bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interstitial lung diseases associated with amyopathic dermatomyositis
Authors: Suda T. , Fujisawa T. , Enomoto N. , Nakamura Y. , Inui N. , Naito T. , Hashimoto D. , Sato J. , Toyoshima M. , Hashizume H. , Chida K.
Published: July 2006

The aim of the present study was to clarify the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with amyopathic dermatomyositis (ILD-ADM).

The study consisted of 14 consecutive patients with ILD-ADM. Patients were classified into two categories, acute/subacute and chronic forms, according to the clinical presentation of ILD. The clinical features, responsiveness to therapy, and prognosis between the two forms were compared.

Nine ILD-ADM patients were categorised as the acute/subacute form, and five as the chronic form. Arterial oxygen tension was significantly lower in the acute/subacute ILD than chronic ILD patients. On high-resolution computed tomography, ground-glass opacities were frequently found in the two forms, but consolidation was more common in acute/subacute ILD than chronic ILD. Bronchoalveolar lavage analysis showed higher numbers of total cells and lymphocytes in acute/subacute ILD than chronic ILD. Histologically, the most common finding was nonspecific interstitial pneumonia in the two forms, while diffuse alveolar damage was only found in acute/subacute ILD. Acute/subacute ILD was generally resistant to therapy, while chronic ILD responded well. Notably, the mortality of acute/subacute ILD was much higher than that of chronic ILD (67versus0%, respectively).

In conclusion, interstitial lung disease associated with amyopathic dermatomyositis includes two different forms, the acute/subacute and chronic forms, with distinct prognoses.
Thalidomide reduces IL-18, IL-8 and TNF-α release from alveolar macrophages in interstitial lung disease
Authors: Ye Q. , Chen B. , Tong Z. , Nakamura S. , Sarria R. , Costabel U. , Guzman J.
Published: July 2006

Thalidomide exhibits diverse actions of anti-inflammation, immunomodulation and anti-angiogenesis. The efficacy of thalidomide treatment in sarcoidosis with lupus pernio is thought to be due to inhibition of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The mechanisms that underlie the properties of thalidomide are still unclear in interstitial lung disease.

The current authors investigated the potential inhibitory effects of thalidomide at concentrations of 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 mM on the production of transforming growth factor-β, TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-12p40 and IL-18 by alveolar macrophages from bronchoalveolar lavage in patients with sarcoidosis (n = 8), hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP; n = 8) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF; n = 12).

In sarcoidosis and HP patients, thalidomide induced a dose-dependent, partial suppression of lipopolysacchride (LPS)-stimulated TNF-α, IL-12p40 and IL-18 release. At the highest thalidomide concentration (0.1 mM), LPS-stimulated IL-8 production was also suppressed. In IPF patients, although spontaneous production of TNF-α, IL-12p40, IL-18 and IL-8 was lower than in sarcoidosis and HP patients, with LPS stimulation the cytokines were significantly elevated and also partially inhibited by thalidomide.

In conclusion, thalidomide has the potential to improve the therapeutic regimens for sarcoidosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by reducing tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-12p40, interleukin-18 and interleukin-8 production.
Genetic linkage analysis of pulmonary fibrotic response to silica in mice
Authors: Ohtsuka Y. , Wang X-T. , Saito J. , Ishida T. , Munakata M.
Published: July 2006

Inter-individual variations in the development of silicosis, even within the same environments, have been reported, which suggest the contribution of genetic factors in silicosis aetiology. The aim of the present study was to determine whether there is any significant genetic influence on the development of silicosis. Furthermore, which genetic loci are responsible for the pulmonary response to silica exposure?

Eight strains of inbred mice were used to examine the genetic influence on the lung fibrotic response to silica exposure. After intercross-breeding between the most susceptible and most resistant strains, a genome-wide linkage analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTL) was performed. Hydroxyproline was applied as an index, and genotypes of 167 marker genes were analysed by fragment analysis using a capillary-type sequencer.

There was significant inter-strain difference in the mean concentration of hydroxyproline contents among the eight strains of mice. Breeding studies were conducted between the most susceptible, C57BL/6J, and the most resistant strain, CBA/J. A genome-wide linkage analysis of silica-exposed intercrossed cohorts identified significant QTL on chromosome 4 and suggestive QTL on chromosomes 3 and 18.

The present study demonstrates that genetic factors may play a significant role in fibrotic-lung responses to silica; one significant and two suggestive quantitative trait loci were identified.
Mechanical ventilation affects alveolar fibrinolysis in LPS-induced lung injury
Authors: Dahlem P. , Bos A. P. , Haitsma J. J. , Schultz M. J. , Wolthuis E. K. , Meijers J. C. M. , Lachmann B.
Published: July 2006

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of mechanical ventilation on alveolar fibrin turnover in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury.

In a randomised controlled trial, Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 61) were allocated to three ventilation groups after intratracheal LPS (Salmonella enteritidis) instillations. Group I animals were subjected to 16 cmH2O positive inspiratory pressure (PIP) and 5 cmH2O positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP); group II animals to 26 cmH2O PIP and 5 cmH2O PEEP; and group III animals to 35 cmH2O PIP and 5 cmH2O PEEP. Control rats (not mechanically ventilated) received LPS. Healthy rats served as a reference group. Levels of thrombin–antithrombin complex (TATc),D-dimer, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) activity and PAI-1 antigen in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured.

LPS-induced lung injury increased TATc,D-dimer and PAI activity and PAI-1 antigen levelsversushealthy animals. High pressure-amplitude ventilation increased TATc concentrations.D-dimer concentrations were not significantly raised. Instead, PAI activity increased with the amplitude of the pressure, from 0.7 U·mL-1in group I to 3.4 U·mL-1in group II and 5.0 U·mL-1in group III. There was no change in PAI-1 antigen levels.

In conclusion, mechanical ventilation creates an alveolar/pulmonary anti-fibrinolytic milieu in endotoxin-induced lung injury which, at least in part, might be due to an increase in plasminogen activator inhibitor activity.
EMD: an ensemble algorithm for discovering regulatory motifs in DNA sequences
Authors: Hu Jianjun , Yang Yifeng D , Kihara Daisuke
Published: July 2006

Background

Understanding gene regulatory networks has become one of the central research problems in bioinformatics. More than thirty algorithms have been proposed to identify DNA regulatory sites during the past thirty years. However, the prediction accuracy of these algorithms is still quite low. Ensemble algorithms have emerged as an effective strategy in bioinformatics for improving the prediction accuracy by exploiting the synergetic prediction capability of multiple algorithms.

Results

We proposed a novel clustering-based ensemble algorithm named EMD for de novo motif discovery by combining multiple predictions from multiple runs of one or more base component algorithms. The ensemble approach is applied to the motif discovery problem for the first time. The algorithm is tested on a benchmark dataset generated from E. coli RegulonDB. The EMD algorithm has achieved 22.4% improvement in terms of the nucleotide level prediction accuracy over the best stand-alone component algorithm. The advantage of the EMD algorithm is more significant for shorter input sequences, but most importantly, it always outperforms or at least stays at the same performance level of the stand-alone component algorithms even for longer sequences.

Conclusion

We proposed an ensemble approach for the motif discovery problem by taking advantage of the availability of a large number of motif discovery programs. We have shown that the ensemble approach is an effective strategy for improving both sensitivity and specificity, thus the accuracy of the prediction. The advantage of the EMD algorithm is its flexibility in the sense that a new powerful algorithm can be easily added to the system.
Bcl-2 protein expression is associated with p27 and p53 protein expressions and MIB-1 counts in breast cancer
Authors: Tsutsui Shinichi , Yasuda Kazuhiro , Suzuki Kosuke , Takeuchi Hideya , Nishizaki Takashi , Higashi Hidefumi , Era Shoichi
Published: July 2006

Background

Recent experimental studies have shown that Bcl-2, which has been established as a key player in the control of apoptosis, plays a role in regulating the cell cycle and proliferation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Bcl-2 and p27 protein expression, p53 protein expression and the proliferation activity as defined by the MIB-1 counts. The prognostic implication of Bcl-2 protein expression in relation to p27 and p53 protein expressions and MIB-1 counts for breast cancer was also evaluated.

Methods

The immunohistochemical expression of Bcl-2 protein was evaluated in a series of 249 invasive ductal carcinomas of the breast, in which p27 and p53 protein expressions and MIB-1 counts had been determined previously.

Results

The Bcl-2 protein expression was found to be decreased in 105 (42%) cases. A decreased Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly correlated with a nuclear grade of III, a negative estrogen receptor, a decreased p27 protein expression, a positive p53 protein expression, positive MIB-1 counts and a positive HER2 protein expression. The incidence of a nuclear grade of III and positive MIB-1 counts increased as the number of abnormal findings of Bcl-2, p27 and p53 protein expressions increased. A univariate analysis indicated a decreased Bcl-2 protein expression to be significantly (p = 0.0089) associated with a worse disease free survival (DFS), while a multivariate analysis indicated the lymph node status and MIB-1 counts to be independently significant prognostic factors for the DFS.

Conclusion

The Bcl-2 protein expression has a close correlation with p27 and p53 protein expressions and the proliferation activity determined by MIB-1 counts in invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. The prognostic value of Bcl-2 as well as p27 and p53 protein expressions was dependent on the proliferation activity in breast cancer.
Endostatin inhibits VEGF-A induced osteoclastic bone resorption in vitro
Authors: Sipola Annina , Nelo Katri , Hautala Timo , Ilvesaro Joanna , Tuukkanen Juha
Published: July 2006

Background

Endostatin is a C-terminal fragment of collagen XVIII which is a component of basement membranes with the structural properties of both collagens and proteoglycans. Endostatin has a major role in angiogenesis which is intimately associated with bone development and remodeling. Signaling between the endothelial cells and the bone cells, for example, may have a role in recruitment of osteoclastic precursor cells. Our study aims at exploring a possibility that endostatin, either as a part of basement membrane or as a soluble molecule, may control osteoclastogenesis and osteoclastic bone resorption in vitro.

Methods

Rat pit formation assay was employed in order to examine the effect of endostatin alone or in combination with vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) on bone resorption in vitro. Effect of these agents on osteoclast differentiation in vitro was also tested. Osteoclastogenesis and the number of osteoclasts were followed by tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) staining and resorption was evaluated by measuring the area of excavated pits.

Results

Endostatin inhibited the VEGF-A stimulated osteoclastic bone resorption, whereas endostatin alone had no effect on the basal resorption level in the absence of VEGF-A. In addition, endostatin could inhibit osteoclast differentiation in vitro independent of VEGF-A.

Conclusion

Our in vitro data indicate that collagen XVIII/endostatin can suppress VEGF-A induced osteoclastic bone resorption to the basal level. Osteoclastogenesis is also inhibited by endostatin. The regulatory effect of endostatin, however, is not critical since endostatin alone does not modify the basal bone resorption.
Structured data entry for narrative data in a broad specialty: patient history and physical examination in pediatrics
Authors: Bleeker Sacha E , Derksen-Lubsen Gerarda , van Ginneken Astrid M , van der Lei Johan , Moll Henriëtte A
Published: July 2006

Background

Whereas an electronic medical record (EMR) system can partly address the limitations, of paper-based documentation, such as fragmentation of patient data, physical paper records missing and poor legibility, structured data entry (SDE, i.e. data entry based on selection of predefined medical concepts) is essential for uniformity of data, easier reporting, decision support, quality assessment, and patient-oriented clinical research. The aim of this project was to explore whether a previously developed generic (i.e. content independent) SDE application to support the structured documentation of narrative data (called OpenSDE) can be used to model data obtained at history taking and physical examination of a broad specialty.

Methods

OpenSDE was customized for the broad domain of general pediatrics: medical concepts and its descriptors from history taking and physical examination were modeled into a tree structure.

Results

An EMR system allowing structured recording (OpenSDE) of pediatric narrative data was developed. Patient history is described by 20 main concepts and physical examination by 11. In total, the thesaurus consists of about 1800 items, used in 8648 nodes in the tree with a maximum depth of 9 levels. Patient history contained 6312 nodes, and physical examination 2336. User-defined entry forms can be composed according to individual needs, without affecting the underlying data representation. The content of the tree can be adjusted easily and sharing records among different disciplines is possible. Data that are relevant in more than one context can be accessed from multiple branches of the tree without duplication or ambiguity of data entry via "shortcuts".

Conclusion

An expandable EMR system with structured data entry (OpenSDE) for pediatrics was developed, allowing structured documentation of patient history and physical examination. For further evaluation in other environments, the tree structure for general pediatrics is available at the Erasmus MC Web site (in Dutch, translation into English in progress) [1]. The generic OpenSDE application is available at the OpenSDE Web site [2].
The Impact of Petrosal Vein Preservation on Postoperative Auditory Function in Surgery of Petrous Apex Meningiomas
Authors: Gharabaghi Alireza , Koerbel Andrei , Hubert Löwenheim , Kaminsky Jan , Samii Madjid , Tatagiba Marcos
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE:

The importance of preserving the superior petrosal vein has received increasing attention in the surgical treatment of pathologies involving the petrous apex. Recent reports have associated postoperative auditory nerve dysfunction with petrosal vein sacrifice. However, there is no systematic clinical study available thus far focusing on the postoperative auditory function after petrosal vein obliteration.

METHODS:

In 55 patients with meningiomas involving the petrous apex, pre- and intraoperative findings including petrosal vein sectioning were analyzed retrospectively concerning their impact on postoperative auditory function.

RESULTS:

The petrosal vein was preserved in 26 (47%) cases. In 27 (49%) cases, this vein was not preserved. Hearing loss occurred in 11% of all cases. In the preserved-vein group, postoperative hearing loss occurred in 3 of 26 (11%) cases and in the sacrificed-vein group in 3 of 27 (11%) cases.

CONCLUSION:

Sacrifice of the petrosal vein during surgery of petrous apex meningiomas seems not to have an impact on postoperative auditory function.
Use of the Amplatzer Vascular Plug as an Anchoring Scaffold for Coil-mediated Parent Vessel Occlusion: Technical Case Report
Authors: Hoit Daniel A. , Schirmer Clemens M. , Malek Adel M.
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE:

Parent vessel sacrifice is a useful treatment strategy for fusiform intracranial aneurysms. Originally performed using the detachable silicone balloon, endovascular arterial occlusion is currently achieved using coils, a process which can be limited by coil mass migration.

METHODS:

We demonstrate the use of the Amplatzer vascular plug as a fixed anchor within the target parent vessel to facilitate coil-mediated occlusion, especially in vascular segments not encased by a bony canal. The technique was used successfully in two patients: a 90-year-old woman presenting with IIIrd and VIth cranial nerve palsy from a fusiform left cavernous internal carotid aneurysm and a 44-year-old man with distal thromboemboli from a fusiform dissecting-type right vertebral artery involving the origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery.

RESULTS:

Both patients were treated successfully with proximal parent vessel occlusion using coils after deployment of an Amplatzer vascular plug proximal to the target lesion. With the Amplatzer device acting as a fixed anchor in the parent vessel, coils were deployed proximally in a compact configuration. After deployment of the vascular plugs and coils, hermetic occlusion of the parent vessel was documented angiographically.

CONCLUSION:

The Amplatzer vascular plug can facilitate coil occlusion of large cervical vessels by acting as a focal coil and embolic material immobilizer, which can prevent coil mass migration and lead to improved packing density.
The Role of Free Flaps in the Treatment of Persistent Scalp Osteomyelitis
Authors: Boeckx Willy D. , van der Hulst René R.W.J. , Nanhekhan Lloyd V. , De Lorenzi Francesca
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the efficacy of the combination of an extensive surgical debridement and simultaneous free flap repair in case of troublesome cranial osteomyelitis.

METHODS:

Five patients with persistent, frontal bone osteomyelitis were treated with surgical debridement of the infected bone and reconstruction with a free flap. In all patients, osteomyelitis occurred after neurosurgical procedures and lasted from 1 to 7 years. A latissimus dorsi muscle flap with a split skin graft has been performed.

RESULTS:

No flap failure occurred and donor site morbidity was negligible. No signs of osteomyelitis or soft tissue infection were observed during the mean follow-up period of 3.2 years. Furthermore, the contour of the cranium could be preserved without a need for bone grafts or implants.

CONCLUSION:

In our experience, the combination of an extensive surgical debridement and a free flap transfer is demonstrated to be an effective treatment for “chronic” osteomyelitis of the cranium.
The Anterolateral Partial Vertebrectomy Approach for Ventrally Located Cervical Intramedullary Cavernous Angiomas
Authors: Nishikawa Misao , Ohata Kenji , Ishibashi Kenichi , Takami Toshihiro , Goto Takeo , Hara Mitsuhiro
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE:

We report three cases with ventral cervical intramedullary cavernous angiomas. An anterolateral partial vertebrectomy was performed to surgically approach and successfully resect these lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

All three patients presented with numbness in the upper extremities and investigation revealed a cavernous angioma on the ventral aspect of the spinal cord in each case. The lesion was exposed by an anterolateral partial vertebrectomy in all cases. Postoperative stabilization was achieved by using autografted iliac bone in all patients. In two patients, locking screws and plates were also used.

RESULTS:

Complete resection of the cavernous angioma was performed in all patients. There was symptomatic relief in all cases, and there was no postoperative morbidity.

CONCLUSION:

Anterolateral partial vertebrectomy provides direct exposure and is probably an ideal approach for selected cases with ventrally located intramedullary cavernous angiomas.
Anatomical Variations of the V2 Segment of the Vertebral Artery
Authors: Bruneau Michaël , Cornelius Jan F. , Marneffe Vincent , Triffaux Michel , George Bernard
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE:

Our goal was to evaluate the incidence of anatomic variations of the V2 segment (from its entrance into the transverse canal to C2) of the vertebral artery. Ignoring such variations during anterior or lateral approach to the cervical spine can lead to inadvertent injury and potentially serious complications.

METHODS:

We studied the course of 500 vertebral arteries on 200 magnetic resonance imaging and 50 contrast-enhanced computed tomographic scans.

RESULTS:

The vertebral artery entered the C6 transverse foramen in 93.0% of all specimens. An abnormal level of entrance was observed in 7.0% of specimens (35 courses), with a level of entrance into the C3, C4, C5, or C7 transverse foramen, respectively, in 0.2% (n = 1; 2.9% of all anomalies), 1.0% (n = 5; 14.3% of all anomalies), 5.0% (n = 25; 71.4% of all anomalies), and 0.8% (n = 4; 11.4% of all anomalies) of all specimens. Seventeen (48.6%) abnormalities were right-sided and 18 (51.4%) were left-sided. Thirty-one out of 250 patients (12.4%) had a unilateral anomaly and two had a bilateral anomaly (0.8%). In cases of abnormal entrance into the transverse foramen on computed tomographic images (n = 6), the area of the unfilled transverse foramens was significantly smaller than the contralateral filled foramen (P < 0.0001) and was significantly smaller than the filled foramen of all patients at the same level (P < 0.0001). In five patients (2.0%), the vertebral artery formed a medial loop either into an unusually large transverse foramen whose internal border was medial to the uncovertebral joint or into the intervertebral foramen.

CONCLUSION:

The incidence of anatomic variations of the vertebral artery V2 segment is high. Potentially dangerous conditions can be detected on preoperative imaging.
The “Yo-Yo” Technique to Prevent Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea after Anterior Clinoidectomy for Proximal Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms
Authors: Chi John H. , Sughrue Michael , Kunwar Sandeep , Lawton Michael T.
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE:

Resection of the anterior clinoid process is important for the exposure of aneurysms on clinoidal and supraclinoidal segments of the internal carotid artery. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea can complicate anterior clinoidectomy when the optic strut is pneumatized and its removal communicates the subarachnoid space with the sphenoid sinus. We present a technique for repairing this defect and preventing CSF rhinorrhea.

METHODS:

A suture is secured around a strip of temporalis muscle, which is then pushed through the opening in the optic strut completely into the sphenoid sinus. The ends of suture that trail the muscle are used to retract the muscle from the sphenoid sinus back into the optic strut. The suture is trimmed and the repair is covered with sealant or fibrin glue.

RESULTS:

During an 8-year period in which 127 patients with proximal internal carotid artery aneurysms that required anterior clinoidectomy were treated, pneumatized optic struts were encountered in 14 patients (11%). Four patients were treated with the “yo-yo” technique, none of whom experienced CSF rhinorrhea. Before using this technique, 10 patients were managed with standard packing techniques (wax, muscle, and gel foam) and four of these patients subsequently experienced CSF rhinorrhea (40%). In these four patients, all required reoperation with either craniotomy and packing with pericranium (one patient), Couldwell-Luc procedure (one patient), or endoscopic transnasal obliteration of the sphenoid sinus with fat (two patients).

CONCLUSION:

The “yo-yo” technique of tightly wedging a muscle plug into the optic strut proved to be simple, fast, and effective, preventing CSF rhinorrhea in all patients in whom it was applied. Although experience with this technique is limited, reversing the direction of packing and pulling muscle from the sphenoid sinus into the optic strut eliminated a complication that occurred in 40% of patients with standard packing techniques.
A Novel Endoscopic Technique in Treating Single Nerve Entrapment Syndromes with Special Attention to Ulnar Nerve Transposition and Tarsal Tunnel Release: Clinical Application
Authors: Krishnan Kartik G. , Pinzer Thomas , Schackert Gabriele
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE:

To describe a simple retractor integrated endoscopic technique for treating idiopathic solitary compression neuropathies with special attention to the anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve and tarsal tunnel release, and to present the clinical results.

METHODS:

Eleven patients with ulnar sulcus syndrome, eight with tarsal tunnel syndrome, and one with meralgia paraesthetica (seven females and 13 males; age range, 12–64 yr) were treated with endoscopic anterior ulnar nerve transposition and in situ decompression of the tibial (eight patients) and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves (one patient), respectively. The selection criteria were: classical nerve compression symptoms, failed conservative treatment, abnormal electrophysiology, and a nonviolated anatomic region. The degree of nerve compression (after Dellon) was rated as moderate in five out of 20 patients and as severe in 15 out of 20 patients. Electrophysiological studies were conducted independently by physicians specializing in these techniques. Postoperative recovery was evaluated according to the nine-point Bishop rating system.

RESULTS:

Of the 11 patients with anterior ulnar nerve transposition, seven scored excellent, three scored good, and one scored fair (mean follow-up, 15.5 mo; range, 6–27 mo). Five patients with tarsal tunnel release scored excellent and three scored good (mean follow-up, 10.1 mo; range, 3–24 mo). The patient with meralgia paraesthetica showed an excellent score at 28 months after surgery. There were no technical or postoperative complications. None of the operations had to be converted to open surgery.

CONCLUSION:

We describe a new endoscopic technique for transposing the ulnar nerve and decompressing the tibial nerve. This technique could be extrapolated to release other single nerve entrapments. The simplicity of the technique, and our preliminary clinical results, may encourage other groups to adapt this method.
A Surgical Technique for the Removal of Clinoidal Meningiomas
Authors: Lee Joung H. , Sade Burak , Park Bong J.
Published: July 2006

CLINOIDAL MENINGIOMAS, ALSO referred to as medial or inner sphenoid wing meningiomas, are often difficult and challenging to remove completely and safely, especially when they become large enough to encircle, compress, or displace the adjacent critical neurovascular structures such as the optic nerve, the internal carotid artery and its branches, and the oculomotor nerve. In this article, the authors describe the detailed surgical technique used in their practice in addition to subtle nuances learned from their experience of operating on more than 40 patients with clinoidal meningiomas over the past several years. The primary goals of surgery are to achieve aggressive tumor removal with avoidance of intraoperative morbidity and, in addition, for those with preoperative compromised vision, to provide improvement in their visual function after surgery.
Eyebrow Surgery: The Supraciliary Craniotomy: Technical Note
Authors: Jallo George I. , Bognár László
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE:

Many approaches have been recommended for the surgical treatment of anterior and middle cranial fossa lesions. The frontobasal approach and its many modifications have been proposed and developed for such situated lesions. An alternative approach is the frontolateral craniotomy through a supraciliary skin incision.

METHODS:

This minimally invasive technique, a 2.5 × 3.0 cm craniotomy, just above the eyebrow through a supraciliary incision, is a simple but elegant modification of the traditional approach to the anterior cranial fossa.

RESULTS:

A step-by-step description of the approach is offered in this report to facilitate a clear understanding of the lesions treatable with this minimally invasive technique.

CONCLUSION:

The supraciliary frontolateral keyhole craniotomy is a minimally invasive cosmetic approach that provides excellent exposure to a variety of intracranial lesions. This approach cannot be used for all intracranial pathologies, but is recommended for many anterior and middle cranial fossa lesions.
Endoscopically-assisted Resection of a Choroid Plexus Vascular Malformation Traversing the Cerebral Aqueduct: Technical Case Report
Authors: Moftakhar Roham , Salamat M Shahriar , Sahin Soner , Iskandar Bermans J.
Published: July 2006

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.
The Expanded Endonasal Approach for an Endoscopic Transnasal Clipping and Aneurysmorrhaphy of a Large Vertebral Artery Aneurysm: Technical Case Report
Authors: Kassam Amin B. , Mintz Arlan H. , Gardner Paul A. , Horowitz Michael B. , Carrau Ricardo L. , Snyderman Carl H.
Published: July 2006

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.
Primary Treatment of a Blister-like Aneurysm with an Encircling Clip Graft: Technical Case Report
Authors: Sekula Raymond F. , Cohen David B. , Quigley Matthew R. , Jannetta Peter J.
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE:

Blister-like aneurysms at nonbranching sites in the supraclinoid portion of the internal carotid artery are a rare but important cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage. We report a case of subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by a ruptured blister-type aneurysm, review the pertinent literature, and hope to remind readers of the wisdom of the use of an encircling clip as the primary treatment of these challenging lesions.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

A 41-year-old woman presented with sudden onset of headache. An admission computed tomographic (CT) scan revealed thick and diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage involving primarily the carotid cistern and the proximal left sylvian fissure. A cerebral angiogram was initially interpreted as absent for aneurysm, but a follow-up angiogram performed 1 week later confirmed an enlarging aneurysm.

INTERVENTION:

A craniotomy with placement of an encircling clip graft around a blister-like aneurysm was performed.

CONCLUSION:

Although Sundt advocated the encircling clip graft for the blister-type aneurysm almost 40 years ago, use of an encircling clip graft in the treatment of blister-like aneurysms of the supraclinoid portion of the internal carotid artery seems to be reserved as a secondary or “rescue” measure in current practice. Neurosurgeons must familiarize themselves with this distinct entity (the blister-type aneurysm), recognize the possible risks associated with parallel clipping, and consider the use of an encircling clip graft as the primary treatment.
Retrosigmoid Intradural Suprameatal Approach: Advantages and Disadvantages from an Anatomical Perspective
Authors: Chanda Amitabha , Nanda Anil
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the advantages and disadvantages of the retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach by studying the microsurgical anatomy. This study was performed primarily to assess the advantages of the retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach by measuring the amount of increased exposure it provides for lesions of the cerebellopontine and petroclival region as well as to identify the disadvantages of the approach.

METHODS:

Twenty sides of 10 cadaver heads (embalmed and injected) were dissected under ×3 to ×40 magnification. A standard retrosigmoid craniotomy was made. The cerebellopontine cistern was entered to expose the neurovascular structures, and the internal auditory canal was opened by drilling the margin of the internal auditory meatus. After this, the suprameatal tubercle was drilled, followed by additional drilling to resect the petrous apex. The trigeminal root was mobilized completely after opening Meckel's cave. During drilling, care was taken to preserve the posterior and superior semicircular canals, petrosal sinus, and the internal carotid artery.

RESULTS:

The approach enhanced the exposure of the cerebellopontine cistern and Meckel's cave. There was an additional exposure of 10.7 ± 1.16 mm length of trigeminal nerve on the right side and an additional 10.7 ± 1.25 mm on the left. This helped to mobilize and further retract the trigeminal root. Although it facilitated the view of the neurovascular structures medial to the internal acoustic meatus, the depth of exposure did not vary much from a traditional retrosigmoid approach nor did it increase the angle of exposure or the visualization of the clivus and more medially located structures.

CONCLUSION:

This approach is suitable for lesions mainly in the posterior fossa with some extension into the middle fossa in the anterolateral direction. The key benefits of this approach are the length of trigeminal nerve exposure and the subsequent mobilization that improves visualization of the structures medial to the internal auditory canal, to the petrous apex, Meckel's cave, and the posterior end of the cavernous sinus.
Effects of Temperature and Humidification Levels on the Performance of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Chiang M-S , Chu H-S
Published: July 2006

Numerical investigation of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance subjected to various humidification and thermal conditions is the focus of this study. Governing equations describing species, mass, momentum, and enthalpy conservation are employed and solved by a computational fluid dynamic algorithm to obtain domain's physical properties and cell performance. The model accounts for electrochemical kinetic as well as two-phase flow with phase change and water transport. Numerical prediction results use polarization curves and contour plots to illustrate the effects of various humidification schemes and temperature gradient scenarios. Findings show that humidification-level perturbation on the anode or cathode side creates different effects. Mechanisms influencing performance-variation tendencies are interpreted. In addition modelling results with existing temperature gradient exhibit different trends on the overpotentials depending on the slope and magnitude. At higher cathode temperature, it is shown that polarization curves are dominated by reaction kinetics and membrane water content at medium and high reaction rates, respectively.
Spectroscopic Characterization and in vitro and in vivo Screening of Difluoro-Boron Complexes of NO and NS Donor Ligands
Authors: Saxena Chitra , Singh Ran Vir , Joshi Suresh Chand
Published: July 2006

Stereochemical and biochemical aspects of some difluoroboron complexes of the types BF2(NS) and BF2(NO) with ligands having (NS) and (NO) donor systems have been described. Based on IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 19F NMR, and 11B NMR spectral studies, a tetracoordinated state of boron has been established. In order to assess their growth inhibiting potency the ligands and their fluoroboron complexes have been tested in vitro against a number of pathogenic fungi and bacteria at different concentrations and were found to possess remarkable fungicidal and bactericidal properties. The testicular morphology, testicular sperm density, sperm motility, density of cauda epididymal spermatozoa, and fertility in mating trails and biochemical parameters of reproductive organs with 2-acetylthiophene thiosemicarbazone, 2-acetylnaphthalene semicarbazone, and their fluoro complexes in vivo have also been examined and discussed.
Determination of the Average Valence of Thallium in High-Tc Superconductors by Isotachophoresis
Authors: Watanabe Kunihiro , Demura Kazuaki , Fueki Kazuo
Published: July 2006

Capillary-tube isotachophoresis was conducted to determine the average valence of thallium in high-temperature Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O superconductor samples. A superconductor sample (5—7 mg) was dissolved in 2.5 ml of 0.3 M (M = mol dm−3) HCl. The solution was diluted to 25 ml with distilled water. By injection of a 50 μl sample solution into the analyzer, thallium(I) was determined at 0.05—5 μg with a relative standard deviation of 3.3%. Hydrochloric acid (5.0 × 10−3 M) and LiCl (1.0 × 10−2 M) were selected as leading and terminating electrolytes, respectively. The order of the mobility of the metal ions was Tl+ > Ba2+ > Ca2+ > Cu2+. Thallium(III) ion was not detected as a zone. The total of thallium was determined after the reduction of Tl3+ to Tl+ with ascorbic acid. The average valence values of thallium in the superconductors were 2.93—2.97. The interference of the Tl3+ ion in the determination of the average valence of copper was examined. When the valence of copper was determined with KI by extraction-spectrometry, the Tl3+ ion was found to affect the absorbance of the ion-pair complex extracted into chloroform. The effect of this ion was eliminated by a suitable selection of the wavelength.
Chain Decomposition of Bis(oxalato)peroxotitanate(IV) Complex Initiated by Ti(III), Cr(II), and V(II)
Authors: Shinohara Nobuyoshi , Iwasawa Makoto , Akiyama Takashi
Published: July 2006

The chain decomposition of the bis(oxalato)peroxotitanate(IV) complex [Ti(O2)(ox)2]2− (ox = C2O42−) is initiated by the addition of a very small amount of reducing agent, such as Ti(III), Cr(II) or V(II). The chain length increases with increasing the concentrations of added [TiO(ox)2]2− and oxalate ion; the maximum chain length was 600 under the experimental conditions. The decomposition reaction gave 2 mol of CO2 per 1 mol of decomposed [Ti(O2)(ox)2]2−. Ti(III), Cr(II), and V(II) reductions of [Ti(O2)(ox)2]2− produced ·OH, identified by the spin-trapping technique using a 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide radical trap. Oxygen is an inhibitor of the chain reaction in this system. The chain-decomposition mechanism is discussed.
Estimation of Dissolved Structures of Mono- and Dinuclear Chromate Species in Solution Using UV-vis Absorption Spectra and Molecular Orbital Calculation DV-Xα
Authors: Ozeki Toru , Kinoshita Yoshihiro , Adachi Hirohiko , Ikeda Shigero
Published: July 2006

The dissolved structures of mono- and dinuclear chromate species, CrO42−, HCrO4−, H2CrO4, and Cr2O72− in aqueous solution were estimated by optimizing their structure models so that UV-vis absorption spectra reproduced from molecular orbital calculation DV-Xα fitted to the experimentally obtained component spectra. It is demonstrated that bond order obtained by Mulliken’s population analysis gives useful information to explain why dimerization reaction of HCrO4− to form Cr2O72− proceeds easily.
Variable-Temperature and Variable-Pressure Sodium-23 NMR Study on Dissociation Reaction of Sodium(I) Cryptates in Ethylenediamine
Authors: Aizawa Sen-ichi , Funahashi Shigenobu
Published: July 2006

The dissociation rates of the sodium(I) cryptates of 4,7,13,16,21-pentaoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo[8.8.5]tricosane (C221) and 4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane (C222) in ethylenediamine have been measured at various temperatures and pressures by the 23Na NMR line-broadening method. The dissociation rate constant at 298 K (kd298), activation enthalpy (ΔH‡), activation entropy (ΔS‡), and activation volume (ΔV‡) are as follows: kd298 = 7.2 s−1, ΔH‡ = 45.9 ± 1.8 kJ mol−1, and ΔS‡ = −74.5 ± 5.4 J mol−1 K−1 for Na+C221, and kd298 = 272 s−1, ΔH‡ = 43.2 ± 1.1 kJ mol−1, ΔS‡ = −53.6 ± 3.7 J mol−1 K−1, and ΔV‡ = 8.9 ± 0.4 cm3 mol−1 for Na+C222. The large positive value of ΔV‡ for Na+C222 indicates the dissociative transition state accompanied by the expansion of the cavity of C222. The electrostatic interaction of the sodium cation with ethylenediamine in the transition state has been discussed in connection with the other solvents by comparison of the values of ΔH‡.
General Base Catalyzed Proton Exchange in Amides
Authors: Wang Wei-hsien , Cheng Ching-chih
Published: July 2006

The kinetics of general base catalyzed proton exchange in N,N′-dimethylurea and a series of secondary amides were studied. Kinetic data were determined by NMR line-shape analysis. A good linear correlation was observed for nine amides by plotting log kOH for RCONHCH3 vs. pKa of RCOOH. For amides with N–H more acidic than water (pKa < 15.7), general base catalysis is observed, the Brønsted β is unity, and the reaction with hydroxide is diffusion-controlled. It is concluded that general base catalysis is inoperative in proteins or polypeptides.
Synthesis of 2-Substituted myo-Inositol 1,3,4,5-Tetrakis(phosphate) and 1,3,4,5,6-Pentakis(phosphate) Analogs
Authors: Ozaki Shoichiro , Koga Yasuji , Ling Lei , Watanabe Yutaka , Kimura Yuichi , Hirata Masato
Published: July 2006

Some biologically interesting inositol poly(phosphate) derivatives, 2-O-(p-aminobenzoyl)-myo-inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakis(phosphate), 2-O-(4-aminocyclohexylcarbonyl)-myo-inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakis(phosphate), myo-inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakis(phosphate), and its 2-substituted analogs, were synthesized. Inositol tetrakis(phosphate) and pentakis(phosphate) affinity columns were also prepared. The inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakis(phosphate) affinity column was found to be effetive in isolating the binding proteins from bovine cardiac membranes.
Structural Investigation of 2,6-Di-2-furyl-3,5-dimethyl-4-piperidinone and Its N-Nitroso Derivative in Solution and the Solid State-Influence of the Nitroso Moiety on the Conformation of the Piperidine Ring and Orientation of Its Substituents
Authors: Sukumar N , Ponnuswamy M N , Thenmozhiyal J C , Jeyaraman R
Published: July 2006

The structures of the title compounds, 2,6-di-2-furyl-3,5-dimethyl-4-piperidinone (DFMP) and its N-nitroso derivative (DFMPNO), have been investigated in solution and the solid state by NMR and X-ray methods, respectively. Both of the structures were solved by direct methods of X-ray analysis and were refined to an R-factor of 0.059 and 0.057, respectively. The piperidine ring adopts a chair conformation in DFMP and a boat conformation in DFMPNO. Both of the furan rings are in an equatorial orientation in DFMP, whereas in DFMPNO one ring is in the axial position and the other ring is in the equatorial position. The nitroso group is in the perpendicular orientation in DFMPNO. The angle between the best plane of the piperidine ring and the nitroso group is 142.1(4)°. The interaction between the molecules are van der Waals in nature in both structures.
Laser Flash Photolysis in High Speed Photopolymer Coating Layers
Authors: Urano Toshiyuki , Nguyen Kim-Oanh , Nagasaka Hideki , Tsuchiyama Masaaki , Shimizu Shigeki , Itoh Hiroki , Senda Yasuhisa
Published: July 2006

Sensitization mechanisms of two systems of (dialkylamino)styryl-type dyes with a radical-generating reagent, 2-[p-(diethylamino)styryl]-, and 2-[2-(9-julolidinyl)vinyl]naphtho[1,2-d]thiazole with 3,3′,4,4′-tetrakis(t-butyldioxycarbonyl)benzophenone, in poly(methyl methacrylate) film have been investigated by laser flash photolysis using a total reflection cell.
Footprint Catalysis. XI. Molecular Footprint Cavities Imprinted with Chiral Amines and Their Chiral Molecular Recognition
Authors: Morihara Kensaku , Takiguchi Michie , Shimada Toyoshi
Published: July 2006

Chiral amines, (R)- and (S)-N-benzyl-α-methylbenzylamine, served as templates in a molecular imprinting we developed. They formed “molecular footprint” cavities on a silica (alumina) gel surface, which showed catalytic activities toward transacylation of benzoic anhydride. The catalyses were susceptible to enantioselective inhibitions by the rebinding of the chiral template amines. This finding proved that the cavities could show chiral recognition through their chirally marked cavity structures.
Reduction with 2-Propanol over Hydrous Tin(IV) Oxide
Authors: Takahashi Kyoko , Shibagaki Makoto , Kuno Hideyuki , Matsushita Hajime
Published: July 2006

The reduction with 2-propanol as a hydrogen source over hydrous tin(IV) oxide has proved to be successful. Hydrous tin(IV) oxide was prepared from stannic(IV) chloride by precipitation with aqueous ammonia, followed by drying and calcination at 300 °C for 5 h. The specific surface area was 150 m2 g−1. The reductions were carried out in the vapor phase at temperatures of from 300 to 330 °C. The reduction of aliphatic carboxylic acids gives the corresponding alcohols. Aromatic carboxylic acids and their derivatives were further reduced, and the corresponding hydrocarbons were obtained. The reductions of aromatic ketones and the derivatives of benzyl alcohol also gave hydrocarbons. In the reaction of alkyl halides, reductive dehalogenation proceeded and the corresponding hydrocarbon was produced.
Photothermal Side-Chain Bromination of Methyl-, Dimethyl-, and Trimethylbenzenes with N-Bromosuccinimide
Authors: Mataka Shuntaro , Liu Guo-Bin , Sawada Tsuyoshi , Kurisu Masayoshi , Tashiro Masashi
Published: July 2006

Tri- and dibromination of methyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethylbenzenes with N-bromosuccinimide were accomplished by photothermal reaction with a tungsten lamp in carbon tetrachloride or benzene. (Dibromomethyl)arenes and (tribromomethyl) derivatives were produced depending upon a solvent used and a substituent on the benzene ring. In the bromination of methylbenzenes without a substituent on the ortho-position, (tribromomethyl)benzenes were formed. On the other hand, ortho-substituted methylbenzenes gave (dibromomethyl)benzenes. α,β-Dibromo-1,2-diarylstilbenes were formed via the debrominative carbon–carbon coupling reaction of (tribromomethyl) benzenes upon irradiation with a tungsten lamp.
Facile Preparation and Utilization of a Novel β-d-ManNAcA-Donor: Methyl 2-Benzoyloxyimino-1-bromo-2-deoxy-α-d-arabino-hexopyranuronate
Authors: Kaji Eisuke , Osa Yumiko , Takahashi Keiko , Hirooka Motoko , Zen Shonosuke , Lichtenthaler Frieder W
Published: July 2006

The title β-d-ManNAcA-donor, the α-bromide of methyl 2-benzoyloxyimino-2-deoxy-d-arabino-hexopyranuronate 9, has been prepared from d-glucuronolactone in an overall yield of 21% for the seven steps required, all intermediates being securable in crystalline form. Key compounds were the 2-acetoxy-d-glucuronal ester 6 and its hydroxylaminolysis product, the 1,5-anhydro-d-fructuronate oxime 7, the latter elaborating 9 on O-benzoylation (→8) and photobromination. —The utility of 9 as a suitable β-d-ManNAcA donor rests on two ensuing reactions: first, Koenigs-Knorr type glycosidations, with N-blocked 2-aminoethanols as spacer substrates, or with the 6-OH of an otherwise protected glucoside (16), produce β-selectivities of 20 : 1 or better, and second, the oxime reduction of the β-glycosides, thus obtained, proceeds in an essentially stereospecific manner to yield, upon N-acetylation, the 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-d-mannosiduronates. —The methodology elaborated was used to prepare some novel artificial glycolipids, e.g. the (myristoylamino)ethyl 6-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-d-mannopyranosyluronic acid)-α-d-glucopyranoside (25) and its (stearoylamino)ethyl analog (26), that are being evaluated as recognition markers for liposomes.
Synthesis of a New Copper Complex of a Macrocyclic Compound Consisting of 1,10-Phenanthroline, and Its DNA Binding and Cleaving Activity
Authors: Hirai Miwa , Shinozuka Kazuo , Sawai Hiroaki , Ogawa Shojiro
Published: July 2006

A copper complex of a macrocylcic compound consisting of two 1,10-phenanthroline molecules bridged by two sulfur atoms, [Cu(smc)], was synthesized. The interaction of [Cu(smc)] with DNA was examined by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and viscometry. The binding constant of [CuI(smc)] with DNA is 4.2 × 104 M−1, which is almost identical with that of bis(1,10-phenanthroline)copper, [CuI(phen)2]. A viscosity measurement indicates that [CuI(smc)] binds to DNA by an intercalative mode. [Cu(smc)] cleaves DNA in the presence of a reducing agent under an aerobic condition. In this process ·OH plays an important role.