bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of muscle metabolic activity in the lower limb of a transfemoral amputee using a prosthesis by using 18F‐FDG PET imaging—an application of PET imaging to rehabilitation
Authors: Shinozaki Tetsuya , Suzuki Keiko , Yamaji Takehiko , Ichikawa Akihiro , Inoue Tomio , Takagishi Kenji , Endo Keigo 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis study used FDG PET to evaluate the lower limb muscles metabolic activities of transfemoral amputees during walking with prostheses. As a preliminary study, FDG PET was applied for two normal adult volunteers to evaluate muscle activity in the lower extremities after gait exercise. This same method was applied for two amputee volunteers with prostheses. We found that FDG accumulated more in both gluteus medius muscles after gait exercise compared to other muscles in normal adult volunteers. In the skilled amputee volunteer, FDG uptake increased in the adductor and gluteus medius in the amputated side, while in the unskilled the adductor, gluteus maximus, and gluteus medius showed increased FDG uptake only in the normal side. This result suggests that basic metabolic changes such as an increase in oxidative metabolism and less reliance on glycolytic activity would occur as a result of skeletal muscle training in amputees. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Compliant positioning of total hip components for optimal range of motion
Authors: Widmer K.‐H. , Zurfluh B. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractImpingement between femoral neck and endoprosthetic cup is one of the causes for dislocation in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Choosing a correct combined orientation of both components, the acetabular cup and femoral stem, in manual or computer‐assisted implantation will yield a maximized, stable range of motion (ROM) and will reduce the risk for dislocation. A mathematical model of a THA was developed to determine the optimal combination of cup inclination, cup anteversion, and stem antetorsion for maximizing ROM and minimizing the risk for cup–neck impingement. Single and combined hip joint motions were tested. A radiographic definition was used for component orientation. Additional parameters, such as stem–neck (CCD) angle, head–neck ratio, and the design of the acetabular opening, were also considered. The model showed that a maximized and safe ROM requires compliant, well‐defined combinations of cup inclination, cup anteversion, and stem antetorsion depending on the intended ROM. Radiographic cup anteversion and stem antetorsion were linearly correlated. Additional internal rotation reduced flexion, and additional external rotation reduced extension, abduction and adduction. The articulating hemispheric surface of acetabular cups should be oriented between 40° and 45° of radiographic inclination, between 20° and 28° of radiographic cup anteversion, and should be combined with stem antetorsion so that the sum of cup anteversion plus 0.7 times the stem antetorsion equals 37°. Final component orientation must also consider cup containment, implant impingement with bone and soft tissue, and preoperative skeletal contractures or deformities to achieve the optimal compromise for each patient. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Percutaneous Intramedullary Fixation of Metacarpal Shaft Fractures
Authors: FARAJ A. A. , DAVIS T. R. C. 
Published: December 2003

Twenty-two displaced metacarpal shaft fractures in 19 patients were stabilized with multiple intramedullary K-wires. These were inserted percutaneously through a small window in the base of the metacarpal and were buried in the bone. No external splintage was routinely used postoperatively and all patients were encouraged to mobilize their fingers immediately: formal physiotherapy was not usually required. All the fractures that we were able to follow-up united, but the K-wires bent at the fracture site in two instances, producing 20° angular deformities. The buried K-wires had to be removed in one instance as a result of protrusion into the carpometacarpal joint.
Percutaneous Fixation of Scaphoid Fractures
Authors: KAMINENI S. , LAW C. B. D. 
Published: December 2003

Percutaneous scaphoid fracture fixation has many advantages over the open method of fixation. We describe the anatomical basis for a safe percutaneous approach. Cannulated screws were inserted into 32 cadaveric scaphoids through 1 cm palmar incisions under fluoroscopic control. We then measured the distance between the entry point in the scaphoid and important local neurovascular structures. We also measured the angle of entry of the guide wire in two planes. The mean distance of the entry point from the main radial artery was 14 mm (range, 7–24 mm); from the radial nerve 19 mm (range, 7–35 mm); from the recurrent branch of the median nerve 29 mm (range, 14–45 mm); and from the superficial branch of the radial artery 5 mm (range, 0–8 mm) The mean radial angle of insertion was 34° and the mean palmar angle of insertion was 58°. Percutaneous fixation of scaphoid fractures puts the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery at risk. We recommend a 1 cm incision centred over the scaphotrapezial joint and dissection under direct vision to the entry point in the scaphoid rather than a completely percutaneous approach.
Closed Reduction versus Kapandji-Pinning for Extra-Articular Distal Radial Fractures
Authors: STOFFELEN D. V. C. , BROOS P. L. 
Published: December 2003

In a randomized prospective trial, treatment of extra-articular distal radial fractures by closed reduction and plaster application was compared with Kapandji-pinning. Closed reduction and plaster cast was used in 50 patients, Kapandji-pinning in 48 patients. According to the Cooney score, good and excellent results were found in the closed reduction and plaster cast group in 74%, compared with 75% in the Kapandji-pinning group. After measuring the maintenance of reduction as well as the functional outcome at 1 year follow-up, no statistically significant differences could be found between the two groups. We conclude that both techniques can be used in treating extra-articular fractures of the distal radius.
Habitat segregation between sympatric Tibetan argali Ovis ammon hodgsoni and blue sheep Pseudois nayaur in the Indian Trans‐Himalaya
Authors: Namgail Tsewang , Fox Joseph L. , Bhatnagar Yash Veer 
Published: December 2003

AbstractTibetan argali Ovis ammon hodgsoni and blue sheep Pseudois nayaur have almost completely overlapping distributions encompassing most of the Tibetan plateau and its margins. Such a sympatric distribution of related species with similar ecological requirements implies that there is some degree of resource partitioning. This may be accomplished on the basis of habitat and/or diet separation. This study evaluated such ecological separation on the basis of physical habitat partitioning by these two sympatric ungulates in Hemis High Altitude National Park, Ladakh, India, in an area where the argali established a small new population in 1978. Such separation was tested for on the basis of expected difference between the species in their proximity to cliffs, associated with species‐specific anti‐predator behaviour. Tibetan argali selected habitats away from cliffs while blue sheep selected habitats close to cliffs. Blue sheep also selected steep slopes whereas argali selected gentle slopes. The two species did not differ in their use of habitats in terms of elevation. They did, however, differ in their use of plant communities; blue sheep selected sub‐shrub and grass‐dominated communities whilst argali selected forb‐dominated communities. We suggest that the two species coexist in this site as a result of the differential use of habitat associated with their species‐specific anti‐predator strategies.
Comparison of bite‐force performance between long‐term captive and wild American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis)
Authors: Erickson Gregory M. , Lappin A. Kristopher , Parker Trevor , Vliet Kent A. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractNearly all animals show altered musculo‐skeletal phenotypes when subjected to captive conditions. Whether such changes affect biomechanical performance is for the most part unknown. In American alligators Alligator mississippiensis such modifications include shortened jaws, more robust body form, and broadened heads. Bite‐force performance was assessed for a variety of sizes of wild‐captured alligator specimens and the results correlated with morphological indices. Bite forces ranged from 217 to 13 172 N, with the latter being the highest value ever measured for a living animal. These data were statistically compared with those for long‐term captive specimens using ANCOVA. Bite‐force performance showed similar patterns of increase between captive and wild‐reared animals, and bite forces with respect to snout–vent length and body mass were statistically indistinguishable. Nevertheless, with respect to head size, captive alligators were found to bite more forcefully than their wild counterparts. These findings illustrate the importance of considering biomechanical performance differences between wild and captive individuals if meaningful ecological ties are to be made. Furthermore, before concluding that wild‐reared or captive animals show similar or different biomechanical performances, it is important to understand that standardization to different morphological parameters can reveal conflicting results. Consideration as to which measures are the most germane to the question at hand is essential.
Evaluation of sign surveys as a way to estimate the relative abundance of American mink (Mustela vison)
Authors: Bonesi Laura , Macdonald David W. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractAmerican mink Mustela vison are an invasive species in many parts of the world (e.g. Europe, Iceland and South America) and in many of these areas they are a threat to the native wildlife. It is therefore important to establish a reliable and efficient method to estimate their relative abundance in order to manage their populations. In this study, the use of surveys of signs (scats and footprints) as a way to estimate the relative abundance of American mink was evaluated. Populations of mink in three areas of England were studied to evaluate the impact of three factors (surveyor, marking places and month) on the probability of deposition and detection of signs. Among these factors only month had a significant effect. In the second part of the study, sign surveys were compared with live trapping and it was found that the proportion of sections with mink signs was only loosely correlated to the abundance of mink as estimated from live trapping. In conclusion, this study suggests that, provided that surveyors are trained, that there is a sufficient number of marking places in each section, and that the surveys are carried out in comparable seasons, sign surveys are an appropriate way to monitor the relative abundance of mink. Sign surveys are better than trapping when it is necessary to monitor mink populations over large areas because they are less time consuming, require less manpower and are cheaper.
Movement patterns and home range of Cape clawless otters (Aonyx capensis), affected by high food density patches
Authors: Somers M. J. , Nel J. A. J. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractTo determine the effects of their movement patterns, seven Cape clawless otters Aonyx capensis were caught in two rivers and radio‐tracked between 1993 and 1995. Total range length varied from 4.9 to 54.1 km and core length from 0.2 to 9.8 km. Total area of water used varied between 4.9 and 1062.5 ha, and core areas from 1.1 to 138.9 ha. As predicted using the resource dispersion hypothesis, total home‐range length was correlated with mean reed bed (high food density patch) nearest neighbour distance. The pattern of home‐range use by females was suggestive of territoriality. Male Cape clawless otters had overlapping home ranges, both with other males and with females.
Habitat separation in a species‐rich assemblage of jumping spiders (Araneae: Salticidae) in a suburban study site in Zimbabwe
Authors: Cumming Meg S. , Wesołowska Wanda 
Published: December 2003

AbstractA 40‐species assemblage of jumping spiders inhabiting a small (0.6 ha) tropical suburban study site in Zimbabwe was studied over 4 years. It was hypothesized that marked habitat separation is one of the critical factors permitting the close coexistence of so many species from the same family (Salticidae). The 25 most common salticids (i.e. species with 10 or more records) were found to occupy six primary habitat types: tree trunks (with three salticid species), tree leaves (two species), shrubs (five species), walls (three species), low herbaceous plants and grasses (three species) and ground and litter (six species). The remaining three species, termed habitat generalists, frequented three or more of these habitats. Finer‐scale microhabitat separation was also recorded in many species. The remaining 15 less common species (i.e. <10 records) could not be assigned to particular habitats with certainty. Twenty‐one (84%) of the 25 common salticids showed a significant association with a single primary habitat type. Three‐quarters of species were present for 3 or 4 years of this 4‐year study. It was concluded that the narrow spatial niches occupied by most species, combined with the numerous microhabitats within the site, were conducive to the highly diverse salticid assemblage. Attention is drawn to the problems of long‐term sampling of such a small area without undue disturbance to the fauna. The impacts of long‐term weather cycles on habitats, ephemeral niches, age‐dependent use of habitats, inter‐ and intraspecific associations of individuals within habitats, and the relationship between suburban and wild habitats are discussed. Suburban environments, by providing a wide range of microhabitats, can support a high diversity of salticid species and thus contribute to their conservation.
Niche separation between the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), the crab‐eating fox (Dusicyon thous) and the hoary fox (Dusicyon vetulus) in central Brazil
Authors: de Almeida Jácomo Anah Tereza , Silveira Leandro , Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre Felizola 
Published: December 2003

AbstractFour species of canids occur in the Cerrado of central Brazil. Three of them, the maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus, the crab‐eating fox Dusicyon thous and the hoary fox Dusicyon vetulus, were studied in Emas National Park between 1996 and 1999 to investigate niche separation. The diet of the three species was studied to understand niche breadth and degree of overlap. Habitat and activity patterns were used as second and third ecological parameters to define niche dimensions, and were estimated using camera‐trap data. The maned wolf is the largest species, weighing c. 21 kg, and is about three times larger than the crab‐eating fox and six times larger than the hoary fox. The major ecological differences between the three species were found in their food niche and habitat use, where crab‐eating fox presented higher differences from the hoary fox (Pianka's index of niche overlap (O) = 0.405). Despite differences in niche breadth, habitat use between the hoary fox and the maned wolf were more similar, explaining their larger overlap, in comparison with habitat use by the crab‐eating fox. Activity patterns among the species showed less divergence. The three species presented two activity peaks, one in the dusk–night period and another in the morning period. These data permit a better understanding of the ecological separation of the three Cerrado canids that enables their coexistence.
Myocardial ischemia in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia during l‐asparaginase therapy
Authors: Saviola Alessia , Luppi Mario , Potenza Leonardo , Morselli Monica , Bresciani Paola , Ferrari Angela , Riva Giovanni , Torelli Giuseppe 
Published: December 2003

Abstract:Haemostatic abnormalities may occur in 1–2% of patients treated with l‐asparaginase. Here, we present the second case of a myocardial infarction, developing in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), in the course of l‐asparaginase treatment. In our patient and in the only one reported case from the literature, a recent exposure to vincristine and daunorubicin was also reported, but induction chemotherapy program was completed as scheduled, with the only withdrawal of l‐asparaginase. Myocardial infarction should be included in the list of thrombotic complications possibly associated with l‐asparaginase treatment, or with a combination of l‐asparaginase and vinca alkaloids/anthracycline.
Long‐term follow up of patients with multiple myeloma after high‐dose chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Rabitsch Werner , Prinz Erika , Ackermann Jutta , Wöhrer Stefan , Kaufmann Hannes , Seidl Sonja , Keil Felix , Kalhs Peter , Greinix Hildegard , Gisslinger Heinz , Leitner Gerda , Drach Johannes 
Published: December 2003

Abstract:Objectives:  Allogeneic transplantation may offer a curative approach to multiple myeloma (MM). We retrospectively analyzed the outcome of patients with multiple myeloma undergoing allogeneic stem celltransplantation in the context of ß2 microglobulin and chromosome 13q.Methods:  All 13 patients with MM, who were referred to our center for allogeneic stem cell transplantation, were evaluated. Median age of patients was 38 yr, eight patients had chemo‐sensitive disease, and median time between diagnosis of MM and transplantation was 15 months. Engraftment, acute and chronic graft vs. host disease, response to treatment, disease‐free survival, and overall survival were evaluated according to standard criteria.Results:  There was one transplant‐related death. Among 12 evaluable patients, seven patients (58%) achieved a complete remission (CR), and four patients (33%) achieved a partial remission. Acute graft vs. host disease occurred in 46% of patients, and chronic graft vs. host disease in 42% of available patients. After a median follow‐up of 69.5 months (range, 5–128) nine patients (70%) are still allive, and six of them have remained progression free. Among five patients with low ß2 microglobulin and normal chromosome 13q, four patients achieved a CR, with CR duration >5 yr in three of them. Among seven patients with elevated ß2 microglobulin and/or deletion of chromosome 13q, only three CR were observed, with two patients still in CR on days +920 and +161, respectively.Conclusions:  Allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with MM results in promising rates of CR, but durable remissions are predominantly seen in patients with favorable prognostic parameters.
Treatment of refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia with Campath‐1H in combination with lamivudine in chronic hepatitis B infection
Authors: Heider Ulrike , Fleissner Claudia , Zavrski Ivana , Jakob Christian , Dietzel Toralf , Eucker Jan , Ockenga Johann , Possinger Kurt , Sezer Orhan 
Published: December 2003

Abstract:Campath‐1H, a monoclonal antibody against human CD52, is used for the therapy of refractory or relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Treatment with campath is associated with an increased incidence of infections and also fatal reactivation of viral infections. Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in HBsAg‐positive patients is a well‐documented complication of cytotoxic or immunosuppressive therapy and has also been observed after treatment with rituximab. To date, there are no reports on campath treatment in HBsAg carriers. Here, we present the case of a patient with heavily pretreated CLL who was HBsAg‐positive with a high virus load (>2 billion copies/mL). He required treatment because of progressive CLL with massive bone marrow infiltration, severe anemia and thrombocytopenia. Campath was initiated and lamivudine, an inhibitor of reverse transcriptase, was simultaneously given to prevent HBV proliferation. During the treatment, no deterioration of liver parameters was observed, and the virus load decreased. After therapy with campath, hemoglobin and platelet counts increased markedly. This report shows that lamivudine is highly effective in inhibiting HBV proliferation and can be used to prevent HBV flare‐up during campath treatment in patients tested positive for HBs antigen.
Ultrasonic backscatter of the carotid wall in young and older athletes
Authors: Franzoni F. , Galetta F. , Cupisti A. , Femia F. R. , Pentimone F. , Santoro G. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract.Objectives.  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of habitual exercise on the age‐related changes of carotid wall composition defining its acoustic reflectivity by the quantitative approach of integrated backscatter (IBS) analysis.Design.  Cross‐sectional study.Setting.  University Hospital.Subjects.  Fifty‐four competitive long‐distance runners (males, age range 22–72 years) and 50 healthy sedentary controls.Main outcome measures.  All the subjects underwent both 2‐D conventional ultrasonography and IBS analysis. IBS values were sampled from a region of interest (ROI) placed within five consecutive regions of the common carotid intima–media, and then corrected (C‐IBS) for the IBS value of the adventitia.Results.  Athletes showed a lower C‐IBS (−27.07 ± 2.9 dB vs. −24.57 ± 4 dB, P < 0.0001) and a smaller intima–media thickness (IMT: 0.64 ± 0.16 mm vs. 0.78 ± 0.21 mm, P < 0.001) respect to sedentary controls. By selecting the lowest (<30 years of age) and the highest (>60 years of age) tertile of age, we assess the influence of age on IMT and IBS. Sedentary older individuals exhibited an IMT higher respect to young controls and to the both trained subgroups (P < 0.0001). C‐IBS was lower in both subgroups of athletes, independently of age, and lower in sedentary young people respect to sedentary older subgroup (P < 0.0001). Endurance chronic exercise blunted the difference of C‐IBS observed between young and older sedentary individuals. Moreover, C‐IBS was positively related to age (r = 0.77, P < 0.0001) and IMT (r = 0.52, P < 0.0001).Conclusions.  The age‐related changes of the arterial wall are attenuated by physical training. These modifications can be quantitatively discriminated by ultrasonic backscatter method.