bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survival rate of self-tapping implants for bone-anchored hearing aids
Authors: Tjellström A , Granström G , Odersjö M 
Published: November 2006

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a new self-tapping implant for a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) had the same high frequency of osseointegration as previous implants requiring pre-tapping.Method: Over a three-year period, 144 consecutive implants were placed in the mastoid for BAHA and evaluated.Results: Two implants were lost; both were of the self-tapping type. One was in an 11-year-old boy, who lost his implant six weeks after surgery when the BAHA was fitted. The other was in an elderly man, a heavy smoker with diabetes. Using Fisher's exact test, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.30).Conclusion: Self-tapping implants facilitate surgery and shorten operating time. Over a short follow up, we did not find any significant difference; however, it is important to follow these implants over a longer time period.
A prospective comparative study to examine the effects of oral diazepam on blood pressure and anxiety levels in patients with acute epistaxis
Authors: Thong J F , Lo S , Houghton R , Moore-Gillon V 
Published: November 2006

Objective: To examine the effects of oral diazepam on blood pressure and anxiety in patients with acute epistaxis.Study design and setting: A prospective comparative study in an otorhinolaryngology tertiary referral centre.Participants: Patients with acute epistaxis requiring hospital admission.Intervention: Oral diazepam.Main outcome measures: Anxiety and blood pressure levels.Results: 32 patients received diazepam and 45 did not (control). On average, patients were hypertensive on admission (mean [standard deviation (SD)] systolic blood pressure diazepam group=157 mmHg [26], control=152 mmHg [23]; diastolic blood pressure diazepam group=87 mmHg [16], control=87 mmHg [18]). Both groups showed significant blood pressure reduction on discharge (p<0.0001) but the difference in mean blood pressure reduction between the two groups was insignificant (systolic blood pressure p=0.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]=–5 to +19 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure p=0.43, 95% CI=–8 to +10 mmHg). Anxiety was significantly lower on discharge (p<0.0001) but the difference in mean fall in anxiety scores between the two groups was insignificant (p=0.08, 95% CI=0 to +2). There was no significant correlation between total diazepam and changes in blood pressure (systolic blood pressure p=0.32; diastolic blood pressure p=0.65) or anxiety (p=0.73), nor between blood pressure and anxiety on admission (systolic blood pressure p=0.45; diastolic blood pressure p=0.72).Conclusions: Elevated blood pressure and anxiety in acute epistaxis patients reduced on epistaxis resolution irrespective of oral diazepam use. The elevated blood pressure does not appear to be directly related to anxiety.
The epidemiology of atypical mycobacterial diseases in northern England: a space–time clustering and Generalized Linear Modelling approach
Authors: Rushton S. P. , Goodfellow M. , O'Donnell A. G. , Magee J. G. 
Published: November 2006

SUMMARYThe incidence of infection by mycobacteria, other than tubercle bacilli (MOTT) is increasing in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States. These diseases increase morbidity and are an increasing public health concern. However, the epidemiology of disease due to these species is not well characterized. We used space–time clustering approaches and Generalized Linear Modelling to investigate the potential predictors of disease in cases of infection by organisms of the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and M. malmoense recorded in the north of England during 2000–2005. There was significant spatial and temporal clustering in juvenile cases of infection by MAC but not for cases of infection in adults by either species. There were no significant predictors of infection by M. malmoense or juvenile cases of M. avium. Incidence of disease caused by M. avium in adults was significantly related to health deprivation and weakly related to rainfall. We consider possible reasons for the difference in epidemiology in infection by M. avium in adults and juveniles.
The Role of K+Channels in Determining Pulmonary Vascular Tone, Oxygen Sensing, Cell Proliferation, and Apoptosis: Implications in Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: MOUDGIL ROHIT , MICHELAKIS EVANGELOS D. , ARCHER STEPHEN L. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTPotassium channels are tetrameric, membrane‐spanning proteins that selectively conduct K+at near diffusion‐limited rates. Their remarkable ionic selectivity results from a highly‐conserved K+recognition sequence in the pore. The classical function of K+channels is regulation of membrane potential (EM) and thence vascular tone. In pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC), tonic K+egress, driven by a 145/5 mM intracellular/extracellular concentration gradient, contributes to aEMof about −60 mV. It has been recently discovered that K+channels also participate in vascular remodeling by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. PASMC express voltage‐gated (Kv), inward rectifier (Kir), calcium‐sensitive (KCa), and two‐pore (K2P) channels. Certain K+channels are subject to rapid redox regulation by reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from the PASMC's oxygen‐sensor (mitochondria and/or NADPH oxidase). Acute hypoxic inhibition of ROS production inhibits Kv1.5, which depolarizesEM, opens voltage‐sensitive, L‐type calcium channels, elevates cytosolic calcium, and initiates hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV). Hypoxia‐inhibited K+currents are not seen in systemic arterial SMCs. Kvexpression is also transcriptionally regulated by HIF‐1α and NFAT. Loss of PASMC Kv1.5 and Kv2.1 contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by causing a sustained depolarization, which increases intracellular calcium and K+, thereby stimulating cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis, respectively. Restoring Kvexpression (via Kv1.5 gene therapy, dichloroacetate, or anti‐survivin therapy) reduces experimental PAH. Electrophysiological diversity exists within the pulmonary circulation. Resistance PASMC have a homogeneous Kvcurrent (including an oxygen‐sensitive component), whereas conduit PASMC current is a Kv/KCamosaic. This reflects regional differences in expression of channel isoforms, heterotetramers, splice variants, and regulatory subunits as well as mitochondrial diversity. In conclusion, K+channels regulate pulmonary vascular tone and remodeling and constitute potential therapeutic targets in the regression of PAH.
Imaging Protein Interactions by FRET Microscopy: FRET Measurements by Acceptor Photobleaching: Figure 1.
Authors: Verveer Peter J. , Rocks Oliver , Harpur Ailsa G. , Bastiaens Philippe I.H. 
Published: November 2006

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol describes the detection of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) by measuring the quenching of donor emission alone. As opposed to sensitized emission measurements, photobleaching can be performed with high selectivity of the acceptor because absorption spectra are steep at their red edge, allowing the acceptor to be bleached without excitation of the donor. When using acceptor photobleaching FRET measurements, care should be taken that the photochemical product of the bleached acceptor does not have residual absorption at the donor emission and, more importantly, that it does not fluoresce in the donor spectral region. Because of mass movement of protein during the extended time required for photobleaching (typically 1-20 min), it is preferable to perform this type of FRET determination on fixed cell samples. Live-cell FRET measurements based only on donor fluorescence are more feasible using fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), because lifetimes are independent of probe concentration and light path length. The former is not easy to determine in cells, and the latter means that cell shape is not a factor.
Imaging Protein Interactions by FRET Microscopy: FLIM Measurements: Figure 1.
Authors: Verveer Peter J. , Rocks Oliver , Harpur Ailsa G. , Bastiaens Philippe I.H. 
Published: November 2006

INTRODUCTIONThis image acquisition protocol is a basic plan for taking a fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) series. FLIM makes live-cell FRET measurements based only on donor fluorescence more feasible, because lifetimes are independent of probe concentration and light path length. The former is not easy to determine in cells, and the latter means that cell shape is not a factor.
Photoactivation-Based Labeling and In Vivo Tracking of RNA Molecules in the Nucleus
Authors: Ritland Politz Joan C. , Tuft Richard A. , Pederson Thoru 
Published: November 2006

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol describes a method for observing and measuring the movement of RNA molecules in the nucleus of living mammalian cells. Caged fluorescein-labeled DNA oligonucleotides are introduced into living mammalian cells, where they demonstrably hybridize to complementary RNA. After site-specific photoactivation at desired sites within the cell, the RNA movements away from those sites are followed and digitally recorded using a rapid acquisition microscopy system.
Imaging Protein Interactions by FRET Microscopy: Labeling Proteins with Fluorescent Dyes
Authors: Verveer Peter J. , Rocks Oliver , Harpur Ailsa G. , Bastiaens Philippe I.H. 
Published: November 2006

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol provides a method for labeling proteins, such as antibodies and purified recombinant proteins, with succinimide esters of sulfoindocyanine (Cy) dyes. Cy dyes covalently bind to free amino groups (the α-amino-terminal or ϵ-amino groups on lysine side chains).
Imaging Protein Interactions by FRET Microscopy: Cell Preparation for FRET Analysis
Authors: Verveer Peter J. , Rocks Oliver , Harpur Ailsa G. , Bastiaens Philippe I.H. 
Published: November 2006

INTRODUCTIONThe following protocol describes the preparation of cells for FRET analysis on live and fixed cells. The reagents used have been optimized to minimize the quenching of GFP mutants and fluorescent dyes.
Increased susceptibility to hepatocarcinogenicity of Nrf2‐deficient mice exposed to 2‐amino‐3‐methylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoline
Authors: Kitamura Yasuki , Umemura Takashi , Kanki Keita , Kodama Yukio , Kitamoto Sachiko , Saito Koichi , Itoh Ken , Yamamoto Masayuki , Masegi Toshiaki , Nishikawa Akiyoshi , Hirose Masao 
Published: November 2006

To elucidate the roles of the transcription factor NF‐E2‐related factor (Nrf2) in hepatocarcinogenesis induced by 2‐amino‐3‐methylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoline (IQ), a mutagenic and carcinogenic heterocyclic amine, Nrf2‐deficient mice were treated with 300 p.p.m. IQ in their diet for 1, 4 or 52 weeks. In the long‐term experiment, the multiplicity and incidence of liver tumors in male and female IQ‐treated Nrf2 deficient (–/–) mice were significantly higher than those in their counterpart wild‐type (+/+) mice exposed to IQ. In the short‐term experiment, although IQ exposure to Nrf2(+/+) mice of both sexes did not modify UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase values, glutathione S‐transferase values were significantly increased due to IQ treatment, in contrast to no alteration in male and female Nrf2(–/–) mice. Levels of oxidative stress markers such as 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the livers of all treated mice were not changed by IQ treatment. IQ‐specific DNA adduct levels were elevated only in female Nrf2(–/–) mice, although the increase was not significant. IQ treatment caused an increase in proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling indices only in male Nrf2(–/–) mice. The present data clearly show that Nrf2(–/–) mice of both sexes are susceptible to IQ hepatocarcinogenicity, which might result from IQ accumulation due to failure of metabolizing enzyme induction. In addition, inconsistent results concerning IQ‐specific adducts and proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling indices in male and female Nrf2(–/–) mice suggest the existence of different contributions of Nrf2 to IQ hepatocarcinogenesis between mice of the two sexes. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 19–24)
Differential expression of monocyte CD163 in single – and dual‐asthmatic responders during allergen‐induced bronchoconstriction
Authors: Kowal K. , Møller H. J. , DuBuske L. M. , Moestrup S. K. , Bodzenta‐Lukaszyk A. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryBackground
Mononuclear phagocytes play an important role in modulating inflammatory reactions in response to antigen challenge.Objective
To investigate the regulation of CD163, a marker of anti‐inflammatory macrophages, during Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp)‐induced bronchoconstriction.Methods
Among 110 Dp‐sensitive patients who underwent bronchial challenge with Dp, there were 51 dual responders (DR), 32 single responders (SR) and 27 non‐responders (NR). Monocyte expression of CD14 and CD163 was evaluated by flow cytometry. Exhaled NO (eNO) concentration was determined on‐line using a chemiluminescence analyser. In 21 DR, nine SR and 13 NR‐soluble CD163 in plasma was measured by ELISA before, 1, 8 and 24 h after the challenge.Results
In DR, the baseline expression of monocyte CD163 and eNO were significantly greater than in SR and NR. A pattern of (1) decreased monocyte CD163 expression, (2) unchanged sCD163 and (3) increased eNO in DR was contrasted by a pattern of (1) increased CD163 expression, (2) increased sCD163 and (3) unchanged eNO in SR. During allergen challenge, the changes in monocyte CD163 expression and sCD163 inversely correlated with the changes in eNO.Conclusion
Both pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory responses to allergen challenge are uniquely expressed among SR and DR.
Molecular fingerprinting of the intestinal microbiota of infants in whom atopic eczema was or was not developing
Authors: Penders J. , Stobberingh E. E. , Thijs C. , Adams H. , Vink C. , Van Ree R. , Van Den Brandt P. A. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryBackground
The rise in atopic diseases has been linked to disturbances in the intestinal microbiota composition.Objective
The purpose of this study was to investigate the intestinal microbiota composition in infants in whom atopic (IgE‐associated) eczema was or was not developing, using a molecular fingerprinting technique.Methods
Within a prospective birth cohort study, fecal samples have been collected at the infant's age of 1 month. Within the context of this cohort, we conducted a nested case–control study comparing fecal samples of 26 infants who became sensitized and developed eczema within the first year of life with 52 non‐sensitized non‐eczematous infants. The composition of the fecal samples was examined using PCR combined with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Using real‐time PCR, total bacterial counts and bifidobacterial counts were enumerated.Results
Neither total bacterial profiles nor the type and proportion of bifidobacteria in the feces were associated with the development of atopic eczema. The similarity of bacterial profiles was low; mean similarity was approximately 33% in both infants with or without atopic eczema. The prevalence of one specific band in total bacterial profiles was significantly higher in infants with atopic eczema compared with controls (96% vs. 71%, P=0.01). Identification of this band revealed that it represented Escherichia coli.Conclusion
Although no association was found between the development of IgE‐associated eczema and the dominant gut microbiota as a whole or with the bifdobacterial microbiota, the association with E. coli indicates that differences in gut microbiota do precede the development of atopy.
Application of the topographic datuming operator to a data setfrom the Eastern Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Bagaini Claudio , Alkhalifah Tariq 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTWe apply a redatuming methodology, designed to handle rugged topography and the presence of high‐velocity layers near the acquisition surface, to a 2D land seismic data set acquired in Saudi Arabia. This methodology is based on a recently developed prestack operator, which we call the topographic datuming operator (TDO). The TDO, unlike static corrections, allows for the movement of reflections laterally with respect to their true locations, corresponding to the new datum level. Thus, it mitigates mispositioning of events and velocity bias introduced by the assumption of surface consistency and the time‐invariant time shifts brought about by static corrections. Using the shallow velocities estimated from refracted events, the TDO provides a superior continuity of reflections and better focusing than that obtained from conventional static corrections in most parts of the processed 2D line. The computational cost of applying the TDO is only slightly higher than static corrections. The marginal additional computational cost and the possibility of estimating, after TDO redatuming, stacking velocities that are not affected by a spurious positive bias, as in the case of static corrections, are further advantages of the proposed methodology. The likelihood of strong heterogeneities in the most complex part of the line limits the applicability of any approach based upon geometrical optics; however, the TDO produces results that are slightly better than those obtained from static corrections because of its ability to partially collapse diffractions generated in the near surface.
Ground viscosity and stiffness measurements for near surface seismic velocity
Authors: Ley Robert , Adolfs Willem , Bridle Ralph , Al‐Homaili Mohammad , Vesnaver Aldo , Ras Paul 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTIn land surveys, the weathering layer can often distort the seismic signal due to it passing through rapid velocity and density changes, dispersion, scattering and inelastic absorption. In a simple spring‐dashpot model for the earth response, an equivalent medium groups these complex phenomena into two parameters only; these are called ground viscosity and ground stiffness. The most recent controllers for vibrators can estimate both parameters. To validate these measurements, Saudi Aramco conducted an experiment measuring ground viscosity and stiffness from two different vibrator control systems over an area of varying terrain conditions, including unconsolidated sand and limestone outcrop. The two systems measured different values, but detected similar trends that correlated well with weathering conditions and surface geology, e.g. lower viscosity values on the outcrop than on the sand.The ratio of ground viscosity to ground stiffness can approximate the shallow S‐wave velocity, which we converted into P‐wave velocity through calibration with sparse uphole data. Static corrections incorporating this velocity information somewhat improved the focusing of seismic time sections. This new approach does not require additional acquisition efforts, and can model shallow complex formations in arid areas where classical static methods often fail.
Functional coupling between the two active sites during Tn10 transposition buffers the mutation of sequences critical for DNA hairpin processing
Authors: Liu Danxu , Sewitz Sven , Crellin Paul , Chalmers Ronald 
Published: November 2006

SummaryDNA processing reactions often involve multiple components acting in concert to achieve the desired outcome. However, it is usually difficult to know how the components communicate and cooperate to orchestrate an ordered series of events. We address this question in the context of the Tn10 transposition reaction, in which the DNA cleavage and joining events occur within a higher‐order complex containing a transposase dimer, two transposon ends and the DNA‐bending host‐factor IHF (Integration Host Factor). Previously it was shown that the complex is asymmetric. The α side consists of an IHF protomer initially immobilized by a DNA‐loop, but subsequently used to promote conformational changes required for the cleavage steps. The β side of the complex was considered to fulfil a more passive role. Here we show that the α side of the complex promotes coupled conformational changes at both transposon ends, while the α and β sides communicate and cooperate to dominate different phases of the transposition reaction. Together, these effects provide for a robust response to critical changes in the transposon end. These findings also explain the intriguing genetic phenotypes of a series of previously reported Tn10 mutants and have consequences for the evolution of new elements.
Inhibition of root elongation by ethylene in wetland and non‐wetland plant species and the impact of longitudinal ventilation
Authors: VISSER ERIC J.W. , PIERIK RONALD 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTThe slow gas diffusion rate in flooded soil not only causes oxygen deficiency, but also favours the accumulation of ethylene in root systems to concentrations that may strongly affect root elongation. Previously published experiments showed that root elongation in rice is much less strongly inhibited by ethylene than in some other species less well adapted to wet conditions. Rice roots have also been reported to produce abnormally little ethylene. We tested if these traits are typical of wetland species and are thus likely to be widespread adaptive traits. Comparisons using 14 species indicated that insensitivity to the inhibiting effects of ethylene on root elongation is unlikely to be a common feature of temperate wetland species. However, resistance to longitudinal gas diffusion within roots of wetland species, which largely depends on diameter and the presence of gas‐filled channels, was found to be less than in non‐wetland species. We show that this can help maintain low internal ethylene concentrations by venting accumulated gas to the shoot and atmosphere.
Evaluation of renal function after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with renal scintigraphy using 99mtechnetium‐mercaptoacetyltriglycine
Authors: YASUYUKI KOBAYASHI , YUKIO USUI , MASANORI SHIMA , HOSHI AKIO , HIDESHI MIYAKITA , HIROYOSHI INATSUCHI , TOSHIRO TERACHI 
Published: November 2006

Aim: We evaluated the functions of an affected kidney after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) using renal scintigraphy with 99mtechnetium‐mercaptoacetyltriglycine (99mTc‐MAG3).Methods: Split renal function of 10 patients who underwent LPN for renal tumors was assessed using renal scintigraphy with 99mTc‐MAG3 before surgery, and 1 week and 3 months post‐surgery.Results: Median operating time was 196.5 min, median tumor diameter was 2.3 cm, mean blood loss was 64 mL and mean ischemic time was 38.5 min. Median change in serum creatinine level pre‐ to post‐surgery was 0.15 mg/dL. Median contribution of the affected kidney to total renal function (calculated using 99mTc‐MAG3) was 50.0%, 41.7% and 36.1% before surgery, 1 week and 3 months after LPN, respectively. In one patient, the tumor was resected after cooling of the affected kidney with ice slush for 15 min, and the split renal function ratio remained as high as 50% at 3 months post‐operatively despite a total ischemic time of 61 min.Conclusions: This paper evaluated renal function on the affected side before and after surgery by measuring split renal function with renal scintigraphy using 99mTc‐MAG3. Risk factors for renal dysfunction in the affected kidney after LPN include age over 70 years with more than 30 min warm ischemic time, re‐clamping of the renal artery procedure, and a warm ischemic time greater than 60 min. We believe that renal cooling with slush ice prevents renal dysfunction of the affected kidney after LPN with longer warm ischemic times. However, an easier renal cooling technique should be sought for regular use of cooling procedures in LPN.