bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Evaluation of Wallerian Degeneration in Chronic Paediatric Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction Using Diffusion Tensor MR Imaging
Authors: Khong Pek-Lan , Zhou Lin-Jiang , Ooi Gaik-Cheng , Chung Brian H.Y. , Cheung Raymond T.F. , Wong Virginia C.N. 
Published: July 2004

<i>Background:</i> The long-term neuromotor outcome in paediatric strokes ranges from normal to varying degrees of hemiplegia. We evaluated the indices of diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI), fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity to determine if these indices can identify and quantify the presence of Wallerian degeneration in paediatric patients with chronic middle cerebral artery infarction, and to determine if these quantitative parameters correlate with the neuromotor outcome. <i>Methods:</i> Eleven children (mean age 8.1 years) with evidence of unilateral middle cerebral artery stroke on magnetic resonance imaging and 10 control subjects (mean age 8.7 years) were studied. Neuromotor outcome was based on functions of the affected hand: mild (n = 3), moderate (n = 6), and severe (n = 2) hemiparesis. Fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity of the ipsilateral corticospinal tract were compared with matched contralateral regions using the Mann-Whitney U test. Spearman’s test was performed to study the relationship between neuromotor outcome and the following: ipsilateral-to-contralateral ratio of fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity and cerebral peduncle area, and the largest infarction size. <i>Results:</i> For control subjects, there were no significant differences in fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity of the corticospinal tract between the right and left side. For patients, fractional anisotropy decreased by 18% and mean diffusivity increased by 8% in the ipsilateral compared to the contralateral corticospinal tract. Neuromotor outcome correlated with the ipsilateral-to-contralateral ratio of fractional anisotropy (r = –0.638, p = 0.035) but not with the mean diffusivity ratio, cerebral peduncle area ratio and largest infarction size. <i>Conclusion:</i> DTI can be used to detect and quantify Wallerian degeneration in chronic paediatric middle cerebral artery infarction. Our preliminary data show that loss of anisotropy in the corticospinal tract correlates with neuromotor outcome.
THE SURA OF THE POETS, QUR'AN XXVI: FINAL CONCLUSIONS
Authors: Shahīd Irfan 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe crucial verses in the Qur'an (XXVI, 224-227) for understanding the theme of Islam and poetry have been re-examined in the light of recent publications and have reinforced the conclusion that the key word " al-ghawuna " in verse 224 signifies not erring human beings, but demons, " shayatin." More importantly, verse 227 has been shown to involve not the poets' mendacity as such, but their inability to produce anything that can compare with the Qur'an, declared inimitable, " mu'jiz ." The traditional interpretation of verse 226, that poets are liars, has been traced through Islamic cultural history.
Mutations of the Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein (WASP): hotspots, effect on transcription, and translation and phenotype/genotype correlation
Authors: Jin Yinzhu , Mazza Cinzia , Christie Jacinda R. , Giliani Silvia , Fiorini Maurilia , Mella Patrizia , Gandellini Francesca , Stewart Donn M. , Zhu Qili , Nelson David L. , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Ochs Hans D. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is an X-linked recessive immune deficiency disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, small platelet size, eczema, recurrent infections, and increased risk of autoimmune disorders and malignancies. X-linked thrombocytopenia (XLT) is an allelic variant of WAS which presents with a milder phenotype, generally limited to thrombocytopenia. WAS and XLT are caused by mutations of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) gene which encodes a 502-amino acid protein, named WASP. WASP is thought to play a role in actin cytoskeleton organization and cell signaling. Here, we report the identification of 141 unique mutations, 71 not previously reported, from 227 WAS/XLT families with a total of 262 affected members. When possible we studied the effects of these mutations on transcription, RNA splicing, and protein expression. By analyzing a large number of patients with WAS/XLT at the molecular level we identified 5 mutational hotspots in the WASP gene and have been able to establish a strong association between genotype and phenotype. (Blood. 2004;104:4010-4019)
Distinct roles of ADP receptors in von Willebrand factor–mediated platelet signaling and activation under high flow
Authors: Mazzucato Mario , Cozzi Maria Rita , Pradella Paola , Ruggeri Zaverio M. , De Marco Luigi 
Published: July 2004

AbstractWe have investigated the role of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptors in the adhesion, activation, and aggregation of platelets perfused over immobilized von Willebrand factor (VWF) under high shear stress. Blocking P2Y1 prevented stable platelet adhesion and aggregation, indicative of a complete inhibition of αIIbβ3 activation, and decreased the duration of transient arrests from 5.9 seconds ± 2.8 seconds to 1.2 seconds ± 0.8 seconds; in contrast, blocking P2Y12 inhibited only the formation of larger aggregates. Moreover, blocking P2Y1 decreased the proportion of platelets showing early intracytoplasmic Ca++ elevations (α/β peaks) from 20.6% ± 1.6% to 14.6% ± 1.5% (P &lt; .01), and the corresponding peak ion concentration from 1543 nM ± 312 nM to 1037 nM ± 322 nM (P &lt; .05); it also abolished the Ca++ elevations seen in firmly attached platelets (γ peaks). Blocking P2Y12 had no effect on these parameters, and did not enhance the effect of inhibiting P2Y1. Inhibition of phospholipase C had similar consequences as the blocking of P2Y1, whereas inhibition of Src family kinases abolished both type α/β and γ Ca++ oscillations, although the former effect required a higher inhibitor concentration. Our results demonstrate that, under elevated shear stress conditions, ADP signaling through P2Y1 may contribute to the initial stages of platelet adhesion and activation mediated by immobilized VWF, and through P2Y12 to sustained thrombus formation.
8-Cl-Adenosine enhances 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced growth inhibition without affecting 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-stimulated differentiation of primary mouse epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Bollag Wendy B , Zhong Xiaofeng , Josephson Sarah 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Background
Epidermal keratinocytes continuously proliferate and differentiate to form the mechanical and water permeability barrier that makes terrestrial life possible. In certain skin diseases, these processes become dysregulated, resulting in abnormal barrier formation. In particular, skin diseases such as psoriasis, actinic keratosis and basal and squamous cell carcinomas are characterized by hyperproliferation and aberrant or absent differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes. We previously demonstrated that 8-Cl-adenosine (8-Cl-Ado) can induce keratinocyte growth arrest without inducing differentiation.

Results
To determine if this agent might be useful in treating hyperproliferative skin disorders, we investigated whether 8-Cl-Ado could enhance the ability of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], a known keratinocyte differentiating agent and a clinical treatment for psoriasis, to inhibit keratinocyte growth. We found that low concentrations of 8-Cl-Ado and 1,25(OH)2D3 appeared to act additively to reduce proliferation of primary mouse epidermal keratinocytes. However, another agent (transforming growth factor-beta) that triggers growth arrest without inducing differentiation also coincidentally inhibits differentiation elicited by other agents; inhibition of differentiation is suboptimal for treating skin disorders, as differentiation is often already reduced. Thus, we determined whether 8-Cl-Ado also decreased keratinocyte differentiation induced by 1,25(OH)2D3, as measured using the early and late differentiation markers, keratin 1 protein levels and transglutaminase activity, respectively. 8-Cl-Ado did not affect 1,25(OH)2D3-stimulated keratin 1 protein expression or transglutaminase activity.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that 8-Cl-Ado might be useful in combination with differentiating agents for the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders of the skin.
Discovery of induced point mutations in maize genes by TILLING
Authors: Till Bradley J , Reynolds Steven H , Weil Clifford , Springer Nathan , Burtner Chris , Young Kim , Bowers Elisabeth , Codomo Christine A , Enns Linda C , Odden Anthony R , Greene Elizabeth A , Comai Luca , Henikoff Steven 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Background
Going from a gene sequence to its function in the context of a whole organism requires a strategy for targeting mutations, referred to as reverse genetics. Reverse genetics is highly desirable in the modern genomics era; however, the most powerful methods are generally restricted to a few model organisms. Previously, we introduced a reverse-genetic strategy with the potential for general applicability to organisms that lack well-developed genetic tools. Our TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes) method uses chemical mutagenesis followed by screening for single-base changes to discover induced mutations that alter protein function. TILLING was shown to be an effective reverse genetic strategy by the establishment of a high-throughput TILLING facility and the delivery of thousands of point mutations in hundreds of Arabidopsis genes to members of the plant biology community.

Results
We demonstrate that high-throughput TILLING is applicable to maize, an important crop plant with a large genome but with limited reverse-genetic resources currently available. We screened pools of DNA samples for mutations in 1-kb segments from 11 different genes, obtaining 17 independent induced mutations from a population of 750 pollen-mutagenized maize plants. One of the genes targeted was the DMT102 chromomethylase gene, for which we obtained an allelic series of three missense mutations that are predicted to be strongly deleterious.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that TILLING is a broadly applicable and efficient reverse-genetic strategy. We are establishing a public TILLING service for maize modeled on the existing Arabidopsis TILLING Project.
Shoulder posture and median nerve sliding
Authors: Julius Andrea , Lees Rebecca , Dilley Andrew , Lynn Bruce 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Background
Patients with upper limb pain often have a slumped sitting position and poor shoulder posture. Pain could be due to poor posture causing mechanical changes (stretch; local pressure) that in turn affect the function of major limb nerves (e.g. median nerve). This study examines (1) whether the individual components of slumped sitting (forward head position, trunk flexion and shoulder protraction) cause median nerve stretch and (2) whether shoulder protraction restricts normal nerve movements.

Methods
Longitudinal nerve movement was measured using frame-by-frame cross-correlation analysis from high frequency ultrasound images during individual components of slumped sitting. The effects of protraction on nerve movement through the shoulder region were investigated by examining nerve movement in the arm in response to contralateral neck side flexion.

Results
Neither moving the head forward or trunk flexion caused significant movement of the median nerve. In contrast, 4.3 mm of movement, adding 0.7% strain, occurred in the forearm during shoulder protraction. A delay in movement at the start of protraction and straightening of the nerve trunk provided evidence of unloading with the shoulder flexed and elbow extended and the scapulothoracic joint in neutral. There was a 60% reduction in nerve movement in the arm during contralateral neck side flexion when the shoulder was protracted compared to scapulothoracic neutral.

Conclusion
Slumped sitting is unlikely to increase nerve strain sufficient to cause changes to nerve function. However, shoulder protraction may place the median nerve at risk of injury, since nerve movement is reduced through the shoulder region when the shoulder is protracted and other joints are moved. Both altered nerve dynamics in response to moving other joints and local changes to blood supply may adversely affect nerve function and increase the risk of developing upper quadrant pain.
Investigating the utility of combining Φ29 whole genome amplification and highly multiplexed single nucleotide polymorphism BeadArray™ genotyping
Authors: Pask Rebecca , Rance Helen E , Barratt Bryan J , Nutland Sarah , Smyth Deborah J , Sebastian Meera , Twells Rebecca CJ , Smith Anne , Lam Alex C , Smink Luc J , Walker Neil M , Todd John A 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Background
Sustainable DNA resources and reliable high-throughput genotyping methods are required for large-scale, long-term genetic association studies. In the genetic dissection of common disease it is now recognised that thousands of samples and hundreds of thousands of markers, mostly single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), will have to be analysed. In order to achieve these aims, both an ability to boost quantities of archived DNA and to genotype at low costs are highly desirable. We have investigated Φ29 polymerase Multiple Displacement Amplification (MDA)-generated DNA product (MDA product), in combination with highly multiplexed BeadArray™ genotyping technology. As part of a large-scale BeadArray genotyping experiment we made a direct comparison of genotyping data generated from MDA product with that from genomic DNA (gDNA) templates.

Results
Eighty-six MDA product and the corresponding 86 gDNA samples were genotyped at 345 SNPs and a concordance rate of 98.8% was achieved. The BeadArray sample exclusion rate, blind to sample type, was 10.5% for MDA product compared to 5.8% for gDNA.

Conclusions
We conclude that the BeadArray technology successfully produces high quality genotyping data from MDA product. The combination of these technologies improves the feasibility and efficiency of mapping common disease susceptibility genes despite limited stocks of gDNA samples.
Premorbid adjustment in first-episode non-affective psychosis: Distinct patterns of pre-onset course
Authors: Larsen Tor K. , Friis Svein , Haahr Ulrik , Johannessen Jan Olav , Melle Ingrid , Opjordsmoen Stein , Rund Bjørn Rishovd , Simonsen Erik , Vaglum Per , McGlashan Thomas H. 
Published: July 2004

BackgroundKnowledge about premorbid development in psychosis can shed light upon theories about aetiology and schizophrenic heterogeneity, and form a basis for early detection initiatives.AimsTo identify and validate patterns of premorbid functioning in first-episode psychosis.MethodThe Premorbid Adjustment Scale was used to examine 335 patients.ResultsSocial and academic function constituted fairly independent dimensions. Cluster analysis identified groups varying both in level and course. Patients with a stable social course compared with a deteriorating one had a shorter duration of untreated psychosis, were older, had more friends and less negative symptoms. Good childhood academic function correlated with more education, more meaningful activities and better working memory. Patients with a stable academic course were older at admission.ConclusionsPatterns of premorbid development suggest both neuro-developmental and neuroregressive pathways to illness.
What are the benefits of evidence-based supported employment for patients with first-episode psychosis?
Authors: Rinaldi Miles , Mcneil Karen , Firn Mike , Koletsi Marsha , Perkins Rachel , Singh Swaran P. 
Published: July 2004

Aims and MethodTo examine the effectiveness of integrating evidence-based supported employment into an early intervention service for young people with first-episode psychosis. Demographic, clinical and vocational data were collected over a 12-month period to evaluate the effect on vocational outcomes at 6 months and 12 months of the employment of a vocational specialist, and to assess model fidelity.ResultsFollowing vocational profiling and input from the vocational specialist and the team, there were significant increases in the proportion of clients engaged in work or educational activity over the first 6 months of the intervention, and in a subsample over a second 6-month period. The evidence-based Supported Employment Fidelity Scale was used to measure the degree of implementation, which scored 71, signifying ‘good implementation’.Clinical ImplicationsThe results suggest that implementing evidence-based supported employment within an early intervention service increases employment and education opportunities for patients within the service.
A study of clozapine and long-term hospitalisation rates
Authors: Woodall Alan A. , Menkes David B. , Trevelyan Thomas R. , Lanceley Colin P. 
Published: July 2004

Aims and MethodThe aim of the study was to investigate the use of clozapine in treatment-resistant schizophrenia and its impact on hospitalisation rates when prescribed in accordance with National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Case records were examined of patients admitted to the psychiatric unit of Glan Clwyd Hospital between 1996 and 2001.ResultsOf 59 patients identified as having treatment-resistant schizophrenia, 83% had been considered for clozapine, 48% were taking clozapine, 20% had refused the drug and 15% had stopped taking it because of side-effects. The mean annual hospitalisation rate for patients receiving clozapine for a minimum of 3 years was 13.5 days, markedly lower than those not receiving this drug (34.0 days, P=0.03). Older patients were less likely to have been offered clozapine (P=0.006).Clinical ImplicationsThis study supports the NICE guidelines recommending clozapine for patients with treatment-resistant disease. Clozapine is offered less often to older patients; factors influencing this require investigation.
Low glycaemic index diet in patients prescribed clozapine: pilot study
Authors: Smith Helen , White Tom 
Published: July 2004

Aims and MethodThis study aimed to investigate the potential benefits of a low glycaemic index diet in patients with schizophrenia taking clozapine. Seven patients consented to participate in a 5-week pilot study. Measurements were taken of body weight, random blood glucose and cholesterol levels.ResultsThe mean weight loss per patient was 2.9 kg in 4 weeks. Random blood glucose levels reduced from a mean of 5.3 mmol/l at the beginning of the study to 4.7 mmol/l at the end.Clinical ImplicationsA low glycaemic index diet may possibly reduce the substantial cardiovascular risk in patients receiving antipsychotic medication.
Using Health-Related Quality of Life Measures to Predict Cardiac Function in Survivors Exposed to Anthracyclines
Authors: Ginsberg Jill P. , Cnaan Avital , Zhao Huaqing , Clark Bernard J. , Paridon Stephen M. , Chin Alvin J. , Rychik Jack , Hogarty Alexa N. , Barber Gerald , Rutkowski Monika , Kimball Thomas R. , DeLaat Cynthia , Steinherz Laurel J. , Silber Jeffrey H. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose As the number of pediatric cancer survivors increases, so does the number of survivors previously exposed to anthracyclines as part of their cancer therapy. Because screening is costly, some have suggested that health-related quality of life (HRQL) measures might be useful in focusing screening tests on those patients with cases most likely to display positive findings. This study reports on the predictive ability of HRQL measures to detect patients with abnormalities on serial cardiac testing. Methods Using 127 patients from the ACE-Inhibitor after Anthracycline (AAA) Trial, this study compared serial measures of the Short Form-36 (SF-36; for ages > 13 years) and Child Health Questionnaire-Child Form 87 (CHQ-CF87; for ages ≤ 13 years) to serial cardiac performance tests including echocardiographic shortening fraction, left ventricular end systolic wall stress (LVESWS), LVESWS-index, and maximal cardiac index (MCI; a measure of cardiac output at peak exercise). Results Generally, there was no clinically or statistically significant correlation between any HRQL measure and any cardiac function measure except between MCI and vitality and physical functioning. For each of these measures, the correlation between MCI was statistically significant (P < .006), but each HRQL subscale could explain no more than 7% of the variation in MCI. HRQL measures were not predictive of any other cardiac function measure. Conclusion HRQL measures should not be used in isolation as a screen for cardiac function abnormalities in patients exposed to anthracylines who already have a mild degree of ventricular dysfunction. Patient history appears to be no substitute for cardiac testing in this cohort.
Utility of Fine-Needle Aspiration As a Diagnostic Technique in Lymphoma
Authors: Hehn Sean T. , Grogan Thomas M. , Miller Thomas P. 
Published: July 2004

PurposeTo evaluate, from a clinician's perspective, the sensitivity and specificity of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) as a technique for the diagnosis of lymphoma.Patients and MethodsMedical records of 470 new patients seen in one lymphoma specialist's clinic from January 1998 through December 2002 were reviewed. Ninety-nine (21%) of the 470 patients underwent a total of 115 FNA procedures, which were assessed by more than 70 different pathologists in 32 different pathology departments. Subsequent excisional biopsies were performed in 67 of these patients and interpreted by a single hematopathology group without independent review.ResultsOf 115 FNA procedures, 93 were completed for the initial evaluation of lymphoma and 22 were done for assessment of relapsed disease. Of the 93 FNA attempts at initial diagnosis, only 27 (29%) were given a specific and complete histologic diagnosis using an accepted classification system (Working Formulation, Revised European-American Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms, WHO). For the 22 FNAs done for recurrent disease, only nine (41%) were classified using an accepted system. Sixty-seven (72%) of the 93 FNAs performed for the evaluation of initial disease had subsequent excisional biopsies. Among these paired comparisons, only eight (12%) of 67 FNA diagnoses were correlated with the subsequent excisional biopsy diagnosis. Immunophenotyping was completed on 24 of the 67 paired FNAs. Seven of the 24 FNAs with immunophenotyping (29%) were correlated with subsequent histology on excisional biopsy. Only one (2%) of 43 FNA diagnoses, based on morphology alone, was correlated with subsequent excisional biopsy diagnosis.ConclusionOverall, FNA for lymphoma diagnosis is not helpful, not cost effective, and in addition may misguide treatment.