bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low sensitivity of the touch imprint cytology of the sentinel lymph node in breast cancer patients—results of a large series
Authors: Zgajnar Janez , Frkovic‐Grazio Snjezana , Besic Nikola , Hocevar Marko , Vidergar‐Kralj Barbara , Gerljevic Andrej , Pogacnik Ana 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesTouch imprint cytology (TIC) was reported to be a sensitive method of intraoperative sentinel lymph node (SLN) assessment. The objective of our study was to assess the value of the TIC as an intraoperative SLN evaluation method and to determine a subgroup of patients in whom TIC should not be indicated.MethodsIn 250 breast cancer patients with SLN biopsy, TIC of SLNs was performed intraoperatively. The results of TIC were compared to the final histopathological analysis of SLNs. A subgroup analysis of the TIC value was performed with regard to the tumor size.ResultsSLN metastases were found in 102/250 patients (41%). Two cases were false positive. The sensitivity of TIC was 34%, specificity 98.6%, accuracy 72%, negative predictive value 69%, and positive predictive value 95%. TIC was significantly more sensitive to detect macrometastases (32/43) compared to micrometastases or ITC (3/59) (P < 0.001). TIC was positive in only 5% (4/77) in T < 10 mm tumors compared to 18% (31/168) in T > 10 mm (P = 0.01).ConclusionsTIC is a simple, quick, and sensitive method of intraoperative SLNs evaluation for the presence of the macrometastases. TIC has a very limited value in detecting micrometastases and no value in detecting ITC. TIC may not be indicated in T1a + b tumors. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;85:82–86. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Autofluorescence Spectrofluorometry of central nervous system (CNS) neuromediators
Authors: Crespi Francesco , Croce Anna C. , Fiorani Sabrina , Masala Barbara , Heidbreder Christian , Bottiroli Giovanni 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesChanges in the neurotransmitter 5‐hydroxytriptamine (5‐HT) are related to psychiatric diseases such as depression and anxiety. In this study, 5‐HT autofluorescence properties were investigated in solution and in biological tissues.Study Design/Materials and MethodsSpectrofluorometric characterization was performed on ex vivo samples (tissue sections, homogenates) of the 5‐HT‐rich brain region hippocampus from rats untreated or treated to affect endogenous 5‐HT levels; in vivo, with a 50 ⊘ optic fiber probe positioned via stereotaxis.Results5‐HT exhibited minor excitation and emission bands at wavelengths longer than the well known excitation and emission bands in the UV region, 250–320 nm. Spectrofluorometric measurements under 366 nm excitation on homogenates supplied with 5‐HT or belonging to treated rats revealed spectral alterations attributable to changes in the amount of 5‐HT. Ex vivo and in vivo autofluorescence data were consistent with those obtained by conventional voltammetry.ConclusionsAutofluorescence spectroscopy potential is confirmed as a suitable technique for the direct measurement of neurotransmitters. Lasers Surg. Med. 34:39–47, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MR thermometry‐based feedback control of laser interstitial thermal therapy at 980 nm
Authors: McNichols Roger J. , Gowda Ashok , Kangasniemi Marko , Bankson James A. , Price Roger E. , Hazle John D. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to explore the feasibility of magnetic resonance thermal imaging (MRTI)‐based feedback control of intracerebral laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), using a computer workstation and 980‐nm diode laser interfaced to an MR scanner.Study Design/Materials and MethodsA computer‐controlled laser thermal therapy system was used to produce 12 ex vivo lesions in 3 canine and porcine brains and 16 in vivo lesions in 6 canines with diffusing tip fiberoptic applicators and energies from 54 to 900 J. MRTI predictions of thermal damage were correlated with histopathologic analysis.ResultsUnder feedback control, no carbonization, vaporization, or applicator damage was observed. MRTI‐based prediction of thermal dose was not significantly different from histological evaluation of achieved thermal necrosis.ConclusionsThe computer‐controlled thermal therapy system was effective at regulating heating, eliminating carbonization and vaporization, and protecting fiberoptic applicators. MRTI estimation of thermal dose accurately predicted achieved thermal necrosis. Lasers Surg. Med. 34:48–55, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photodynamic endometrial ablation for the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding: A preliminary report
Authors: Degen Andrea F. , Gabrecht Tanja , Mosimann Laurent , Fehr Mathias K. , Hornung René , Schwarz Viola A. , Tadir Yona , Steiner Rolf A. , Wagnières Georges , Wyss Pius 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesTo evaluate feasibility and functional effects of photodynamic endometrial ablation (PEA) in patients.Study Design/Patients and MethodsA total of 15 PEAs has been performed in 11 patients using topically applied 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) solutions and a balloon‐light diffuser (160 J/cm2, 635 nm). Uterine bleeding intensity has been determined on a daily basis 3 months prior to and up to 6 months after endometrial ablation using an analogous scale scoring from 1 (spotting) to 6 U (severe bleeding). Statistical analysis by unpaired Student's t‐test.ResultsThe mean number of bleeding units per cycle (n = 44) was 35.7 prior to PEA. The decrease in bleeding units was significant for the months 1–3 (24.4 U per cycle; P = 0.03), but not for the months 4–6 (25.9 U; P = 0.11) following PEA.ConclusionsPEA is feasible and provides a significant short‐term reduction of uterine bleeding. Lasers Surg. Med. 34:1–4, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐mediated photodynamic therapy on MCF‐7 and MCF‐7/ADR cells
Authors: Tsai Tsuimin , Hong Ruey‐Long , Tsai Jui‐Chang , Lou Pei‐Jen , Ling I‐Fang , Chen Chin‐Tin 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) has been proposed as an alternative approach in overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype. To verify whether 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA)‐mediated PDT is effective in MDR cells, we studied the protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) content, intracellular localization, and phototoxicity in human breast cancer cells MCF‐7 and derived MDR subline, MCF‐7/ADR.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThe fluorescence kinetics of ALA‐induced PpIX was evaluated by spectrofluorometer. The phototoxicity of MCF‐7 and MCF‐7/ADR cells was determined by tetrazolium (MTT) assays and clonogenic assay. Furthermore, Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) binding assays were performed to analyze the characteristics of cell death after ALA–PDT.ResultsMCF‐7/ADR accumulated a lower level of PpIX as compared to parental MCF‐7 cells. Significant phototoxicity was observed in MCF‐7 and increased in a fluence‐dependent manner with LD50 around 8 J/cm2. Compared to its parental counterpart, MCF‐7/ADR cells were less sensitive to ALA photodynamic treatment and PDT‐induced cytotoxicity did not increase in a dose responsive manner as the concentration of ALA increased or the fluence of light increased. ALA–PDT was less effective for MCF‐7/ADR cells than MCF‐7 cells even under the condition when these two cell lines contained the similar amounts of PpIX.ConclusionsThese results indicate that, except for the MDR related characteristics, MCF‐7/ADR cells might possess intrinsic mechanisms that render them less sensitive to ALA–PDT induced phototoxicity. Lasers Surg. Med. 34:62–72, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Infrared imaging of subcutaneous veins
Authors: Zharov Vladimir P. , Ferguson Scott , Eidt John F. , Howard Paul C. , Fink Louis M. , Waner Milton 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesImaging of subcutaneous veins is important in many applications, such as gaining venous access and vascular surgery. Despite a long history of medical infrared (IR) photography and imaging, this technique is not widely used for this purpose. Here we revisited and explored the capability of near‐IR imaging to visualize subcutaneous structures, with a focus on diagnostics of superficial veins.Study Design/Materials and MethodsAn IR device comprising a head‐mounted IR LED array (880 nm), a small conventional CCD camera (Toshiba Ik‐mui, Tokyo, Japan), virtual‐reality optics, polarizers, filters, and diffusers was used in vivo to obtain images of different subcutaneous structures. The same device was used to estimate the IR image quality as a function of wavelength produced by a tunable xenon lamp‐based monochrometer in the range of 500–1,000 nm and continuous‐wave Nd:YAG (1.06 μm) and diode (805 nm) lasers.ResultsThe various modes of optical illumination were compared in vivo. Contrast of the IR images in the reflectance mode was measured in the near‐IR spectral range of 650–1,060 nm. Using the LED array, various IR images were obtained in vivo, including images of vein structure in a pigmented, fatty forearm, varicose leg veins, and vascular lesions of the tongue.ConclusionImaging in the near‐IR range (880–930 nm) provides relatively good contrast of subcutaneous veins, underscoring its value for diagnosis. This technique has the potential for the diagnosis of varicose veins with a diameter of 0.5–2 mm at a depth of 1–3 mm, guidance of venous access, podiatry, phlebotomy, injection sclerotherapy, and control of laser interstitial therapy. Lasers Surg. Med. 34:56–61, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Asymptotic decay estimates for the repulsive Schrödinger–Poisson system
Authors: Sánchez Óscar , Soler Juan 
Published: January 2004

AbstractIn this paper the time decay rates for the solutions to the Schrödinger–Poisson system in the repulsive case are improved in the context of semiconductor theory. Upper and lower estimates are obtained by using a norm involving the potential energy and the dispersion equation. In the attractive case some examples, based on the Galilean invariance, are proposed showing that the solutions does not have a dispersive character. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Homogenization of a composite medium with a thermal barrier
Authors: Mabrouk Mongi , Hassan Samadi 
Published: January 2004

AbstractIn this work, we consider a heat transfer problem between two periodic connected media exchanging a heat flux throughout their common interface. The interfacial exchange coefficient λ is assumed to tend to zero or to infinity following a rate λ=λ(ε) when the size εof the basic cell tends to zero. Three homogenized problems are determined according to the value of δ=limε→0λ/ε. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Existence and stability of global regular solutions for a dusty gas model
Authors: Doronin G. G. , Larkin N. A. , De Souza A. J. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe initial and initial‐boundary value problems for the two‐phase model of ‘fluid‐solid particles’ media are considered. Existence, uniqueness and exponential decay of global strong solutions for small initial data are proved. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unconditional non‐linear stability for a fluid of third grade
Authors: Budu Paula 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe thermal convection in a layer of a third grade fluid is investigated, with viscosity being a general function of temperature. We develop a non‐linear stability analysis and prove that unconditional non‐linear stability criterion is achieved using a natural energy approach. This shows that, in some sense, the equations for a fluid of third grade are preferable to those for a fluid of second grade or a dipolar fluid. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydromagnetic rotating flow of a fourth‐order fluid past a porous plate
Authors: Wang Yongqi , Hayat Tasawar 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe rotating flow in the presence of a magnetic field is a problem belonging to hydromagnetics and deserves to be more widely studied than it has been to date. In the non‐linear regime the literature is scarce. We develop the governing equations for the unsteady hydromagnetic rotating flow of a fourth‐order fluid past a porous plate. The steady flow is governed by a boundary value problem in which the order of differential equations is more than the number of available boundary conditions. It is shown that by augmenting the boundary conditions based on asymptotic structures at infinity it is possible to obtain numerical solutions of the nonlinear hydromagnetic equations. Effects of uniform suction or blowing past the porous plate, exerted magnetic field and rotation on the flow phenomena, especially on the boundary layer structure near the plate, are numerically analysed and discussed. The flow behaviours of the Newtonian fluid and second‐, third‐ and fourth‐order non‐Newtonian fluids are compared for the special flow problem, respectively. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulatory light chain phosphorylation increases eccentric contraction–induced injury in skinned fast‐twitch fibers
Authors: Childers Martin K. , McDonald Kerry S. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractDuring contraction, activation of Ca2+/calmodulin–dependent myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) results in phosphorylation of myosin's regulatory light chain (RLC), which potentiates force and increases speed of force development over a wide range of [Ca2+]. We tested the hypothesis that RLC phosphorylation by MLCK mediates the extent of eccentric contraction–induced injury as measured by force deficit in skinned fast‐twitch skeletal muscle fibers. Results indicated that RLC phosphorylation in single skinned rat psoas fibers significantly increased Ca2+ sensitivity of isometric force; isometric force from 50 ± 16 to 59 ± 18 kN/m2 during maximal Ca2+ activation; peak absolute power output from 38 ± 15 to 48 ± 14 nW during maximal Ca2+ activation; and the magnitude of contraction‐induced force deficit during maximal (pCa 4.5) activation from 26 ± 9.8 to 35 ± 9.6%. We conclude that RLC phosphorylation increases force deficits following eccentric contractions, perhaps by increasing the number of force‐generating cross‐bridges. Muscle Nerve 29: 313–317, 2004
Matrix metalloproteinases and skeletal muscle: A brief review
Authors: Carmeli Eli , Moas Miri , Reznick Abraham Z. , Coleman Raymond 
Published: January 2004

AbstractMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc‐ dependent proteolytic enzymes that function mainly in the extracellular matrix, where they contribute to the development, functioning, and pathology of a wide range of tissues. This mini‐review describes the MMPs and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) in skeletal muscle, and considers their involvement in muscle development, ischemia, myonecrosis, angiogenesis, denervation, exercise‐induced injuries, disuse atrophy, muscle repair and regeneration, and inflammatory myopathies and dystrophies. Despite the very limited information currently available on MMPs and their inhibitors in skeletal muscle, it is becoming increasingly clear that they have important physiological functions in maintenance of the integrity and homeostasis of muscle fibers and of the extracellular matrix. Understanding the roles of MMPs and TIMPs may lead to the development of new drug‐related treatments for various muscle disorders based on suppression or upregulation of their expression. Muscle Nerve 29: 191–197, 2004
Reproducibility of statistical motor unit number estimates in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Comparisons between size‐ and number‐weighted modifications
Authors: Kwon Ohyun , Lee Kwang‐Woo 
Published: January 2004

AbstractMotor unit number estimations (MUNEs) can directly assess motor unit populations in muscle and quantify the degree of physiological or pathological motor unit degeneration. A high degree of reproducibility and reliability is required of any effective quantitative tool. MUNE is being increasingly applied clinically, and statistical MUNE has several advantages over alternative techniques. Nevertheless, the optimal method of applying statistical MUNE with respect to its reproducibility has not been established. We performed statistical MUNE by selecting the most compensated compound muscle action potential (CMAP) area as a test area and modified the results obtained by using the weighted mean surface‐recorded motor unit potential (SMUP). MUNE measurements made in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) showed better reproducibility after incorporating the size‐weighted modification. Therefore, we suggest that the size‐weighted MUNE in combination with the selection of testing “neurogenically compensated” CMAP areas is a more reliable method of statistical MUNE analysis in ALS patients. Muscle Nerve 29: 211–217, 2004
Temporal discrimination threshold on various parts of the body
Authors: Hoshiyama Minoru , Kakigi Ryusuke , Tamura Yohei 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe temporal discrimination threshold (TDT) of various parts of the body was investigated in 35 healthy volunteers, and the effect of aging on the TDT was studied in 80 subjects (aged 18–82 years). Ascending (ATDT) and descending (DTDT) TDT values were measured in 13 areas using a pair of electrical stimuli. Both ATDT and DTDT differed significantly among the body parts (P < 0.01, one‐way repeated ANOVA), and the TDT was shortest on the index finger and longest on the lower leg, where it was approximately 156% of that on the finger. There was no difference of the TDT value with gender or between sides. There was no effect of aging on the TDT in subjects aged 18–64 years, but the value was prolonged in subjects over 65 years. We suggest that the TDT difference among body parts is mainly due to the difference in sensory processes in the central nervous system, and that it may provide information about changes in the system related to aging. Muscle Nerve 29: 243–247, 2004
Transplantation of primary satellite cells improves properties of reinnervated skeletal muscles
Authors: Lazerges Cyril , Daussin Paul‐André , Coulet Bertrand , Boubaker el Andalousi Ramzi , Micallef Jean‐Paul , Chammas Michel , Reyne Yves , Bacou Francis 
Published: January 2004

AbstractSkeletal muscle demonstrates a force deficit after repair of injured peripheral nerves. We tested the hypothesis that transplantation of satellite cells into reinnervated rabbit tibialis anterior (TA) muscles improves their properties. Adult rabbits underwent transection and immediate suture of the common peroneal nerve. In order to provide an environment favorable for cell transplantation, TA were then made to degenerate by cardiotoxin injection, either immediately or after a 2‐month delay, which is sufficient for muscle reinnervation. In both cases, the injured TA were transplanted with cultured satellite cells 5 days after induction of muscle degeneration. When cells were transferred immediately after nerve repair, drastic morphological and functional muscle alterations were observed. However, when the muscles were allowed to become reinnervated before cell transplantation, muscles were heavier and developed a significantly higher maximal force compared to denervated–reinnervated muscles. Thus, application of the cell therapy protocol improved properties of denervated muscles only when they were allowed to become innervated. These results, which represent the application of cell therapy to improve force recovery of reinnervated muscles, will be of significant interest in certain clinical contexts, particularly after immediate or delayed muscle reinnervation. Muscle Nerve 29: 218–226, 2004
Prediction of aspiration in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Koopman Wilma J. , Wiebe Samuel , Colton‐Hudson Angela , Moosa Tas , Smith Dean , Bach David , Nicolle Michael W. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractPrediction of the risk of dysphagia and aspiration is important in the management of myasthenia gravis (MG). We assessed the ability of four bedside clinical tools to predict aspiration in 20 MG patients. Patients completed a self‐directed questionnaire, underwent clinical neurological assessment and a bedside speech pathology assessment, and were assessed with the quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG) score. The ability of these tools to predict aspiration was compared with the results of a modified barium swallow. Seven patients aspirated, 4 silently. The total self‐directed questionnaire score, two specific questions on the self‐directed questionnaire, the prediction based on clinical neurological assessment, and the QMG bulbar subset score all correlated with aspiration. The speech pathology prediction was highly sensitive but less specific. This pilot study shows that simple clinical tools can predict which MG patients are at risk of aspiration. Muscle Nerve 29: 256–260, 2004
Reproducibility of muscle‐fiber conduction velocity estimates using multichannel surface EMG techniques
Authors: Farina Dario , Zagari Domenico , Gazzoni Marco , Merletti Roberto 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the reproducibility of muscle‐fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) estimates obtained from multichannel surface electromyographic (EMG) recordings. Surface EMG signals were collected with a matrix of 61 electrodes during isometric, submaximal (50% of the maximal voluntary contraction torque) contractions of the biceps brachii muscle. Conduction velocity was estimated using multichannel maximum likelihood techniques. Reproducibility of MFCV estimates was assessed varying the number of signals (two to seven) used for the estimate and the distance between detection points (5–30 mm). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of both initial MFCV values and their rates of change with fatigue increased when increasing number of signals and distance between detection points. ICC of initial MFCV was negative using two signals for MFCV estimate, and it increased to approximately 75% with six to seven signals. Thus, reproducibility of MFCV estimates may be improved significantly using advanced multichannel estimation methods with respect to classic two‐channel techniques. Muscle Nerve 29: 282–291, 2004
Effect of static stretch training on neural and mechanical properties of the human plantar‐flexor muscles
Authors: Guissard Nathalie , Duchateau Jacques 
Published: January 2004

AbstractTo determine the contributions of neural and mechanical mechanisms to the limits in the range of motion (ROM) about a joint, we studied the effects of 30 sessions of static stretch training on the characteristics of the plantar‐flexor muscles in 12 subjects. Changes in the maximal ankle dorsiflexion and the torque produced during passive stretching at various ankle angles, as well as maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and electrically induced contractions, were recorded after 10, 20, and 30 sessions, and 1 month after the end of the training program. Reflex activities were tested by recording the Hoffmann reflex (H reflex) and tendon reflex (T reflex) in the soleus muscle. Training caused a 30.8% (P < 0.01) increase in the maximal ankle dorsiflexion. This improved flexibility was associated (r2 = 0.88; P < 0.001) with a decrease in muscle passive stiffness and, after the first 10 sessions only, with a small increase in passive torque at maximal dorsiflexion. Furthermore, both the H‐ and T‐reflex amplitudes were reduced after training, especially the latter (−36% vs. −14%; P < 0.05). The MVC torque and the maximal rate of torque development were not affected by training. Although the changes in flexibility and passive stiffness were partially maintained 1 month after the end of the training program, reflex activities had already returned to control levels. It is concluded that the increased flexibility results mainly from reduced passive stiffness of the muscle–tendon unit and tonic reflex activity. The underlying neural and mechanical adaptation mechanisms, however, showed different time courses. Muscle Nerve 29: 248–255, 2004