julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Combining Checklists and Staff Surveys - A Powerfull Tool to Evaluate Operating Rooms
2006-10-01

Awkward postures, potential hazards and the adaptation to sub-optimal conditions belong to the normal course of life within operating rooms (ORs) and OR units. Ergonomic deficiencies of the OR are mostly the reason therefore. Medical technical devices were found to be lacking in usability due to such as unclear symbols, impracticability, hindrances and insufficient ease in handling. The positioning of devices in the OR shows ergonomic problems that in most cases necessitates an unavoidable awkward working posture for the employees that causes pain. Potential hazards exist for the patient as well as for the OR staff. To detect those conditions a checklist for the OR was developed and evaluated in German hospitals. To confirm the objective results of the checklist, additional surveys were performed among the OR staff to gain subjective personal impressions. Combining the checklist's and the surveys' results is a powerful tool to evaluate the entire OR unit.
3DTV - Panoramic 3D Model Acquisition and its 3D Visualization on the Interactive Fogscreen
2006-10-01

Future 3D television critically relies on mechanisms for automatically acquiring and visualizing high quality 3D content of both indoor and outdoor scenes. The envisioned goal is that a photo-realistic 3D real-time rendering from the actual and potentially arbitrary viewpoint of the beholder who is watching 3DTV becomes possible. Such scenes include movie sets in studios, e.g., for talk shows, TV series and blockbuster movies, but also outdoor scenes, e.g., buildings in a neighborhood for a car chase or cultural heritage sites for a documentary. The goal of 3D model acquisition is to provide the 3D background models where potential 3D actors can be embedded. We present both the 3D acquisition and semi-immersive 3D visualization to give an impression how a future 3D television system could be like.
Inhibition of adhesion molecule expression on human venous endothelial cells by non-viral siRNA transfection
2006-10-01

Despite the advances in conservative and catheter intervention treatment surgical bypass grafting remains an outstanding tool for therapy of coronary artery disease.The surgical success is limited by the patency rate of the grafts employed.Although the patency rate of venous conduits is reduced in comparison to arterial grafts, the saphenous vein remains the most commonly used conduit because of its easy disposability.However, the advantage of reduced surgical trauma will disappear, if the patient is at higher risk for redo operation associat-
Inhibition of adhesion molecule expression on human venous endothelial cells by non-viral siRNA transfection
2006-10-01

Objective: Expression of adhesion molecule receptors on venous endothelial cells crucially influences the fate of venous grafts by mediating leukocyte-endothelium interactions. These interactions include adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelium, followed by transendothelial migration, leading to neointimal hyperplasia and finally graft occlusion. Therefore, inhibition of adhesion molecule expression may be a promising strategy to improve the quality of venous grafts. We tested the efficiency of non-viral transfection of human venous endothelial cells with short interfering RNA (siRNA) to specificially down-regulate adhesion molecule expression. Methods: Primary cultures of human venous endothelial cells (HVEC) were examined for expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM1, VCAM1 and E-selectin (SELE) after non viral siRNA transfection. Adhesion molecule expression was measured by flow cytometry, real-time PCR and immunoblotting after stimulation with TNF-alpha, an inflammatory cytokine. Results: Non-transfected cells showed a strong increase of adhesion molecule expression following cytokine stimulation (p&lt;0.01). Upon transfection with specific siRNAs a six fold decrease in ICAM1 (p&lt;0.001) and SELE expression and cell positivity (p&lt;0.05) and a twofold decrease in VCAM1 expression and cell positivity (p&lt;0.01) could be observed. SiRNA-mediated gene suppression of adhesion molecules was also reflected by corresponding decreases in adhesion protein and transcript levels. Conclusions: The expression of adhesion molecules on HVECs can be effectively inhibited by specific siRNAs using a safe, non-viral transfection approach. This is a promising tool to precondition venous bypass grafts in order to interfere with endothelium-leukocyte interactions and to prohibit neointima thickening or atherosclerosis, which are regarded to be the most important causes of venous graft failure.
First International Congress on Eastern Christianity. (University of Cordova, 15-17 November 2005)
2006-10-01

In the two years publication of the journal Collectanea Christiana Orientalia, a broad and decisive impulse for the knowledge of the Eastern Christianity has been carried out by the University of Cordova.This 'First International Congress on Eastern Christianity' needs a scientific forum coming out from the up to now classical framework, while offering the Syriologists, Copticists, Ethiopist, Arabists together with the Byzantinists the opportunity to create an interdisciplinar environment and therefore to represent the 'Christian Orient'.The First International Congress on Eastern Christianity was held in the Faculty of Arts, University of Cordova, from 15th to 17th November 2005.The great professionalism of Profs.Monferrer-Sala and Urbán was really useful to organize and prepare the congress.All the discussions took place in the 'Aula Magna' of the Faculty, a beautiful place which helped the organizers to create a friendly environment during the Congress and, at the same time, it allowed the participants to meet.The warm hospitality included not only the accomodation and maintenance, but also a guided excursion to the Cathedral-Mosque of Cordova at the end of the Congress.Twenty-three papers were presented about Eastern Christianity by the participants, coming from Europe, North America and the Middle East.As attendance was not limited, other scholars from Europe and the United States also took part in the Congress.Each of the participants had 20 minutes to expose his research and, at the end of each session, there were also 30 minutes to discuss any point of the papers.The themes ranged from Christian Arabic topics to Syriac, Coptic, and Greek ones.This is the main reason why, at the end of the Congress, there was also a part devoted to the presentation of current projects on these different studies.
Catha edulis extract and its active principle cathinone induce ipsilateral rotation in unilaterally lesioned rats
2006-10-02

Catha edulis extract, a natural psychostimulant, and its active component, S-(-)-cathinone, were evaluated for their rotational effects in unilaterally lesioned rats. In our earlier study, we demonstrated that commercially available S-(-)-cathinone, the active principle of C. edulis extract, reverses haloperidol-induced catalepsy. In the current study, we evaluated the effect of C. edulis extract or its active principle, cathinone, in 6-hydroxydopamine unilaterally lesioned rats. Evaluation of the rotational behaviour induced by this natural psychostimulant was made upon acute and repeated oral administration. The data show that C. edulis extract or S-(-)-cathinone induced ipsilateral rotation in 6-hydroxydopamine unilaterally lesioned rats. The ipsilateral rotation produced by commercially available S-(-)-cathinone was more marked than the response produced by oral administration of lyophilized C. edulis extract at the dose and periods specified. In addition, upon repeated administration, the effect was more pronounced (i.e. there was sensitization). In conclusion, the results demonstrate that the plant induces ipsilateral rotation, like its close relative amphetamine.
Presentation, Patterns of Myocardial Damage, and Clinical Course of Viral Myocarditis
2006-10-03

Background— Enteroviruses and adenoviruses have been considered the most common causes of viral myocarditis, but parvovirus B19 (PVB19) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) are increasingly found in endomyocardial biopsy samples. Methods and Results— Consequently, our aim was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical presentation of cardiac PVB19 and/or HHV6 infection in a cohort of myocarditis patients and to follow its clinical course. In addition, we sought to demonstrate patterns of myocardial damage and to determine predictors for chronic heart failure. Our study design consisted of a cardiovascular magnetic resonance protocol as well as endomyocardial biopsies in the myocardial region affected as indicated by cardiovascular magnetic resonance. One hundred twenty-eight patients were enrolled by clinical criteria. In the group of myocarditis patients (n=87), PVB19 (n=49), HHV6 (n=16), and combined PVB19/HHV6 infections (n=15) were detected most frequently. The remaining patients were diagnosed with healing myocarditis (n=15) or did not have myocarditis (n=26). Patients with PVB19 presented in a manner similar to that of myocardial infarction; most had typical subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement in the lateral wall and recovered within months. Conversely, patients with HHV6 and especially with HHV6/PVB19 myocarditis presented with new onset of heart failure, had septal late gadolinium enhancement, and frequently progressed toward chronic heart failure. Conclusions— Our data indicate that PVB19 and HHV6 are the most important causes for viral myocarditis in Germany and that the clinical presentation is related to the type of virus. Furthermore, clinical presentation, type of virus, and pattern of myocardial damage are related to the clinical course.
Lentiviral Gene Transfer of Rpe65 Rescues Survival and Function of Cones in a Mouse Model of Leber Congenital Amaurosis
2006-10-03

By demonstrating that lentivirus-mediated Rpe65 gene transfer protects and restores the function of cones in the Rpe65(-/-) mouse, this study reinforces the therapeutic value of gene therapy for RPE65 deficiencies, suggests a cone-preserving treatment for the retina, and evaluates a potentially effective viral vector for this purpose.
δ‐Cyclodextrin as novel chiral probe for enantiomeric separation by electromigration methods
2006-10-04

Abstract Native δ‐CD has been employed as chiral selector in CE and MEKC. To investigate the potential of the enantiodiscriminating properties of δ‐CD, negatively charged 5‐dimethylamino‐1‐naphthalene‐sulfonyl (dansyl)‐, 2,4‐dinitrophenyl (DNP)‐ and FMOC‐derivatives of several amino acids, 1,1'‐binaphthyl‐2,2'‐diylhydrogenphosphate, flavanones and three positively charged drugs have been selected as testing samples. Enantioresolution factors up to 4.82 have been observed. The results were compared with those achieved by the conventional running buffer additives α‐, β‐ and γ‐CDs. For several examples a steady increase of enantioresolution with increasing degree of oligomerization has been detected.
Anomalous Specific-Heat Jump in a Two-Component Ultracold Fermi Gas
2006-10-04

The thermodynamic functions of a Fermi gas with spin population imbalance are studied in the temperature-asymmetry plane in the BCS limit. The low-temperature domain is characterized by an anomalous enhancement of the entropy and the specific heat above their values in the unpaired state, decrease of the gap and eventual unpairing phase transition as the temperature is lowered. The unpairing phase transition induces a second jump in the specific heat, which can be measured in calorimetric experiments. While the superfluid is unstable against a supercurrent carrying state, it may sustain a metastable state if cooled adiabatically down from the stable high-temperature domain. In the latter domain the temperature dependence of the gap and related functions is analogous to the predictions of the BCS theory.
3,4-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2,5-oxadiazole 2-oxide
2006-10-04

The title compound, C14H8F2N2O2, also known as di(4-F-phenyl)furazan N-oxide, was found as a side product in the synthesis of isoxazole derivatives. The are two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The bond length of the dipolar N—O unit is 1.107 (7) Å. X-ray analysis confirmed the compound to have the desired structure
Neurolysosomal pathology in human prosaposin deficiency suggests essential neurotrophic function of prosaposin
2006-10-05

A neuropathologic study of three cases of prosaposin (pSap) deficiency (ages at death 27, 89 and 119 days), carried out in the standard autopsy tissues, revealed a neurolysosomal pathology different from that in the non-neuronal cells. Non-neuronal storage is represented by massive lysosomal accumulation of glycosphingolipids (glucosyl-, galactosyl-, lactosyl-, globotriaosylceramides, sulphatide, and ceramide). The lysosomes in the central and peripheral neurons were distended by pleomorphic non-lipid aggregates lacking specific staining and autofluorescence. Lipid storage was borderline in case 1, and at a low level in the other cases. Neurolysosomal storage was associated with massive ubiquitination, which was absent in the non-neuronal cells and which did not display any immunohistochemical aggresomal properties. Confocal microscopy and cross-correlation function analyses revealed a positive correlation between the ubiquitin signal and the late endosomal/lysosomal markers. We suppose that the neuropathology most probably reflects excessive influx of non-lipid material (either in bulk or as individual molecules) into the neurolysosomes. The cortical neurons appeared to be uniquely vulnerable to pSap deficiency. Whereas in case 1 they populated the cortex, in cases 2 and 3 they had been replaced by dense populations of both phagocytic microglia and astrocytes. We suggest that this massive neuronal loss reflects a cortical neuronal survival crisis precipitated by the lack of pSap. The results of our study may extend the knowledge of the neurotrophic function of pSap, which should be considered essential for the survival and maintenance of human cortical neurons.
Phaco‐trabeculotomy combined with deep sclerectomy, a new technique in combined cataract and glaucoma surgery: complication profile
2006-10-05

Abstract. Purpose: Combined phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation and trabeculectomy (PTE) is currently the standard procedure for most ophthalmic surgeons for treating uncontrolled open‐angle glaucoma and cataract at the same time. The present pilot study was designed to prospectively evaluate outcomes in glaucoma patients who underwent a new technique of phaco‐trabeculotomy plus deep sclerectomy, with particular attention to the complication profile. Methods: A consecutive series of 15 patients with uncontrolled open‐angle glaucoma and cataract underwent combined glaucoma and cataract surgery. The procedure started as a two‐site approach with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation through a temporal incision in clear cornea. Trabeculotomy and deep sclerectomy were performed in the superior quadrant. Postoperative examinations were performed daily for 1 week. Follow‐up visits were carried out at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Results: At 1 day post‐surgery, mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was significantly reduced to 14.2 mmHg (SD 4.4). At 12 months post‐surgery, the complete success rate, defined as IOP &lt; 22 mmHg without medication, was 60%. Qualified success was achieved in 93.3% of patients. At 12 months post‐surgery, the mean number of antiglaucoma medications had fallen to 0.4 (SD 0.6) (p &lt; 0.001). Visual acuity improved by a mean value of 1.6 lines (SD 2.4) over baseline (p = 0.021). Specific complications such as choroidal deroofing, inadvertent perforation of the trabeculo−descemetic membrane, and non‐identification of Schlemm's canal were seen among the patients in our trial. The incidence of complications due to overfiltration was low. A relatively high incidence of hyphaemas (53%) was noted in this series. All the hyphaemas were trivial and resolved quickly. No severe complications, such as bleb infection, endophthalmitis or choroidal haemorrhage were seen in this series. Conclusions: Phaco‐trabeculotomy plus deep sclerectomy offered significant IOP reduction and a success rate that may be comparable with that of the current standard, PTE. Intra‐ and postoperative complications specific to deep sclerectomy and trabeculotomy were seen in our series, although the overall rate of postoperative complications proved low. Prospective comparative trials are needed to assess which of PTE and phaco‐trabeculotomy plus deep sclerectomy is more successful.
Selection of Stem Cells by Using Antibodies That Target Different CD34 Epitopes Yields Different Patterns of T-Cell Differentiation
2006-10-05

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare the patterns of T-cell differentiation from CD34+ human stem cells selected with different classes of antibody targeting the CD34 molecule. We compared signal-joint T-cell receptor excision circle (sjTREC) production in thymocytes selected with different classes of anti-CD34 antibody. Based on these results, we studied immune reconstitution in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice using human stem cells selected with the same antibodies that yielded variation in the thymocytes. Human CD34+ stem cells were immunomagnetically selected using the class II QBEnd antibody (prevalent in clinical graft engineering) and the class III 8G12 antibody (common in diagnostic tests). Engraftment and T-cell reconstitution were examined after transplantation. Thymocytes selected with the 8G12 class III antibody have a higher TREC production than those selected with the QBEnd class II antibody. Of mice transplanted with cells selected using the 8G12 antibody, 50% had sjTREC production, compared with 14% of mice transplanted with cells selected using the clinically common antibody QBEnd. 8G12 thymic progenitors are characterized by higher quality in thymic distribution and higher activity in T-cell differentiation. Using class III antibody targeting the CD34 molecule resulted in increased T-cell reconstitution in the NOD/SCID mouse. Use of a single antibody epitope targeting the CD34 molecule may lead to loss of cells that might provide richer T-cell reconstitution. Use of different or multiple epitopes, targeting of alternate stem cell markers, or use of cell-depletion strategies might prevent this loss.
Commensurability Effects in Superconducting Nb Films with Quasiperiodic Pinning Arrays
2006-10-06

We study experimentally the critical depinning current I(c) versus applied magnetic field B in Nb thin films which contain 2D arrays of circular antidots placed on the nodes of quasiperiodic (QP) fivefold Penrose lattices. Close to the transition temperature T(c) we observe matching of the vortex lattice with the QP pinning array, confirming essential features in the I(c)(B) patterns as predicted by Misko et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 177007 (2005)]. We find a significant enhancement in I(c)(B) for QP pinning arrays in comparison to I(c) in samples with randomly distributed antidots or no antidots.
Creatine supplementation in Parkinson disease: A placebo-controlled randomized pilot trial
2006-10-09

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a major role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease (PD). Creatine (Cr) is an ergogenic compound that exerts neuroprotective effects in animal models of PD. We conducted a 2-year placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial on the effect of Cr in 60 patients with PD. Cr improved patient mood and led to a smaller dose increase of dopaminergic therapy but had no effect on overall Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale scores or dopamine transporter SPECT.
Mechanisms and Significance of Cell Volume Regulation
2006-10-09

It is essential for the survival of cells to maintain their volume within certain limits: Profound alterations interfere with the integrity of the cell membrane and the cytoskeletal architecture. Cells use various methods to adjust osmotic pressure gradients which in turn govern water movement across cell membranes. The most rapid and efficient means is ion transport across the cell membrane. However, to avoid excessive alterations of intracellular ion concentration, cells additionally employ organic osmolytes for osmoregulation and modify their metabolism, thus generating or disposing osmotically active organic substances. But a given cell uses only part of the cell volume regulatory mechanisms at their disposal: The large repertoire available allows for a selection of those which have the least untoward impact on cell function.The present book is a collection of reviews on the various aspects of cell volume regulation, written by internationally leading experts, and constitutes a valuable addition to the library of those working in the field
Whole‐body magnetization transfer contrast imaging
2006-10-09

Abstract Purpose To demonstrate the feasibility of whole‐body magnetization transfer (MT) contrast imaging. Materials and Methods Whole‐body MT imaging was performed on eight healthy volunteers and five patients (mean age = 40.5 ± 17.8 years) with diagnoses of dermatomyositis ( N = 1), B‐symptoms with suspicion of paraneoplastic disease ( N = 1), metastatic malignant melanoma ( N = 1), and multiple sclerosis (MS) ( N = 2). Measurements were carried out on a 1.5‐Tesla whole‐body MR scanner capable of parallel signal reception. A three‐dimensional (3D) gradient‐echo sequence (TR = 17 msec, TE = 4.8 msec, flip angle = 10°) was applied in combination with a Gaussian off‐resonance MT preparation pulse acting at an off‐resonance of 1.500 Hz with a 500° effective flip angle. Whole‐body images were constructed from five different body regions. Results In all subjects, whole‐body MT contrast images were obtained within less than 20 minutes of measuring time. The images showed sufficient diagnostic image quality to assess the patients' pathologies. The MT ratios (MTRs, in percent units) for the volunteers were as follows: white matter (WM) 51.1 ± 1.0, gray matter (GM) 42.2 ± 1.3, skeletal muscle (mean value of four muscle groups) 50.3 ± 2.1, liver 39.4 ± 3.2, spleen 31.8 ± 2.6, renal cortex 30.4 ± 1.9, and renal medulla 25.6 ± 1.3. The MTRs for the pathologies were as follows: skeletal muscle in dermatomyositis ∼30, metastases in malignant melanoma 30.7–36.0, uterus myoma 49.3, and MS lesions 30–40. Conclusion Our preliminary data indicate that MT contrast in whole‐body MRI is feasible, and may be useful for rapid whole‐body assessment of diseases that exhibit high contrast in MT imaging, such as MS and muscular disorders. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.