bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative prognostic classification system for hemispheric low-grade gliomas in adults
Authors: Chang Edward F. , Smith Justin S. , Chang Susan M. , Lamborn Kathleen R. , Prados Michael D. , Butowski Nicholas , Barbaro Nicholas M. , Parsa Andrew T. , Berger Mitchel S. , Mcdermott Michael M. 
Published: October 2008

Object
Hemispheric low-grade gliomas (LGGs) have an unpredictable progression and overall survival (OS) profile. As a result, the objective in the present study was to design a preoperative scoring system to prognosticate long-term outcomes in patients with LGGs.

Methods
The authors conducted a retrospective review with long-term follow-up of 281 adults harboring hemispheric LGGs (World Health Organization Grade II lesions). Clinical and radiographic data were collected and analyzed to identify preoperative predictors of OS, progression-free survival (PFS), and extent of resection (EOR). These variables were used to devise a prognostic scoring system.

Results
The 5-year estimated survival probability was 0.86. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards modeling demonstrated that 4 factors were associated with lower OS: presumed eloquent location (hazard ratio [HR] 4.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.71–10.42), Karnofsky Performance Scale score ≤ 80 (HR 3.53, 95% CI 1.56–8.00), patient age > 50 years (HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.47–3.77), and tumor diameter > 4 cm (HR 3.43, 95% CI 1.43–8.06). A scoring system calculated from the sum of these factors (range 0–4) demonstrated risk stratification across study groups, with the following 5-year cumulative survival estimates: Scores 0–1, OS = 0.97, PFS = 0.76; Score 2, OS = 0.81, PFS = 0.49; and Scores 3–4, OS = 0.56, PFS = 0.18 (p < 0.001 for both OS and PFS, log-rank test). This proposed scoring system demonstrated a high degree of interscorer reliability (kappa = 0.86). Four illustrative cases are described.

Conclusions
The authors propose a simple and reliable scoring system that can be used to preoperatively prognosticate the degree of lesion resectability, PFS, and OS in patients with LGGs. The application of a standardized scoring system for LGGs should improve clinical decision-making and allow physicians to reliably predict patient outcome at the time of the original imaging-based diagnosis.
Characterization of a side population of astrocytoma cells in response to temozolomide
Authors: Chua Constance , Zaiden Norazean , Chong Kooi-Hoong , See Siew-Ju , Wong Meng-Cheong , Ang Beng-Ti , Tang Carol 
Published: October 2008

Object
Cancer progenitor–like cells isolated by Hoechst 33342 dye efflux (termed the “side population” [SP]) have been studied in a variety of cancers, including malignant brain tumors. In this study, the authors investigate the nature of the SP phenotype in 2 glioma cell lines, U87MG and T98G, and their response to temozolomide. The roles of several adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette (ABC) multidrug transporters expressed by SP cells, in particular ABCG2, are also examined.

Methods
Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, the cells were separated into SP and non-SP fractions and analyzed for progenitor cell–like properties with immunofluorescence staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and their ability to reform glioma mass in an immune-compromised mouse. The response of the SP cells to temozolomide was investigated at the cellular and molecular levels. Small interfering RNA knockdown was used to examine the specific role of the ABCG2 transporter, and the cells' tumorigenic potential was measured using the soft agar clonogenic assay.

Results
Side population cells are characterized by the presence of progenitor cell–like properties: increased expression of nestin, musashi-1, and ABCG2 were observed. In addition, only SP cells were able to reconstitute cellular heterogeneity; these cells were also more invasive than the non-SP cells, and possessed tumorigenic capacity. Temozolomide treatment increased the number of SP cells, and this corresponded to more progenitor-like cells, concurrent with elevated expression of several ABC transporters.

Conclusions
Knockdown of ABCG2 transporters did not abrogate the SP cell response to temozolomide. Upregulation of several other ABC drug transporter genes is proposed to account for this chemoresistance.
Changes in myelin basic protein and demyelination in the rat brain within 3 months of single 2-, 10-, or 30-Gy whole-brain radiation treatments
Authors: Tian Ye , Shi Zhige , Yang Shu , Chen Yingzhu , Bao Shiyao 
Published: October 2008

Object
The aim of this study was to determine the relation between changes in myelin basic protein (MBP) levels during the acute and subacute phases of central nervous system injury following whole-brain radiation and delayed demyelination in the radiation-injured brain tissue.

Methods
Adult Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with single fractions of 2, 10, or 30 Gy of whole-brain radiation. The authors measured MBP gene expression and protein levels in the brain tissue by using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at 1 week and 1–3 months following irradiation to monitor myelin changes in the brain. Demyelination was determined with Luxol fast blue myelin staining and routine histopathological and electron microscopy examination of injured brain tissue. The changes in MBP levels in the different animal groups at specific time points were correlated with demyelination in corresponding dose groups.

Results
At 1 month after applying the 10 and 30 Gy of radiation, MBP mRNA expression showed a transient but significant decrease, followed by recovery to baseline levels at 3 months after treatment. The MBP levels were decreased by only 70–75% at 1 month after 10 and 30 Gy of radiation. At 2–3 months after applying the higher dose of 30 Gy, however, the MBP levels continued to decline, and typical demyelination changes were observed with myelin staining and ultrastructural examination.

Conclusions
The authors' results suggest that the early radiation-induced MBP changes between 1 and 3 months after single treatments of 10 and 30 Gy of radiation to the whole brain are indicative of permanent injury shown as demyelination of irradiated brain tissue.
Use of high-dose oral bisphosphonate therapy for symptomatic fibrous dysplasia of the skull
Authors: Chao Kevin , Katznelson Laurence 
Published: October 2008

Fibrous dysplasia of the bone in adults is a rare anomaly of skeletal development caused by a defect in differentiation of osteoblasts. This condition is associated with bone pain, bone deformity, and an increased incidence of fracture. Involvement of the skull is associated with headache along with dysmorphic features. Until recently, the principal treatment has been resection or fracture repair, although the latter is often palliative at best. However, new insight into the molecular mechanism of fibrous dysplasia has led to the use of bisphosphonates to treat this disease.
The authors examined the effects of high-dose oral alendronate (40 mg daily) for 6 months on 3 adult patients with intractable headache due to fibrous dysplasia of the skull. Each patient had disease processes not amenable to surgery. The patients underwent clinical follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months. Their pain levels were documented at each visit by using a visual analog scale. All 3 patients demonstrated a significant decrease in pain levels and became independent of scheduled analgesics. Tumor bulk did not progress during this interval in any patient. Overall, alendronate was tolerated well, although in 1 patient it was discontinued early due to esophagitis. High-dose oral bisphosphonate therapy is an alternative therapeutic option for the palliative treatment of patients with fibrous dysplasia of the skull.
Dependency of cerebrospinal fluid outflow resistance on intracranial pressure
Authors: Andersson Nina , Malm Jan , Eklund Anders 
Published: October 2008

Object
The outflow resistance (Rout) of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) system has generally been accepted by most investigators as independent of intracranial pressure (ICP), but there are also those claiming that it is not. The general belief is that this question has been investigated numerous times in the past, but few studies have actually been specifically aimed at looking at this relationship, and no study has been able to provide scientific evidence to elucidate fully this fundamental and important issue. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between ICP and CSF outflow in 30 patients investigated for idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus.

Methods
Lumbar infusion tests with constant pressure levels were performed, and ICP and corresponding flow were measured on 6 pressure levels for each patient. All data were standardized for comparison.

Results
In the range of moderate increases from baseline pressure (~ 5–12 mm Hg, mean baseline pressure 11.7 mm Hg), the assumption of a pressure-independent Rout was confirmed (p = 0.5). However, when the pressure increment from baseline pressure was larger (~ 15–22 mm Hg), the relationship had a nonlinear tendency (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
The results of this study support the classic textbook theory of a pressure-independent Rout in the normal ICP range, where the CSF system is commonly operating. However, the theory might have to be questioned in regions where ICP exceeds baseline pressure by too much.
Significant reduction in neural adhesions after administration of the regenerating agent OTR4120, a synthetic glycosaminoglycan mimetic, after peripheral nerve injury in rats
Authors: Zuijdendorp H. Mischa , Smit Xander , Blok Joleen H. , Caruelle Jean Pierre , Barritault Denis , Hovius Steven E. R. , van Neck Johan W. 
Published: October 2008

Object
Extradural and intraneural scar formation after peripheral nerve injury frequently causes tethering and compression of the nerve as well as inhibition of axonal regeneration. Regenerating agents (RGTAs) mimic stabilizing and protective properties of sulphated glycosaminoglycan toward heparin-binding growth factors. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an RGTA known as OTR4120 on extraneural fibrosis and axonal regeneration after crush injury in a rat sciatic nerve model.

Methods
Thirty-two female Wistar rats underwent a standardized crush injury of the sciatic nerve. The animals were randomly allocated to RGTA treatment or sham treatment in a blinded design. To score neural adhesions, the force required to break the adhesions between the nerve and its surrounding tissue was measured 6 weeks after nerve crush injury. To assess axonal regeneration, magnetoneurographic measurements were performed after 5 weeks. Static footprint analysis was performed preoperatively and at Days 1, 7, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 35, and 42 postoperatively.

Results
The magnetoneurographic data show no significant difference in conduction capacity between the RGTA and the control group. In addition, results of the static footprint analysis demonstrate no improved or accelerated recovery pattern. However, the mean pullout force of the RGTA group (67 ± 9 g [mean ± standard error of the mean]) was significantly (p < 0.001) lower than that of the control group (207 ± 14 g [mean ± standard error of the mean]).

Conclusions
The RGTAs strongly reduce nerve adherence to surrounding tissue after nerve crush injury.
Intraoperative assessment of endoscopic third ventriculostomy success
Authors: Greenfield Jeffrey P. , Hoffman Caitlin , Kuo Eugenia , Christos Paul J. , Souweidane Mark M. 
Published: October 2008

Object
The authors' aim in this study was to determine if standardizing the evaluation of intraoperative findings during endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) could predict patients with hydrocephalus in whom endoscopic treatment will fail and require ventriculoperitoneal shunt treatment. The creation of a uniform scale with predictive outcomes may reduce returns to the operating room for shunt treatment and reliance on postoperative externalized ventricular monitoring and MR imaging.

Methods
The authors evaluated the preoperative history, intraoperative findings, and postoperative monitoring and imaging findings in 109 consecutive patients undergoing 112 consecutive attempted ETVs for obstructive hydrocephalus. A 5-grade scale was developed to assess preoperative risk factors and intraoperative evaluation to unify criteria that have been suspected to influence outcome independently. A grade of 0 was assigned to patients with no negative predictors, whereas increasing scores were assigned to patients who had multiple preoperative and intraoperative risks identified. Patients' grades were compared with outcome of the procedure, utility of externalized ventricular monitoring, and results of postoperative MR imaging.

Results
Of 112 ETVs, 77 were successful and 35 were unsuccessful. Fifty-nine patients received a grade of 0, 27 received a grade of 1, 11 received a grade of 2, and 15 received a grade of ≥ 3. In all 15 patients receiving a grade ≥ 3 attempted ETV procedures failed, and the patients required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Postoperative monitoring with externalized ventricular drains and MR images demonstrating radiographic evidence of flow was independently less reliable than intraoperative grading in predicting success. Patients with a grade of 0 almost uniformly had successful surgery, independent of MR imaging findings. Patients with a grade of 1 or 2 who had successful surgery almost always lacked negative intraoperative predictive findings.

Conclusions
Despite reliance in recent years on post-ETV MR images and externalized ventricular monitoring, these modalities, although often useful adjuncts, appear less reliable as predictive tests than a simple assessment at the time of endoscopic fenestration. By using a uniform grading scale, the authors have introduced a novel means through which intraoperative and postoperative decision making can be aided, with the goal of reducing unnecessary procedures and tests and preventing unnecessary returns to the operating room.
Intracranial teratomas in children: the role and timing of surgical removal
Authors: Noudel Rémy , Vinchon Mathieu , Dhellemmes Patrick , Litré Claude Fabien , Rousseaux Pascal 
Published: October 2008

Object
In this study, the authors report their experience with the surgical treatment of intracranial teratomas with an emphasis on the indications for delayed resection after oncological treatment.

Methods
The authors retrospectively reviewed the cases of 14 children with intracranial teratomas. The mean age at diagnosis was 10.5 years (range 2 days–18 years), and 11 patients were male. The final histological analysis revealed pure mature teratoma in 5 cases, mixed teratoma with germinoma in 3 cases, and nongerminomatous malignant germ cell tumor in 6 cases. Thirteen patients underwent tumor resection, and these patients were divided into 2 subgroups according to the timing of surgery. In Group A, 10 patients underwent resection as the primary treatment because no tumor markers were detected in 4 patients, a teratomatous component was revealed on biopsy sampling in 3 patients, and a large tumor volume in 3 patients. In Group B, 3 patients underwent removal of residual pure mature teratoma after oncological treatment.

Results
Seven of the 8 patients (87.5%) with pure mature teratomas or with mixed teratoma and germinoma are currently alive (mean follow-up of 9 years); the eighth patient died of postoperative meningitis. Two of the 6 patients (33%) with mixed nongerminomatous malignant germ cell tumors died of tumor progression regardless of the timing of surgery.

Conclusions
The results of this study support the belief that microsurgical removal is the only effective treatment for intracranial teratomas. Surgery may be performed as the primary therapy when there is evidence of a noninvasive teratoma, and as a secondary therapy if there is only a partial response to neoadjuvant therapy or if progression is observed in mixed malignant germ cell tumors.
Response of growth, yield attributes and yield to the application of KNap and NAA in cowpea (<i>Vigna unguiculata</i> (L.) Walp.)
Authors: Ullah Md Jafar , Fattah Quazi Abdul , Hossain Feroza 
Published: October 2008

Six concentrations each of KNap and NAA along with a control were tested on cowpea cv. Bari Falon- 2. Results showed that irrespective of treatment differences, dry matter of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) increased during 60 to 105 DAS. Concentrations above 50 ppm NAA increased plant height. The dry matter and yield increased with the increasing of the concentrations of KNap and NAA up to 1250 and 50 ppm, respectively. No significant differences of dry matter accumulation, grain yield and almost all the yield attributes were observed in between 1250 ppm KNap and 50 ppm NAA. The highest values of dry matter/plant (54.52 g), pod length (13.15 cm), number of pods/plant (10.29), number of seeds/pod (10.61), 1000 seed weight (122 g), seed yield/plant (15.51 g), seed yield/ha (1630 kg) and harvest index (37.32 %) were obtained due to application of 1250 ppm KNap. Yield attributes had significantly positive correlation amongst them. Â Key words: Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata, Plant height, Dry matter, Yield DOI = 10.3329/bjb.v36i2.1500 Bangladesh J. Bot. 36(2): 127-132, 2007 (December)
Enzymes, 1. General
Authors: Aehle Wolfgang , Perham Richard N. , Michal Gerhard , Caddow Alice J. , Concoby Beth 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe article contains sections titled:1.Introduction1.1.History1.2.Enzyme Nomenclature1.2.1.General Principles of Nomenclature1.2.2.Classification and Numbering of Enzymes1.3.Structure of Enzymes1.3.1.Primary Structure1.3.2.Three‐Dimensional Structure1.3.3.Quaternary Structure, Folding, and Domains1.3.4.The Ribozyme1.4.Enzymes and Molecular Biology1.4.1.Biosynthesis of Enzymes1.4.2.Enzymes and DNA2.Catalytic Activity of Enzymes2.1.Factors Governing Catalytic Activity2.1.1.Temperature2.1.2.Value of pH2.1.3.Activation2.1.4.Inhibition2.1.5.Allostery2.1.6.Biogenic Regulation of Activity2.2.Enzyme Assays2.2.1.Reaction Rate as a Measure of Catalytic Activity2.2.2.Definition of Units2.2.3.Absorption Photometry2.2.4.Fluorometry2.2.5.Luminometry2.2.6.Radiometry2.2.7.Potentiometry2.2.8.Conductometry2.2.9.Calorimetry2.2.10.Polarimetry2.2.11.Manometry2.2.12.Viscosimetry2.2.13.Turbidimetry2.2.14.Immobilized Enzymes2.2.15.Electrophoresis2.3.Quality Evaluation of Enzyme Preparations2.3.1.Quality Criteria2.3.2.Specific Activity2.3.3.Protein Determination2.3.4.Contaminating Activities2.3.5.Electrophoretic Purity2.3.6.High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography2.3.7.Performance Test2.3.8.Amino Acid Analysis and Protein Sequence Analysis2.3.9.Stability2.3.10.Formulation of Enzyme Preparations2.4.Overview of Industrial Enzyme Applications3.Enzyme Safety and Regulatory Considerations3.1.Safe Handling of Enzymes3.1.1.Possible Health Effects3.1.2.Control Technology3.2.Product Regulatory Considerations3.2.1.Food‐Use Enzymes3.2.2.Feed‐Use Enzymes3.2.3.Industrial‐Use Enzymes
Molluskicides
Authors: Schnorbach Hans‐Jürgen , Matthaei Hans‐Detlef , Müller Franz 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe Introduction has been considerably expanded to describe the phylum Molluska in more detail with respect to classification, biology, habitat, and damage to crops. The gastropods associated with human and animals are also briefly mentioned to complete the overview. In Chapter 2Methods for the Control of Slugs and Snails in Agriculture and Horticulturethe various methods available today to combat slugs and snails in agriculture and horticulture are described and the corresponding chemical and biological means are presented. Although some of the molluskicides are restricted in their use or even banned in Western countries they are included here because they are still in use in Developing Countries. The chemical compounds are presented according to their classification as pesticides. In the chapter “Toxicology” all available data relating to mammals and wildlife are presented rather than describing the toxicological profile of a compound, because the evaluations are still not harmonized worldwide, and would therefore lead to some potential problems for the reader.1.Introduction2.Methods for the Control of Slugs and Snails in Agriculture and Horticulture2.1Corrosive and Dehydrating Agents2.2Cultural Control2.3Biological Control2.4Chemical Control2.5Fumigants2.6Inorganic and Metal‐Containing Compounds2.7Organic Compounds2.8Newer Developments2.9Older Molluskicides3.Toxicology3.1General Remarks3.2Inorganic and Metal‐Containing Molecules3.3Organic Compounds
Enzymes, 2. Discovery and Production
Authors: Chotani Gopal K. , Dodge Timothy C. , Terwisscha van Scheltinga Andreas Herman , Gölker Christian , Heng Meng H. , Kan John , Becker Todd , Fukui Saburo , Tanaka Atsuo , Schmuck Rainer , de Nobel Hans , Jones Brian , Aehle Wolfgang , Bott Rick 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

The article contains sections titled:

1.

General Production Methods

1.1.

Microbial Production

1.1.1.

Organism and Enzyme Synthesis

1.1.2.

Strain Improvement

1.1.3.

Physiological Optimization

1.1.4.

The Fermentor and its Limitations

1.1.5.

Process Design

1.1.6.

Modeling and Optimization

1.1.7.

Instrumentation and Control

1.2.

Isolation and Purification

1.2.1.

Preparation of Biological Starting Materials

1.2.1.1.

Cell Disruption by Mechanical Methods

1.2.1.2.

Cell Disruption by Nonmechanical Methods

1.2.2.

Separation of Solid Matter

1.2.2.1.

Filtration

1.2.2.2.

Centrifugation

1.2.2.3.

Extraction

1.2.2.4.

Flocculation and Flotation

1.2.3.

Concentration

1.2.3.1.

Thermal Methods

1.2.3.2.

Precipitation

1.2.3.3.

Ultrafiltration

1.2.4.

Purification

1.2.4.1.

Crystallization

1.2.4.2.

Electrophoresis

1.2.4.3.

Chromatography

1.2.5.

Product Formulation

1.2.6.

Waste Disposal

1.3.

Immobilization

1.3.1.

Definitions

1.3.2.

History

1.3.3.

Methods

1.3.3.1.

Carrier Binding

1.3.3.2.

Cross‐linking

1.3.3.3.

Entrapment

1.3.4.

Characterization

1.3.5.

Application

2.

Discovery and Development of Enzymes

2.1.

Enzyme Screening

2.1.1.

Overview

2.1.2.

Natural Isolate Screening

2.1.3.

Molecular Screening

2.1.4.

Environmental Gene Screening

2.1.5.

Genomic Screening

2.1.6.

Proteomic Screening

2.2.

Protein Engineering

2.2.1.

Introduction

2.2.2.

Application of Protein Engineering in Academia and Industry

2.2.3.

Outlook
Enzymes, 5. Enzymes in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Aehle Wolfgang , Waldmann Herbert , Schultz Carsten , Gröger Harald , Dinkel Carlo , Drauz Karlheinz 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe article contains sections titled:1.Introduction2.Examples of Enzymatic Conversions3.Enzyme‐Analogous Catalysts4.Commercial Applications5.Outlook