bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Cisterna Chyli Ablation Combined with Thoracic Duct Ligation on Abdominal Lymphatic Drainage
Authors: Sicard Gretchen K. , Waller Ken R. , McAnulty Jonathan F. 
Published: February 2005

Objective—To evaluate the effect of cisterna chyli ablation (CCA) and thoracic duct ligation (TDL) on abdominal lymphatic drainage in normal dogs.Study Design—Experimental study.Animals—Nine female beagle dogs.Methods—TDL was performed in 3 dogs and was combined with CCA (CCA–TDL) and local omentalization in 6 dogs. Contrast lymphangiography was attempted in all dogs immediately before and after TDL. Dogs were reanesthetized at 31–37 days for lymphatic studies by new methylene blue (NMB) injection into a mesenteric lymph node and by contrast lymphangiography.Results—In 6 CCA–TDL dogs, 2 had direct shunting of contrast from the lymphatic system into major abdominal veins, 3 had contrast material that dissipated into abdominal vessels within the mesenteric root, and 1 had shunting into the azygous vein. NMB was not observed within the omental pedicle after CCA–TDL. Chylous drainage was by the azygous vein in all 3 TDL dogs.Conclusions—CCA–TDL disrupted chylous drainage to the thoracic duct and resulted in direct intraabdominal lymphaticovenous anastomoses identified by shunting of lymphatic flow directly into the abdominal vasculature in 5 of 6 CCA–TDL dogs. Omentalization of the cisternal ablation site was not beneficial in augmenting extrathoracic lymphatic drainage and is not recommended with CCA–TDL.Clinical Relevance—CCA–TDL represents a novel approach to surgical redirection of chylous drainage to the venous circulation outside of the thorax and may be useful in the treatment of spontaneous chylothorax in the dog.
Limb‐Sparing Surgery in a Dog with Osteosarcoma of the Proximal Femur
Authors: Liptak Julius M. , Pluhar G. Elizabeth , Dernell William S. , Withrow Stephen J. 
Published: February 2005

Objective— To report successful limb‐sparing surgery in a dog with a proximal femoral osteosarcoma (OSA) using a composite allograft–prosthetic technique.Study Design— Case report.Animal— Client‐owned dog.Methods— A stage IIB OSA of the proximal aspect of the femur was resected in accordance with oncologic and limb‐sparing principles. The osseous defect was reconstructed with a proximal femoral allograft and cemented, long‐stemmed femoral prosthesis. Soft tissue reconstruction was achieved by suturing host tendons to their respective allogeneic tendons on the allograft. Coxofemoral joint function was preserved using standard total hip arthroplasty techniques.Results— Limb‐sparing surgery of the proximal aspect of the femur using a composite allograft–prosthetic technique resulted in excellent limb function. Postoperative complications included aseptic loosening of the femoral composite graft and allograft nonunion, which required revision, traumatic implant luxation, and local tumor recurrence. Limb function was excellent after surgical stabilization of the allograft nonunion but deteriorated after implant luxation 270 days postlimb‐sparing surgery. Pulmonary and skeletal metastases were diagnosed and local tumor recurrence suspected 596 and 650 days postoperatively, respectively. The dog was euthanatized 688 days after limb‐sparing surgery as a result of progressive local and metastatic disease.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance— Limb‐sparing surgery for dogs with primary bone tumors of the proximal aspect of the femur is feasible with good functional results.
On Swedish Women's Distressing Sexual Dysfunctions: Some Concomitant Conditions and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Öberg Katarina , Fugl-Meyer Kerstin Sjögren 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

Objectives
To explore the associations between women's distressing sexual dysfunctions and different aspects of life satisfaction together with women's concomitant socio-psychological characteristics. Thus, this descriptive article does not discuss causalities.

Methods
A nationally representative sample of sexually active Swedish women aged 18–65 years in a heterosexual steady partner relationship participated in 1996 in a combined structured interview/questionnaire investigation. Personal sexual distress caused by low sexual interest, insufficient lubrication, orgasm dysfunction, dyspareunia, and vaginism was classified as manifest and mild. Concomitant conditions explored were perceived health, stability of domestic situation, perception of male partner's sexual functions/dysfunctions per se, and some socio-demographic factors. Satisfaction with life as a whole and with 10 different domains of life were reported by using the LiSat-11 checklist.

Results
Main results were that a multitude of the independent variables were univariately associated with manifest and, to a lesser extent, mild distressing sexual dysfunctions. This was particularly true for satisfaction with partner relationship and for male's sexual dysfunctions. By performing multiple logistic regressions, the numbers were markedly reduced. The resulting statistical models still contained sexual partner's sexual dysfunctions and satisfaction with partner relationship as dominant covariants of most distressing sexual dysfunctions.

Conclusions
Reported low level of satisfaction with partner relationship and male sexual dysfunctions per se are likely to co-occur with manifest but, to a lesser extent, mild distressing sexual dysfunctions in Swedish women aged 18–65 years.
Religion and Violence: What can Sociology Offer?
Authors: Bruce Steve 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThis essay presents a sketch of a sociological approach to the study of possible links between religion and violence. It aims to avoid two unhelpful positions: the structural social science that denies religion causal status and explains everything by circumstance and the popular commentary that gives too much weight to very specific religious ideas. It suggests that instead of trying to explain rare and exotic political action we look for possible links between large abstract features of religious traditions and key features of the culturally-produced social backgrounds which inform how large groups of people orient themselves to other groups, to the issue of individual rights, and to the legitimacy of the state. The example of the involvement of Protestant fundamentalists in the political violence of Northern Ireland is used to illustrate this approach. The refusal of such fundamentalists to engage in holy war is explained by a combination of circumstances and religious ideas.
Theoretical Reflections on Violence and Religion: Identity, Power, Privilege and Difference (With Reference to the Hispanic World)
Authors: de Velasco Francisco Diez 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to reflect, from a theoretical point of view, on the relationship between violence and religion. The historic examples, taken mainly from the Hispanic world, aim to show that even if violence is an habitual component in religions, it is not at all a necessary combination, either in regards to religion in general or to any religion in particular. For this purpose, four aspects will be brought up in which the binomial religion-violence is manifested in a more characteristic way. The first has to do with identity: religion as a sign of identity can allow for a systematic and religiously correct resource for violence. The second aspect deals with the relationship between power and religion, in particular in its relation to the religious legitimization of power and the violence that goes along with its practice. The third aspect refers to privilege, generator of violence in a number of orders (between humans and animals, men and women, powerful and subjected, center and periphery, religious leaders and their followers, etc.). The last aspect refers to difference and introduces a reflection on multireligiosity, a characteristic of our present world, and in which the combination of religion and violence, even though it endures, tends to be mitigated in view of a global frame of cohabitation which must become stronger from the search for a consensus, necessarily based on the renunciation of religiocentric and ethnocentric stances.
Rotational Motion Changes in the Glenohumeral Joint of the Adolescent/Little League Baseball Player
Authors: Meister Keith , Day Timothy , Horodyski Marybeth , Kaminski Thomas W. , Wasik Michael P. , Tillman Susan 
Published: February 2005

Background Differences in range of motion and rotational motion between the dominant and nondominant shoulders in throwing athletes are well documented, although the age at which these changes begin to occur is not known. Hypothesis Changes in glenohumeral rotational motion in the shoulder of the Little League/adolescent baseball player occur during the most formative years of physical development. Study Design Cross-sectional study. Methods Elevation, internal rotation at 90° of abduction, and external rotation at 90° of abduction were measured in the dominant and nondominant shoulders of 294 baseball players, aged 8 to 16 years. Results Analysis of variance revealed 2-way interactions between arm dominance by age for elevation (P =. 005) and internal rotation (P =. 001). Significant differences were noted between dominant and nondominant arms for internal rotation at 90° (P =.001) and external rotation at 90° (P =. 001). Elevation, internal rotation at 90°, external rotation at 90°, and total range of motion varied significantly (P =. 001) among age groups. Elevation in the dominant arms of 16-year-olds was on average 5.3° less than in 8-year-olds (179.6° vs 174.3°). In the nondominant arms, mean elevation for 16-year-olds was 5.6° less than in 8-year-olds (179.7° vs 174.1°). Internal rotation at 90° for the dominant arms averaged 39.0° at age 8 and only 21.3° at age 16. In the non-dominant arms, internal rotation for 8-year-olds averaged 42.2° and only 33.1° for 16-year-olds. Conclusions Elevation and total range of motion decreased as age increased. These changes may be consequences of both bone and soft tissue adaptation. The most dramatic decline in total range of motion was seen between the 13-year-olds and 14-year-olds, in the year before peak incidence of Little Leaguer's shoulder. This decrease in rotational motion may cause increased stress at the physis during throwing.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament Revision Reconstruction, Part 1
Authors: Noyes Frank R. , Barber-Westin Sue D. 
Published: February 2005

Background Posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions have not shown uniformly predictable results in restoration of normal posterior tibial translation. The authors are unaware of any study that has assessed the causes of failure of these operations, and they investigated 52 prior unsuccessful posterior cruciate ligament procedures to determine the factors that contributed to failure of the operations. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods The authors studied 52 prior failed posterior cruciate ligament surgeries that had been done in 41 knees (40 patients). Graft reconstructions had been done in 31 cases, primary repairs in 14, synthetic replacements in 4, and thermoplasties in 3. Medical records, operative notes, radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging scans were reviewed, and a comprehensive knee examination was conducted. Results A single factor that caused the operations to fail was identified in 23 (44%) of 52 operations, and multiple factors were identified in 29 (56%). The most common probable causes of failure were associated posterolateral ligament deficiency (40%), improper graft tunnel placement (33%), associated varus malalignment (31%), and primary suture repair (25%). Sixteen of 21 (76%) prior posterolateral ligament procedures had failed, as had 9 of 19 (47%) prior anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. Twenty-nine knees (71%) presented with pain with activities of daily living. Thirty-four knees (83%) had compounding problems of joint arthritis, prior meniscectomy, associated ligament deficiencies, or varus malalignment. Posterior cruciate revision surgery was done in 22 knees (54%). Eleven knees (27%) had severe joint damage that contraindicated revision, and 8 (19%) declined further operations. Conclusions Failure to restore associated ligament instabilities and incorrect tunnel placement were major factors contributing to surgical failure. The results suggest the need for greater emphasis on the initial reconstruction in graft tunnel placement, correction of associated ligament instabilities, and correction of varus osseous malalignment. Failure of concurrent posterolateral ligament reconstructions was frequently encountered, suggesting the need for higher strength augmentation procedures or anatomical graft replacement.
Concentrations of cyclosporin A and FK506 that inhibit IL-2 induction in human T cells do not affect TGF-β1 biosynthesis, whereas higher doses of cyclosporin A trigger apoptosis and release of preformed TGF-β1
Authors: Minguillón Jordi , Morancho Beatriz , Kim Seong-Jin , López-Botet Miguel , Aramburu José 
Published: February 2005

AbstractCyclosporin A (CsA) and FK506 suppress T cell activation by inhibiting calcineurin and the calcineurin-dependent transcription factors nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAc), which are central regulators of T cell function. It was reported that CsA up-regulated the transcription of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in lymphocytes and other cells and activated its promoter in A549 lung carcinoma cells, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood, and it is unclear whether calcineurin plays any role. We have studied the regulation of TGF-β1 in normal human lymphocytes and cell lines. In Jurkat T cells, the TGF-β1 promoter was activated by calcineurin and NFATc and inhibited by CsA and FK506. However, the promoter was insensitive to both drugs in A549 cells. In human T cells preactivated with phytohemagglutinin, biosynthesis of TGF-β1, induced by the T cell receptor (TCR) or the TGF-β receptor, was not substantially affected by CsA and FK506 concentrations (≤1 μM) that effectively inhibited interleukin-2 production. However, pretreatment of fresh lymphocytes with CsA or FK506 during primary TCR stimulation reduced their production of TGF-β1 during secondary TCR activation. Finally, high concentrations of CsA (10 μM), in the range attained in vivo in experiments in rodents, caused apoptosis in human T cells and the release of preformed, bioactive TGF-β1. These effects are unlikely to owe to calcineurin inhibition, as they were not observed with FK506. Our results indicate that CsA and FK506 are not general inducers of TGF-β1 biosynthesis but can cause different effects on TGF-β1 depending on the cell type and concentrations used.
Stem Cell Factor and Granulocyte-Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor as Candidates for Tumour Markers for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Mroczko Barbara , Szmitkowski Maciej , Niklinski Jacek 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
We have investigated the serum level of stem cell factor (SCF) and granulocyte-macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in relation to a control group and commonly accepted tumour markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin fragment 19 (CYFRA 21-1). Additionally, we have defined the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve of SCF and GM-CSF in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The serum levels of cytokines were measured in 50 patients with NSCLC and in 20 healthy subjects. SCF and GM-CSF were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), CYFRA 21-1 was measured by radioimmunoassay and CEA by microparticle enzyme immunoassay. There were significant increases in circulating SCF and GM-CSF in the lung cancer patients compared to the control group. The diagnostic sensitivity of GM-CSF was higher (70 %) than the sensitivity of CEA (62 %) and CYFRA 21-1 (51 %). The diagnostic specificity of GM-CSF was lower (65 %) than SCF specificity (70 %), but the GM-CSF predictive values were higher in relation to the predictive values of SCF. These results suggest a potential role of SCF and GM-CSF as tumour markers for NSCLC.
Serum Proteins by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis: Approaches to the Definition of Reference Values
Authors: Petrini Concetta , Alessio Maria G. , Scapellato Luisa , Brambilla Simona , Franzini Carlo 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
The Paragon CZE 2000 (Beckman Analytical, Milan, Italy) is an automatic dedicated capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) system, producing a five-zone serum protein pattern with quantitative estimation of the zones. With the view of substituting this instrument for two previously used serum protein electrophoresis techniques, we planned to produce reference values for the "new" systems leading to compatible interpretation of the results. High resolution cellulose acetate electrophoresis with visual inspection and descriptive reporting (HR-CAE) and five-zone cellulose acetate electrophoresis with densitometry (CAE-D) were the previously used techniques. Serum samples (n = 167) giving "normal pattern" with HR-CAE were assayed with the CZE system, and the results were statistically assessed to yield 0.95 reference intervals. One thousand normal and pathological serum samples were then assayed with the CAE-D and the CZE techniques, and the regression equations of the CAE-D values over the CZE values for the five zones were used to transform the CAE-D reference limits into the CZE reference limits. The two sets of reference values thereby produced were in good agreement with each other and also with reference values previously reported for the CZE system. Thus, reference values for the CZE techniques permit interpretation of results coherent with the previously used techniques and reporting modes.
Pre-metrological (Pre-analytical) Variation of Some Biochemical Quantities
Authors: Fuentes-Arderiu Xavier , Acebes-Frieyro Galo , Gavaso-Navarro Laura , Castiñeiras-Lacambra María José 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
It is customary to assume that pre-metrological variation is negligible if all pre-metrological sources of variation have been standardised. The aim of this study was to quantify the pre-metrological variation of some biochemical quantities frequently measured in clinical laboratories. The experimental design considers the different sources of pre-metrological variation that usually act day-to-day on samples from patients.
The results demonstrate that, for many quantities, the pre-metrological variance is not negligible; consequently, it is suggested that these variances should be taken into account when estimating the uncertainty of measurement of patients' results.
Methods for Improving Clinical Trials
Authors: Cleophas Ton J. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Over the past decades, the randomized controlled trial has entered an era of continuous improvement and has gradually become accepted as the most effective way of determining the relative efficacy and toxicity of new therapies because it controls for placebo and time effects. However, even sensitive and properly designed and executed trials do not always confirm hypotheses to be tested, and conclusions are not always confirmed by subsequent trials. Although the former may be due to wrong hypotheses, the latter is likely to be due to the presence of certain imperfections within the design and execution of the trial itself.
In this opinion paper, while focusing on such imperfections, the author searched for methods for further improvement of controlled trials, particularly clinical trials. The examples used in this paper are obtained from literature search as well as recent studies performed by the Netherlands Working Group on Cardiovascular Research (WCN).
Methods for improvement could include: 1. making every effort to avoid asymmetries in the treatment groups; 2. emphasis on statistical power rather than just null-hypothesis testing; 3. adjusting for asymmetries not only of patient characteristics but also of outcome variables; 4. accounting routinely for type III errors; 5. routinely weighing benefits of a new drug against risks.
Accurate Platelet Counting in an Insidious Case of Pseudothrombocytopenia
Authors: Lombarts Arnold J. P. F. , Zijlstra Jelle J. , Peters Richard H. M. , Thomasson Cees G. , Franck Paul F. H. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Anticoagulant-induced aggregation of platelets leads to pseudothrombocytopenia. Blood cell counters generally trigger alarms to alert the user. We describe an insidious case of pseudothrombocytopenia, where the complete absence of Coulter counter alarms both in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid blood and in citrate or acid citrate dextrose blood samples was compounded by the fact that the massive aggregates were exclusively found at the edges of the blood smear. Non-recognition of pseudothrombocytopenia can have serious diagnostic and therapeutic consequences. While the anti-aggregant mixture citrate-theophylline-adenosine-dipyridamole completely failed in preventing pseudothrombocytopenia, addition of iloprost to anticoagulants only partially prevented the aggregation. Only the prior addition of gentamicin to any anticoagulant used resulted in a complete prevention of pseudothrombocytopenia and enabled to count accurately the platelets.
LOINC im medizinischen Laboratorium. LOINC in the medical laboratory
Authors: Jakob Robert 
Published: February 2005

Abstract

Abstract The increasing level of electronic data exchange in the health system and the correlated transmission of laboratory data between different institutions require a harmonization of the data languages. This aim is served by LOINC (Logical Observation Identifier Names and Codes), a system which has evolved for years. The defining axes and the code provide a valid method for the unambiguous identification of laboratory results and more. The existing and defined integration into data exchange standards such as HL7 and LDT highlights LOINC as a bridge between laboratories, medical practices, hospitals, or other facilities in the health system, especially regarding laboratory results. Pertaining to the recording of the performance of a laboratory, the methods are the most relevant data. In this regard, the existing options of the data transmission standards have to be used. In its present form, LOINC by itself is therefore not appropriate for economical analyses and controlling, i.e. cost and output accounting.
In the light of the broad international implementation of LOINC and its established adoption in German facilities, LOINC turns out to be the most mature standard among the competing systems for clinical use.
Virologische Labordiagnostik der Hepatitis C. Laboratory diagnosis of hepatitis C
Authors: Berger Annemarie 
Published: February 2005

Abstract

Abstract In recent years, commercial HCV antibody screening assays, which were first launched in 1990, have been significantly improved in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Standardized methods for the qualitative and quantitative detection of HCV–RNA are now available and show, due to the introduction of an international standard, a good comparability. Alternatively, the quantification of circulating amounts of viral antigen in the peripheral blood can be performed with a commercially available enzyme immunoassay (EIA). One of the main routes of transmission of HCV infection – blood transfusion and blood products – has almost been eliminated by significant improvements in laboratory diagnostics. Actually, i. v. drug abusers represent the main risk group for HCV infection. Research-based methods used so far for the measurement of cellular immunity and neutralizing antibodies may play an important role in the development of a HCV vaccine.