bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
X-ray diffraction patterns and anatomical properties of claw tissues of beef and dairy cattle
Authors: BROWNE M. P. , HUKINS D. W. L. , SKAKLE J. M. S. , KNIGHT C. H. , HENDRY K. A. K. , WILDE C. J. , GALBRAITH H. 
Published: June 2007

SUMMARYMedial claws from the right hind feet were obtained post mortem from four 19–20-month-old beef heifers and from four 28-month-old first-calving dairy heifers 3–4 days postpartum. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies were undertaken on samples of soft and hard (cornified) integumental tissues of dorsal wall, sole and heel (bulb) for varying sites and planes of exposure. The measurements were interpreted as defining diffraction patterns and intermolecular spacings of cytoskeletal and extracellular fibrous structural proteins. The orientation of these proteins was examined in relation to physical characteristics and function including bearing of body weight by these tissues.Physical measurements taken included impression hardness which showed typically greater values for wall than sole and variable differences between horn of dairy and beef origin and husbandry systems. Claws from dairy heifers had significantly smaller values for toe (dorsal wall) angle, claw height and heel height and thickness of solear horn and heel soft tissue. Although few were studied, the results reflected typical husbandry origins and indicated the susceptibility to the lesion formation well recognized in postpartum dairy cattle.Typical XRD patterns for horn samples showed defined arcs of reflectance on the equatorial axis consistent with findings for the presence of α-helices in fibrils reported to occur in other hard-keratin-containing integumental tissues. However, reflectance on the meridional axis also reported for these other tissues was not detected. A similar defined pattern was obtained for less than 0·10 of samples of internal soft pre-cornified epidermal and attached dermal tissue although the values for intermolecular ‘d’ spacing for these were consistent with those reported for type I collagen. Diffuse reflection patterns were thus evident for the majority of samples of soft tissue epidermis and dermis and also for adipose tissue of the digital cushion.The formation of defined arcs of reflectance allowed the determination of fibril alignment in wall and solear horn. For the orientated samples of dorsal wall horn tissue, the outer layer showed a longitudinal angle of orientation essentially maintained proximal to distal. This pattern was maintained throughout the depth of horn at the proximal site. In contrast, layers in mid-wall and towards the distal edge showed a greater circumferential (horizontal) orientation in sections collected anterior to posterior towards the inner corial, including laminar, tissues. The orientation of fibrils in inner wall horn appears to relate to the direction of load-bearing forces in connecting horn to the distal phalanx. Horizontal alignment of fibrils was observed in the sole. In presenting the long axis of cells to the ground surface this orientation may facilitate erosive forces and contribute to the thinning of cornified sole horn under adverse underfoot conditions.
Early predictors of chronic post-traumatic stress disorder in assault survivors
Authors: KLEIM BIRGIT , EHLERS ANKE , GLUCKSMAN EDWARD 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTBackgroundSome studies suggest that early psychological treatment is effective in preventing chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it is as yet unclear how best to identify trauma survivors who need such intervention. This prospective longitudinal study investigated the prognostic validity of acute stress disorder (ASD), of variables derived from a meta-analysis of risk factors for PTSD, and of candidate cognitive and biological variables in predicting chronic PTSD following assault.MethodAssault survivors who had been treated for their injuries at a metropolitan Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department were assessed with structured clinical interviews to establish diagnoses of ASD at 2 weeks (n=222) and PTSD at 6 months (n=205) after the assault. Candidate predictors were assessed at 2 weeks.ResultsMost predictors significantly predicted PTSD status at follow-up. Multivariate logistic regressions showed that a set of four theory-derived cognitive variables predicted PTSD best (NagelkerkeR2=0·50), followed by the variables from the meta-analysis (NagelkerkeR2=0·37) and ASD (NagelkerkeR2=0·25). When all predictors were considered simultaneously, mental defeat, rumination and prior problems with anxiety or depression were chosen as the best combination of predictors (NagelkerkeR2=0·47).ConclusionQuestionnaires measuring mental defeat, rumination and pre-trauma psychological problems may help to identify assault survivors at risk of chronic PTSD.
Distributed control of modular and reconfigurable robot with torque sensing
Authors: Liu Guangjun , Abdul Sajan , Goldenberg Andrew A. 
Published: June 2007

SUMMARYA major technical challenge in controlling modular and reconfigurable robots is associated with the kinematics and dynamic model uncertainties caused by reconfiguration. In parallel, conventional model uncertainties such as uncompensated joint friction still persist. This paper presents a modular distributed control technique for modular and reconfigurable robots that can instantly adapt to robot reconfigurations. Under the proposed control method that is based on joint torque sensing, a modular and reconfigurable robot is stabilized joint by joint, and modules can be added or removed without the need to adjust control parameters of the other modules of the robot. Model uncertainties associated with link and payload masses are compensated using joint torque sensor measurement. The remaining model uncertainties, including uncompensated dynamic coupling and joint friction, are compensated by a decomposition-based robust controller. Simulation results have confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Incidence and completeness of notification of Legionnaires' disease in The Netherlands: covariate capture–recapture analysis acknowledging regional differences
Authors: VAN HEST N. A. H. , HOEBE C. J. P. A. , DEN BOER J. W. , VERMUNT J. K. , IJZERMAN E. P. F. , BOERSMA W. G. , RICHARDUS J. H. 
Published: June 2007

SUMMARYTo estimate incidence and completeness of notification of Legionnaires' disease (LD) in The Netherlands in 2000 and 2001, we performed a capture–recapture analysis using three registers: Notifications, Laboratory results and Hospital admissions. After record-linkage, 373 of the 780 LD patients identified were notified. Ascertained under-notification was 52·2%. Because of expected and observed regional differences in the incidence rate of LD, alternatively to conventional log-linear capture–recapture models, a covariate (region) capture–recapture model, not previously used for estimating infectious disease incidence, was specified and estimated 886 LD patients (95% confidence interval 827–1022). Estimated under-notification was 57·9%. Notified, ascertained and estimated average annual incidence rates of LD were 1·15, 2·42 and 2·77/100 000 inhabitants respectively, with the highest incidence in the southern region of The Netherlands. Covariate capture–recapture analysis acknowledging regional differences of LD incidence appears to reduce bias in the estimated national incidence rate.
Enhancing volcano‐monitoring capabilities in Ecuador
Authors: Kumagai Hiroyuki , Yepes Hugo , Vaca Mayra , Caceres Vinicio , Naga Takuro , Yokoe Kenichi , Imai Takeharu , Miyakawa Koji , Yamashina Tadashi , Arrais Santiago , Vasconez Freddy , Pinajota Eddy , Cisneros Christian , Ramos Cristina , Paredes Myriam , Gomezjurado Lorena , Garcia‐Aristizabal Alexander , Molina Indira , Ramon Patricio , Segovia Monica , Palacios Pablo , Troncoso Liliana , Alvarado Alexandra , Aguilar Jorge , Pozo Javier , Enriquez Wilson , Mothes Patricia , Hall Minard , Inoue Ikutoshi , Nakano Masaru , Inoue Hiroshi 
Published: June 2007

Ecuador has 55 active volcanoes in the northern half of the Ecuadorian Andes. There, consequences of active volcanism include ashfalls, pyroclastic flows (fast moving fluidized material of hot gas, ash, and rock), and lahars (mudflows), which result in serious damage locally and regionally and thus are of major concern to Ecuadorians.In particular, Tungurahua (elevation, 5023 meters) and Cotopaxi (elevation, 5876 meters) are high‐risk volcanoes. Since 1999, eruption activity at Tungurahua has continued and has produced ashfalls and lahars that damage towns and villages on the flanks of the volcano. More than 20,000 people live on these flanks.
Cosmetic Thyroid Surgery: Defining the Essential Principles
Authors: Terris David J. , Seybt Melanie W. , Elchoufi Mayssoun , Chin Edward 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectives: Minimally invasive thyroid surgery is rapidly becoming a common approach in busy endocrine surgery practices. The surgical concepts necessarily include a number of principles found within the realm of plastic surgery.Design: The study was a prospective, nonrandomized analysis of a consecutive series of thyroid surgical patients.Methods and Materials: All patients who underwent thyroid surgery at the Medical College of Georgia in the Department of Otolaryngology were prospectively evaluated. Recommendations for endoscopic thyroidectomy, minimally invasive nonendoscopic thyroidectomy (MINET), or conventional thyroid surgery were based on patient and disease parameters as previously described. Specific factors contributing to improved cosmetic outcomes were sought.Results: Two hundred forty‐eight patients underwent thyroidectomy between September 2003 and June 2006. There were 50 males and 198 females, with a mean age of 44.9 ± 14.6 years. Seventy‐seven (31.0%) patients underwent conventional thyroidectomy (group A), 120 (48.4%) patients had MINET (group B), and the remaining 51 (20.6%) patients underwent thyroidectomy with an endoscopic technique (Group C). Incision lengths were 92.4 ± 22.3 mm in Group A, 46.4 ± 9.9 mm in Group B, and 24.3 ± 5.9 mm in Group C. The factors that contributed most to an optimal cosmetic result were marking the patient while he or she was sitting up prior to surgery, resecting skin edges during closure, avoidance of subplatysmal flap elevation and drains, and use of Dermabond.Conclusions: Achieving an optimal cosmetic result when performing thyroid surgery is easiest when oneapplies a number of principles, including elements normally associated with plastic surgery.
Long‐Term Improvement of Quality of Life as a Result of Tonsillotomy (With Radiofrequency Technique) and Tonsillectomy in Youths
Authors: Ericsson Elisabeth , Ledin Torbjörn , Hultcrantz Elisabeth 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective: This is a 1 year follow‐up to compare the effects of partial tonsil resection using the radiofrequency technique (RF) tonsillotomy (TT) with total tonsillectomy (TE) (blunt dissection). Obstructive symptoms, tendency for infections, and health‐related quality of life (HRQL) were studied and compared with the HRQL data from a normal population.Method: The study group consisted of 74 patients (16–25 yr old) randomized to TT (n = 31) or TE (n = 43) with obstructive throat problems with or without recurrent tonsillitis. The Short Form 36 (SF‐36) and EuroQul Visual Analogue Scale were used to evaluate HRQL. A questionnaire investigated the degree of obstruction and history of infections.Results: Preoperatively, both groups reported significantly lower HRQL in all dimensions of the SF‐36 compared with the normal population (P < .05–P < .001). After 1 year, a large improvement (P < .01–P < .001) in both groups in HRQL was found. No differences were found when these groups were compared with the normal population or between the study groups. The effect on snoring was the same for both groups, and the rate of recurrence of infections was low and not any higher in the TT group.Conclusion: Preoperative obstructive problems in combination with recurrent tonsillitis have a negative impact on HRQL. Both the TT and TE groups demonstrated large improvements on HRQL, infections, and obstructive problems 1 year after surgery, indicating that the surgical methods are equally effective. With its reduced postoperative complications, less pain, shorter recovery time, and cost reduction, TT with RF should be considered the method of choice.
Structural Variations in a Single Hyaluronan Derivative Significantly Alter Wound‐Healing Effects in the Rabbit Maxillary Sinus
Authors: Orlandi Richard R. , Shu Xiao Zheng , McGill Lawrence , Petersen Everett , Prestwich Glenn D. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground: Biomaterials based on hyaluronan (HA) are currently used after sinus surgery but have not been found to decrease scarring or enhance wound healing. Chemical composition of these modified HA molecules may impact their biological and clinical effects.Objective: To analyze chemical variations of a single crosslinked HA‐based hydrogel, chemically modified thiolated HA (CMHA‐SX).Methods: Four different components of the hydrogel composition were altered, yielding 54 variations. These were subjected to biomechanical testing, and then potential clinically relevant variations were further tested for swelling and degradation characteristics. Using a rabbit maxillary sinus model, the ability of the material variations to stent a neo‐ostium was tested. Histologic measures were also assessed. Biomechanical and biological effects were correlated.Results: Minor compositional changes had profound biomechanical and biological effects. Swelling and rate of enzymatic degradation were closely related. CMHA‐SX hydrogels that were the most effective stents in maintaining the neo‐ostium also generated the lowest level of acute inflammation, as determined by histology.Conclusions: Chemical composition has a significant impact on the clinical potential of modified HA materials. Histocompatibility appears to most significantly affect ostium preservation.Significance: Different CMHA‐SX hydrogels perform differently in vivo, even when the chemical compositions are quite similar. Objective prospective testing of modified HA materials should precede their clinical use in sinus surgery.
Thyroid Medullary Carcinoma in a Teenager With Cowden Syndrome
Authors: Koksal Yavuz , Sahin Mustafa , Koksal Hande , Orhan Diclehan , Unal Ekrem , Alagoz Engin 
Published: June 2007

AbstractCowden syndrome is a multisystemic cancer predisposition disorder, in which the mucocutaneous lesions are the most constant features. We present a case of Cowden syndrome in a teenage boy with hyperkeratotic papules of the facial skin, especially on the eyelids, with episcleritis, proptosis, and papillomatous lesions on the tip of the tongue and lip mucosa. In addition, two nodules in the thyroid gland were detected. On laboratory examination, the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was 34 ng/mL (normal limits: 0–3 ng/mL). Total thyroidectomy was performed. Histopathologic examination of the specimen revealed thyroid medullary carcinoma. After operation, levels of CEA decreased to normal limits.
Endoscopic Endonasal Management of Pseudotumor Cerebri: Is it Effective?
Authors: Gupta Ashok K. , Gupta Anish , Kumar Sudesh , Lal Vivek 
Published: June 2007

AbstractPurpose: To study the efficacy and safety of endoscopic endonasal optic nerve fenestration for the management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).Design: A prospective study at a tertiary care center.Patients and Methods: All patients with a final diagnosis of IIH from July 2001 to March 2005 were included and subjected to detailed neuro‐ophthalmologic examination and endoscopic endonasal optic nerve fenestration. Postoperative visual acuity and the perimetry was compared with the preoperative status, and the results were analyzed using the ξ2 test.Results: Of the 18 patients included in the study, 17 had improvement in vision postoperatively. Fifteen patients had visual deterioration in the other eye as well, and of these, 12 had improvement, obviating the need for surgery on the other side. Complications were minimal and in the form of synechiae in two of the cases.Discussion: A number of procedures have been described for the management of this entity, and each is associated with a significant morbidity; therefore, there was a need for a minimally invasive procedure. The procedure adopted in the series is minimally invasive and is associated with a 94.5% success rate and minimal morbidity.Conclusions: Endoscopic endonasal optic nerve fenestration is a safe, minimally invasive, and extremely effective procedure for the management of IIH.
The Erasmus Atelectasis Classification: Proposal of a New Classification for Atelectasis of the Middle Ear in Children
Authors: Borgstein Johannes , Gerritsma Tatjana V. , Wieringa Marjan H. , Bruce Iain A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectives: Atelectasis presents a challenging, often progressive, problem in children. Because of the lack of a clinically practical classification, we introduce a new classification, which in our opinion is more useful in the pediatric age group. This alternative classification enables a more clinically relevant correlation between stage of disease and clinical sequelae and technical difficulty at surgery.Study Design: Observational study of patients seen and operated at the Sophia Children's Hospital in Rotterdam, The Netherlands between 1989 and 2005.Methods: Based on clinical appearance, each ear was placed into one of the five groups of the proposed classification and into one of the four stages of Sadé's classification. Preoperative air and bone conduction thresholds and air‐bone gaps (ABG) were calculated using the four‐tone pure‐tone (500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 Hz) averages for bone and air conduction.Results: Of the 248 ears in the study group, 72 were in stage I, with an ABG of 18.2 ± 12.3 dB. Twenty‐two were in stage II, with an ABG of 12.9 ± 9.5 dB. In stage III, there were 32 ears, with an ABG of 11.6 ± 10.0 dB. Thirty‐one ears were in stage IV, with an ABG of 16.1 ± 11.5 dB. Eighty‐five ears were in stage V, with an ABG of 26.1 ± 13.3 dB. When grouped according to Sadé's classification, 92 ears could not be classified.Conclusions: We found the currently proposed classification more useful in that it follows the natural progression of the disease and is more practical in determining operative procedures at each stage.
Positive Correlation of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase‐3 and Death‐Associated Protein Kinase Hypermethylation in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Nayak Chetan S. , Carvalho André Lopes , Jeronimo Carmen , Henrique Rui , Kim Michael M. , Hoque Mohammad O. , Chang Steve , Jiang Wei‐Wen , Koch Wayne , Westra William , Sidransky David , Califano Joseph 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: Promoter hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes is common in head and neck cancer as well as other primary cancers resulting in epigenetic gene silencing. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐3 (TIMP‐3) has been shown to have promoter hypermethylation in several solid tumors, but has not been identified in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Our objective was to determine if TIMP‐3 promoter was hypermethylated in HNSCC, if there was any correlation with death associated protein kinase (DAPK), a tumor suppressor whose promoter has been hypermethylated at high levels in HNSCC, and if any clinical factors influence hypermethylation of either of these genes.Study Design: Prospective study.Methods: Tumor samples from 124 patients with HNSCC were evaluated for promoter hypermethylation for TIMP‐3 and DAPK using quantitative methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (qMSP). We compared both TIMP‐3 and DAPK hypermethylation in HNSCC with each other as well as with other clinical variables.Results: We found that TIMP‐3 was hypermethylated in approximately 71.8% of the tumor samples and DAPK was hypermethylated in 74.2%. The presence of TIMP‐3 and DAPK promoter hypermethylation was significantly higher than in control specimens. More importantly, TIMP‐3 and DAPK hypermethylations in these samples were highly correlated with a concordance of 78% (P < .001). DAPK was also correlated with current alcohol consumption (P < .028), but neither TIMP‐3 nor DAPK hypermethylation was significantly correlated with other clinical variables or with survival.Conclusion: TIMP‐3 promoter hypermethylation is elevated in HNSCC and is highly correlated with DAPK hypermethylation, implying a functional relationship between these genes.
Perforated Peptic Ulcer in Children: A 20‐year Experience
Authors: Hua Man‐Chin , Kong Man‐Shan , Lai Ming‐Wei , Luo Chih‐Cheng 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTBackground:Although the detection of pediatric peptic ulcer disease (PUD) has recently been increasing, perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) in children is rare. We report our experience with PPU in children.Materials and Methods:The charts of children diagnosed with PPU at our hospital from January 1986 to June 2005 were reviewed. Data were obtained on demographics, coexisting clinical events, perforation sites, delay in surgery, operative findings and methods, and outcomes. The data were analyzed using the χ2, Student t test, and multivariate logistic regression for possible risk factors.Results:There were 42 male and 10 female patients aged 2 to 18 years (mean, 14.2 years) included in the study. Forty‐seven patients were adolescents (90%). Eight patients had coexisting clinical events before PPU. All of the patients manifested acute abdominal pain. Forty‐nine patients (94.2%) had peritoneal signs. Radiography showed subdiaphragmatic free air in 43 patients (82.7%); this was the most important tool for establishing diagnosis. Nine patients (17.3%) had postoperative complications. Two patients died (3.8%). Univariate analysis showed that poor outcome was significantly associated with female sex, more coexisting clinical events, no evidence of chronic ulcer, and treatment by simple suture (P < 0.05). Only female sex and simple suture remained statistically significant in multivariate analysis. Although delay in surgery (>12 hours) was not significantly related to complications, there was a greater tendency toward the development of complications.Conclusions:PPU should be suspected in adolescents who manifest acute abdominal pain and have peritoneal signs. Children with PPU have a more favorable outcome than adults.