the suggested MMSE cutoff score is ≤25 (sensitivity=0.82, specificity=0.80). In those aged 94 to 96 with a college degree or higher, the suggested cutoff is ≤24 (sensitivity=0.85, specificity=0.80). Those aged 97 and older with an education of high school or less had the lowest suggested cutoff ≤22 (sensitivity=0.80, specificity=0.76).CONCLUSION: Overall, the MMSE had good sensitivity and specificity across all age and educational groups. Optimal cutoff points were lower in the older age groups and those with less education, primarily to preserve specificity. This screening instrument is appropriate for use with the oldest‐old.
Surgical Management of Left‐Divisional Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts: Outcome After Partial Ligation of, or Ameroid Ring Constrictor Placement on, the Left Hepatic Vein in Twenty‐Eight Dogs (1995–2005)
Authors: MEHL MARGO L. , KYLES ANDREW E. , CASE JOSEPH B. , KASS PHILIP H. , ZWINGENBERGER ALLISON , GREGORY CLARE R. 
Published: January 2007

Objectives—To evaluate outcome in dogs with left divisional intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (PSS) treated by partial ligation (PL) or ameroid ring constrictor (ARC) placement on the left hepatic vein.Design—Retrospective study.Animals—Dogs (n=28) with left divisional intrahepatic PSS.Methods—Retrieved data from medical records of dogs with left divisional intrahepatic PSS that had PL (n=17) or ARC (n=11) were signalment, history, clinical signs, preoperative blood work, portal pressure measurements, ARC size, complications and postoperative technetium scintigraphy. Outcome assessed by owner interview 6 months–10 years after surgery was classified as excellent, good or poor. Differences were tested by exact χ2test.Results—Major complications occurred in 3 dogs: coagulopathy (1 PL dog died), ascites (1 PL dog survived) and seizures (1 ARC dog died). Eight PL dogs had technetium portal scintigraphy; 1 dog was negative and 7 dogs positive for persistent shunting. Seven ARC dogs had scintigraphy; 4 dogs were negative and 3 positive for persistent shunting. In PL dogs, long‐term clinical outcome was excellent (92%) or good (8%) whereas, in ARC dogs it was excellent (20%), good (50%) or poor (30%). This outcome difference between treatment groups was significant (P=.0012).Conclusion—Dogs treated by PL had significantly better long‐term outcome compared with ARC treated dogs.Clinical Relevance—Based on these data, ARC placement on the left hepatic vein in dogs with left‐divisional intrahepatic PSS cannot be recommended.
Retrospective Comparison of Surgical Ligation and Transarterial Catheter Occlusion for Treatment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Two Hundred and Four Dogs (1993–2003)
Authors: GOODRICH KIMBERLY R. , KYLES ANDREW E. , KASS PHILLIP H. , CAMPBELL FIONA 
Published: January 2007

Objective—To compare procedure time, complications, mortality, and short‐term outcome in dogs with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) treated by surgical ligation (SL) or transarterial coil occlusion (TCO).Study Design—Retrospective study.Animals—Dogs with PDA (n=204).Methods—Medical records of dogs treated for PDA were reviewed. Dogs treated by SL when it was the primary method used for PDA treatment (1993–1998) were compared with dogs treated by TCO when it was the primary method used for PDA treatment (1999–2003). Dogs treated during the transition between techniques, dogs treated with SL (1999–2003) and dogs treated with TCO before 1999, as well as dogs with pulmonary hypertension, or bidirectional or reversed (right‐to‐left) flow through the PDA were excluded from analysis.Results—Age, weight, gender distribution, and procedure times (P=.43) were similar for both groups. Major complications were more common with SL (12% versus 4.3%;P=.035) whereas minor complications were more common with TCO (12% versus 26%;P=.015). Initial success rate was higher for SL (94%) compared with TCO (84%;P=.027). There was no significant difference in mortality between SL (5.6%) and TCO (2.6%;P=.27).Conclusions—Both SL and TCO are acceptable PDA treatments with comparable mortality; however, SL was associated with a higher risk of major complications and TCO was associated with a lower initial success rate.
In Vitro Biomechanical Properties of Linear, Circular, and Hybrid External Skeletal Fixation Devices for Use in Large Ruminants
Authors: SINGH GAJ RAJ , AITHAL HARI PRASAD , SAXENA RAJENDRA KUMAR , KINJAVDEKAR PRAKASH , AMARPAL, MVSc, PhD  , HOQUE MOZAMMEL , MAITI SWAPAN KUMAR , PAWDE ABHIJIT MOTIRAM , JOSHI HEM CHANDRA 
Published: January 2007

Objective—To report the biomechanical properties of 3 external skeletal fixation (ESF) devices for use in large ruminants.Study Design—In vitro biomechanical testing of ESF constructs.Sample Population—Adult buffalo (weighing, 250–350 kg) tibiae (n=27).Methods—ESF constructs (bilateral linear fixator [BLF], 4‐ring circular external fixator [CEF], and hybrid fixator [HF]) were made using mild (low carbon) steel implants plated with nickel and cadaveric buffalo tibiae. After ESF application, a 1 cm mid‐diaphyseal gap was created. Constructs were loaded to failure, on a materials testing machine, in axial compression (n=5/ESF type) and craniocaudal bending (n=3/ESF type). In addition, 3 CEF constructs were tested in intact tibiae under craniocaudal bending.Result—In compression, HF was the strongest and most rigid construct; yield load was significantly higher for HF than for BLF or CEF. Under bending, both CEF and HF had similar strength and modulus of elasticity. Strength for BLF was higher than CEF and HF, whereas the reverse was true for modulus of elasticity.Conclusions—ESF made from mild steel for use in large ruminants could withstand ≤300 kg load applied under compression and bending moment without any substantial adverse biomechanical effects on the constructs. HF was most rigid and strong under compression, whereas BLF was strongest in craniocaudal bending. Overall, HF seemed biomechanically the most suitable ESF device.Clinical Relevance—A hybrid ESF developed using mild steel is sufficiently strong and economical and may prove useful for fixation of long bone fractures in large ruminants (weighing ≤300 kg).
L‐Type Calcium Current Reactivation Contributes to Arrhythmogenesis Associated with Action Potential Triangulation
Authors: GUO DONGLIN , ZHAO XIAOJING , WU YING , LIU TENGXIAN , KOWEY PETER R. , YAN GAN‐XIN 
Published: January 2007

Introduction: The morphology of the mammalian cardiac action potential (AP) is an important factor in the susceptibility to drug‐induced early afterdepolarizations (EADs) that may initiate Torsade de Pointes (TdP). AP triangulation has been shown to be an important predictor of drug‐induced TdP. Methods and Results: APs from guinea pig and rabbit left ventricular single myocytes were recorded using a microelectrode‐recording technique. ICa‐L currents were recorded in ventricular myocytes of guinea pig and rabbit using patch‐clamping technique. At a stimulus frequency of 0.5 Hz, guinea pig ventricular myocytes displayed a square‐like AP, whereas rabbit ventricular myocytes exhibited a triangle‐like AP. Dofetilide‐induced EADs were observed only in rabbit ventricular myocytes. Under the guinea pig AP clamping condition, the normalized ICa‐L instant reactivation currents in guinea pig and rabbit myocytes at voltages of –40 mV were 0.13 ± 0.01 and 0.14 ± 0.01, respectively. However, when rabbit AP served as the first clamping voltage, the normalized ICa‐L reactivation currents at –40 mV in guinea pig and rabbit myocytes were 0.20 ± 0.01, 0.21 ± 0.01, respectively, indicating that the ICa‐L recovery from inactivation in the rabbit triangular AP condition was significantly faster than in the guinea pig square AP condition. Comparison of the voltage clamp using the triangular waveform with the square waveform further confirmed that triangulation accelerates ICa‐L recovery from inactivation. Conclusions: In rabbit ventricular myocardium, AP triangulation accelerates ICa‐L channel recovery from inactivation, leading to instability of the cell membrane potential during repolarization, which is capable of initiating TdP.
NK Cell Function in the Human Female Reproductive Tract
Authors: Sentman Charles L. , Wira Charles R. , Eriksson Mikael 
Published: January 2007

ProblemUterine NK cells have a unique phenotype compared with blood NK cell subsets, yet little is known about how NK cells function as a part of the innate immune cell network in the female reproductive tract.Method of StudyThe expression of key receptors and function of uterine NK cells in response to cytokines, sex hormones, and pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) was analyzed. This article summarizes recent findings on the biology and function of NK cells in the female reproductive tract.ResultsUterine NK cells express Toll‐like receptors and respond to cytokines and PAMPs under specific conditions. Evidence indicates that NK cells play an important role in the reorganization of blood vessels during pregnancy.ConclusionsHuman uterine NK cells are a major population of leukocytes in the endometrium and play an important role as a component of host defense and in successful reproduction.
Effect of Experimental Genital Mycoplasmosis on Production of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Membranes and Amniotic Fluid of Sprague–Dawley Rats
Authors: Peltier Morgan R. , Barney Brandon M. , Brown Mary B. 
Published: January 2007

ProblemPreterm, premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is a dire pregnancy outcome that is frequently associated with infection by the genital mycoplasmas, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum, and U. urealyticum. One potential mechanism by which these microorganisms may cause PPROM is by increasing the concentration of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the membranes and amniotic fluid. We tested this hypothesis in a well‐defined model system of genital infection with M. pulmonis, a natural reproductive pathogen of rats.Method of studyTimed‐pregnant, specific pathogen‐free, Sprague–Dawley rats were infected with 107 CFU M. pulmonis at gestation day (gd) 14. Controls received an equivalent volume (100 μL) of sterile medium. At gd 18, rats were euthanized, and membranes and amniotic fluids were harvested and stored at −70°C until analysis. Proteinase activity of amniotic fluid and membranes was resolved on discontinuous 7.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gelatin zymography gels. Band intensity was determined using a digital gel documentation system and the manufacturer's software (Kodak).ResultsGelatinolytic activity associated with a band similar in molecular weight to ProMMP‐9 (92 kDa, the inactive precursor of MMP‐9) was significantly increased in amniotic fluids and membranes harvested from M. pulmonis‐treated pups at gd 18 when compared with tissues harvested from control pups. Both ProMMP‐9 and ProMMP‐2 (72 kDa, the inactive precursor of MMP‐2) were increased in infected animals at gd 21.ConclusionOur study suggests that the genital mycoplasmas can increase MMP‐9 production in vivo.
Relationship Between Level of Serum Sperm Immobilizing Antibody and Its Inhibitory Effect on Sperm Migration through Cervical Mucus in Immunologically Infertile Women
Authors: Shibahara Hiroaki , Shiraishi Yasuko , Hirano Yuki , Kasumi Hiroyuki , Koyama Koji , Suzuki Mitsuaki 
Published: January 2007

ProblemSperm immobilizing antibodies often interfere with the penetration of sperm through the cervical mucus. However, the relationship between sperm immobilizing antibody titer and the result of the post‐coital test (PCT) has not yet been clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the 50% sperm immobilization unit (SI50) titer, a quantitative measure of sperm immobilizing antibody, in patients’ sera was correlated with the result of PCT.Method of studyThe sperm immobilization test (SIT) was performed for 2834 infertile women in two university hospitals. The SI50 titers were evaluated by quantitative SIT. In some cases with sperm immobilizing antibody, PCT was carried out before ovulation and assessed according to the criteria of World Health Organization (1992). Infertile couples with abnormal semen characteristics were excluded.ResultsSeventy‐four of 2834 women had sperm immobilizing antibodies in their sera, giving a positive rate of 2.6%. Twenty‐four (77.4%) of 31 women with sperm immobilizing antibodies and 28 (20.4%) of 137 women without the antibody had abnormal PCT results. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.0001). When patients with sperm immobilizing antibodies were divided into two groups according to the SI50 titers, the abnormal result of PCT was obtained in all 10 patients with high (>10) SI50 titers, while that was 14 (66.7%) in 21 patients with low (10) SI50 titers. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.04).ConclusionThe SI50 titer in the serum can predict inhibitory effects on sperm migration through cervical mucus in immunologically infertile women. Evaluation of the SI50 titers in patients’ sera seems to be useful for decision‐making in infertile women with sperm immobilizing antibodies regarding whether they have the possibility of conceiving by timed intercourse.
Implication of RANTES in the Modulation of Alloimmune Response By Progesterone During Pregnancy
Authors: Ramhorst Rosanna , Gutiérrez Gabriela , Corigliano Adriana , Junovich G. , Fainboim Leonardo 
Published: January 2007

ProblemSeveral studies indicate that RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted) is able to downregulate T‐cell responses which suggest it might be relevant for fetal tolerance induction. However, the role of RANTES in pregnancy had not been established. Here we investigate RANTES regulation during early pregnancy and potential failures leading to losses of pregnancies.Method of studyRANTES and progesterone levels were determined in sera and feto‐placental units from high resorption rate CBA/J × DBA/2 pregnant females and compared with CBA/J × BALB/c normal pregnant mice. RANTES in vitro modulation was also studied in nulliparous, primiparous and multiparous CBA/J and BALB/c cells in response to paternal alloantigen and progesterone stimulation.ResultsNulliparous CBA/J females were quantitatively deficient in RANTES sera levels, whereas pregnancies with male BALB/c or DBA/2 increased its production. However, feto‐placental units from CBA/J females are high producers of progesterone and RANTES.ConclusionThese data suggest that the beneficial effect of RANTES on feto‐maternal interface requires an optimal concentration range and might be modulated by progesterone, hence exacerbated placental expression could be associated with high resorption rate.
Pulmonary metastasectomy of renal cell carcinoma: Local experience
Authors: Zhu Tong , Lo Cheuk‐Kin , Chu Colin Shu‐Him , Ma Chan‐Chung , Ko Kai‐Ming , Ho Kwok‐Keung 
Published: January 2007

Objective:  Up until now, the prognosis of a patient with disseminated renal cell carcinoma is poor with 5‐year survival less than 2%. In a small subset of patients with isolated pulmonary metastasis, long‐term survival after pulmonary metastasectomy has been reported to be acceptable. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the result of pulmonary metastasectomy in a local cardiothoracic surgical centre.Methods:  Patients who had renal cell carcinoma and pulmonary metastasectomy for isolated pulmonary metastasectomy were recruited for the study. Their survival was analysed.Results:  Between 1992 and 2004, 13 patients underwent 15 operative procedures for pulmonary metastases from renal cell carcinoma. The median follow up was 39.8 months (from 4.6 to 127.5 months). The five‐year survival after pulmonary metastasectomy was 48.3% and median survival was 25.4 months. There was no postoperative mortality. Pulmonary recurrence was the commonest recurrent site after pulmonary metastasectomy.Conclusion:  Pulmonary metastasectomy for renal cell carcinoma is a safe and effective procedure. And, as the lung is the commonest site of first recurrence after pulmonary metastasectomy, the present study on the control of these occult metastases is necessary.
Mini‐laparoscopic placement of peritoneal dialysis catheter: New technique
Authors: Seleem Mohamed I. , Al‐Hashemy Ahmed M. 
Published: January 2007

Background:  Leakage remains a problem with all methods of catheter placement. We describe our experience with a new mini‐laparoscopic technique for catheter placement in patients with end‐stage renal failure.Patients and methods:  Between May 2002 and March 2004, 24 patients underwent mini‐laparoscopic placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters. All patients had end‐stage renal failure with difficult vascular access for haemodialysis. There were 11 men and 13 women with a mean age of 51.4 years (range: 18–75 years). Operative time, interval to initiation of successful peritoneal dialysis, postoperative pain management, resumption of diet and postoperative complications were recorded.Results:  The mean operative time was 32.3 min (range: 15–40 min). All patients were given a normal diet on the day of surgery. Postoperative pain was controlled with paracetamol tablets three times daily for 2–3 days. The mean hospital stay was 3.2 days (range: 3–4 days). No patients developed leakage either from the ports or around the catheter. Two (8.3%) patients had blockage of the catheter and underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and laparoscopic correction. Two (8.3%) patients had migration of the catheter which required laparoscopic repositioning. The follow‐up range was between 2 and 22 months.Conclusion:  Mini‐laparoscopic technique for placement of peritoneal dialysis catheter is unique because it uses only two ports. The catheter is made to exit via a 2 mm port site and does not require specially designed instruments.
Non‐operative management for blunt splenic trauma in children: An updated literature review
Authors: Leung Edmund , Wong Ling , Taylor John 
Published: January 2007

Introduction:  The spleen is the most frequently injured abdominal organ in blunt trauma. In the past, any damaged spleen was surgically removed to avoid delayed rupture. Overwhelming infection is a real threat in asplenic children. Therefore, management of blunt splenic injuries has continued to change over the past 20 years towards non‐operative management (NOM) and splenic conservation.Methods and Materials:  Twenty‐seven international articles on management of traumatic splenic rupture regarding advances in investigative techniques, treatment modalities and management protocols were reviewed.Results:  With the advent of improved intensive care, interventional radiology and trauma protocols, it is reported that blunt splenic injuries can now be managed conservatively with a success rate of 85%. Computed tomography remains the gold standard of investigation in a stable patient. Focused abdominal sonography for trauma (FAST) offers a useful diagnostic tool in an unstable patient in whom the source of hypovolaemia is uncertain. However, negative FAST does not exclude haemoperitoneum. Furthermore, guidelines complemented by a comprehensive grading system have been devised to identify those patients who could avoid splenectomy. Experienced radiologists have advocated angio‐embolization in stable patients, and their NOM has increased by 15%, although availability is limited. Post‐discharge instructions are routinely given to parents and patients for successful recovery from NOM of splenic rupture.Conclusion:  Surgeons must be familiar with these options in order to offer the safest and most effective care for children with splenic lacerations.
Oxylipin Pathway in Rice and Arabidopsis
Authors: Chehab E. Wassim , Perea John V. , Gopalan Banu , Theg Steve , Dehesh Katayoon 
Published: January 2007

AbstractPlants have evolved complex signaling pathways to coordinate responses to developmental and environmental information. The oxylipin pathway is one pivotal lipid‐based signaling network, composed of several competing branch pathways, that determines the plant's ability to adapt to various stimuli. Activation of the oxylipin pathway induces the de novo synthesis of biologically active metabolites called “oxylipins”. The relative levels of these metabolites are a distinct indicator of each plant species and determine the ability of plants to adapt to different stimuli. The two major branches of the oxylipin pathway, allene oxide synthase (AOS) and hydroperoxide lyase (HPL) are responsible for production of the signaling compounds, jasmonates and aldehydes respectively. Here, we compare and contrast the regulation of AOS and HPL branch pathways in rice and Arabidopsis as model monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous systems. These analyses provide new insights into the evolution of JAs and aldehydes signaling pathways, and the complex network of processes responsible for stress adaptations in monocots and dicots.
Phototropins and Their LOV Domains: Versatile Plant Blue‐Light Receptors
Authors: Briggs Winslow R. , Tseng Tong‐Seung , Cho Hae‐Young , Swartz Trevor E. , Sullivan Stuart , Bogomolni Roberto A. , Kaiserli Eirini , Christie John M. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe phototropins phot1 and phot2 are plant blue‐light receptors that mediate phototropism, chloroplast movements, stomatal opening, leaf expansion, the rapid inhibition of hypocotyl growth in etiolated seedlings, and possibly solar tracking by leaves in those species in which it occurs. The phototropins are plasma membrane‐associated hydrophilic proteins with two chromophore domains (designated LOV1 and LOV2 for their resemblance to domains in other signaling proteins that detect light, oxygen, or voltage) in their N‐terminal half and a classic serine/threonine kinase domain in their C‐terminal half. Both chromophore domains bind flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and both undergo light‐activated formation of a covalent bond between a nearby cysteine and the C(4a) carbon of the FMN to form the signaling state. LOV2‐cysteinyl adduct formation leads to the release downstream of a tightly bound amphipathic α‐helix, a step required for activation of the kinase function. This cysteinyl adduct then slowly decays over a matter of seconds or minutes to return the photoreceptor chromophore modules to their ground state. Functional LOV2 is required for light‐activated phosphorylation and for various blue‐light responses mediated by the phototropins. The function of LOV1 is still unknown, although it may serve to modulate the signal generated by LOV2. The LOV domain is an ancient chromophore module found in a wide range of otherwise unrelated proteins in fungi and prokaryotes, the latter including cyanobacteria, eubacteria, and archaea. Further general reviews on the phototropins are those by Celaya and Liscum (2005) and Christie and Briggs (2005).