bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
N‐terminal interaction domain implicates PAK4 in translational regulation and reveals novel cellular localization signals
Authors: Baldassa Simona , Calogero Alessandra Maria , Colombo Graziano , Zippel Renata , Gnesutta Nerina 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe serine/threonine kinase PAK4 is a Rho GTPases effector protein implicated in many critical biological processes, including regulation of cell morphology and motility, embryonic development, cell survival, response to infection, and oncogenic transformation. Consistently with its pro‐oncogenic features, PAK4 was found to be overexpressed in many cancer cell lines and tissues, and to be necessary to promote activation of survival pathways. PAK4, like other Paks, is now considered a promising target for specific therapy. Little is known on its modes of regulation, molecular partners, and substrates. Because the N‐terminal regulatory moiety plays important roles in PAK4 activity and functions, even independently of GTPase interactions, in this study we employed an affinity chromatography approach to identify N‐terminal domain binding partners. Within this protein region we identified a novel interaction domain involved in association with ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes, suggesting PAK4 implications in translational regulation. Indeed, we found that active PAK4 can affect (cap‐independent) translation from specific IRES sequences in vivo, and that the N‐terminal domain is critical for this regulation. Further, we could establish that within the RNP interacting sequence PAK4 regulatory domain contains targeting elements that drive cytoplasmic localization and act as nuclear export signal. Functional implication of endogenous PAK4 protein, which was found in both cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions, in IRES‐mediated translation further underlines the significance of the reported findings. Our data reveal novel means for PAK4 regulation of gene expression, and provide new elements to understand the molecular mechanisms that determine PAK4 cellular localization and functions. J. Cell. Physiol. 224: 722–733, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An approach to optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis from sugarcane bagasse based on organosolv pretreatment
Authors: Mesa Leyanis , González Erenio , Cara Cristóbal , Ruiz Encarnación , Castro Eulogio , Mussatto Solange I. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: The organosolv pretreatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis of the pretreated material and subsequent fermentation of the hydrolysate produced, was the strategy used for ethanol production from sugarcane bagasse. The effect of different operational variables affecting the pretreatment (the catalyst type and its concentration, and the pretreatment time) and enzymatic hydrolysis stage (substrate concentration, cellulase loading, addition of xylanase and Tween 20, and the cellulase/β‐glucosidase ratio), were investigated.RESULTS: The best values of glucose concentration (28.8 g L−1) and yield (25.1 g per 100 g dry matter) were obtained when the material was pretreated with 1.25% (w/w) H2SO4 for 60 min, and subsequently hydrolyzed using 10% (w/v) substrate concentration in a reaction medium supplemented with xylanase (300 UI g−1) and Tween 20 (2.5% w/w). Fermentation of the broth obtained under these optimum conditions by Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulted in an ethanol yield of 92.8% based on the theoretical yield, after 24 h.CONCLUSION: Organosolv pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse under soft conditions, and subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis of the pretreated material with a cellulolytic system supplemented with xylanase and Tween 20, is a suitable procedure to obtain a glucose rich hydrolysate efficiently fermentable to ethanol by Sacharomyces cerevisiae yeasts. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
The thoracic muscular system and its innervation in third instar Calliphora vicina Larvae. I. Muscles of the pro‐ and mesothorax and the pharyngeal complex
Authors: Hanslik Ulrike , Schoofs Andreas , Niederegger Senta , Heinzel Hans‐Georg , Spieß Roland 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAn anatomical description is given by the muscles in the pro‐ and mesothorax, and those associated with the feeding apparatus (cephalopharyngeal skeleton, CPS) that participate in feeding behavior in third instar Calliphora larvae. The body wall muscles in the pro‐ and mesothoracic segments are organized in three layers: internal, intermedial, and external. The muscles were labeled with roman numerals according to the nomenclature in use for the abdominal segments. Muscles associated with the CPS are labeled according to their function. The prothorax bears five pairs of lateral symmetrically longitudinal segmental body wall muscles and lacks the transversal muscle group present in the mesothorax and abdominal segments. Additionally, four pairs of intersegmental muscles project from the prothorax to the second, fourth, and fifth segment. The mesothorax bears 15 pairs of segmental longitudinal and 18 pairs of transversal muscles. The accessory pharyngeal muscles span the CPS and the cuticle. Three pairs of protractors and retractors and two pairs of mouth hook accessors (MHAC) exist, which move the CPS relative to the body. The pharyngeal muscles are exclusively attached to the structures of the CPS. The mouth hook elevators and depressors, which mediate the hooks rotation are attached to the ventral arm of the CPS and project to a dorsal (elevators) or ventral (depressors) protuberance of the mouth hooks. The cibarial dilator muscles (CDM) span the dorsal arms of the CPS and the dorsal surface of the esophagus and mediate food ingestion. The labial retractors (LRs) lack antagonists and project from the ventral surface of the CPS to the unpaired labium. Contractions of these muscles open the mouth cavity. J. Morphol. 271:960–968, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A fibrous membrane suspends the multifocal lens in the eyes of lampreys and African lungfishes
Authors: Gustafsson Ola S.E. , Ekström Peter , Kröger Ronald H.H. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe sharpness and thus information content of the retinal image in the eye depends on the optical quality of the lens and its accurate positioning in the eye. Multifocal lenses create well‐focused color images and are present in the eyes of all vertebrate groups studied to date (mammals, reptiles including birds, amphibians, and ray‐finned fishes) and occur even in lampreys, i.e., the most basal vertebrates with well‐developed eyes. Results from photoretinoscopy obtained in this study indicate that the Dipnoi (lungfishes), i.e., the closest piscine relatives to tetrapods, also possess multifocal lenses. Suspension of the lens is complex and sophisticated in teleosts (bony fishes) and tetrapods. We studied lens suspension using light and electron microscopy in one species of lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) and two species of African lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus aethiopicus and Protopterus annectens annectens). A fibrous and highly transparent membrane suspends the lens in both of these phylogenetically widely separated vertebrate groups. The membrane attaches to the lens approximately along the lens equator, from where it extends to the ora retinalis. The material forming the membrane is similar in ultrastructure to microfibrils in the zonule fibers of tetrapods. The membrane, possibly in conjunction with the cornea, iris, and vitreous body, seems suitable for keeping the lens in the correct position for well‐focused imaging. Suspension of the lens by a multitude of zonule fibers in tetrapods may have evolved from a suspensory membrane similar to that in extant African lungfishes, a structure that seems to have appeared first in the lamprey‐like ancestors of allextant vertebrates. J. Morphol. 271:980–989, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct analysis of the central panel of the so‐called Wyts triptych after Jan van Eyck
Authors: Deneckere A. , Hocquet F.‐Ph. , Born A. , Klein P. , Rakkaa S. , Lycke S. , De Langhe K. , Martens M. P. J. , Strivay D. , Vandenabeele P. , Moens L. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe applicability of mobile, non‐destructive techniques such as energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy, which reveals the elemental composition, and fibre‐coupled Raman spectroscopy, offering molecular information, is applied to the central panel of the Wyts triptych, after Jan van Eyck. Using a combination of these direct techniques, vermilion (HgS), lead white (2PbCO3·Pb(OH)2), anatase (TiO2), massicot (PbO), zinc white (ZnO) and lead‐tin yellow type I (Pb2SnO4) could be identified. X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) measurements also confirmed the presence of cobalt. Also, copper was detected in different blue and green areas. For the brown and red colour, iron oxides were used. Apart from identifying pigments, the combination of these analytical techniques also gave information about restored parts and the layered structure of the panel. XRF maps of three different areas of the panel painting were recorded to get an idea of the changes the painting underwent during its past history. This research confirms the results of the visual analysis that the painting is a heavily restored copy of a lost original by Jan van Eyck. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a validated liquid chromatographic method for the determination of related substances and assay of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Authors: Ashenafi Dunge , Chintam Varalaxmi , van Veghel Daisy , Dragovic Sanja , Hoogmartens Jos , Adams Erwin 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe present study describes the development and validation of a selective liquid chromatographic (LC) method for the analysis of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and its related substances. The gradient method uses a base deactivated C18 column (Hypersil BDS column; 25 cm×4.6 mm I.D.) maintained at a temperature of 30°C. The mobile phases consist of acetonitrile, tetrabutylammonium/phosphate buffer pH 6.0 and water: (A; 2:20:78 v/v/v) and (B; 65:20:15 v/v/v). The flow rate is 1.0 mL/min and UV detection is performed at 260 nm. Good separation of TDF and 21 impurities was achieved. A system suitability test (SST) to check the quality of separation is also specified. The developed method was further validated with respect to robustness, precision, sensitivity and linearity. The method is proved to be robust, precise, sensitive and linear between 0.1 μg/mL and 0.15 mg/mL. The limit of detection and limit of quantification are 0.03 and 0.1 μg/mL, respectively. The method was successfully applied to the quantification of related substances and assay of commercial TDF samples (bulk substances and tablets).
Lower airways may also be affected in asymptomatic patients with recent onset of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Ciprandi Giorgio , Cirillo Ignazio , Klersy Catherine 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:It is well known that there is a close association between allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma, and AR is a strong risk factor for the onset of asthma. AR duration is significantly associated with a possible bronchial involvement. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of possible spirometric abnormalities and bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) in a large group of patients with recent onset of AR.Study Design:Observational cross‐sectional study.Methods:A total of 1,539 AR patients were consecutively evaluated. Clinical examination, skin prick test, spirometry, and methacholine challenge were performed on all patients.Results:There were 362 (23%) patients with FEF25–75 values <70% of predicted. The methacholine challenge was positive in 74.43% of patients, and 72.22% of the population presented a polysensitization. At multivariable analysis, an FEV1 value lower than 92% of predicted, as well as increasing severity of BHR and polysensitization appeared to be independent predictors of a reduced FEF25–75 value.Conclusions:This study shows that reduced FEF25–75 values may be present in some patients with recent onset of AR. FEV1 <92%, severity of BHR, and polysensitization may be considered risk factor for this phenomenon. Laryngoscope, 2010.
Influence of topical antifungal drugs on ciliary beat frequency of human nasal mucosa
Authors: Hofmann Thiemo , Reinisch Sabine , Gerstenberger Claus , Koele Wolfgang , Gugatschka Markus , Wolf Gerald 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Topical antifungal treatment is a subject of discussion in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. The aim of this research was to study the effects of antifungal drugs on ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of human nasal mucosa under in vitro conditions.Study Design:Case series of in vitro experiments and in vitro study of cultured ciliated cells of human nasal mucosa.Methods:Human nasal mucosa was acquired during routine endoscopic sinus surgery. Cells were cultivated on object slides and exposed to different antifungal drugs in a newly developed test system. This system allowed continuous and reproducible exposure to different drugs at constant temperature, pH value, and osmolarity. The drugs were amphotericin B in two different concentrations and itraconazole.Results:Rinsing with higher concentrations of amphotericin B led to an immediate decrease of CBF, with a total stop after 15 minutes. A different result was seen in the group with lower concentrations; CBF decreased again quickly after rinsing with the test drug, but all of them recovered after rinsing with neutral solution. When using itraconazole a decline in CBF was observed again; one half of the samples returned to activity.Conclusions:Our in vitro results demonstrate a dose‐dependent effect of the antifungal drugs amphotericin B and itraconazole on ciliary beat frequency of human nose epithelium. Laryngoscope, 2010
Taste disturbance following tonsillectomy–a prospective study
Authors: Heiser Clemens , Landis Basile N. , Giger Roland , Cao Van Helene , Guinand Nils , Hörmann Karl , Stuck Boris A. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Persistent taste disturbance is a rare complication after tonsillectomy and mainly documented by case reports or a few retrospective and prospective trials with a limited number of patients. None could clarify frequency, time course, or prognosis of long‐lasting dysgeusia after tonsillectomy. The aim of the study was to provide a symptom‐based follow‐up after tonsillectomy to assess postoperative taste disorders.Study Design:Prospective clinical trial.Methods:From December 2007 to June 2009 adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy were asked to take part in the trial. Two hundred twenty‐three patients (119 female, 104 male; mean age, 33 ± 13 years) were included. The day prior to surgery, and 2 weeks and 6 months after tonsillectomy a standardized questionnaire was completed by patients. The questionnaire focused on taste function, taste disorders, pain, foreign body sensation, and bleeding episodes after tonsillectomy.Results:One hundred eighty‐eight (2 weeks) and 181 (6 months) patients returned the questionnaires. Thirty‐two percent (n = 60) of patients reported taste disorders after tonsillectomy 2 weeks postoperatively and 15 patients (8%) at 6‐month follow‐up. Metallic and bitter parageusia were most frequently reported. The mean ratings of gustatory function were significantly lower 2 weeks after surgery (P < .001) and reached preoperative values 6 months after surgery. Almost 30% of patients reported postoperative bleeding, 10% long‐lasting postoperative pain, and 20% foreign body sensation.Conclusions:Long‐lasting taste disturbance (metallic and bitter parageusia) after tonsillectomy is more frequent than previously reported. Long‐lasting pain and foreign body sensation seem to be common symptoms. With regard to these results, a thorough preoperative explanation is mandatory. Laryngoscope, 2010
Three‐dimensional arytenoid movement induced by vocal fold injections
Authors: Mau Ted , Weinheimer Kent T. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To quantitatively characterize arytenoid movement induced by vocal fold injection augmentation in an excised larynx model.Study Design:Laboratory and computational.Methods:Vocal folds of human cadaveric larynges were injected with calcium hydroxylapatite. High‐resolution computed tomography scans were obtained before and after injection. Densities corresponding to the arytenoid and cricoid cartilages were extracted and processed with custom MATLAB routines to generate selective three‐dimensional reconstructions of the larynx. Pre‐ and postinjection positions of the arytenoid were compared.Results:Vocal fold injections resulted in predominantly small‐magnitude medial rotation and medial translation of the arytenoid. Movements in other directions as would be expected in physiologic adduction were not observed.Conclusions:Vocal fold injection augmentation induced passive movement of the arytenoid that has not been described previously. This movement does not reproduce the trajectory of physiologic adduction. This finding has implications for the treatment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis without arytenoid repositioning maneuvers. Laryngoscope, 2010
Ischemic necrosis of the tongue in patients with cardiogenic shock
Authors: Roman Benjamin R. , Immerman Sara B. , Morris Luc G. T. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Ischemic necrosis of the tongue is a rare entity generally associated with vasculitis. Critically ill patients with shock might experience hypoperfusion of head and neck end organs including the tongue.Study Design:Retrospective analysis of hospital charts.Methods:Case histories and photographs of five patients who developed ischemic tongue necrosis in the context of cardiogenic shock.Results:Five critically ill patients in our institution's cardiothoracic intensive care unit developed ischemic necrosis of the tongue. All five patients experienced protracted courses of profound cardiogenic shock requiring high‐dose vasopressor support and urgent cardiac surgery. Three patients required intra‐aortic balloon pumps. All patients had concomitant signs of poor end organ perfusion, including lower extremity ischemia and renal and hepatic failure. Ultimately, four of five patients died, with one patient surviving after sloughing of the entire oral tongue.Conclusions:Ischemic necrosis of the oral tongue is an uncommon but perhaps under‐reported manifestation of end organ hypoperfusion in shock, likely signifying poor prognosis. Laryngoscope, 2010
Biomechanics of the deformity of septal L‐Struts
Authors: Lee Shu Jin , Liong Kyrin , Tse Kwong Ming , Lee Heow Pueh 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:A septal L‐strut is often preserved or created during septoplasty. The main intention is to provide structural stability and to straighten the nasal septum. Deformity or excessive deformation of the L‐strut might cause functional or aesthetic complications. The objectives were to examine the effects of material properties, the boundary conditions, the nasal tip support, and the geometry of the L‐struts on the deformity of septal L‐struts.Study Design:Computer‐aided modeling was used to create a spring‐supported nasal tip and free nasal tip L strut septal cartilage models upon which simulation was performed to analyse the deformation patterns.Methods:A five‐sided septum model was first created from the computed tomography scan of a human subject. Several models with various combinations of wider or narrower dorsal struts as well as arc of cartilage were then constructed from this septum model. The edges connected to bony supports were assumed to be fixed, and the nasal tip was assumed to be spring supported. Finite element analyses were carried out to determine the deformation and stress distribution in the septal strut for different combinations of material properties and nasal tip spring support.Results:The spring‐supported nasal tip model provides a more accurate representation of the boundary conditions in the nose. In both the free and spring‐supported nasal tips—the BC junction and the nasal spine are found to be the consistent points of maximum stress regardless of material properties. The preservation of an arc of cartilage and a wider dorsal strut increase the stability of the structure.Conclusions:The introduction of a spring‐supported nasal tip model provided a more accurate representation of the boundary conditions in the nose. The bony‐cartilaginous junction and the nasal spine were found to be the consistent points of maximum stress, regardless of material properties. The preservation of an arc of cartilage and a wider dorsal strut increased the stability of the structure. Laryngoscope, 2010
Flexible cochlear microendoscopy in the gerbil
Authors: Campbell Adam P. , Suberman Thomas A. , Buchman Craig A. , Fitzpatrick Douglas C. , Adunka Oliver F. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To validate the scientific utility of flexible cochlear microendoscopy in the gerbil. This model is currently being developed to study the effects of intracochlear electrode positioning on functional parameters.Study Design:Animal experiments.Methods:A flexible fiberoptic microendoscope featuring a light channel and an outer diameter of 0.4 mm was specially modified to allow intracochlear visualization. Specifically, the focus distance was reduced to 1 mm and the optical properties were modified so that visualization was adequate when submerged in perilymphatic fluid. This endoscope was used to view intracochlear contents and monitor the progress of electrode insertions in 11 gerbils. The endoscopic data estimating the site of damage were compared to postmortem microdissections.Results:The endoscope allowed for adequate visualization of intracochlear content in all animals. The site of electrode contact seen in the endoscope was confirmed in the microdissected cochleae in 10 of 11 cases, indicating the endoscope's ability to correctly identify the site of intracochlear trauma in this animal model.Conclusions:The current report demonstrates the feasibility of intracochlear microendoscopy in an animal model of hearing preservation cochlear implantation. Laryngoscope, 2010
Development of a calcium alginate tympanostomy tube
Authors: Sherman Ethan G. , Antonelli Patrick J. , Tran‐Son‐Tay Roger 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Tympanostomy tubes (TTs) are prone to complications resulting in part from the unpredictable duration that the TT remains in the tympanic membrane. General anesthesia may be necessary to remove TTs that fail to extrude. The purpose of this study was to develop a TT that could be dissolved on demand but remain functional with exposure to common otologic exposures.Study Design:Prospective in vitro analysis.Methods:Dissolvable TTs were developed from calcium alginate. Mechanical properties and occlusion susceptibility were optimized by varying ingredient concentrations and compared to commonly used commercial TTs using in vitro measures.Results:Alginate TTs had a greater compressive strength than commercial silicone tubes. TTs composed of 0.5 M CaCl were stronger than high molarity CaCl concentrations. Uncoated alginate TTs showed a 20% reduction in occlusion propensity. Exposure of alginate TTs to otological solutions for 24 hours resulted in degradation of their mechanical properties, but they remained superior to commercial silicone TTs.Conclusions:Alginate TTs appear to be a good alternative to commercial tubes based on high mechanical strength and low occlusion propensity. Furthermore, unlike commercial TTs, alginate TTs have the potential to be dissolved in vivo if retained. Laryngoscope, 120:2473–2477, 2010