bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intermethod Variability in TSH-Receptor Antibody Measurement: Implication for the Diagnosis of Graves Disease and for the Follow-Up of Graves Ophthalmopathy
Authors: Massart Catherine , Sapin Rémy , Gibassier Jacqueline , Agin Arnaud , d'Herbomez Michèle 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Background: We compared the analytical and clinical performance of 3 porcine thyroid receptor antibody (TRAb) methods (1 second- and 2 new third-generation systems) with the conventional TRAb assay based on the human recombinant TSH receptor (hTRAK).
Patients and Methods: We obtained sera from 86 patients with untreated Graves disease (GD) and 71 healthy controls. We measured TRAb concentrations by radioreceptor assay using the hTRAK (Brahms) or the porcine TSH receptor (pRRA) from Beckman-Coulter, by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) with the Elecsys/Cobas (Roche), and by ELISA using the Medizym TRAb clone (Medipan).
Results: Between-run assay imprecision was ≤10% and ≤7.6% for hTRAK and ECLIA, but reached 14% and 14.9% for ELISA and pRRA, respectively. Maximal specificity and sensitivity close to 100% were obtained for hTRAK, ECLIA, and ELISA. pRRA failed to detect positive TRAbs in 5 GD patients. Although calibrated against the same reference standard 90/672, the assays displayed a high intermethod variability. The results were significantly higher by ECLIA and lower by ELISA and pRRA compared with hTRAK. Patients with ophthalmopathy had higher TRAb results by ELISA and pRRA than those without eye disease.
Conclusions: Second- and third-generation TRAb assays had similar diagnostic sensitivities in the diagnostic evaluation of GD. Despite the use of the same reference standard for calibration, high intermethod variability in TRAb assay results was seen in untreated GD patients. Assay harmonization is necessary for correct interpretation in the follow-up of Graves ophthalmopathy.
Repeated Reading of Poetry Can Enhance Reading Fluency
Authors: Faver Sherri 
Published: November 2008

Using poetry to teach fluency through repeated reading is an effective way to improve students' reading fluency. Repeated reading of poetry is effective with students whose instructional reading level is between the first and third grades. Ten to 15 minutes of repeated reading per day over an extended length of time has proven successful for both fluent and nonfluent readers.إن استخدام الشعر لتعليم المرونة بواسطة القراءة المتكررة هو طريقة فعالة لتحسين مرونة الطلبة القرائية. إذ قراءة الشعر المتكررة فعالة مع الطلبة ذوي مستوى القراءة التعليمي بين الصف الأول والثالث. وقد أثبت نجاح القراءة المتكررة المقامة يومياً بين عشر دقائق إلى ربع ساعة لمدة طويلة من الزمن لكلا القراء المهرة وغير المهرة.通过重复朗读诗歌来训练学生朗读的流畅度，是改善学生朗读流畅度的一种有效的教学法。重复朗读诗歌这教学法，对训练小学一年级至三年级学生特别有效。长期每天使用十到十五分钟进行重复朗读诗歌，已被证明对流畅与非流畅读者均有改善朗读之成效。Utiliser la poésie pour enseigner à lire couramment au moyen de lectures répétées est une façon efficace de développer la lecture courante des élèves. La lecture répétée de la poésie est efficace avec des élèves dont le niveau de lecture est entre la première et la troisième année. On a pu prouver que dix à 15 minutes de lecture répétée chaque jour pendant assez longtemps est fructueux aussi bien pour ceux qui lisent couramment que pour les autres.Многократное прочитывание стихов – эффективный способ развития навыков беглого чтения. Такой подход уместен с младшими школьниками – с первого по третий класс. От десяти до пятнадцати минут повторного чтения в день в течение продолжительного периода времени оказали благотворное влияние на навыки чтения всех детей, как бегло читающих, как и испытывающих трудности в чтении.El uso de la poesía para enseñar la fluidez por medio de la repetición de la lectura es una manera efectiva de mejorar la fluidez de la lectura de los estudiantes. La lectura repetida de la poesía es efectiva en estudiantes cuyo nivel de instrucción está entre el primer y el tercer grado. De diez a quince minutos de lectura repetida al día por un período largo de tiempo ha demostrado ser exitoso para ambos los lectores con fluidez y los que no tienen fluidez.
DOC2B: A Novel Syntaxin-4 Binding Protein Mediating Insulin-Regulated GLUT4 Vesicle Fusion in Adipocytes
Authors: Fukuda Naofumi , Emoto Masahiro , Nakamori Yoshitaka , Taguchi Akihiko , Miyamoto Sachiko , Uraki Shinsuke , Oka Yoshitomo , Tanizawa Yukio 
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVE— Insulin stimulates glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and adipose tissues primarily by stimulating the translocation of vesicles containing a facilitative glucose transporter, GLUT4, from intracellular compartments to the plasma membrane. The formation of stable soluble N-ethyl-maleimide–sensitive fusion protein [NSF] attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complexes between vesicle-associated membrane protein-2 (VAMP-2) and syntaxin-4 initiates GLUT4 vesicle docking and fusion processes. Additional factors such as munc18c and tomosyn were reported to be negative regulators of the SNARE complex assembly involved in GLUT4 vesicle fusion. However, despite numerous investigations, the positive regulators have not been adequately clarified.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We determined the intracellular localization of DOC2b by confocal immunoflorescent microscopy in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Interaction between DOC2b and syntaxin-4 was assessed by the yeast two-hybrid screening system, immunoprecipitation, and in vitro glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down experiments. Cell surface externalization of GLUT4 and glucose uptake were measured in the cells expressing DOC2b constructs or silencing DOC2b.
RESULTS— Herein, we show that DOC2b, a SNARE-related protein containing double C2 domains but lacking a transmembrane region, is translocated to the plasma membrane upon insulin stimulation and directly associates with syntaxin-4 in an intracellular Ca2+-dependent manner. Furthermore, this process is essential for triggering GLUT4 vesicle fusion. Expression of DOC2b in cultured adipocytes enhanced, while expression of the Ca2+-interacting domain mutant DCO2b or knockdown of DOC2b inhibited, insulin-stimulated glucose uptake.
CONCLUSIONS— These findings indicate that DOC2b is a positive SNARE regulator for GLUT4 vesicle fusion and mediates insulin-stimulated glucose transport in adipocytes.
Fractal surface analysis of Zircaloy-4 SEM micrographs using the time-series method
Authors: Paun Viorel 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The SEM microfractographies of Zircaloy-4 are studied by the time-series method. We first develop a computer application which associates a time series to each SEM micrograph. Furthermore, we will apply the phase space embedding technique to reconstruct the attractor and to compute the autocorrelation dimension. Using the fractal analysis technique, the SEM microfractographies of the fracture surface of the Zircaloy-4 samples have been analyzed.
Postoperative Pain Following Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Prospective Study
Authors: Chou Loretta B. , Wagner Dominic , Witten Daniela M. , Martinez-Diaz Gabriel J. , Brook Nancy S. , Toussaint Michele , Carroll Ian R. 
Published: November 2008

Background: Orthopaedic procedures have been reported to have the highest incidence of pain compared to other types of operations. There are limited studies in the literature that investigate postoperative pain. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 98 patients undergoing orthopedic foot and ankle operations was undertaken to evaluate their pain experience. A Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) was administered preoperatively and postoperatively. Results: The results showed that patients who experienced pain before the operation anticipated feeling higher pain intensity immediately postoperatively. Patients, on average, experienced higher pain intensity 3 days after the operation than anticipated. The postoperative pain intensity at 3 days was the most severe, while postoperative pain intensity at 6 weeks was the least severe. Age, gender and preoperative diagnosis (acute versus chronic) did not have a significant effect on the severity of pain that patients experienced. Six weeks following the operation, the majority of patients felt no pain. In addition, the severity of preoperative pain was highly predictive of their anticipated postoperative pain and 6-week postoperative pain, and both preoperative pain and anticipated pain predict higher immediate postoperative pain. Conclusion: The intensity of patients' preoperative pain was predictive of the anticipated postoperative pain. Patients' preoperative pain and anticipated postoperative pain were independently predictive of the 3-day postoperative pain. The higher pain intensity a patient experienced preoperatively suggested that their postoperative pain severity would be greater. Therefore, surgeons should be aware of these findings when treating postoperative pain after orthopaedic foot and ankle operations. Level of Evidence: II, Prospective Comparative Study
Efficacy of MRI Versus Arthroscopy for Evaluation of Sinus Tarsi Syndrome
Authors: Lee Keun-Bae , Bai Long-Bin , Park Jin-Gyoon , Song Eun-Kyoo , Lee Jae-Jun 
Published: November 2008

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to diagnose sinus tarsi syndrome (STS) because of its non-invasiveness and accuracy. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of MRI compared with subtalar arthroscopy for STS. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight patients (30 feet) who had undergone both MRI and subtalar arthroscopy for STS were evaluated. MRI results were compared with arthroscopic findings, which were considered the standard. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated, and correlations between MRI and arthroscopic findings were investigated. Results: MRI was found to detect interosseous talocalcaneal ligament (ITCL) tears, cervical ligament (CL) tears, sinus tarsi fat alterations, and synovial thickening, with sensitivities, specificities, positive and negative predictive accuracies of: 44%, 60%, 85%, 18% (ITCL tears); 73%, 89%, 80%, 86% (CL tears); 71%, 92%, 93%, 71% (sinus tarsi fat alterations); and 86%, 87%, 67%, 95% (synovial thickening). Correlations between MRI and arthroscopic findings showed full agreement in 10%, partial agreement in 50%, and no agreement in 40%. Conclusion: MRI is useful for detecting CL tears, sinus tarsi fat alterations, and synovial thickening, but is inadequate for correctly detecting ITCL tears. Level of Evidence: II, Prospective Comparative Study
Endoscopic transnasal resection of anterior cranial fossa meningiomas
Authors: de Divitiis Enrico , Esposito Felice , Cappabianca Paolo , Cavallo Luigi M. , de Divitiis Oreste , Esposito Isabella 
Published: November 2008

Object
The extended transnasal approach, a recent surgical advancements for the ventral skull base, allows excellent midline access to and visibility of the anterior cranial fossa, which was previously thought to be approachable only via a transcranial route. The extended transnasal approach allows early decompression of the optic canals, obviates the need for brain retraction, and reduces neurovascular manipulation.

Methods
Between 2004 and 2007, 11 consecutive patients underwent transnasal resection of anterior cranial fossa meningiomas—4 olfactory groove (OGM) and 7 tuberculum sellae (TSM) meningiomas. Age at surgery, sex, symptoms, and imaging studies were reviewed. Tumor size and tumor extension were estimated, and the anteroposterior, vertical, and horizontal diameters were measred on MR images. Medical records, surgical complications, and outcomes of the patients were collected.

Results
A gross-total removal of the lesion was achieved in 10 patients (91%), and in 1 patient with a TSM only a near-total (> 90%) resection was possible. Four patients with preoperative visual function defect had a complete recovery, whereas 3 patients experienced a transient worsening of vision, fully recovered within few days. In 3 patients (2 with TSMs and 1 with an OGM), a postoperative CSF leak occurred, requiring a endoscopic surgery for skull base defect repair. Another patient (a case involving a TSM) developed transient diabetes insipidus. The operative time ranged from 6 to 10 hours in the OGM group and from 4.5 to 9 hours in the TSM group. The mean duration of the hospital stay was 13.5 and 10 days in the OGM and TSM groups, respectively. Six patients (3 with OGMs and 3 with TSMs) required a blood transfusion. Surgery-related death occurred in 1 patient with TSM, in whom the tumor was successfully removed.

Conclusions
The technique offers a minimally invasive route to the midline anterior skull base, allowing the surgeon to avoid using brain retraction and reducing manipulation of the large vessels and optic apparatus; hastens postoperative recovery; and improves patient compliance. Further assessment and refinement are required, particularly because of the potential risk of CSF leakage. Other studies and longer follow-up periods are necessary to ascertain the benefits of the technique.
Early elective surgical exploration of spontaneous intracerebral hematomas of unknown origin
Authors: Elhammady Mohamed Samy A. , Baskaya Mustafa K. , Heros Roberto C. 
Published: November 2008

Object
The management of non–life threatening spontaneous intraparenchymal hemorrhage with no obvious medical etiology in patients and the lack of findings on images has not been clearly defined. In general, the current practice is to treat these patients conservatively and repeat studies to rule out a treatable cause 6 weeks to 3 months later; more often than not these repeated studies fail to reveal any findings, and the patient is treated conservatively. For years, the senior author (R.C.H.) has treated these patients with early surgical exploration. This study was undertaken prospectively to ascertain the frequency of positive findings during surgical exploration.

Methods
Between 2000 and 2007, the authors prospectively collected data from 9 cases (4 cerebellar, 4 lobar, and 1 caudate head) of unexplained intraparenchymal hemorrhages. The patient age ranged from 18 to 45 years (mean 31.2 years). All patients were normotensive, had no underlying medical problems explaining such a hemorrhage, and failed to exhibit findings on cerebral angiograms. Magnetic resonance images with contrast showed no abnormal vasculature or enhancement. Eight patients underwent elective surgical exploration in the subacute stage, and urgent decompression of the clot was necessary in 1.

Results
In 7 (77.8%) of the 9 cases, histopathological examination revealed a cause for the hemorrhage (3 “cryptic” arteriovenous malformations, 3 cavernomas, and 1 neoplasm). A good outcome was achieved in all 8 patients who underwent elective surgery.

Conclusions
The authors recommend elective surgical exploration of intracerebral hematomas of unknown etiology provided that the hematoma is surgically accessible and the patient is relatively young and healthy. Early exploration and resection can provide a cure and eliminate the risk of rebleeding when a vascular lesion is found or guide further treatment in cases of tumor.
Endovascular treatment of intracranial microarteriovenous malformations
Authors: Andreou Alexander , Ioannidis Ioannis , Lalloo Shivendra , Nickolaos Nasis , Byrne James V. 
Published: November 2008

Object
Microarteriovenous malformations (micro-AVMs) are an uncommon subgroup of brain AVMs defined by a nidus measuring < 1 cm in diameter. The clinical features, angiographic characteristics, and outcomes in patients with micro-AVMs who had been treated endovascularly after presenting with hemorrhage were reviewed to identify common features affecting prognosis.

Methods
Between 1997 and 2006, 25 patients (12 females and 13 males) with 26 micro-AVMs were treated. Twenty-four patients presented with intracerebral hematoma and 1 with subarachnoid hemorrhage only. All patients underwent CT on admission, diagnostic cerebral angiography, and 1 session of endovascular treatment during the acute phase.

Results
Procedure-related complications occurred in 3 patients (12%), which caused temporary hemiparesis in 1 (4%) and no clinical sequelae in 2 patients (8%). Complete nidus obliteration was achieved at the end of the embolization in 22 (84.6%) of 26 lesions. Two recurrences were evident on follow-up angiography 6 months postembolization, resulting in a complete obliteration rate of 77% (20 of 26 lesions) after a single treatment. Late angiography was performed in 12 patients, and no further recurrences were identified.

Conclusions
Immediate complete obliteration of a micro-AVM with a high permanent cure and low morbidity rates was accomplished using endovascular treatment. Early embolization after bleeding should be considered as an alternative to resection.
A new technique allowing prolonged temporary cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Hauck Erik F. , Wei Jingna , Quast Michael J. , Nauta Haring J. W. 
Published: November 2008

Object
Clipping of complex cerebral aneurysms often requires temporary vessel occlusion. The risk of stroke, however, increases exponentially with occlusion time. The authors hypothesized that prolonged temporary occlusion might be tolerated if the occluded vessels were perfused with cold physiological saline solution (CPSS). A low-flow perfusion rate would permit surgical manipulation of an aneurysm distal to the occlusion.

Methods
To test this hypothesis, the authors temporarily occluded the middle cerebral artery (MCA) with an endovascular catheter in 6 rats. Three animals, the treatment group, were perfused with 5-ml CPSS/hour through the occluding endovascular catheter into the MCA, and the other 3 served as an ischemic control group. In both groups, the catheter was removed after 90 minutes of occlusion. The brain temperature was monitored with a stereotactically placed probe in the caudate–putamen in 2 separate experimental groups (11 animals).

Results
Magnetic resonance imaging perfusion scanning during vessel occlusion confirmed similar reduction of cerebral blood flow during MCA occlusion in both the simple-occlusion and perfusion-occlusion groups. Magnetic resonance imaging diffusion scans performed 24 hours after temporary occlusion revealed infarcts in the ischemic control group of 138.3 ± 28.0 mm3 versus 9.9 ± 9.9 mm3 in the cold saline group (p < 0.005). A focal cooling effect during perfusion with CPSS was demonstrated (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Prolonged temporary cerebral vessel occlusion can be tolerated using superselective CPSS perfusion through an occluding endovascular catheter into the ischemic territory. This technique could possibly be applied in neurosurgery practice to the management of complex intracranial aneurysms.
Effect of electrical stimulation of the cervical spinal cord on blood flow following subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Lee Jin-Yul , Huang Dah-Luen , Keep Richard , Sagher Oren 
Published: November 2008

Object
Cervical spinal cord stimulation (SCS) increases global cerebral blood flow (CBF) and ameliorates cerebral ischemia according to a number of experimental models as well as some anecdotal reports in humans. Nonetheless, such stimulation has not been systematically applied for use in cerebral vasospasm. In the present study the authors examined the effect of cervical SCS on cerebral vasoconstriction in a double-hemorrhage model in rats.

Methods
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was induced with 2 blood injections through an indwelling catheter in the cisterna magna. Spinal cord stimulation was applied 90 minutes after induction of the second SAH (Day 0) or on Day 5 post-SAH. Measurements of the basilar artery (BA) diameter and cross-sectional area and regional CBF (using laser Doppler flowmetry and 14C-radiolabeled N-isopropyl-p-iodoamphetamine hydrochloride) were obtained and compared between SAH and sham-operated control rats that did not receive SCS.

Results
At Day 0 after SAH, there were slight nonsignificant decreases in BA diameter and cross-sectional area (89 ± 3% and 81 ± 4%, respectively, of that in controls) in no-SCS rats. At this time point, BA diameter and crosssectional area were slightly increased (116 ± 6% and 132 ± 9%, respectively, compared with controls, p < 0.001) in SCS-treated rats. On Day 5 after SAH, no-SCS rats had marked decreases in BA diameter and cross-sectional area (64 ± 3% and 39 ± 4%, respectively, compared with controls, p < 0.001) and corrugation of the vessel wall. These changes were reversed in rats that had received SCS (diameter, 110 ± 9% of controls; area, 106 ± 4% of controls; p < 0.001). Subarachnoid hemorrhage reduced CBF at Days 0 and 5 post-SAH, and SCS increased flows at both time points, particularly in regions supplied by the middle cerebral artery.

Conclusions
Data in this study showed that SCS can reverse BA constriction and improve global CBF in this SAH model. Spinal cord stimulation may represent a useful adjunct in the treatment of vasospasm.
Clinical and radiographic comparison of mini–open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in 42 patients with long-term follow-up
Authors: Dhall Sanjay S. , Wang Michael Y. , Mummaneni Praveen V. 
Published: November 2008

Object
As minimally invasive approaches gain popularity in spine surgery, clinical outcomes and effectiveness of mini–open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) compared with traditional open TLIF have yet to be established. The authors retrospectively compared the outcomes of patients who underwent mini–open TLIF with those who underwent open TLIF.

Methods
Between 2003 and 2006, 42 patients underwent TLIF for degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis; 21 patients underwent mini–open TLIF and 21 patients underwent open TLIF. The mean age in each group was 53 years, and there was no statistically significant difference in age between the groups (p = 0.98). Data were collected perioperatively. In addition, complications, length of stay (LOS), fusion rate, and modified Prolo Scale (mPS) scores were recorded at routine intervals.

Results
No patient was lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up was 24 months for the mini-open group and 34 months for the open group. The mean estimated blood loss was 194 ml for the mini-open group and 505 ml for the open group (p < 0.01). The mean LOS was 3 days for the mini-open group and 5.5 days for the open group (p < 0.01). The mean mPS score improved from 11 to 19 in the mini-open group and from 10 to 18 in the open group; there was no statistically significant difference in mPS score improvement between the groups (p = 0.19). In the mini-open group there were 2 cases of transient L-5 sensory loss, 1 case of a misplaced screw that required revision, and 1 case of cage migration that required revision. In the open group there was 1 case of radiculitis as well as 1 case of a misplaced screw that required revision. One patient in the mini-open group developed a pseudarthrosis that required reoperation, and all patients in the open group exhibited fusion.

Conclusions
Mini–open TLIF is a viable alternative to traditional open TLIF with significantly reduced estimated blood loss and LOS. However, the authors found a higher incidence of hardware-associated complications with the mini–open TLIF.