bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population‐based case‐control study of isolated congenital cataract
Authors: Vogt Gábor , Puhó Erzsébet , Czeizel Andrew E.
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to detect possible etiological factors in the origin of isolated congenital cataracts.

METHODS

The data set of the Hungarian Case‐Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities, 1980–2002, contains 111 cases of isolated congenital cataract and 111 matched control pairs without the defect, 37,837 population controls without any defects, and 22,744 malformed controls with other nonocular abnormalities. Exposure data and family history are based on prospective medical records, retrospective maternal information, and information obtained by regional nurses during a home visit with nonrespondent mothers.

RESULTS

A positive family history indicated an autosomal‐dominant origin in 10% of cases. Rubella infections occurred more frequently in case mothers than in control mothers before vaccination against rubella virus was instituted. A higher prevalence of influenza or common cold during pregnancy was found in the case group (55.9%) than in the population control group (18.5%; adjusted odds ratios [ORs], 5.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.0–8.4) or in the malformed control group (21.7%; adjusted OR, 4.7; 95% CI, 3.2–6.9). The prevalence of acute infectious diseases of the respiratory system during pregnancy was also higher in the case group (26.1%) than in the population control group (9.1%; adjusted OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 2.5–5.8), or the malformed control group (9.3%; adjusted OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 2.3–5.3). The higher risk for isolated congenital cataract in cases of mothers with influenza or common cold and acute infectious diseases of the respiratory system during pregnancy was not found after administration of antifever therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Some isolated congenital cataracts are preventable by rubella vaccination and probably by influenza vaccination in the epidemic period. In addition, our results suggest that using antifever therapy for fever‐related respiratory diseases may restrict the teratogenic risk of hyperthermia. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transforming growth factor‐β3 promotes mesenchymal cell proliferation and angiogenesis mediated by the enhancement of cyclin D1, Flk‐1, and CD31 gene expression during CL/Fr mouse lip fusion
Authors: Muraoka Noriko , Shum Lillian , Fukumoto Satoshi , Nomura Taisei , Ohishi Masamichi , Nonaka Kazuaki
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

Cleft lip with or without cleft palate is the most common congenital anomaly in the craniofacial region. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms behind normal lip fusion can contribute to better intervention and improved functional clinical outcome. Transforming growth factor‐β3 (TGF‐β3) has been implicated in lip morphogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesized that TGF‐β3 functions during lip fusion through regulation of angiogenesis and mesenchymal cell cycle progression during early developmental stages.

METHODS

To test this hypothesis we used the CL/Fraser mouse model, which has a high incidence of cleft lip. Lips isolated from embryonic day (ED) 11.5 mouse embryos were allowed to develop in serum‐free organ cultures in the presence or absence of TGF‐β3. The lips that developed in these cultures fused in 2 days.

RESULTS

During normal development, we detected positive immunoreactions for TGF‐β3 at the site of fusion. We also detected mesenchymal cells that were immunopositive for Flk‐1 and CD31, which are markers for endothelial cell precursors. Exogenous TGF‐β3 accelerated lip fusion in culture. This enhancement was associated with an increase in the number of capillary blood vessels in the lips cultured in the presence of TGF‐β3, in comparison with controls. In tandem, TGF‐β3 increased the level of expression of both Flk‐1 and CD31. Our data suggest that an elevated level of TGF‐β3 may promote angiogenesis in developing lips that is mediated by increased Flk‐1 and CD31 expression. We also detected increased cyclin D1 expression (a marker for cell proliferation) in the presence of TGF‐β3, which suggests that TGF‐β3 promoted cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

TGF‐β3 promoted cell proliferation and angiogenesis in lip mesenchymal tissues. These events led to enhanced lip fusion in the presence of TGF‐β3. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal influenza during pregnancy and risk of congenital abnormalities in offspring
Authors: ács NÁndor , Bánhidy Ferenc , Puhó Erzsébet , Czeizel Andrew E.
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

The teratogenic effect of influenza viruses is currently being debated, and we examined the large population‐based data set of the Hungarian Case‐Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities (HCCSCA) to study the possible association between maternal influenza and various congenital abnormalities (CAs).

METHODS

The 1980–1996 HCCSCA includes 22,843 newborns or fetuses with CAs, and 38,151 matched controls (newborn infants without any abnormalities).

RESULTS

In the case group, 1328 (5.8%) mothers had influenza at some time during their pregnancies compared to 1838 (4.8%) mothers in the control group (adjusted prevalence odds ratios [PORs], 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–1.4). In the calculation of the adjusted PORs, the use of antifever drugs and maternal employment status were considered. When cases and their matched controls were compared, there was a higher prevalence of maternal influenza during the second and/or third month of pregnancy for the group of newborns with cleft lip ± palate (adjusted POR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.0–5.3), neural‐tube defects (adjusted POR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1–3.3), and cardiovascular malformations (adjusted POR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3–2.3). However, a direct teratogenic effect from influenza viruses appears to be unlikely, and we suggest that the higher prevalence of the CAs indicated above can be explained mainly by fever, because this risk was reduced by the use of antifever drugs. Periconceptional folic acid supplementation also showed some preventive effect for these CAs.

CONCLUSIONS

The indirect teratogenic effect of maternal influenza during pregnancy may be restricted by appropriate medical treatment (e.g., antifever drugs) and periconceptional folic acid supplementation. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increasing the transglycosylation activity of α‐galactosidase from Bifidobacterium adolescentis DSM 20083 by site‐directed mutagenesis
Authors: Hinz Sandra W.A. , Doeswijk‐Voragen Chantal H.L. , Schipperus Roelof , van den Broek Lambertus A.M. , Vincken Jean‐Paul , Voragen Alphons G.J.
Published: December 2005

The α‐galactosidase (AGA) from Bifidobacterium adolescentis DSM 20083 has a high transglycosylation activity. The optimal conditions for this activity are pH 8, and 37°C. At high melibiose concentration (600 mM), approximately 64% of the enzyme–substrate encounters resulted in transglycosylation. Examination of the acceptor specificity showed that AGA required a hydroxyl group at C‐6 for transglycosylation. Pentoses, hexuronic acids, deoxyhexoses, and alditols did not serve as acceptor molecules. Disaccharides were found to be good acceptors. A putative 3D‐structure of the catalytic site of AGA was obtained by homology modeling. Based on this structure and amino acid sequence alignments, site‐directed mutagenesis was performed to increase the transglycosylation efficiency of the enzyme, which resulted in four positive mutants. The positive single mutations were combined, resulting in six double mutants. The mutant H497M had an increase in transglycosylation of 16%, whereas most of the single mutations showed an increase of 2%–5% compared to the wild‐type AGA. The double mutants G382C‐Y500L, and H497M‐Y500L had an increase in transglycosylation activity of 10%–16%, compared to the wild‐type enzyme, whereas the increase for the other double mutants was low (4%–7%). The results show that with a single mutation (H497M) the transglycosylation efficiency can be increased from 64% to 75% of all enzyme–substrate encounters. Combining successful single mutants in double mutations did not necessarily result in an extra increase in transglycosylation efficiency. The donor and acceptor specificity did not change in the mutants, whereas the thermostability of the mutants with G382C decreased drastically. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of methanol concentration on secreted protein production in oxygen‐limited cultures of recombinant Pichia pastoris
Authors: Khatri Narendar K. , Hoffmann Frank
Published: December 2005

The methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris is a powerful system for production of recombinant proteins, showing high ability to secrete properly folded proteins. A major plus is the strong AOX1 promoter highly induced by methanol. During growth on methanol, however, oxygen readily becomes limiting. In oxygen‐limited cultivations of recombinant Pichia pastoris, the methanol concentration had a strong impact on the production of a single‐chain antibody fragment (scFv). High methanol concentrations were required to compensate the lack of oxygen and fully induce recombinant protein production, at the same time reducing gratuitous biomass formation due to a lower biomass yield. Product concentrations of 60, 150, and 350 mg/L were obtained with methanol concentrations of 0.3, 1, and 3% (v/v). Moreover, accumulation of a putative product fragment that cannot be removed during affinity purification was prevented at high methanol concentrations. Cell vitality after 100 h was maintained above 98% and 96% of the culture with 0.3% and 3% methanol, respectively. In cultivations supplemented with oxygen, in contrast, methanol concentration between 0.3% and 3% did not influence the product yield of 300–400 mg/L. Thus, efficient recombinant protein production under oxygen‐limitation seems to require high methanol concentrations, enabling product concentration as high as otherwise obtained only with expensive supply of pure oxygen. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimization of thyroxine replacement therapy after total or near-total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease
Authors: Olubowale O , Chadwick D R
Published: December 2005

Background

Total or near-total thyroidectomy is increasingly used to treat benign thyroid conditions. Lifelong treatment with thyroxine (T4) is then required, but the optimal dose is difficult to predict. This study investigated factors that might predict the ideal T4 dose, with the aim of reducing delays in achieving normal thyroid function after surgery.

Methods

Data on 98 patients who underwent total or near-total thyroidectomy for benign disease were reviewed retrospectively. Patient and operative variables that might predict time to achieve normal thyroid function and optimal T4 replacement dose were examined. These data were then used to formulate an algorithm for T4 dosage, based on patient weight, that was subsequently applied prospectively to a comparable group of 27 patients.

Results

The median time to achieve normal thyroid function was 14·5 (range 2–120) weeks before introduction of the algorithm, and was greater in patients needing large changes in T4 dose. In multivariate analysis, the best predictors of optimal T4 dose were bodyweight (r = 0·46, P < 0·001) and age (r = −0·32, P = 0·002). Subsequent use of a weight-related algorithm improved time to achieve normal thyroid function.

Conclusion

The T4 replacement dosage after total or near-total thyroidectomy is largely influenced by bodyweight. Use of a weight-related algorithm improves patient care compared with use of standard T4 dose-titration methods.
Video-assisted subtotal or near-total thyroidectomy for Graves' disease
Authors: Maeda S , Uga T , Hayashida N , Ishigaki K , Furui J , Kanematsu T
Published: December 2005

Background

Surgery remains the treatment of choice for patients with Graves' disease. The purpose of the present study was to assess the usefulness and efficacy of video-assisted subtotal or near-total thyroidectomy in patients with Graves' disease.

Methods

Between March 2000 and December 2004, 63 patients with Graves' disease underwent video-assisted subtotal, near-total or total thyroidectomy. Fifty-three patients (84 per cent) were considered for surgery after failure of antithyroid drug and radioiodine therapy, whereas the other ten patients were initially selected for surgical treatment based on their own preference. Treatment outcome was evaluated, including surgical complications, thyroid function, quality of life and patient satisfaction with the surgical result.

Results

All patients were operated on using a video-assisted technique, with some modifications depending on time and experience. There were no conversions to open surgery. Three patients (5 per cent) had temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy that recovered spontaneously. Most patients were satisfied with the surgical results, particularly regarding the placement of the surgical scars.

Conclusion

Video-assisted subtotal or near-total thyroidectomy is a safe and effective procedure for treatment of Graves' disease.
Experience of 3711 stapled haemorrhoidectomy operations
Authors: Ng K-H , Ho K-S , Ooi B-S , Tang C-L , Eu K-W
Published: December 2005

Background

Stapled haemorrhoidectomy has been routinely performed in the Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital since 1999.

Methods

A retrospective review was undertaken of all patients who underwent stapled haemorrhoidectomy between October 1999 and May 2004. The outcomes studied were patient profiles, priority of operation, indications for surgery, length of operation, postoperative complications and recurrences.

Results

A total of 3711 patients (51·1 per cent women) had the surgery. The median patient age was 50 (range 18–88) years. The main indications were bleeding (80·7 per cent), haemorrhoidal prolapse (59·6 per cent) and thrombosis (3·9 per cent). The median duration of operation was 15 (range 5–45) min. Minor complications occurred in 12·3 per cent of patients: acute retention of urine (4·9 per cent), bleeding (4·3 per cent), significant postoperative pain requiring admission (1·6 per cent), anorectal stricture (1·4 per cent), perianal haematoma (0·05 per cent) and significant residual skin tags (0·05 per cent). One patient developed a perianal abscess after stapled haemorrhoidectomy. Anastomotic dehiscence occurred in three patients (0·08 per cent). Twelve (0·3 per cent) patients had a recurrence at a median of 16 (range 5–45) months.

Conclusion

Considerable experience of stapled haemorrhoidectomy confirms it as a safe and effective procedure.
The palliative value of tumor necrosis factor α‐based isolated limb perfusion in patients with metastatic sarcoma and melanoma
Authors: Grunhagen Dirk J. , de Wilt Johannes H. W. , Graveland Wilfried J. , van Geel Albertus N. , Eggermont Alexander M. M.
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

Both patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and patients with melanoma have limited treatment possibilities once the tumor has metastasized systemically. In patients with extremity STS or bulky melanoma in‐transit metastases, the local tumor burden may be so problematic that, even in patients with systemically metastasized disease, an amputation may be inevitable. Isolated limb perfusion (ILP) has proven to be an excellent, local, limb‐saving treatment option in patients with locally advanced extremity tumors. In this study, the authors investigated the palliative value of the ILP procedure to avoid amputation in patients who had Stage IV STS and melanoma.

METHODS

From 1991 to 2003, of 339 tumor necrosis factor α (TNF)‐based ILPs, 51 procedures were performed for either Stage IV STS (n = 37 patients) or Stage IV melanoma (n = 14 patients). All patients underwent an ILP with TNF and melphalan of the upper limb (n = 4 patients) or the lower limb (n = 47 patients) with 26–140 mg melphalan and 2–4 mg TNF.

RESULTS

The overall response in patients with Stage IV STS was 84%, and their median survival was 12 months after ILP. Limb salvage was achieved in 36 of 37 patients, with 1 patient undergoing amputation due to treatment toxicity. In the patients with Stage IV melanoma, the complete response rate was 43%. All patients with melanoma preserved their limb during a median survival of 7 months.

CONCLUSIONS

TNF‐based ILP is an excellent procedure that provided tumor control and limb salvage for the short survival of patients with metastasized, very bulky, limb‐threatening tumors of the extremity. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Human chorionic gonadotropin β (HCGβ) down‐regulates E‐cadherin and promotes human prostate carcinoma cell migration and invasion
Authors: Wu Wei , Walker Ameae M.
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

Membrane‐associated human chorionic gonadotropin β (HCGβ) is correlated with a poor prognosis in localized prostate adenocarcinoma. The relationship between HCGβ and metastasis, however, is unclear.

METHODS

To shed some light on the issue, two stable prostate carcinoma cell lines overexpressing HCGβ, designated DU145 HCGβ and PC3 HCGβ, were created and compared with empty vector stably transfected DU145 and PC3 cells (control cells).

RESULTS

HCGβ expression resulted in a change in morphology; the cells were more elongated and had multiple pseudopodia, while the control cells were more rounded. This change in morphology was duplicated by incubating control cells in conditioned medium from the DU145 HCGβ or PC3 HCGβ cells, or by adding purified HCGβ to control medium. The DU145 HCGβ and PC3 HCGβ cells were also less adherent than the controls, as assessed by the ease with which trypsin‐EDTA could remove them from culture plates. Reduced adherence could be duplicated by incubation of control cells with either conditioned medium or purified HCGβ. Western blot analysis showed that DU145 HCGβ and PC3 HCGβ cells expressed less E‐cadherin than control cells and that a change of medium increased expression of E‐cadherin. Addition of conditioned medium, or purified HCGβ, to control cells down‐regulated E‐cadherin. Cell migration and invasion assays showed that DU145 HCGβ and PC3 HCGβ cells were more migratory and invasive than controls and that treatment of control cells with either conditioned medium or purified HCGβ increased their migratory/invasive capacity.

CONCLUSION

The data indicate that HCGβ is directly responsible for changes in prostate carcinoma cells associated with an increased metastatic phenotype. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
The histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor valproic acid as monotherapy or in combination with all‐trans retinoic acid in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kuendgen Andrea , Schmid Mathias , Schlenk Richard , Knipp Sabine , Hildebrandt Barbara , Steidl Christian , Germing Ulrich , Haas Rainer , Dohner Hartmut , Gattermann Norbert
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

Valproic acid (VPA) inhibits histone deacetylase activity and, synergizing with all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA), achieves differentiation induction of myeloid blast cells in vitro.

METHODS

We used VPA in 58 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who were too old and/or medically unfit to receive intensive chemotherapy (32 AML secondary to myelodysplastic syndrome [MDS], 22 de novo AML, 4 AML secondary to myeloproliferative syndrome). VPA serum concentrations were 50–100 μg/mL. Thirty‐one patients received VPA monotherapy. ATRA was added later in 13 patients who did not respond or who relapsed. Another 27 patients received VPA plus ATRA from the start. Median treatment duration was 93 days for VPA and 88 days for ATRA.

RESULTS

The response rate was only 5% according to International Working Group (IWG) criteria for AML but was 16% when IWG response criteria for MDS were used, which capture hematologic improvement and stabilization of the disease. These endpoints, which are not necessarily correlated with diminishing blast counts, are relevant for the patients' quality of life. Among 23 patients with a peripheral blast count > 5%, 6 (26%) showed a diminishing blast count, and 5 of these had a complete peripheral blast clearance.

CONCLUSIONS

Future trials should combine VPA with chemotherapy or demethylating agents. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Salvage chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide for recurrent temozolomide‐refractory anaplastic astrocytoma
Authors: Chamberlain Marc C. , Tsao‐Wei Denice D. , Groshen Susan
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

A prospective Phase II study of cyclophosphamide (CYC) was conducted in adult patients with recurrent temozolomide‐refractory anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) with a primary objective of evaluating 6‐month progression‐free survival (PFS).

METHODS

Forty patients (28 men, 12 women) ages 26–57 years (median, 43 yrs) with neuroradiographically recurrent AA were treated. All patients had previously been treated with surgery and involved‐field radiotherapy. Additionally, all patients were treated with temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy after radiotherapy. All patients were treated at recurrence with CYC administered intravenously on 2 consecutive days (750 mg/m2/day) every 4 weeks (operationally defined as a single cycle). Neurologic and neuroradiographic evaluation were performed every 8 weeks.

RESULTS

All patients were evaluable. A total of 215 cycles of CYC (median, 4 cycles; range 2–12 cycles) was administered. CYC‐related toxicity included alopecia (all patients, 100%), anemia (5, 12.5%), thrombocytopenia (6, 15%), and neutropenia (8, 20%). Four (10%) patients required transfusion. Nine patients (22.5%) (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 11%–39%) demonstrated a neuroradiographic partial response, 16 patients (40.0%) (95% CI, 25%–57%) demonstrated stable disease, and 15 patients (37.5%) (95% CI, 23%–54%) had progressive disease after 2 cycles of CYC. Time to tumor progression ranged from 2–19 months (median, 4 mos; 95% CI, 2–6 mos). Survival ranged from 2–26 months (median, 8 mos; 95% CI, 6–10 mos). The 6‐month and 12‐month PFS was 30% and 8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

CYC demonstrated modest efficacy with acceptable toxicity in this cohort of adult patients with recurrent anaplastic astrocytoma, all of whom had failed prior TMZ chemotherapy. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Manganese Azides Based on Co‐Ligands with a Flexible Tail: Diverse Structural and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Bai Shi‐Qiang , Gao En‐Qing , He Zheng , Fang Chen‐Jie , Yue Yan‐Feng , Yan Chun‐Hua
Published: December 2005

Three azido‐bridged coordination polymers, namely [Mn(L1)(N3)2]n (1), [Mn(L2)(N3)2]n (2), and [Mn(L3)(N3)2]n (3) [L1 = N‐(2‐pyridylmethylene)methylamine, L2 = N‐(2‐pyridylmethylene)ethylamine, and L3 = N‐(2‐pyridylmethylene)octylamine], have been synthesized with Schiff‐base co‐ligands with flexible tails, and their structures and magnetic properties characterized. Complex 1 is composed of one‐dimensional, uniform chains with double end‐on (EO) azido bridges, complex 2 consists of (6,3) net layers in which double EO azido‐bridged dimers are interlinked by single end‐to‐end (EE) azido bridges, and complex 3 contains chains of MnII ions bridged by alternating double EO and double EE azido bridges. Magnetically, 1 is a metamagnet built of ferromagnetic chains, 2 exhibits weak ferromagnetism due to spin canting, and 3 shows alternate ferro‐ and antiferromagnetic intrachain interactions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Cyclohexylbis(hydroxymethyl)phosphane: A Hydrophilic Phosphane Capable of Forming Novel Hydrogen‐Bonding Networks
Authors: Gonschorowsky Miriam , Merz Klaus , Driess Matthias
Published: December 2005

The cyclohexyl‐substituted (hydroxymethyl)phosphane CyP(CH2OH)2 (1) has been prepared by reaction of the corresponding primary phosphane CyPH2 with aqueous formaldehyde. Compound 1 has been used as building block for the synthesis of new functionalized water‐soluble phosphorus compounds. Thus, Mannich‐type condensation of 1 with excess glycine affords the air‐stable amino acid phosphane conjugate CyP[CH2N(H)CH2COOH]2 (2). Simple oxidation of 1 with hydrogen peroxide and elemental sulfur leads to the crystalline chalcogenide derivatives CyP(O)(CH2OH)2 (3) and CyP(S)(CH2OH)2 (4). X‐ray diffraction analyses of the latter revealed distinct intermolecular hydrogen bonding motifs and possess different types of hydrogen bond networks to each other due to the different proton acceptor ability of the chalcogen atom X of the P=X group (X = O, S): while the oxygen atom of the P=O moiety in 3 serves as proton acceptor, affording a P=O–HO bifurcated network, the sulfur atom of the P=S group denies hydrogen bonding interactions. In addition, the ligand ability of 1 has been studied towards Pt(+2) and Cu(+1) ions: Reaction of 1 with Pt(COD)Cl2 (COD = cycloocta‐1,5‐diene) furnishes the air‐stable complex cis‐[PtCl2{CyP(CH2OH)2}2] (5), while the crystalline dimeric Cu(+1) complex [CuI{CyP(CH2OH)2}2]2 (6) results from the reaction of CuI with two molar equivalents of 1. The complex 6 shows a intermolecular hydrogen bonding pattern different from that of 1, 3 and 4, respectively. The new coordination compounds 5 and 6 represent metal‐phosphane labelled alcohols which are promising building blocks for the synthesis of metal‐based drugs. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Expression of the serine protease DESC1 correlates directly with normal keratinocyte differentiation and inversely with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma progression
Authors: Sedghizadeh Parish P. , Mallery Susan R. , Thompson Sarah J. , Kresty Laura , Beck F. Michael , Parkinson E. Kenneth , Biancamano John , Lang James C.
Published: December 2005

Background.

As part of ongoing studies aimed at identifying the molecular events involved in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma progression, we recently isolated a novel serine protease, DESC1. This study was conducted to further characterize DESC1.

Methods.

Specimens of normal, dysplastic, and carcinomatous oropharyngeal mucosa (n = 31) were evaluated for DESC1 immunoreactivity using standard streptavidin‐biotin immunoperoxidase techniques. Between‐lesion stain intensity values were analyzed using multiple Wilcoxon tests. DESC1 expression was also evaluated in cultured human keratinocytes after induction of differentiation by calcium challenge, with subsequent real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction quantification.

Results.

DESC1 immunoreactivity decreased as lesions approached a malignant phenotype. Post hoc testing comparing the different lesion types and DESC1 staining values showed significance between “normal” and “carcinoma” (p = .0017) groups. Induction of normal keratinocyte differentiation by calcium challenge was accompanied by an increase in DESC1 expression (p = .002).

Conclusions.

These results suggest downregulation of DESC1 during squamous cell carcinoma progression and upregulation during normal epithelial differentiation. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 28: 432–440, 2006
Dynamics of flexible cycloalkanes. Ab initio and DFT study of the conformational energy hypersurface of cyclononane
Authors: Suvire Fernando D. , Santagata Luis N. , Bombasaro José A. , Enriz Ricardo D.
Published: December 2005

The multidimensional Potential Energy Hypersurface (PEHS) for the cyclononane molecule was comprehensively investigated at the Hartree–Fock (HF), and Density Functional Theory (DFT) levels of theory. Second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) optimizations were also carried out to confirm the low‐energy conformations. The previously reported Geometrical Algorithm to Search Conformational Space (GASCOS) has been used to generate the starting geometries for the conformational analysis. The GASCOS algorithm combined with ab initio and DFT optimization permits searching of the potential energy hypersurface for all minimum‐energy conformations as well as transition structures connecting the low‐energy forms. The search located all previously reported structures together with 11 transition states, some of which were not found by earlier searching techniques. Altogether, 16 geometries (five low‐energy conformations and 11 transition states) were found to be important for a description of the conformational features of cyclononane. RB3LYP/aug‐cc‐pVTZ//RB3LYP/6‐31G(d) calculations suggest a conformational mixture between the twist boat–chair and twist chair–boat conformations as the preferred forms. In addition only the twist chair–chair conformation with 1.52 kcal/mol above the global minimum should contribute somewhat to the equilibrium mixture of conformations. Our results allow us to form a concise idea about the internal intricacies of the 9D vector space describing the conformation of cyclononane as well as the associated conformational potential energy hypersurface of nine independent variables. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 188–202, 2006
Methane activation by chromium oxide cations in the gas phase: A theoretical study
Authors: Rivalta Ivan , Russo Nino , Sicilia Emilia
Published: December 2005

Density Functional Theory, in its B3LYP formulation, was used to explore quantitative details of the potential energy hypersurfaces for the CH bond activation reaction of methane by chromium dioxide cation. Both doublet ground and quartet excited states of the cation were considered, and all the minima and transition states localized along the paths leading to the formation of the experimentally observed products were characterized. All the calculated paths involve spin inversions that decrease the barrier heights of the involved transition states but do not play a significant role. Reaction pathways were also studied employing the nonhybrid BP86 functional, the reparametrized B3LYP* functional, and the CCSD(T) approach. Because other examples in the literature indicate that sequential ligation enhances the reactivity of bare transition metals cations, the state‐selective reactivity of the chromium monoxide cation with respect to methane was also investigated and compared with that of the bare cation. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 174–187, 2006
Lymph drainage of the mammary glands in female cats
Authors: Raharison F. , Sautet J.
Published: December 2005

The mammary gland is a common site of neoplasms in the female cat. All the malignant tumors metastasize to a lesser or a greater extent through the lymphatic system. However, the anatomical knowledge of this system is not sufficiently well known in cats to develop a reasoned model for the extirpation of these glands in case of malignant tumors. A study of the lymph drainage in 50 female cats was done by indirect injection in vivo of India ink inside the mammary parenchyma. After a waiting interval, mammary glands were extracted and the thoracic cavity opened. All the lymph nodes were examined after clearing. The success rate of the colorations of lymph nodes and lymph vessels was 91.8%. Out of the 100 observed mammary chains, the two intermediate mammary glands (T2, A1) may drain caudally to the superficial inguinal lymph center and/or cranially to the axillary lymph center. The T1 gland always drains exclusively cranially and A2 exclusively caudally. The two mammary glands (T1 and A1) often drain towards the sternal cranial lymph nodes, but 100% of the T2 drain towards it. This research assumes that the limit between the two directions of drainage can exist only between glands T2 and A1. The results obtained with the study of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th mammary glands permit production of new and more complete data of functional significance that will eventually aid block dissection surgical technique in the removal of malignant tumors in cats. J. Morphol. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationships among soil characteristics, plant macronutrients, and cardenolide accumulation in natural populations of Digitalis obscura
Authors: Roca‐Pérez Luis , Pérez‐Bermúdez Pedro , Gavidia Isabel , Boluda Rafael
Published: December 2005

In the present study, we have investigated relationships among several soil parameters (pH, organic matter, total carbonate, macronutrients, electrical conductivity, cation‐exchange capacity) and macronutrient and cardenolide contents in leaves of wild Digitalis obscura plants. Young and mature leaves and soil samples were collected in ten different areas, corresponding to three Mediterranean bioclimatic belts (thermo‐, meso‐, and supramediterranean belts). Soil and leaf macronutrient (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) contents and leaf cardenolide contents were determined. Bioclimatic conditions influenced the development of D. obscura, biomass being lowest in plant populations of the supramediterranean belt, but they did not exert any relevant effect on the contents of macronutrients in soils and plants. Magnesium (total and EDTA‐extracted) was the only soil macronutrient significantly correlated with its content in the plant. Cardenolide contents were negatively correlated with the N, P, and K contents in young leaves, whereas such correlations were highly significant and positive for Mg.
A simple geometrical description of the TrueFISP ideal transient and steady‐state signal
Authors: Schmitt P. , Griswold M. A. , Gulani V. , Haase A. , Flentje M. , Jakob P. M.
Published: December 2005

An intuitive approach is presented for assessment of the TrueFISP signal behavior in the transient phase and the steady state, based on geometrical considerations in combination with the Bloch equations. Short formulations are derived for the zenith and phase angle determining the direction of the magnetization vector for which a smooth monoexponential decay is obtained even at considerable off‐resonance frequencies, thus compactly defining the target of various preparation schemes proposed in literature. A pictorial explanation is provided to illustrate how the interplay between RF excitation and relaxation governs the TrueFISP transient phase and steady state. Closed form expressions are developed that describe the signal evolution, accounting for the influence of T1, T2, flip angle, and resonance frequency offset in agreement with recently published studies. These results are obtained directly from basic assumptions, without the need for abstract mathematical treatment or further approximations. The validity of the conceptual framework and the analytical description is verified by simulations based on the Bloch equations as well as with MR phantom experiments. The theory may be used for contrast calculations and has the potential to facilitate improved parameter quantification with magnetization prepared TrueFISP experiments accounting for off‐resonance effects. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of intramuscular nerve repair in the recovery of lacerated skeletal muscles
Authors: Lim Aymeric Y. T. , Lahiri Amitabha , Pereira Barry P. , Tan Jessie A. C. , Sebastin Sandeep J. , Tan Bee‐Leng , Zheng Ling , Prem Kumar V.
Published: December 2005

The repair of lacerated muscle often results in suboptimal recovery. An important cause of poor outcome is denervation of the distal segment. The rabbit medial gastrocnemius muscle laceration model was used to assess whether intramuscular nerve repair resulted in better recovery. Lacerated rabbit muscles were divided into three groups: group A had no muscle repair; group B underwent muscle repair; and group C had muscle repair with intramuscular nerve repair. At 7 months, groups A and B showed significantly greater muscle atrophy, replacement of muscle fiber with scar and adipose tissue, and change of muscle fiber type from a fast‐twitch to a slow‐twitch pattern compared to group C. A clinical case study subsequently demonstrated feasibility of intramuscular nerve repair; reinnervation of the distal belly led to rapid functional recovery. In conclusion, primary intramuscular nerve repair results in better functional outcomes following repair of lacerated muscles. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Morphometric analysis of neuromuscular topography in the serratus anterior muscle
Authors: Potluri S. , Lampa S.J. , Norton A.S. , Laskowski M.B.
Published: December 2005

Groups of neurons form ordered topographic maps on their targets, and defining the mechanisms that develop such maps, and reconnect them after disruption, has biological as well as clinical importance. The neuromuscular system is an accessible and well‐studied model for defining the principles that guide map formation, both during its development and its reformation after motor nerve damage. We present evidence for the expression of this map at the level of nerve terminal morphology and muscle fiber type in the serratus anterior muscle. Morphometric analyses indicate, first, a rostrocaudal difference in nerve terminal size depending on the ventral root of origin of the axons. Second, motor endplates are larger on type IIB than type IIA muscle fibers. Third, whereas IIB muscle fibers are distributed rather evenly along the rostrocaudal axis of the muscle, the more rostral type IIB fibers are preferentially innervated by anteriorly derived (C6) motor neurons, and more caudal IIB fibers are preferentially innervated by posteriorly derived (C7) motor neurons. This inference is supported by analysis of the size of nerve terminals formed in each muscle sector by rostral and caudal roots, and by evidence that the larger terminals are on IIB fibers. These results demonstrate a subcellular expression of neuromuscular topography in the serratus anterior muscle (SA) muscle in the form of differences in nerve terminal size. These results provide deeper insights into the organization of a neuromuscular system. They also offer a rationale for a topographic map, that is, to allow spinal motor centers to activate selectively different compartments within a muscle. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Prolonged ischemic conduction failure after reperfusion in diabetic nerve
Authors: Baba Masayuki , Nukada Hitoshi , McMorran Denise , Takahashi Kazunori , Wada Ryuichi , Yagihashi Soroku
Published: December 2005

Diabetic nerve exhibits morphological vulnerability to ischemia and reperfusion, in contrast to its physiological resistance to ischemic conduction failure (RICF). To examine the sequence of ischemic conduction failure after reperfusion in diabetic nerve, we measured sciatic–tibial nerve conduction before and during 30–180 min of ischemia and after reperfusion for up to 1 week in streptozocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats. RICF in diabetic rats was confirmed during ischemia. After reperfusion, control nerves showed an immediate recovery in amplitude of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) following ischemia for 120 min or less, and delayed recovery after 150 min of ischemia. In contrast, recovery in diabetic nerves was delayed even after 1 h of ischemia. Ischemia for 75 min in diabetic nerve resulted in either delayed or no recovery of the CMAP upon reperfusion. Following ischemia for 90 or 120 min, axonal degeneration was observed in diabetic nerve. Thus, severe ischemia for 60 or 75 min causes prolonged ischemic conduction failure in diabetic nerve, compared with 150 min in control nerve. In conclusion, diabetic nerve shows delayed recovery of ischemic conduction failure after brief ischemia, compared to controls, suggesting that patients with diabetic neuropathy have a worse prognosis when faced with nerve ischemia. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Successful treatment of MuSK antibody–positive myasthenia gravis with rituximab
Authors: Hain Berit , Jordan Karin , Deschauer Marcus , Zierz Stephan
Published: December 2005

We report on a 56‐year‐old woman with muscle‐specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibody–positive myasthenia with predominant bulbar symptoms and respiratory insufficiency. Conventional immunosuppression (prednisolone, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil) could not maintain the clinical improvement initially achieved by repeated plasma exchanges. Therefore, treatment with rituximab was initiated. After 2 months of rituximab treatment, remarkable clinical improvement correlating with a reduction of MuSK serum antibodies was seen. The patient continued to remain remain stable 12 months after initiation of therapy. This case report demonstrates that rituximab may be an effective and tolerable treatment in MuSK antibody–positive myasthenia gravis. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Effect of the pore surface modification of an inorganic substrate on the plasma‐grafting behavior of pore‐filling‐type organic/inorganic composite membranes
Authors: Kai Teruhiko , Suma Yasunori , Ono Shuichiro , Yamaguchi Takeo , Nakao Shin‐ichi
Published: December 2005

We have investigated the effect of the surface state and surface treatment of the pores of an inorganic substrate on the plasma‐grafting behavior of pore‐filling‐type organic/inorganic composite membranes. Shirasu porous glass (SPG) was used as the inorganic substrate, and methyl acrylate was used as the grafting monomer. The grafting rate increased as the density of silanol on the SPG substrate increased. This result suggests that radicals are generated mainly at the silanol groups on the pore surface by plasma irradiation. The SPG substrates were treated with silane coupling agents used to control the mass of organic material bonded to the pore surface. The thickness of the grafted layer became thinner as the mass of organic material bonded to the pore surface of SPG increased. This decrease in the thickness of the grafted layer could be explained by the decrease in the penetration depth of vacuum ultraviolet rays contained in plasma having a wavelength of less than 160 nm that generated radicals in the pores of the substrate. The thickness of the grafted layer inside the SPG substrates could be controlled through the control of the mass of organic material bonded to the pore surface of the SPG substrate. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 846–856, 2006
Synthesis and characterization of light‐emitting oligo(p‐phenylene‐vinylene)s and polymeric derivatives containing three‐ and five‐conjugated phenylene rings
Authors: Lin Hong‐Cheu , Tsai Chien‐Min , Huang Guan‐Hao , Lin Jyh‐Ming
Published: December 2005

Several series of light‐emitting oligo(p‐phenylene‐vinylene)s (BIII and BV series containing three‐ and five‐conjugated phenylene rings) with various side groups and end groups attached to the cores were synthesized and characterized. The analogous PBV polymers, derived from the BV series, were also synthesized and investigated. Blue and greenish light emissions were observed in the photoluminescence (PL) and electroluminescence (EL) spectra of the blend and pure films with these π‐conjugated structures. In contrast to the three‐conjugated ring oligomers, the five‐conjugated ring derivatives (oligomers and polymers) had larger maximum emission wavelength values of PL and EL emissions. Mesomorphism was introduced into the BV series by the replacement of three‐conjugated rings (BIII series) with five‐conjugated phenyl cores (BV series). The liquid‐crystalline properties of the BV series with end groups (on both end rings) were better than those of analogous BV‐OC8 without end groups. Polarized PL emissions were obtained by the alignment of liquid‐crystalline phase in rubbing cells. Upon heating, different PL emission wavelengths and intensities were observed in various phases. Not only the solubility and thermal properties but also the PL and EL properties could be effectively adjusted by the attachment of flexible alkoxy groups either on the central rings or on both end rings of the conjugated cores. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 783–800, 2006
Synthesis of low polydispersity polybutadiene and polyethylene stars by convergent living anionic polymerization
Authors: Bender Jack T. , Knauss Daniel M.
Published: December 2005

Star‐shaped polybutadiene stars were synthesized by a convergent coupling of polybutadienyllithium with 4‐(chlorodimethylsilyl)styrene (CDMSS). CDMSS was added slowly and continuously to the living anionic chains until a stoichiometric equivalent was reached. Gel permeation chromatography‐multi‐angle laser light scattering (GPC‐MALLS) was used to determine the molecular weights and molecular weight distribution of the polybutadiene polymers. The number of arms incorporated into the star depended on the molecular weight of the initial chains and the rate of addition of the CDMSS. Low molecular weight polybutadiene arms (Mn = 640 g/mol) resulted in polybutadiene star polymers with an average of 12.6 arms, while higher molecular weight polybutadiene arms (Mn = 16,000 g/mol) resulted in polybutadiene star polymers with an average of 5.3 arms. The polybutadiene star polymers exhibited high 1,4‐polybutadiene microstructure (88.3–93.1%), and narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn = 1.11–1.20). Polybutadiene stars were subsequently hydrogenated by two methods, heterogeneous catalysis (catalytic hydrogenation using Pd/CaCO3) or reaction with p‐toluenesulfonhydrazide (TSH), to transform the polybutadiene stars into polyethylene stars. The hydrogenation of the polybutadiene stars was found to be close to quantitative by 1H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 828–836, 2006
Interaction of silicic acid with poly(1‐vinylimidazole)
Authors: Annenkov V. V. , Danilovtseva E. N. , Filina E. A. , Likhoshway Y. V.
Published: December 2005

Poly(1‐vinylimidazole) reacts with silicic acid and poly(silicic acid), giving rise to water‐soluble complexes and insoluble composites because of hydrogen bonding. The composition, structure, and morphology of the obtained products have been studied with elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The main direction of the reaction depends not only on the initial ratio of the components, concentration, and pH but also on the sequence of the reagent mixing: the presence of poly(1‐vinylimidazole) macromolecules during the formation of silicic acid stabilizes soluble complexes, which precipitate with an excess of H4SiO4 only. These soluble complexes may serve as a pattern of particles responsible for the transport of silicic acid in diatom algae and other organisms that assimilate silicon from the environment. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 820–827, 2006
Synthesis of poly(p‐phenylene sulfide) from bis(4‐bromophenyl) disulfide
Authors: Chen Ke , Hay Allan. S.
Published: December 2005

Improved reaction conditions for the preparation of poly(p‐phenylene sulfide) (PPS) directly from bis(4‐bromophenyl) disulfide (BBD) have been established. Heating BBD with magnesium metal afforded only a low molecular weight polymer. PPS with a melting temperature around 280 °C was obtained from BBD in the presence of sodium carbonate or zinc metal. The best results were obtained with the addition of a catalytic amount of KI to the zinc–BBD mixture. Polymers prepared by the above methods are semicrystalline and dissolve in 1‐chloronaphthalene and have properties comparable to commercial PPS. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 900–904, 2006