bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medication Quantification Scale Version III: Internal Validation of Detriment Weights Using a Chronic Pain Population
Authors: Gallizzi Michael , Gagnon Christine , Harden R. Norman , Stanos Steven , Khan Anjum 
Published: February 2008

▪ AbstractIntroduction:  We report an internal validation of the Medication Quantification Scale (MQS III) using a chronic pain population. The MQS was designed as a methodology of quantifying different drug regimens in 1992, updated in 1998 (MQS II), and again updated in 2003 (MQS III) using “detriment” weights determined by surveying physician members of the American Pain Society. The MQS has been used as a unitary clinical and research outcome.Methods:  A retrospective chart review was collected from 400 patients in an interdisciplinary outpatient chronic pain clinic. A linear regression equation was developed using the patients' composite MQS III score, and those values were used in a Pearson correlation analysis.Results:  The correlation between the subjects' computed regression detriment weights and the corresponding MQS III detriment weights yielded a significant result (r = 0.962, P < 0.01; two‐tailed).Discussion:  Our chronic pain sample‐derived detriment weights did differ in some drug classes from that of the physician consensus, most notably the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, Opioid Schedule II, and NSAID class detriment. It is necessary to periodically resurvey large groups of physicians in order to control and modify the detriment weights of our categories in light of new information about detrimental effects (eg, COX‐2 inhibitors), or to accommodate medical or political changes in prescribing habits (eg, more liberal opioid prescribing in the later years). This work suggests it may also be important to assess patients' perspective on detriment, as well as statistical and empiric use patterns. ▪
The Prevalence of Facet Joint‐Related Chronic Neck Pain in Postsurgical and Nonpostsurgical Patients: A Comparative Evaluation
Authors: Manchikanti Laxmaiah , Manchikanti Kavita N. , Pampati Vidyasagar , Brandon Doris E. , Giordano James 
Published: February 2008

▪ AbstractBackground:  Facet (zygapophysial) joints may be clinically important sources of chronic cervical spinal pain. Previous studies have demonstrated the value and validity of controlled, comparative local anesthetic blocks in the diagnosis of facet joint pain, and reported an overall prevalence of 36% to 67% facet joint involvement in cervical spinal pain. The reports of lumbar facet joint‐involvement in postsurgery syndrome have been shown to be highly variable with prevalence ranging from 8% to 32%. To date, however, the prevalence of postsurgical facet joint‐related pain in the cervical spine has not been evaluated. In light of this, the present retrospective study was conducted to assess and compare the prevalence of chronic postsurgical facet joint cervical spinal pain to nonsurgical, chronic cervical facet joint pain.Methods:  Patients presenting with chronic neck pain were studied. The procedures were performed by a single physician in an interventional pain management ambulatory surgery center. The prevalence of cervical facet joint pain in postsurgical patients was assessed and compared to nonsurgical patients.Results:  A total of 251 patients (45 postsurgery vs. 206 nonsurgical patients) with chronic persistent neck pain were evaluated using controlled, comparative local anesthetic blocks in accordance with IASP criteria. The prevalence of the cervical facet joint pain and false‐positive rate of single blocks in postsurgical patients were 36% and 50% compared with 39% and 43% in nonsurgical patients.Conclusions:  Cervical facet joints are clinically important pain generators in a significant proportion of patients with chronic persistent neck pain after surgical intervention(s). The prevalence of cervical facet joint pain was similar in both postsurgical and nonsurgical patients. ▪
The effect of sexual hormone abnormalities on proximal femur bone mineral density in hemodialysis patients and the possible role of RANKL
Authors: DOUMOUCHTSIS Konstantinos K. , KOSTAKIS Alkis I. , DOUMOUCHTSIS Stergios K. , GRAPSA Eirini I. , PASSALIDOU Ioanna A. , TZIAMALIS Marios P. , POULAKOU Maria V. , VLACHOS Ioannis S. , PERREA Despoina N. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractSexual hormone concentrations are commonly affected in chronic renal failure. The contribution of sex steroids to bone turnover regulation implies that sex steroid's dysfunction may be implicated in the emergence of renal osteodystrophy. This study was conducted to evaluate sex steroids and gonadotrophins in hemodialysis (HD) patients and to investigate their role in bone homeostasis in concert with other hormones and cytokines. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the proximal femur and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), osteoprotegerin, soluble receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (sRANKL), prolactin, total testosterone, estradiol, follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured in serum samples in 42 patients, 21 men and 21 women, on maintenance HD therapy. Possible associations between clinical characteristics, biochemical parameters, and BMD values were investigated. In male HD patients, the testosterone concentration declined significantly with aging, whereas the estradiol level increased with longer duration of HD. Concurrently, testosterone correlated negatively with sRANKL concentrations (r=−0.520, p=0.016). Luteinizing hormone levels in male patients demonstrated statistically significant negative correlations with BMD values of the proximal femur. In the entire cohort of patients, FSH and LH were negatively associated with absolute values of proximal femur BMD. Gonadotrophin and sexual hormone concentrations in HD patients are associated with bone mineral status and consequently their derangements appear to contribute to the development of bone composition abnormalities in different types of renal osteodystrophy. Furthermore, testosterone's association with sRANKL levels in male HD patients suggests that RANKL may mediate the effect of testosterone on bone metabolism in these patients.
Faecal ribosomal protein L19 is a genetic prognostic factor for survival in colorectal cancer
Authors: Huang C.‐J , Chien C.‐C. , Yang S.‐H. , Chang C.‐C. , Sun H.‐L. , Cheng Y.‐C. , Liu C.‐C. , Lin S.‐C. , Lin C.‐M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractRibosomal proteins are encoded by a gene family, members of which are overexpressed in human cancers. Many of them have been found, using oligonucleotide microarray hybridization, to be differentially expressed in the faeces of patients with various stages of col‐orectal cancer (CRC). The gene encoding ribosomal protein L19 (RPL19), a prognostic marker for human prostate cancer, is differentially expressed in CRC patients. Measurement of faecal RPL19 mRNA might improve prognostic prediction for CRC patients. Using quantitative real‐time reverse transcription PCR, levels of RPL19 mRNA were detected in samples of colonic tissues from 44 CRC patients, in the faeces of 54 CRC patients and 15 controls, and in 11 colonic cell lines. Seven of 24 patients with late‐stage CRC (Dukes' stages C and D) expressed over 2‐fold more RPL19 in colonic tumour tissues than in corresponding normal tissues (P= 0.038). The mean faecal RPL19 mRNA levels of late‐staged patients were higher than those of controls (P= 0.003) and early‐staged patients (P= 0.008). Patients with both high serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA; >5 ng/mL) and high‐faecal RPL19 mRNA (≥0.0069) had higher risk (odds ratio, 8.0; P= 0.015) and lower overall 48‐month survival (33.8 ± 13.7%, P= 0.013). Oligonucleotide microarray hybridization analysis of faecal molecules identified gene transcripts differentially present in faeces. In conclusion, faecal RPL19 expression is associated with advanced tumour stages and addictive to serum CEA in predicting prognosis of CRC patients.
MAPK/ERK signalling mediates VEGF‐induced bone marrow stem cell differentiation into endothelial cell
Authors: Xu J. , Liu X. , Jiang Y. , Chu L. , Hao H. , Liua Z. , Verfaillie C. , Zweier J. , Gupta K. , Liu Z. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractMulti‐potent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) differentiate into endothelial cells (ECs) in the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The mechanism(s) of VEGF‐induced differentiation of MAPCs to ECs are not yet known. We, therefore, examined the role of mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (p42/44‐MAPK/ERK1/2) signalling in endothelial differentiation from bone marrow stem cells. We observed that VEGF stimulation of MAPCs for 14 days results in a significant expression of endothelial‐specific gene and/or proteins including von Willebrand factor (vWF), vascular endothelial‐cadherin (VE‐cadherin), VEGF receptor‐2 (VEGFR2), and CD31. Up‐regulation of EC‐specific markers was accompanied by a cobblestone morphology, expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and Dil‐Ac‐LDL uptake, typical for EC morphology and function. VEGF induced a sustained activation of p42 MAPK/ERK, but not that of p44 MAPK/ERK during the course of MAPCs differentiation in a time‐dependent manner up to 14 days. VEGF‐induced activation of p42 MAPK/ERK also led to the nuclear translocation of MAPK/ERK1/2. Incubation of MAPCs with MAPK/ERK1/2 phosphorylation inhibitor PD98059 blocked the sustained VEGF‐induced MAPK/ERK1/2 phosphorylation as well as its nuclear translocation in the differentiating MAPCs. Inhibition of MAPK/ERK1/2 phosphorylation by PD98059 also blocked the expression of EC‐specific genes in these cells and their differentiation to ECs. These data suggest that VEGF induces MAPC differentiation into EC via a. MAPK/ERK1/2 signalling pathway‐mediated mechanism in vitro.
Single‐stage sinus augmentation with cancellous iliac bone and anorganic bovine bone in the presence of platelet‐rich plasma in the miniature pig
Authors: Roldán J. Camilo , Knueppel Helge , Schmidt Cristian , Jepsen Søren , Zimmermann Corinna , Terheyden Hendrik 
Published: February 2008

Abstract:Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the osseointegration of dental implants and bone formation in maxillary sinus grafting with autologous and anorganic bovine bone in the presence of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in an established animal model.Material and methods: We performed bilateral maxillary sinus augmentation with 50% anorganic bovine bone and simultaneously inserted a titanium screw implant in five minature pigs. Six hundred microlitre autologous PRP were added to the left side (test). The right side (no PRP) served as control. Polychrome sequential labeling was performed. The animals were sacrificed 6 weeks after surgery. Undecalcified ground sections were evaluated by microradiography, digitized histomorphometry and under fluorescent light.Results: The mean bone implant content in the test and control group was 8.4% and 17.3% respectively (P=0.042). The mean height of newly formed mineralized bone in the augmented area of the test group was 3.6 mm and 5.7 mm respectively (P=0.342). In the PRP group, the mean area of newly formed bone in the base of the sinus was enhanced (75.23%) as compared to the control side (51.8%) (P=0.020*). Although PRP enhanced bone formation at the base of the maxillary sinus, it neither improved osseointegration of dental implants nor bone in‐growth into the bone substitute under the selected experimental conditions.
π‐ELECTRON PHOTOCHEMISTRY OF DL‐PHENYLALANINE IN OXYGEN SATURATED AND OXYGEN FREE SOLUTIONS*
Authors: Kenyon D. H. , Blois M. S. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract— The photochemistry of Dhphenylakinine in dilute aqueous solutions has been investigated in detail by means of quantitative paper chromatography using C14‐labelled material. Solutions were irradiated at the exit slit of a grating monochromator using a high pressure xenon arc as light source. The illuminating beam contained wavelengths from 2475Å to 2675 Å at the half‐power points with maximum intensity at 2575 ÅBy using six different chromatographic solvent systems, the following photoproducts have been identified: tyrosine, 3, 4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), aspartic acid, benzoic acid, phenyllactic acid and a high molecular weight melanic polymer. An additonal photo‐product derived from two of the side chain carbons of phenylalanine and having an Rf value of 0.13 in n‐butanol: acetic acid: water, 4:1:5 (v/v/v), has been detected in both oxygen saturated and oxygen free solutions, but has not yet been identified. All of these substances are stable solids at room temperature. Volatile or gaseous products could not be detected directly by the methods used in this investigation. Indirect evidence has been obtained that decarboxy‐lation is the dominant photochemical process in phenylalanine solutions irradiated both in the presence and absence of oxygen. The occurrence of phenyllactic acid in irradiated phenylalanine solutions shows indirectly that ammonia is liberated, but the quantum yield is about an order of magnitude smaller than that for carbon dioxide liberation.The kinetics of photoproduct accumulation and of phenylalanine loss have been determined under well‐defined conditions of incident light intensity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and phenylalanine concentration. These data were used to estimate quantum yields for the photoproducts and for phenylalanine loss after a specified dose of radiation at 2575Å under the given conditions. The results show that dissolved molecular oxygen greatly enhances the yields of tyrosine, DOPA, and the melanic polymer. Dissolved oxygen is not required for the synthesis of aspartic acid or phenyllactic acid. In the case of phenyllactic acid, water provides the necessary oxygen.Evidence is presented which suggests that the optical absorbance changes occurring during ultraviolet irradiation of phenylalanine are due in part to the formation of intermediates in melanin synthesis which cannot be detected by paper chromatography because they are too oxygen labile and occur in very low concentrations.
Prayer Rescue and Redemption in the Mekilta
Authors: Blidstein Gerald 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIt is generally acknowledged that activist Jewish opposition to Rome waned after the futile Bar Kokhba revolt. This judgement has been based on the historical record, in which such opposition is absent. In this paper I show that this shift in policy has left literary traces, particularly in the Tannaitic midrash, Mekilta. Such traces show the rabbis disparaging physical violence in their reading of the exodus from Egypt, and then urging prayer as the most appropriate and potent tactic in the struggle for freedom. In all this, the release from Egyptian bondage symbolizes the ultimate deliverance from Roman power.
The Representation of Theatricality in Philo's Embassy to Gaius
Authors: Muehlberger Ellen 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn this paper I argue that Philo's Embassy to Gaius makes use of the literary paradigm of theatricality, a strategy of representation marked by the portrayal of multiple and competing discourses amongst those in unequal relations of power, as well as an emphasis on the arts of acting and discernment. The Embassy marks an appearance of the theatrical paradigm which is earlier than its use by Tacitus, whose portrayal of Nero in the Annals Shadi Bartsch has seen as the harbinger of this theme in Roman historiography.
A Comparison of Soil Moisture Models Using Soil Climate Analysis Network Observations
Authors: Meng Lei , Quiring Steven M. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Because of the lack of field measurements, models are often used to monitor soil moisture conditions. Therefore, it is important to find a model that can accurately simulate soil moisture under a variety of land surface conditions. In this paper, three models of varying complexities [the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC), Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT), and Climatic Water Budget (CWB) models] that are commonly used for simulating soil moisture were evaluated and compared using soil moisture data (1997–2005) from three Soil Climate Analysis Network (SCAN) sites (Bushland, Texas; Prairie View, Texas; Powder Mill, Maryland). Results demonstrated that DSSAT and VIC simulated soil moisture more accurately than CWB at the three SCAN sites. DSSAT and VIC both accurately simulated the annual cycle of soil moisture and the wetting and drying in response to weather conditions, as evidenced by the relatively strong correlations, but could not accurately simulate the actual soil water content in the upper soil layers (the mean coefficients of efficiency E for all DSSAT and VIC simulations were −0.8 and −2.6, respectively). CWB could not accurately simulate soil moisture at any of the SCAN sites. Model performance varied significantly not only from model to model but also from year to year and from location to location. Model sensitivity analysis using the factorial approach suggests that DSSAT is more sensitive than VIC and that model sensitivity varies by locations, indicating that parameter sensitivity is more strongly controlled by climatic gradients than by changes in soil properties.
3α-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type III Deficiency: A Novel Mechanism for Hirsutism
Authors: Steiner Anne Z. , Chang Lilly , Ji Qing , Ookhtens Murad , Stolz Andrew , Paulson Richard J. , Stanczyk Frank Z. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractContext: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the primary active androgen in peripheral target tissues, is metabolized by 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type III (3α-HSD), encoded by the AKR1C2 gene, forming 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol (3α-diol). 3α-HSD may play a role in the pathogenesis of hirsutism.Objectives: Our objective was to evaluate the role of 3α-HSD in hirsutism by comparing 1) tissue levels of active androgens, 2) relative gene expression of AKR1C2, and 3) activity of 3α-HSD in genital skin from normal and hirsute women.Design: Genital skin was obtained from normal and hirsute women. After homogenization, testosterone (T) and DHT levels were quantified by conventional RIA. From isolated RNA, relative expression of AKR1C2 was determined by real-time PCR. In addition, minced genital skin was incubated with [3H]DHT, and the product, [3H]3α-diol, was quantified by radio-HPLC.Setting: The study took place at an inner-city hospital.Patients: Patients included women undergoing posterior colporrhaphy.Main Outcome Measures: We assessed 1) tissue levels of T, DHT, and 3α-diol; 2) relative expression of AKR1C2; and 3) conversion ratio of [3H]3α-diol to [3H]DHT.Results: In genital skin, tissue DHT and T concentrations in hirsute women were 1.90-fold and 1.84-fold higher than in normal women (P =0 .002 and 0.03), and relative expression of AKR1C2 mRNA was reduced approximately 7-fold (P = 0.04). Genital skin from hirsute women showed less metabolism of [3H]DHT to [3H]3α-diol (conversion ratio, 0.24 ± 0.19 vs. 0.85 ± 0.55, P = 0.01).Conclusions: In genital skin of hirsute women, reduced AKR1C2 gene expression and 3α-HSD activity results in decreased DHT metabolism and elevated tissue levels of DHT. Diminished DHT metabolism may play an important role in the pathogenesis of hirsutism.
New polyethylenes in total hip replacement
Authors: García-Rey E. , García-Cimbrelo E. , Cruz-Pardos A. , Ortega-Chamarro J. 
Published: February 2008

Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene sterilised in the absence of air and highly cross-linked polyethylene have been used to avoid osteolysis and loosening in total hip replacement. Our prospective randomised study has assessed the results using two different polyethylenes associated with the same prosthetic design. We assessed 45 Allofit acetabular components with a Sulene-polyethylene liner of conventional polyethylene gamma sterilised with nitrogen and 45 Allofit acetabular components with a Durasul-polyethylene liner sterilised in ethylene oxide, both matched with an Alloclassic stem with a 28 mm modular femoral head. The prostheses were implanted between May 1999 and December 2001. The mean follow-up was for 66.3 months (60 to 92). The linear penetration of the femoral head was estimated at 6 weeks, at 6 and 12 months and annually thereafter from standardised digitised radiographs using image-analysis software.There was no loosening of any prosthetic component. There were no radiolucent lines or osteolysis. The mean rate of penetration calculated from regression analysis during the first five years was 38 μm/year (sd 2) for the Sulene group and 6 μm/year (sd 1) for the Durasul group (p = 0.00002). The rate of penetration of the Durasul group was 15.7% of that of the Sulene group.
A clarifying analysis of feedback error learning in an LTI framework
Authors: Nilsson Magnus , Egardt Bo 
Published: February 2008

AbstractFeedback error learning (FEL) is a proposed technique for reference‐feedforward adaptive control. FEL in a linear and time‐invariant (LTI) framework has been studied recently; the studies can be seen as proposed solutions to a ‘feedforward MRAC’ problem. This paper reanalyzes two suggested schemes with new interpretations and conclusions. It motivates the suggestion of an alternative scheme for reference‐feedforward adaptive control, based on a certainty‐equivalence approach. The suggested scheme differs from the analyzed ones by a slight change in both the estimator and the control law. Boundedness and error convergence are then guaranteed when the estimator uses normalization combined with parameter projection onto a convex set where stability of the estimated closed‐loop system holds. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of linkage disequilibrium on the Xq13.3 region: Comparison between the Azores islands and mainland Portugal
Authors: Branco Claudia C. , Cabrol Ester , Bento Marta São , Gomes Cidália T. , Cabral Rita , Vicente Astrid M. , Pacheco Paula R. , Mota‐Vieira Luisa 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe design of genetic studies of complex diseases is dependent on the extent and distribution of linkage disequilibrium (LD) across the genome in different populations. Here, we characterize the extent of LD in the Azores (Western, Central, and Eastern island groups) and mainland Portugal populations. LD was evaluated in the Xq13.3 region by genotyping eight STR markers spanning 20.9 Mb. Standardized multiallelic disequilibrium coefficient (D′) analysis indicates that the Western group presents higher values when compared with the Central and Eastern groups. However, all island groups show values of D′ lower than 0.5 and 0.33, suggesting no extensive LD in these populations. Taken together, the data show that the Azorean population presents a lower D′ (0.142) than mainland Portugal (0.226). Although, both populations do not show extensive LD, the easy reconstruction of large pedigrees in the Azorean population is a valuable resource for the fine mapping of disease genes. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.