bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of rheumatoid arthritis on foot function in the early stages of disease: a clinical case series
Authors: Turner Deborah E , Helliwell Philip S , Emery Paul , Woodburn James 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
Foot involvement occurs early in rheumatoid arthritis but the extent to which this impacts on the structure and function leading to impairment and foot related disability is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical disease activity, impairment, disability, and foot function in normal and early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) feet using standardised clinical measures and 3D gait analysis.

Methods
Twelve RA patients with disease duration ≤2 years and 12 able-bodied adults matched for age and sex underwent 3D gait analysis to measure foot function. Disease impact was measured using the Leeds Foot impact Scale (LFIS) along with standard clinical measures of disease activity, pain and foot deformity. For this small sample, the mean differences between the groups and associated confidence intervals were calculated using the t distribution

Results
Moderate-to-high foot impairment and related disability were detected amongst the RA patients. In comparison with age- and sex-matched controls, the patients with early RA walked slower (1.05 m/s Vs 1.30 m/s) and had a longer double-support phase (19.3% Vs 15.8%). In terminal stance, the heel rise angle was reduced in the patients in comparison with normal (-78.9° Vs -85.7°). Medial arch height was lower and peak eversion in stance greater in the RA patients. The peak ankle plantarflexion power profile was lower in the patients in comparison with the controls (3.4 W/kg Vs 4.6 W/kg). Pressure analysis indicated that the RA patients had a reduced lesser toe contact area (7.6 cm2
Vs 8.1 cm2), elevated peak forefoot pressure (672 kPa Vs 553 kPa) and a larger mid-foot contact area (24.6 cm2
Vs 19.4 cm2).

Conclusion
Analysis detected small but clinically important changes in foot function in a small cohort of RA patients with disease duration <2 years. These were accompanied by active joint disease and impairment and disability.
Neck ligament strength is decreased following whiplash trauma
Authors: Tominaga Yasuhiro , Ndu Anthony B , Coe Marcus P , Valenson Arnold J , Ivancic Paul C , Ito Shigeki , Rubin Wolfgang , Panjabi Manohar M 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
Previous clinical studies have documented successful neck pain relief in whiplash patients using nerve block and radiofrequency ablation of facet joint afferents, including capsular ligament nerves. No previous study has documented injuries to the neck ligaments as determined by altered dynamic mechanical properties due to whiplash. The goal of the present study was to determine the dynamic mechanical properties of whiplash-exposed human cervical spine ligaments. Additionally, the present data were compared to previously reported control data. The ligaments included the anterior and posterior longitudinal, capsular, and interspinous and supraspinous ligaments, middle-third disc, and ligamentum flavum.

Methods
A total of 98 bone-ligament-bone specimens (C2–C3 to C7-T1) were prepared from six cervical spines following 3.5, 5, 6.5, and 8 g rear impacts and pre- and post-impact flexibility testing. The specimens were elongated to failure at a peak rate of 725 (SD 95) mm/s. Failure force, elongation, and energy absorbed, as well as stiffness were determined. The mechanical properties were statistically compared among ligaments, and to the control data (significance level: P < 0.05; trend: P < 0.1). The average physiological ligament elongation was determined using a mathematical model.

Results
For all whiplash-exposed ligaments, the average failure elongation exceeded the average physiological elongation. The highest average failure force of 204.6 N was observed in the ligamentum flavum, significantly greater than in middle-third disc and interspinous and supraspinous ligaments. The highest average failure elongation of 4.9 mm was observed in the interspinous and supraspinous ligaments, significantly greater than in the anterior longitudinal ligament, middle-third disc, and ligamentum flavum. The average energy absorbed ranged from 0.04 J by the middle-third disc to 0.44 J by the capsular ligament. The ligamentum flavum was the stiffest ligament, while the interspinous and supraspinous ligaments were most flexible. The whiplash-exposed ligaments had significantly lower (P = 0.036) failure force, 149.4 vs. 186.0 N, and a trend (P = 0.078) towards less energy absorption capacity, 308.6 vs. 397.0 J, as compared to the control data.

Conclusion
The present decreases in neck ligament strength due to whiplash provide support for the ligament-injury hypothesis of whiplash syndrome.
Plasma organochlorine concentrations and bone ultrasound measurements: a cross-sectional study in peri-and postmenopausal Inuit women from Greenland
Authors: Côté Suzanne , Ayotte Pierre , Dodin Sylvie , Blanchet Claudine , Mulvad Gert , Petersen Henning S , Gingras Suzanne , Dewailly Éric 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
Inuit women are highly exposed through their traditional seafood based diet to organochlorine compounds, some of them displaying endocrine disrupting properties. We hypothesized that this exposure might be related to bone characteristics that are altered in osteoporosis, because hormone deficiency is a known risk factor for the disease.

Methods
We measured quantitative ultrasound parameters (QUS) at the right calcaneum of 153 peri- and postmenopausal Inuit women (49–64 year old) from Nuuk, Greenland, and investigated the relation between these parameters and plasma organochlorine concentrations. We used high-resolution gas chromatography with electron capture detection to analyze plasma samples for 14 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) congeners and 11 chlorinated pesticides and metabolites. We analysed morning urine samples for cadmium, a potential confounder, by atomic absorption spectrometry. We used a validated questionnaire to document dietary and lifestyle habits as well as reproductive and medical histories.

Results
Concentrations of PCB 153, a surrogate of exposure to most organochlorines present in plasma samples, were inversely correlated to QUS parameters in univariate analyses (p < 0.001). However, PCB 153 concentrations were not associated with QUS values in multivariate analyses that comprised potential confounding factors such as age, body weight, former oral contraceptive use and current hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use, which were all significant predictors of bone stiffness (total R2 = 0.39; p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Overall we found little evidence that organochlorines exposure is related to osteoporosis in Greenlandic Inuit women, but the hypothesis that exposure to dioxin-like compounds might be linked to decreased bone quality and osteoporosis deserves further attention.
Comparison of tissue pressure and ablation time between the LeVeen and cool-tip needle methods
Authors: Nakamuta Makoto , Kohjima Motoyuki , Morizono Shusuke , Yoshimoto Tsuyoshi , Miyagi Yuzuru , Sakai Hironori , Enjoji Munechika , Kotoh Kazuhiro 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackgroundRadio frequency ablation (RFA) has been accepted clinically as a useful local treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, intrahepatic recurrence after RFA has been reported which might be attributable to increase in intra-tumor pressure during RFA. To reduce the pressure and ablation time, we developed a novel method of RFA, a multi-step method in which a LeVeen needle, an expansion-type electrode, is incrementally and stepwise expanded. We compared the maximal pressure during ablation and the total ablation time among the multi-step method, single-step method (a standard single-step full expansion with a LeVeen needle), and the method with a cool-tip electrode. Finally, we performed a preliminary comparison of the ablation times for these methods in HCC cases.ResultsA block of pig liver sealed in a rigid plastic case was used as a model of an HCC tumor with a capsule. The multi-step method with the LeVeen electrode resulted in the lowest pressure as compared with the single-step or cool-tip methods. There was no significant difference in the ablation time between the multi-step and cool-tip ablation methods, although the single-step methods had longer ablation times than the other ablation procedures. In HCC cases, the multi-step method had a significantly shorter ablation time than the single-step or cool-tip methods.ConclusionWe demonstrated that the multi-step method was useful to reduce the ablation time and to suppress the increase in pressure. The multi-step method using a LeVeen needle may be a clinically applicable procedure for RFA.
Effect of long-term exposure of SH-SY5Y cells to morphine: a whole cell proteomic analysis
Authors: Neasta Jérémie , Uttenweiler-Joseph Sandrine , Chaoui Karima , Monsarrat Bernard , Meunier Jean-Claude , Moulédous Lionel 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
Opiate addiction reflects plastic changes that endurably alter synaptic transmission within relevant neuronal circuits. The biochemical mechanisms of these adaptations remain largely unknown and proteomics-based approaches could lead to a broad characterization of the molecular events underlying adaptations to chronic drug exposure.

Results
Thus, we have started proteomic analyses of the effects of chronic morphine exposure in a recombinant human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y clone that stably overexpresses the μ-opioid receptor. Cells were treated with morphine for 6, 24 and 72 hours, the proteins were separated by 2-D gel electrophoresis and stained with Coomassie blue, and the protein map was compared with that obtained from untreated cells. Spots showing a statistically significant variation were selected for identification using mass spectrometric analyses.

Conclusion
A total of 45 proteins were identified, including proteins involved in cellular metabolism, cytoskeleton organization, vesicular trafficking, transcriptional and translational regulation, and cell signaling.
CHKA and PCYT1Agene polymorphisms, choline intake and spina bifida risk in a California population
Authors: Enaw James O Ebot , Zhu Huiping , Yang Wei , Lu Wei , Shaw Gary M , Lammer Edward J , Finnell Richard H 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most common of all human congenital defects. Over the last two decades, accumulating evidence has made it clear that periconceptional intake of folic acid can significantly reduce the risk of NTD affected pregnancies. This beneficial effect may be related to the ability of folates to donate methyl groups for critical physiological reactions. Choline is an essential nutrient and it is also a methyl donor critical for the maintenance of cell membrane integrity and methyl metabolism. Perturbations in choline metabolism in vitro have been shown to induce NTDs in mouse embryos.

Methods
This study investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in human choline kinase A (CHKA) gene and CTP:phosphocholine cytidylytransferase (PCYT1A) gene were risk factors for spina bifida. Fluorescence-based allelic discrimination analysis was performed for the two CHKA intronic SNPs hCV1562388 (rs7928739) and hCV1562393, and PCYT1A SNP rs939883 and rs3772109. The study population consisted of 103 infants with spina bifida and 338 non-malformed control infants who were born in selected California counties in the period 1989–1991.

Results
The CHKA SNP hCV1562388 genotypes with at least one C allele were associated with a reduced risk of spina bifida (odds ratio = 0.60, 95%CI = 0.38–0.94). The PCYT1A SNP rs939883 genotype AA was associated with a twofold increased risk of spina bifida (odds ratio = 1.89, 95% CI = 0.97–3.67). These gene-only effects were not substantially modified by analytic consideration to maternal periconceptional choline intake.

Conclusion
Our analyses showed genotype effects of CHKA and PCYT1A genes on spina bifida risk, but did not show evidence of gene-nutrient interactions. The underlying mechanisms are yet to be resolved.
Successful pulmonary administration of activated recombinant factor VII in diffuse alveolar hemorrhage
Authors: Heslet Lars , Nielsen Jorn Dalsgaard , Levi Marcel , Sengeløv Henrik , Johansson Pär I 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Introduction
Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a serious pulmonary complication seen in patients with autoimmune disorders and patients treated with chemotherapy or after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The clinical management of DAH is complex and the condition has a high mortality rate. Tissue factor is expressed in the lung alveoli during inflammation and therefore pulmonary administration of human recombinant activated factor VIIa (rFVIIa) could be a rational treatment option.

Methods
Six patients with acute, bronchoscopically confirmed DAH from a single intensive care unit university hospital center were included in the study of acute DAH in critically ill patients. The patients were treated with intrapulmonary administration of 50 μg/kg rFVIIa in 50 ml of sodium chloride by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) with 25 ml in each of the main bronchi, which was repeated after 24 hours in case of treatment failure.

Results
An excellent response, defined as complete and sustained hemostasis after a single dose of rFVIIa, was seen in three patients. A good response, meaning that sustained hemostasis was achieved by a repeated rFVIIa administration, was seen in the remaining three patients. In one of these patients, the BAL treatment was repeated twice; in another patient, the second dose of rFVIIa was administered by nebulizer after extubation after the initial BAL. The hemostatic effect was statistically significant (p = 0.031). The oxygenation capacity, as reflected by the PaO2/FiO2 (arterial oxygen pressure/inspiratory fractional oxygen content) ratio, increased significantly (p = 0.024) in all six patients following the local rFVIIa therapy.

Conclusion
Symptomatic therapy of DAH after intrapulmonary administration of one or more doses of rFVIIa was found to have a good to excellent hemostatic effect in six consecutive patients with DAH. The intrapulmonary administration of rFVIIa seemed to have a high benefit-to-risk ratio. Larger series should confirm the safety of this approach.
Recombinant activated factor VII as an adjunctive therapy for bleeding control in severe trauma patients with coagulopathy: subgroup analysis from two randomized trials
Authors: Rizoli Sandro B , Boffard Kenneth D , Riou Bruno , Warren Brian , Iau Philip , Kluger Yoram , Rossaint Rolf , Tillinger Michael ,   the NovoSeven® Trauma Study Group
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Introduction
We conducted a post-hoc analysis on the effect of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) on coagulopathic patients from two randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials of rFVIIa as an adjunctive therapy for bleeding in patients with severe trauma.

Methods
Blunt and penetrating trauma patients were randomly assigned to rFVIIa (200 + 100 + 100 μg/kg) at 0, 1, and 3 hours after transfusion of 8 units of red blood cells (RBCs) or to placebo. Subjects were monitored for 48 hours post-dosing and followed for 30 days. Coagulopathy was retrospectively defined as transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) (>1 unit of FFP per 4 units of RBCs), FFP in addition to whole blood, and transfusion of platelets and/or cryoprecipitate.

Results
Sixty rFVIIa-treated and 76 placebo subjects were retrospectively identified as being coagulopathic. No significant differences were noted in baseline characteristics. The rFVIIa-treated coagulopathic subgroup consumed significantly less blood product: RBC transfusion decreased by 2.6 units for the whole study population (P = 0.02) and by 3.5 units among patients surviving more than 48 hours (P < 0.001). Transfusion of FFP (1,400 versus 660 ml, P < 0.01), platelet (300 versus 100 ml, P = 0.01), and massive transfusions (29% versus 6%, P < 0.01) also dropped significantly. rFVIIa reduced multi-organ failure and/or acute respiratory distress syndrome in the coagulopathic patients (3% versus 20%, P = 0.004), whereas thromboembolic events were equally present in both groups (3% versus 4%, P = 1.00).

Conclusion
Coagulopathic trauma patients appear to derive particular benefit from early adjunctive rFVIIa therapy.
Multiple independent evolutionary solutions to core histone gene regulation
Authors: Mariño-Ramírez Leonardo , Jordan I King , Landsman David 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Background
Core histone genes are periodically expressed along the cell cycle and peak during S phase. Core histone gene expression is deeply evolutionarily conserved from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to human.

Results
We evaluated the evolutionary dynamics of the specific regulatory mechanisms that give rise to the conserved histone regulatory phenotype. In contrast to the conservation of core histone gene expression patterns, the core histone regulatory machinery is highly divergent between species. There has been substantial evolutionary turnover of cis-regulatory sequence motifs along with the transcription factors that bind them. The regulatory mechanisms employed by members of the four core histone families are more similar within species than within gene families. The presence of species-specific histone regulatory mechanisms is opposite to what is seen at the protein sequence level. Core histone proteins are more similar within families, irrespective of their species of origin, than between families, which is consistent with the shared common ancestry of the members of individual histone families. Structure and sequence comparisons between histone families reveal that H2A and H2B form one related group whereas H3 and H4 form a distinct group, which is consistent with the nucleosome assembly dynamics.

Conclusion
The dissonance between the evolutionary conservation of the core histone gene regulatory phenotypes and the divergence of their regulatory mechanisms indicates a highly dynamic mode of regulatory evolution. This distinct mode of regulatory evolution is probably facilitated by a solution space for promoter sequences, in terms of functionally viable cis-regulatory sites, that is substantially greater than that of protein sequences.
Three-dimensional morphology and gene expression in the Drosophilablastoderm at cellular resolution II: dynamics
Authors: Keränen Soile VE , Fowlkes Charless C , Luengo Hendriks Cris L , Sudar Damir , Knowles David W , Malik Jitendra , Biggin Mark D 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Background
To accurately describe gene expression and computationally model animal transcriptional networks, it is essential to determine the changing locations of cells in developing embryos.

Results
Using automated image analysis methods, we provide the first quantitative description of temporal changes in morphology and gene expression at cellular resolution in whole embryos, using the Drosophila blastoderm as a model. Analyses based on both fixed and live embryos reveal complex, previously undetected three-dimensional changes in nuclear density patterns caused by nuclear movements prior to gastrulation. Gene expression patterns move, in part, with these changes in morphology, but additional spatial shifts in expression patterns are also seen, supporting a previously proposed model of pattern dynamics based on the induction and inhibition of gene expression. We show that mutations that disrupt either the anterior/posterior (a/p) or the dorsal/ventral (d/v) transcriptional cascades alter morphology and gene expression along both the a/p and d/v axes in a way suggesting that these two patterning systems interact via both transcriptional and morphological mechanisms.

Conclusion
Our work establishes a new strategy for measuring temporal changes in the locations of cells and gene expression patterns that uses fixed cell material and computational modeling. It also provides a coordinate framework for the blastoderm embryo that will allow increasingly accurate spatio-temporal modeling of both the transcriptional control network and morphogenesis.
Emergency Department Overcrowding: Analysis of the Factors of Renege Rate
Authors: Asaro Phillip V. , Lewis Lawrence M. , Boxerman Stuart B. 
Published: December 2006

BackgroundReneging (i.e., leaving without being seen) is an important outcome of emergency department (ED) overcrowding. The input‐throughput‐output conceptualization of ED patient flow is helpful in understanding and measuring the impact of various factors on this outcome.ObjectivesTo quantify the impact of input and output factors on ED renege rate.MethodsThe authors used patient‐level and system‐level data from multiple sources in their institution to build logistic regression models, with reneging as the dependent variable. This approach provides the impact of each input and output factor on renege rate expressed as an odds ratio (OR).ResultsThe OR for reneging attributable to the difference between the 80th and 20th percentile values for inpatient bed utilization is 1.05. Comparing 80th and 20th percentile values for boarded ED admits as of 7 am, the OR is 1.73; for daily ED arrivals, the OR is 2.00; and for admission percentage, the OR is 1.12. The OR for evening versus morning patient arrival time is 3.9 and for patient arrival on a Monday versus a Sunday is 2.7. The OR for reneging for a patient presenting on Monday evening versus Sunday morning is 10.5.ConclusionsThe effects of ED input and output factors on renege rate are significant and quantifiable. At least some of the variation in these factors and subsequently their effects are predictable, suggesting that further refinement in the management of ED and inpatient resources could affect improvement in ED renege rate. Continued efforts at quantifying the effects are warranted.
The structure of PTSD symptoms: A test of alternative models using confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Elklit Ask , Shevlin Mark 
Published: December 2006

Objectives. This study aimed to examine the structure of self‐reported post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.Design. Based on previous factor analytic findings and the DSM‐IV formulation, six confirmatory factor models were specified and estimated that reflected different symptom clusters.Methods. The analyses were based on responses from 1116 participants who had suffered whiplash injuries and screened for full or subclinical PTSD using the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire.Results. A correlated four‐factor model with re‐experiencing, avoidance, dysphoria and arousal factors fitted the data very well. Correlations with criteria measures showed that these factors were associated with other trauma related variables in a theoretically predictable way and showed evidence of unique predictive utility.Conclusions. These results concur with previous research findings using different trauma populations but do not reflect the current DSM‐IV symptom groupings.