bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Representation of Living and Nonliving Domains across the Cerebral Hemispheres: A Combined Event-related Potential/Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Study
Authors: Fuggetta Giorgio , Rizzo Silvia , Pobric Gorana , Lavidor Michal , Walsh Vincent 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the left hemisphere has been shown to disrupt semantic processing but, to date, there has been no direct demonstration of the electrophysiological correlates of this interference. To gain insight into the neural basis of semantic systems, and in particular, study the temporal and functional organization of object categorization processing, we combined repetitive TMS (rTMS) and ERPs. Healthy volunteers performed a picture–word matching task in which Snodgrass drawings of natural (e.g., animal) and artifactual (e.g., tool) categories were associated with a word. When short trains of high-frequency rTMS were applied over Wernicke's area (in the region of the CP5 electrode) immediately before the stimulus onset, we observed delayed response times to artifactual items, and thus, an increased dissociation between natural and artifactual domains. This behavioral effect had a direct ERP correlate. In the response period, the stimuli from the natural domain elicited a significant larger late positivity complex than those from the artifactual domain. These differences were significant over the centro-parietal region of the right hemisphere. These findings demonstrate that rTMS interferes with postperceptual categorization processing of natural and artifactual stimuli that involve separate subsystems in distinct cortical areas.
An Event-related Potential Study on Changes of Violation and Error Responses during Morphosyntactic Learning
Authors: Davidson Douglas J. , Indefrey Peter 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Based on recent findings showing electrophysiological changes in adult language learners after relatively short periods of training, we hypothesized that adult Dutch learners of German would show responses to German gender and adjective declension violations after brief instruction. Adjective declension in German differs from previously studied morphosyntactic regularities in that the required suffixes depend not only on the syntactic case, gender, and number features to be expressed, but also on whether or not these features are already expressed on linearly preceding elements in the noun phrase. Violation phrases and matched controls were presented over three test phases (pretest and training on the first day, and a posttest one week later). During the pretest, no electrophysiological differences were observed between violation and control conditions, and participants' classification performance was near chance. During the training and posttest phases, classification improved, and there was a P600-like violation response to declension but not gender violations. An error-related response during training was associated with improvement in grammatical discrimination from pretest to posttest. The results show that rapid changes in neuronal responses can be observed in adult learners of a complex morphosyntactic rule, and also that error-related electrophysiological responses may relate to grammar acquisition.
A prospective randomized controlled study of the role of botulinum toxin in whiplash-associated disorder
Authors: Carroll Áine , Barnes Mike , Comiskey Catherine 
Published: May 2008

Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness of botulinum toxin in preventing the development of chronic whiplash-associated disorder. Design: Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind study. Setting: Regional Neurological Rehabilitation Centre with participants being at home. Subjects: Thirty-seven patients with whiplash-associated disorder who remained symptomatic two months after injury. Interventions: Patients were randomized to receive either 250 units botulinum toxin type A (Dysport) or placebo (normal saline). Four trigger points were injected with 0.625 mL of injectant. Outcome measures: Tenderness to palpation scores, visual analogue pain scale, Vernon—Mior Neck Pain and Disability Index and cervical range of motion. Follow-up assessments were carried out at four weeks and three months after treatment. Results: Twenty participants received botulinum toxin and 17 received placebo. Both groups showed a tendency towards improvement in pain scores, Vernon—Mior Index and range of motion at four weeks and three months, with the changes being more pronounced in the toxin group. The change in Vernon—Mior Index in the toxin group was both statistically and clinically significant (i.e. a change of score of ≥5 from baseline to follow-up). Group comparisons did not meet statistical significance. Conclusion: The improvements in outcome measures suggest that botulinum toxin type A may have a role to play in the management of whiplash-associated disorder but larger studies are required to clarify the situation.
Effectiveness of corticosteroid injection in adhesive capsulitis
Authors: Bal Ajda , Eksioglu Emel , Gulec Berna , Aydog Ece , Gurcay Eda , Cakci Aytul 
Published: May 2008

Objective: To assess whether intraarticular corticosteroids improve the outcome of a comprehensive home exercise programme in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Setting: The study was undertaken in the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department of a Ministry of Health hospital in Turkey. Subjects: Eighty patients with adhesive capsulitis were enrolled in the study. Interventions: The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 patients were given intraarticular corticosteroid (1 mL, 40 mg methylprednisolone acetate) followed by a 12-week comprehensive home exercise programme. Group 2 patients were given intraarticular serum physiologic (1 mL solution of 0.9% sodium chloride) followed by a 12-week comprehensive home exercise programme. Main measures: The outcome parameters were Shoulder Pain and Disability Index and University of California-Los Angeles end-result scores, night pain and shoulder passive range of motion. Results: Mean actual changes in abduction range of motion, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index—total score and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index—pain score were statistically different between the two groups at the second week, with the better scores determined in group 1. However, there were no significant differences between the groups at the 12th week. Medians of University of California-Los Angeles scores in the second week were significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.02), with better scores in group 1; however, the difference in 12th week scores was insignificant. Conclusions: Intraarticular corticosteroids have the additive effect of providing rapid pain relief, mainly in the first weeks of the exercise treatment period. In patients with adhesive capsulitis who have pain symptom predominantly, intraarticular corticosteroid therapy could be advised concomitantly with exercise.
The Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists: psychometric properties of the German version
Authors: LE Laekeman Maria-Anna , Sitter Helmut , Basler Heinz Dieter 
Published: May 2008

Objectives: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the German version of the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists (PABS-PT-G). The original Dutch version is a 36-item self-report scale discriminating between a biomedical and a biopsychosocial orientation of therapists with regard to low back pain management. Methods: The German version was generated by use of a forward—backward translation procedure. In a cross-sectional study with a repeated measurement after five weeks, a total of 424 physiotherapists got a questionnaire package with the PABS-PT-G as well as the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia and patient vignettes. Item and factor analyses served to determine the psychometric properties of the scale. Results: A total of 280 physiotherapists (response rate 79%) completed the questionnaires and a principal component analysis confirmed the two subscales of the original Dutch version. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) of the items belonging to the biomedical factor amounted to 0.77 and to 0.58 for the items of the biopsychosocial factor respectively. Retest reliability showed a coefficient of 0.83 for the biomedical scale and of 0.70 for the biopsychosocial scale. Validity of both subscales of the PABS-PT-G was supported by statistically significant (P<0.01) and substantial correlations with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia and with attitudes of the physiotherapists measured by patient vignettes (r between 0.37 and 0.72). Conclusion: The PABS-PT-G appears to be a reliable and valid instrument, which is equivalent to the original Dutch version. Further research is proposed to improve the reliability of the biopsychosocial subscale.
Outcome of Single-Bundle versus Double-Bundle Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Meredick Richard B. , Vance Kennan J. , Appleby David , Lubowitz James H. 
Published: May 2008

Background The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has 2 anatomic bundles. Standard ACL reconstruction is with a single-bundle graft, but double-bundle reconstruction may better control knee rotational torque, a potential cause of failure after single-bundle reconstruction. The authors investigated outcomes of single-bundle versus double-bundle ACL reconstruction. Hypothesis There is no difference in outcomes of single-bundle versus double-bundle reconstruction. Study Design Meta-analysis. Methods The authors systematically identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing single-bundle versus double-bundle ACL reconstruction (secondary analysis includes nonrandomized trials). Outcomes reported in a majority of included trials were meta-analyzed. Results Four RCTs were included (secondary analysis including 5 additional trials yielded reassuringly similar results). Two outcome measures were reported (in a manner permitting meta-analysis) in at least 3 of 4 trials: KT-1000 arthrometer and pivot-shift testing. On average, KT-1000 arthrometer side-to-side difference was 0.52 mm closer to normal in patients treated with double-bundle reconstruction. This difference is demonstrated to be clinically insignificant. In addition, there was no statistical difference in the odds of having a normal or nearly normal pivot-shift result in patients treated with double-bundle versus single-bundle reconstruction. Conclusion Double-bundle reconstruction does not result in clinically significant differences in KT-1000 arthrometer or pivot-shift testing. The pivot-shift results have particular clinical relevance because the test is designed to evaluate knee rotational instability; the results do not support the theory that double-bundle reconstruction better controls knee rotation. Improved quality of future RCTs would allow meta-analysis of a greater number of outcome measures including measures of symptoms and disabilities most important to patients.
Immune system derived from homeostatic proliferation generates normal CD8 T-cell memory but altered repertoires and diminished heterologous immune responses
Authors: Lin Sue-Jane , Chen Alex T. , Welsh Raymond M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe host responds to lymphopenic environments by acute homeostatic proliferation of T lymphocytes, which acquire phenotypes similar to memory cells. Using T-cell knockout (KO) mice adoptively reconstituted with splenocytes from immunologically naive mice, we examined the immune responses of an immune system derived from homeostatically proliferating (HP) T cells. HP cells mounted relatively normal acute CD8 T-cell responses to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), but with altered T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoires, and they became functional memory cells capable of recall responses. Although homeostatic proliferation does not normally fully restore T-cell numbers, the CD8+ T-cell pool was completely restored in T-cell KO mice after LCMV infection. CD4 T-cell responses were lower and not fully restored but seemed sufficient to allow for complete differentiation of CD8 memory T cells. The LCMV-immune HP mouse had an immune repertoire heavily biased with LCMV epitope-specific T cells with oligoclonal expansions. LCMV-immune HP mice had reduced cross-reactive and non–cross-reactive CD8 T-cell responses when challenged with a T cell–cross-reactive virus. Thus, whereas an HP immune system is capable of mounting relatively normal acute and memory CD8 T-cell responses, the narrowing of the T-cell repertoire may reduce immune responses to subsequently encountered pathogens.
Central role of PI3K in transcriptional activation of hTERT in HTLV-I–infected cells
Authors: Bellon Marcia , Nicot Christophe 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
The persistence of human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus-I (HTLV-I)–infected cells is dependent upon clonal expansion and up-regulation of telomerase (hTERT). We have previously found that in interleukin (IL)–2–independent transformed HTLV-I cells, Tax strongly activates the hTERT promoter through nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)–mediated Sp1 and c-Myc activation. In IL-2–dependent cells and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) patient samples, however, Tax expression is very low to undetectable, yet these cells retain strong telomerase activity. This suggests the existence of compensatory mechanisms in IL-2–dependent cells and ATLL patients. In this study, we demonstrate that telomerase activity is significantly decreased upon IL-2 withdrawal in immortalized HTLV-I cell lines. Inhibition of PI3K or AKT signaling pathways reduced telomerase activity in HTLV-I cells. We found that IL-2/IL-2R signaling was associated with a PI3K-dependent/AKT-independent transcriptional up-regulation of the endogenous hTERT promoter. We found that activation of the PI3K pathway mediated cytoplasmic retention of the Wilms tumor (WTI) protein, which strongly suppressed the hTERT promoter. The importance of this regulatory pathway for telomerase expression is underscored by findings that the PI3K pathway is commonly found activated in cancer cells.
Molecular profiling of pediatric mature B-cell lymphoma treated in population-based prospective clinical trials
Authors: Klapper Wolfram , Szczepanowski Monika , Burkhardt Birgit , Berger Hilmar , Rosolowski Maciej , Bentink Stefan , Schwaenen Carsten , Wessendorf Swen , Spang Rainer , Möller Peter , Hansmann Martin Leo , Bernd Heinz-Wolfram , Ott German , Hummel Michael , Stein Harald , Loeffler Markus , Trümper Lorenz , Zimmermann Martin , Reiter Alfred , Siebert Reiner 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
The spectrum of entities, the therapeutic strategy, and the outcome of mature aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (maB-NHLs) differs between children and adolescents on the one hand and adult patients on the other. Whereas adult maB-NHLs have been studied in detail, data on molecular profiling of pediatric maB-NHLs are hitherto lacking. We analyzed 65 cases of maB-NHL from patients up to 18 years of age by gene expression profiling, matrix comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and immunohistochemistry. The majority of the analyzed pediatric patients were treated within prospective trials (n = 49). We compared this group to a series of 182 previously published cases of adult maB-NHL. Gene expression profiling reclassified 31% of morphologically defined diffuse large B-cell lymphomas as molecular Burkitt lymphoma (mBL). The subgroups obtained by molecular reclassification did not show any difference in outcome in children treated with the NHL-Berlin-Frankfurt-Muenster (BFM) protocols. No differences were detectable between pediatric and adult mBL with regard to gene expression or chromosomal imbalances. This is the first report on molecular profiling of pediatric B-NHL showing mBL to be much more prominent in children than suggested by morphologic assessment. Based on molecular profiling mBL is a molecularly homogeneous disease across children and adults.
Up-regulation of c-FLIPshort by NFAT contributes to apoptosis resistance of short-term activated T cells
Authors: Ueffing Nana , Schuster Marc , Keil Eric , Schulze-Osthoff Klaus , Schmitz Ingo 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Upon encounter with pathogens, T cells activate several defense mechanisms, one of which is the up-regulation of CD95 ligand (CD95L/FasL) which induces apoptosis in sensitive target cells. Despite expression of the CD95 receptor, however, recently activated T cells are resistant to CD95L, presumably due to an increased expression of antiapoptotic molecules. We show here that, in contrast to naive or long-term activated T cells, short-term activated T cells strongly up-regulate the caspase-8 inhibitor, cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP). Intriguingly, upon activation, T cells highly induced the short splice variant c-FLIPshort, whereas expression of c-FLIPlong was only marginally modulated. In contrast to the general view that c-FLIP transcription is controlled predominantly by nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), induction of c-FLIPshort in T cells was primarily mediated by the calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) pathway. Importantly, blockage of NFAT-mediated c-FLIP expression by RNA interference or inhibition of calcineurin rendered T cells sensitive toward CD95L, as well as activation-induced apoptosis. Thus, the resistance of recently activated T cells depends crucially on induction of c-FLIP expression by the calcineurin/NFAT pathway. Our findings imply that preventing autocrine CD95L signaling by c-FLIP facilitates T-cell effector function and an efficient immune response.
Endoplasmic reticulum HSP90b1 (gp96, grp94) optimizes B-cell function via chaperoning integrin and TLR but not immunoglobulin
Authors: Liu Bei , Li Zihai 
Published: May 2008

AbstractEndoplasmic reticulum (ER) unfolded protein response (UPR) plays pivotal roles in both early B-cell development and plasma cell differentiation. As a major ER chaperone to mediate the UPR and a master chaperone for Toll-like receptors (TLRs), HSP90b1 (grp94, gp96) has long been implicated to facilitate the assembly of immunoglobulin. We hereby critically and comprehensively examine the roles of HSP90b1 in B-cell biology in vivo using B-cell–specific HSP90b1-null mice. We found that knockout B cells developed normally. There were no apparent problems with plasma cell differentiation, Ig assembly, class-switching, and Ig production. Strikingly, although both mutant conventional and innatelike B cells failed to compartmentalize properly due to loss of select but not all integrins, HSP90b1 was required for neither germinal center formation nor memory antibody responses in vivo. The only significant defect associated with HSP90b1 ablation in B cells was an attenuated antibody production in the context of TLR stimulation. Thus, our study has resolved the long-standing question regarding HSP90b1 in B-cell biology: HSP90b1 optimizes the function of B cells by chaperoning TLRs and integrins but not immunoglobulin. This study also has important implications in resolving the controversial roles of TLR in B-cell biology.
Usefulness of consecutive C-reactive protein measurements in follow-up of severe community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Bruns A. H. W. , Oosterheert J. J. , Hak E. , Hoepelman A. I. M. 
Published: May 2008

Despite the introduction of new inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein (CRP) remains commonly used in patients hospitalised with severe infections. However, evidence on the usefulness of consecutive CRP measurements is still unclear. The clinical relevance of consecutive CRP measurements was studied in follow-up of antibiotic treatment in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).In a prospective multicentre trial, CRP levels were measured on admission, and on days 3 and 7. Patients were followed clinically for 28 days.Aetiology could be determined in 137 (47.4%) out of the 289 patients included. In 122 (38.8%) patients, initial antibiotic therapy was appropriate. A decline of <60% in CRP levels in 3 days and a decline of <90% in CRP levels in 7 days were both associated with an increased risk of having recieved inapproriate empiric antibiotic treatment (day 0–3, odds ratio (OR) 6.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.56–31.33 and day 0–7, OR 3.74, 95% CI 1.12–13.77).In conclusion, consecutive C-reactive protein measurements are useful in the first week in follow-up of antibiotic treatment for severe community-acquired pneumonia when taking the causative microorganism and use of steroids into account. A delayed normalisation of C-reactive protein levels is associated with a higher risk of having received inappropriate antibiotic treatment.
CPAP decreases plasma levels of soluble tumour necrosis factor-α receptor 1 in obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Arias M. A. , García-Río F. , Alonso-Fernández A. , Hernanz Á. , Hidalgo R. , Martínez-Mateo V. , Bartolomé S. , Rodríguez-Padial L. 
Published: May 2008

There is increasing evidence that inflammation plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular complications in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).No previous works have studied levels of soluble tumour necrosis factor-α receptor (sTNFR)-1 in patients with OSA. The aims of the present study were to examine serum levels of sTNFR-1 and the effect of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in patients with OSA.A prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled crossover study was performed. In total, 30 consecutive newly diagnosed OSA patients (apnoea/hypopnoea index 43.8±27.0 events·h−1) and 15 healthy obese patients were selected. Urinary levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine, as well as plasma sTNFR-1, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and leukotriene (LT)B4levels were obtained at baseline and after 3 months of CPAP or sham CPAP.Nocturnal urinary levels of norepinephrine, epinephrine and sTNFR-1 (1,053±269versus820±166 pg·mL−1) were significantly higher in OSA patients. There were no significant differences in plasma levels of IL-6, LTB4, or TNF-α between the two study groups. There were no significant differences in blood pressure, urinary catecholamine levels, or plasma IL-6, LTB4and TNF-α levels after both treatment modalities. However, after 3 months of effective CPAP usage, sTNFR-1 levels were significantly reduced (1,053±269versus899±254 pg·mL−1).Obstructive sleep apnoea patients have higher levels of soluble tumour necrosis factor-α receptor 1 than individuals without OSA; soluble tumour necrosis factor-α receptor 1 levels are lowered by continuous positive airway pressure therapy. These findings further corroborate a potential role of inflammation in the natural history of obstructive sleep apnoea.