julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Comparing the Vancouver Scar Scale With the Cutometer in the Assessment of Donor Site Wounds Treated With Various Dressings in a Randomized Trial
2006-05-01

Cutaneous scarring observed in wounds is, to a significant degree, dependent upon the time it takes for the wounds to heal. Various topical dressings are proposed to influence healing time in donor sites. In this prospective randomized study, we examined the effect of Vaseline gauze (VD; Branolind, Paul Hartmann AG, Germany), Biobrane (BD; Bertek Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Morgantown, WV), an occlusive film dressing Barrier Flex (OD; Moelnlycke Health Care GmbH, Germany), and an equine collagen foil, Tissu Foil E (CD; Baxter, Heidelberg, Germany), on re-epithelialization and scarring in standardized donor site wounds. At 6 months after surgery, donor site scars and normal uninjured mirror sided skin were evaluated in 33 patients using both the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the cutometer SEM 575 (Courage and Khazaka). The median healing time for OD was 14 days, BD 16 days, CD 19 days, and VD 19 days. The single parameter pliability of the VSS was not significantly different from uninjured skin when all donor site scars were pooled. No difference was found between the four groups. Viscoelastic analysis of all pooled patient data showed a significant difference for Uf (total deformation), Ua (total recovery), Ur (immediate retraction), Ue (immediate distension), Ur/Ue, and Ur/Uf, indicating that donor sites significantly differed from normal uninjured skin. No significant correlation between objective viscoelastic measurements and the subjective pliability assessment of the VSS was found. Viscoelastic differences were greatest in the VD and BD groups. Viscolelastic differences did not significantly correlate with healing time. Various wound dressings had minimal yet significant influence on healing time and scarring. In contrast to the VSS, viscoelastic measurements of skin pliability can objectify scarring when few differences are anticipated.
Digital Surface Photogrammetry for Anthropometric Analysis of the Cleft Infant Face
2006-05-01

Objective To analyze the three-dimensional morphology of the cleft infant face with digital surface photogrammetry. Design Fifty plaster casts of unoperated infants with cleft lip and palate were imaged three-dimensionally with digital surface photogrammetry. Twenty-one standard craniofacial measurements were taken. The plaster casts were divided into 4 groups with unilateral, bilateral, complete, and incomplete clefts of the lip and palate. The measurements were compared with standard values for healthy infants. Results Significant differences (p &lt; .0025) were found for the alar base width (33% to 55%), the alar base root width (59% to 103%), the width of the nose (7% to 25%), the length of the alar wing (18% to 25%), and the intercanthal (6% to 17%) and biocular (4% to 12%) width, depending on the cleft type. The vertical dimensions of the nose and the upper lip did not differ significantly from the controls. Conclusion This study describes preliminary data on the cleft infant facial deformity. The obtained results were mainly in agreement with data in the limited literature. Three-dimensional photogrammetry has proven to be reliable and can be applied more readily to potentially uncooperative patients.
Experimental therapy of malignant gliomas using the inhibitor of histone deacetylase MS-275
2006-05-01

Abstract Inhibitors of histone deacetylases are promising compounds for the treatment of cancer but have not been systematically explored in malignant brain tumors. Here, we characterize the benzamide MS-275, a class I histone deacetylase inhibitor, as potent drug for experimental therapy of glioblastomas. Treatment of four glioma cell lines (U87MG, C6, F98, and SMA-560) with MS-275 significantly reduced cell growth in a concentration-dependent manner (IC90, 3.75 μmol/L). Its antiproliferative effect was corroborated using a bromodeoxyuridine proliferation assay and was mediated by G0-G1 cell cycle arrest (i.e., up-regulation of p21/WAF) and apoptotic cell death. Implantation of enhanced green fluorescent protein–transfected F98 glioma cells into slice cultures of rat brain confirmed the cytostatic effect of MS-275 without neurotoxic damage to the organotypic neuronal environment in a dose escalation up to 20 μmol/L. A single intratumoral injection of MS-275 7 days after orthotopic implantation of glioma cells in syngeneic rats confirmed the chemotherapeutic efficacy of MS-275 in vivo. Furthermore, its propensity to pass the blood-brain barrier and to increase the protein level of acetylated histone H3 in brain tissue identifies MS-275 as a promising candidate drug in the treatment of malignant gliomas. [Mol Cancer Ther 2006;5(5):1248–55]
Polymorphisms in the Genes Encoding Chemokine Receptor 5, Interleukin-10, and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 Contribute to Cytomegalovirus Reactivation and Disease after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
2006-05-01

ABSTRACT We analyzed 90 polymorphisms in 17 genes related to immune function for association with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) reactivation and disease in patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. We found relevant markers (i) in CCR5 and IL-10 genes conferring a higher risk for the development of HCMV disease and (ii) in the MCP1 gene associated with HCMV reactivation. Testing of high-risk patients for the presence of these single-nucleotide polymorphisms might be useful for individualizing antiviral prophylaxis.
To Take or Not to Take: Decision-Making About Antiretroviral Treatment in People Living with HIV/AIDS
2006-05-01

Knowledge is limited regarding decision-making about antiretroviral treatment (ART) from the patient's perspective. This substudy of a longitudinal study of psychobiologic aspects of long-term survival, conducted in 2003, compares the rationales of HIV-positive individuals (n = 79) deciding to take or not to take ART. Inclusion criteria were HIV/AIDS symptoms, or CD4 nadir less than 350, or viral load greater than 55,000. Those not meeting any criteria for receiving ART (2/2003 U.S. DHHS treatment guidelines) were excluded. Diagnosis was on average 11 years ago; 36% were female, 42% African American, 28% Latino, 24% white, and 6% other. Qualitative content analysis of semistructured interviews identified 10 criteria for the decision to take or not to take ART: CD4/viral load counts (87%), quality of life (85%), knowledge/ beliefs about resistance (66%), mind-body beliefs (65%), adverse effects of ART (59%), easy-to-take regimen (58%), spirituality/worldview (58%), drug resistance (41%), experience of HIV/AIDS symptoms (39%), and preference for complementary/alternative medicine (17%). Participants choosing not to take ART (27%) preferred complementary/alternative medicine (r = 0.43, p = 0.001)1, perceived a better quality of life without ART (r = 0.32, p < 0.004), and weighted avoidance of adverse effects of ART more heavily (r = 0.24, p < 0.030) than participants taking ART (73%). Demographic characteristics related to taking ART were having a partner (r = 0.31, p < 0.008) and having health insurance (r = 0.26, p< 0.040). Decisions to take or not to take ART depend not only on patient medical characteristics, but also on individual beliefs about ART, complementary/alternative medicine, spirituality, and mind-body connection. HIV-positive individuals declining treatment place more weight on alternative medicine, avoiding adverse effects and perceiving a better quality of life through not taking ART.
Sutureless Amniotic Membrane Fixation Using Fibrin Glue for Ocular Surface Reconstruction in a Rabbit Model
2006-05-01

Our results demonstrate the general feasibility of reproducible and reliable sutureless amniotic membrane fixation onto the corneal surface in rabbits. Stable adherence is maintained until epithelialization is completed. The sutureless technique gives sufficient manipulation time for the sheet before the final cross-linking process is completed. Furthermore, several advantageous characteristics could be demonstrated as increased biocompatibility, better epithelialization pattern and the lack of membrane shrinkage.
Osmotic shock‐induced suicidal death of erythrocytes
2006-05-01

Abstract Osmotic shock triggers eryptosis, a suicidal death of erythrocytes characterized by cell shrinkage, cell membrane blebbing and phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface. Phosphatidylserine‐exposing erythrocytes are recognized by macrophages, engulfed, degraded and thus cleared from circulating blood. Eryptosis following osmotic shock is mediated by two distinct signalling pathways. On the one hand, osmotic shock stimulates a cyclooxygenase leading to formation of prostaglandin E 2 and subsequent activation of Ca 2+ ‐permeable cation channels. On the other hand, osmotic shock activates a phospholipase A 2 leading to release of platelet activating factor, which in turn activates a sphingomyelinase and thus stimulates the formation of ceramide. The increased cytosolic Ca 2+ concentrations on the one hand and ceramide on the other trigger phospholipid scrambling of the cell membrane with the subsequent shift of phosphatidylserine from the inner to the outer cell membrane leaflet. Ca 2+ further activates Ca 2+ ‐sensitive K + channels leading to cellular KCl loss and further cell shrinkage. The cation channels are inhibited by Cl − anions, erythropoietin and dopamine. The sphingomyelinase is inhibited by high concentrations of urea. Thus, the high Cl − and urea concentrations in renal medulla presumably prevent the triggering of eryptosis despite hyperosmolarity. The mechanisms involved in eryptosis may not only affect the survival of erythrocytes but may be similarly operative in nucleated cells exposed to osmotic shock.
Early Skeletal Development in Talpa europaea, the Common European Mole
2006-05-01

An ontogenetic series of 22 cleared and double-stained prenatal specimens was used to study the sequence of ossification of selected postcranial skeletal elements of Talpa europaea. Results were compared with nine other therian mammals, with Alligator, Chelydra, and Lacerta as outgroups. Using the event-pairing method, shifts in the onset of ossification in T. europaea, Sus, and Homo were identified. In T. europaea, the ossification of the cervical vertebrae starts before the metatarsals. In Homo and Sus, the tarsals ossify before the pubic bone. These shifts in the sequence of ossification are unique among the mammals examined, whereas many other changes, characterising monophyletic groups and/or evolving convergently, were also identified. Particular attention was given to some peculiar calcified elements of the hand in T. europaea, which were identified as accessory ;sesamoid bones', and do not display a chondrified precursor. They start to calcify before all others of the hand and later fuse. They appear in all fingers and function as reinforcement for the distal phalanges, most likely as an adaptation for burrowing. The development of the sesamoid bones was examined using histological sections and macerated adults.
A NESTING SITE AND EGG MORPHOLOGY OF A MIOCENE TURTLE FROM URUMACO, VENEZUELA: EVIDENCE OF MARINE ADAPTATIONS IN PELOMEDUSOIDES
2006-05-01

Abstract: Fossil eggshells from the Late Miocene Urumaco Formation of north‐western Venezuela are reported. Stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine shell gross morphology and ultrastructure, respectively. Diagnostic turtle features in the eggshells include a distinct pattern of crystal aggregations within the shell units. The eggs had an elliptical shape with a maximum diameter of c . 56·5 mm and width of c . 43·5 mm, as measured in a specimen preserving the egg's outline. Scattered clutches of broken eggshells were found embedded in one horizon of a coarse, sandy sediment, with grains not well sorted containing foraminifera and fragments of bivalve shells. The sediments are rich in ichnofossils and the reddish colour of the sandstone indicates an oxidizing environment. These facts suggest that the eggs were deposited in a beach directly facing the sea or brackish waters, perhaps near a river delta or lagoon, as is typical of the Urumaco sequence. In the same stratigraphical layer and next to one of the egg clusters, a carapace assignable to the pelomedusoid Bairdemys venezuelensis was found, suggesting that this species was a colonial nester that laid its eggs in beaches and lived in a marine or nearshore marine environment.
Membrane traffic in outer hair cells of the adult mammalian cochlea
2006-05-01

Abstract Outer hair cells (OHCs), the sensory‐motor cells responsible for the extraordinary frequency selectivity and dynamic range of the cochlea, rapidly endocytose membrane and protein at their apical surface. Endocytosis and transcytosis in isolated OHCs from the mature guinea‐pig cochlea were investigated using the amphiphatic membrane probe FM1‐43. We observed membrane transport from the apical surface to both the basolateral wall and the subnuclear pole. By double‐labelling with DiOC 6 , a stain for endoplasmic reticulum, and aspiration of the plasma membrane, we showed that the basolateral target was the subsurface cisternae. The fluorescent signal was about three times weaker at the basal than at the apical pole. The speed of vesicle transport to the subnuclear pole was approximately 0.4 μm/s. Changing extracellular Ca 2+ concentration from 25 μ m to 2 m m accelerated rapid endocytosis. Extracellular application of BAPTA‐AM (25 μ m ), an intracellular Ca 2+ chelator, and TFP (20 μ m ), a specific inhibitor of calmodulin, reduced endocytic activity, as did depolarization of the whole cell. The presence of extracellular Cd 2+ (200 μ m ), a Ca 2+ ‐channel blocker, had no effect on the voltage dependence of endocytosis at the apical pole, and inhibited the voltage dependence at the subnuclear pole. These results suggest that rapid endocytosis is a Ca 2+ /calmodulin‐dependent process, with extracellular Ca 2+ entering through voltage‐gated Ca 2+ channels at the basal pole. The two distinct destinations of endocytosed membrane are consistent with the functional polarization of the OHC, with the basolateral wall being dedicated to electromechanical transduction and the subnuclear pole being dedicated to electrochemical transduction processes.
Shortest spanning trees and a counterexample for random walks in random environments
2006-05-01

We construct forests that span Z&lt;sup&gt;d&lt;/sup&gt;, d≥2, that are stationary and directed, and whose trees are infinite, but for which the subtrees attached to each vertex are as short as possible. For d≥3, two independent copies of such forests, pointing in opposite directions, can be pruned so as to become disjoint. From this, we construct in d≥3 a stationary, polynomially mixing and uniformly elliptic environment of nearest-neighbor transition probabilities on Z&lt;sup&gt;d&lt;/sup&gt;, for which the corresponding random walk disobeys a certain zero–one law for directional transience.
GASTROLITHS IN THE TRIASSIC ICHTHYOSAUR PANJIANGSAURUS FROM CHINA
2006-05-01

Gastroliths (stomach stones) are frequently reported in association with plesiosaur remains, especially elasmosaurids (e.g., Brown, 1904; Williston, 1904; Welles and Bump, 1949; Darby and Ojakangas, 1980; Everhart, 2000; Cicimurri and Everhart, 2001). Stones are also known from several other fossil and modern aquatic vertebrates, including fishes (Dapples, 1938; Thomson, 1966; Trewin, 1986), penguins (Emery, 1963; Stonehouse, 1967; Boswall and MacIver, 1975), crocodilians (Cott, 1961; Neill, 1971; Keller and Schaal, 1992), and pinnipeds (Fleming, 1951; Mohr, 1963; Bryden, 1999). However, gastroliths are very rarely reported in ichthyosaurs, despite the fact that a large number of articulated skeletons are known from this clade. Some ichthyosaurs show preserved gut contents (e.g., Pollard, 1968; Keller, 1976; Kear et al., 2003), and sand is occasionally found in the gastric area of ichthyosaurs (R. Wild, personal commun., 2000; Wings, personal obs.). Gastroliths with grain sizes >2 mm are only known from two specimens: the one described in detail here and a complete but undescribed skeleton from the famous Upper Jurassic Solnhofen Limestone of Germany (Taylor, 1993; Wings, personal observation). The German specimen is probably referable to the genus Nannopterygius Huene, 1922, so far only known from England. The specimen is preserved as a slab, which is on exhibit at the Jura-Museum, Eichstatt, Germany, and a counterslab, which is accessioned to the collections of the Staatliches Museum fur Naturkunde, Karlsruhe, Germany. A description of the stones found in the perfect holotype specimen (Museum of the Yichang Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources # T1) of Panjiangsaurus epicharis described by Chen and Cheng (2003) (Fig. 1) is important not only because of the scarcity of ichthyosaurian gastroliths, the find is also relevant for the interpretation of gastrolith function. Panjiangsaurus epicharis ...
M[B(CN)4]2: Zwei neue Tetracyanoborate mit zweiwertigen Kationen (M = Zn, Cu)
2006-05-01

Abstract M[B(CN) 4 ] 2 : Two new Tetracyanoborate Compounds with divalent Cations (M = Zn, Cu) The reaction of ZnO or CuO with [H 3 O][B(CN) 4 ] in aqueous solution yielded single crystals of Zn[B(CN) 4 ] 2 and Cu[B(CN) 4 ] 2 , respectively. The compounds were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Zn[B(CN) 4 ] 2 ( (no. 164), a = b = 7.5092(9) Å, c = 6.0159(6) Å, Z = 1) crystallizes isotypic with Hg[B(CN) 4 ] 2 . The structure of Cu[B(CN) 4 ] 2 ( C 2/ m (no. 12), a = 13.185(3) Å, b = 7.2919(9) Å, c = 6.029(1) Å, β = 93.02(2)°, Z = 2) can be considered as a super‐structure, resulting from Jahn‐Teller distortion of the Cu 2+ ions. Magnetic measurements were performed for the copper compound. Vibrational spectra and thermal stabilities were compared with the known mercury(II) tetracyanoborate.
Suitability of biogenic carbonate of Lithospermum fruits for 14C dating
2006-05-01

Abstract Lithospermum (Boraginaceae) belongs to a small group of plant taxa that accumulate biogenic carbonate in their fruits. In this genus, carbonate incrustations form in the cells of the epidermis and sclerenchyma of the pericarp. Fossil Lithospermum fruits (nutlets) with well-preserved calcified tissues commonly occur in Quaternary sediments and cultural layers. We tested the suitability of biogenic carbonate of Lithospermum fruits for radiocarbon dating using a total of 15 AMS measurement results from four modern and 11 fossil samples. The 14 C data from modern samples suggest that Lithospermum utilises only atmospheric carbon to synthesise calcite in the nutlets. In general, the ages determined through 14 C dating of fossil fruitscorresponded well with the absolute-age intervals for archaeological sites over the last 5000 yr. Biogenic carbonate of Lithospermum fruits, like that of Celtis , represents a new source of chronological information for late Quaternary studies.
Bat-parasitic Cimex species (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) on the Balkan Peninsula, with zoogeographical remarks on Cimex lectularius Linnaeus
2006-05-01

The description of a new Cimex species, C. emarginatus, and first records of bat-parasitic Cimex species on the Balkan Peninsula, are presented. The rarity of the findings and possible reasons for the absence of Cimex lectularius on bats in the Mediterranean area are discussed.
Effects of Heat Stress on Yeast Heat Shock Factor-Promoter Binding &lt;italic&gt;In Vivo&lt;/italic&gt;
2006-05-01

Heat shock factor-DNA interaction is critical for understanding the regulatory mechanisms of stress-induced gene expression in eukaryotes. In this study, we analyzed the in vivo binding of yeast heat shock factor (HSF) to the promoters of target genes ScSSA1, ScSSA4, HSP30 and HSP104, using chromatin immunoprecipitation. Previous work suggested that yeast HSF is constitutively bound to DNA at all temperatures. Expression of HSF target genes is regulated at the post-transcriptional level. However, our results indicated that HSF does not bind to the promoters of ScSSA4 and HSP30 at normal temperature (23 degrees C). Binding to these promoters is rapidly induced by heat stress at 39 degrees C. HSF binds to ScSSA1 and HSP104 promoters under non-stress conditions, but at a low level. Heat stress rapidly leads to a notable increase in the binding of HSF to these two genes. The kinetics of the level of HSF-promoter binding correlate well with the expression of target genes, suggesting that the expression of HSF target genes is at least partially the result of HSF-promoter binding stability and subsequent transcription stimulation.
Doping and Drug Use in Elite Sports
2006-05-01

Determining the prevalence of sensitive issues, such as doping or drug use, is problematic, since conventional questioning techniques result in a more or less large amount of unreported false negative responses. PURPOSE: To estimate the dark figure of doping and drug use in elite athletes using the Randomized Response Technique (RRT) developed by Warner. METHODS: RRT allows the subject to respond (yes/no) to two questions (one sensitive and one innocuous question) in a direct interview without the examiner knowing which question the subject is actually answering. The question the subject must actually answer is determined using a randomized procedure. Taking all answers together, one can determine the percentage of positive answers to sensitive questions by analyzing the statistical probability of answering the innocuous question with yes or no and the probability of having answered the sensitive question. A total of n=480 elite athletes who are subject to the anti-doping rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency were interviewed in this way. RESULTS: RRT yielded a prevalence of 6.8% for the use of doping substances, and 8.8% for the use of illicit drugs. In comparison to studies using anonymous questionnaires, the use of RRT yielded a distinctly higher prevalence of doping, yet an only marginally higher prevalence of illicit drug use. CONCLUSIONS: Surveys of people active in fitness centers showed a considerably higher prevalence of drug use, whereas RRT and use of an anonymous questionnaire showed nearly identical results for the prevalence of doping. Comparing these results with those of the current study suggests that the number the unknown cases for each variable seem to depend on the subpopulation in question. This realization could be of great importance in the planning and also in the implementation of prevention programs.
Coincidence of Semilobar Holoprosencephaly and Chiari II Malformation: Correlation of Prenatal Diagnostics and Neuropathologic Findings
2006-05-01

As holoprosencephaly and Chiari II malformation differ considerably, both in pathogenesis and in phenotypic localization, the coincidence of both entities is extremely rare. The case presented is, to our knowledge, the first published report comprising a combination of a semilobar holoprosencephaly associated with a Chiari II malformation and a myelomeningocele diagnosed prenatally and confirmed by postmortem neuropathologic evaluation. These findings indicate that in the case of pre- and postnatal detection of a myelomeningocele and/or Chiari II malformation, possible additional intracranial malformation, such as a semilobar holoprosencephaly, should also be taken into account and vice versa. ( J Child Neurol 2006;21:426—429; DOI 10.2310/7010.2006.00125).