bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Complex Role of Estrogens in Inflammation
Authors: Straub Rainer H. 
Published: August 2007

There is still an unresolved paradox with respect to the immunomodulating role of estrogens. On one side, we recognize inhibition of bone resorption and suppression of inflammation in several animal models of chronic inflammatory diseases. On the other hand, we realize the immunosupportive role of estrogens in trauma/sepsis and the proinflammatory effects in some chronic autoimmune diseases in humans. This review examines possible causes for this paradox.This review delineates how the effects of estrogens are dependent on criteria such as: 1) the immune stimulus (foreign antigens or autoantigens) and subsequent antigen-specific immune responses (e.g., T cell inhibited by estrogens vs. activation of B cell); 2) the cell types involved during different phases of the disease; 3) the target organ with its specific microenvironment; 4) timing of 17β-estradiol administration in relation to the disease course (and the reproductive status of a woman); 5) the concentration of estrogens; 6) the variability in expression of estrogen receptor α and β depending on the microenvironment and the cell type; and 7) intracellular metabolism of estrogens leading to important biologically active metabolites with quite different anti- and proinflammatory function. Also mentioned are systemic supersystems such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the sensory nervous system, and the sympathetic nervous system and how they are influenced by estrogens.This review reinforces the concept that estrogens have antiinflammatory but also proinflammatory roles depending on above-mentioned criteria. It also explains that a uniform concept as to the action of estrogens cannot be found for all inflammatory diseases due to the enormous variable responses of immune and repair systems.
Book Reviews
Authors: Lev Benjamin 
Published: August 2007

The range of books reviewed is wide, covering theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems (no software is reviewed). In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. Publishers who wish to have their books reviewed should send them to Professor Benjamin Lev. We list the books received; not all books received can be reviewed because space is limited. Those who would like to review books are urged to send me their names, addresses, and specific areas of expertise. We commission all reviews and do not accept unsolicited book reviews. Readers are encouraged to suggest books that might be reviewed or to ask publishers to send me copies of such books. The authors or editors of books reviewed in this issue are C. R. Bector, S. Chandra, K. R. Chelst, T. G. Edwards, D. Li, X. Sun, J. McManus, T. Wood-Harper, M. S. Seppanen, S. Kumar, and C. Chandra.
Executive dysfunction and its association with personality and behaviour changes in the development of Alzheimer's disease in adults with Down syndrome and mild to moderate learning disabilities
Authors: Ball Sarah L. , Holland Anthony J. , Treppner Peter , Watson Peter C. , Huppert Felicia A. 
Published: August 2007

BackgroundRecent research suggests that preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) in people with Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by changes in personality/behaviour and executive dysfunction that are more prominent than deterioration in episodic memory. This study examines the relationship between executive dysfunction and the clinical and preclinical features of AD in DS. To determine the specificity of this relationship, performance on executive function (EF) measures is contrasted with performance on memory measures.MethodsOne hundred and three people with DS (mean age 49 years, range 36–72) with mild to moderate learning disabilities (LD) took part. Dementia diagnosis was based on the CAMDEX informant interview conducted with each participant's main carer. Reported changes in personality/behaviour and memory were recorded. Participants completed six EF and six memory measures (two of which also had a strong executive component) and the BPVS (as a measure of general intellectual ability). First, performance was compared between those with and without established dementia of Alzheimer's type (DAT), controlling for age and LD severity using ANCOVA. Next, the degree to which informant‐reported changes predicted cognitive test performance was examined within the non‐DAT group using multiple regression analyses.ResultsThe DAT group (N = 25) showed a consistent pattern of impaired performance relative to the non‐DAT group (N = 78), across all measures. Within the non‐DAT group, number of informant‐reported personality/behaviour changes was a significant predictor of performance on two EF and two ‘executive memory’ tests (but not on episodic memory tests). Informant‐reported memory changes, however, were associated with impaired performance on a delayed recall task only.ConclusionsThese findings provide further evidence for a specific impairment in frontal‐lobe functioning in the preclinical stages of AD in DS. Implications for the assessment, diagnosis, and management of dementia in DS are discussed.
Low Serum Immunoglobulin G2 Levels in Infancy Can Be Transient
Authors: Atkinson Adelle R. , Roifman Chaim M. 
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVE. The immunoglobulin G2 subclasses contain predominantly antipolysaccharide antibodies. It was therefore believed intuitively that low immunoglobulin G2 levels could predispose individuals to infections with encapsulated bacteria. Although many reports initially supported this notion, more recent studies challenged it. Regardless of the biological significance, the natural history of low immunoglobulin G2 levels has not been carefully studied.METHODS. We studied the outcome of low serum immunoglobulin G2 subclass levels in children. Thirteen patients who were referred because of recurrent infections were found to have low immunoglobulin G2 levels. Laboratory evaluation at presentation and follow-up visits included total serum immunoglobulins, immunoglobulin subclasses, and specific antibodies to protein antigens and to pneumococcal vaccine.RESULTS. Low immunoglobulin G2 levels resolved completely within 0.6 years to 6 years (median: 1.5 years) in all patients. All 13 patients responded adequately to vaccination with protein antigens such as tetanus toxoid and polio as well as to immunization with pneumococcal vaccine. Four of 13 patients had a previous history of transient hypogammaglobulinemia, raising the possibility that the other cases may simply represent the tail end of this condition.CONCLUSION. We have demonstrated that low immunoglobulin G2 detected in early infancy and childhood is likely to resolve completely within several months and up to 6 years from the time of presentation.
The change in membrane phospholipid composition influences protein secretion and cell envelope biogenesis in Escherichia coli
Authors: Badyakina Alla , Vasil’eva Natalia , Koryakina Yulia , Anisimova Elena , Suzina Natalia , Nesmeyanova Marina 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
Secretion of periplasmic alkaline phosphatase (PhoA) encoded by the gene constituent of plasmids and the peculiar properties of cell envelope biogenesis in Escherichia coli strains with controlled synthesis of individual membrane phospholipids have been studied. Alkaline phosphatase secretion across the cytoplasmic membrane declines, while secretion into the culture medium intensifies under changed metabolism. The composition of anionic membrane phospholipids changes due to inactivation of the pgsA gene or regulation of its expression by environmental factor, as well as in the absence of the pssA gene which is responsible for the synthesis of the precursor for zwitter-ionic phospholipid — phosphatidylethanolamine. This correlates with intensified secretion of exopolysaccharides and lower content of lipopolysaccharide and lipoprotein which are responsible for barrier properties of the outer membrane. The results suggest a possible coupling of protein secretion with biogenesis of cell envelope components at a level of phospholipid metabolism.
Comparison of the MFA to the AOFAS Outcome Tool in a Population Undergoing Total Ankle Replacement
Authors: Pena Fernando , Agel Julie , Coetzee J. Chris 
Published: August 2007

Background Little information is available on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) outcome tool and its capacity to show changes and improvement in function of patients without a floor or ceiling effect. The purpose of the study was to compare results from the Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (MFA) and AOFAS outcome tools in a population undergoing a total ankle replacement. Methods Prospective data was collected on 154 patients preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. An analysis was performed between both and within each tool across the time of followup. Results No ceiling or floor effect was noticed on the AOFAS outcome tool. Its capacity for discrimination and to observe changes in pain and function are acceptable. No correlation between the AOFAS categories of pain and function and the MFA domain of well being could be found. Both outcome tools presented similar responses. Conclusions Though the AOFAS outcome tool seems to have enough sensitivity to analyze pain and function during a postoperative period, the authors strongly recommend the use of an alternative outcome tool to better understand and delineate the patient's level of function and effect of treatment on their quality of life. Clinical Relevance These data improve the understanding of and indications for the AOFAS outcome tool. They confirm the AOFAS questionnaire as a tool with enough discriminatory capacity to assess patient improvement and also point out the weaknesses of the questionnaire and the importance of collecting parallel data with other available outcome tools to better understand patient function and quality of life.
Transverse Medial Slide Osteotomy for Bunionette Deformity: Long-Term Results
Authors: Weitzel Stefan , Trnka Hans-Joerg , Petroutsas Jason 
Published: August 2007

Background Bunionette deformity of the fifth metatarsal infrequently requires operative treatment. This study presents the long-term results of a simple operative technique. Methods Forty-four distal metatarsal medial slide osteotomies with pin fixation were performed for symptomatic bunionette deformity in 30 patients. After an average of 7 years and 8 months (range 69 to 110 months), 30 feet in 21 patients were available for clinical and radiographic evaluation. Results The patients’ subjective assessment was excellent and good in 81% and fair and poor in 19% of feet. The mean pain score on a visual analogue scale was 1.8 (range 0 to 7) and the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 88.2 (range 47 to 100). Postoperative complications included pin track infection in three feet and delayed union in one. One patient developed transfer metatarsalgia and another patient had repeat surgery for recurrent symptoms on both feet after 5 years. Conclusions This procedure combines technical simplicity with satisfactory and predictable long-term results in the operative treatment of bunionette deformity in the lateral forefoot.
Correction of Tailor's Bunion with the Boesch Technique: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Legenstein Robert , Bonomo Johannes , Huber Wolfgang , Boesch Peter 
Published: August 2007

Background The Boesch technique 1 , 2 is a minimally-invasive and time-saving subcutaneous subcapital metatarsal osteotomy. Since 1984, we have been using this osteotomy technique for patients with a symptomatic tailor's bunion in whom conservative treatment has failed. This distal osteotomy is stabilized by a combination of a Kirschner wire and a special dressing. The results of this technique in patients with symptomatic tailor's bunion were reviewed. Methods Between March, 1998, and June, 2002, surgery was done in 77 feet of 65 patients with a mean age of 64.6 years. The mean followup was 56.6 (range 14 to 79) months. The 100-point American Orthopaedic foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Lesser Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale was used for scoring. Results 86.4% of 57 patients (66 feet) were free of pain at final followup. The mean 4–5 intermetatarsal angle was 12 degrees before and 8 degrees after surgery. The mean lateral deviation of the fifth metatarsal was 5.7 degrees before and 5.1 degrees after surgery. The mean fifth metatarsophalangeal angle was 17.8 degrees before and 6.2 degrees after surgery. The mean preoperative 100-point AOFAS score was 59.1 (range 23 to 88) and the postoperative score, 95.2 (range 73 to 100). The overall results were excellent in 87.9%, (58 feet) good in 6.1% (4 feet), and satisfactory in 6.1%; none was poor. Conclusions The advantages of the subcutaneous subcapital Boesch technique are that it is time saving, it causes less bone and soft-tissue trauma, and it is performed under local anesthesia without a tourniquet. It is an effective operative option for symptomatic tailor's bunion; excellent and good clinical and radiographic results were found in 86.4% (57 patients, 66 feet) of the patients.
Biomechanical Analysis of Screw-Augmented Intramedullary Fixation for Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis
Authors: O'Neill Patrick J. , Parks Brent G. , Walsh Russell , Simmons Lucia M. , Schon Lew C. 
Published: August 2007

Background This study compared intramedullary (IM) fixation for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with and without a tibiotalocalcaneal augmentation screw. Methods Each specimen in six matched pairs of fresh frozen cadavers underwent tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with an IM nail. One specimen from each pair also received a tibiotalocalcaneal augmentation screw. Initial and final stiffness, load to failure, and construct deformation at failure were calculated with dorsiflexion loading. Bone mineral density of each pair was determined. Statistical analysis was done using a paired Student t-test and a Pearson correlation. Results Initial and final stiffness and load to failure were significantly higher for the tibiotalocalcaneal screw augmented fixation group as compared with the specimens with no additional screw (initial stiffness, 128.0 versus 78.4 N/mm, p = 0.04; final stiffness, 230.9 versus 164.7 N/mm, p = 0.04; load to failure, 875.5 versus 660.2 N, p = 0.03). There was a significant negative correlation between bone mineral density and average construct deformation in the samples without the added tibiotalocalcaneal screw ( r = –0.90, p = 0.02). Conclusions In tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with intramedullary nail fixation, a tibiotalocalcaneal augmentation screw provides more stable fixation. Clinical relevance Use of an augmentation screw as described in this study may lead to lower complication rates, particularly in patients with osteopenic bone.
The Influence of Foot Position on Stretching of the Plantar Fascia
Authors: Flanigan Ryan M. , Nawoczenski Deborah A. , Chen Linlin , Wu Hulin , DiGiovanni Benedict F. 
Published: August 2007

Background A recent study found nonweightbearing stretching exercises specific to the plantar fascia to be superior to the standard program of weightbearing Achilles tendon-stretching exercises in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. The present study used a cadaver model to demonstrate the influence of foot and ankle position on stretching of the plantar fascia. Methods Twelve fresh-frozen lower-leg specimens were tested in 15 different configurations representing various combinations of ankle and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint dorsiflexion, midtarsal transverse plane abduction and adduction, and forefoot varus and valgus. Measurements were recorded by a differential variable reluctance transducer (DVRT) implanted into the medial band of the plantar fascia, and primary measurement was a percent deformation of the plantar fascia (stretch) with respect to a reference position (90 degrees ankle dorsiflexion, 0 degrees midtarsal and forefoot orientation, and 0 degrees MTP dorsiflexion). Results Ankle and MTP joint dorsiflexion produced a significant increase (14.91%) in stretch compared to the position of either ankle dorsiflexion alone (9.31% increase, p < 0.001) or MTP dorsiflexion alone (7.33% increase, p < 0.01). There was no significant increase in stretch with positions of abduction or varus (2.49%, p = 0.27 and 0.55%, p = 0.79). Conclusion This study provides a mechanical explanation for enhanced outcomes in recent clinical trials using plantar fascia tissue-specific stretching exercises and lends support to the use of ankle and MTP joint dorsiflexion when employing stretching protocols for nonoperative treatment in patients with chronic proximal plantar fasciitis.
External Fixation in the Treatment of Tibial Pilon Fractures: Comparison of Two Frames in Torsion
Authors: Scott Aaron T. , Owen John R. , Khiatani Vishal , Adelaar Robert S. , Wayne Jennifer S. 
Published: August 2007

Background Ankle spanning external fixation has become the initial treatment of choice for complex tibial pilon fractures. Many fixator designs exist, but their biomechanical performance has not been studied extensively for this application. The goal of the present study was to compare the torsional performance of two commercially available frames, the Orthofix XCaliber and the Howmedica Hoffmann® II. Methods The XCaliber and the Hoffmann® II were each applied to six fresh cadaver lower extremities and were loaded in a materials testing machine. Strain gauges were attached to the anteromedial cortex of the distal tibia, and each specimen underwent torsional and axial load testing, with and without the external fixator. A simulated pilon fracture was created, and torsional testing was repeated. Results Results indicated that the XCaliber was significantly more rigid in internal rotation than the Hoffmann® II, before (49%) and after (41%) creation of the pilon fracture. Despite the XCaliber's increased rigidity relative to the Hoffmann® II (22% to 31%) in external rotation, statistical significance was not attained. Both fixators reduced strain (25% to 85%) at the anteromedial cortex upon torsional testing, but no significant differences between the two frames were noted. Conclusions The present study demonstrates that the XCaliber has mechanical advantages over the Hoffmann® II in terms of torsional rigidity for a tibial pilon fracture. Clinical Relevance Increased rigidity of the XCaliber could potentially lead to decreased time to union, and a lower incidence of pin loosening and would prove beneficial in a setting in which the external fixator is used as the definitive fixation.
Orthopaedic Surgery Core Curriculum: Foot and Ankle Reconstruction
Authors: Wadey Veronica M.R. , Halpern Jerry , Younger Alastair S.E. , Dev Parvati , Olshen Richard A. , Walker Decker 
Published: August 2007

Background The purpose of this study was to develop a core curriculum for orthopaedic surgery and to conduct a national survey to assess the importance of 281 curriculum items. Attention was focused on 45 items pertaining to the foot and ankle. Methods A 281-item curriculum was developed. A content review and cross-sectional survey of a random selection of orthopaedic surgeons with primary nonacademic affiliations was completed. Data were analyzed descriptively and quantitatively using histograms, modified Hotelling's T2-statistic, and the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. Our analyses assumed that each respondent answered questions independently of the answers of any other respondent but that the answers to different questions by the same respondent might be dependent. Results Of the 156 orthopaedic surgeons contacted, 131 (86%) participated in this study. Eighty-two percent (37 of 45) of the items were ranked by respondents with an average mean score higher than 3.5/4.0 and 42 higher than 3.0/40, thus suggesting that 93% of the items are important or probably important to know by the end of residency ( p = 0.07). Conclusion This study demonstrated agreement on the importance of 93% of the items that pertain to foot and ankle reconstruction to be included in a core curriculum for orthopaedic surgery. The ability to make diagnoses and to manage common fractures, soft-tissue conditions, and arthritic conditions of the foot and ankle are very important for residents to know upon graduation from their residency programs. The exceptions to these are the ability to perform primary and revision arthroplasty of the ankle.
Electric-field induced phase transition in a near-surface layer of a PbMg0.33Nb0.67O3-28% PbTiO3 (001) single-crystalline plate
Authors: Levin Alexandr A. , Pommrich Anja I. , Weißbach Torsten , Paufler Peter , Meyer Dirk C. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
An (001) single-crystal plate of a solid solution of PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3-28 mol.% PbTiO3 was investigated by Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering techniques at room temperature in situ under the influence of an external static electric field (field strength E up to 13 kV cm−1) applied along the [001] direction of the wafer. Structural changes attributed to a reversible phase transition between ferroelectric modifications of the solid solution in a near electrode region of about 1 mm depth are found. Part of the near-electrode layer (of about 5 vol.% at E = 4.5 kV cm−1 and about 15 vol.% at 13 kV cm−1) transforms from the initial rhombohedral structure to another one, most probably, the monoclinic Mb phase. Changes of the profile shape of X-ray rocking curves suggest possible technical use of the electric-field induced phase transition for adaptive X-ray optics.
Delamination of stiff islands patterned on stretchable substrates
Authors: Lu Nanshu , Yoon Juil , Suo Zhigang 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
In one design of flexible electronics, thin-film islands of a stiff material are fabricated on a polymeric substrate, and functional materials are grown on these islands. When the substrate is stretched, the deformation is mainly accommodated by the substrate, and the islands and functional materials experience relatively small strains. Experiments have shown that, however, for a given amount of stretch, the islands exceeding a certain size may delaminate from the substrate. We calculate the energy release rate using a combination of finite element and complex variable methods. Our results show that the energy release rate diminishes as the island size or substrate stiffness decreases. Consequently, the critical island size is large when the substrate is compliant. We also obtain an analytical expression for the energy release rate of debonding islands from a very compliant substrate.
Self-assembly of high-performance multi-tube carbon nanotube field-effect transistors by ac dielectrophoresis
Authors: Taeger Sebastian , Mertig Michael 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
A physical self-assembly process based on ac-dielectrophoretic deposition of single-walled carbon nanotubes between metallic electrodes and subsequent gate-voltage controlled elimination of the metallic nanotubes is reported that allows fabrication of multi-tube carbon nanotube field-effect transistors with electrical ON/OFF ratios up to more than seven orders of magnitude. Before deposition, the carbon nanotubes were suspended by means of single-stranded DNA or sodium-taurodeoxycholate. Exposure of the devices to ethanol vapor revealed a higher sensitivity for devices made from DNA-suspended carbon nanotubes.