bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased formation and degradation of malondialdehyde‐modified proteins under conditions of peroxidative stress
Authors: Mahmoodi Haleh , Hadley Mary , Chang Yuan‐Xun , Draper Harold H.
Published: November 2006

The effect of increasedin vivo lipid peroxidation on excretion of the main urinary metabolites of malondialdehyde (MDA) was investigated. Peroxidative stress in the form of vitamin E deficiency or the administration of iron nitrilotriacetate or carbon tetrachloride was imposed on rats fed an MDA‐free diet. Significant increases were observed in excretion of the lysine‐MDA adduct ε‐propenal lysine, itsN‐acetyl ester, and free MDA. Under the conditions imposed, the increments in excretion of the lysine adducts reflect increased peroxidative modification of tissue proteinsin vivo. These adducts also were found to be the main forms of MDA excreted in human urine. Reacting14C‐bovine serum albumin (BSA) with MDA resulted in its accelerated proteolysisin vitro by soluble enzyme preparations derived from human erythrocytes and rat liver mitochondria. the increments observed were similar to those reported for the hydrolysis of BSA following its exposure to hydroxyl radicals. The results show that lipid peroxidationin vivo results in peroxidative damage to tissue proteins and indicate that such proteins are subject to an accelerated rate of proteolysis.
Rapid separation of the major phospholipid classes on a single aminopropyl cartridge
Authors: Pietsch Angelika , Lorenz Reinhard L.
Published: November 2006

A rapid method for the separation of the individual phospholipid classes phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylinositol (PI) by a single solid‐phase extraction was developed. PC, PE, PS and PI were sequentially eluted from aminopropyl bonded silica with acetonitrile/n‐propanol (2∶1, vol/vol), methanol, isopropanol/methanolic HCl (4∶1, vol/vol) and methanol/methanolic HCl (9∶1, vol/vol). Standard recoveries were over 95% for PC and PE and over 85% for PS and PI with undistorted fatty acid composition. The separation of complex lipid mixtures on aminopropyl minicolumns can be refined to the level of individual phospholipid classes.
Gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry as an analytical tool for the identification of fatty acids
Authors: Couderc F.
Published: November 2006

Structures of fatty acids present at very low quantities in mycobacteria are difficult to determine. A commonly used strategy is to introduce heteroatoms into functional groups by chemical means before subjecting them to gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) analysis. Routinely used methods give very low abundance diagnostic ions leading to ambiguities in structural conclusions. GC/MS/MS associated with electron capture ionization of pentafluorobenzyl esters was used to study very complex mixtures of fatty acids fromMycobacterium fallax andM. aurum. The charge‐remote fragmentation of fatty acid carboxylate anions was used for structure determination at the nanogram level of a large number of unsaturated, branched, and cyclopropane‐containing fatty acids. Some of them have not been observed previously in these Mycobacteria. On the basis of these studies, biosynthetic pathways of unsaturated, branched, and cyclopropane‐containing fatty acid are proposed.
Very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the blubber of ringed seals (Phoca hispidasp.) from Lake Saimaa, Lake Ladoga, the Baltic Sea, and Spitsbergen
Authors: Käkelä Reijo , Ackman Robert G. , Hyvärinen Heikki
Published: November 2006

Blubbers of four ringed seal subspecies from Lake Saimaa, Lake Ladoga, the Baltic Sea, and Spitsbergen were analyzed for very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLCPUFA; >C22) using gas‐liquid chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The VLCPUFA of the blubber oils were mainly n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids—23∶5n−3, 24∶3n−3, 24∶4n−3, 24∶5n−3, 24∶6n−3, 26∶5n−3, 26∶6n−3, and 28∶7n−3. The largest VLCPUFA components in all populations were 24∶5n−3 (0.1–0.2 wt% of total fatty acids) and 24∶6n−3 (0.1%), but 24∶4n−3 (0.1%) was also prominent in the Baltic specimens. The blubber oils of the freshwater species contained considerably more 24∶4n−6 and 24∶5n−6 than the blubbers of the marine species. The differences among the VLCPUFA in these subspecies appear to be mainly due to different dietary VLCPUFA.
Side‐chain oxysterol regulation of 3‐Hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl Coenzyme A reductase activity
Authors: Parish Edward J. , Parish Sarawanee C. , Li Shengrong
Published: November 2006

Side‐chain oxysterols are known to be potent inhibitors of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl CoA reductase, a key regulatory enzyme in the biosynthesis of sterols. Structural variations in the side‐chain oxysterols influence enzyme inhibition. Under certain conditions, biological systems have been induced to produce side‐chain oxysterols, adding support to the hypothesis that oxysterols may be natural regulators of sterol biosynthesis in the intact cell. Specific inhibition of sterol biosynthesis is of interest as it may prove useful in the prevention or reversal of various cardiovascular disease states, as well as in the control of normal and abnormal cell growth.
Measurement of the metabolic interconversion of deuterium‐labeled fatty acids by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Rohwedder William K. , Duval Sandra M. , Wolf Darhal J. , Emken Edward A.
Published: November 2006

An analytical method that was developed to analyze deuterium‐labeled fatty acids in human blood has been extended to identify labeled fatty acids from C14 to C24 chain length which are formed by metabolic processes such as desaturation, elongation, or shortening of the labeled fatty acids fed. A new computer and a hard‐wave adder have been utilized to assure reliable data acquisition. Relative standard derivations for the analysis of labeled fatty acids were measured at 0.02, 0.03, and 0.04 at the 5%, 1%, and 0.2% levels of the labeled fatty acid methyl esters, respectively. The method makes extensive use of standards and computer processing for accuracy and high productivity. Data from a chylomicron triacylglycerol fraction are included to demonstrate the sensitivity of detection of metabolites formed by desaturation and elongation.
Highly dependable concurrent programming using design for verification
Authors: Betin-Can Aysu , Bultan Tevfik
Published: November 2006

There has been significant progress in automated verification techniques based on model checking. However, scalable software model checking remains a challenging problem. We believe that this problem can be addressed using a design for verification approach based on design patterns that facilitate scalable automated verification. In this paper, we present a design for verification approach for highly dependable concurrent programming using a design pattern for concurrency controllers. A concurrency controller class consists of a set of guarded commands defining a synchronization policy, and a stateful interface describing the correct usage of the synchronization policy. We present an assume-guarantee style modular verification strategy which separates the verification of the controller behavior from the verification of the conformance to its interface. This allows us to execute the interface and behavior verification tasks separately using specialized verification techniques. We present a case study demonstrating the effectiveness of the presented approach.
Melittin: a Membrane-active Peptide with Diverse Functions
Authors: Raghuraman H. , Chattopadhyay Amitabha
Published: November 2006

Melittin is the principal toxic component in the venom of the European honey bee Apis mellifera and is a cationic, hemolytic peptide. It is a small linear peptide composed of 26 amino acid residues in which the amino-terminal region is predominantly hydrophobic whereas the carboxy-terminal region is hydrophilic due to the presence of a stretch of positively charged amino acids. This amphiphilic property of melittin has resulted in melittin being used as a suitable model peptide for monitoring lipid–protein interactions in membranes. In this review, the solution and membrane properties of melittin are highlighted, with an emphasis on melittin–membrane interaction using biophysical approaches. The recent applications of melittin in various cellular processes are discussed.
Apoptosis affects integration frequency: Adult stem cells injected in blastocysts show high caspase‐3 activity
Authors: Koestenbauer S. , Vanderzwalmen P. , Hammer A. , Schoonjans L. , Danloy S. , Zech H. , Dohr G. , Zech N.H.
Published: November 2006

Chimeric organisms are commonly generated by injecting stem cells into blastocysts. Embryonic stem cells injected into the blastocoel cavity participate in the further development of the embryo. Adult stem cells have also been used in injection experiments to study their potential plasticity.

In this study we focused on the early fate of injected human adult hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs were followed immunohistochemically 1–19 h after injection into murine blastocysts. We found that they only rarely attached and integrated into the blastocysts. The high rate of loss of injected cells after prolonged in vitro culture of the chimeras can be explained by apoptosis. Our findings are consistent with previous studies reporting a low rate of integration of adult cells injected to produce chimeric embryos, but this is the first demonstration that the low efficiency of adult stem cell injections into blastocysts is influenced by apoptosis.
Cytogenetic analysis of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells passaged in vitro
Authors: Zhang Zhen‐Xing , Guan Li‐Xue , Zhang Kun , Wang Shouxian , Cao Pei‐Cheng , Wang Yong‐He , Wang Zhe , Dai Long‐Jun
Published: November 2006

This study concerns the cytogenetic stability of in vitro human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in primary culture and after passaging. Bone marrow samples were collected from seven brain malfunction patients involved in autologous MSC transplantation trials. Chromosome preparations from primary MSC cultures and after 3 passages were analyzed by conventional staining and G‐banding techniques. All MSCs showed normal diploid karyotypes, 46 XY or 46 XX, without aneuploidy or polyploidy; chromosome structural abnormalities were not detected. The results indicate that the in vitro cultured MSCs retained normal cytogenetics before being transplanted back into the patients.
Impaired response inhibition in obsessive compulsive disorder
Authors: Penadés R. , Catalán R. , Rubia K. , Andrés S. , Salamero M. , Gastó C.
Published: November 2006

Objective

The present study investigates different three inhibitory control functions in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Selective motor response inhibition was tested in a GO/NO-GO paradigm, the inhibition of a triggered motor response in a STOP paradigm and the ability to inhibit cognitive interference in a motor STROOP paradigm.

Methods

27 patients who met DSM-IV criteria for OCD and 25 age, handedness and IQ-matched healthy control subjects were tested in the GO/NO-GO, STOP and motor STROOP tasks.

Results

OCD patients performed significantly worse than controls in the selective inhibition of their motor responses (GO/NO-GO) and in the inhibition of cognitive interference (STROOP), and also showed worse performance in suppressing previously triggered motor responses (STOP).

Conclusion

Patients with OCD are impaired in motor and cognitive inhibitory mechanisms. The findings are consistent with psychobiological and neuropsychological models of OCD suggesting impairment of frontostriatal circuitries that mediate functions of inhibitory control.
Gender differences in facial emotion recognition in persons with chronic schizophrenia
Authors: Weiss Elisabeth M. , Kohler Christian G. , Brensinger Colleen M. , Bilker Warren B. , Loughead James , Delazer Margarete , Nolan Karen A.
Published: November 2006

Background

The aim of the present study was to investigate possible sex differences in the recognition of facial expressions of emotion and to investigate the pattern of classification errors in schizophrenic males and females. Such an approach provides an opportunity to inspect the degree to which males and females differ in perceiving and interpreting the different emotions displayed to them and to analyze which emotions are most susceptible to recognition errors.

Methods

Fifty six chronically hospitalized schizophrenic patients (38 men and 18 women) completed the Penn Emotion Recognition Test (ER40), a computerized emotion discrimination test presenting 40 color photographs of evoked happy, sad, anger, fear expressions and neutral expressions balanced for poser gender and ethnicity.

Results

We found a significant sex difference in the patterns of error rates in the Penn Emotion Recognition Test. Neutral faces were more commonly mistaken as angry in schizophrenic men, whereas schizophrenic women misinterpreted neutral faces more frequently as sad. Moreover, female faces were better recognized overall, but fear was better recognized in same gender photographs, whereas anger was better recognized in different gender photographs.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study lend support to the notion that sex differences in aggressive behavior could be related to a cognitive style characterized by hostile attributions to neutral faces in schizophrenic men.
Effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of ziprasidone in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder: Results of a multi-centre observational trial
Authors: Kudla Duerten , Lambert Martin , Domin Sabine , Kasper Siegfried , Naber Dieter
Published: November 2006

Purpose

The ZEISIG study (Ziprasidone Experience in Schizophrenia in Germany/Austria) investigated the effectiveness of ziprasidone as measured by discontinuation rates and mean changes of the BPRS total. Secondary objectives included quality of life, subjective well-being, tolerability, and safety.

Subjects and methods

Two hundred and seventy-six subjects with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder were treated within an open-label, 12-week, prospective, flexible-dose observational trial of ziprasidone (40–160 mg/day). Baseline and outcome assessments mainly included Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Clinical Global Impressions Scale (CGI), Short-Form 12 (SF-12), and Subjective Well-being under Neuroleptic treatment (SWN-K).

Results

Study discontinuation due to any cause was evident in 58% of subjects, most of them within the first 4 weeks after study initiation. In study completers, ziprasidone was associated with improvements in BPRS total (44.8 to 33.6; p < 0.001), CGI, SF-12, and SWN-K total scores (80.5 to 89.5). Ziprasidone was related to reduction of weight, fasting glucose, and serum lipids. No cardiovascular adverse event or significant increase of the QTc interval was observed.

Discussion and conclusion

Approximately 60% of subjects discontinued ziprasidone prematurely, probably related to an initial and overall underdose. The present study confirmed previous tolerability and safety data of ziprasidone as well as results of its effectiveness. Independent from reason to switch, previous antipsychotic class, and severity of illness at baseline, the recommended starting dose of 80 mg/day as well as the maximum treatment dose of 160 mg/day may not be sufficient for a selected subgroup of patients.
The role of personality disorder in ‘difficult to reach’ patients with depression: Findings from the ODIN study
Authors: Kelly Brendan D. , Casey Patricia , Dunn Graham , Ayuso-Mateos Jose Luis , Dowrick Christopher
Published: November 2006

Individuals with personality disorders (especially paranoid personality disorder) tend to be reluctant to engage in treatment. This paper aimed to elucidate the role of personality disorder in predicting engagement with psychological treatment for depression. The Outcomes of Depression International Network (ODIN) involves six urban and three rural study sites throughout Europe at which cases of depression were identified through a two-stage community survey. One patient in seven who was offered psychological treatment for depression had a comorbid diagnosis of personality disorder (most commonly paranoid personality disorder). Forty-five percent of patients who were offered psychological treatment for depression did not complete treatment. The odds of completion were higher for patients with a comorbid diagnosis of personality disorder, especially paranoid, anxious or dependent personality disorder. The relatively low number of cases with some specific personality disorders (e.g. schizoid personality disorder) limited the study's power to reach conclusions about these specific disorders. This study focused on a community-based sample which may lead to apparently lower rates of engagement when compared to studies based on treatment-seeking populations. Episodes of depression in the context of personality disorder may represent a valuable opportunity to engage with patients who might otherwise resist engagement.
Long lived intermediate metal site structure upon binding of cadmium to plastocyanin
Authors: Sas Klára Nárcisz , Hemmingsen Lars , Danielsen Eva
Published: November 2006

Perturbed angular correlation of γ‐rays (PAC) spectroscopy of cadmium substituted plastocyanin shows one dominant metal site configuration at pH 7.5. Lowering the pH to 4.8 a fraction of the molecules undergoes structural change and loses the bound cadmium ion. At pH 4.4 all plastocyanin is in the apo‐form. Increasing the pH back to neutral pH values two distinct metal site coordination geometries were observed. One of the two signals is the same as that found initially at pH 7.5; the other form is stable for hours at 1 °C, indicating the existence of a long lived intermediate metal site structure. The cadmium ion is surrounded by the same ligands (His37, Cys84, His87 and Met92) in both forms, however the metal center in the long lived intermediate metal site structure can be best described by a larger His–metal–His angle.
Haem carrier protein 1 (HCP1): Expression and functional studies in cultured cells
Authors: Latunde-Dada Gladys O. , Takeuchi Ken , Simpson Robert J. , McKie Andrew T.
Published: November 2006

Haem released from digestion and breakdown of meat products provides an important source of dietary iron, which is readily absorbed in the proximal intestine. The recent cloning and characterization of a haem carrier protein 1 (HCP 1) has provided a candidate intestinal haem transporter. The current studies describe the expression and functional analysis of HCP1 in cultured Caco‐2 cells, a commonly used model of human intestinal cells. HCP1 mRNA expression in other cell types was also studied. The uptake of 55Fe labeled haem was determined in cells under different experimental conditions and HCP1 expression was measured by RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry. mRNA and protein expressions increased in Caco‐2 cells transduced with HCP1 adenoviral plasmid, and consequently 55Fe haem uptake was higher in these cells. Haem uptake was also increased in fully differentiated Caco‐2 cells compared to undifferentiated cells. Preincubation of cells with desferrioxamine (DFO, to deplete cells of iron) had no effect on HCP1 expression or haem uptake. Treatment with CdCl2 (to induce haem oxygenase, HO‐1) enhanced HCP1 expression and increased haem uptake into the cells. HCP1 expression and function were found to be adaptive to the rate of haem degradation by HO‐1. Furthermore, HCP1 expression in different cells implies a functional role in tissues other than the duodenum.
Transport of antimony salts by Arabidopsis thaliana protoplasts over‐expressing the human multidrug resistance‐associated protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1)
Authors: Gayet Landry , Picault Nathalie , Cazalé Anne-Claire , Beyly Audrey , Lucas Philippe , Jacquet Hélène , Suso Henri-Pierre , Vavasseur Alain , Peltier Gilles , Forestier Cyrille
Published: November 2006

ABC transporters from the multidrug resistance‐associated protein (MRP) subfamily are glutathione S‐conjugate pumps exhibiting a broad substrate specificity illustrated by numerous xenobiotics, such as anticancer drugs, herbicides, pesticides and heavy metals. The engineering of MRP transporters into plants might be interesting either to reduce the quantity of xenobiotics taken up by the plant in the context of “safe‐food” strategies or, conversely, in the development of phytoremediation strategies in which xenobiotics are sequestered in the vacuolar compartment. In this report, we obtained Arabidopsis transgenic plants overexpressing human MRP1. In these plants, expression of MRP1 did not increase plant resistance to antimony salts (Sb(III)), a classical glutathione‐conjugate substrate of MRP1. However, the transporter was fully translated in roots and shoots, and targeted to the plasma membrane. In order to investigate the functionality of MRP1 in Arabidopsis, mesophyll cell protoplasts (MCPs) were isolated from transgenic plants and transport activities were measured by using calcein or Sb(III) as substrates. Expression of MRP1 at the plasma membrane was correlated with an increase in the MCPs resistance to Sb(III) and a limitation of the metalloid content in the protoplasts due to an improvement in Sb(III) efflux. Moreover, Sb(III) transport was sensitive to classical inhibitors of the human MRP1, such as MK571 or glibenclamide. These results demonstrate that a human ABC transporter can be functionally introduced in Arabidopsis, which might be useful, with the help of stronger promoters, to reduce the accumulation of xenobiotics in plants, such as heavy metals from multi‐contaminated soils.
Reduction of C‐reactive protein with surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome
Authors: Friedman Michael , Bliznikas Darius , Vidyasagar Ramakrishnan , Woodson B. Tucker , Joseph Ninos J.
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) has an impact on C‐reactive protein (CRP) level.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study of 34 consecutive subjects undergoing surgical treatment for OSAHS. CRP levels were evaluated preoperatively and 2 months postoperatively. The most commonly performed procedure was uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) combined with radiofrequency tongue base reduction.

RESULTS

Seven patients were treated for mild OSAHS and 23 were treated for moderated/severe OSAHS; 18 of 23 patients with moderate/severe disease had relative elevation of preoperative CRP levels. Mean CRP level decreased from 0.33 mg/dL preoperatively to 0.16 mg/dL postoperatively (P = 0.003). Even patients who did not achieve complete “cure” by classical polysomnography (PSG) criteria may benefit from lowered CRP levels. All patients, however did achieve reduction in apnea hypopnea index and improvement in clinical symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Levels of CRP were elevated preoperatively but decreased after surgical treatment. Therefore, OSAHS surgical treatment may be useful in reduction of CRP levels in patients who will not or cannot accept nasal‐CPAP therapy.
Obstructive sleep apnea in patients undergoing supracricoid horizontal or frontolateral vertical partial laryngectomy
Authors: Israel Yusef , Cervantes Onivaldo , Abrahão Marcio , Ceccon Fábio Puppo , Filho Marcilio Ferreira Marques , Nascimento Luiz Augusto , Zonato Adriane I. , Tufik Sergio
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE

To assess obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients undergoing supracricoid horizontal partial laryngectomy (SCPL) or frontolateral vertical partial laryngectomy (VPL) for the treatment of laryngeal carcinoma and correlate it with age, body mass index, physical examination, and upper airway evaluation.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A prospective study was carried out involving 22 patients between 50 and 80 years of age divided into 2 equal groups. The patients underwent SCPL and VPL, and were evaluated by anamnesis, otolaryngologic examinations, nasopharyngolaryngoscopy, and polysomnography.

RESULTS

A significant direct correlation was observed between the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) and age of the patients. An inversely proportional relation was found between glottic opening and AHI. The presence of OSA was 81% in SCPL and 91% in VPL.

CONCLUSION

We observed a high incidence of OSA in patients undergoing SCPL and VPL.
Limits of endoscopic visualization and instrumentation in the frontal sinus
Authors: Becker Samuel S. , Bomeli Steven R. , Gross Charles W. , Han Joseph K.
Published: November 2006

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic limitations in the frontal sinus are poorly defined. We set out to define these limits.

METHODS

Fifteen cadaveric heads underwent endoscopic frontal sinusotomies (Draf IIA, IIB, III). Areas of frontal sinus openings were calculated. Coordinates of the most distant points for instrumentation, visualization, and instrumentation with visualization in the frontal sinus were identified with the use of image guidance.

RESULTS

Twenty‐eight frontal sinuses were evaluated. The mean sinus opening areas were 47.5 mm2, 105.1 mm2, and 246.4 mm2 for Draf IIA, IIB, and III. Visualization exceeds instrumentation and visualized reach (P < 0.05) regardless of different frontal sinusotomies. Anterior and lateral instrumentation and visualized reach increase as the frontal sinus opening increases (P < 0.05). For lateral visualization, Draf III > IIB > IIA (P < 0.04). There is no statistical difference for superior visualization, instrumentation, and visualized reach among various sinusotomies (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic visualization exceeds instrumentation and instrumentation exceeds visualized reach. Enlarging frontal sinus opening area increases instrumentation and visualization.
Closure of nasal septal perforation via endonasal approach
Authors: Tasca Ignazio , Compadretti Giacomo Ceroni
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE

We report our experience in nasal septum perforation surgery using the endonasal approach. The role of rhinomanometry and nasal endoscopy in the management of septal perforation repair is also discussed.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We reviewed a sample of 30 patients with septal perforation. Patients underwent preoperative and postoperative nasal endoscopy and rhinomanometry. They were all treated using the Cottle technique with the backward extraction‐reposition of nasal septum and inverted sliding flap suture technique.

RESULTS

Closure rate for small‐sized and middle‐sized perforations was 94% and 75%, respectively. It was 86.6% if calculated for all patients. Preoperative nasal resistances was normal in patients with isolated septum perforation, and high in patients with associated septum deformity or hypertrophic turbinates.

CONCLUSION

The Cottle technique is a viable procedure for the closure of small‐ and middle‐sized perforations. Endoscopy and rhinomanometry help provide a correct and complete understanding of this nasal alteration.
Considerations in incorporating office‐based ultrasound of the head and neck
Authors: Akbar Nadeem A. , Bodenner Donald L. , Kim Lawrence T. , Suen James Y. , Kokoska Mimi S.
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the cost considerations and strategies for incorporating ultrasound (US) in a head and neck practice.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A retrospective chart review of office‐based US procedures from 2001 to 2005 was completed at our academic medical center. Billing and coding for US and US guided fine needle aspiration (USFNA) were examined.

RESULTS

The appropriate CPT codes are 76536 for US and 76942 and 10022 for USFNA‐related procedures. The USFNA codes should be used repeatedly for correct coding of biopsies from multiple sites. Cost (equipment) sharing between specialties is a potential strategy for office‐based US incorporation.

CONCLUSION

Based on practice volume, specific CPT coding, and Medicare reimbursements, office‐based US equipment and certification costs could be offset in 1 year.

SIGNIFICANCE

Office‐based US can be readily incorporated with significant benefits to patients. Billing and usage strategies were identified that would improve the economics of providing office‐based US.
Metastatic disease to the parotid gland
Authors: Nuyens Michel , Schüpbach Jonas , Stauffer Edouard , Zbären Peter
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to review the clinico‐pathologic findings and outcome of patients with metastasis to the parotid lymph nodes and gland.

METHODS

Retrospective study. Thirty‐four out of 520 patients with a parotid mass treated at our institution met the criteria for this study. Age, gender, clinical findings, histopathology, treatment. and outcome were analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty‐three patients had metastases to parotid lymph nodes from a squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, seven from a cutaneous malignant melanoma after a mean interval of 15 months, two from a ductal breast carcinoma, one with a metastatic disease from a rhabdomyosarcoma of the lower limb, and one from a Merkel cell carcinoma. The 5‐year cause‐specific and absolute survival for squamous cell carcinoma was 64% and 48% respectively and 71% and 57% for malignant melanomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Metastatic disease to the parotid gland is mostly caused by squamous cell carcinoma. Despite combined treatment modalities long‐term survival remains poor.
Conservative management of deep neck abscesses in adults: The importance of CECT findings
Authors: Boscolo‐Rizzo Paolo , Marchiori Carlo , Zanetti Federica , Vaglia Alberto , Mosto Maria Cristina Da
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVES

To review cases of DNAs with special emphasis on contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT) findings and their implications for treatment planning.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGS

Retrospective evaluation of adult patient records with diagnosis of DNAs on CECT at Treviso Regional Hospital.

RESULTS

Eighty patients were identified. In 30.0% of cases, an immediate surgical drainage was performed. In 22.5% of cases, a surgical drainage was necessary because of the lack of clinical response to medical therapy alone. Almost half of the patients were treated with antibiotics alone with complete remission. DM was predictive for lack of response to medical therapy alone (P = 0.014). Intraoperative findings confirmed the CECT diagnosis in 88.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the mainstay of treatment for deep neck abscesses remains surgical drainage, small abscesses can respond to antibiotics alone. CECT monitoring of DNAs was the essential steps in choosing the more appropriate treatment and, probably, the basis for the good prognosis of patients.
Glucocorticoid receptor subunit gene expression in parotid gland and adenomas
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Wen , Li Yuan , Liu Jia‐Jun , Liu Xian , Wang Zhen‐Lin , Hu Bin
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE

The present study was undertaken to investigate the expressions of glucocorticoid receptor‐α (GR‐α) and ‐β (GR‐β) messenger RNA (mRNA) in normal parotid and adenoma tissues.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Eighteen pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland and 12 parotid gland tissues adjacent to adenomas were studied by using real‐time fluorescent quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction method.

RESULTS

The expression of both GR‐α and GR‐β mRNA in parotid adenoma were higher than that in normal parotid glands (P < 0.001), the GR‐α/GR‐β ratios in parotid adenoma were lower than that in normal parotid glands (P < 0.001), and there were no differences of both GR‐α and GR‐β mRNA as well as GR‐α/GR‐β ratios in male and female (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE

Our results showed that the mRNA expression of both GR‐α and GR‐β were detectable in all studied specimens. The mRNA levels of these 2 GRs were higher, whereas the GR‐α/GR‐β ratios were lower in adenomas tissues than that in the parotid gland; no differences of these 2 GRs as well as GR‐α/GR‐β ratios were found between sexes. These data indicate that the relationship between the expressions of GRs and the clinical significance in parotid adenomas need further and profound investigation.
One‐phase management of severe obstructive sleep apnea: Tongue base reduction with hyoepiglottoplasty plus uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
Authors: Sorrenti Giovanni , Piccin Ottavio , Mondini Susanna , Ceroni Alberto Rinaldi
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVES

To describe the results of a 1 phase surgical procedure for the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) attributable to tongue base obstruction.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A retrospective nonrandomized study at S Orsola Malpighi University Hospital of Bologna, Italy.

METHODS

Ten male patients affected by severe OSA (mean apnea/hypopnea index [AHI] of 54.7), underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) associated with tongue base reduction and hyoepiglottoplasty (TBRHE). The indications to this surgical procedure were based on the presence of hyolingual abnormalities and absence of craniofacial deficiencies determined by preoperative assessment.

RESULTS

Mean AHI decreased from 54.7 + 11.5 to 9.4 + 5.4 whereas the mean low SaO2 value went from 77% + 6.2 to 90.7% + 3 and the time of sleep with SaO2 < 90% improved from 53% + 17.2 to 7.3% + 8. The overall success rate was 100%.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

TBRHE is an effective and safe treatment in patients with severe OSA attributable to tongue base obstruction and in absence of craniofacial deficiencies.
Setup and characterization of a human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma xenograft model in nude rats
Authors: Bao Ande , Phillips William T. , Goins Beth , McGuff Howard S. , Zheng Xiangpeng , Woolley F. Ross , Natarajan Mohan , Santoyo Cristina , Miller Frank R. , Otto Randal A.
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE

To develop and characterize a new head and neck cancer animal model.

STUDY DESIGN

A human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) xenograft model in nude rats was established via subcutaneous inoculation of a human‐origin HNSCC cell line, SCC‐4. The tumor was evaluated for growth characteristics, pathologic features by hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining, and immunohistochemistry of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). 2‐[18F] fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (18F‐FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging characteristics were studied too.

RESULTS

A new HNSCC animal model was successfully established. Tumor sizes reached about 1 cm3 on day 15 after tumor cell inoculation. HE staining pathology has confirmed that this tumor is a typical SCC. EGFR immunohistochemistry demonstrated this tumor model to be strongly EGFR positive. 18F‐FDG PET study has shown that 18F‐FDG accumulated in tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has demonstrated that this tumor model is an appropriate HNSCC tumor model for animal studies on HNSCC.
Radionecrosis or tumor recurrence after radiation of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas
Authors: Zbären Peter , Caversaccio Marco , Thoeny Harriet C. , Nuyens Michel , Curschmann Jürgen , Stauffer Edouard
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the incidence and diagnostic difficulties of radionecrosis vs tumor recurrence of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective study on 341 patients treated by radiation alone or radiochemotherapy. The clinicopathologic findings, work‐up, treatment, and follow‐up of 20 patients with symptoms suggestive but negative for tumor recurrence on initial imaging studies and endoscopy were analyzed.

RESULTS

The incidence of chondroradionecrosis in 341 irradiated patients was 5%. Ten of 20 patients initially negative for tumor recurrence were treated by total laryngectomy; in all laryngectomy specimens, chondroradionecrosis was present, in six specimens associated with tumor recurrence. Ten patients were treated by tracheotomy and tumor recurrence was detected in one patient during follow‐up.

CONCLUSION

Chondroradionecrosis is a relatively rare treatment complication. Typical imaging findings suggestive of radionecrosis are often missing. Tumor recurrence may be present beneath an intact mucosa and missed by endoscopy.
Head and neck space infections
Authors: Larawin Varqa , Naipao James , Dubey Siba P.
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, causes, management, and complications of the different head and neck space infections in a Melanesian population.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING:

We conducted a retrospective study in a tertiary referral and teaching hospital.

RESULTS:

Of the total 103 patients with deep neck space infections (DNSI), odontogenic causes and suppurative lymphadenitis were responsible in 62 (60%) patients. A wide range of DNSI was encountered in our series. Ludwig's angina was the most commonly encountered infection seen in 38 (37%) patients, whereas prevertebral abscess was only seen in 1 (1%) patient. A combination of surgical drainage and medical treatment was the main mode of treatment. Nine (8.7%) patients with DNSI with upper airway obstruction underwent tracheostomy; 9 (8.7%) patients with DNSI succumbed to their infection.

CONCLUSION:

DNSI needs early detection and aggressive management in order to evade dreaded complications.
Changes in treatment of advanced laryngeal cancer 1985‐2001
Authors: Chen Amy Y. , Schrag Nicole , Hao Yongping , Flanders W. Dana , Kepner James , Stewart Andrew , Ward Elizabeth
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE:

In 1991, a randomized study was published and demonstrated that use of nonsurgical therapy (chemoradiation) provided similar survival to total laryngectomy (the gold standard) for patients with advanced‐stage laryngeal cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess how treatment of advanced laryngeal cancer was influenced by such developments in non‐surgical therapy.

STUDY DESIGN:

Patterns of care study using National Cancer Database (1985–2001).

RESULTS:

The percentage of advanced‐stage patients treated with chemoradiation increased from 8.3% to 20.8% while the proportion treated with radiation alone decreased from 38.9% to 23.0%. Use of chemoradiation increased at a significantly faster rate after the 1991 publication at both community cancer centers and teaching research facilities. The use of total laryngectomy decreased slightly during this period.

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of chemoradiation increased after the 1991 publication. It was impossible to determine from the NCDB whether additional patients who could benefit from chemo‐RT were not offered or did not complete this treatment option. We recommend that treatment recommendations discussed at tumor boards be recorded in cancer registries.
Comparative study of acute tissue damage induced by the CO2 laser versus microelectrodes in cordectomies
Authors: Basterra Jorge , Frías Soledad , Alba Jose Ramon , Pérez Ana , Zapater Enrique
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE:

This study compared the acute tissue damage produced by a CO2 laser and microelectrodes in samples of vocal cords from patients undergoing laryngeal endoscopic surgery for stage T1 squamous cell carcinoma.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING:

Based on prior surgical experience with the CO2 laser and microelectrodes, the study protocol used hematoxylin‐eosin staining of vocal cords treated with a CO2 laser (n = 20) or microelectrode (n = 20).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:

The acute tissue damage produced by the CO2 laser was similar to that induced by microelectrodes in cutting mode. The tissue damage resulting from the use of the microelectrode in coagulation mode was comparatively greater.
Functional Characterization of Gibberellin-Regulated Genes in Rice Using Microarray System
Authors: Jan Asad , Komatsu Setsuko
Published: November 2006

Gibberellin (GA) is collectively referred to a group of diterpenoid acids, some of which act as plant hormones and are essential for normal plant growth and development. DNA microarray technology has become the standard tool for the parallel quantification of large numbers of messenger RNA transcripts. The power of this approach has been demonstrated in dissecting plant physiology and development, and in unraveling the underlying cellular signaling pathways. To understand the molecular mechanism by which GA regulates the growth and development of plants, with reference to the monocot model plant—rice, it is essential to identify and analyze more genes and their products at the transcription and translation levels that are regulated by GA. With the availability of draft sequences of two major rice types, indica and japonica rice, it has become possible to analyze global expression profiles of genes on a genome scale. In this review, the progress made in finding new genes in rice leaf sheath using microarray system and their characterization is discussed. It is believed that the findings made in this regard have important implications for understanding the mechanism by which GA regulates the growth and development of rice.
Glia Maturation Factor Gamma (GMFG): A Cytokine-Responsive Protein During Hematopoietic Lineage Development and Its Functional Genomics Analysis
Authors: Shi Ying , Chen Ling , Liotta Lance A. , Wan Hong-Hui , Rodgers Griffin P.
Published: November 2006

Human hematopoiesis was evaluated using the techniques of controlled stem cell differentiation, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis-based proteomics, and functional genomics. We provide the first report that glia maturation factor gamma (GMFG) is a cytokine-responsive protein in erythropoietin-induced and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor-induced hematopoietic lineage development. Results from global functional genomics analysis indicate that GMFG possesses several other features: hematopoietic tissue-specific gene expression, a promoter concentrated with high-score hematopoiesis-specific transcription factors, and possible molecular coevolution with a rudimentary blood/immune system. On the basis of our findings, we hypothesize that GMFG is a hematopoietic-specific protein that may mediate the pluripotentiality and lineage commitment of human hematopoietic stem cells.
A Combined Computational and Experimental Study on the Structure-Regulation Relationships of Putative Mammalian DNA Replication Initiator GINS
Authors: Hayashi Reiko , Arauchi Takako , Tategu Moe , Goto Yuya , Yoshida Kenichi
Published: November 2006

GINS, a heterotetramer of SLD5, PSF1, PSF2, and PSF3 proteins, is an emerging chromatin factor recognized to be involved in the initiation and elongation step of DNA replication. Although the yeast and Xenopus GINS genes are well documented, their orthologous genes in higher eukaryotes are not fully characterized. In this study, we report the genomic structure and transcriptional regulation of mammalian GINS genes. Serum stimulation increased the GINS mRNA levels in human cells. Reporter gene assay using putative GINS promoter sequences revealed that the expression of mammalian GINS is regulated by 17β-Estradiol-stimulated estrogen receptor α, and human PSF3 acts as a gene responsive to transcription factor E2F1. The goal of this study is to present the current data so as to encourage further work in the field of GINS gene regulation and functions in mammalian cells.
Comparative Proteome Analysis of Breast Cancer and Adjacent Normal Breast Tissues in Human
Authors: Deng Shi-Shan , Xing Tian-Yong , Zhou Hong-Ying , Xiong Ruo-Hong , Lu You-Guang , Wen Bin , Liu Shang-Qing , Yang Hui-Jun
Published: November 2006

Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS), incorporated with online database searching, were performed to investigate differential proteins of breast cancer and adjacent normal breast tissues. Considering that serum albumin is abundantly presented in normal control samples, 15 differential spots detected in 11 out of 12 (91.7%) breast cancer samples were identified by online SIENA-2DPAGE database searching and MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS analysis. The results indicate that pathological changes of breast cancer are concerned with augmentation of substance metabolism, promotion of proteolytic activity, decline of activity of some inhibitors of enzymes, and so on. Some important proteins involved in the pathological process of breast cancer with changed expression may be useful biomarkers, such as alpha-1-antitrypsin, EF-1-beta, cathepsin D, TCTP, SMT3A, RPS12, and PSMA1, among which SMT3A, RPS12, and PSMA1 were first reported for breast cancer in this study.
Phylogenetic Analysis of RhoGAP Domain-Containing Proteins
Authors: Brandão Marcelo M. , Silva-Brandão Karina L. , Costa Fernando F. , Saad Sara T.O.
Published: November 2006

Proteins containing an Rho GTPase-activating protein (RhoGAP) domain work as molecular switches involved in the regulation of diverse cellular functions. The ability of these GTPases to regulate a wide number of cellular processes comes from their interactions with multiple effectors and inhibitors, including the RhoGAP family, which stimulates their intrinsic GTPase activity. Here, a phylogenetic approach was applied to study the evolutionary relationship among 59 RhoGAP domain-containing proteins. The sequences were aligned by their RhoGAP domains and the phylogenetic hypotheses were generated using Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian analyses. The character tracing of two traits, GTPase activity and presence of other domains, indicated a significant phylogenetic signal for both of them.
WHAT IS “LAWYERING”? THE CHALLENGE OF TAXONOMY
Authors: Dietrich Joachim
Published: November 2006

OVER the past few years, an important legal debate has been raging, the full effects of which many lawyers have not yet felt. I am referring to the taxonomy debate and, specifically, the attempts by the late Professor Peter Birks and (the mainly academic) supporters and advocates of his and similar views to impose a coherent and logical taxonomy upon private (common) law. Much more attention should be paid to sound taxonomy, it is argued. This “great project” has been little noticed outside the backwater of the law in which it began, namely the law of restitution (or “unjust enrichment” as the theorists here under consideration would prefer).
“UNE CHOSE PUBLIQUE”? THE AUTHOR’S DOMAIN AND THE PUBLIC DOMAIN IN EARLY BRITISH, FRENCH AND US COPYRIGHT LAW
Authors: Ginsburg Jane C.
Published: November 2006

THE public domain is all the rage. It is invoked to breach copyright’s encroaching enclosure of what one might grandiloquently call the cultural commons of the mind. The heralds of our “remix culture” deploy the public domain to smash that icon of the entertainment–industrial complex, the Romantic Author. But even before the Author became Romantic, he still served as a shill for concentrated industry, then the printing–bookselling complex. Authors’ moral claims of labourious entitlement merely masked the power grab of the printers. If we speak of a grab, we imply that copyright was seised from somewhere. So whence, in this account, was copyright wrested? From the public domain.
HUMAN RIGHTS AND JUDICIAL REVIEW: A CRITIQUE OF “DUE DEFERENCE”
Authors: Allan T.R.S.
Published: November 2006

ENGLISH public law has gained in coherence with the gradual disappearance of rigid doctrinal barriers to judicial review. The repudiation of earlier restrictions on review of ministers’ exercise of the royal prerogative marked a particularly significant step towards a more rational system of legal control. It is true that acknowledgement of the susceptibility of prerogative decisions to judicial review, in principle, was accompanied by warnings about the constraints of justiciability in practice; but the various supposed categories of non-justiciable decision-making have been gradually breached and eroded in the course of common law development. When individual rights have required protection, neither the formal source of the power in question nor its intrinsically discretionary character have proved impenetrable barriers to judicial scrutiny.