bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine
Authors: Dorenbeck U. , Schreyer A. G. , Grunwald I. Q. , Held P. , Feuerbach S. , Seitz J. 
Published: January 2005

Purpose: To compare a T2* weighted 2D spoiled gradient echo multiecho sequence (MEDIC) with magnetization transfer saturation pulse versus lumbar myelography and postmyelographic computed tomography (pCT). Material and Methods: 84 disk levels in 27 patients were examined. The vertebral bodies, intervertebral disks, neural foramina, cauda equina, ligamentum flavum, and narrowing of the spinal canal were investigated using an evaluation scale. In addition, the pCT and the MEDIC sequence were evaluated for assessing the narrowing of the neural foramina in a phantom study using a cadaver preparation of the lumbar spine. Results: A total of 28 disk herniations, 11 cases of osteophytes narrowing the spinal canal or the neural foramina, and 7 spinal canal stenoses were detected. The pCT was significantly better in visualizing the cauda equina. The MEDIC sequence was significantly superior in visualizing the extension of the ligamentum flavum. No statistical differences between either image modality were found concerning assessment of the narrowing of the neural foramina and the spinal canal, nor regarding evaluation of the vertebral disk and the vertebral body. Measurements of the phantom study showed that the MEDIC sequence did not overestimate narrowing of the neural foramina. Conclusions: The T2* MEDIC sequence has proved to be as accurate as pCT in evaluating osteophytes and narrowing of the neural foramina. In doubtful standard magnetic resonance imaging findings, this means that an additional axial T2* MEDIC sequence may be of value in reaching the same accuracy as pCT.
Pneumothorax and the value of chest radiography after ultrasound-guided thoracocentesis
Authors: Pihlajamaa K. , Bode M. K. , Puumalainen T. , Lehtimäki A. , Marjelund S. , Tikkakoski T. 
Published: January 2005

Purpose: To determine the incidence, the operator's experience, and other variables that may influence the development of pneumothorax or re-expansion edema after ultrasound (US)-guided thoracocentesis. Material and Methods: The medical records of 264 procedures in 212 patients who had undergone US-guided thoracocentesis in our radiology department or intensive care unit during the period 1996-2001 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Post-thoracocentesis pneumothorax occurred in 11 cases, the incidence being 4.2% (11/264). None of the pneumothoraces occurred in the 10 mechanically ventilated patients. All but one patient with pneumothorax were asymptomatic or had only minor symptoms. Chest tube drainage was needed in one patient with a large pneumothorax. No re-expansion edema was recorded, although 1500 ml or more pleural fluid was aspirated in 29 patients. The operator's experience had no effect on the complication rate. Needle size was the only significant variable that contributed to the pneumothorax rate. Conclusion: US-guided thoracocentesis can be done equally as safely by residents as by senior radiologists. The safety and feasibility of the method are evident among mechanically ventilated intensive care patients. Our results do not support the routine use of post-thoracocentesis chest radiography.
Morphometric X-ray absorptiometry: reference data for vertebral dimensions in a population-based sample of young danish men
Authors: Wulff R. , Holst A. Koch , Nielsen T. L. , Andersen M. , Hagen C. , Brixen K. 
Published: January 2005

Purpose: To determine reference values for vertebral heights in healthy young Danish males using morphometric X-ray absorptiometry (MXA). Material and Methods: A population-based study group of 487 males aged between 20 and 30 years (mean 25 years) from the county of Funen, Denmark, were recruited. Using a Hologic QDR 4500 (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) DXA-scanner, MXA scans covering the vertebrae from T4 to L4 were acquired for each subject. Anterior (Ha), middle (Hm), and posterior (Hp) heights of the thoracic (T4-T12) and lumbar (L1-L4) vertebral bodies were measured. Moreover, wedge, mid-wedge, crush I, and crush II ratios were calculated. Results: No correlation between vertebral dimensions and crush indices on the one hand and age or weight on the other were found. Body height, however, correlated significantly with the cumulated vertebral heights. Reference data for vertebral dimensions, wedge, mid-wedge, crush I, and crush II are tabulated. Conclusion: The anterior, middle, and posterior heights of the vertebral bodies of T4 to L4 can be measured reproducible with MXA. In young men, the cumulative vertebral heights correlated with body height but not with age. Moreover, the wedge and crush indices were unrelated of both age and height.
Assessment of left ventricular volumes and function: intraindividual comparison of multi-slice spiral CT and electron beam CT in an animal model
Authors: Wiese T. H. , Rogalla P. , Taupitz M. , Wagner S. , Schnorr J. , Mews J. , Enzweiler C. N. H. , Hermann K.-G. A. , Hamm B. , Lembcke A. 
Published: January 2005

Purpose: To evaluate multi-slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) for measurements of left ventricular volumes, ejection fraction (EF), and myocardial mass in comparison with electron beam CT (EBCT) as a reference method. Material and Methods: Six minipigs underwent both standardized contrast-enhanced MSCT (effective acquisition time per cardiac cycle 125.7±30.1 ms, reconstructed slice thickness 8 mm) and EBCT (acquisition time 50 ms, collimated slice thickness 8 mm). The contrast-to-noise ratio of the left ventricle was measured in each animal, and the contour sharpness of the myocardium was analyzed. Volumes (EDV, ESV, SV) ejection fraction (EF), and muscle mass were calculated by MSCT and by EBCT using the slice summation method. Results: MSCT had a higher contrast-to-noise ratio and delineated the myocardial contours more sharply than EBCT. There was a close linear correlation between both modalities for all parameters (EDV: rP=0.88, ESV: rP=0.91, SV: rP=0.85, EF: rP=0.93; mass: rP=0.90; P&lt;0.05 each). MSCT slightly overestimated ESV and slightly underestimated SV and EF compared with EBCT ( P&lt;0.05 each). Conclusions: Image quality in MSCT is superior to that of EBCT. Functional parameters correlate well between both modalities, but the accuracy of MSCT is limited by its lower temporal resolution.
Large Intraspecific Haplotype Variability at theRph7Locus Results from Rapid and Recent Divergence in the Barley Genome
Authors: Scherrer Beatrice , Isidore Edwige , Klein Patricia , Kim Jeong-soon , Bellec Arnaud , Chalhoub Boulos , Keller Beat , Feuillet Catherine 
Published: January 2005

AbstractTo study genome evolution and diversity in barley (Hordeum vulgare), we have sequenced and compared more than 300 kb of sequence spanning the Rph7 leaf rust disease resistance gene in two barley cultivars. Colinearity was restricted to five genic and two intergenic regions representing &lt;35% of the two sequences. In each interval separating the seven conserved regions, the number and type of repetitive elements were completely different between the two homologous sequences, and a single gene was absent in one cultivar. In both cultivars, the nonconserved regions consisted of ∼53% repetitive sequences mainly represented by long-terminal repeat retrotransposons that have inserted &lt;1 million years ago. PCR-based analysis of intergenic regions at the Rph7 locus and at three other independent loci in 41 H. vulgare lines indicated large haplotype variability in the cultivated barley gene pool. Together, our data indicate rapid and recent divergence at homologous loci in the genome of H. vulgare, possibly providing the molecular mechanism for the generation of high diversity in the barley gene pool. Finally, comparative analysis of the gene composition in barley, wheat (Triticum aestivum), rice (Oryza sativa), and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) suggested massive gene movements at the Rph7 locus in the Triticeae lineage.
Functional Isolation of Novel Nuclear Proteins Showing a Variety of Subnuclear Localizations
Authors: Moriguchi Kazuki , Suzuki Tadzunu , Ito Yukihiro , Yamazaki Yukiko , Niwa Yasuo , Kurata Nori 
Published: January 2005

AbstractNuclear proteins play key roles in the fundamental regulation of genome instability, the phases of organ development, and physiological responsiveness through gene expression. Although nuclear proteins have been shown to account for approximately one-fourth of total proteins in yeast, no efficient method to identify novel nuclear proteins has been applied to plants. In this study, a trial to isolate nuclear proteins in rice was attempted, and several novel nuclear proteins showing a variety of subnuclear localizations were identified. The nuclear transportation trap (NTT) system, which is a modified two-hybrid system, isolated many nuclear proteins from rice (Oryza sativa) NTT cDNA libraries. Nuclear localization of the isolated proteins was confirmed by transient introduction of green fluorescent protein fusion constructs for a subset of protein genes into onion (Allium cepa) cells. The majority of these proteins, including novel proteins and proteins initially categorized as cytoplasmic proteins, were revealed to be localized in the nucleus. Detailed characterization of unknown proteins revealed various subnuclear localizations, indicating their possible association with chromatin and the nuclear matrix with a foci or speckle-like distribution. Some also showed dual distribution in the nucleus and cytoplasm. In the novel protein fraction, a protein was further identified for its chromatin-associated localization in a specific organ of rice by immunostaining. Thus, a variety of novel nuclear architectural proteins with chromatin or matrix associating abilities, which are important in nuclear organization by influencing certain organ developments or cell responsiveness, can be isolated using the NTT method. Because nuclear proteins other than transcription regulators have rarely been characterized in plants, such as matrix proteins and development-specific chromatin proteins, their identification and subsequent characterization could provide important information for genome-wide regulatory mechanisms controlled by nuclear organization.
A historical biogeographical protocol for studying biotic diversification by taxon pulses
Authors: Halas Dominik , Zamparo David , Brooks Daniel R. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAim To present a historical biogeographical protocol for distinguishing biotic diversification by taxon pulse radiations from biotic diversification by vicariance.Location Mexico and northern Central America.Methods Brooks Parsimony Analysis (BPA), phylogenetic inference, linear correlation analysis.Results The taxon pulse radiation of 33 clades in nine areas of endemism in Mesoamerica is based on nine episodes of biotic expansion from three areas, and six episodes of vicariance, involving four geographical splits. Nineteen per cent of speciation events are due to vicariance, 25% to peripheral isolates speciation and 56% are within‐area events. The species–area curve has a correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.47. Extinction events and species richness are highly correlated (r2 = 0.75), but colonization events and species richness are poorly correlated (r2 = 0.36), suggesting that colonization is not the main determinant of the species–area relationship. Colonization events are more poorly correlated with size of area (r2 = 0.05) than arein situspeciation events (r2 = 0.60). Colonization events andin situevents are poorly correlated (r2 = 0.02). All areas of endemism have reticulated histories, and have acted as both sources and islands at various times.Main conclusions Taxon pulses can be distinguished from maximum vicariance using this protocol; refining it requires a method for generating area cladograms from complex data and incorporation of direct dating of evolutionary events.
After the deluge: mitochondrial DNA indicates Miocene radiation and Pliocene adaptation of tree and giant weta (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae)
Authors: Trewick Steven A. , Morgan‐Richards Mary 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAim  New Zealand broke away from the margins of Gondwana c. 75 Ma. Since then, New Zealand taxa derived from the Gondwanan biota are thought to have been exposed first to a subtropical climate on a low lying terrain, then severe land reduction during the Oligocene marine transgression, followed by much cooler climates of the Pliocene and Pleistocene, at which time mountain ranges emerged. The biological consequence of New Zealand's geological and climatic history is not well understood, in particular the extent to which the Oligocene acted as a biological bottleneck remains unresolved.Methods  We used mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and 12S DNA sequences to examine the extent of diversity and inferred timing of speciation of New Zealand weta (Anostostomatidae), a group of Orthoptera with a Gondwanan distribution generally thought to be ancient inhabitants of New Zealand.Main conclusions  We hypothesize that at least three distinct groups of weta survived the Oligocene marine transgression and radiated subsequently. Speciation followed during the Miocene and radiation into new habitats occurred during the Pliocene when mountain building created novel environments. Patterns of genetic diversity within species reflect, in some instances, geographical subdivision in the Pliocene, and in other cases, Pleistocene range changes resulting from climate change.
A Joint Model for Longitudinal Data Profiles and Associated Event Risks with Application to a Depression Study
Authors: DuBois Bowman F. , Manatunga Amita K. 
Published: January 2005

Summary
In many longitudinal studies, a subject’s response profile is closely associated with his or her risk of experiencing a related event. Examples of such event risks include recurrence of disease, relapse, drop-out and non-compliance. When evaluating the effect of a treatment, it is sometimes of interest to consider the joint process consisting of both the response and the risk of an associated event. Motivated by a prevention of depression study among patients with malignant melanoma, we examine a joint model that incorporates the risk of discontinuation into the analysis of serial depression measures. We present a maximum likelihood estimator for the mean response and event risk vectors. We test hypotheses about functions of mean depression and withdrawal risk profiles from our joint model, predict depression from updated patient histories, characterize associations between components of the joint process and estimate the probability that a patient’s depression and risk of withdrawal exceed specified levels. We illustrate the application of our joint model by using the depression data.
Estimating Stellar-Oscillation-Related Parameters and Their Uncertainties with the Moment Method
Authors: De Ridder Joris , Molenberghs Geert , Aerts Conny 
Published: January 2005

SummaryThe moment method is a well-known astronomical mode identification technique in asteroseismology which uses a time series of the first three moments of a spectral line to estimate the discrete oscillation mode parameters l and m. The method, in contrast with many other mode identification techniques, also provides estimates of other important continuous parameters such as the inclination angle α and the rotational velocity ve. We developed a statistical formalism for the moment method based on so-called generalized estimating equations. This formalism allows an estimation of the uncertainty of the continuous parameters, taking into account that the different moments of a line profile are correlated and that the uncertainty of the observed moments also depends on the model parameters. Furthermore, we set up a procedure to take into account the mode uncertainty, i.e. the fact that often several modes (l, m) can adequately describe the data. We also introduce a new lack-of-fit function which works at least as well as a previous discriminant function, and which in addition allows us to identify the sign of the azimuthal order m. We applied our method to star HD181558 by using several numerical methods, from which we learned that numerically solving the estimating equations is an intensive task. We report on the numerical results, from which we gain insight in the statistical uncertainties of the physical parameters that are involved in the moment method.
Time course of oxidative stress, lesion and edema after intrastriatal injection of malonate in rat: effect of α‐phenyl‐N‐tert‐butylnitrone
Authors: Paucard Alexia , Besson Valérie C. , Plotkine Michel , Margaill Isabelle 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe aim of this study was to characterize the model of oxidative stress consisting in the infection of malonate (3 μmol), an inhibitor of mitochondrial complex II, in the rat striatum. The striatal concentrations of both the reduced and oxidized forms of glutathione (the major endogenous antioxidant) were determined at various times after malonate injection (1–4 h) in order to evaluate the evolution of oxidative stress. The progression of lesion size and edema was also determined up to 24 h after malonate administration. Finally, the effect of α‐phenyl‐N‐tert‐butylnitrone (PBN), an antioxidant nitrone, was studied. The levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) progressively decreased after malonate injection up to 40% of those of sham animals at 4 h. An increase in the concentrations of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) was also observed as early as 1 h after malonate administration which was maintained up to 4 h. The size of the lesion was maximal within 2 h of malonate injection, whereas edema continued to increase between 2 and 24 h. Injection of PBN at 100 mg/kg i.p. 30 min before and 2 h after malonate administration abolished the GSSG increase caused by malonate but did not modify the drop in GSH. This moderate antioxidant effect of PBN was associated with a slight decrease of the lesion area at two levels (10.7 and 10.2 mm anterior to the interaural line), but the lesion volume remained unchanged. By contrast, PBN reduced edema by 30%. Taken together, these results show that malonate induced a severe oxidative stress leading to the rapid development of the lesion. PBN demonstrates anti‐edematous properties that are not sufficient to reduce the lesion.
Immunomodulatory therapy for chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Sprengers D. , Janssen H.L.A. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most prevalent viral pathogens of man with around 350 million chronically infected patients. It has been postulated that in persistently infected individuals the HBV‐specific immune response is too weak to eliminate HBV from all infected hepatocytes, but sufficiently strong to continuously destroy HBV‐infected hepatocytes and to induce chronic inflammatory liver disease. The primary aim in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B is to induce sustained disease remission and prevent serious complications like liver failure and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. The recent emergence of drug‐resistant HBV mutants and post‐treatment relapse as a consequence of nucleoside analogue monotherapy emphasizes that the principal goal should be to stimulate a successful immune response. In this paper we will focus on the immune response to HBV and we will review reported data on immunotherapeutic strategies like immunomodulatory drugs (cytokines and Thymic derivates) and vaccine therapies using currently available recombinant anti‐HBV vaccines, lipopeptide‐based T cell vaccine and newly developed genetic vaccines.
The effect of methotrexate and glucocorticosteroids on apoptosis of phythemaglutinin‐stimulated mononuclear cells from peripheral blood
Authors: Pawlik Andrzej , Baskiewicz‐Masiuk Magdalena , Machaliński Bogusław , Gawronska‐Szklarz Barbara 
Published: January 2005

AbstractImmunosuppressive drugs are widely used in the therapy of autoimmune disorders. Induction of apoptosis is a key mechanism to destroy autoreactive T cells and attenuate immune responses. The aim of the study was to evaluate the apoptotic properties of methotrexate (MTX) and glucocorticosteroids (GS), dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, cortisone in cultured phythemaglutinin‐stimulated mononuclear cells (MNC) from healthy subjects. Apoptosis of MNC was measured using two methods: Annexin V and TUNEL. The increase in MTX and GS concentrations led to progressive increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells. There was no statistically significant difference in percentage of apoptotic cells between cultures with MTX + GS and MTX alone. The results suggest that MTX and GS did not act synergistically, the addition of GS to MTX did not enhance the pro‐apoptotic properties of MTX.
On the relation of nitric oxide to nifedipine‐induced gingival hyperplasia and impaired submandibular glands function in rats in vivo
Authors: Rezaie Shourangiz , Rezaie Ali , Minaiee Bagher , Khorasani Reza , Abdollahi Mohammad 
Published: January 2005

AbstractCalcium‐channel blockers such as nifedipine could be associated with gingival overgrowth. The aim of this study was to examine the role of nitric oxide (NO) on nifedipine‐induced gingival hyperplasia along with submandibular secretory function in rats. Animals in divided groups received nifedipine (250 mg/kg diet) alone and in combination with l‐arginine (2.25% w/v) or Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME) (0.7% w/v) in drinking water for 20 days. Controls received only tap water. Pure submandibular saliva was collected intraorally by micropolyethylene cannula and the mandibular gingiva was examined by means of dissecting microscope for signs of redness, thickness, inflammation and exuda. Twenty‐day nifedipine treatment induced gingival hyperplasia accompanied with reduced salivary flow rate and concentrations of total protein, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and calcium in comparison with controls. Co‐treatment of animals with nifedipine and l‐arginine protected from gingival hyperplasia and retained flow rate, and concentrations of total protein, EGF and calcium in normal levels. Co‐treatment of animals with nifedipine and l‐NAME potentiated nifedipine‐induced gingival hyperplasia and reductions in flow rate and concentrations of total protein, EGF, and calcium. It is concluded that nifedipine‐induced gingival hyperplasia is associated with salivary dysfunction. Activation of cGMP‐dependent positive signal‐transduction mechanisms in salivary glands might be the mechanism for protective effects of NO against nifedipine‐induced gingival hyperplasia.
Habitat use by Hen HarriersCircus cyaneuson Orkney: implications of land‐use change for this declining population
Authors: AMAR ARJUN , REDPATH STEPHEN M. 
Published: January 2005

The use of habitats by hunting Hen HarriersCircus cyaneusjust prior to the settlement period was investigated on Orkney, where numbers have declined by 70% over the last 20 years. Both males and females hunted over areas that were closer to subsequent breeding territories. Neither sex differed in the amount of time they hunted over areas dominated by either intensive pasture, moorland or rough grazing. However, male hunting was significantly related to the amount of unmanaged grass habitat with a litter layer. Female hunting was related negatively to vegetation height, and to the prevalence of both HeatherCalluna vulgarisand managed grass; after controlling for these habitat features, female hunting also tended to be associated negatively with Common StarlingSturnus vulgarisabundance. Dramatic changes in land use on Orkney have occurred over the last 40 years, with increases in the amount of intensive pasture and decreases in the amount of rough grazing. These changes, coupled with a doubling in sheepOvis ariesdensities over the last 20 years, are likely to have reduced the amount of unmanaged grass. These changes will have been detrimental to hunting male Harriers by reducing the amount of food they can supply to the females prior to egg laying and during the incubation period.