bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teratogenic effects of chlorambucil on in vivo and in vitro organogenesis in mice
Authors: Sadler Thomas W. , Kochhar D. M.
Published: June 2005

Pregnant ICR/DUB mice were each given a single oral injection of chlorambucil (14.2 or 20 mg/kg) on the 10th, llth, 12th, or 13th day of gestation (plug day = 1st day). Fetuses examined on the 18th day were decreased in weight and had tail, cranial, and limb defects. The type and frequency of malformations differed according to the dosage and day of treatment. Limb defects resulted from treatment on the llth or 12th days of gestation and tail defects from treatment on all days. Control limb buds from 12th day embryos cultured for 6 days in serum‐supplemented BGJ medium containing 0.5–2 μg/ml chlorambucil were retarded in development and had cartilage abnormalities. The extent of the deformities was dose related. Limb buds were also taken from embryos 24 h after in vivo exposure to teratogenic doses of chlorambucil and cultured in control medium. After 6 days in culture these limbs also had growth impairment and cartilage abnormalities. The defects in limbs exposed in vitro were similar to those in limbs exposed in vivo.
Cholinomimetic teratogens: Studies with chicken embryos
Authors: Landauer Walter
Published: June 2005

The cholinomimetic compounds carbachol, decamethonium, neostigmine, succinylcholine, trimethylphenylammonium, and others were tested for their interference with normal chick development. All these compounds led to abnormalities of the cervical vertebrae; at higher dosage interference with normal morphogenesis involved the whole vertebral column. Hypoplasia of the leg muscles occurred with lower incidence. Responses, tested with carbachol, rose from 24 to 72 and 96 h, then declined to 120 h of incubation. Two of the cholinometic compounds used in combined treatment produced a high degree of synergism. Gallamine, benzoquinomium, butyrylcholine, and bethanechol had protective effects. Acetylcholine, at high dosage, caused defects different from the above. It is suggested that the cholinomimetic teratogens interfere with normal development by displacing acetylcholine from its receptors or by forming complexes with it.
Incorporation of 5‐lododeoxyuridine into the DNA of mouse embryos: Its relation to embryotoxicity
Authors: Skalko Richard G. , Packard David S. , Caniano Donna A. , Sax Robert D.
Published: June 2005

Pregnant female ICR mice were administered, ip, either a trace (200 μCi/kg) or teratogenic (200 μCi + 300 mg/kg) dose of [6‐3H] 5‐iododeoxyuridine (IdU) on day 10 of gestation. Maternal liver, spleen, intestine, and kidneys, and placentas and embryos were removed at various time intervals after injection, weighed, and homogenized in cold 0.5 M perchloric acid. The half lives of IdU‐derived nucleotides in the acid‐soluble fraction ranged from 31–46 min (trace) to 57–131 min (teratogenic) for the tissues analyzed. [3H] IdU was incorporated into the DNA of all mitotically active tissues after both dosages. The presence of the label in iodouracil was demonstrated by thin‐layer chrornatography of DNA bases extracted from maternal spleen and embryo. Growth of embryos following injection on day 10 resulted in decreased 3H‐specific activity in the DNA fraction and concomitant retention of total activity. It is suggested that the previously demonstrated embryotoxicity of IdU is related to its retention at its presumed intracellular site of action.
Selection of the experimental unit in teratology studies
Authors: Haseman Joseph K. , Hogan Michael D.
Published: June 2005

In teratology experiments the litter (pregnant female) rather than the fetus is advocated as being the proper experimental unit upon which to base the statistical analysis. It is pointed out that per litter tests, by being based on the average fetal response within a litter, do take the individual fetus into account. Actual experimental data are used to show that when litter effects are present a per fetus analysis is invalid and may seriously exaggerate the significance level. It is also shown that there appears to be little loss in sensitivity in performing per litter tests even in the unlikely event that there are no litter effects. Thus it certainly seems prudent to analyze teratology data with test procedures that treat the litter as the experimental unit.
Chromosomal abnormalities in maternal and fetal tissues of magnesium‐ or zinc‐deficient rats
Authors: Bell Linda Theriault , Branstrator Margaret , Roux Charles , Hurley Lucille S.
Published: June 2005

The effect of dietary deficiency during pregnancy of zinc or magnesium on maternal and fetal chromosomes was studied. Pregnant rats were given a zinc‐deficient or a magnesium‐deficient diet from the beginning of pregnancy and maternal bone marrow and fetal liver were removed on day 19 of gestation. Chromosome spreads were prepared and rnetaphases examined for abnormalities, Both magnesium‐ and zinc‐deficient maternal bone‐marrow and fetal liver cells showed significantly more chromosomal abnormalities than did those of controls. The chromosomal aberrations occurring in highest incidence in magnesium‐deficient animals were terminal deletions and fragments. A higher than normal incidence of “stickiness” was also observed in cells from magnesium‐deficient animals. In zinc‐deficient animals, on the other hand, the chromosomal aberrations with the highest incidence were gaps and terminal deletions.
Inhibition of ATP synthesis associated with 6‐aminonicotinamide (6‐AN) teratogenesis in rat embryos
Authors: Ritter Edmond J. , Scott William J. , Wilson James G.
Published: June 2005

Pregnant rats were injected ip with 6 rrg/kg 6‐arnmonicotinamide (6‐AN) at day 12 of gestation. Embryos removed between l and 48 h later had reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations, of about 50% of control values‐ All fetuses examined near term were malform ed. Nicotinamide (NAM, 100nig/kg) given ip l h after 6‐AN afforded protection: inalfbrmations occurred in only 15% of the survivors, and there was minimal ATP reduction, 15% below control values. NAM given 2 and 4 h after 6‐AN produced intermediate ATP concentrations and malformation frequencies Thus, there was a relation benveen the embryotoxic and ATP‐depressant actions of 6‐AN in day 12 rat embryos.
Developmental anomalies in a human fetus of 17 weeks' gestational age
Authors: Baillie J. E. , Poland B. J.
Published: June 2005

Chromosome studies of a therapeutically aborted male fetus, after amniocentesis of a 41‐year‐old woman, showed an abnormal karyotype of 47,XY, + 18. The fetus had many of the external anomalies described in newborns with trisomy 18; macrodissection revealed many internal anomalies consistent with this syndrome. The external and internal findings are described.
Some aspects of the epidemiology of human minor birth defects and morphological variants in a completely ascertained newborn population (Madison study)
Authors: Hook Ernest B. , Marden Philip M. , Reiss Naomi P. , Smith David W.
Published: June 2005

In 4319 infants examined at birth who were without major birth defects those with a “remarkable” pregnancy outcome, i.e., low birth weight ( <2500 g). long gestation ( ≥ 43 weeks), stillborn, or twin status, were more likely to have a minor birth defect than the remainder. With regard to the 2 most frequent defects, simian crease and folded helix, the increase in the former was of about the same order (1.6–2.1‐fold) in those with remarkable outcome of all types, but the increase in the latter was particularly great in twins (∼︁ 3.1‐fold) compared with the other remarkable outcomes (∼︁ 1.3‐fold). With regard to variants, which were defined as those features scored that occurred in 4% or more of the newborn population, some (flat and small hemangioma on face and scalp, Brushfield spots, flat nasal bridge, hyperflexed thumbs, hydrocele, and mild calcaneovalgus) exhibited a trend towards negative association with low birth weight and a trend to positive association (with exception of hemangioma and calcaneovalgus) with long gestation, suggesting they may simply be indirect markers of gestational age. There was a trend to a slight decrease in the frequency of minor defects with increasing maternal age, similar to the trend for major defects.
Ascorbate inhibition of 6‐aminonicotinamide teratogenesis in chicken embryos
Authors: Overman Dennis O. , Graham Mary Nell , Roy William A.
Published: June 2005

Chicken eggs of 4 or 6 days of incubation were injected with 10 μg 6‐aminonicotinamide (6‐AN) or 6‐AN plus various doses of sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, or ascorbic acid; 11‐day embryos were examined grossly and histologically. 6‐AN‐treated embryos had various degrees of micromelia and were reduced in overall size. All three ascorbates inhibited 6‐AN teratogenesis but not completely. The extent of inhibition was dose related. Increased amounts of intercellular matrix and decreased necrosis of chondrocytes in the limb cartilage of protected embryos correlated with the gross findings.
NAD precursors as antiteratogens against aminothiadiazole
Authors: Beaudoin Allan R.
Published: June 2005

The teratogen 2‐amino‐l,3,4‐thiadiazole (ATDA) is an antagonist of nicotinamide, and may act by interfering with the synthesis or utilization of the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). Several compounds that can be converted to NAD were tested as antiteratogens against ATDA. At day 11 of gestation (sperm day = day 0) pregnant Wistar‐derived rats were given single ip injections of ATDA (100 mg/kg), or ATDA immediately followed by the suspected antiteratogen ip or by gavage, or the antiteratogen alone. Compounds tested were NAD, nicotinamide, nicotinic acid, quinolinic acid, kynurenine sulfate, and L‐tryptophan, in doses of 10–200 mg per animal. At autopsy (day 20) fetuses were recovered and examined. It was found that each antiteratogen significantly reduced the frequency of ATDA‐induced resorptions and malformations. At certain doses each antiteratogen gave complete protection against ATDA‐induced malformations in some, but not all, litters. These results support the hypothesis that ADTA interferes with the synthesis or utilization of NAD and suggest that substances converted to NAD act as antiteratogens against ATDA.
X‐ray spectrum unfolding using a regularized truncated SVD method
Authors: Gallardo S. , Ginestar D. , Verdú G. , Ródenas J. , Puchades V. , Villaescusa J. I.
Published: June 2005

New procedures to characterize the x‐ray primary beam, obtaining an accurate assessment of the actual photon spectrum, are needed for quality control of x‐ray tubes for medical purposes. The Compton scattering technique is very useful for determining x‐ray spectra (in the 10–150 kVp range), avoiding the pile‐up effect in the detector, since usually there is insufficient space available to apply other techniques. The Compton scattering procedure was simulated using the Monte Carlo method by means of the MCNP code. In order to validate the simulation model, experimental measurements were made at the Centro Nacional de Dosimetría (CND), Valencia, Spain, using a calibrated x‐ray tube. Different spectra were measured varying the operational parameters (kV, mA, Al). Furthermore, CND provided the theoretical spectra corresponding to the x‐ray measurement conditions. Using the developed model, a response matrix was obtained by simulating the interactions of different monoenergetic beams. During the construction of the primary photon spectrum it is necessary to calculate the inverse of the response matrix. Because this matrix is ill‐conditioned, its inversion is not a simple process. This problem was solved using a truncated singular value decomposition (TSVD), method together with variational regularization. The performance of the methodology was tested with experimental and simulated x‐ray spectra. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Updating of x‐ray coherent scattering cross‐sections and their effects in microbeam and material analysis applications
Authors: Tartari Agostino , Taibi Angelo , Bonifazzi Claudio , Gambaccini Mauro , de Felici Marina
Published: June 2005

New small angle coherent scattering data are presented in order to emphasize the need to update available open‐access databases. The first aim is to integrate the present atomic form factor tabulations, which permit us to obtain the linear differential scattering coefficient of a compound from a simple weighted sum of the elemental components, by including the effect of the large‐scale arrangement of the sample structure beside the molecular interference effect. These features, which can lead the intensity of scattered photons to present huge upturns at small values of the momentum transfer, are presented for some biological tissues and poly(methyl methacrylate) and their influence on the calculation of both the coherent mass attenuation coefficient and the total value is investigated. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Somerville youth council
Authors: Owadokun Remi Manoela , Avilés Pearlie
Published: June 2005

When authority is given to youth and when they have the opportunity to speak out, there will be a change in their lives and in the lives of those connected to them.
Reconsideration of Delayed Gastric Emptying in Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Shan Yan‐Shen , Tsai Mei‐Ling , Chiu Nan‐Tsing , Lin Pin‐Wen
Published: June 2005

Literature reports indicate that the incidence of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is higher after pylorus‐preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) than after conventional pancreaticoduodenectomy (CPD), but DGE is traditionally diagnosed from patient‐reported subjective sensations. Our clinical radiological experience suggests higher rates for physiological DGE post‐CPD. We therefore sought to quantify rates of subjective DGE (sDGE, based on patient complaint) verses objective DGE (oDGE, based on scintography) post‐CPD and post‐PPPD. Contractile motility of post‐PPPD residual stomach was also studied. For 21 PPPD and 33 CPD patients between October 1997 and June 2000, sDGE and oDGE data were collected preoperatively, on postoperative day 14, and 6 months postoperatively, with cholescintography for pylorus ring competency on postoperative day 14. The incidence of sDGE was higher for PPPD (42%) than for CPD (15%) at 14 days, with zero sDGE for both at 6 months. The incidence oDGE was higher for CPD (91%) than for PPPD (76%) at 14 days, with a 6‐month incidence of 4.7% in PPPD but ~33% for CPD. Solid‐phase emptying in PPPD showed that residual stomach retained partial gastric emptying function at 14 days but not at 6 months. Cholescintography showed abnormal pylorus closure function in 2 of 21 PPPD patients but was not related to DGE. Literature reports of higher DGE incidence post‐PPPD are true only for subjective symptoms. Radiological measurement of oDGE shows that both CPD and PPPD manifest ~80% incidence of DGE in the early postoperative period. At 6 months, ~33% of CPD show persistent oDGE. We concluded that (1) the concept of DGE should distinguish between subjective and objective symptoms; (2) loss of distal stomach mechanoreceptors in CPD reduces patients sensation of oDGE, producing “silent” DGE;(3) both CPD and PPPD have high and approximately equal rates oDGE;(4) the previously unnoticed silent oDGE in CPD may contribute to the higher rates of ulceration and related morbidity in association with CPD
Complications with Reconstruction Procedures in Pylorus‐preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Tani Masaji , Kawai Manabu , Terasawa Hiroshi , Ueno Masaki , Hama Takashi , Hirono Seiko , Ina Shinomi , Uchiyama Kazuhisa , Yamaue Hiroki
Published: June 2005

This study was conducted retrospectively to examine the efficacy of Traverso reconstruction compared with Billroth I reconstruction after pylorus‐preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy, in the prevention of several complications. Pylorus‐preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy is an aggressive surgery, and insufficiency of the pancreaticoenterostomy plays an important role in the postoperative progression. However, reports examining the correlation between pancreatic fistula and the type of reconstruction after pylorus‐preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy have been limited. Sixty‐four patients who underwent pylorus‐preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (33 reconstructed by the Traverso technique and 31 reconstructed by the Billroth I technique) were entered into this study to investigate whether the complications were related to the type of reconstruction procedure employed. Insufficiency of the pancreaticojejunostomy, including major leakage and pancreatic fistula, occurred in 18.2% of the reconstructions by Billroth I and 0% of the reconstructions by Traverso (p < 0.05). In addition, jejunal obstruction by recurrent tumor in the remnant pancreas was observed in 3 patients reconstructed by Billroth I, and required palliative bypass surgery. Reconstruction by the Traverso procedure after pylorus‐preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy is a safe surgical method and has an advantage for advanced pancreatic cancer, which has high risk of jejunal obstruction by recurrent tumor in the remnant pancreas.
Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α, Interleukin‐1β and Nitric Oxide: Induction of Liver Megamitochondria in Prehepatic Portal Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Prieto Isabel , Jiménez Fulgencio , Aller Maria‐Angeles , Nava Maria‐Paz , Vara Elena , Garcia Cruz , Arias Jaime
Published: June 2005

Abstact

It has been shown that portal hypertension in the rat causes microvesicular hepatocytic fatty infiltration. Formation of megamitochondria (MG) is one of the most prominent alterations in steatosis. Because nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα), and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) impair mitochondrial function, these mediators have been studied in prehepatic portal hypertensive rats to verify their coexistence with MG and therefore with steatosis. Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: a control group (n= 7) and a group with partial portal vein hgation (n= 19) at 6 weeks of evolution. TNFα and IL‐1β were quantified in liver by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and NO was measured in the portal vein, suprahepatic inferior vena cava, and infrahepatic inferior vena cava by the Griess reaction. In portal hypertensive rats, the‐serum concentration of NO of hepatic origin increases (132.10 ± 34.72 vs. 52.44 ± 11.32 nmol/ml;p< 0.001), as do TNF‐α (2.02 ± 0.20 vs. 1.12 ± 0.43 μmol/mg protein) and IL‐1β (18.95 ± 2.59 vs. 5.48 ± 1.70 μmol/mg protein) (p= 0.005) in the liver. The most frequent hepatic histologic findings are the presence of MG (p< 0.001), steatosis, and hyperplasia. An increase in hepatic release of NO, TNFα and IL‐Iβ with MG formation is produced in rats with portal hypertension. Therefore these proinflammatory mediators and this morphologic mitochondrial alteration could both be involved in the etiopathogenesis of steatosis.
Clinicopathological Factors Predicting Long‐term Overall Survival after Hepatectomy for Peripheral Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Jan Yi‐Yin , Yeh Chun‐Nan , Yeh Ta‐Sen , Tsann‐Long Hwang , Fu Chen Miin‐
Published: June 2005

Peripheral cholangiocarcinoma (PCC) is clinically challenging because patients typically do not present until the disease is relatively advanced. Three‐year to 5‐year survival rates even with resection thus remain dismal. This study aimed to determine the clinicopathological factors for predicting overall survival longer than 5 years in PCC patients treated with hepatectomy. From 1977 to 1997, the clinicopatholgical features of 11 PCC patients who underwent hepatectomy with long‐term overall survival (group A) were reviewed. Comparison was made with the clinical features and factors influencing the outcome of 70 PCC patients who survived less than 5 years after hepatectomy (group B). Of 81 PCC patients undergoing hepatectomy, 11 (13.6%) were 5‐year survivors. The 81 PCC patients comprised 32 men and 49 women, with a mean age of 56.0 years (range: 34–83 years). Univariate analysis showed that female gender, absence of physical findings, a higher percentage of presence of mucobilia, early staged tumor, intraductal papillary tumor growth, and curative hepatic resection were more frequent in group A patients than group B patients. However, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that absence of physical findings, presence of mucobilia, early staged tumor, and curative hepatic resection were the four independent factors differentiating group A from B patients. The 1‐, 3‐, 5‐, and 10‐year survival rates of the group A patients were 100%, 100%, 100%, and 40%, whereas those of the group B patients were 46.0%, 9.5%, 0%, and 0%, respectively. Absence of physical findings, presence of mucobilia, early staged tumor, and curative hepatectomy could independently predict PCC patients with long‐term overall survival after hepatectomy.
Practical Usefulness of Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator with Argon Beam Coagulation for Hepatic Parenchymal Transection
Authors: Nagano Yasuhiko , Matsuo Kenichi , Kunisaki Chikara , Ike Hideyuki , Imada Toshio , Tanaka Kuniya , Togo Shinji , Shimada Hiroshi
Published: June 2005

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of using the Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) with argon beam coagulation (ABC) during hepatic resection, in comparison with a conventional method using CUSA with bipolar cautery. Between April 2003 and March 2004, a series of 14 consecutive patients underwent hepatic resection of normal liver. Hepatectomies were performed using CUSA and bipolar irrigation electrocautery (BP) in eight patients between April 2003 and December 2003. CUSA and an ABC were used in six patients between January 2004 and March 2004. There were no differences in patient characteristics between the two groups. Blood loss per area of transected liver surface was significantly lower for CUSA with ABC than for CUSA with BP (2.9 ± l.44 vs. 6.33 ± 3.14 ml/cm2). Furthermore, the speed of resection, defined as resection time per area of transected liver surface, was significantly greater for CUSA with ABC than for CUSA with BP (0.53 ± 0.14 vs.2.18 ± 1.73 min/cm2). This new technique of combining CUSA with ABC can decrease blood loss during hepatic parenchymal transection and shorten the resection time.
Power and Sample Size Calculations for Multivariate Linear Models with Random Explanatory Variables
Authors: Shieh Gwowen
Published: June 2005

This article considers the problem of power and sample size calculations for normal outcomes within the framework of multivariate linear models. The emphasis is placed on the practical situation that not only the values of response variables for each subject are just available after the observations are made, but also the levels of explanatory variables cannot be predetermined before data collection. Using analytic justification, it is shown that the proposed methods extend the existing approaches to accommodate the extra variability and arbitrary configurations of the explanatory variables. The major modification involves the noncentrality parameters associated with the F approximations to the transformations of Wilks likelihood ratio, Pillai trace and Hotelling-Lawley trace statistics. A treatment of multivariate analysis of covariance models is employed to demonstrate the distinct features of the proposed extension. Monte Carlo simulation studies are conducted to assess the accuracy using a child’s intellectual development model. The results update and expand upon current work in the literature.
Models for the Statistics and Mechanisms of Response Speed and Accuracy
Authors: Wenger Michael J.
Published: June 2005

Van Breukelen offers a promising method for modeling both response speed and response accuracy. However, the underlying conception of both dependent measures is somewhat flawed, leading the author to conclude that the approach possesses limitations that, under revised assumptions, may not hold. The central misconception, and a set of related misconceptions, is addressed, and it is suggested that this approach holds a good deal of promise for application in the perceptual and cognitive sciences.
Being a Palliative Nurse for Persons with Severe Congestive Heart Failure in Advanced Homecare
Authors: Brännström Margareta , Brulin Christine , Norberg Astrid , Boman Kurt , Strandberg Gunilla
Published: June 2005

Advanced homecare for persons with congestive heart failure is a ‘new’ challenge for palliative nurses. The aim of this study is to illuminate the meaning of being a palliative nurse for persons with severe congestive heart failure in advanced homecare. Narrative interviews with 11 nurses were conducted, tape-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. A phenomenological-hermeneutic method was used to interpret the text. One meaning of being a palliative nurse is being firmly rooted and guided by the values of palliative culture. Being adaptable to the patient's way of life carries great weight. On one hand nurses live out this value, facilitating for the patients to live their everydaylife as good as possible. Being a facilitator is revealed as difficult, challenging, but overall positive. On the other hand nurses get into a tight corner when values of palliative culture clash and do not correspond with the nurses interpretation of what is good for the person with congestive heart failure. Being in such a tight corner is revealed as frustrating and giving rise to feelings of inadequacy. Thus, it seems important to reflect critical on the values of palliative culture.
Specific effect of levetiracetam in experimental human pain models*
Authors: Enggaard Thomas P. , Klitgaard Niels A. , Sindrup Søren H.
Published: June 2005

Background Levetiracetam is a new antiepileptic drug. There is only limited experience with levetiracetam in clinical neuropathic pain.

Aim To test the analgesic effect of levetiracetam in a human experimental pain model in order to obtain preclinical evidence for its potential effect in neuropathic pain.

Methods Sixteen healthy volunteers completed a randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over trial with a single oral dose of 1500 mg levetiracetam against placebo. Pain tests included pain detection and tolerance to single electrical stimulation and temporal pain summation threshold to repetitive electrical stimulation (3 Hz) of the sural nerve.

Results Levetiracetam significantly increased the pain tolerance thresholds (p = 0.04), and the pain detection thresholds tended to be increased (p = 0.06), whereas levetiracetam had no effect on temporal pain summation thresholds (p = 0.30).

Conclusion Levetiracetam has an analgesic effect in the electrical sural nerve stimulation pain model, but it did not increase temporal pain summation threshold. Levetiracetam may still be effective in clinical neuropathic pain.
Functional characterization of neostatins, the MMP‐derived, enzymatic cleavage products of type XVIII collagen
Authors: Chang Jin-Hong , Javier Joel A.D. , Chang Gene-Yuan , Oliveira Hailton B. , Azar Dimitri T.
Published: June 2005

Several anti‐angiogenic factors are derived from proteolytic processing of large molecules including endostatin from type XVIII collagen and angiostatin from plasminogen. In previous studies we showed that neostatin‐7, the C‐terminal 28 kDa endostatin‐spanning proteolytic fragment, is generated from the proteolytic action of matrix metalloproteinase matrilysin (MMP)‐7 on type XVIII collagen. Now, we report a second member of the neostatin family of proteins, neostatin‐14. Given the small quantities of neostatin‐7 and ‐14 generated by the breakdown of naturally occurring collagen XVIII (using MMP‐7 and ‐14, respectively), we used two other approaches to characterize the anti‐angiogenic properties of these molecules: murine recombinant neostatin in vitro, and gene therapy. We demonstrate that murine recombinant neostatin‐7 inhibits calf pulmonary artery endothelial cell proliferation and that microinjection of neostatin‐7 and neostatin‐14 naked DNA into the corneal stroma of mice results in significant reduction of basic fibroblast growth factor‐induced corneal neovascularization. These results provide supportive evidence of the possible anti‐angiogenic effect of neostatins.
Viroporin activity of murine hepatitis virus E protein
Authors: Madan Vanessa , García Meritxell de Jesús , Sanz Miguel A. , Carrasco Luis
Published: June 2005

The viroporin activity of the E protein from murine hepatitis virus (MHV), a member of the coronaviruses, was analyzed. Viroporins are a growing family of viral proteins able to enhance membrane permeability, promoting virus budding. Initially, the MHV E gene was inducibly expressed in Escherichia coli cells, leading to the arrest of bacterial growth, cell lysis and permeabilization to different compounds. Thus, exit of labeled nucleotides from E. coli cells to the cytoplasm was apparent upon expression of MHV E. In addition, enhanced entry of the antibiotic hygromycin B occurred at levels comparable to those observed with the viroporin 6K from Sindbis virus. Mammalian cells are also readily permeabilized by the expression of MHV E protein. Finally, brefeldin A powerfully blocks the viroporin activity of the E protein in BHK cells, suggesting that an intact vesicular system is necessary for this coronavirus to permeabilize mammalian cells.
Oxidized SOD1 alters proteasome activities in vitro and in the cortex of SOD1 overexpressing mice
Authors: Pecheur Marie Le , Bourdon Emmanuel , Paly Evelyne , Farout Luc , Friguet Bertrand , London Jacqueline
Published: June 2005

Premature ageing, one of the characteristics of Down syndrome (DS), may involve oxidative stress and impairment of proteasome activity. Transgenic mice overexpressing the human copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene are one of the first murine models for DS and it has been shown that SOD1 overexpression might be either deleterious or beneficial. Here, we show a reduction in proteasome activities in the cortex of SOD1 transgenic mice and an associated increase in the content of oxidized SOD1 protein. As we demonstrate that in vitro oxidized SOD can inhibit purified proteasome peptidase activities, modified SOD1 might be partially responsible for proteasome inhibition shown in SOD1 transgenic mice.
Decreased stability of photosystem I in dgd1 mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Guo Jinkui , Zhang Zhuzhu , Bi Yurong , Yang Wen , Xu Yinong , Zhang Lixin
Published: June 2005

The dgd1 mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana provides us with a powerful tool for revealing the specific role of digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) in photosynthesis. Blue‐native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that photosystem I (PSI) subunits are assembled into a PSI complex, and that a PSI subcomplex lacking stroma side subunits was also present. PSI subunits in the dgd1 mutant were decreased to a similar level compared with that in the wild type (WT) Arabidopsis. Further experiments showed that PSI subunits in the stroma side, PsaD and PsaE, in the dgd1 mutant were more susceptible to removal by chaotropic agents than those in the WT plant, indicating that the stability of PsaD and PsaE is impaired in the dgd1 mutant. These results provide evidence that DGDG is important for the stability of the PSI complex.
The p53 pathway is synergized by p38 MAPK signaling to mediate 11,11′‐dideoxyverticillin‐induced G2/M arrest
Authors: Chen Yi , Miao Ze-Hong , Zhao Wei-Min , Ding Jian
Published: June 2005

The phytochemical 11,11′‐dideoxyverticillin, derived from the fungus Shiraia bambusicola, has been shown to possess potent anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo. Here, we investigated the effect of 11,11′‐dideoxyverticillin on cell cycle progression, and explored the potential mechanisms for this effect. A concentration‐ and time‐dependent cell cycle blockade at G2/M phase was observed in human colon cancer cells (HCT‐116) following 11,11′‐dideoxyverticillin treatment and was associated with marked increases in levels of p53, phospho‐p53(ser20) and phospho‐Chk2(Thr 68). When wild type p53 expression was specifically inhibited by RNA interference, HCT‐116 cells treated with 11,11′‐dideoxyverticillin failed to arrest in G2/M and did not show increased phospho‐Chk2(Thr 68). On the other hand, 11,11′‐dideoxyverticillin treatment also elicited p38 MAP kinase activity and expression of phospho‐p38 MAPK. Treatment with a specific p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) successfully inhibited p38 MAPK and delayed the onset of G2/M arrest induced by 0.5 μM 11,11′‐dideoxyverticillin after approximately 6 h, but did not abolish the induction of G2/M arrest. Additionally, SB203580 did not alter the levels of p53, phospho‐p53 (ser20), or phospho‐Chk2 (Thr68) proteins in 11,11′‐dideoxyverticillin‐treated cells. Together, these findings indicate that p53‐mediated phosphorylation of Chk2 maybe plays a vital role in 11,11′‐dideoxyverticillin‐induced G2/M arrest, and that p38 MAPK might accelerate this progression. Our work suggests a new possibility of interactions among p53, Chk2 and p38 MAPK signaling in G2/M arrest.
Induction of 15‐lipoxygenase‐1 impairs expression of HIV‐1 receptors CD4 and CXCR4 in monocytic cells
Authors: Chaitidis Pavlos , Kuhn Hartmut
Published: June 2005

The lipoxygenase pathway of immunocompetent cells has been related to HIV infection and interleukins‐4 and ‐13 have been described as major regulators of this metabolic route. To explore whether 15‐lipoxygenase1 expression might impact the responsiveness of monocytic cells for HIV we induced expression of this enzyme by two independent ways (stable transfection of U937 cells and culturing of blood monocytes in vitro in the presence of granulocyte/monocyte colony stimulating factor and interleukin 4) and assayed the cellular content of the two HIV‐1 receptors CD4 and CXCR4 (CD184) by real time RT‐PCR and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. Wild‐type U937 cells express CD4 and CXCR4 at high levels and expression was not altered when the cells were transfected with control plasmids. In contrast, expression of these proteins was strongly reduced when the cells were stably transfected with 15‐lipoxygenase1. Similar effects were observed when blood monocytes were cultured in the presence of granulocyte/monocyte colony stimulating factor and interleukin‐4. Under these conditions strong overexpression of 15‐lipoxygenase1 was paralleled by downregulation of CD4 and CXCR4. Since these surface proteins are essential for the binding of T‐tropic HIV‐1 strains expression of 15‐lipoxygenase1 may confer resistance against HIV infection to monocytic cells.
Supplier–supplier relationships in the buyer–supplier triad: Building theories from eight case studies
Authors: Wu Zhaohui , Choi Thomas Y.
Published: June 2005

Many researchers have studied how the buying company manages its relationship with suppliers (i.e. buyer–supplier relationship). Extending this genre of study, researchers have recently shown interest in investigating how the buying company manages relationships between the suppliers (i.e. supplier–supplier relationship). In other words, just as the relationship with the suppliers does, the relationships between suppliers have strategic implications for the buyer. We present in this study eight cases that describe supplier–supplier relationship dynamics. Using theory building through case studies, we identify five archetypes of supplier–supplier relationships. Each type of relationship is a unique configuration of the relational characteristics. We also present working propositions that associate the antecedent conditions that lead to these archetypes and eventual performance implications.
Intratympanic dexamethasone for profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Battista Robert A.
Published: June 2005

OBJECTIVES

To determine hearing recovery by using intratympanic dexamethasone for profound, idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A prospective, clinical study was performed of 25 consecutive patients seen with profound ISSNHL. Patients received 4 intratympanic treatments of dexamethasone over the course of 2 weeks. Complete hearing recovery was defined as the final pure‐tone average (PTA) within 10 dB of baseline. Partial recovery was defined as a final PTA with >50% hearing. The hearing in the contralateral ear was used as baseline.

RESULTS

The average time to treatment was 28 days. Two patients had significant hearing recovery, and 1 additional patient had partial recovery. The 2 patients with significant hearing recovery were treated within 9 days of onset of hearing loss.

CONCLUSIONS

By using the treatment protocol and definition of hearing recovery of this study, intratympanic dexamethasone does not result in significant hearing improvement for patients with profound ISSNHL. There is a possible trend for improved hearing results if intratympanic treatment is performed within 11 days of onset of hearing loss.
Deep neck infection in diabetic patients: Comparison of clinical picture and outcomes with nondiabetic patients
Authors: Huang Tung‐Tsun , Tseng Fen‐Yu , Liu Tien‐Chen , Hsu Chuan‐Jen , Chen Yuh‐Shyang
Published: June 2005

OBJECTIVE

To compare the difference in the clinical picture and outcomes between diabetic and nondiabetic patients with deep neck infections.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who were diagnosed with deep neck infections and who received treatment at the Department of Otolaryngology of National Taiwan University Hospital between 1997 and 2002. One hundred eighty‐five patients were included in our study. Fifty‐six patients with diabetes mellitus were enrolled for further analysis (diabetic group) and compared with the other 129 patients without diabetes mellitus (nondiabetic group) in demography, etiology, bacteriology, treatment, duration of hospital stay, complications, and outcome.

RESULTS

The parapharyngeal space was the space most commonly involved in both the diabetic (33.9%) and nondiabetic groups (40.3%). Odontogenic infections and upper airway infections were the 2 leading causes of deep neck infection in diabetic and nondiabetic groups. Streptococcus viridans is the most commonly isolated organism in the nondiabetic group (43.7%). However, the most common organism in the diabetic group was Klebsiella pneumoniae (56.1%). There were 89.3% of diabetic patients, versus 71.3% of nondiabetic patients, with abscess formation (P = 0.0136). Surgical drainage was performed more frequently in the diabetic group than in the nondiabetic group (86.0% versus 65.2%, P = 0.0142). In comparison with the nondiabetic group, the diabetic group tended to have older mean age (57.2 y versus 46.2 y, P = 0.0007), longer duration of hospital stay (19.7 days versus 10.2 days, P >0.0001), more frequent complications (33.9% versus 8.5%, P >0.0001), and more frequent tracheostomy or intubation (19.6% versus 6.2%, P = 0.0123).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with diabetes mellitus are susceptible to deep neck infection. We should pay more attention when dealing with deep neck infections in patients with diabetes mellitus because those patients tend to have complications more frequently and a longer duration of hospital stay. Empirical antibiotics should cover K. pneumoniae in patients with deep neck infection who have diabetes mellitus.
Laser carbon dioxide cordectomy versus open surgery in the treatment of glottic carcinoma: Our results
Authors: Maurizi Maurizio , Almadori Giovanni , Plaudetti Gaetano , Eugenio De Corso , Galli Jacopo
Published: June 2005

OBJECTIVE

To analyze oncologic results in patients with glottic cancers treated respectively, by laser CO2 or open surgery, taking into account specific‐disease survival, rate of locoregional recurrences, and their salvageability.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study of 198 patients treated from January 1993 to June 2002 in the department of otorhinolaryngology at a Catholic university in Rome.

METHODS

Glottic carcinoma were treated by laser CO2 cordectomy in 132 patients (group 1) and by open surgery in 66 patients (group 2). The statistical analysis was performed by Kaplan Meyer method, log rank test, and x 2, test.

RESULTS

The log‐rank test points out significant differences between the 2 groups regarding specific‐disease survival; no differences were found for disease‐free survival. Within group 1, 16 patients developed local failure, which was retreated in 6 cases with laser surgery; in 9 (6.8%) with total laryngectomy, only 1 case was inoperable. In this group, 10 patients (62.5%) were salvaged. Within group 2, 18 patients developed local recurrences, which was retreated in 14 (21.21%) cases with total laryngectomy; the other 4 cases were not suitable for surgery. Of these 18, 8 patients (44.5%) were salvaged.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

Our results show significant differences between the 2 groups concerning the specific‐disease survival and the salvageability of local recurrences. In fact, in group 1 we found a higher salvage rate and a lower incidence of total laryngectomy. As already suggested, laser therapy leaves the laryngeal cartilaginous framework intact, avoiding the spread of the tumor out of laryngeal organ and resulting in a more favorable oncologic outcome.
The surgical approach to retrosternal goiters: The role of computerized tomography
Authors: Grainger JOE , Saravanappa Natarajan , D'souza Alwyn , Wilcock David , Wilson Paul S
Published: June 2005

OBJECTIVE

To assess preoperative CT scans of patients with a retrosternal goiter, with an objective of identifying features that are likely to predict the need for sternotomy at operation.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A retrospective review of clinical notes and CT scans of patients who underwent thyroidectomy for retrosternal goiter at a large district general hospital in the United Kingdom between 1998 and 2002.

RESULTS

Extension of the goiter to the level of the aortic arch, particularly when combined with tracheal involvement or major vessel displacement, increases the likelihood of requiring median sternotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Most retrosternal goiters can be approached through a cervical incision alone. However, extension of the goiter to the level of the aortic arch does appear to increase the likelihood of requiring sternotomy.

SIGNIFICANCE

In such cases in which sternotomy is anticipated, the availability of cardiothoracic services would be helpful to avoid patient morbidity.
Papillary and follicular variant of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid: Initial presentation and response to therapy
Authors: Burningham Alan R. , Krishnan Jayashree , Davidson Bruce J. , Ringel Matthew D. , Burman Kenneth D.
Published: June 2005

INTRODUCTION

The 2 most common histologic variants of papillary carcinoma are pure papillary carcinoma (PTC) and follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC). The purpose of this study is to compare the presentation and short‐term response to therapy of these variants and to determine if FVPTC is a more aggressive form of thyroid cancer that warrants intensive therapy.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients treated for PTC and FVPTC between 1996 and 1999 was performed. Clinical variables were compared with the Wilcoxon Rank‐Sum test or the Fischer's Exact Test.

RESULTS

Of 160 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma included, 114 (71%) had PTC and 46 (29%) had FVPTC. Mean follow‐up was 38.6 months. FVPTC presented with larger tumors (median 1.5 cm vs 1.0 cm, P = 0.007) and higher tumor stage than PTC. PTC patients were more likely to present with local invasion and to have local recurrence (9.65% vs 0% for both variables). There were no significant differences in patient age, gender, vascular invasion, lymph node or distant metastases, surgical treatment, radioactive iodine therapy, remission, or mortality.

CONCLUSION

FVPTC presented with larger original tumor size and higher tumor stage but a lower local invasion rate and recurrence rate than patients with PTC despite similar therapies. These data suggest that FVPTC and PTC carry similar prognoses in early stages and that FVPTC may have a reduced predilection for local invasion. Although further studies with longer follow‐up are required, these results do not suggest that FVPTC warrants more aggressive therapy than PTC.
Tissue model and preliminary analysis of microdebriders used in functional endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Dave Sandeep P. , Lehman David A. , Casiano Roy R.
Published: June 2005

OBJECTIVE

To develop a standardized in vitro tissue model for microdebrider comparison, and determine which microdebrider, tissue type, blade type, and suction strength is most efficient.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A prospective randomized comparison of the Diego Powered Dissector and XPS 3000 Powered ENT System was conducted using a soft‐tissue and a firm‐tissue model. In addition to evaluating tissue aspiration with straight and angled blades, clogging rates and clearance times were measured. Both standard wall suction and liposuction were used. Basic statistical analysis and a one‐way analysis of variance using confidence intervals were performed to compare outcomes.

RESULTS

The aspiration of soft tissue was statistically superior to and demonstrated less clogging compared to the aspiration of firm tissue. For the “head‐to‐head” comparison, the XPS 3000 was statistically superior for aspirating soft tissue. When liposuction was excluded, the devices were essentially equivalent. Several notable trends that were not statistically significant were also observed. The aspiration efficiency of straight blades appeared to be superior compared to angled blades. The XPS 3000 and liposuction independently seemed to aspirate more tissue than the Diego Powered Dissector and regular suction, but at the expense of increased clogging. Finally, the Diego Powered Dissector showed a trend toward aspirating more firm tissue.

CONCLUSION

Our tissue model represents a reliable and reproducible means of microdebrider comparison. A secondary analysis with a larger sample size is warranted to further validate the tissue model, to improve the power of the statistically significant results, and to better delineate the trends that were observed in the current study.
Successful outpatient treatment of sinusitis exacerbations caused by community‐acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Gerencer Roland Z.
Published: June 2005

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether community‐acquired MRSA sinusitis can be adequately treated on an outpatient basis without the need for intravenous antibiotics.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective review of all cases of community‐acquired MRSA sinusitis encountered by the author over a 36‐month period.

RESULTS

Of 29 patients who tested positive for MRSA sinusitis, 26 patients had follow‐up information available and were retrospectively reviewed. The average follow‐up period was 12.0 months (range: 1–36 mo). Twelve infectious episodes of MRSA were treated with oral antibiotics alone and 16 were treated with a combination of oral and topical antibiotics. The mean time to clinical resolution with these regimens was 5.7 weeks (range: 3–8 wks). Two patients experienced recurrent MRSA infections resulting in a recurrence rate of 7.7% and an overall resolution rate of 92.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Community‐acquired MRSA sinusitis can be very adequately treated on an outpatient basis with culture‐directed oral and topical antibiotics.