julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Doping in fitness sports: estimated number of unreported cases and individual probability of doping
2006-10-10

ABSTRACT Aims Recent studies have suggested that the use of doping substances and particularly of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is often practised by fitness centre visitors. These studies employed direct interview techniques and questionnaires to assess the estimated number of unreported cases of doping. Because people hesitate to provide compromising information about themselves, these techniques are subject to response errors. In this study we applied an alternative interview technique to assess more accurately unreported cases of doping in fitness centres. Design and participants The present investigation employed the randomized response technique (RRT) to reduce response errors. A cohort of 500 people from 49 fitness centres participated in this study. Finding The RRT revealed a high prevalence of doping (12.5%). In addition, and most importantly, the present RRT study revealed an alarmingly high prevalence of illicit drug use, specifically of cocaine use, that has been severely underestimated by previous studies. Conclusions The RRT confirmed previously estimated rates of AAS use assessed by direct interview techniques and voluntary questionnaires, but uncovered a much higher usage rate of illicit drugs among fitness centre visitors. This outcome enabled us to construct a ‘probability’ rating for the use of doping substances in fitness centre visitors. Given its high prevalence and the predominant use of AAS, doping among fitness centre visitors is an issue of extreme relevance for the health care system. Our study may help to characterize further doping substance users and to develop and apply prevention and intervention programmes specifically to individuals at high risk.
Psychopathological characteristics and treatment response of first episode compared with multiple episode schizophrenic disorders
2006-10-10

The results are compatible with the hypothesis that treatment response becomes less favorable during the course of schizophrenic illness. This finding might be associated with progressive neurobiological alterations.
Corrigendum to “Quantitative sensory testing in the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain (DFNS): Standardized protocol and reference values” [Pain 123 (2006) 231–243]
2006-10-10

Rolke, R.a,b; Baron, R.c,1; Maier, C.d,1; Tölle, T. R.e,*,1; Treede, D.-R.a,1; Beyer, A.f; Binder, A.c; Birbaumer, N.g; Birklein, F.b; Bötefür, I. C.h; Braune, S.h; Flor, H.i; Huge, V.f; Klug, R.j; Landwehrmeyer, G. B.j; Magerl, W.a; Maihöfner, C.k; Rolko, C.i; Schaub, C.d; Scherens, A.d; Sprenger, T.e; Valet, M.e; Wasserka, B.g Author Information
Nanostructured Thermosensitive Polymers with Radical Scavenging Ability
2006-10-10

Abstract The thermosensitive [60]fullerene end‐capped poly( N ‐isopropylacrylamide) was successfully synthesized by the reaction of C 60 with dithiobenzoate‐terminated poly( N ‐isopropylacrylamide), which was prepared by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) polymerization in the presence of azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN). Its structure was determined by FTIR, UV/Vis, and carbon and proton NMR spectroscopy as well as by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The novel fullerenated polymer retained the thermosensitivity of poly( N ‐isopropylacrylamide). Moreover, it is soluble in water and most of the common organic solvents. Interestingly, it was able to form nanoparticle clusters in methanol and exhibited significant radical scavenging ability in cell viability and metabolic activity tests with fibroblasts and NOR‐3 radicals.
Adalimumab in the therapy of uveitis in childhood
2006-10-11

For our group of children with long lasting disease our results show that Adalimumab was effective or mildly effective against the arthritis in 81%, but in uveitis in 88%. While these results regarding arthritis are comparable with other TNF-alpha blocking drugs (Etanercept), Adalimumab seems to be much more effective against uveitis than Etanercept. Anaphylactic reactions, found in a previous study from our group after Infliximab treatment, were not seen with Adalimumab. The necessary dosage and the treatment period, which probably have to be defined individually for each patient, remain unclear.
Stylized Augmented Reality for Improved Immersion
2006-10-11

The ultimate goal of augmented reality is to provide the user with a view of the surroundings enriched by virtual objects. Practically all augmented reality systems rely on standard real-time rendering methods for generating the images of virtual scene elements. Although such conventional computer graphics algorithms are fast, they often fail to produce sufficiently realistic renderings. The use of simple lighting and shading methods, as well as the lack of knowledge about actual lighting conditions in the real surroundings, cause virtual objects to appear artificial. In this paper, we propose an entirely novel approach for generating augmented reality images in video see-through systems. Our method is based on the idea of applying stylization techniques for reducing the visual realism of both the camera image and the virtual graphical objects. A special painterly image filter is applied to the camera video stream. The virtual scene elements are generated using a non-photorealistic rendering method. Since both the camera image and the virtual objects are stylized in a corresponding cartoon-like or sketch-like way, they appear very similar. As a result, the graphical objects seem to be an actual part of the real surroundings. We describe both the new painterly filter for the camera image and the non-photorealistic rendering method for virtual scene elements, which has been adapted for this purpose. Both are fast enough for generating augmented reality images in real-time and are highly customizable. The results obtained using our method, are very promising and show that it improves immersion in augmented reality.
Finite element analysis of a bone-implant system with the proximal femur nail
2006-10-11

Static analysis with finite element of a realistic femur nail bone-implant system in a typical proximal femoral fracture under physiological load bearing situations provides results for stress, displacement and strain. The question to be answered is, if simulation with the finite element analysis is able to explain biomechanically clinical observed patterns of failure. Surface-Reconstruction with CT database of a proximal femur and reconstruction with CT based density data was done. Next steps were to unite the bone structure with the Proximal Femoral Nail and to model two relevant fractures (31-A2.2 and A2.3 according AO). After modelling of geometry, isotropic material behaviour and load application numeric calculation of the femur-nail system with FE-software was performed. FE simulation mainly shows an axial dislocation of the femoral head screw with nearly no dislocation of the antirotation screw. This so-called z-effect therefore means: (1) Tilting of the proximal main fragment around the sagittal axis between the screws and (2) relative movement of both screws in the frontal plane. Relative movement of the two screws against each other could be the reason for implant failure, the so called cut out. Furthermore simulation shows different gliding of the screws explaining the so called z-telescoping. The analyzed stress patterns have to be relativized, because isotropic material behaviour of cancellous bone was assumed. Further examinations for this issue are necessary.
Repeat expansion in spinocerebellar ataxia type 17 alleles of the TATA-box binding protein gene: an evolutionary approach
2006-10-11

The variability and mutational changes of the CAG microsatellite in the TATA-box binding protein gene (TBP) were studied. We sequenced the microsatellite of the TBP gene of 25 unrelated individuals from northern Germany (10 SCA17 patients and 15 unaffected control individuals). In addition, the microsatellites were sequenced from individuals of 10 northern German families with at least one family member affected by SCA17. To study also the evolutionary history of this CAG/CAA microsatellite in nonhuman primates, the homologous regions were analysed from Pan troglodytes, Gorilla gorilla, Pongo pygmaeus, P. abellii, Hylobates lar, Nomascus leucogenys, Symphalangus syndactylus, Macaca mulatta, Papio hamadryas, Colobus polykomos and Callithrix jacchus. Three major conclusions were drawn: (i) Patterns of synonymous CAA interruptions in the microsatellite are characteristic and likely to result from selection for stabilizing the repetitive region; (ii) Interspecific comparisons indicate that SCA17 is likely to be a human trait. The most common allele in humans (37 repeats) is close to the threshold value upon which neurodegenerative changes can occur and may act as a repository for expanded, pathogenic alleles; (iii) The cassette-like structure of five out of 17 expanded alleles can be attributed to unequal crossing over. This can explain the rare and sporadic de novo generation of SCA17 alleles.
Visualization in the Einstein Year 2005: A Case Study on Explanatory and Illustrative Visualization of Relativity and Astrophysics
2006-10-11

In this application paper, we report on over fifteen years of experience with relativistic and astrophysical visualization, which has been culminating in a substantial engagement for visualization in the Einstein Year 2005 - the 100/sup th/ anniversary of Einstein's publications on special relativity, the photoelectric effect, and Brownian motion. This paper focuses on explanatory and illustrative visualizations used to communicate aspects of the difficult theories of special and general relativity, their geometric structure, and of the related fields of cosmology and astrophysics. We discuss visualization strategies, motivated by physics education and didactics of mathematics, and describe what kind of visualization methods have proven to be useful for different types of media, such as still images in popular-science magazines, film contributions to TV shows, oral presentations, or interactive museum installations. Although our visualization tools build upon existing methods and implementations, these techniques have been improved by several novel technical contributions like image-based special relativistic rendering on GPUs, an extension of general relativistic ray tracing to manifolds described by multiple charts, GPU-based interactive visualization of gravitational light deflection, as well as planetary terrain rendering. The usefulness and effectiveness of our visualizations are demonstrated by reporting on experiences with, and feedback from, recipients of visualizations and collaborators.
Illustrative Display of Hidden Iso-Surface Structures
2006-10-11

Indirect volume rendering is a widespread method for the display of volume datasets. It is based on the extraction of polygonal iso-surfaces from volumetric data, which are then rendered using conventional rasterization methods. Whereas this rendering approach is fast and relatively easy to implement, it cannot easily provide an understandable display of structures occluded by the directly visible iso-surface. Simple approaches like alpha-blending for transparency when drawing the iso-surface often generate a visually complex output, which is difficult to interpret. Moreover, such methods can significantly increase the computational complexity of the rendering process. In this paper, we therefore propose a new approach for the illustrative indirect rendering of volume data in real-time. This algorithm emphasizes the silhouette of objects represented by the iso-surface. Additionally, shading intensities on objects are reproduced with a monochrome hatching technique. Using a specially designed two-pass rendering process, structures behind the front layer of the iso-surface are automatically extracted with a depth peeling method. The shapes of these hidden structures are also displayed as silhouette outlines. As an additional option, the geometry of explicitly specified inner objects can be displayed with constant translucency. Although these inner objects always remain visible, a specific shading and depth attenuation method is used to convey the depth relationships. We describe the implementation of the algorithm, which exploits the programmability of state-of-the-art graphics processing units (GPUs). The algorithm described in this paper does not require any preprocessing of the input data or a manual definition of inner structures. Since the presented method works on iso-surfaces, which are stored as polygonal datasets, it can also be applied to other types of polygonal models.
Pegvisomant treatment in gigantism caused by a growth hormone-secreting giant pituitary adenoma
2006-10-13

Background: Gigantism is rare with the majority of cases caused by a growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenoma. Treatment options for GH-secreting pituitary adenomas have been widened with the availability of long-acting dopamine agonists, depot preparations of somatostatin analogues, and recently the GH receptor antagonist pegvisomant. Case Report: A 23-year-old male patient presented with continuous increase in height during the past 6 years due to a GH-secreting giant pituitary adenoma. Because of major intracranial extension with compression of the optic pathways and failure of octreotide treatment to shrink the tumour, the tumour was partially resected by a trans-frontal surgical approach. At immunohistochemistry, the tumour showed a marked expression of GH and a sparsely focal expression of prolactin. Somatostatin receptors (sst) 1–5 were not detected. Tumor tissue expressed dopamine receptor type 2. The Gs α subunit was intact. Conversion from somatostatin analogue to pegvisomant normalized insulin-like-growth-factor-I (IGF-I) levels and markedly improved glucose tolerance.
Status quo of stereotactic surgery in the management of cystic craniopharyngiomas
2006-10-13

Purpose: Stereotactic surgery for craniopharyngioma cysts was pioneered by Lars Leksell in 1949. Despite the advances of microsurgery, endocrinology, radiation therapy, and neuroimaging over the last half-century, craniopharyngiomas continue to confront neurosurgeons with a therapeutic dilemma. The tumor's histologic benignity belies its aggressive biologic behavior. Although total resection is theoretically curative, the cost in terms of functional disability can be high. As in other intracranial neoplasms, a multidisciplinary approach is often necessary in the course of a patient's lifetime.
Insulin and brain – the physiology of a well known hormone revisited
2006-10-13

The human brain has been traditionally regarded as an insulin insensitive organ. However, there is now growing evidence that insulin signaling is an important modulator of several functions of the brain. The insulin receptor and other components of the insulin signaling chain like the insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 are ubiquitously expressed throughout the brain in animals and humans. Animal studies have shown that the brain is an insulin-responsive organ and that central nervous insulin resistance induces obesity and disturbances in glucose metabolism. We aimed at developing a method to assess cerebrocortical insulin effects in humans and therefore used a magnetoencephalography (MEG) approach during a 2-step hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. MEG measures magnetic fields generated by the electrical activity of cortical neurons. MEG provides high temporal and spatial information of spontaneous and stimulated cerebral cortex activity.
Amelioration of insulinoma symptoms in pregnancy
2006-10-13

Background: Insulinomas are rare, mostly benign neuroendocrine tumours with an incidence of approximately four cases per million person-years. Only isolated case reports of insulinomas occurring in pregnancy have been documented. Case Report: A 34-year-old woman (gravida 1, para 1) presented with severe hypoglycaemia after delivery. Endocrine testing was consistent with insulinoma showing elevated fasting insulin, pro-insulin, and C-peptide levels in the setting of hypoglycaemia. The patient was managed with glucose monitoring, frequent carbohydrate-rich meals, and continuous intravenous glucose infusions. Endoscopic ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and selective arterial calcium stimulation confirmed a mass in the corpus of the pancreas. During surgical exploration using intraoperative ultrasonography the pancreatic mass was removed. Histology was consistent with a benign insulinoma according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Postoperatively, all hypoglycaemic symptoms resolved with no further treatment. Conclusion: Insulinoma may be masked by pregnancy due to insulin-antagonist hormones inducing insulin resistance. Insulinoma in pregnancy, though very rare, should be included in the differential diagnosis of postpartum hypoglycaemia.
Surgical therapy of childhood craniopharyngiomas
2006-10-13

Craniopharyngiomas are the most common intracranial non-glial tumors in childhood. The surgical management is challenging due to the critical location in the hypothalamic region. The transsphenoidal approach is associated with a low risk of permanent morbidity. It is suitable for craniopharyngiomas with intrasellar extension. Most intrasellar craniopharyngiomas can be totally resected. However, the suprasellar and third ventricle portion is predominant in the majority of cases and a transcranial operation is indicated. Primary transcranial surgery is carried out with the intention to totally resect the tumor, unless intraoperative findings suggest that radicality will cause unacceptable morbidity like, for example, hypothalamic obesity, major memory deficits and severe impairment of quality of life. With availability of adequate replacement therapy, endocrine deficiency might be an acceptable consequence of total resection. If only partial resection is accomplished, postoperative fractionated radiotherapy is usually indicated. Minor residual tumors can be controlled by stereotactic fractionated or single-shot radiotherapy. Total or near-total resection is particularly important in young children because of considerable morbidity (i.e. cognitive and developmental deficiency) when using radiotherapy for large residues at young age. The aim of therapy in children harboring craniopharyngiomas is to achieve recurrence-free survival and to secure good quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach is required for successful management of craniopharygniomas.
Macroprolactinomas presenting with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea
2006-10-13

Medical therapy with dopamine agonists is today's first-line treatment for prolactinomas. Surgery becomes necessary only in few cases where DA therapy is non-responsive or not tolerated. However, there are rare clinical settings that require primary surgical therapy, such as the occurrence of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea. We present two cases of patients harboring invasive prolactinomas that caused destruction of the skull base. Both cases required urgent surgical repair of the leak using a transsphenoidal approach to prevent life-threatening meningitis. The leak was sealed with fascia lata. One case necessitated a second operation due to recurrent rhinorrhea under postoperative DA therapy of the residual tumor. The treatment of invasive macroprolactinomas remains a challenge to guarantee a favourable clinical outcome for the patient. All patients with invasive prolactinomas should be alerted concerning the symptoms and risks of CSF rhinorrhea.
Results of transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease in a contemporary series
2006-10-13

Life expectancy is dramatically reduced in untreated Cushing's disease. Therefore, prompt and aggressive therapy is of paramount importance. We report on our experience with transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease. Between May 1998 and June 2006, 41 patients with newly-diagnosed Cushing's syndrome underwent 45 transsphenoidal operations. Cushing's disease was clearly confirmed in 39 patients by positive CRH stimulation and/or high-dose dexamethasone suppression. The remaining 2 patients were explored despite a negative central/peripheral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) gradient, because sophisticated diagnostic procedures showed no evidence of an ectopic ACTH source. The remission rate of primary surgery was 83% (34/41). Re-operation yielded hypocortisolism in four additional cases. Therefore, the overall cure rate was 93% (38/41). During re-operation, hypophysectomy, hemi-hypophysectomy, lateral wedge excision and selective adenomectomy was performed in one case each. Hypocortisolism was achieved in 36 patients, and eucortisolism with adequate suppression during a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test in 2 patients. One patient with major cavernous sinus invasion had persistence of Cushing's disease and received a course of radiotherapy after transsphenoidal surgery. In both cases with negative IPSS, Cushing's disease persisted. One of them underwent postoperative adrenalectomy, the other patient died 6 weeks after surgery from septicaemia. No complications directly related to surgery occurred in primary surgery. One of the re-operated patients suffered postoperative meningitis. Transsphenoidal surgery is the first choice therapy in Cushing's disease. Re-operation is indicated in case of persistence and can even increase the high success rate of transsphenoidal surgery. We have learned the lesson that transsphenoidal surgery should not be performed if no gradient is found during IPSS.
Deficient membrane integration of the novel p.N14D-GJB2mutant associated with non-syndromic hearing impairment
2006-10-14

Mutations in GJB2, the gene encoding for the Gap Junction protein Connexin 26 (Cx26), have been established as the major cause of hereditary, non-syndromic hearing impairment (HI). We report here the identification of a novel point mutation in GJB2, c.40A>G [p.N14D], detected in compound heterozygosity with the c.35delG mutation in two brothers with moderate non-syndromic sensorineural HI. The mother who carried one wildtype and a p.N14D allele displayed normal hearing. The mutation leads to substitution of the neutral amino acid asparagine (N) by the negatively charged aspartic acid (D) at amino acid number 14, a position that is conserved among Cx26 of different organisms and among many other connexin isoforms. To investigate the impact of this mutation on protein function, Cx26 activity was measured by depolarization activated hemichannel conductance in non-coupled Xenopus laevis oocytes. Oocytes injected with the p.N14D mutant cRNA showed strongly reduced currents compared to wildtype. Coinjection of wildtype and mutant cRNA at equimolar levels restored the conductive properties supporting the recessive character of this mutation. Total Cx26 protein expression and cell surface abundance examined by western blotting and by quantitative immunoassays revealed that the hemichannel was properly synthesized but not integrated into the plasma membrane. In this study we have shown that the GJB2 mutation p.N14D is associated with recessively inherited HI and exhibits a defective phenotype due to diminished expression at the cell surface.