bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic polymorphism of glutathione S‐transferase genes (GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1) and susceptibility to prostate cancer in Northern India
Authors: Srivastava Daya Shankar Lal , Mandhani Anil , Mittal Balraj , Mittal Rama Devi 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVETo examine the association of glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) gene polymorphisms in patients with sporadic prostate cancer, in a North Indian population, as GSTs are active in detoxifying a wide variety of endogenous or exogenous carcinogens, and genetic polymorphisms of GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 have been assessed to evaluate the relative risk of various cancers.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe assessed 127 patients with prostate cancer and 144 age‐matched controls, all from North India. The GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes were identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in peripheral blood DNA samples, and GSTP1‐313 A/G polymorphism was determined by PCR/restriction fragment length polymorphism.RESULTSThere was a significant association in null alleles of the GSTM1 (odds ratio 2.239, 95% confidence interval 1.37–3.65, P = 0.001) and GSTT1 (1.891, 1.089–3.282, P = 0.026) with prostate cancer risk, and in the ‐313 G alleles (Val) of the GSTP1 gene (2.48, 1.51–4.08, P < 0.001). The combined analysis of these three genotypes showed a further increase in the risks of prostate cancer (7.23, 2.42–22.6, P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONThe GSTP1‐313 G polymorphism, and null alleles of GSTM1 and GSTT1, are strong predisposing risk factors for sporadic prostate cancer in North India.
Differential endostatin binding to bladder, prostate and kidney tumour vessels
Authors: Schmidt Annette , Sommer Frank , Reiner Michael , Klotz Theodor , Engelmann Udo , Addicks Klaus , Bloch Wilhelm 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVESTo define the anti‐angiogenic mechanism and causes of the heterogeneous influence of endostatin, one of a group of matrix‐derived inhibitors of tumour angiogenesis of increasing significance in tumour treatment, on various tissue types.MATERIALS AND METHODSVariations in the binding behaviour of endostatin with vessels were assessed in different tumours (bladder, prostate and kidney) and compared with benign tissue vessels. Biotinylated endostatin was used and detected using extravidin CY3 and extravidin‐gold immunolabelling.RESULTSThere were significant differences in the number of vessels showing endostatin binding among benign and malignant bladder, prostate and kidney tissues. While there was distinct endostatin binding on a mean (sd) of 94.2 (3.0)% bladder and 73.8 (19.5)% prostate tumour vessels, there was less binding, at 11.32 (3.9)%, on kidney tumour vessels. There was less binding to vessels of benign bladder, prostate and kidney tissue, at 2.0 (1.5), 1.7 (1.7) and 1.5 (1.7)%, respectively. At the ultrastructural level, different binding sites were detected both inside and outside the endothelial cells.CONCLUSIONEndostatin binds more to all tumour tissues than to benign tissue, but the degree of binding in malignant kidney tissue was significantly less than that in malignant prostate and bladder tissues. These divergent vascular endostatin‐binding patterns could be responsible for a tumour type‐dependent anti‐angiogenic effect attributable to endostatin. Such selective behaviour would have therapeutic consequences for future anti‐angiogenic therapy, in which different kinds of tumours could be further classified into those responding to endostatin or not.
Fast Hybrid Approach for Texturing Point Models
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Qiu Feng , Kaufman Arie 
Published: December 2004

Abstract We present three methods for texturing point models from sample textures. The first method, the point parameterization method, uses a fast distortion‐bounded parameterization algorithm to flatten the point model's surface into one or more 2D patches. The sample texture is mapped onto these patches and alpha blending is used to minimize the discontinuity in the gaps between the patches. The second method is based on neighborhood matching where a color is assigned to each point by searching the best match within an irregular neighborhood. The hybrid method combines the former two methods, capitalizing on the advantages of both. The point parameterization method is used first to color most of the points, and the point neighborhood‐matching method is then applied to the points belonging to the gaps between the parameterized patches to minimize the discontinuity. We opt for fast texture generation, while some discontinuities may appear in the gaps of anisotropic textures.
Compression of Large‐Scale Terrain Data for Real‐Time Visualization Using a Tiled Quad Tree
Authors: Platings M. , Day A. M. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract The aim of the rapid world modeling project is to implement a system to visualize the topography of the entire world on consumer‐level hardware. This presents a significant problem in terms of both storage requirements and rendering speed. This paper presents the ‘Tiled Quad Tree’, a technique and format for the storage of digital terrain models, to work as part of an integrated system for the visualization of global terrain data. We show how this format efficiently stores and compresses elevation data, in a way that allows the data to be read very rapidly from hard disk or similar storage medium, to facilitate real‐time rendering. The results of compressing several distinct data sets are presented.
Style‐Based Motion Synthesis†
Authors: Urtasun Raquel , Glardon Pascal , Boulic Ronan , Thalmann Daniel , Fua Pascal 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Representing motions as linear sums of principal components has become a widely accepted animation technique. While powerful, the simplest version of this approach is not particularly well suited to modeling the specific style of an individual whose motion had not yet been recorded when building the database: it would take an expert to adjust the PCA weights to obtain a motion style that is indistinguishable from his. Consequently, when realism is required, the current practice is to perform a full motion capture session each time a new person must be considered. In this paper, we extend the PCA approach so that this requirement can be drastically reduced: for whole classes of cyclic and noncyclic motions such as walking, running or jumping, it is enough to observe the newcomer moving only once at a particular speed or jumping a particular distance using either an optical motion capture system or a simple pair of synchronized video cameras. This one observation is used to compute a set of principal component weights that best approximates the motion and to extrapolate in real‐time realistic animations of the same person walking or running at different speeds, and jumping a different distance.
Smooth Surface Reconstruction Using Tensor Fields as Structuring Elements
Authors: Vieira M. B. , Martins P. P. , Araújo A. A. , Cord M. , Philipp‐Foliguet S. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract We propose a new strategy to estimate surface normal information from highly noisy sparse data. Our approach is based on a tensor field morphologically adapted to infer normals. It acts as a three‐dimensional structuring element of smooth surfaces. Robust orientation inference for all input elements is performed by morphological operations using the tensor field. A general normal estimator is defined by combining the inferred normals, their confidences and the tensor field. This estimator can be used to directly reconstruct the surface or give input normals to other reconstruction methods. We present qualitative and quantitative results to show the behavior of the original methods and ours. A comparative discussion of these results shows the efficiency of our propositions.
Stellar Mesh Simplification Using Probabilistic Optimization
Authors: Vieira Antônio W. , Lewiner Thomas , Velho Luiz , Lopes Hélio , Tavares Geovan 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis paper proposes the stellar mesh simplification method, a fast implementation of the Four‐Face Cluster (FFC) algorithm. In this method, a probabilistic optimization heuristic substitutes the priority queue of the original method, which results in a 40% faster algorithm with the same order of distortion. It extends naturally to a progressive and/or multiresolution scheme for combinatorial surfaces. This work also presents a simple way to encode the hierarchy of the resulting multiresolution meshes. This work also focuses on important aspects for the development of a practical and robust implementation of this simplification technique, and on the analysis of the influence of the parameters.
Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Rectum
Authors: Mallik A.A. , Katchy K.C. 
Published: December 2004

<i>Objective: </i>To document the first case of clear cell adenocarcinoma of the rectum (a rare entity) in Kuwait. <i>Clinical Presentation and Intervention:</i> A 36-year-old female presented with a 1-year history of constipation and bleeding per rectum. Colonoscopy revealed an ulcerated mass 2 cm above the anal verge. After multiple biopsies an abdomino-perineal resection was performed for the rectal mass. Gross examination of the resected specimen revealed an anorectal mass measuring 5 cm in its long axis. Histopathological examination showed the tumor to be composed of lobules of mostly clear polygonal cells with round vesicular nuclei. Glandular formation was occasional. The tumor was rich in glycogen, focally displayed luminal mucin, and was associated with regional lymph node metastasis. <i>Conclusion:</i> This report illustrates a case of intestinal clear cell adenocarcinoma with lymph node metastasis that suggested a poor prognosis.
The Use of Suramin, an Antifibrotic Agent, to Improve Muscle Recovery after Strain Injury
Authors: Chan Yi-Sheng , Li Yong , Foster William , Fu Freddie H. , Huard Johnny 
Published: December 2004

Background Muscle strain injuries are extremely common in sports medicine. Muscle healing often is hindered by scar tissue formation after injury. Hypothesis Suramin can prevent scar tissue formation and improve muscle healing after injury because of its ability to antagonize transforming growth factor– β1, a fibrotic cytokine. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Materials and Methods In vitro, muscle-derived fibroblasts (a potential cell source of muscle fibrosis) were incubated with suramin and/or transforming growth factor– β1; a cell growth curve was obtained. In vivo, mouse gastrocnemius muscles were strain injured. Suramin or sham/control intramuscular injections were performed after injury at various time points. Mice were sacrificed at various time points after injury, and skeletal muscle tissue was evaluated by using histological and physiological tests. Statistical analysis was performed by using analysis of variance and Fisher tests. Results Suramin decreased the stimulating effect of transforming growth factor– β1 on the growth of muscle-derived fibroblasts in vitro. Significantly less fibrous scar formation was observed in suramin-treated muscles than in sham-injected muscles. The fast-twitch and tetanus strength of suramin-treated muscles was also significantly greater relative to that of control muscles. Conclusions Suramin blocked the stimulatory effect of transforming growth factor– β1 on muscle-derived fibroblasts in vitro. Suramin also reduced fibrous scar formation in muscle and enhanced muscle strength in strain-injured skeletal muscle. Clinical Relevance These results may facilitate the development of strategies to enhance muscle healing after injury.
In Vivo Articular Cartilage Contact Kinematics of the Knee
Authors: Li Guoan , DeFrate Louis E. , Park Sang Eun , Gill Thomas J. , Rubash Harry E. 
Published: December 2004

Background Quantifying the in vivo cartilage contact mechanics of the knee may improve our understanding of the mechanisms of joint degeneration and may therefore improve the surgical repair of the joint after injury. Objective To measure tibiofemoral articular cartilage contact kinematics during in vivo knee flexion. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods Orthogonal fluoroscopic images and magnetic resonance image–based computer models were used to measure the motion of the cartilage contact points during a quasi-static lunge in 5 human subjects. Results On the tibial plateau, the contact point moved in both the anteroposterior and the mediolateral directions during knee flexion. On the medial tibial plateau, flexion angle did not have a statistically significant effect on the location of the contact points. The total translation of the contact point from full extension to 90° of flexion was less than 1.5 mm in the anteroposterior direction, whereas the translation in the mediolateral direction was more than 5.0 mm. In the anteroposterior direction, the contact points were centered on the medial tibial plateau. On the lateral tibial plateau, there was a statistically significant difference between the location of the contact point at full extension and the locations of the contact points at other flexion angles in the anteroposterior direction. No significant difference was detected between the location of the contact points at other flexion angles. The overall range of contact point motion was about 9.0 mm in the anteroposterior direction and about 4.0 mm in the mediolateral direction. The contact points were primarily on the inner half of the medial and lateral tibial plateaus (the half closest to the tibial spine). The contact points on both femoral condyles were also on the inner half of the condyles (near the condylar notch). Conclusions The tibiofemoral contact points move in 3 dimensions during weightbearing knee flexion. The medial tibiofemoral contact points remained within the central portion of the tibial plateau in the anteroposterior direction. Both the medial and lateral tibiofemoral contact points were located on the inner portions of the tibial plateau and femoral condyles (close to the tibial spine), indicating that the tibial spine may play an important role in knee stability. Clinical Relevance The results of this study may provide important insight as to the mechanisms contributing to the development of osteoarthritis after ligament injuries.
The Familial Predisposition toward Tearing the Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Flynn R. Kevin , Pedersen Cheryl L. , Birmingham Trevor B. , Kirkley Alexandra , Jackowski Dianne , Fowler Peter J. 
Published: December 2004

Purpose A study of 171 surgical cases and 171 matched controls was conducted to investigate whether a familial predisposition toward tearing the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee exists. Study Design Case control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods Patients who were diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament tear were matched by age (within 5 years), gender, and primary sport to subjects without an anterior cruciate ligament tear. All 342 subjects completed a questionnaire detailing their family history of anterior cruciate ligament tears. Results When controlling for subject age and number of relatives, participants with an anterior cruciate ligament tear were twice as likely to have a relative (first, second, or third degree) with an anterior cruciate ligament tear compared to participants without an anterior cruciate ligament tear (adjusted odds ratio = 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-3.33). When the analysis was limited to include only first-degree relatives, participants with an anterior cruciate ligament tear were slightly greater than twice as likely to have a first-degree relative with an anterior cruciate ligament tear compared to participants without an anterior cruciate ligament tear (adjusted odds ratio = 2.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-4.00). Conclusions Findings are consistent with a familial predisposition toward tearing the anterior cruciate ligament. Clinical Relevance Future research should concentrate on identifying the potentially modifiable risk factors that may be passed through families and developing strategies for the prevention of anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
Donor Site Morbidity and Return to the Preinjury Activity Level after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Ipsilateral and Contralateral Patellar Tendon Autograft
Authors: Mastrokalos Dimitrios S. , Springer Jan , Siebold Rainer , Paessler Hans H. 
Published: December 2004

Aim To compare the donor site morbidity after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using ipsilateral and contralateral bone–patellar tendon autograft. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2 Patients and Method Between 1997 and 1999, 100 patients underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with autologous bone–patellar tendon graft. The reconstructions were performed using ipsilateral bone–patellar tendon graft in 52 patients (group Ip) and contralateral bone–patellar tendon graft in 48 patients (group Co). Group Co consisted of 2 subgroups: group Co-D consisted of the donor knees (n = 48) and group Co-ACL consisted of the anterior cruciate ligament–reconstructed knees (n = 48). Mean follow-up was 39.2 months. Donor site morbidity was evaluated with a questionnaire, computerized historical data, KT-2000 arthrometer measurements, the Cincinnati score, and the Tegner score. Results KT-2000 arthrometer evaluation showed a mean side-to-side difference of 0.6 mm in both groups. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups concerning the Cincinnati and Tegner scores. With regard to local tenderness, a significantly higher rate was found in group Ip (59.6%) and group Co-D (58.3%) compared with group Co-ACL (6.3%). In groups Ip and Co-D, high statistically significant differences were also found according to kneeling pain (69.2% and 70.8%, respectively) and knee-walking pain (76.9% and 70.8%, respectively) compared with group Co-ACL (6.3% and 10.4%, respectively). With regard to numbness, there was no statistical significance between the rates of all 3 groups: group Ip = 75%, group Co-D = 85.4%, and group Co-ACL = 64.6%. There was one rupture of the patellar tendon and one patient with chronic patellar tendinitis, both in the donor knee of group Co-D. Conclusion The contralateral bone–patellar tendon graft appears to present no advantage over the ipsilateral graft, as all symptoms concerning donor site morbidity are shifted from the injured into the healthy knee, and return to activity is not more rapid.
Fixation of Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions Using Poly(l-lactic Acid)/ Poly(glycolic Acid) Copolymer Bioabsorbable Screws
Authors: Larsen Mitchell W. , Pietrzak William S. , DeLee Jesse C. 
Published: December 2004

Background Many osteochondritis dissecans lesion fixation techniques are effective. A new absorbable copolymer screw maybe suitable for this application. Purpose To characterize the mechanical and in vitro absorption properties of a copolymer fixation screw and determine theclinical efficacy of using the screw to fix osteochondritis dissecans lesions. Study Design Case series and laboratory study; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Seven patients diagnosed with unstable, partially open osteochondritis dissecans lesions were treated withdebridement of the bed and fixation with 2.5-mm diameter screws made of Lacto Sorb copolymer; the patients were nonweightbearingfor 6 weeks. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was for 25 to 37 months. Biomechanical testing was performed in syntheticbone over a 12-week period on buffer-incubated specimens. Results Six of the 7 osteochondritis dissecans lesions healed clinically and radiographically; the osteochondritis dissecansfragment was removed from the seventh patient (unhealed). No symptoms indicative of an inflammatory reaction related to thepresence of the absorbable screws, including recurrent effusion, warmth, or erythema, were noted. In the in vitro testing, theinitial average peak pull-out and shear loads were 20.1 kg and 22.3 kg, respectively, with little strength remaining at 12 weeks. Conclusions In general, the 2.5-mm-diameter Lacto Sorb copolymer screws provided adequate stability for healing ofosteochondritis dissecans lesions and degraded without an inflammatory response by the body.
Intercondylar Notch Stenosis is not a Risk Factor for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears in Professional Male Basketball Players
Authors: Lombardo Stephen , Sethi Paul M. , Starkey Chad 
Published: December 2004

Background The value of femoral notch size and the notch width index in predicting anterior cruciate ligament injury has been debated. This study examined the relationship between the notch width index and anterior cruciate ligament injury in professional basketball players. Hypothesis No significant difference exists between the notch width index of anterior cruciate ligament–injured and noninjured professional basketball players. Study Design Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods Using a notch view radiograph, the authors prospectively measured the femoral notch and the condylar widths and then calculated the notch width index of 615 male athletes who participated in the National Basketball Association's combine workouts between 1992 and 1999. Players who participated in at least 1 professional game were included. After an 11-year follow-up period, the National Basketball Association's leaguewide injury database was reviewed to identify injured players. The players were then categorized into anterior cruciate ligament–injured or noninjured groups. Notch width, condylar width, and notch width index were compared between the 2 groups. Results A total of 305 players were followed for a period of up to 11 years. Anterior cruciate ligament trauma was suffered by 14 (4.6%) of the subjects. The average notch width index was 0.235 ± 0.031 for anterior cruciate ligament–injured players and 0.242 ± 0.041 for noninjured players (t305 –0.623, P=. 534). This difference was not significantly different. Two (3.9%) of the subjects with critical notch stenosis (notch width index 0.20) had noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Conclusions The notch width index did not predict the rate of anterior cruciate ligament injury. A level of critical notch stenosis was not detected. Anterior cruciate ligament injury could not be predicted by the absolute measurement of the femoral intercondylar notch. Use of a preparticipation notch view radiograph in male professional basketball players as a predictor of anterior cruciate ligament injury is not recommended.