bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lumbar segmental mobility disorders: comparison of two methods of defining abnormal displacement kinematics in a cohort of patients with non-specific mechanical low back pain
Authors: Abbott J Haxby , Fritz Julie M , McCane Brendan , Shultz Barry , Herbison Peter , Lyons Brett , Stefanko Georgia , Walsh Richard M 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundLumbar segmental rigidity (LSR) and lumbar segmental instability (LSI) are believed to be associated with low back pain (LBP), and identification of these disorders is believed to be useful for directing intervention choices. Previous studies have focussed on lumbar segmental rotation and translation, but have used widely varying methodologies. Cut-off points for the diagnosis of LSR & LSI are largely arbitrary. Prevalence of these lumbar segmental mobility disorders (LSMDs) in a non-surgical, primary care LBP population has not been established.MethodsA cohort of 138 consecutive patients with recurrent or chronic low back pain (RCLBP) were recruited in this prospective, pragmatic, multi-centre study. Consenting patients completed pain and disability rating instruments, and were referred for flexion-extension radiographs. Sagittal angular rotation and sagittal translation of each lumbar spinal motion segment was measured from the radiographs, and compared to a reference range derived from a study of 30 asymptomatic volunteers. In order to define reference intervals for normal motion, and define LSR and LSI, we approached the kinematic data using two different models. The first model used a conventional Gaussian definition, with motion beyond two standard deviations (2sd) from the reference mean at each segment considered diagnostic of rotational LSMD and translational LSMD. The second model used a novel normalised within-subjects approach, based on mean normalised contribution-to-total-lumbar-motion. An LSMD was then defined as present in any segment that contributed motion beyond 2sd from the reference mean contribution-to-normalised-total-lumbar-motion. We described reference intervals for normal segmental mobility, prevalence of LSMDs under each model, and the association of LSMDs with pain and disability.ResultsWith the exception of the conventional Gaussian definition of rotational LSI, LSMDs were found in statistically significant prevalences in patients with RCLBP. Prevalences at both the segmental and patient level were generally higher using the normalised within-subjects model (2.8 to 16.8% of segments; 23.3 to 35.5% of individuals) compared to the conventional Gaussian model (0 to 15.8%; 4.7 to 19.6%). LSMDs are associated with presence of LBP, however LSMDs do not appear to be strongly associated with higher levels of pain or disability compared to other forms of non-specific LBP.ConclusionLSMDs are a valid means of defining sub-groups within non-specific LBP, in a conservative care population of patients with RCLBP. Prevalence was higher using the normalised within-subjects contribution-to-total-lumbar-motion approach.
Slow fertilization of stickleback eggs: the result of sexual conflict?
Authors: Bakker Theo CM , Zbinden Marc , Frommen Joachim G , Weiss Alexander , Largiadèr Carlo R 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe fertilization success in sperm competition in externally fertilizing fish depends on number and quality of sperm. The time delay between sequential ejaculations may further influence the outcome of sperm competition. Such a time interval can load the raffle over fertilization if fertilization takes place very fast. Short fertilization times are generally assumed for externally fertilizing fish such as the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). In this pair-spawning fish, territorial males often try to steal fertilizations in nests of neighbouring males. This sneaking behaviour causes sperm competition. Sneakers will only get a share of paternity when eggs are not fertilized immediately after sperm release. Contrary to males, females may be interested in multiple paternity of their clutch of eggs. There thus may be a sexual conflict over the speed of fertilization.ResultsIn this study we used two differentin vitrofertilization experiments to assess how fast eggs are fertilized in sticklebacks. We show that complete fertilization takes more than 5 min which is atypically long for externally fertilizing fishes.ConclusionThis result suggests that the time difference does not imply high costs to the second stickleback male to ejaculate. Slow fertilization (and concomitant prolonged longevity of sperm) may be the result of sexual conflict in which females aimed at complete fertilization and/or multiple paternity.
Globalization and local response to epidemiological overlap in 21st century Ecuador
Authors: Waters William F 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundThird World countries are confronted by a complex overlay of two sets of health problems. Traditional maladies, including communicable diseases, malnutrition, and environmental health hazards coexist with emerging health challenges, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and increasing levels of obesity. Using Ecuador as an example, this paper proposes a conceptual framework for linking epidemiologic overlap to emerging social structures and processes at the national and global levels.DiscussionEpidemiologic trends can be seen as part of broader processes related to globalization, but this does not imply that globalization is a monolithic force that inevitably and uniformly affects nations, communities, and households in the same manner. Rather, characteristics and forms of social organization at the subnational level can shape the way that globalization takes place. Thus, globalization has affected Ecuador in specific ways and is, at the same time, intimately related to the form in which the epidemiologic transition has transpired in that country.SummaryEcuador is among neither the poorest nor the wealthiest countries and its situation may illuminate trends in other parts of the world.As in other countries, insertion into the global economy has not taken place in a vacuum; rather, Ecuador has experienced unprecedented social and demographic change in the past several decades, producing profound transformation in its social structure. Examples of local represent alternatives to centralized health systems that do not effectively address the complex overlay of traditional and emerging health problems.
How to detect cognitive dysfunction at early stages of multiple sclerosis?
Authors: Deloire M SA , Bonnet M C , Salort E , Arimone Y , Boudineau M , Petry K G , Brochet B 
Published: May 2006

Detecting cognitive dysfunction may be clinically important during the early stages of multiple sclerosis (MS). We assessed a self-report questionnaire on cognitive complaints and individual neuropsychological tests to select patients with early relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) who needed comprehensive cognitive testing. Fifty-seven patients underwent neurological and neuropsychological assessment, including Rao’s Brief Repeatable Battery (BRB) and the complete SEP-59 Questionnaire, a French adaptation of the MSQOL-54, which contains four specific questions about self-perception of cognitive functions. Predictive values, specificity, sensitivity and accuracy of five individual neuropsychological tests-Selective Reminding Test, Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Similarities Subtest, PASAT and Stroop Test-were calculated to predict cognitive impairment. Only 10.5% of patients did not report any cognitive complaint, while most reported complaints. On the basis of cognitive performances, 59.7% of patients were classified as cognitively impaired, although only one cognitive score was correlated with cognitive complaints. Depressive symptoms and fatigue were associated with more cognitive complaints. Sensitivity of the SDMT to predict cognitive impairment was 74.2%, specificity was 76.9% and accuracy was 75.4%. Since, at this stage, patients’ cognitive complaints are already influenced by depression and fatigue and do not accurately reflect cognitive performances, the SDMT may help to select patients for testing with a more complete cognitive battery.
HER-2 Is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Endometrial Cancer: Association With Outcome in a Large Cohort of Surgically Staged Patients
Authors: Morrison Carl , Zanagnolo Vanna , Ramirez Nilsa , Cohn David E. , Kelbick Nicole , Copeland Larry , Maxwell Larry G. , Fowler Jeffrey M. 
Published: May 2006

Purpose To evaluate HER-2 expression and amplification in a large cohort of endometrial cancer with complete surgical staging and outcome data. Patients and Methods A tissue microarray was constructed of 483 patients with endometrial cancer of diverse histologic type and stage and tested for HER-2 expression and amplification using current standards of practice. There was outcome data for 83% of all patients and 81% with complete surgical staging. Results Both expression and amplification of HER-2 was associated with high-grade (P = .0001) and high stage (P = .0001) endometrial cancer. The highest rate of HER-2 expression and amplification was seen in serous carcinoma (43% and 29%), while grade 1 endometrioid adenocarcinoma showed the lowest levels (3% and 1%). For all histologic types, the rate of HER-2 expression and amplification was remarkably different (P < .0001) for grade 3 cancers (31% and 15%) versus grade 2 (7% and 3%) and grade 1 cancers (3% and 1%), with similar results for endometrioid type (P < .0001). Both HER-2 expression and amplification correlated with disease-specific survival and progression-free survival in univariate analyses. By multivariate analysis HER-2 expression in the presence of amplification (P = .012) correlated with overall survival, but not expression in the absence of amplification. Overall survival was significantly shorter (P = .0001) in patients who overexpressed (median, 5.2 years) and/or showed amplification of HER-2 (median, 3.5 years) versus those that did not (median of all cases, 13 years). Conclusion Our results would suggest that HER-2 is an important oncogene in high grade and stage endometrial cancer, but plays only a minor role in the much more common low grade and stage tumors that encompass the majority of clinical practice.
Is the Brain a Quantum Computer?
Authors: Litt Abninder , Eliasmith Chris , Kroon Frederick W. , Weinstein Steven , Thagard Paul 
Published: May 2006

AbstractWe argue that computation via quantum mechanical processes is irrelevant to explaining how brains produce thought, contrary to the ongoing speculations of many theorists. First, quantum effects do not have the temporal properties required for neural information processing. Second, there are substantial physical obstacles to any organic instantiation of quantum computation. Third, there is no psychological evidence that such mental phenomena as consciousness and mathematical thinking require explanation via quantum theory. We conclude that understanding brain function is unlikely to require quantum computation or similar mechanisms.
Biological Effect of a Novel Mutation in the Third Leucine-Rich Repeat of Human Luteinizing Hormone Receptor
Authors: Leung Michael Yiu-Kwong , Steinbach Peter J. , Bear Deborah , Baxendale Vanessa , Fechner Patricia Y. , Rennert Owen M. , Chan Wai-Yee 
Published: May 2006

AbstractA novel heterozygous mutation A340T leading to the substitution of Phe for the conserved amino acid Ile114 was identified by nucleotide sequencing of the human LH/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (hLHR) of a patient with Leydig cell hypoplasia. This mutation is located in the third leucine-rich repeat in the ectodomain of the hLHR. In vitro expression studies demonstrated that this mutation results in reduced ligand binding and signal transduction of the receptor. Studies of hLHR constructs in which various amino acids were substituted for the conserved Ile114 showed that receptor activity is sensitive to changes in size, shape, and charge of the side chain. A homology model of the wild-type hLHR ectodomain was made, illustrating the packing of conserved hydrophobic side chains in the protein core. Substitution of Ile114 by Phe might disrupt intermolecular contacts between hormone and receptor. This mutation might also affect an LHR-dimer interaction. Thus, the I114F mutation reduces ligand binding and signal transduction by the hLHR, and it is partially responsible for Leydig cell hypoplasia in the patient.
The energetic costs of trunk and distal-limb loading during walking and running in guinea fowlNumida meleagris
Authors: Ellerby David J. , Marsh Richard L. 
Published: May 2006

SUMMARYWe examined the changes in muscle energy use in guinea fowl running at 1.5 m s-1 either unloaded, or carrying trunk loads equal to 23% of body mass, or loads on their distal legs equal to a total of 5% of body mass. We estimated muscle energy use by measuring blood flow to all of the leg muscles using injected microspheres. Total blood flow to the leg muscles increased by approximately 15% under both loading conditions, which matched the percentage increase in net organismal metabolic rate. Significant increases in energy use(inferred from blood flow) above that found in unloaded birds were found in 12 muscles in trunk-loaded birds, with most of the increases restricted to stance-phase muscles, as predicted. Just three of these muscles, the femerotibialis, the iliotibialis lateralis pars postacetabularis and the fibularis longus accounted for 70% of the increased energy use. Noticeably absent from the group of muscles that increased energy use during trunk loading were several large biarticular muscles that have extensor actions at the hip or ankle, but flexor actions at the knee. We concluded that the low energetic cost of carrying trunk loads in guinea fowl may rely on the activation of a group of muscles that together provide support and propulsion across all the major joints, without producing opposing moments at other joints that could potentially waste energy. The specific leg muscles responsible for the increase in metabolism during trunk loading also suggest that the energy cost of producing mechanical work may be an important determinant of the cost of carrying extra mass on the trunk. During distal-limb loading, eleven leg muscles had significant increases in energy use, but unlike during trunk loading, both stance- and swing-phase muscles had large increases in energy use. This distribution of energy use between stance and swing agrees with the prediction that increased mechanical work determines the cost of limb loading, because a substantial fraction of the increased segmental work during distal-limb loading in guinea fowl has been found to occur during stance.
Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Detection of Low Concentrations of 21 Benzodiazepines, Metabolites, and Analogs in Urine: Method with Forensic Applications
Authors: Quintela Oscar , Sauvage François-Ludovic , Charvier Fabienne , Gaulier Jean-Michel , Lachâtre Gérard , Marquet Pierre 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Background: Commonly used methods for detecting benzodiazepines (BZPs) and BZP-like substances, such as zolpidem and zopiclone, may not detect low concentrations of these drugs. We developed a liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric method for identifying these drugs and their relevant metabolites.
Methods: We extracted BZPs from urine by solid-phase extraction with a mixed-mode phase (OASIS® HLB cartridges). Chromatographic separation was performed with a Waters XTerra MS C18 [150 × 2.1 mm (i.d.); bead size, 5 μm] reversed-phase column with deuterated analogs of the analytes as internal standards (IS). Detection was performed with a triple-quadruple mass spectrometer that monitored 2 specific transitions per compound in the electrospray, positive-ion selected-reaction monitoring mode. We tested this technique on urine samples from 12 healthy volunteers and 1 forensic sample obtained in a case of alleged drug-facilitated sexual assault.
Results: Chromatographic separation was achieved within 18 min. The linear dynamic ranges extended from 0.02 or 0.1 μg/L (depending on the drug or metabolite) to 50 μg/L. Extraction recovery (range) was 77%–110%. Limits of detection were ≤0.05 μg/L. No ion suppression was seen except for alprazolam, for which baseline decreased by almost 20%. In the forensic urine sample, the method detected alprazolam (3.5 μg/L) and its characteristic metabolite, α-hydroxyalprazolam (0.17 μg/L).
Conclusion: This method measured low concentrations of BZPs and BZP-like substances and might be useful for analyses of urine in suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault cases.
High Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Is a Risk Factor for Recurrent Coronary Events in Postinfarction Patients
Authors: Corsetti James P , Rainwater David L , Moss Arthur J , Zareba Wojciech , Sparks Charles E 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackground: Recent studies demonstrate that lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease presumably deriving from generation of proinflammatory and proatherogenic species through its hydrolytic activity on lipoprotein-associated phospholipids. The goal of this study was to assess the relationship of Lp-PLA2 with a set of thrombogenic, lipid, inflammatory, and metabolic blood markers and to determine whether plasma Lp-PLA2 is a risk factor for recurrent coronary events in postinfarction patients.Methods: Factor analysis on the set of blood markers and Lp-PLA2 was performed for 766 patients of the Thrombogenic Factors and Recurrent Coronary Events (THROMBO) postinfarction study. Recurrent coronary event risk was assessed as a function of blood marker concentrations and Lp-PLA2 by Cox proportional hazards multivariable regression adjusted for significant clinical covariates.Results: Factor analysis revealed that Lp-PLA2 was associated with one factor dominated by cholesterol and apolipoprotein B and another factor dominated by HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, with little association with an inflammatory factor dominated by C-reactive protein. Multivariable analysis demonstrated as significant and independent predictors of risk of secondary coronary events only apolipoprotein B in a model without Lp-PLA2 (hazard ratio, 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–2.40) and only Lp-PLA2 in a model with Lp-PLA2 included [1.90 (1.31–2.75)].Conclusions: Lp-PLA2 is a significant and independent predictor of risk for recurrent coronary events in postinfarction patients, and Lp-PLA2 is related to both hypercholesterolemia and high triglyceride–low HDL dyslipidemia in this study population.
Diagnosing Inborn Errors of Lipid Metabolism with Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Oostendorp Marlies , Engelke Udo FH , Willemsen Michèl AAP , Wevers Ron A 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackground: Many severe diseases are caused by defects in lipid metabolism. As a result, patients often accumulate unusual lipids in their blood and tissues, and proper identification of these lipids is essential for correct diagnosis. In this study, we investigated the potential use of proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy to simultaneously identify and quantify (un)usual lipids present in the blood of patients with different inborn errors of lipid metabolism.Methods: We extracted blood plasma or serum lipids in chloroform–methanol (2:1 by volume). After addition of the nonvolatile chemical shift and concentration reference compound octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, we performed 1H-NMR measurements on a 500-MHz spectrometer. Assignments were based on the literature, computer simulations, and reference spectra of relevant authentic standards.Results: Spectra of normal plasma samples allowed the identification of 9 lipid species. We found good correlation between conventional methods and 1H-NMR for cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. We also investigated 4 inborn errors of lipid metabolism (3 in sterol metabolism and 1 in fatty acid metabolism). NMR analysis led to a correct diagnosis for all 4 diseases, whereas the concentration of the diagnostic metabolite could be determined for 3.Conclusions: 1H-NMR spectroscopy of blood plasma or serum lipid extracts can be used to accurately identify and quantify lipids. The method can also identify unusual lipids in the blood of patients with inborn errors of lipid metabolism. This technique may therefore be applicable in clinical diagnosis and follow-up.
Stickstoffreiche energetische Salze und ionische Flüssigkeiten
Authors: Singh Rajendra P. , Verma Rajendar D. , Meshri Dayal T. , Shreeve Jean'ne M. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractEnergetische Salze bieten zahlreiche Vorteile gegenüber herkömmlichen energetischen Molekülverbindungen. Die Verwendung von stickstoffhaltigen Kationen und Anionen trägt zu höheren Bildungswärmen und Dichten bei, wobei durch den niedrigen Gehalt an Kohlenstoff und Wasserstoff auch eine gute Sauerstoffbilanz erzielt wird. Da bei der Zersetzung dieser stickstoffreichen Verbindungen ein größerer Anteil von Distickstoff entsteht, sind sie vielversprechende hochenergetische Materialien für technische und militärische Anwendungen.
Energetic Nitrogen‐Rich Salts and Ionic Liquids
Authors: Singh Rajendra P. , Verma Rajendar D. , Meshri Dayal T. , Shreeve Jean'ne M. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractEnergetic salts offer many advantages over conventional energetic molecular compounds. The use of nitrogen containing anions and cations contributes to high heats of formations and high densities. Their low carbon and hydrogen content gives rise to a good oxygen balance. The decomposition of these compounds is predominantly through the generation of dinitrogen which makes them very promising candidates for highly energetic materials for industrial or military applications.
Homo‐ and copolymerization of norbornene with styrene catalyzed by a series of copper(II) complexes in the presence of methylaluminoxane
Authors: Bao Feng , Ma Rui , Jiao Yuanhong 
Published: May 2006

AbstractVinyl‐type polymerization of norbornene as well as random copolymerization of norbornene with styrene was studied using a series of copper complexes‐MAO. The precatalysts used here are copper complexes with β‐ketoamine ligands based on pyrazolone derivatives and the molecular structure of complex 4 was determined using X‐ray analysis. All of these catalyst systems are moderately active for the vinyl‐type polymerization of norbornene and random copolymerization of norbornene with styrene. The random copolymers obtained suggest that only one type of active species is present. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and NMR indicate that the copolymers are ‘true’ copolymers. The copolymerization reactivity ratios (rNBE = 20.11 and rSty = 0.035) indicate a much higher reactivity of norbornene, which suggests a coordination polymerization mechanism. The solubility and processability of the copolymers are improved relative to polynorbornene and the thermostability of the copolymers is improved relative to polystyrene. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.