bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multivariate prognostic study on large gastric cancer
Authors: Shiraishi Norio , Sato Koichi , Yasuda Kazuhiro , Inomata Masafumi , Kitano Seigo
Published: June 2007

Background

Although many authors investigate the prognostic factors of gastric cancer, there are few comprehensive studies on the prognosis of patients with large gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to clarify the prognostic factors of large gastric cancer using multivariate analysis.

Methods

The study included 95 patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer measuring 10 cm or more in diameter. We examined 24 clinicopathologic factors based on patient, operation, and tumor findings. Survival rates were analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier and Mantel–Cox method, and multivariate analysis was done using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Overall 5‐year survival rate was 22%, and median survival period was 15 months. The 5‐year survival rate was influenced by the tumor size, gross type, serosal invasion, extragastric lymph node metastasis, liver metastasis, peritoneal dissemination, stage of disease (I, II vs. III, IV), resection margin, and operative curability (R0 vs. R1, R2). Of these, independent prognostic factors were three tumor findings: serosal invasion (absent vs. present, odds ratio 3.06, P < 0.01), extragastric lymph node metastasis (absent vs. present, odds ratio 2.13, P < 0.05), and liver metastasis (absent vs. present, odds ratio 3.77, P < 0.05). The survival was not significantly associated with any of the patient factors or operation factors including the extent of lymph node dissection.

Conclusion

In patients with large gastric cancer, independent prognostic factors were serosal invasion, extragastric lymph node metastasis, and liver metastasis. Prognosis after gastectomy was determined by these tumor factors and was not associated with the patient or operation factors. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96:14‐18. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enzymatic Polymerization to Unnatural Hybrid Polysaccharides
Authors: Ohmae Masashi , Makino Akira , Kobayashi Shiro
Published: June 2007

Unnatural hybrid polysaccharides with an alternating structure of different kinds of monosaccharide units have been synthesized by enzymatic polymerization catalyzed by a glycoside hydrolase. For the synthesis, various activated monomers with a disaccharide structure were designed on the basis of the concept of transition‐state analogue substrate (TSAS). The monomers include two types of TSAS monomer structures: a sugar fluoride type and a sugar oxazoline type. Hydrolase catalysis successfully induces polycondensation or ring‐opening polyaddition of these monomers to produce unnatural hybrid polysaccharides in good yield. Characterization of the products, mechanistic features of the polymerization, and specific properties of the product polysaccharides are discussed.

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Crystallization Kinetics of Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Molecular‐Weight Blends—Correlation with Local Chain Order in the Melt?
Authors: Maus Andreas , Saalwächter Kay
Published: June 2007

The crystallization of bimodal PDMS molecular‐weight blends consisting of long (115 kda) and short (5.3 kda) chains is investigated using DSC and proton NMR. In agreement with earlier studies, it is found that the pure long‐chain sample crystallizes more rapidly than the short‐chain sample. Furthermore, the rate passes through a maximum for the 60:40 blend. These observations hold true for non‐isothermal cooling at −5 K · min−1 and isothermal crystallization at 203 K (both DSC) as well as at 218 K (NMR). The samples with 40% long chains or less crystallize to about 75–80% under all conditions, and the crystalline fractions derived from DSC and NMR agree very well, thus also confirming the literature value of 61.3 J · g−1 as the perfect heat of fusion for PDMS, and disproving some earlier studies. A relation of the crystallization kinetics with entanglement‐induced segmental orientation correlations in the melt is postulated. The local chain order is characterized by proton multiple‐quantum NMR, and an attempt is made to correlate this observable with a reduced crystallization rate, corrected for effects of chain transport.

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Macromol. Rapid Commun. 12/2007
Authors: Zhu Ying , Li Jiuming , Wan Meixiang , Jiang Lei , Wei Yen
Published: June 2007

Cover: The cover picture shows polyaniline nanostructures with novel convolutions (140–170 nm in average diameter), which are resemble to the cerebral cortex of brain, by aniline/citric acid (CA) salts as the template via a gas/solid reaction using chlorine gas as the oxidant for the first time. Further details can be found in the article by Y. Zhu, J. Li, M. Wan,* L. Jiang,* and Y. Wei on page 1339.
A sociological view of costs of price adjustment: contributions from grounded theory methods
Authors: Zbaracki Mark J.
Published: June 2007

Economic theory and data sometimes pose problems that cannot be addressed with existing econometric methods. For example, theories of price adjustment costs rely on variables that cannot or have not been observed. In principle, such costs can be measured, but there is little reason to expect they can be measured with existing econometric methods. I argue that the grounded theory methods developed by sociologists can be used to demonstrate the validity of price adjustment costs and to address deeper questions about how firms adjust prices. Properly matched to economic problems, grounded theory may help economists to develop better theory and better test existing theory. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Duodenal levodopa infusion for advanced Parkinson's disease: 12‐month treatment outcome
Authors: Antonini Angelo , Isaias Ioannis U. , Canesi Margherita , Zibetti Maurizio , Mancini Francesca , Manfredi Luigi , Dal Fante Marco , Lopiano Leonardo , Pezzoli Gianni
Published: June 2007

We assessed prospectively clinical and quality of life changes in 9 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD; H&Y ≥ 3) with severe motor fluctuations and dyskinesia who started continuous daily levodopa duodenal infusion through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Seven patients completed the follow‐up period. Duration of “off” periods and time with disabling dyskinesia shortened significantly in all patients (P < 0.01). Total daily dose of levodopa infused did not differ from baseline equivalents. There were significant improvements in UPDRS‐II (activities of daily living) and ‐IV (motor complications) in the “on” condition (P < 0.02), and in four PDQ‐39 domains (mobility, activities of daily living, stigma, bodily discomfort; P < 0.05). Two patients withdrew for adverse events. Our results demonstrate that a satisfactory therapeutic window can be achieved and maintained for several months in advanced PD patients. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Simultaneous determination of daidzein, equol, genistein and bisphenol A in human urine by a fast and simple method using SPE and GC‐MS
Authors: Moors Stefan , Blaszkewicz Meinolf , Bolt Hermann M. , Degen Gisela H.
Published: June 2007

Human diet contains weakly estrogenic compounds such as daidzein (DAI) and genistein (GEN), phytoestrogens present in soy and many vegetables as well as bisphenol A (BPA), a contaminant from packing materials and plastic containers for foods and beverages. In light of concerns about hormonally active agents, biomonitoring methods are needed to assess human exposure to such compounds. A method for simultaneous determination of DAI, its metabolite equol (EQ), GEN, and BPA by GC‐MS analysis was established, validated and applied to measure concentrations in human urine. Sample preparation involves enzymatic conjugate cleavage, SPE and derivatization by silylation. For GC/MS analysis, deuterated DAI and GEN and 13C‐BPA are used as internal standards. LOD are 4, 4, 5 and 3 ng/mL urine for DAI, EQ, GEN and BPA, respectively. Interassay variations were 9% for DAI, 15% for EQ, 18% for GEN and 10% for BPA. Simple workup and accuracy of the method are suited for biomonitoring. An analysis of urine samples from 15 adults consuming typical German food revealed dietary exposure to phytoestrogens in all samples: GEN concentrations ranged between 13 and 238 ng/mL, those for DAI ranged from 12 to 356 ng/mL. More than half of the individuals excreted also the more estrogenic metabolite EQ, at levels of 8–128 ng/mL. Higher concentrations (GEN: 820, DAI: 960 and EQ: 1740 ng/mL) were measured in a 24 h urine sample upon ingestion of soy protein (50 g with 12.9 mg DAI and 25.2 mg GEN). Only urine collected after some days on strict phytoestrogen‐free diet had undetectable isoflavone levels. BPA was detected in 9 of 15 urine samples ranging from 3 to 11 ng/mL, and at 55 ng/mL in one sample. In conclusion, a reliable method to determine BPA and isoflavones in urine was established and applied in a pilot study: Biomonitoring results show much higher dietary exposure to phytoestrogens than to BPA in German adults.
Novel oxidative metabolites of the mycoestrogen zearalenone in vitro
Authors: Pfeiffer Erika , Heyting Anja , Metzler Manfred
Published: June 2007

The estrogenic mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEN) is known to get metabolized to the α‐and β‐isomers of zearalenol, but no hydroxylation products of ZEN have yet been reported as metabolites in animals or humans. We have therefore incubated ZEN with microsomes from rat liver in the presence of a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (reduced form) (NADPH)‐regenerating system and analyzed the extracted metabolites with HPLC and GC‐MS after trimethylsilylation. A total of 17 in vitro metabolites were observed. The two major metabolites were tentatively identified as monohydroxylated ZEN with the newly introduced hydroxyl group localized in the aliphatic macrocyclic ring. According to the GC‐MS analysis, other six monohydroxylation products of ZEN were formed as minor metabolites, together with α‐and β‐zearalenol and monohydroxylated zearalenols. Thus, ZEN has a considerable propensity for undergoing metabolic hydroxylation reactions in vitro, and the in vivo formation and biological properties of such oxidative metabolites should now be studied.
Oxidation products of stigmasterol interfere with the action of the female sex hormone 17β‐estradiol in cultured human breast and endometrium cell lines
Authors: Newill Heike , Loske Renate , Wagner Jörg , Johannes Christian , Lorenz Reinhard L. , Lehmann Leane
Published: June 2007

Phytosterols are constituents of plant membranes and are thus contained in low concentrations in vegetable products as well as at high concentrations in functional food designed to reduce serum cholesterol levels. Similar to ChOL, phytosterols are oxidized chemically in food and by biotransformation in vivo. Although oxyphytosterols have been detected in the serum of healthy human subjects, little is known of their biological activity. Therefore, the estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities of a mixture of six oxidation products of stigmasterol (oxy‐StOL) were determined at the following endpoints: (i) the affinity to isolated human estrogen receptors (ER), (ii) the basal and 17β‐estradiol (E2)‐induced expression of the alkaline phosphatase (AlP) in human endometrial adenocarcinoma (Ishikawa) cells, and (iii) the basal and E2‐induced proliferation of human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF‐7) cells. Oxy‐StOL was able to replace E2 from human ERα and ERβ and induced a weak estrogenic response in MCF‐7 cells. Moreover, the E2‐induced activity of the AlP in Ishikawa cells as well as the E2‐induced proliferation of MCF‐7 cells were decreased at noncytotoxic concentrations (up to 10 μM), indicating that at least one component of oxy‐StOL represents an estrogen‐active compound which might interfere with endogenous estrogens.
Evaluation of 2407 fetuses in a Turkish population
Authors: Ceylaner Gülay , Ceylaner Serdar , Günyeli İlker , Ekici Eyüp , Celasun Bülent , Danışman Nuri
Published: June 2007

Objectives

Congenital anomalies and intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) are frequent problems in pregnancies. Detection of the etiology is important for genetic counseling, and presenting the geographic distribution of the causes of disorders is necessary for a national policy on precautions. Here, we report the findings of terminated fetuses due to IUFD and congenital anomalies in Turkish population.

Methods

Physical examinations of fetuses and genetic evaluations of families were done. X‐ray studies and autopsy were done in the event of necessity. Findings of these studies were combined with prenatal ultrasound results. All cases were classified according to ICD‐10.

Results

The number of fetuses examined was 2407. Out of these, 1268 fetuses had congenital anomalies. Neurologic anomalies and musculoskeletal system malformations were the most frequent disorders. Specific diagnoses were possible in 64% of all multiple malformation syndromes.

Abnormal findings were detected in 18.8% of IUFD fetuses. Nine percent had congenital anomalies and 5.2% had cord complications. The percentage of twins and triplets was 7.5% and 13% of them had anomalies.

Conclusion

Postmortem evaluation is useful to detect findings necessary for genetic counseling. Our protocol is effective especially in fetuses with congenital anomalies but it can detect only some of the fetal reasons in IUFD cases. A more detailed protocol is needed to investigate IUFD cases. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis and prenatal imaging features of fetal monosomy 1p36
Authors: Lissauer D. , Larkins S. A. , Sharif S. , MacPherson L. , Rhodes C. , Kilby M. D.
Published: June 2007

Deletion of the distal end of the short arm of chromosome 1 (1p36) is thought to be a common terminal chromosomal deletion. However, few cases prospectively diagnosed prenatally have been reported. In this case, prenatal ultrasound at 21 weeks of gestation noted the fetus to have mild ventriculomegaly (Vhanterior = 11 mm and Vhposterior = 12 mm) and increased nuchal edema (6 mm). Maternal serum α‐fetoprotein was normal unlike in a majority of previously described cases. The prenatal ultrasound features were further clarified with fetal MRI. Chromosome analysis following amniocentesis demonstrated a 1p36 deletion, which was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The syndrome associated with 1p36 deletion is well described in infants and is characterized by typical facial features (prominent forehead, straight eyebrows. deep‐set eyes, flat nasal bridge and a pointed chin). Other associated features are neurodevelopmental delay, seizures, cardiomyopathy and neurosensory hearing impairment. This case supplements our knowledge of the prenatal features of 1p36. Identification of this deletion by direct chromosomal analysis can be technically difficult and vigilance is required to improve diagnosis. FISH analysis is an important diagnostic adjunct where the diagnosis is suspected following classical G‐banding techniques. However, in this chromosomal anomaly there remain few characteristic prenatal signs that are readily diagnosed with prenatal imaging. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of chemical calorific effect during reactive extrusion processes for free radical polymerization
Authors: Jia Yuxi , Zhang Guofang , Wu Lili , Sun Sheng , Zhao Guoqun , An Lijia
Published: June 2007

In the reactive extrusion process for polymerization, the chemical calorific effect has a great influence on the temperature. In order to quantitatively analyze the polymerization trend and optimize the processing conditions, the phenomena of the chemical calorific effect during reactive extrusion processes for free radical polymerization were analyzed. Numerical computation expressions of the heat of chemical reaction and the reactive calorific intensity were deduced, and then a numerical simulation of the reactive extrusion process for the polymerization of n‐butyl methacrylate was carried out. The evolutions of the heat of chemical reaction and the reactive calorific intensity along the axial direction of the extruder are presented, on the basis of which reactive processing conditions can be optimized. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of the herbal formulation ColiMil®on upper gastrointestinal transit in micein vivo
Authors: Capasso Raffaele , Savino Francesco , Capasso Francesco
Published: June 2007

Clinical evidence suggests that the herbal formulation ColiMil®(which containsMatricaria recutitaflowers extract,Foeniculum vulgarefruit extract andMelissa officinalisaerial parts extract) is effective in the treatment of breastfed colic in infants. Therefore the effect of this phytotherapeutic formulation and its herbal constituents on upper gastrointestinal transit was investigated in micein vivo. Oral administration of the herbal formulation (0.4–0.8 mL/mice) dose‐dependently delayed upper gastrointestinal transit. Among the herbal components,Matricaria recutitaextract (0.89 and 1.78 mg/mouse) andMelissa officinalisextract (6.46 and 12.92 mg/mouse), but notFoeniculum vulgare(8.21 and 16.42 mg/mouse), reduced motility significantly. These results suggest that ColiMil®reduces upper gastrointestinal motility in mice, with a major contribution byMatricaria recutitaandMelissa officinalis. These experimental data may be important to better understand the observation that the herbal formulation ColiMil®improves colic in breastfed infants. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unsteady‐ and steady‐state gas permeation through active packaging walls
Authors: Di Felice Renzo , Cazzola Daniela , Garbero Mirko , Ottonello Piero
Published: June 2007

Steady‐ and unsteady‐state gas permeation rates through packaging walls containing active (scavenger) materials are determined as functions of the system's physical parameters and the scavenger load. With the simplifying assumptions of constant scavenger concentration and first‐order reaction kinetics, steady‐state analysis shows that there is a minimum quantity of scavenger that must be added to the packaging wall if any reduction of gas permeation is to be achieved. Unsteady‐state studies have established the dependence of the time needed to reach stationary behaviour on the system's physical parameters. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enthalpy of Solvation Correlations For Gaseous Solutes Dissolved in Linear Alkanes (C5C16) Based on the Abraham Model
Authors: Mintz Christina , Burton Katherine , Acree William E. , Abraham Michael H.
Published: June 2007

Data have been assembled from the published literature on the enthalpies of solvation for gaseous solutes dissolved in the linear alkane solvents, pentane through hexadecane. A total of more than 500 experimental data points were compiled. It is shown that an Abraham solvation equation with five descriptors can be used to correlate the experimental solvation enthalpies of 118 solutes in hexane at 298 K to within a standard deviation of 1.82 kJ/mol for a dataset that spans a range of 89 kJ/mol. Division of the experimental values into a training set and test set shows that there is no bias in predictions, and that the predictive ability of the hexane solvent correlation is better than 2 kJ/mol. The 500+experimental values were combined into a single dataset and used to derive a generic alkane Abraham model correlation equation that predicted the enthalpies of solvation of gaseous solutes in linear alkane solvents to within a standard deviation of 1.82 kJ/mol, which was comparable in predictive accuracy to the solvent‐specific Abraham correlation equations derived for hexane (1.82 kJ/mol), heptane (1.85 kJ/mol), and hexadecane (1.84 kJ/mol).
Density functional study of manganese dimer
Authors: Yamanaka Shusuke , Ukai Takeshi , Nakata Kazuto , Takeda Ryo , Shoji Mitsuo , Kawakami Takashi , Takada Toshikazu , Yamaguchi Kizashi
Published: June 2007

Chemical bonding and magnetic interaction of manganese dimer (Mn2) are still in controversy in experimental and theoretical studies. In this work, we examined various exchange correlation functionals of Kohn–Sham density functional theory (DFT), together with hybrid‐DFT, and Hartree–Fock plus DFT approaches on description of Mn2. We found that, in contrast to pure DFT functionals, the experimentally reported features of chemical bonding and antiferromagnetic interactions of Mn2 can be reproduced by employing the Hartree–Fock exchange terms. Thus, it is recommended to employ HF plus DFT, or hybrid DFT with large HF portion approach for the case that the direct interactions among manganese atoms play a major role to determine the electronic structure, such as manganese clusters. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Review and meta‐analysis of the epidemiology of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection
Authors: Kenneson Aileen , Cannon Michael J.
Published: June 2007

We reviewed studies that reported results of systematic cytomegalovirus (CMV) screening on fetuses and/or live‐born infants. The overall birth prevalence of congenital CMV infection was 0.64%, but varied considerably among different study populations. About 11% of live‐born infants with congenital CMV infection were symptomatic, but the inter‐study differences in definitions of symptomatic cases limit the interpretation of these data. Non‐white race, low socioeconomic status (SES), premature birth, and neonatal intensive care unit admittance were risk factors for congenital CMV infection. Birth prevalence increased with maternal CMV seroprevalence. Maternal seroprevalence accounted for 29% of the variance in birth prevalence between study populations. Maternal seroprevalence and birth prevalence were both higher in study populations that were ascertained at birth rather than in the prenatal period. Thus, timing of ascertainment should be considered when interpreting birth prevalence estimates. Birth prevalence was inversely correlated with mean maternal age, but this relationship was not significant when controlling for maternal seroprevalence. The rate of transmission to infants born to mothers who had a primary infection or a recurrent infection during pregnancy was 32% and 1.4%, respectively. Possible maternal primary infections (i.e. seropositive mother with CMV IgM) resulted in congenital infections about 20% of the time, but are likely to represent a mixture of primary and recurrent infections. In summary, CMV is a common congenital infection worldwide that can lead to permanent disabilities. There is an urgent need for interventions that can reduce the substantial burden of this often overlooked disease. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilization of continuous‐time homogeneous bilinear systems by constant inputs through nonlinear minimization with applications to the static output feedback stabilization problem
Authors: Hanba Shigeru
Published: June 2007

An algorithm to provide constant‐input stabilizing control inputs for multi‐input continuous‐time bilinear systems is proposed in this paper. The algorithm is based on the formal discrete‐time approximation of the system and the unconstrained nonlinear minimization. The key features of the new algorithm are as follows. First, the formal discrete‐time approximation makes the set of stabilizing control inputs star‐shaped centred at the origin, hence the minimization is to be performed only in a neighbourhood of the origin selected by the designer. Second, the algorithm is always capable of finding a solution if one exists, as long as the minimization inside the neighbourhood is successful. Third, by a slight modification, the algorithm permits us to place all the eigenvalues of the system inside a rectangular region in the complex plane, as long as it is feasible. The algorithm is also applicable to the static output feedback stabilization problem of linear time‐invariant systems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computing short‐interval transition matrices of a discrete‐time Markov chain from partially observed data
Authors: Charitos Theodore , de Waal Peter R. , van der Gaag Linda C.
Published: June 2007

Markov chains constitute a common way of modelling the progression of a chronic disease through various severity states. For these models, a transition matrix with the probabilities of moving from one state to another for a specific time interval is usually estimated from cohort data. Quite often, however, the cohort is observed at specific times with intervals that may be greater than the interval of interest. The transition matrix computed then needs to be decomposed in order to estimate the desired interval transition matrix suited to the model. Although simple to implement, this method of matrix decomposition can yet result in an invalid short‐interval transition matrix with negative or complex entries. In this paper, we present a method for computing short‐interval transition matrices that is based on regularization techniques. Our method operates separately on each row of the invalid short‐interval transition matrix aiming to minimize an appropriate distance measure. We test our method on various matrix structures and sizes, and evaluate its performance on a real‐life transition model for HIV‐infected individuals. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Housing for People with Serious Mental Illness: A Comparison of Values and Research
Authors: Sylvestre John , Nelson Geoffrey , Sabloff Annabelle , Peddle Sarah
Published: June 2007

This article contrasts values associated with the delivery of housing programs for people with serious mental illness with the typical topics pertaining to housing that are studied by researchers. Six values were identified through a search and content analysis of the literature on housing for people with serious mental illness. A second review of the literature was conducted to identify research on housing for this population. A comparison of findings from the two reviews suggested that whereas values concerned with the therapeutic benefits of housing had received considerable research attention, those concerned with a citizenship dimension had received relatively little. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for the delivery of housing services and for housing research.
Absorption Properties of Micellar Lipid Metabolites into Caco2 Cells
Authors: Tsuzuki Wakako
Published: June 2007

To elucidate the absorption characteristics of dietary lipids in the human intestine, we investigated the cellular uptake of lipid metabolites using a differential monolayer of the Caco2 cells. As lipid metabolites, several free fatty acids and 2‐monoacylglycerols, were formed a mixed micelle by bile salts and lysophospholipids and they were supplied to the Caco2 cells. To estimate the effect of the mixed micelles on the permeability of cells’ membranes during incubation with the mixed micelles, the transepitherial electrical resistance (TEER) value was monitored, and no pronounced changes of TEER was detected. This suggested that mixed micelles did not affect their cellular properties of the barrier measured by TEER. The lipid metabolites transferred from the mixed micelle into the Caco2 cells were determined quantitatively by an enzymatic colorimetric method and were done by thin layer chromatography (TLC) for a species of acylglycerols. These highly sensitive methods enabled us to monitor the transepithelial transports of various kinds of non‐isotope‐labeled various lipid metabolites. Newly re‐synthesized triacylglycerols were accumulated in Caco2 cells after 30 min incubation with the mixed micelles, and their amounts increased gradually for 4 h. The secretion of re‐esterified triacylglycerols into a basolateral medium from the Caco2 cells began at 2 h after the mixed micelles were added to the apical medium. The intake of external lipid metabolites by the Caco2 cells were evaluated by an initial 2‐h incubation with the mixed micelles. For example, 2‐monomyristin and 2‐monopalmitin were more rapidly transferred into the Caco2 cells from the mixed micelles than 2‐monocaprin was. On the other hand, the absorption rates of capric acid, lauric acid and myristic acid by the cells were larger than those of stearic acid and oleic acid. It revealed that the side‐chain structure of these lipid metabolites affected their absorption by the Caco2 cells. The results of this study suggested that the Caco2 cell monolayer could be a useful model for investigating the involvement of dietary lipids in the transepithelial absorption in the human intestine.
Effect of Attapulgite Pore Size Distribution on Soybean Oil Bleaching
Authors: Huang Jianhua , Liu Yuanfa , Liu Yue , Wang Xingguo
Published: June 2007

The pore size distribution and specific surface area of the attapulgite was a crucial parameter for the uptake of pigments of oil. Bleaching of the soybean oil with three attapulgites with different pore size distribution, which were assigned a, b, and c, respectively was investigated. The specific surface area and the pore size distribution of the attapulgites were characterized. The Freundlich isotherm analysis was used to evaluate the sorption capacity of the three attapulgite. Sample b gave the highest surface area and sample c the lowest. Sample b exhibited a wider pore distribution (8–65 Å) whereas samples a and c had more micropores smaller than 15 Å. Sample a, in contrast to samples b and c, was characterized by some larger pores (100–170 Å). The sorption capacity followed the sequence: attapulgite sample c > attapulgite sample a > attapulgite sample b. The sorption capacity was decided by the pore size distribution. The more pores with a distribution range 8–32 Å (i.e., close to the diameter of the pigments), the more pigments removed. The attapulgite sample c, which had most pores (8–32 Å) was the best.
Biochemical evidence for glucose‐independent induction of HXT expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Pasula Satish , Jouandot David , Kim Jeong-Ho
Published: June 2007

The yeast glucose sensors Rgt2 and Snf3 generate a signal in response to glucose that leads to degradation of Mth1 and Std1, thereby relieving repression of Rgt1‐repressed genes such as the glucose transporter genes (HXT). Mth1 and Std1 are degraded via the Yck1/2 kinase‐SCFGrr1‐26S proteasome pathway triggered by the glucose sensors. Here, we show that RGT2‐1 promotes ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of Mth1 and Std1 regardless of the presence of glucose. Site‐specific mutagenesis reveals that the conserved lysine residues of Mth1 and Std1 might serve as attachment sites for ubiquitin, and that the potential casein kinase (Yck1/2) sites of serine phosphorylation might control their ubiquitination. Finally, we show that active Snf1 protein kinase in high glucose prevents degradation of Mth1 and Std1.
Oxygen, a source of life and stress
Authors: Brahimi-Horn M. Christiane , Pouysségur Jacques
Published: June 2007

Oxygen is an essential element in the survival of complex organisms, however the level of oxygen, low or high, can be a source of stress depending on the biological context. Low levels of oxygen in tissues (hypoxia) can be the consequence of a number of pathophysiological conditions including ischemic disorders and cancer while relative, higher levels (hyperoxia) can lead to retinopathy of prematurity. The local oxygen environment and oxygen consumption dictate vascular homeostasis, vaso‐proliferation and vaso‐cessation, which is deregulated in these diseases through oxygen‐dependent growth factors. In this review, we will introduce aspects of the physiology and biology of oxygen partial pressure and the molecular mechanisms implicated in oxygen sensing. We will outline the regulation and function of the key operator in cellular signalling of hypoxia, the transcription factor, hypoxia‐inducible factor. In addition, we will focus on cancer cell hypoxia and on its role in driving cell metabolism, pH regulation and survival.
Respecting adolescents’ confidentiality and reproductive and sexual choices
Authors: Cook R.J. , Erdman J.N. , Dickens B.M.
Published: June 2007

Adolescents, defined as between 10 and 19 years old, present a growing challenge to reproductive health. Adolescent sexual intercourse contributes to worldwide burdens of unplanned pregnancy, abortion, spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, and maternal mortality and morbidity. A barrier to contraceptive care and termination of adolescent pregnancy is the belief that in law minors intellectually mature enough to give consent also require consent of, or at least prior information to, their parental guardians. Adolescents may avoid parental disclosure by forgoing desirable reproductive health care. Recent judicial decisions, however, give effect to internationally established human rights to confidentiality, for instance under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which apply without a minimum age. These judgments contribute to modern legal recognition that sufficiently mature adolescents can decide not only to request care for contraception, abortion and STIs, but also whether and when their parents should be informed.
Idiopathic temporal bone encephaloceles in the obese patient
Authors: Scurry W. Cooper , Ort Stuart A. , Peterson William M. , Sheehan Jonas M. , Isaacson Jon E.
Published: June 2007

Objectives

Our aims were to introduce temporal bone encephalocele (TBE) to the differential diagnosis of persistent middle ear effusion, cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea, or chronic otitis media in obese adults and to demonstrate the basic pathophysiologic principles of morbid obesity as it may lead to the cascade of increased intra‐abdominal pressure, increased central venous pressure, benign increased intracranial pressure, and TBE.

Methods

A retrospective review of the medical records was performed to determine the location, nature, and etiology of the encephaloceles identified at our institution from 1989 to 2005. Body mass index was calculated from the patient height and weight data.

Results

Eight patients with spontaneous, idiopathic TBE were identified. Body mass index values ranged from 32.0 to 67.5 kg/m2 with a mean of 48.6 kg/m2. All patients identified with a spontaneous, idiopathic TBE were obese.

Conclusion

TBE is associated with morbid obesity in our population and should be considered in the differential diagnosis when evaluating mastoid and middle ear disease in the morbidly obese.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Combined modality therapy of esthesioneuroblastoma
Authors: McLean J. Nicolas , Nunley Sunjay R. , Klass Carmen , Moore Charles , Susan Müller , Peter A. S. Johnstone
Published: June 2007

Objective

Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare tumor of the olfactory epithelium. The objective of this study was to evaluate treatment modalities including surgery, IMRT, and chemotherapy and patient outcomes.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on a total of 21 patients. Therapy included craniofacial resection (CFR), radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these methods.

Results

The median follow‐up period was 47 months. Surgery was performed in 90.4% of cases; radiotherapy was performed adjuvantly in 15 (72.7%) patients. Surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were administered to 7 (33.3%) patients. Eight (38.3%) patients had local recurrence. The 5‐year crude overall survival was 71.4% and actuarial 5‐year overall survival was 58% with confidence interval (CI, 25 and 81, respectively). The 5‐year crude disease‐free survival rate was 59% and the 5‐year actuarial disease‐free survival rate was 62% (CI, 28 and 83, respectively).

Conclusion

Multidisciplinary therapy of ENB should be considered, especially for Kadish C and high‐grade lesions. Craniofacial resection (CFR), Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and chemotherapy should be investigated in a multi‐institution trial of ENB.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Plasma Epstein‐Barr virus immunoglobulin A and DNA for nasopharyngeal carcinoma screening in the United States
Authors: Teresa M. O. , Yu Guopei , Hu Kenneth , Li James C. L.
Published: June 2007

Objective

To examine the Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) IgA and DNA assays as a screening tool for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in a nonendemic US population.

Study Design and Setting

Prospective study performed at a teaching hospital in New York City. There were two groups of 155 patients: new NPC patients and controls. An otolaryngologic examination and serial blood testing for serologic markers were performed.

Results

Sensitivity and specificity of EBV IgA and DNA assays were determined. Screening scenarios involving series and parallel testing were evaluated to determine economic feasibility. Series testing provided a sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 90.6, 93.5, 78.4, and 97.5 percent, respectively. Parallel testing increased the sensitivity to 100 percent.

Conclusion

NPC screening in a high‐risk, nonendemic population using EBV‐specific serologic markers is effective. Series testing is a statistically sound and economically feasible strategy.

Significance

The development of a cost‐effective NPC screening strategy in a high‐risk, nonendemic population in the United States.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Percutaneous dilation tracheotomy in intensive care unit patients
Authors: Bhatti Nasir , Tatlipinar Arzu , Mirski Marek , Koch Wayne M. , Goldenberg David
Published: June 2007

Objectives

In our department, we routinely use percutaneous dilation tracheotomy (PDT) in select intensive care unit (ICU) patients requiring prolonged intubation and mechanical ventilation. We present our experience with this technique and discuss the pros and cons of PDT in the intensive care setting.

Study Design and Setting

We conducted a retrospective study of consecutive PDTs performed in our institution between 2002 and 2004. Demographic information and procedural and postoperative complications were noted.

Results

Two hundred seventy‐four PDTs were performed on intensive care unit patients during this time period. Complications included five cases of excessive intraoperative bleeding (1.8%), one postoperative hemorrhage (0.3%), one tracheoesophageal fistula (0.3%), one pneumothorax (0.3%), and four accidental decannulations (1.4%). No PDT‐associated deaths occurred.

Conclusions

PDT is advantageous for the patient as it is performed at bedside in the ICU. It is our conclusion that this technique is suitable for many, but not all, critical care patients.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Intraoperative PTH: Effect of sample timing and vitamin D status
Authors: McCarty Statham Melissa , Watts Nelson B. , Steward David L.
Published: June 2007

Objective

To assess the effect of timing of intraoperative parathormone (iPTH) samples and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OHD) status on decision‐making during parathyroidectomy.

Methods

A total of 77 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and iPTH levels (preincision, preremoval, 5 (T5) and 10 (T10) minutes postremoval) performed during parathyroidectomy were reviewed.

Results

Forty‐one percent of patients were 25‐OHD insufficient. We noted a significant correlation between preoperative 25‐OHD and preincision iPTH (P = 0.002) but not iPTH at postremoval levels (T5, P = 0.89; T10, P = 0.42). When compared with preincision iPTH, the use of either the higher preincision or preremoval iPTH baseline significantly improves the assay sensitivity from 83% to 93% at T5 (P = 0.01) and 87% to 97% at T10 (P = 0.02). Surgical cure was obtained in 98% of patients.

Conclusion

Obtaining preremoval iPTH allowed earlier decision with respect to operative completion in 38% of cases. 25‐OHD status does not appear to significantly affect interpretation of iPTH levels.

Significance

Obtaining both baseline levels significantly improves sensitivity in iPTH monitoring.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Transoral laser microsurgery for carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx
Authors: Grant David G. , Salassa John R. , Hinni Michael L. , Pearson Bruce W. , Hayden Richard E. , Perry William C.
Published: June 2007

Objectives

The study goal was to report the oncologic outcomes of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx.

Study Design and Setting

A two‐center prospective case series analysis.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients underwent TLM for previously untreated carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx between 1997 and 2005. Pathological T stages were T1 in 8 (21%), T2 in 14 (37%), T3 in 8 (21%), and T4 in 8 (21%). Twenty‐six patients (68%) had neck dissections. Thirteen patients (34%) received adjuvant radiotherapy. The mean follow‐up for all patients was 31 months. The 2‐year Kaplan‐Meier estimates for local control were 97%; locore‐gional control, 94%; disease‐specific survival, 80%; and overall survival, 85%. The overall functional laryngeal preservation rate was 79% (19 of 24).

Conclusions

TLM is a safe and effective treatment for cancer of the supraglottic larynx

Significance

TLM is an emerging strategy in the management of laryngeal cancer.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Chorda tympani injury: Operative findings and postoperative symptoms
Authors: Michael Philip , Raut Vivek
Published: June 2007

Objectives

This study aims to assess whether operative findings of chorda tympani nerve (CTN) trauma correlate with postoperative symptoms.

Study Design and Setting

A prospective study was conducted over 2 years on 140 middle ear operations analyzing taste disturbances. The operations were subdivided into myringo‐plasty/tympanoplasty (56 cases), mastoidectomy (64 cases), and tympanotomy (20 cases).

Results

Twenty‐one (15%) patients reported taste disturbance. Altered taste was most reported (n = 15, 71%) with loss of taste reported by 29% (n = 6). Symptoms were most observed in the tympanotomy group (45%). Stretching of the CTN was associated with more symptoms than nerve transection. Recovery was complete in 76% (n = 16) of the symptomatic cases by 12 months.

Conclusion

Patients who undergo middle ear surgery should be thoroughly counseled with respect to CTN injury and symptoms regardless of the type of damage to the nerve.

Significance

This study highlights the high incidence of postoperative alterations in taste after middle ear surgery, especially in non‐diseased ears, and that CTN transection results in fewer symptoms than CTN stretching.
Role of free tissue transfer in skull base reconstruction
Authors: Weber Stephen M. , Kim Jason H. , Wax Mark K.
Published: June 2007

Objective

Free tissue transfer to the skull base provides a watertight seal to prevent CSF leakage and donor tissue tailored to the individual defect.

Study Design and Setting

Retrospective chart review of 38 patients who underwent free tissue transfer to the skull base between November 1995 and October 2005 at an academic, tertiary referral center.

Results

There were 23 male and 15 female patients (average age, 58.1 years) with skull base defects resulting from oncologic resection or head trauma most frequently. Donor sites included the radial forearm (25), rectus abdominis (12), latissimus dorsi (4), anterolateral thigh, scapula, serratus anterior, and ulna (1 each). Seven patients required a second free tissue transfer indicated for flap death (3), partial flap necrosis (2), pneumocephalus (1), or tumor recurrence (1). Two patients died in the immediate postoperative period.

Conclusions

Free tissue transfer is a robust option in the repair of post‐surgical and post‐traumatic skull base defects. © 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Phonatory function of the elderly determined by intensity‐loading test: A comparison with the young
Authors: Makiyama Kiyoshi , Yoshihashi Hidetaka , Hirai Ryoji , Kodama Hitomi , Asano Yukimi
Published: June 2007

Objective

The goal was to test the hypothesis that the elderly have diminished laryngeal regulation capability, so we investigated phonatory function in the elderly and young using a sound pressure‐loading test.

Study Design and Setting

In 36 healthy men (17 in their 20s, 19 in their 70s) and 45 healthy women (22 in their 20s, 23 in their 70s), fundamental frequency, sound pressure level, mean flow rate (MFR), and expiratory lung pressure (EP) were determined from phonatory function testing. Subjects phonated at a comfortable level and at high intensity, without changing vocal pitch.

Results

MFR, EP, and airway resistance increased with high‐intensity phonation in the young; however, only MFR and EP increased in the elderly.

Conclusions

The findings supported our hypothesis: with high‐intensity phonation, the elderly undergo unchanged laryngeal regulation but a greater degree of expiratory regulation.

Significance

The elderly are likely to become tired due to the effort required for phonation.
Aminolevulinic acid 585 nm pulsed dye laser photodynamic treatment of laryngeal keratosis with atypia
Authors: Franco Ramon A.
Published: June 2007

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA‐PDT) with the 585 nmpulsed dye laser.

Methods

A 5‐year prospective study was performed with 12 male patients with keratosis. Twenty percent ALA was sprayed into the larynx and activated with the 585 nm pulsed dye laser (PDL). Of the 12 patients, four were not included (one lost to follow‐up, two developed cancer, one papillomatosis), which reduced the number to eight. Twenty‐eight procedures were performed in these eight patients; 18 (64%) procedures were performed in the clinic setting.

Results

There was a 78% reduction (range, 10% to 100%) in the keratosis. No major side effects were noted. Mean follow‐up was 34.5 months (range, 12 to 50 months). There were no statistical differences between the outpatient and operating room treatments.

Conclusions

ALA‐PDL PDT is effective and safe in treating laryngeal keratosis in the awake clinic setting and reduces morbidity without sacrificing treatment efficacy.
Relationship of botulinum dosage to duration of side effects and normal voice in adductor spasmodic dysphonia
Authors: Chang Christopher Y. , Chabot Peter , Thomas James P.
Published: June 2007

Objective

Objective evaluation of botulinum toxin A (BTX‐A) dosing by determination of the statistical relationship between injection amount and duration of side effects and normal voice in adductor spasmodic dysphonia (SD) patients. From this information, to provide a rational guide to determine the initial and follow‐up BTX‐A amounts for injection.

Study Design and Setting

Private laryngology clinic. Statistical analysis was performed on data obtained from 101 patients with SD.

Results

Significant and predictable positive correlations were found between duration of side effects and duration of normal voice after BTX‐A injection in patients with SD. Dose of BTX‐A injected also appeared to have a significant positive correlation with duration of side effects, but a negative correlation with duration of normal voice. A trend toward more severe side effects was seen with larger doses of BTX‐A injections.

Conclusions and Significance

Increased understanding of the response of the human voice over time after BTX‐A injection at various doses suggests new ideas to further increase clinical efficacy with the use of lower BTX‐A doses. © 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.