bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Choledochal Cysts in Children: Epidemiology and Outcomes
Authors: Singhavejsakul Jesda , Ukarapol Nuthapong 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate the epidemiology and outcomes of choledochal cysts in children.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of the records of all cases of choledochal cyst in children 0–14 years of age presenting at Chiang Mai University Hospital from May 2000 to February 2007. Demographic and clinical data, including laboratory and radiographic studies, as well as surgical and nonsurgical treatments and outcomes, were recorded.ResultsThere were 32 patients (25 female) with a mean age at diagnosis of 4.1 years (range: 1 month to 14.8 years). The most common clinical presentation was jaundice (n = 17), followed by abdominal pain (n = 16), nausea/vomiting (n = 10), and abdominal mass (n = 8). Based on the Tondani modification of the Alonso‐Lej classification, 20 cases were type I, whereas 9, 2, and 1 of the patients had types IV, V, and II, respectively. Biliary tract infections, including cholecystitis (n = 5) and cholangitis (n = 3), were the most common preoperative complications. Twenty‐six patients had definitive surgery consisting of cystectomy with Roux‐en‐Y hepaticojejunostomy. Postoperative complications were noted in 3 patients and included intestinal obstruction, bleeding, and cholangitis. Three patients died, all younger than 2 years of age (p = 0.022).ConclusionThe epidemiology of choledochal cysts in Thai children was similar to cases reported from other regions. Early diagnosis and treatment, particularly in children under 2 years of age, should be emphasized, because these patients are at a higher risk for development of chronic liver disease and poor outcome.
Diagnostic Accuracy of CT and Ultrasonography for Evaluating Metastatic Cervical Lymph Nodes in Patients with Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Ahn Ji Eun , Lee Jeong Hyun , Yi Jong Sook , Shong Young Ki , Hong Seok Joon , Lee Deok Hee , Choi Choong Gon , Kim Sang Joon 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe present study was designed to investigate the diagnostic ability of computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography (USG) in the preoperative evaluation of the cervical nodal status of patients with thyroid cancer.MethodsThe study population consisted of 37 consecutive patients (female:male = 30:7, age range: 20–68 years) who subsequently underwent total thyroidectomy and neck dissection for thyroid cancer. The results of the review of the preoperative CT and those of the original USG reports were compared with the histopathologic results. The accuracy was evaluated by “per level” and “per patient” analyses of whether the CT or USG results had or had not altered the choice of surgical method.ResultsBy “per level” analysis, the sensitivities, specificities, and diagnostic accuracies were 77%, 70%, 74% for CT and 62%, 79%, 68% for USG, respectively, with a significant difference in the sensitivities (p = 0.002). When the lymph node levels were grouped into central and lateral compartments, all of the values for the lateral compartment tended to be higher than those for the central compartment for both CT (78%, 78%, 78% versus 74%, 44%, 64%) and USG (65%, 82%, 71 versus 55%, 69%, 60%). By per patient analysis, the sensitivities, specificities, and diagnostic accuracies of CT and USG were 100%, 90%, 97% and 100%, 80%, 95%, respectively.ConclusionDespite of very high accuracy of USG by per patient analysis, the superior sensitivity of CT on the per level analysis may enable CT to play a complementary role for determining the surgical extent in selected patients with thyroid cancer.
The Digestibility and Accumulation of Dietary Phytosterols in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) Smolt Fed Diets with Replacement Plant Oils
Authors: Miller Matthew R. , Nichols Peter D. , Carter Chris G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPhytosterols occur in high concentration in canola (Brassica napus L.) and other vegetable oils such as from the borage plant Echium (Echium plantagineum L.). We investigated if Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) digest and accumulate dietary phytosterols in significant amounts in muscle and liver. Phytosterols are lipid soluble, lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in humans. We aimed to determine if fatty fish, such as salmon, can be used as a delivery source of this functional food component. Three diets containing canola oil (CO), Echium oil (EO) and fish oil (FO) were fed to Atlantic salmon smolt over 9 weeks. The digestibility of natural abundances of phytosterols by Atlantic salmon was poor compared to cholesterol. However, phytosterols accumulated in liver and muscle of fish. Significantly increased concentrations of 24‐methylenecholesterol, campesterol, β‐sitosterol and total phytosterol occurred in livers of EO fed fish compared to FO fed fish. Campesterol concentrations increased in CO fed fish compared to the FO fed fish. We demonstrated that natural abundances of dietary phytosterols are digested by and accumulated in liver and white muscle of Atlantic salmon smolt. However, phytosterol levels in salmon muscle will not be a major source of phytosterols in human diets and would not be expected to significantly effect human cardiovascular health.
Rab11 is essential for fertility in Drosophila
Authors: Tiwari Anand K. , Roy Jagat K. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractRab11, a small GTP binding protein involved in vesicular trafficking, has emerged as a key player in regulating various cellular events during Drosophila development and differentiation. In our earlier study a P‐insertion line, Rab11mo, was established as a new hypomorphic allele of Rab11 gene, showing degenerated eye phenotype, bristle abnormalities and sterility. We show here that Rab11 is expressed in the entire testis, more prominently in the secretory cells, and in ovary it is localized at the posterior pole. Rab11mo males and females are sterile. The sterility in males has been attributed to defects in the sperm individualization process, while in females, cytoskeleton disruption and reduction/loss of the posteriorly localized protein, Vasa, as a consequence of loss/mislocalization of Rab11 might be the cause of sterility. Fertility as well as the posterior localization of Rab11 and Vasa or cytoskeleton integrity was restored in pCaSpeR4‐Rab11/+; Rab11mo/Rab11mo egg chambers, confirming the requirement of Rab11 in these events.
Hypoxia enhances gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in ras/myc‐transformed serum‐free mouse embryo cells under simulated inflammatory and infectious conditions
Authors: Yamaguchi Hideaki , Kidachi Yumi , Umetsu Hironori , Ryoyama Kazuo 
Published: April 2008

AbstractRas/myc‐transformed serum‐free mouse embryo (ras/myc SFME) cells were treated with interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ; 100 U/ml) and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0.5 μg/ml) for 24 h to simulate inflammatory and infectious conditions and investigate their effects on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA, nitric oxide (NO) and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9). In addition, aminoguanidine (AG; 1 mM), a NOS inhibitor, S‐nitroso‐N‐acetyl‐dl‐penicillamine (SNAP; 10–200 μM), an NO donor or (±)‐N‐[(E)‐4‐ethyl‐2‐[(Z)‐hydroxyimino]‐5‐nitro‐3‐hexene‐1‐yl]‐3‐pyridine carboxamide (NOR4; 10–200 μM), an NO donor, were added to analyze possible associations of NO with MMP‐9. Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 and TIMP‐2 were also measured to analyze possible relationships of NO with the MMP‐9/TIMP balance. Furthermore, the cells were treated with 1% O2 under the simulated inflammatory and infectious conditions and the mRNA expressions of iNOS and MMP‐9 were analyzed to investigate the possible effects of hypoxia on the expression of genes involved in tumor malignant progression and distant metastasis. Co‐treatment with IFN‐γ and LPS increased the expression levels of iNOS mRNA, NO and MMP‐9, but NO may not be directly associated with MMP‐9 or the MMP‐9/TIMP balance. Treatment with 1% O2 markedly increased the gene expression levels of iNOS and MMP‐9, indicating that ras/myc SFME cells alter the expression levels of tumor‐associated genes and possibly enhance their malignancy as cancer cells under inflammatory, infectious and hypoxic conditions.
Feulgen‐DNA response and chromatin condensation in Malpighian tubules of Melipona rufiventris and Melipona quadrifasciata (Hymenoptera, Apoidea)
Authors: Mampumbu André Roberto , Mello Maria Luiza S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractMelipona quadrifasciata and Melipona rufiventris are stingless bee species which present low and high heterochromatin content, respectively, on their mitotic chromosomes as assessed visually after a C‐banding assay. However, these species do not show differences in the C‐banding responses of their Malpighian tubule interphase nuclei. In the present study, the Feulgen‐DNA response, which could inform on differences in DNA depurination due to differences in chromatin condensation, was compared in the cell nuclei of the Malpighian tubules of these species. It was hypothesized that differences in acid hydrolysis kinetics patterns, as assessed by Feulgen reaction and studied microspectrophotometrically, could discriminate M. quadrifasciata and M. rufiventris interphase nuclei not distinguishable with the C‐banding method. Feulgen‐DNA values corresponding to more than one ploidy class were found in both species; these values at the hydrolysis time corresponding to the maximal DNA depurination for each ploidy degree were higher in M. quadrifasciata, reflecting a higher DNA content in the Malpighian tubule cell nuclei of this species compared to those of M. rufiventris at the same larval instar. The maximal Feulgen‐DNA values of M. quadrifasciata after short (50 min) and long (90 min) hydrolysis times were found to be closer to each other, while those of M. rufiventris occurred sharply at the long hydrolysis time, indicating that DNA depurination in M. quadrifasciata occurred faster. This result is probably related to the involvement of differences in chromatin condensation; it agrees with the idea that M. rufiventris contains more heterochromatin than M. quadrifasciata, which is supported by the analysis of results obtained with the image analysis parameter average absorption ratio. The depurination kinetics studied here with the Feulgen reaction were revealed to be more pertinent than the C‐banding technique in establishing differences in levels of chromatin condensation for these cell nuclei.
Induction of G1 phase arrest and apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells by troglitazone, a synthetic peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) ligand
Authors: Yu Hong‐Nu , Lee Young‐Rae , Noh Eun‐Mi , Lee Kyung‐Sun , Kim Jong‐Suk , Song Eun‐Kyung , Han Myung‐Kwan , Lee Yong‐Chul , Kwon Kang‐Beom , Lee Seung‐Jin , Youn Hyun Jo , Jung Sung Hoo 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPeroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) ligands inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Here we wished to determine whether the PPARγ ligand induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of the MDA‐MB‐231 cell, an estrogen receptor α negative breast cancer cell line. The treatment of MDA‐MB‐231 cell with PPARγ ligands was shown to induce inhibition of cell growth in a dose‐dependent manner as determined by MTT assay. Cell cycle analysis showed a G1 arrest in MDA‐MB‐231 cells exposed to troglitazone. An apoptotic effect by troglitazone demonstrated that apoptotic cells elevated by 2.5‐fold from the control level at 10 μM, to 3.1‐fold at 50 μM and to 3.5‐fold at 75 μM. Moreover, troglitazone treatment, applied in a dose‐dependent manner, caused a marked decrease in pRb, cyclin D1, cyclin D2, cyclin D3, Cdk2, Cdk4 and Cdk6 expression as well as a significant increase in p21 and p27 expression. These results indicate that troglitazone causes growth inhibition, G1 arrest and apoptotic death of MDA‐MB‐231 cells.
Optimization of an effective directed differentiation medium for differentiating mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocytes in vitro
Authors: Shi Xiao‐Lei , Mao Liang , Xu Bi‐Yun , Xie Ting , Zhu Zhang‐Hua , Chen Jun‐Hao , Li Lei , Ding Yi‐Tao 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe have used a uniform design to explore the most effective directed differentiation medium (MEDDM) for differentiating mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) into hepatocytes. Our methods involved arranging eight differentiation medium groups following uniform design. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the percentage of ALB+ and CK18+ cells in each group. Factors and their concentrations in the MEDDMs were then identified. The MEDDMs were evaluated by their ability to differentiate mMSCs into hepatocytes by RNA and protein expressions and synthesis functions. FGF at 35 ng/ml and OSM at 30 ng/ml in the medium yielded the highest percentage of ALB+ and CK18+ cells. During directed differentiation using MEDDMs, ALB, CK18, TTR, AFP mRNAs were expressed. ALB and CK18 proteins were detected in the cells. The differentiated cells produced albumin and urea in a time dependent manner. Uniform design was adequate for choosing the MEDDM of mMSCs. MEDDM containing 35 ng/ml FGF and 30 ng/ml OSM was effective in differentiating mMSCs into hepatocytes.
Positive inotropic effects of epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) involve activation of Na+/H+ and Na+/Ca2+ exchangers
Authors: Lorenz Mario , Hellige Niels , Rieder Philipp , Kinkel Hans‐Tilmann , Trimpert Christiane , Staudt Alexander , Felix Stephan B. , Baumann Gert , Stangl Karl , Stangl Verena 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground:There is evidence that the tea catechin epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) modulates myocardial contractility. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be determined.Aims:To study potential signalling pathways involved in EGCG‐induced contractile parameters.Methods and results:EGCG increased fractional shortening in rat cardiac myocytes and enhanced intracellular systolic Ca2+ concentrations. In isolated rat hearts, perfusion with EGCG resulted in significant, dose‐dependent increase in peak systolic left ventricular pressure, as well as in contraction and relaxation velocities. Heart rate did not change. Inhibition of the β1‐receptor with metoprolol had no influence on the contractile effects of EGCG. Furthermore, levels of cAMP and phosphorylation of phospholamban did not change with EGCG, indicating that the beta‐receptor pathway is not involved. The L‐type Ca2+ channel inhibitors, nifedipine and gallopamil, failed to modulate EGCG‐induced increase in contractility. However, the myocardial effects and intracellular calcium transients stimulated by EGCG were significantly reduced by the antagonist of the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) methyl‐N‐isobutyl amiloride (MIA), and by blocking of the reverse mode of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) by KB‐R7943.Conclusion:These results indicate that Ca2+‐dependent positive inotropic and lusitropic effects of EGCG are mediated in part via activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger and the reverse mode of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in the rat myocardium.
MEN’S INVOLVEMENT IN FAMILY PLANNING IN RURAL BANGLADESH
Authors: CLARK JILL , YOUNT KATHRYN M. , ROCHAT ROGER 
Published: April 2008

SummaryContraceptive prevalence has risen markedly in rural Bangladesh due in part to a doorstep-delivery system initiated by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B). This study investigates effects of residence in the Matlab MCH-FP treatment area on men’s involvement in family planning. The analysis compares for treatment and comparison areas knowledge of and attitudes toward contraception, as well as levels of contraceptive use, among 413 married men interviewed at the baseline of an ICDDR,B men’s involvement project. Although residence in the MCH-FP area is associated with a higher overall contraceptive prevalence, it also is associated with a lower adjusted ratio of male-to-female method use, and lower odds of other indicators of men’s involvement in family planning. Historical decisions to exclude men from contraceptive decision-making may place the ‘burden’ of contraception on women and may preclude the productive involvement of men. These and other implications and strategies for increased men’s involvement are discussed.
Variation in surgical methods used for total laryngectomy in Australia
Authors: Maclean J , Cotton S , Perry A 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDeglutition disorders (dysphagia) are common following total laryngectomy. As the aetiology of the disorder is poorly understood, its incidence is probably under-estimated. Dysphagia may result from many factors, including the type of laryngectomy surgery employed and the use of adjuvant treatments (e.g. radiotherapy and chemotherapy). Dysphagia may also be compounded by other co-morbid factors, such as ageing and depression.Aim:To investigate the methods of surgical closure used by Australian ENT and head and neck surgeons after undertaking total laryngectomy surgery.Method:In order to audit surgical variation, 56 short questionnaires were sent to all Australian ENT and head and neck surgeons who were registered members of the Australia and New Zealand Head and Neck Society. Twenty-eight questionnaires (50 per cent) were completed and returned.Results:Respondents reported using a variety of different reconstructive methods after total laryngectomy surgery. Specifically, there were differences in the type and levels of pharyngeal closure employed and the suturing techniques used.Conclusion:Currently, there is no scientific evidence to direct surgeons to the optimal pharyngeal reconstruction technique(s) ensuring for good swallowing results post-laryngectomy. An analysis of the effect of surgical reconstruction technique on laryngectomees' post-operative swallowing ability is needed, in order to provide evidence to determine optimal surgical techniques.
Biofilms and their role in otorhinolaryngological disease
Authors: Macassey E , Dawes P 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective:To describe the pathophysiology of biofilm communities and their role in otorhinolaryngological disease, with reference to the published literature.Design:Review of relevant literature, using Medline and the combined search terms ‘biofilms’ and ‘otorhinolaryngology’, and also various related keywords such as ‘tonsil’ and ‘adenoid’.Results:Description of biofilm pathophysiology and of published reports of biofilms in otorhinolaryngological disease.Conclusion:Virtually all microbes live in biofilm communities. Within these communities, the microbes assume differing specialised roles which confer survival advantages on the community. These communities cause chronic and device-associated infections. Within the specialist field of otorhinolaryngology, biofilms have been shown to play a role in many infections, including: chronic otitis media, cholesteatoma, chronic tonsillitis, chronic sinusitis, and infections of tracheostomies, endotracheal tubes and cochlear implants.
Decentralized controllers for shape generation with robotic swarms
Authors: Hsieh M. Ani , Kumar Vijay , Chaimowicz Luiz 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYWe address the synthesis of controllers for a swarm of robots to generate a desired two-dimensional geometric pattern specified by a simple closed planar curve with local interactions for avoiding collisions or maintaining specified relative distance constraints. The controllers are decentralized in the sense that the robots do not need to exchange or know each other's state information. Instead, we assume that the robots have sensors allowing them to obtain information about relative positions of neighbors within a known range. We establish stability and convergence properties of the controllers for a certain class of simple closed curves. We illustrate our approach through simulations and consider extensions to more general planar curves.
A hybrid approach to fast and accurate localization for legged robots
Authors: Samperio Renato , Hu Huosheng , Martín Francisco , Matellán Vicente 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYThis paper describes a hybrid approach to a fast and accurate localization method for legged robots based on Fuzzy-Markov (FM) and Extended Kalman Filters (EKF). Both FM and EKF techniques have been used in robot localization and exhibit different characteristics in terms of processing time, convergence, and accuracy. We propose a Fuzzy-Markov–Kalman (FM–EKF) localization method as a combined solution for a poor predictable platform such as Sony Aibo walking robots. The experimental results show the performance of EKF, FM, and FM-EKF in a localization task with simple movements, combined behaviors, and kidnapped situations. An overhead tracking system was adopted to provide a ground truth to verify the performance of the proposed method.
Real-time obstacle avoidance for multiple mobile robots
Authors: Fahimi Farbod , Nataraj C. , Ashrafiuon Hashem 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYAn efficient, simple, and practical real time path planning method for multiple mobile robots in dynamic environments is introduced. Harmonic potential functions are utilized along with the panel method known in fluid mechanics. First, a complement to the traditional panel method is introduced to generate a more effective harmonic potential field for obstacle avoidance in dynamically changing environments. Second, a group of mobile robots working in an environment containing stationary and moving obstacles is considered. Each robot is assigned to move from its current position to a goal position. The group is not forced to maintain a formation during the motion. Every robot considers the other robots of the group as moving obstacles and hence the physical dimensions of the robots are also taken into account. The path of each robot is planned based on the changing position of the other robots and the position of stationary and moving obstacles. Finally, the effectiveness of the scheme is shown by modeling an arbitrary number of mobile robots and the theory is validated by several computer simulations and hardware experiments.
Recursive modelling in dynamics of Delta parallel robot
Authors: Staicu Stefan 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYRecursive matrix relations in kinematics and dynamics of a Delta parallel robot having three revolute actuators are established in this paper. The prototype of the manipulator is a three degrees-of-freedom space mechanism, which consists of a system of parallel closed kinematical chains connecting to the moving platform. Knowing the translation motion of the platform, we develop first the inverse kinematics problem and determine the position, velocity and acceleration of each robot's element. Further, the inverse dynamic problem is solved using an approach based on the fundamental principle of virtual work. Finally, a comparative study on time-history evolution of the torques of the three actuators is analysed.