bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adult Scoliosis: Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Anas Zahra Ahmed , El Aziz Elsharkay Ahmed Abd , Ahmed Shamhoot Ebrahim , Mohamed Shafik Ibrahim , Seif Eldein Ali Ibrahim 
Published: February 2022

Background: Adult scoliosis is a common spine deformity. It is very debilitating to daily activities of the patients. Surgical management requires a clear assessment of the functional impact of scoliosis, the failure of conservative treatments and precise analysis of radiological investigations (full spine views, dynamic X-rays and MRI). The back pain was the main complaint as it was the main presentation. The aim of the work is to assess the outcomes of surgical procedures in patients with adult scoliosis.
Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 30 patients with adult scoliosis with cobb angel more than 10 degrees. Surgical techniques (anterior and posterior approaches, decompression, osteotomies, fusion, and instrumentation) done and tailored to each patient. Decompression alone found usually not enough, fusion needed almost in all cases.
Results: Patient disability using Oswestry disability index assessed before and after intervention. Also a good, accepted change achieved as 15 patients restore about 75% of their abilities ,7 patients restore more than 50% of their usual ability,3 patients restore about 25% of their usual ability. Cobb’s angel before intervention was 6 cases < 60 degrees,14 cases between 50 and 60 degrees and 10 cases between 40 and 50 degrees became 14 cases between 10 and 0 degrees, and 10 cases between 10 and 20 degrees. Surgical treatment of adult scoliosis is associated with a better quality of life for patients when good selection of the patient and maneuvers done. Visual analogue scale before and postoperative, and three and six months later detect ,a good result achieved, As VAS before intervention was ; 20 patients from 9 to 10,9 patients from 6 to 8, one patient from 3 to 5. VAS post-operative after sex months became only four patients from 6 to 8, twenty four patients from 3 to 5and only two patients from 0 to 2.
Conclusions: Surgical management of adult scoliosis become more applicable, Spine managed as one unit, Correction of coronal and sagittal malalignment done together, Do not neglect one of them. Using both free hand , c arm and even navigator when needed help in good outcomes and complications avoidance, management strategy differ according many factors, The technique requires proper selection of cases before surgery and meticulous attention during surgery to identify the correct starting point, screw orientation and screw length selection. Surgical outcomes of adult scoliosis clinical, radiological and neurological outcome were satisfied without major complications.
Climate and the northern distribution limits of Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)
Authors: Ungerer Matthew J. , Ayres Matthew P. , Lombardero María J. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThe southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis, is among the most important agents of ecological disturbance and economic loss in forests of the south‐eastern United States. We combined physiological measurements of insect temperature responses with climatic analyses to test the role of temperature in determining the northern distribution limits of D. frontalis. Laboratory measurements of lower lethal temperatures and published records of mortality in wild populations indicated that air temperatures of −16° should result in almost 100% mortality of D. frontalis. The distribution limits for D. frontalis approximate the isoline corresponding to an annual probability of 0.90 of reaching ≤−16 °C. Thus, D. frontalis have been found about as far north as they could possibly occur given winter temperature regimes. At latitudes from 39° N (southern Ohio) to 33° N (central Alabama), winter temperatures must exert high mortality on D. frontalis populations in at least one year out of ten. In contrast, we reject the hypotheses that summer temperatures or the distribution of host trees constrain the northern distribution of D. frontalis. Because of the short generation time of D. frontalis, its high dispersal abilities, and the cosmopolitan distribution of suitable host trees, changes in either the mean or variance of minimum annual temperatures could have almost immediate effects on regional patterns of beetle infestations. We estimate that an increase of 3 °C in minimum annual temperature could extend the northern distribution limits by 170 km. Increases or decreases in the variance of minimum annual temperatures would further relax climatic constraints on the northern distribution limits of D. frontalis. Results emphasize the ecological importance of spatial and temporal variability in minimum annual temperatures. The physiologically based models provide a tool for guiding land management decisions in forests and illustrate a general approach for predicting the regional effects of climatic patterns on the distribution of organisms.
Microsatellite analysis of genetic variation among and within Alpine marmot populations in the French Alps
Authors: Goossens B. , Chikhi L. , Taberlet P. , Waits L. P. , AllainÉ D. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThe genetic structure of the Alpine marmot, Marmota marmota, was studied by an analysis of five polymorphic microsatellite loci. Eight locations were sampled in the French Alps, one from Les Ecrins valley (n = 160), another from La Sassière valley (n = 289) and the six others from the Maurienne valley (n = 139). Information on social group structure was available for both Les Ecrins and La Sassière but not for the other samples. The high levels of genetic diversity observed are at odds with the results obtained using microsatellites, minisatellites and allozymes on Alpine marmots from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Strong deficits in heterozygotes were found in Les Ecrins and La Sassière. They are caused by a Wahlund effect due to the family structure (i.e. differentiation between the family groups). The family groups exhibit excess of heterozygotes rather than deficits. This may be caused by outbreeding and this is compatible with recent results from the genetics of related social species when information on the social structure is taken into account. The observed outbreeding could be the result of females mating with transient males or males coming from neighbouring colonies. Both indicate that the species may not be as monogamous as is usually believed. The results are also compatible with a male‐biased dispersal but do not allow us to exclude some female migration. We also found a significant correlation between geographical and genetic distance indicating that isolation by distance could be an issue in marmots. This study is the first that analysed populations of marmots taking into account the social structure within populations and assessing inbreeding at different levels (region, valley, population, and family groups). Our study clearly demonstrated that the sampling strategy and behavioural information can have dramatic effects on both the results and interpretation of the genetic data.
Ethics in Community Psychiatry
Authors: Szmukler George 
Published: July 2002

Objective: The aim of this paper is to clarify the ethical challenges resulting from new models of community psychiatry and to examine practical approaches aimed at meeting them. Method: Review of the literature and observations both as clinician and medical director of community services. Results: Assertive community treatment presents ethical dilemmas relating to privacy, confidentiality, ‘coercion’ and conflicts of duty to the patient versus others, including carers and the wider community. Their acuity is influenced by the context in which services are provided, especially community fears of the consequences of care in the community for the severely mentally ill. Approaches to resolving ethical problems include increasing patient involvement in their care, clarifying the grounds for ‘paternalistic’ interventions, and re-examining grounds for acting to reduce the risk of harm to others. Conclusions: The ethical dilemmas are not new, but they present in sufficiently different guises to warrant reconsideration in their new context. There has been a reluctance to face them, but if community psychiatric practice is to survive, it must rest on a sound ethical base.
E‐CADHERIN AND β‐CATENIN COMPLEX IN ANIMAL MODELS OF HEREDITARY DEMYELINATING PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Authors: Menichella D.M. , Baron P.L. , Livraghi S. , Conti G. , Scarpini E. , Scarlato G. 
Published: July 2002

E‐cadherin, a major adhesive glycoprotein in Schwann cells (Fannon et al., 1995), is localized at the paranode, at Schmidt‐Lanterman incisures in the peripheral nerve along with β‐catenin, and associated with adherens‐type junctions. To investigate the functional role of E‐cadherin/β‐catenin complex in Schwann cells biology, we studied expression and localization of E‐cadherin and β‐catenin complex in sciatic nerve from normal mice and from animal model of hereditary demyelinating peripheral neuropathy.We found that E‐cadherin mRNA and proteins levels are regulated in normal mouse sciatic nerve during development like other myelin proteins. Furthermore, E‐cadherin expression in regenerating nerve is mediated by axonal/SC interaction. On the contrary, β‐catenin mRNA and protein levels did not change during development and following nerve lesion. Moreover, E‐cadherin/β‐catenin complex localization is altered in P0 knockout mice (P0‐/‐). In fact, E‐cadherin was diffusely distributed throughout the fibers in an unusual beaded pattern of staining, and β‐catenin was found in the perinuclear region of P0 ‐/‐ Schwann cells.Furthermore, E‐cadherin/β‐catenin complex localization is altered in peripheral nerve from other model of primary demielination where myelin compaction is lacking, such as Trembler‐J mice, while it is normally localized in Trembler mice, where demyelination is less severe and compaction is preserved.In conclusion, it appears that the process that leads to a restricted localization of E‐cadherin at the paranodal region is highly regulated and is disrupted in the peripheral nerve lacking compaction.Therefore, compaction contributes to the process of reorganization of the Schwann cells membrane during myelination and formation of a mature paranode. Altered E‐cadherin/β‐catenin complex localization, associated with absence of adherens junctions lead to changes in the structure of the paranodal region with important consequences on the molecular architecture of the Node of Ranvier, which lead to an altered transmission of impulses along axons, having important consequences in the pathogenesis of hereditary demyelinating peripheral neuropathy.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY IN HCV‐RELATED MIXED CRYOGLOBULINEMIA
Authors: Sanges G. , Ammendola A. , Ambrosone L. , Sampaolo S. , Cesarano M. , Migliaresi S. , Di Iorio G. 
Published: July 2002

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and features of peripheral neuropathy in HCV‐related mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC).Methods: 133 consecutive patients (23 males and 110 females, age range 23–73 years) with MC (double immunodiffusion) were studied. Immuno‐fixation electrophoresis was performed in 127 cases: in 117 a type II, and in 10 type III MC was found. In all the patients circulating anti‐HCV antibodies and in 79/87 HCV‐RNA were detected. ENG was performed in 52 patients and sural nerve biopsy in 16.Results: Neurological examination revealed a peripheral neuropathy in 107 patients (80.4%): 50 had a distal symmetric sensory‐motor polyneuropathy, 55 multiple mononeuropathies, 2 a mononeuropathy. During the course of the illness, mononeuropathies tend to overlap giving a polyneuropathy. ENG showed neuropathic features in 48/52 patients (92.3%), 8 of them without clinical symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Axonal damage, mainly sensitive, more expressed in the lower limbs, was the commonest electroneurographic finding. Sural nerve biopsy showed axonal degeneration with perineurial and endoneurial microangiopathy, rare cellular infiltrates, erytrocyte diapedesis.Conclusions: Peripheral neuropathy is a common, early, and often severe complication in HCV‐related MC. The pattern of nerve changes suggests a vascular mediated damage. Hypoxia and immunological factors may be concurrent pathogenetic mechanisms.
CHARCOT‐MARIE‐TOOTH WITH DIAPHRAGM AND VOCAL CORD PARALYSIS (CMT2C)
Authors: Santoro L. , Manganelli F. , Barbieri F. , Di Maio L. , Casari G. 
Published: July 2002

Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT) is the most common inherited disorder of the peripheral nervous system and is clinically and genetically heterogeneous. Recent advances of molecular genetics has dramatically increased our understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms. Genetic linkage studies have identified a lot of genetic loci for different types of inherited neuropathies, although most genes involved still remain to be found. In fact, the axonal type of CMT associated with diaphragm and vocal cord paralysis (CMT2C) is not yet associated to a gene locus. We describe seven members affected by CMT2C belonging to a family expanded for three generations, and with a male‐to‐male transmission. Four patients, all affected by vocal cord paralysis (VCp) showed also distal weakness and atrophy more severely in the lower limbs. Three of these patients were treated surgically by arytenoidopexy for VCp, the last one with VCp and diaphragm paralysis was treated with cordectomy.Three other patients showed marked weakness and hypotrophy of upper and lower limbs. Two of these patients complained of laryngeal stridor and dispnoea during activity, the last one had neonatal diagnosis of SMA, but did not show respiratory impairment. All patients had pes cavus and absence of deep tendon reflexes. EMG examination showed clear neurogenic lesions in all the patients and in all the explored muscles. Conduction velocity (CV) studies showed an almost normal CV, while sensory‐ and motor‐evoked potentials had a severe amplitude reduction. Sural nerve biopsy performed in one patient showed clear signs of axonal degeneration.Our data confirm the association between VCp and axonal type of CMT, already described in isolated cases but only in two families in literature. We are trying to perform a linkage analysis in this family and we hope that this can help in understanding pathophysiologic mechanisms and the association between VCp and CMT.
SENSORY GANGLIONOPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH SJÖGREN'S SYNDROME PRESENTING WITH DYSPHAGIA
Authors: Scoditti U. , Palomba V. , Marbini A. , Pavesi G. , Gemignani F. 
Published: July 2002

Sensory ganglionopathy is a sensory neuropathy characterized by inflammatory infiltration of the sensory ganglia, including trigeminal ganglia, in association with Sjögren's syndrome, or idiopathic. We report a patient who had a peculiar presentation with dysphagia.A 76‐year‐old man presented with a 1‐year history of dysphagia and weight loss, and facial dysesthesias. A diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was initially suspected, because of muscular atrophy and bulbar signs, however EMG showed only mild neurogenic changes, excluding signs of motor neuron involvement.Neurological examination showed absent corneal reflexes, moderate muscular wasting and mild weakness in the extremities, absent deep tendon reflexes in the legs, and sensory loss over the face and extremities.Electroneurographic study demonstrated absent blink reflex, and severely decreased or absent sensory action potentials in the limb nerves.Laboratory investigations, including CSF examination and search for anti‐neural antibodies, were negative.A sicca syndrome was demonstrated by Schirmer test and salivary gland scintigraphy, and lower lip biopsy showed focal sialoadenitis according to the criteria of Greenspan et al (1974).A pure sensory or mainly sensory neuropathy with prominent trigeminal involvement is quite typical in the course of collagen diseases, and in particular in Sjögren's syndrome, supported by T cell infiltration in the dorsal root ganglia. In our case, the presence of sicca syndrome and focal sialoadenitis was consistent with the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. We suggest that dysphagia, an atypical symptom in sensory ganglionopathy, may be related to involvement of the sensory ganglia of the glossopharyngeal and/or vagus nerve.
TRANSFECTION OF PRIMARY SCHWANN CELL CULTURES AND OF ORGANOTYPIC DORSAL ROOT GANGLIA CULTURES: PRELIMINARY RESULTS AND TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Authors: Zerega B. , Nobbio L. , Paleari L. , Levi G. , Abbruzzese M. , Torre G.C. , Banchi L. , Mancardi G.L. , Schenone A. 
Published: July 2002

The most common forms of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth (CMT) disease are due to duplication/deletion of the myelin protein 22 gene (PMP22); however, several patients harbor point mutations in PMP22 or in other myelin related proteins. To study the mechanism by which dominant point mutations affect myelin formation and maintenance, we are attempting to optimize gene transfer protocols into Schwann cells (SC) that will introduce expression constructs carrying mutated cDNA.Initial experiments were carried out on pure primary cultures of SC from sciatic nerves of newborn rats, co‐cultured with primary sensory neurons under conditions inducing myelination in vitro. Using the EGFP expression vector, which induces endogenous green fluorescence in the transfected cells, we have tested a number of gene transfer approaches, including electroporation and polycationic reagents (FuGene). Best results are obtained with the FuGene reagent (Boheringer) (up to 25%), while the electroporation is less efficient (5%–12%). However, the difficulties in selecting and expanding SC after transfection need to be overcome. Thus, we are optimizing gene transfer procedures on organotypic cultures of dorsal root ganglia from 15 day‐old‐rat embryos. SC and neurons are identified by their morphology; immunostaining with S100 and antibodies to phosphorlated neurophylaments are used to recognize, respectively, SC and axons. Using either Lipofectamine 2000 (GIBCO) and FuGene, polycationic reagents, SC are trasfected to levels of efficiency comparable or better than pure culture protocols. The same cultures maintained for 15 days after transfection showed extensive axonal growth and initial myelin formation. Scattered SC were still expressing the transgene at a visible level.These advances will likely help in understanding the role of specific genes in myelination and learning how their mutated forms lead to hereditary demyelinating neuropathies.
Detection characteristics of microchannel plates and gold photocathodes for plasma x-ray diagnostics [near the absorption edges (2–8) keV)] (abstract)
Authors: Cho T. , Yamaguchi N. , Kondoh T. , Hirata M. , Miyoshi S. , Aoki S. , Maezawa H. , Nomura M. 
Published: July 2002

Using undulator radiation from 2 to 8 keV, quantum efficiencies [QE(E)] of gold photocathodes, microchannel plates (MCP), and silicon surface barrier (SSB) detectors have been investigated. For the gold photocathodes, the detailed structure of QE(E) near the M absorption edges has been presented. Also, the secondary electron conversion efficiency of gold has been calculated using the mass absorption coefficient given by a relativistic Hartree–Slater model and by the semiempirical values of Henke et al., respectively. Extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) has been observed in the secondary electron current of the gold photocathode as well as in the detection current responses of an MCP and of an SSB detector. Furthermore, the new findings adding to our recent paper1 have been summarized as follows: (i) EXAFS above the Si-K edge in the MCP response depends on photon incident angles, and (ii) a little upshift of the starting point energy of EXAFS in the MCP response is observed. These detailed characteristics and their interpretation are described in the following: (i) The current responses of the MCP are obtained as a function of the incident x-ray energy for θ=13° (the bias angle of the MCP), and 40° by using a gold-monitor current. Here, θ denotes the incident angle of the photons to the channel. The data for θ=40° show a smaller jump near the Si-K edge as compared with the data for θ=13°.
This is explained as follows: The incident photons for θ=13° are irradiated to and absorbed in the MCP ingredient of SiO2, while photons for θ=40° are incident to the electrode region. (The depth of the electrode coating is more than 10 μm from the MCP surface, while the photons are absorbed at less than 8 μm from the surface for θ=40°.) Thus, the data for θ=40° strongly reflect the characteristics of the electrode, but not of SiO2. The data for several values of θ consistently indicate that the height of this jump becomes smaller with increasing θ. (ii) The observed upshift of the starting point energy of EXAFS in the MCP response presents a contrast to EXAFS in the SSB detector response, in which upshift is not observed. This upshift is ascribed to the molecular structure of SiO2 (the chemical shift); that is, some valence electrons are removed from the Si atoms due to the oxidation (i.e., SiO2). Thus, the screening effects of the valence electrons on the core electron-nucleus attraction are reduced. This results in the shift of binding energy towards the higher-energy side. On the other hand, EXAFS in the SSB detector response reflects the characteristics of Si.