bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of pre‐eclampsia by uterine artery Doppler ultrasonography and maternal serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A, free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin, activin A and inhibin A at 22 + 0 to 24 + 6 weeks' gestation
Authors: Spencer K. , Yu C. K. H. , Savvidou M. , Papageorghiou A. T. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the potential value of combining uterine artery Doppler ultrasonography with the measurement of maternal serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A), free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG), activin A and inhibin A at 22 + 0 to 24 + 6 weeks' gestation, in the prediction of pregnancies that subsequently develop pre‐eclampsia.MethodsThe maternal serum PAPP‐A, free β‐hCG, activin A and inhibin A concentrations at 22 + 0 to 24 + 6 weeks' gestation were measured in samples obtained from women with singleton pregnancies who participated in a screening study for pre‐eclampsia by transvaginal color flow Doppler measurement of the uterine artery pulsatility index (PI). A search was made of the database to identify those who subsequently developed pre‐eclampsia (n = 24) and a group of controls with normal outcome (n = 144). Regression analysis was performed to establish any relationship between the biochemical markers themselves and between the biochemical markers and uterine artery mean PI. A multivariate Gaussian model combining various biochemical markers with uterine artery mean PI was developed using standard statistical modeling techniques and the performance of such models in discriminating cases with pre‐eclampsia was evaluated by receiver–operating characteristics curve (ROC) analysis.ResultsIn the pre‐eclampsia group, compared to the controls, the uterine artery mean PI and the maternal serum levels of PAPP‐A, free β‐hCG, activin A and inhibin A were significantly increased. The predicted detection rates of pre‐eclampsia, for a false positive rate of 5%, was 50% by uterine artery mean PI, 5% by PAPP‐A, 10% by free β‐hCG, 35% by inhibin A and 44% by activin A. Screening by a combination of uterine artery mean PI and maternal serum activin A and inhibin A could detect 75% and 92% of patients who subsequently developed pre‐eclampsia, for false positive rates of 5% and 10%, respectively.ConclusionScreening for pre‐eclampsia by uterine artery PI at 22 + 0 to 24 + 6 weeks' gestation can be improved by measurement of activin A and inhibin A levels. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive significance of egg size plasticity in response to temperature in the migrant skipper, Parnara guttata guttata (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)
Authors: Seko Tomokazu , Nakasuji Fusao 
Published: February 2006

AbstractFemales of the migrant skipper, Parnara guttata guttata, that are reared under lower temperatures lay smaller eggs. The adaptive significance of egg size plasticity in response to temperature is unknown in this species. We suggest, based on the following experimental results, that P. g. guttata uses temperature as an indirect cue to predict the host condition (leaf toughness) of the next generation. First, larvae were reared under the typical conditions of temperature and photoperiod experienced during the immature stages in the first, second, and overwintering (third) generations (LD 16:8 at 25°C, LD 14:10 at 25°C and LD 14:10 at 20°C). Females reared under LD14:10 at 20°C produced more, smaller eggs than those reared under LD14:10 and LD16:8 at 25°C. Secondly, survival rates of first instar larvae derived from females reared under the three photoperiod/temperature treatments were measured on young soft rice leaves (“soft”), or tough, old rice leaves (“tough”). Survival rates of hatchlings reared on soft and tough leaves did not differ when females were reared under LD16:8 and LD14:10 at 25°C. However, hatchling survival was significantly higher on soft than on tough leaves when females were reared under LD14:10 at 20°C. Thirdly, we found that egg size plasticity in response to temperature in P. g. guttata may be a threshold response. Temperatures below 20°C experienced during the immature stages may be effective for production of smaller and more eggs in the overwintering generation of P. g. guttata.
Predictors of psychological distress in carers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a longitudinal study
Authors: GOLDSTEIN L. H. , ATKINS L. , LANDAU S. , BROWN R. , LEIGH P. N. 
Published: February 2006

Background. The majority of people providing informal care for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are spouses. This prospective study set out to examine changes in and predictors of psychological distress in spouse carers of people with ALS.Method. Fifty spouse carers of people with ALS underwent an initial interview and at least 21 underwent two further interviews, at median intervals of approximately 5–6 months. They rated the functional impact of their partner's ALS on everyday activities and everyday cognitive, emotional and behavioural changes that might have occurred in the person with ALS. They also rated their own social support and marital relationship, and completed measures of mood, burden and strain. The ALS Severity Scale was also completed for their partner with ALS.Results. Over time, carers' psychological distress (a global measure combining mood, burden and strain) increased significantly. Initially carers' psychological distress was best predicted by the psychosocial impact of their spouse/partners' ALS, the extent to which their partner demonstrated emotional lability and how many other people were considered as dependents of the carer. Subsequently, carer distress was best predicted by an initial measure of negative social support and by their initial satisfaction with their social relationships.Conclusions. Despite the significant physical impairment associated with ALS, psychosocial factors appear important in determining short- and longer-term psychological well-being in carers of people with ALS and may help clinicians to predict which carers are likely to experience psychological difficulties as part of their caring role.
Evaluation of flexion/extension of the upper cervical spine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: an MRI study with a dedicated positioning device compared to conventional radiographs
Authors: Karhu J. O. , Parkkola R. K. , Koskinen S. K. 
Published: February 2006

Purpose: Using flexion/extension magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a dedicated positioning device, our purpose was to analyze pathologic cranio‐vertebral joint anatomy and motion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in comparison to normal patients, and to compare flexion/extension MRI with conventional radiographs (CRs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.Material and Methods: The 31 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 20 healthy subjects included in the study were imaged in an open MRI scanner during flexion/extension. A dedicated positioning device was used. Additionally, we compared flexion/extension MRI with CRs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In MRI, the orientation and segmental motion of C0, C1, and C2 were assessed and structure of the dens and amount of pannus tissue were observed. Configuration of the cerebrospinal fluid space and the cord was evaluated in each position. In both MRI and CRs, anterior atlanto‐axial subluxation and vertical dislocation were assessed and sagittal diameter of the dural sac was measured.Results: In the neutral position, C1 of the patients was oriented in a more flexed position in relation to both C0 and C2 compared to that in healthy subjects. The patients had more extension in the upper cervical spine than did healthy subjects. In flexion, atlanto‐axial subluxation was greater in CRs than in MRI. In MRI, the amount of vertical dislocation did not depend on position. In the patients, there was considerably more cord impingement in flexion than in other positions.Conclusion: Evaluation of the rheumatoid cervical spine is optimized using MR images in the neutral, flexed, and extended positions. Measurements and relationships between structures should be compared in all positions. CRs with flexion‐extension views are recommended as the first imaging method.
Pulmonary vascular dilation induced by l‐arginine: correlation with induction of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in a rabbit model
Authors: Yoon S. K. , Lee K.‐N. , Lee J. H. , Jeong J. S. , Kwak J.‐Y. 
Published: February 2006

Purpose: To determine whether oral administration of l‐arginine induces pulmonary vascular dilation, and if this pulmonary vascular dilation correlates with induction of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in a rabbit model.Material and Methods: Seven rabbits were fed with l‐arginine dissolved in tap water. The degree of pulmonary vascular dilation was determined using thin‐section computed tomography and the concentration of serum nitrite was measured. They were compared with four control animals. The pulmonary vascular dilation was correlated to serum levels of nitrite. Lung tissues were examined for induction of eNOS by immunohistochemistry.Results: An increased degree of pulmonary vascular dilation was found in the l‐arginine‐fed group compared to the control group ( P<0.05). Serum levels of nitrite in the l‐arginine‐fed group were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05). Pulmonary vascular dilation correlated with serum levels of nitrite ( r2 = 0.95, P<0.05). Induction of eNOS was increased in the l‐arginine‐fed group.Conclusion: The administration of l‐arginine causes pulmonary vascular dilation, which is most likely mediated via nitric oxide through increased induction of eNOS in a rabbit model.
Endoanal magnetic resonance imaging of fistula‐in‐ano: a comparison of stir with gadolinium‐enhanced techniques
Authors: Szyszko T. A. , Bush J. , Gishen P. , Sellu D. , DeSouza N. M. 
Published: February 2006

Purpose: To compare a STIR sequence with gadolinium‐enhanced techniques on endoanal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of fistulas‐in‐ano by correlating the findings with those at surgery. Material and Methods: Twenty‐two consecutive patients with clinical suspicion of perianal sepsis were studied using an endoanal coil followed immediately by a phased array coil. T1‐weighted precontrast and postcontrast and STIR images in transverse and coronal planes were produced with each coil and analysed by noting the presence and site of a collection, primary track, the position of any internal opening, and subcutaneous or supralevator extension. An “expert” and also a “trainee” radiologist assessed the images. Operative findings were similarly recorded. The Fisher exact test was used to compare imaging with surgery. Interobserver variation was calculated using a kappa statistic. Results: Of 22 patients with suspected fistulas, 8 were simple, 4 were complex, and 3 were superficial sinuses. Five had no anal pathology, 1 had anal excoriation, and 1 had a polyp. At surgery, 6 intersphincteric, 1 transsphincteric, 8 extrasphincteric, no supralevator collections, and 9 internal openings were noted. The overall sensitivity and specificity for detecting these were 75% and 64%, respectively, for STIR imaging, and 58.3% and 62.8% for gadolinium‐enhanced imaging. There was good agreement between the “trainee” and the “expert” in the interpretation of images (kappa = 0.7). Conclusion: A STIR sequence is more sensitive overall than gadolinium‐enhanced techniques on endoanal magnetic resonance imaging of fistulas‐in‐ano because of increased sensitivity in detecting the internal opening. A combination of endoanal and phased array techniques using STIR imaging sequences is valuable preoperative assessment in both simple and complex cases.
Ultrasonographic findings in ceftriaxone: associated biliary sludge and pseudolithiasis in children
Authors: Ozturk A. , Kaya M. , Zeyrek D. , Ozturk E. , Kat N. , Ziylan S. Z. 
Published: February 2006

Purpose: To prospectively evaluate the incidence of biliary sludge and pseudolithiasis in children treated with ceftriaxone.Material and Methods: Thirty‐three children (14 girls, 19 boys) treated with ceftriaxone for prophylaxis ( n = 13) or for an infection ( n = 20) were included in this study. The incidences of biliary sludge and pseudolithiasis were investigated using ultrasonography. The ultrasonographic evaluations were performed prior to and on the 4th–5th days and on the 8th–10th days of treatment. The patients who had biliary sludge or pseudolithiasis were followed up with ultrasonographic evaluation periodically until these pathological phenomena disappeared.Results: Ceftriaxone was administrated intravenously at a dosage of 100 mg kg−1 day−1. Serial gallbladder sonograms were performed before treatment and on the 4th–5th and 8th–10th days of therapy. Nineteen children developed pseudolithiasis and sludge in the gallbladder, and all were asymptomatic. No significant differences were found between the patients with normal versus abnormal sonographic findings in regard to gender, age, duration of the therapy, oral restriction except the presence of surgery ( P<0.005).Conclusion: The combination of oral restriction and surgical procedures may be a causal factor in ceftriaxone‐associated biliary pseudolithiasis. It is emphasized that when gallstone and/or sludge are detected in the gallbladder in children by ultrasonographic examination, the administration of ceftriaxone must be sought beyond other causative factors.
Magnetic resonance myelography evaluation of the lumbar spine end plates and intervertebral disks
Authors: Mollà E. , Martí‐Bonmatí L. , Arana E. , Martinez‐Bisbal M. C. , Costa S. 
Published: February 2006

Purpose: To evaluate the value of magnetic resonance (MR) myelography in the evaluation of intervertebral disk and end‐plate degenerative changes in the lumbar spine.Material and Methods: Conventional MR and MR myelography examinations were performed in 150 consecutive patients (69 F and 81 M, mean age 45±15 years, range 18–89). Sagittal T1 and T2‐weighted TSE images were compared to MR myelography obtained with a multishot‐TSE‐T2‐weighted sequence (4000/250/fat suppression). Coronal, sagittal, and both oblique MR myelography projections were obtained. Image analysis was carried out independently by two radiologists who categorized lumbar disks into normal, degenerated, or edematous; and vertebral end plates into normal, edematous, or with fatty changes. The proportions were statistically compared at every lumbar intervertebral level.Results: There was good agreement in the classification of disk disease (Kappa: 0.8–0.9). MRI detected a larger number of disk degeneration and end‐plate fatty metamorphosis, while the MR myelography technique depicted a larger number of edematous disks and end plates.Conclusion: MR myelography was of limited value in detecting the same vertebral end‐plate changes observed in MRI, although with similar findings in disk disease. However, the higher detection of edema changes by MR myelography should be analyzed prospectively, as it could be more sensitive than conventional MR sequences.
Standard orientation of the pelvis: validation on a model and ten patients
Authors: Olivecrona L. , Aspelin P. , Weidenhielm L. , Stark A. , Noz M. E. , Maguire G. Q. , Zeleznik M. P. , Svensson L. , Olivecrona H. 
Published: February 2006

Purpose: To validate an image post‐processing method for re‐orienting the pelvis in CT volumes to a standardized orientation in a model and in 10 patients. Material and Methods: Twenty‐four CT volumes of a pelvic model and 10 pairs of postoperative total hip arthroplasty (THA) patient CT scans were rotated to a defined pelvic standard orientation and the rotation was recorded. For precision, a test‐retest procedure was used. For accuracy, three exactly represented coordinate points were used. For clinical application, the standard orientation was used for calculating the direction of acetabular cup migration from a previous model study. Results: Precision of pelvic standard orientation, calculated as maximal directional error, was better than 1° in the model study and better than 1.5° in the patient study. Accuracy, expressed as angle between ideal and measured coordinate axes, was 0.1° for x, y, z axes. No measurable systematic errors were found. When applied to acetabular cup migration in the model, standardization of pelvic orientation had no significant effect on the measurements. Conclusion: Reorienting the pelvis during image post‐processing was shown to be accurate. It enables measurements relative to the pelvis and minimizes the dependency of patient positioning.
Preoperative assessment of focal liver lesions: multidetector computed tomography challenges magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Numminen K. , Isoniemi H. , Halavaara J. , Tervahartiala P. , Mäkisalo H. , Laasonen L. , Höckerstedt K. 
Published: February 2006

Purpose: To investigate prospectively multidetector computed tomography (CT) (MDCT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (MRI) in the preoperative assessment of focal liver lesions.Material and Methods: Multiphasic MDCT and conventional gadolinium‐enhanced MRI were performed on 31 consecutive patients prior to hepatic surgery. All images were blindly analyzed as consensus reading. Lesion counts and their relation to vascular structures and possible extrahepatic disease were determined. The data from the MDCT and MRI were compared with the results obtained by intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) and palpation. Histopathologic verification was available.Results: At surgery, IOUS and palpation revealed 45 solid liver lesions. From these, preoperative MDCT detected 43 (96%) and MRI 35 (78%) deposits. MDCT performed statistically better than MRI in lesion detection ( P = 0.008). Assessment of lesion vascular proximity was correctly determined by MDCT in 98% of patients and by MRI in 87%. Statistical difference was found ( P = 0.002). IOUS and palpation changed the preoperative surgical plan as a result of extrahepatic disease in 8/31 (26%) cases. In MDCT as well in MRI extrahepatic involvement was suspected in two cases.Conclusion: MDCT was superior to MRI and nearly equal to IOUS in liver lesion detection and in the determination of lesion vascular proximity. However, both techniques fail to reliably detect extrahepatic disease.
Amplified Molecular Binding of Prion Protein Homologues in Self‐Progressive Injury of Neuronal Membranes and Trafficking Systems
Authors: Agius Lawrence M. 
Published: February 2006

Prion particles might be viewed as essential sources of cyclical coupling and uncoupling of depolarization and repolarization of the neuronal plasmalemma. In terms of different parametric functions, the cellular PrPc, both as a source and also a mediated means of induced replication of the Prion particle PrPsc, would be considered in terms of agent amplification as induced by the bovine host. One might view bovine spongiform disease as a source of variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease in the human that would involve such amplified uncoupling of membrane‐based phenomena of ion‐determined polarization events. It would, in addition, appear that a spongiform change of neurons that progresses in conjunction with neuropil alterations and as a primarily self‐amplified system of spreading progression in the brain would necessarily constitute a reactive series of cell injury. It is indeed in terms of a neuronal reactivity linked, for example, to mitochondrial overactivity and also to perhaps nucleotide inserts within neurons that one might consider species specificity of prion particle transmission a host‐based series of events giving rise to and constituting also a final expression of disease process events.It might be realistic to consider interspecies transmissibility, and once this occurs, a fundamental pathway of evolutionary adaptability that arises and progresses simply in terms of progressively amplified reactivity.Reactivity to neuronal injury would appear an integral system of self‐progression based on a primary and also a series of secondary changes that evolve in terms of a PrPc particle that itself promotes self‐conversion to PrPsc. Indeed, conformational changes to PrPsc might be defined as a system disorder of neuronal reactivity that self‐progresses as amplified progressiveness of the neuronal injury.
Viral Interactions with the Nuclear Transport Machinery: Discovering and Disrupting Pathways
Authors: Fontoura Beatriz MA , Faria Paula A. , Nussenzveig Daniel R. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractViruses have been invaluable tools for discovering key pathways of nucleocytoplasmic transport. Conversely, disruption of specific nuclear transport pathways, are crucial for the productive life cycle of some viruses. The major cellular mRNA export pathway, which uses TAP (NXF1)/p15(NXT) as receptor, was discovered as a result of TAP interaction with CTE‐containing RNAs from Mason‐Pfizer Monkey Virus. In addition, CRM1 or exportin 1, which is a transport receptor that mediates nuclear export of proteins, snRNAs, rRNAs and a small subset of mRNAs, was discovered as an interacting partner of the Rev protein of HIV1. Viruses may disrupt the nuclear transport machinery to prevent host antiviral response. VSV Matrix (M) protein inhibits mRNA export by forming a complex with the mRNA export factor Rae1 whereas poliovirus inhibits nuclear import of proteins by probably degrading Nup62 and Nup153. Hence, this review focuses on viruses as tools and as disruptors of nucleocytoplasmic trafficking.
IUBMB Life, 57: 65‐72, 2005
Mechanisms of Persistent NF‐κB Activation by HTLV‐I Tax
Authors: Harhaj Edward W. , Harhaj Nicole S. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractHuman T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV‐I) is the causative agent of a fatal malignancy known as adult T cell leukemia (ATL). The HTLV‐I Tax protein is thought to play a significant role in the initiation and pathogenesis of HTLV‐I‐mediated disease. Tax is a potent oncogene that deregulates cellular gene expression by persistently activating signaling pathways such as NF‐κB. Tax activation of NF‐κB is critical for the immortalization and survival of HTLV‐I‐infected T cells. In this review, we describe recent insights into the mechanisms employed by Tax to activate the canonical and noncanonical NF‐κB signaling pathways. The adaptor function of Tax appears to be a common and important mechanism for the pathological activation of both NF‐κB pathways.
IUBMB Life, 57: 83‐91, 2005
Rpb4 and Rpb7: A Sub‐complex Integral to Multi‐subunit RNA Polymerases Performs a Multitude of Functions
Authors: Sampath Vinaya , Sadhale Parag 
Published: February 2006

AbstractRpb4 and Rpb7, are conserved subunits of RNA polymerase II that play important roles in stress responses such as growth at extreme temperatures, recovery from stationary phase, sporulation and pseudohyphal growth. Recent reports have shown that apart from stress response, these proteins also affect a multitude of processes including activated transcription, mRNA export, transcription coupled repair etc. We propose a model that integrates the multifarious roles of this sub‐complex. We suggest that these proteins function by modulating interactions of one or more ancillary factors with the polymerase leading to specific transcription of subsets of these genes. Preliminary experimental evidence in support of such a model is discussed.
IUBMB Life, 57: 93‐102, 2005