bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Accessory Atlantoaxial Ligament
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Salter E. George , Oakes W. Jerry 
Published: August 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
The stability of the joints connecting the cranium to the upper cervical spine is of vital importance. The ligaments of this region, for the most part, have been thoroughly investigated, with the exception of the accessory atlantoaxial ligament.

METHODS:
Ten cadaveric specimens were examined to observe the anatomy of this ligament.

RESULTS:
This ligament was found in all specimens, and in each, it not only connected the atlas to the axis but also continued cephalically to the occipital bone. The approximate dimensions of this structure were 3 cm ×5 mm. Functionally, this ligament became maximally taut with a rotation of the head of 5 to 8 degrees. Laxity was observed with cervical extension, and maximal tautness was seen at 5 to 10 degrees of cervical flexion.

CONCLUSION:
The accessory atlantoaxial ligament seems to participate in craniocervical stability and perhaps should be renamed the accessory alar ligament or accessory atlantoaxialoccipital ligament; both of these terms better denote its anatomic characteristics. Perhaps in the future, better magnetic resonance imaging techniques and machines will be able to identify this structure so as to appreciate its integrity after upper cervical spine trauma.
Endoscopic Aqueductoplasty and Interventriculostomy for the Treatment of Isolated Fourth Ventricle in Children
Authors: Fritsch Michael J. , Kienke Sven , Manwaring Kim H. , Mehdorn H. Maximilian 
Published: August 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
There are different approaches for the treatment of isolated fourth ventricle in children, including a suboccipital ventriculoperitoneal shunt, suboccipital craniotomy with microsurgical fenestration, and endoscopic fenestration. We discuss the indications, surgical methods, and outcome of 18 patients who underwent endoscopic treatment for isolated fourth ventricle.

METHODS:
We retrospectively reviewed the medical histories of 18 patients with an isolated fourth ventricle. Surgical procedures included endoscopic aqueductoplasty, endoscopic aqueductoplasty with a stent, endoscopic interventriculostomy (lateral ventricle or third ventricle to fourth ventricle), and endoscopic interventriculostomy with a stent. Operations were performed between July 1997 and June 2002. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 3 years. The mean follow-up was 29 months. All patients had a supratentorial ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

RESULTS:
Clinical symptoms (impairment of consciousness, tetraparesis, and ataxia) improved in all patients. Reduction of the size of the fourth ventricle was observed in all patients. Seven patients required reoperation because of restenosis (39% revision rate). Restenosis occurred between 2 weeks and 7 months after surgery (average, 3 mo). Four patients underwent reoperation with stent placement, and three patients underwent reaqueductoplasty. We had the following complications: one infection, one asymptomatic subdural hygroma, one transient oculomotor paresis, and one permanent oculomotor paresis (4 [22%] of 18 patients).

CONCLUSION:
The significant failure rate of fourth ventricle shunts has led to the development of alternative treatment methods. Endoscopic aqueductoplasty or inter-ventriculostomy presents an effective, minimally invasive, and safe procedure for the treatment of isolated fourth ventricle in pediatric patients. Compared with suboccipital craniotomy and microsurgical fenestration, endoscopic aqueductoplasty is less invasive, and compared with fourth ventricle shunts, it is more reliable and effective.
The impact of hormone replacement therapy on breast cancer patients' quality of life and sexuality: a pilot study
Authors: Marsden Jo , Baum Michael , A'Hern Roger , West Andrea , Fallowfield Lesley , Whitehead Malcolm , Sacks Nigel 
Published: August 2004

Objective. The effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on the sexual functioning and quality of life of breast cancer patients has not received significant attention. Study design. One hundred postmenopausal women with early stage breast cancer who were experiencing vasomotor symptoms and/or vaginal dryness participated in a randomised trial of HRT. Main outcome measures. Women completed questionnaires at three and six months to determine changes in their quality of life, vaginal dryness and sexual activity. Results. At baseline, 52% (49/94) of patients were sexually active. Lack of a partner was the main reason for sexual inactivity (38% (17/45)). HRT had no significant effect on the proportion of women complaining of vaginal dryness or the severity of this symptom. HRT did not increase the proportion of women who were sexually active (53%(43/81)) but was associated with non-significant trends for improvements in pleasure and reduction of discomfort during intercourse. Non-significant trends towards improvements in physical functioning, sleep disturbance and fatigue were observed with HRT. Patient numbers were too small to determine whether the concomitant use of tamoxifen influenced any of these outcomes. Conclusions. Lack of a significant improvement in quality of life with HRT may reflect the possibility that patient concern about HRT negated its symptomatic benefits. Failure of HRT to improve vaginal dryness may partly account for a lack of improvement in sexual functioning. There is a need for evaluation of interventions to improve sexual functioning in breast cancer patients but the use of hormonal therapy should be restricted to controlled trials.
Managing postmenopausal health
Authors: Rees Margaret CP 
Published: August 2004

summary The ageing and expanding of the female population led to the design of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) to examine strategies for the prevention and control of some of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among postmenopausal women. The diseases of old age are cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis and dementia. This review reassesses current strategies to manage postmenopausal health in terms of their risks and benefits. Some commonly used pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are discussed, including hormone replacement, bisphosphonates, raloxifene, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and hip protectors. It is essential to evaluate critically the findings of all studies and decide whether they are relevant to particular individuals, rather than apply findings generically. Women are now turning to dietary supplements and alternative and complementary therapies, but caution has to be exercised in view of current paucity of evidence.
Long-term adherence to continuous combined HRT: Seven-year update on the Heikkinen study
Authors: Van De Weijer Peter Hm 
Published: August 2004

The Heikkinen study is a randomised double-blinded study of the effects of six different continuous combined HRT regimens (Indivina, estradiol valerate and medroxyprogesterone acetate, Orion Pharma Finland). Four-hundred-and-nineteen healthy postmenopausal women received 1 or 2 mg oestradiol valerate (E2V) with either 2.5 or 5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). In two groups, the dose of E2V was increased from 1 to 2 mg after six months of treatment. Women recorded their symptoms and were reviewed by clinic staff at regular intervals. After two years, all treatment arms experienced significant improvements in bleeding patterns and climacteric symptoms. After seven years of therapy, adherence continues to be good, with nearly 78% of the women in the 1 mg E2 V groups and almost 60% of the women in the 2 mg E2 V groups remaining in the study. The majority of the women who discontinued therapy were taking the 2 mg E2 V + 2.5 mg MPA dose combination. Improvements in lipid profile and bone mineral density have been maintained and endometrial protection has been safeguarded. A total of 97 subjects (23.2%) presented with a serious adverse event over the course of the study period. In 60 subjects (14.6%) adverse events were possibly related to treatment. There were fewer treatment-related adverse effects in women in the lowest-dose group compared to the higher-dose E2 V groups (p<0.001). Quality of life in the study population was rated as better than that of an age- and sex-matched sample of the general population (p<0.05).
Red Clover Isoflavones in Practice: A Clinician's View
Authors: Pitkin Joan 
Published: August 2004

Summary The subject of phytoestrogen use must be seen against the background of increasing controversy surrounding the role of hormone replacement therapy. Phytoestrogens such as those derived from red clover may help with hot flushes, which are a common menopausal complaint. Red clover isoflavones have more evidence base than most herbal medicinal products, although the literature is beset by difference in methodologies making direct comparison between studies difficult. There certainly does not appear to be any increased risk for women with breast cancer, who often suffer severely from sweats and flushes. There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend its use for bone protection in a group of women who are at high risk.
QSAR study of β‐lactam antibiotic efflux by the bacterial multidrug resistance pump AcrB
Authors: Ferreira Márcia M. C. , Kiralj R. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAcrAB‐TolC is the most important efflux pump system of Gram‐negative bacteria, responsible for their resistance to lipophilic and amphilic drugs. In this work, HCA–PCA studies were performed to investigate the relationship between efflux activities (negative logarithm of minial inhibitor concentration, pMIC) of three strains of S. thypimurium with respect to β‐lactams, and to analyze the relationship between lipophilicity parameters calculated by different methods. The analyses demonstrate that pMICs strongly depend on properties of both bacterial strains and drug molecules, and that lipophilicity parameters do not necessarily contain the same information about the drugs. QSAR studies have shown that the calculated lipophilicities, in some cases, are non linearly related to the pMICs originated by active AcrAB‐TolC bacterial pumps, due to the existence of β‐lactams with nitrogen‐ and sulfur‐rich substituents. Among the most important β‐lactam molecular properties quantitatively related to pMICs are lipophilicity and electronic and hydrogen–bonding properties. Parameters describing these properties were included in the QSAR study to obtain parsimonius regression models for MICs. β‐Lactams were classified as good, moderately good and poor AcrAB‐TolC substrates. Their stereoelectronic molecular properties, especially the Y‐component of the molecular dipole moment and hydrogen binding properties, reflected this classification. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marginal zone B cell enrichment and strong follicular B cell reduction correlate with a delayed IgG response in a light chain diversity restricted mouse model
Authors: Amrani Yacine M. , Voegtlé Danielle , Barbier Eliane , Six Adrien , Cazenave Pierre‐André 
Published: August 2004

AbstractRecently developed B6.κ–λSEG mice (by crossing κ– and C57BL/6 mice congenic for the wild Mus spretus SEG strain λ locus lacking genes coding for λ1 and λ3) have a very reduced light chain diversity. B6.κ–λSEG mice produce only λ2 and λx light chains. Regardless of their Igh haplotype, B6.κ–λSEG mice show a restricted B cell distribution by light chain subtype with λx dominance in all peripheral compartments except peritoneal cavity where λ2 is dominant. This distribution suggests that selection mechanisms act differently in different B cell compartments on λ2 and λx bearing B cells. Sequence analysis before or following immunization did not reveal unusual mechanisms of diversification. B6.κ–λSEG mice still respond to various challenging antigens using new Ab patterns. In particular, regardless of Igha or Ighb haplotypes, the anti‐2,4‐dinitrophenyl response is characterized by a restricted diversity for both heavy and light chains and a delayed IgG response when compared to B6 and B6.κ– mice. We suggest that the delayed IgG response is due to the expansion of marginal zone B cells whereas follicular B cells are strongly reduced.
Molecular and functional characterization of a CS1 (CRACC) splice variant expressed in human NK cells that does not contain immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based switch motifs
Authors: Lee Jae Kyung , Boles Kent S. , Mathew Porunelloor A. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractCS1 (CRACC, novel Ly9) is a novel member of the CD2 family expressed on natural killer (NK), T and stimulated B cells. Although the cytoplasmic domain of CS1 contains immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based switch motifs (ITSM), which enables to recruite signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM)‐associated protein (SAP/SH2D1A), it activates NK cells in the absence of a functional SAP. CS1 is a self ligand and homophilic interaction of CS1 regulates NK cell cytolytic activity. Here we have identified a novel splice variant of CS1 (CS1‐S), which lacks ITSM. Human NK cells express mRNA for both wild‐type CS1 (CS1‐L) and CS1‐S and their expression level remained steady upon various stimulations. To determine the function of each isoform, cDNA for CS1‐L and CS1‐S were transfected into the rat NK cell line RNK‐16 and functionally tested using redirected cytotoxicity assays and calcium flux experiments. CS1‐L was able to mediate redirected cytotoxicity of P815 target cells in the presence of monoclonal antibody against CS1 and a rise in intracellular calcium within RNK‐16 cells, suggesting that CS1‐L is an activating receptor, whereas CS1‐S showed no effects. Interestingly, SAP associated with unstimulated CS1‐L and dissociated upon pervanadate stimulation. These results indicate that CS1‐L and CS1‐S may differentially regulate human NK cell functions.
Cdk2 activation acts upstream of the mitochondrion during glucocorticoid induced thymocyte apoptosis
Authors: Granés Francesc , Roig Maurici B. , Brady Hugh J. M. , Gil‐Gómez Gabriel 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThymocytes undergo apoptosis during negative selection in vivo and following treatment with glucocorticoids or DNA‐damaging drugs in vitro. The post‐mitochondrial biochemical steps leading to apoptosis induced by these stimuli are well characterized, however, much less is known about the pathways connecting receptor triggering, apical caspase activation and induction of mitochondrial dysfunction. These stimuli specifically activate the kinase Cdk2 and this step is obligatory for these forms of thymocyte apoptosis. We report here that Cdk2 activation is a very early step during thymocyte apoptosis preceding apical caspase activation and phosphatidylserine exposure. Furthermore, Cdk2 activation is required for mitochondrial permeability disruption, cytochrome c release and, as a consequence, activation of the downstream caspases 9 and 3. Our data allow an integrated linear pathway regulating DNA damage and glucocorticoid‐induced thymocyte apoptosis to be proposed.
Frontline: IL‐7 does not prevent pro‐B/pre‐B cell maturation to the immature/sIgM+ stage
Authors: Milne Craig D. , Fleming Heather E. , Paige Christopher J. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractIL‐7 plays many fundamental roles during murine B lineage development. One reported function is to maintain progenitors in a developmentally immature state by preventing differentiation to the surface IgM (sIgM)+ stage. Withdrawal of IL‐7 from cultures has been shown to lead to increases in mature traits such as RAG expression, IgL rearrangements and expression of sIgM. These observations have been interpreted as an inductive event promoting the differentiation of progenitor cells. In contrast to this, we reproducibly observe sIgM+ cells that have differentiated in cultures containing IL‐7. We find that sIgM+ cells arise as a normal consequence when B lineage cells are cultured in the presence of IL‐7. However, these cells are short‐lived and are quickly replaced by newly emerging sIgM+ cells that differentiate from sIgM– progenitors. Withdrawal of IL‐7 from these cultures only prevents the survival and proliferation of CD2–sIgM– pro‐B cells but does not change the number of cells that differentiate to the sIgM+ stage. This changes the ratio of sIgM–:sIgM+ cells and results only in an apparent maturation of the culture as a whole. Therefore withdrawal of IL‐7 from these cultures acts as a selection event, not an induction event, for populations that are normally present.See accompanying commentary http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200425532
Frontline: Self‐peptides that bind with low affinity to the diabetes‐associated I‐Ag7 molecule readily induce T cell tolerance in non‐obese diabetic mice
Authors: Ferlin Walter G. , Mougneau Evelyne , Hugues Stéphanie , Appel Heiner , Jang Mei‐Huei , Cazareth Julie , Beaudoin Lucie , Schricke Corinne , Lehuen Agnès , Wucherpfennig Kai W. , Glaichenhaus Nicolas 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAlthough non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice spontaneously develop T cell autoimmunity, it is not clear whether this phenomenon results from a defect in tolerance to self‐Ag. Furthermore, as autoimmunity has been postulated to result from T cell responses directed toward self‐peptides that bind with low affinity to NOD I‐Ag7 MHC class II molecules, it is important to determine whether the expression of such peptides induces tolerance. We have constructed NOD transgenic (Tg) mice expressing the Leishmania antigen receptor for C kinase (LACK) Ag in either the thymus or pancreatic β cells. We identified LACK peptides that were the targets of T cells in LACK‐immunized NOD mice while binding to I‐Ag7 with low affinity. While CD4+ T cells from NOD mice secreted IFN‐γ, IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐10 in response to LACK, those from LACK‐expressing Tg mice secreted reduced levels of cytokines. Experiments using peptide/MHC multimers showed that LACK‐expressing Tg mice exhibited self‐reactive CD4+ T cells with impaired proliferation capabilities. Hence, even self‐peptides that bind to I‐Ag7 with low affinity can induce tolerance in NOD mice. This result is important in light of the commonly held hypothesis that T cells reacting to peptides that bind to MHC with low affinity escape tolerance induction and cause autoimmunity.
Mini‐review: Overcoming tumor‐intrinsic resistance to immune effector function
Authors: Ganss Ruth , Arnold Bernd , Hämmerling Günter J. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractIn immunological cancer therapy, the current treatment emphasis is on the generation of effector cells that are specific for tumor antigens. However, there is a distressing lack of correlation between the induction of specific immunity in cancer patients and measurable clinical benefit. By studying mouse models of de novo tumorigenesis we are beginning to understand that the tumor itself, in particular the manifestation of a distinct tumor environment, impairs immune effector function; this concept is yet to be applied in human malignancy.
A Bayesian approach to compare observed rainfall data to deterministic simulations
Authors: Sansó Bruno , Guenni Lelys 
Published: August 2004

AbstractWe compare ground rainfall with purely deterministic Regional Climate Model (RCM) simulations within a Bayesian framework. A truncated normal model is fitted to the observed ground data to represent spatial variability. The predictive posterior distribution of the spatially aggregated rainfall is obtained by using a Markov chain Monte Carlo method and compared to the RCM simulations. Also, the predictive posterior distribution of the RCM output is downscaled using the truncated normal model and obtaining pointwise rainfall estimates from aerial observations which are compared to the ground observations. These two procedures allow us to determine if the differences between the two sources of information are compatible with the variability predicted by the spatial model. Also, point rainfall estimates at locations without rainfall measurements conditioned on RCM observations can be obtained. We considered a set of data from an area in Nebraska for which time is considered fixed and rainfall is accumulated monthly. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulating the growth of tafoni
Authors: Huinink H. P. , Pel L. , Kopinga K. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThroughout the world, large caves in rocks (tafoni) are found, which originate from salt weathering. The mechanisms that control their development are poorly understood. The growth of tafoni has been studied with a model that describes how a rock surface, containing a small pit, disintegrates by salt crystallization during wetting/drying cycles. In the model the rock is mapped on a grid. The migration and crystallization of salts are simulated explicitly in the drying phase of a cycle. At the end of each wetting/drying cycle the amount of salt deposited at the grid nodes is evaluated and the shape of the rock surface is adjusted by removing nodes. The length of the drying period in a single cycle proved to be the key parameter. For short drying periods the amount of crystallized salt at the surface is proportional to the drying rate. Therefore, for short drying periods most salts are deposited at the more exterior parts of the rock surface. As a result, most damage will develop at these parts of the surface, which results in smooth surfaces. Due to the characteristics of the drying process for long drying periods, most salts accumulate at regions with low evaporation rates, which are the sheltered parts of the rock surface. These parts are not exposed to the wind or the sun. As a result, the pit grows and a tafone develops. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The geomorphic dynamics and environmental history of an upper deltaic floodplain tract in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, California, USA
Authors: Brown K. J. , Pasternack G. B. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractA multi‐proxy approach was used to examine the geomorphic dynamics and environmental history of an upper deltaic ﬂoodplain tract in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, California. Three long cores were collected from the McCormack–Williamson Tract (MWT) and these cores were analyzed for bulk density, loss‐on‐ignition, ﬁne (clay and silt) content, Al concentration, magnetic susceptibility, pollen, and charcoal. Radiocarbon dates obtained for the cores were converted into calendar years and an age–depth model was constructed. Long‐term vertical accretion and sedimentation rates were estimated from the age–depth model. Cross‐core relations show that coarse sediment generally accumulates more rapidly and has greater magnetic susceptibility compared to ﬁne sediment. Percentage ﬁne and LOI data show a strong linear relationship that indicates ﬂooding is the primary mechanism for the deposition of particular organic matter on the ﬂoodplain and that landscape wash load has contributed a highly consistent fraction of persistent organic matter averaging 5·5 per cent to the site. Down‐core grain size proﬁles show two hydrological domains in the cores, namely millennial ﬁne–coarse ﬂuctuations superimposed on general up‐core ﬁning. Coarse sediment is viewed as channel or near‐channel overbank deposits, whereas ﬁne deposits are considered to be distal overbank ﬂood deposits. The coarse–ﬁne ﬂuctuations are indicative of changing depositional settings as channels migrated laterally across MWT, whereas the upward ﬁning trend reﬂects a combination of self‐limiting overbank deposition as ﬂoodplain elevation increased and decreasing competence as sea‐level rise reduced ﬂood‐pulse energy slopes. MWT has been cross‐cut and incised numerous times in the past, only to have the channels abandoned and subsequently ﬁlled by ﬁne sediment. The channels around MWT attained their modern conﬁguration about 4000 years ago. MWT likely came under tidal inﬂuence at about 2500 cal BP. Wetlands have recently developed on MWT, but they are inorganic sediment dominated. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.