bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole-spine dynamic magnetic resonance study of contortionists: anatomy and pathology
Authors: Peoples Randal R. , Perkins Thomas G. , Powell Janette W. , Hanson Eric H. , Snyder Travis H. , Mueller Timothy L. , Orrison William W. 
Published: June 2008

ObjectWhole-spine magnetic resonance (MR) images were obtained using a cylindrical 3-T MR imaging system in 5 contortionists to assess the pathological changes possibly associated with the practice of contortion. Whole-spine dynamic MR images were obtained using a 1-T open MR imaging system in 2 of these contortionists with the purpose of defining the range of motion (ROM) achieved during extreme contortion. The range of spinal motion in this unique population was then quantified.MethodsThe study included 5 female contortionists 20–49 years of age. Imaging was performed using open 1-T and cylindrical 3-T high-field MR imaging systems. Data were viewed and analyzed with DICOM-compliant tools. Real-time, dynamic, and standard MR imaging allowed for quantification of the contortionists' ROM.ResultsThere was a difference of 238° between full spinal extension and full flexion. Three of the 5 contortionists had 4 anterosuperior limbus vertebrae at T-11 and the upper lumbar levels.ConclusionsWhole-spine dynamic MR imaging is a valuable tool for the evaluation of the extreme ROM in contortionists, allowing for the quantification of extreme mobility. The limbus fractures present in 3 of the 5 contortionists is postulated to be due to avulsion on hyperextension. Future research may open the use of whole-spine dynamic MR imaging into such areas as pain management and traumatic spinal injuries.
Postoperative changes in spinal cord signal intensity in patients with cervical compression myelopathy: comparison between preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance images
Authors: Yukawa Yasutsugu , Kato Fumihiko , Ito Keigo , Horie Yumiko , Hida Tetsurou , Machino Masaaki , Ito Zen-ya , Matsuyama Yukihiro 
Published: June 2008

Object
Increased signal intensity of the spinal cord on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was classified pre- and postoperatively in patients with cervical compressive myelopathy. It was investigated whether postoperative classification and alterations of increased signal intensity could reflect the postoperative severity of symptoms and surgical outcomes.

Methods
One hundred and four patients with cervical compressive myelopathy were prospectively enrolled. All were treated using cervical expansive laminoplasty. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in all patients preoperatively and after an average of 39.7 months postoperatively (range 12–90 months). Increased signal intensity of the spinal cord was divided into 3 grades based on sagittal T2-weighted MR images as follows: Grade 0, none; Grade 1, light (obscure); and Grade 2, intense (bright). The severity of myelopathy was evaluated according to the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score for cervical myelopathy and its recovery rate (100% = full recovery).

Results
Increased signal intensity was seen in 83% of cases preoperatively and in 70% postoperatively. Preoperatively, there were 18 patients with Grade 0 increased signal intensity, 49 with Grade 1, and 37 with Grade 2; postoperatively, there were 31 with Grade 0, 31 with Grade 1, and 42 with Grade 2. The respective postoperative JOA scores and recovery rates (%) were 13.9/56.7% in patients with postoperative Grade 0, 13.2/50.7% in those with Grade 1, and 12.8/40.1% in those with Grade 2, and these differences were not statistically significant. The postoperative increased signal intensity grade was improved in 16 patients, worsened in 8, and unchanged in 80 (77%). There was no significant correlation between the alterations of increased signal intensity and surgical outcomes.

Conclusions
The postoperative increased signal intensity classification reflected postoperative symptomatology and surgical outcomes to some extent, without statistically significant differences. The alteration of increased signal intensity was seen postoperatively in 24 patients (23%) and was not correlated with surgical outcome.
The safety and efficacy of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with polyetheretherketone spacer and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein–2: a review of 200 patients
Authors: Tumialán Luis M. , Pan Jeff , Rodts Gerald E. , Mummaneni Praveen V. 
Published: June 2008

Object
The goal in this study was to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion ([ACDF]; single- or multilevel procedure) performed using titanium plates and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) spacers filled with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein–2 (rhBMP-2) impregnated in a type I collagen sponge to achieve fusion.

Methods
The authors retrospectively reviewed 200 patients who underwent a single- or multilevel ACDF with titanium plate fixation and PEEK spacer filled with a collagen sponge impregnated with low-dose rhBMP-2. Clinical outcomes were assessed using pre- and postoperative Nurick grades and the Odom criteria. Radiographic outcomes were assessed using dynamic radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans.

Results
The follow-up period ranged from 8 to 36 months (mean 16.7 months). A single-level ACDF was performed in 96 patients, 2-level ACDF in 62 patients, 3-level ACDF in 36 patients, and 4-level ACDF in 6 patients. Long-term follow-up was available for 193 patients. The Odom outcomes were rated as good to excellent in 165 patients (85%), fair in 24 (12.4%), and poor in 4 (2%). Among patients with myelopathy, Nurick grades improved from a preoperative mean of 1.42 to a postoperative mean of 0.26. All patients (100%) achieved solid radiographic fusion on dynamic radiographs and CT scans. Fourteen patients (7%) in this series experienced clinically significant dysphagia, and 4 (2%) required repeated operation for hematoma or seroma.

Conclusions
An ACDF performed using a PEEK spacer filled with rhBMP-2 leads to good to excellent clinical outcomes and solid fusion, even in multilevel cases and in patients who are smokers. The incidence of symptomatic dysphagia may be decreased with a lower dose of rhBMP-2 that is placed only within the PEEK spacer.
Comparison of fusion assessment techniques: computer-assisted versus manual measurements
Authors: Fassett Daniel R. , Apfelbaum Ronald I. , Hipp John A. 
Published: June 2008

Object
Fusion assessment after cervical arthrodesis can be subjective. Measures such as bridging bone quantification or extent of (limited) motion on dynamic studies are common but difficult to interpret and fraught with biases. We compared manual measurement and computer-assisted techniques in assessing fusion after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Methods
One hundred patients who underwent ACDF (512 intervertebral levels) were randomly selected for this radiographic review (follow-up 3–36 months). Two assessment techniques were performed by different observers, with each blinded to the results of the other. The manual spinous process displacement measurement technique was used to calculate motion between the spinous processes under magnification on a digital imaging workstation. Computer-assisted measurements of intervertebral angular motion were made using Quantitative Motion Analysis (QMA) software. Fusion criteria were arbitrarily set at 1 mm of motion for the manual technique and 1.5° of angular motion for the QMA technique.

Results
The manual measurement technique revealed fusion in 61.7% (316 of 512) of the interspaces assessed, and QMA revealed fusion in 64.3% (329 of 512). These two assessment techniques agreed in 87.5% of cases, with a correlation coefficient of 0.68 between the two data sets. In cases in which the two techniques did not agree, QMA revealed fusion and the manual measurement revealed nonfusion in 64% of the disagreements; 98% of the disagreements occurred when motion was < 2 mm or 2°.

Conclusions
Although osseous fusion after arthrodesis remains difficult to assess, new computer-assisted techniques may remove the subjectivity generally associated with assessing fusion.
Apoptosis and gene expression of collagenases but not gelatinases in rabbit disc fragment cultures
Authors: Haschtmann Daniel , Ferguson Stephen J. , Stoyanov Jivko V. 
Published: June 2008

ObjectThe object of this study was to characterize the biological response of isolated intervertebral disc fragments to in vitro culture conditions with respect to cell death and inflammatory and catabolic changes. The acquired data could help to gain a better understanding of the biological reaction of disc tissue when exposed to environmental changes along with altered nutritional and osmotic conditions, as are encountered in different in vitro disc models or disc diseases in vivo.MethodsIntervertebral disc anulus fragments were isolated from Burgundy rabbits and cultured in standard media for 3 days. The disc fragments were analyzed for their swelling properties, proteoglycan loss on histological studies, lactate dehydrogenase activity, apoptosis, gene expression of collagenases and gelatinases, and for proinflammatory(MCP-1, IL-8,andIL-6)and apoptosis-associated(TNF-α, Fas-L, and caspase 3)genes.ResultsThe results demonstrate that disc specimens were swelling, and a loss of proteoglycans with disarrangement of anulus architecture was observed. The disc cells underwent rapid apoptosis with upregulation of various proinflammatory genes. Both collagenases, matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)–1andMMP-13, were increasingly transcribed, whereas the gelatinasesMMP-2andMMP-9did not respond or were downregulated.ConclusionsCultured disc fragments swell and undergo necrotic and apoptotic cell death combined with a catabolic gene response and gene expression of proinflammatory and chemoattractant proteins. Some of these findings have been demonstrated before in various spinal disorders. In addition, disc fragments are not suitable for long-term culture if a stable disc metabolism is desired, and the described changes have to be considered when using isolated disc material for in vitro cultures.
Malignant triton tumors of the spine
Authors: James Greg , Crocker Matthew , King Andrew , Bodi Istvan , Ibrahim Ahmed , Chitnavis Bhupal P. 
Published: June 2008

✓Malignant triton tumors (MTTs) are malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation. Malignant triton tumors affecting the spine are rare but present special challenges to the neurosurgeon. The authors report on 2 new cases of spinal MTTs, and analyze the 8 previously reported cases found via database search.The patients include a 15-year-old girl with thoracic MTT, and a 24-year-old man with lumbosacral MTT; both patients underwent radical resection with spinal stabilization. When these cases were combined with the literature results there was a male/female ratio of 6:4, and an age range of 15–67 years (median 37.5). Nine patients presented with symptoms related to the spinal cord, cauda equina, or nerve root compression. Four patients had undergone previous radiotherapy, and 2 had neurofibromatosis Type 1. Five cases of MTT were lumbosacral, 4 were thoracic, and 1 was cervical. Seven patients had intradural extension of tumor. All patients underwent some form of surgery, with 8 having total macroscopic excision. However, 6 patients required subsequent operations. In the 8 patients for which survival data was available, median time from diagnosis to death was 12 months (range 3–16).Malignant triton tumors are rare but should be included in the differential diagnosis of spinal tumors, particularly in patients who have undergone previous radiotherapy or who have neurofibromatosis. The authors suggest roles for radical surgery and multidisciplinary management.
Luminescent Conjugated Polymers: Illuminating the Dark Matters of Biology and Pathology
Authors: Nilsson K. Peter R. , Hammarström Per 
Published: June 2008

AbstractNovel technologies for studying biological events are of great interest and luminescent conjugated polymers (LCPs), a material normally used in organic electronics, have proven useful for the detection of a wide range of disease‐related biological processes. The conformation‐sensitive optical properties of LCPs provide the ability to study the biochemical activity of biological events on the basis of a structure‐function relation, rather than a molecular basis. In this Research News article, the LCP technique and its usefulness for studying protein aggregation diseases are highlighted. We also discuss the much‐needed illuminating insights of the underlying pathological events regarding protein aggregation diseases. In addition, essential future basic research advances that relate to further development of LCPs as molecular probes are presented. We also confer the intriguing prospect of employing amyloid fibrils, that is, a symmetric stable nanomaterial normally associated with the dark side of horrific pathology, as a scaffold for functional polymer‐protein hybrid materials.
Angiotensin I‐converting enzyme I/D polymorphism and suicidal behaviors
Authors: Sparks D. Larry , Hunsaker John C. , Amouyel Philippe , Malafosse Alain , Bellivier Franck , Leboyer Marion , Courtet Philippe , Helbecque Nicole 
Published: June 2008

AbstractSuicide is one of the ten most common causes of death in Western countries. It involves genetic vulnerability factors and is often associated with major depression. A Japanese team reported an association between the insertion allele of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism with completed suicide. The ACE I/D polymorphism was investigated in two independent case‐control studies, one involving 64 suicide completers and 90 controls who all underwent forensic investigations, the second one consisting of 588 suicide attempters and 639 controls. In the two population samples studied a statistically significant risk of suicidal behavior was observed for subjects bearing the DD genotype. These results suggest a possible role of the renin‐angiotensin system in suicidal behavior. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Attending to the outcome of others: disadvantageous inequity aversion in male capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella)
Authors: Fletcher Grace E. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBrosnan and de Waal [Nature 425:297–299, 2003] reported that capuchin monkeys responded negatively to unequal reward distributions between themselves and another individual when comparing their own rewards with that of their partner. It was suggested that social emotions provided the underlying motivation for such behavior and that this inequity aversion is specific to the social domain. However, alternative hypotheses such as the “frustration effect” or the “food expectation hypothesis” may provide more parsimonious explanations for Brosnan and de Waal's [Nature 425:297–299] results, while others have argued that these findings are not congruent with the Fehr–Schmidt inequity aversion model cited by the authors. The claim that inequity aversion behavior is specific to the social domain has also been questioned, as primates also develop expectations about rewards in the absence of partners, and react negatively when those expectations are violated. In this study, a modified Dictator game was used to investigate whether capuchins would exhibit either disadvantageous inequity aversion behavior or reference‐dependent expectancy violation in social and nonsocial conditions, respectively. When given the choice between an equitable and an inequitable outcome, the subjects showed disadvantageous inequity aversion behavior, choosing the equitable outcome significantly more in the social condition. In the nonsocial condition, however, subjects did not show negative expectancy violation resulting from the formation of reference‐dependent expectations, choosing the equitable outcome at chance levels. These results suggest that capuchins attend to differential payoffs and that they are averse to inequity, which is disadvantageous to themselves. Am. J. Primatol. 70:901–905, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and structural investigations on R2 Sn(IV)‐D‐aldonic acid complexes (R = methyl; butyl). Their effect on a new toxicity test organism, Liza saliens (Osteichthyes, Mugilidae): a histological study
Authors: Bertazzi Nuccio , Casella Girolamo , D'Agati Paolo , Fiore Tiziana , Mansueto Caterina , Mansueto Valentina , Pellerito Claudia , Pellerito Lorenzo , Scopelliti Michelangelo 
Published: May 2008

AbstractEight R2Sn(IV)‐D‐aldonate complexes [(R = Me, Bu; D‐aldonate = D‐galactonate2− (Galn), D‐Gluconate2− (Glun), D‐Gulonate2− (Guln), D‐Ribonate2− (Ribn)], five of which are new derivatives, have been synthesized and structurally characterized both in solid and solution state by IR, 119Sn Mössbauer and 1H, 13C, 119Sn NMR spectroscopies, showing that ligands act as dianonic chelating agents. In solution phase, NMR data suggest that the bidentate chelation is attained by the O1 carboxylate and the vicinal O2 alkoxide atoms, which can be dynamically extended to a third binding site (O4) competing with O2. In Me2Sn(IV)‐D‐gluconate complex the occurrence of a self‐association process leading to a dimeric species was also observed. Histopathological studies on different organs of Liza saliens showed that the dibutyltin(IV)‐D‐aldonate complexes, although preserving the defense immunity system, exhibit a specific toxicity on some target cells and organs. The toxicity of such complexes has been compared with respect to the effects of a previous study with tributyltin(IV) chloride solutions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of electrospun, biodegradable membranes
Authors: Ren Jie , Liu Wanqiang , Zhu Jing , Gu Shuying 
Published: May 2008

AbstractNonwoven, biodegradable membranes fabricated by electrospinning have recently attracted a great deal of attention for biomedical applications. In this study, microporous, nonwoven membranes of poly(L‐lactide) and its copolymers and blends were fabricated through electrospinning. The structures and morphologies of the electrospun membranes were investigated with scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X‐ray diffraction. Different polymer membranes, incorporated with carmofur, were fabricated, and their drug release profiles were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the fiber diameters were down to the nanometer range. The diameters and morphologies of thenanofibers depended on processing parameters such as the solution properties (concentration and polymer molecular weight), applied electric voltage, solution feeding rate, and needle diameter. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the crystallinity of the electrospun membranes was lower than that of the cast film. For all the membranes incorporated with the drug, there was a burst release in the first 10 h of incubation in phosphate‐buffered saline at 37°C. Poly(glycolide‐co‐lactide) membranes showed faster and more complete drug release than poly(L‐lactide), and this could be attributed to its faster degradation. The incorporation of polylactide–poly(ethylene glycol) could shorten the drug release time. A combination of suitable degradable biomaterials with an appropriate electrospinning process could be useful in the fabrication of a new kind of membrane suitable for different biomedical applications such as tissue engineering and drug delivery. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Investigation of the interaction of CO2 with poly (L‐lactide), poly(DL‐lactide) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) using FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Nalawade S. P. , Picchioni F. , Janssen L. P. B. M. , Grijpma D. W. , Feijen J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractFourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to reveal intermolecular interactions between carbon dioxide (CO2) and the carbonyl groups of poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA), poly(D,L‐lactide) (PDLLA), and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL). After exposing polymer films to high pressure CO2, the wave number of the absorption maxima of the polymer carbonyl groups shifted to higher values. Also, due to the interaction between CO2 and the carbonyl groups of the polymers, a new broad peak in the bending mode region of CO2 appeared. To distinguish between polymer‐associated and nonassociated CO2, and to quantify these contributions, the bending mode peaks were deconvoluted. From these contributions, it was found that in the case of PCL more CO2 is interacting with the polymer carbonyl groups than in the case of PDLLA and PLLA. Under our experimental conditions, 40°C and pressures up to 8 MPa, a significant depression of the PCL melting temperature was observed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Rheological properties of poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulphonic acid) semi‐interpenetrating networks
Authors: Zhang Chi , Easteal Allan J. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractFor the increasing demands of multifunctional materials in applications such as drug delivery system, a pH‐ and temperature‐responsive polyelectrolyte copolymer gel system was studied using rheometry. Rheological properties, determined by plate–plate rheometry in oscillatory shear, of hydrogels formed by free radical initiated copolymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulphonic acid (AMPS) in the presence of methylene bisacrylamide (MBAA) as crosslinker are compared with the properties of semi‐interpenetrating network (SIPN) polyelectrolyte gels made by incorporation of poly(ethylene glycol) with molar mass 6000 g mol−1 (PEG6000). Based on our systematic studies for this PEG/SIPN system, the effects of initiator and crosslinker concentration, relative proportions of comonomer units in the main chains, PEG6000 content and temperature on viscoelastic properties, unusual high storage moduli at small strain for the SIPN were discussed. The SIPN gel with characteristics of PEG molecules as well as pH and temperature responsiveness from AMPS and NIPA units has potential application in drug delivery system design. Ice‐like rheological behavior of the PEG/AMPS‐NIPA SIPN gels at low temperature was first time reported and water remains homogeneous without phase separation in PEG/AMPS‐NIPA SIPN hydrogels at low temperature may be considered as an ideal candidate for water storage material. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Investigation on thermoplastic co‐poly(ether‐ester) elastomer toughened poly(methylmethacrylate) blends
Authors: Poomalai P. , Varghese T. O. , Siddaramaiah  
Published: June 2008

AbstractBlends of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and copoly(ether‐ester) (COPE) elastomer have been prepared in different compositions namely, 95/5, 90/10, 85/15, and 80/20 wt % (PMMA/COPE), by melt mixing technique using twin screw extruder. The influence of COPE content on the mechanical properties especially impact strength, thermal behavior, and chemical resistance of PMMA have been investigated. The impact strength of the PMMA/COPE blends for all the compositions were found to be improved remarkably as compared to the virgin PMMA without affecting the other mechanical properties significantly. Various composite models, such as series model, parallel model, Halpin‐Tsai equation, and Kerner's model have been used to fit the experimental mechanical properties. The effect of chemical and thermal ageing on the performance of the PMMA/COPE blends was also studied. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008