bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of a Novel Ultrasonic Surgical System for Decompression of the Facial Nerve
Authors: Samy Ravi N. , Krishnamoorthy Kumaresh , Pensak Myles L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjective: The middle cranial fossa approach has been used to explore and decompress the facial nerve in patients with Bell's palsy and facial nerve tumors. Unfortunately, this approach is technically challenging and has a significant risk of injury to the facial nerve and to the cochleovestibular organs. One way to minimize the risk may be with the use of the Sonopet Omni ultrasonic aspirator (Synergetics Inc., St Charles, MO) instead of an otologic drill.Methods: In this prospective study using cadaveric temporal bones, a total of 17 temporal bone specimens were used. Seven cadaveric temporal bones were used (4‐left, 3‐right) for the initial feasibility study. At a second session, an additional 10 temporal bones (5‐left, 5‐right) underwent decompression of the facial nerve from the fundus of the internal auditory canal (IAC) to the geniculate ganglion (ie, labyrinthine segment). The average time to decompress the labyrinthine segment was measured. The temporal bones were then examined for evidence of any injury.Results: None of the 17 temporal bones showed any sign of injury to the superior semicircular canal or the cochlea. However, one specimen did have penetration of the IAC dura; another specimen did have penetration of the epineurium of the facial nerve. However, in neither case was there any evidence of injury to the facial nerve itself. At the first session, the average time for decompression of the labyrinthine segment was 10 minutes and 12 seconds. At the second session, the average time for decompression was 5 minutes and 0 seconds.Conclusion: The ultrasonic surgical system may be used as an alternative to the surgical drill for decompression of the facial nerve. Although a learning curve does exist, as with any new surgical tool or device, our results indicate that the device can be used safely and in a reasonable amount of time. However, before proceeding with intraoperative use of this device for otologic and neurotologic procedures, familiarization is first recommended on cadaveric temporal bone specimens.
Biochemical Results of Reoperations for Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Vila Juan Manuel Fernandez , Peix Jean L. , Mandry Alexandra C. , Mezzadri Norberto A. , Lifante Jean C. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground: The calcitonin is a sensitive marker for the presence of medullary thyroid carcinoma, therefore, invaluable in the follow‐up of patients who have been treated. Biological cure of the medullary thyroid cancer refers to a basal plasma calcitonin of less than 10 ng/l without elevation after stimulation tests.Study Design: Biochemical results of reoperations for medullary thyroid carcinoma were reviewed from a series of 35 patients who underwent 47 reinterventions.Results: The indications for reoperation were: hypercalcitoninemia with clinical evidence of the disease (32 cases); hypercalcitoninemia after an inadequate primary surgery (6 cases); persistent hypercalcitoninemia with biochemical evidence of the disease (2 cases); liver metastases (1 case); and palliative surgery for relieving symptoms (1 case). Only three patients of the series had biochemical cure after reoperation (patients with an inadequate primary surgery).Conclusions: This study is consistent with the bibliographic reviews supporting that the cervical reoperation, eventually mediastinal, for residual hypercalcitoninemia after primary surgical treatment is indicated when the initial intervention did not follow the French Calcitonin Tumour Study Group (GETC) recommendations or when a specific lesion is evidenced by imaging studies without systemic dissemination.
Mandibular Subluxation for Distal Cervical Exposure of the Internal Carotid Artery
Authors: Fortes Felipe S. G. , da Silva Erasmo Simão , Sennes Luiz Ubirajara 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIntroduction: Surgical access to the distal segment of the cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) is a challenge because of the limited exposure imposed by bony structures and concern regarding cranial nerve and major vasculature injury. Our objective is to quantify the additional exposure of the distal cervical ICA obtained with mandibular subluxation (MS) compared with maneuvers that do not mobilize the mandible.Methods: Thirty dissections of the cervical ICA and common carotid artery bifurcation were performed on fresh cadavers. The length of the ICA exposure was measured from the carotid bifurcation to the most distally exposed ICA after sectioning the posterior belly of the digastric and stylohyoid muscles, removal of the styloid process, and MS.Results: After MS, a 5.52 ± 1.00 cm mean exposure of the cervical ICA was obtained. Comparison between the second and third measures revealed an average additional exposure of the ICA of 0.77 cm, corresponding to an additional 16.2% (P < .001). Neck length, sex, and age showed no correlation with the ICA exposure.Conclusion: MS provided an additional exposure of the distal segment of the cervical ICA and may be useful in selected cases to improve access. However, staged maneuvers should be used, and the need for MS depends on the level and extension of the lesion.
Prognostic Significance of the MUC1 and MUC4 Expressions in Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma
Authors: Baek Seung‐Kuk , Woo Jeong‐Soo , Kwon Soon‐Young , Lee Sang‐Hag , Chae Yang‐Seok , Jung Kwang‐Yoon 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectives: The aim of the present study was to examine the expressions of mucin genes MUC1 and MUC4 and to evaluate the difference of their expressions in normal thyroid tissue, follicular adenoma, and papillary carcinoma. Furthermore, we aimed to estimate their prognostic significance in papillary carcinoma.Methods: We performed semiquantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction for determining the MUC1 and MUC4 mRNA expressions, and immunohistochemical staining was performed to determine the MUC1 and MUC4 protein expressions in 22 normal thyroid tissues, 22 follicular adenomas, and 15 papillary carcinomas. The semiquantitative scoring of the immunohistochemical staining was compared with the prognostic factors for thyroid carcinoma to evaluate the prognostic significance in 87 papillary carcinoma patients.Results: The MUC1 mRNA of the papillary carcinoma tissue showed an increased expression level compared with the other tissues. However, the expression level of MUC4 mRNA was weak in all the specimens, and this was not significantly different among the three groups. MUC1 immunoreactivity was more intense in papillary carcinoma but not in the other tissues. MUC4 was not expressed in all thyroid tissues. The expression of MUC1 was significantly associated with tumor size, extrathyroidal spread, and TNM stage (P < .05).Conclusions: Up‐regulation of MUC1 may play a more important role than that of MUC4 in the development of thyroid papillary carcinoma, and it may have some significance as a prognostic factor.
Injection of Autologous Muscle Stem Cells (Myoblasts) for the Treatment of Vocal Fold Paralysis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Halum Stacey L. , Naidu Moumita , Delo Dawn M. , Atala Anthony , Hingtgen Cynthia M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjective: Autologous muscle stem cell (myoblast) therapy may be an ideal treatment for vocal fold paralysis because of its technical ease (administered by injection), its potential to restore muscular defects and dynamic function, and its autologous origin. The goal of this project was to determine whether autologous myoblast injection into the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle after recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury could attenuate TA muscle atrophy and enhance spontaneous reinnervation.Study Design: This was an animal experiment.Methods: Unilateral RLN transection and sternocleidomastoid muscle (approximately 1 g) biopsies were performed in 16 male Wistar rats. Biopsies were used to create myoblast cultures for each animal. One month later, 106 autologous myoblasts labeled with fluorescent cell membrane marker (PKH26) were injected into the denervated TA of each study animal, with saline injected into controls. Animals were euthanized at 2 weeks and 2 months after myoblast injection. Outcomes included myoblast survival, TA fiber diameter and volume, and reinnervation status (motor endplate to nerve contact staining).Results: All denervated TA study specimens demonstrated viable myoblasts under fluorescent microscopy, with the myoblasts demonstrating fusion with the TA myofibers at 2 months. The myoblast‐treated group had greater mean TA fiber diameter than denervated TA controls at 2 months (25.1 vs. 21.1 μm; P = .04) but not at 2 weeks (25.7 μm vs. 23.5 μm; P = .06). Mean TA volumes were greater in the myoblast‐treated groups at both time points. Two of the animals in the myoblast‐treated group demonstrated adductor motion at 2 months, whereas none of the 2 week study animals or controls recovered adduction. Reinnervation was not significantly different between the myoblast‐treated groups and the denervated controls.Conclusions: Autologous myoblast therapy may be a future treatment for vocal fold paralysis, with current findings demonstrating myoblast survival with attenuation of TA muscle atrophy.
The Acropetal Wave of Developmental Cell Death of Tobacco Corolla Is Preceded by Activation of Transglutaminase in Different Cell Compartments
Authors: Della Mea Massimiliano , De Filippis Francesca , Genovesi Valeria , Serafini Fracassini Donatella , Del Duca Stefano 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
The activity of transglutaminase (TGase), an enzyme responsible for polyamine conjugation to proteins, was analyzed in relationship to developmental cell death (DCD) during the flower life span stages of the tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) corolla. As the DCD exhibits an acropetal gradient, TGase was studied in corolla proximal, medial, and distal parts. TGase was immunorecognized by three TGase antibodies; the main 58-kD band decreased during corolla life, whereas a 38-kD band localized progressively from basal to distal parts. The former was present in the soluble, microsomal, plastidial (together with the 38-kD band), and cell wall fractions. The endogenous TGase activity increased during DCD reaching a maximum soon after the corolla opening. The activity maximum shifted from proximal to distal part, preceding the DCD acropetal pattern. A similar activity increase was observed by the exogenous TGase substrate (histidine6-Xpr-green fluorescent protein). Subcellular activities were detected in (1) the microsomes, where TGase activity is in general higher in the proximal part, peaking at the corolla opening; (2) the soluble fraction, where it is present only in the proximal part at senescence; (3) the plastids, where it shows an increasing trend; and (4) cell walls, prevailing in the distal part and progressively increasing. These data suggest a relationship between DCD and TGase; the latter, possibly released in the cell wall through the Golgi vesicles, could cooperate to cell wall strengthening, especially at the abscission zone and possibly during corolla shape change. The plastid TGase, stabilizing the photosystems, could sustain the energy requirements for the senescence progression.
Arabidopsis Inositol Polyphosphate 6-/3-Kinase (AtIpk2β) Is Involved in Axillary Shoot Branching via Auxin Signaling
Authors: Zhang Zai-Bao , Yang Guang , Arana Fernando , Chen Zhen , Li Yan , Xia Hui-Jun 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) inositol polyphosphate 6-/3-kinase gene (AtIpk2β) is known to participate in inositol phosphate metabolism. However, little is known about its physiological functions in higher plants. Here, we report that AtIpk2β regulates Arabidopsis axillary shoot branching. By overexpressing AtIpk2β in the wild type and mutants, we found that overexpression of AtIpk2β leads to more axillary shoot branches. Further analysis of AtIpk2β overexpression lines showed that axillary meristem forms earlier and the bud outgrowth rate is also accelerated, resulting in more axillary shoot branches. The AtIpk2β promoter/β-glucuronidase (GUS) fusion (AtIpk2β∷GUS) expression pattern is similar to that of the auxin reporter DR5∷GUS. Moreover, AtIpk2β can be induced in response to exogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) treatments. In addition, AtIpk2β overexpression plants exhibit IAA-related phenotypes and are more resistant to exogenous IAA treatments. Further analysis employing reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction shows that some genes, including auxin-biosynthesis (CYP83B1), auxin-transport (PIN4), and auxin-mediated branching genes (MAX4 and SPS), are regulated by AtIpk2β. Taken together, our data provide insights into a role for AtIpk2β in axillary shoot branching through the auxin signaling pathway.
The Structure of Two N-Methyltransferases from the Caffeine Biosynthetic Pathway
Authors: McCarthy Andrew A. , McCarthy James G. 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a secondary metabolite produced by certain plant species and an important component of coffee (Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora) and tea (Camellia sinensis). Here we describe the structures of two S-adenosyl-l-methionine-dependent N-methyltransferases that mediate caffeine biosynthesis in C. canephora ‘robusta’, xanthosine (XR) methyltransferase (XMT), and 1,7-dimethylxanthine methyltransferase (DXMT). Both were cocrystallized with the demethylated cofactor, S-adenosyl-l-cysteine, and substrate, either xanthosine or theobromine. Our structures reveal several elements that appear critical for substrate selectivity. Serine-316 in XMT appears central to the recognition of XR. Likewise, a change from glutamine-161 in XMT to histidine-160 in DXMT is likely to have catalytic consequences. A phenylalanine-266 to isoleucine-266 change in DXMT is also likely to be crucial for the discrimination between mono and dimethyl transferases in coffee. These key residues are probably functionally important and will guide future studies with implications for the biosynthesis of caffeine and its derivatives in plants.
Apyrases (Nucleoside Triphosphate-Diphosphohydrolases) Play a Key Role in Growth Control in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wu Jian , Steinebrunner Iris , Sun Yu , Butterfield Timothy , Torres Jonathan , Arnold David , Gonzalez Antonio , Jacob Francis , Reichler Stuart , Roux Stanley J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractExpression of two Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) apyrase (nucleoside triphosphate-diphosphohydrolase) genes with high similarity, APY1 and APY2, was analyzed during seedling development and under different light treatments using β-glucuronidase fusion constructs with the promoters of both genes. As evaluated by β-glucuronidase staining and independently confirmed by other methods, the highest expression of both apyrases was in rapidly growing tissues and/or tissues that accumulate high auxin levels. Red-light treatment of etiolated seedlings suppressed the protein and message level of both apyrases at least as rapidly as it inhibited hypocotyl growth. Adult apy1 and apy2 single mutants had near-normal growth, but apy1apy2 double-knockout plants were dwarf, due primarily to reduced cell elongation. Pollen tubes and etiolated hypocotyls overexpressing an apyrase had faster growth rates than wild-type plants. Growing pollen tubes released ATP into the growth medium and suppression of apyrase activity by antiapyrase antibodies or by inhibitors simultaneously increased medium ATP levels and inhibited pollen tube growth. These results imply that APY1 and APY2, like their homologs in animals, act to reduce the concentration of extracellular nucleotides, and that this function is important for the regulation of growth in Arabidopsis.
The Nuclear-Encoded Factor HCF173 Is Involved in the Initiation of Translation of the psbA mRNA in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Schult Kerstin , Meierhoff Karin , Paradies Susanne , Töller Thomas , Wolff Petra , Westhoff Peter 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
To gain insight into the biogenesis of photosystem II (PSII) and to identify auxiliary factors required for this process, we characterized the mutant hcf173 of Arabidopsis thaliana. The mutant shows a high chlorophyll fluorescence phenotype (hcf) and is severely affected in the accumulation of PSII subunits. In vivo labeling experiments revealed a drastically decreased synthesis of the reaction center protein D1. Polysome association experiments suggest that this is primarily caused by reduced translation initiation of the corresponding psbA mRNA. Comparison of mRNA steady state levels indicated that the psbA mRNA is significantly reduced in hcf173. Furthermore, the determination of the psbA mRNA half-life revealed an impaired RNA stability. The HCF173 gene was identified by map-based cloning, and its identity was confirmed by complementation of the hcf phenotype. HCF173 encodes a protein with weak similarities to the superfamily of the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases. The protein HCF173 is localized in the chloroplast, where it is mainly associated with the membrane system and is part of a higher molecular weight complex. Affinity chromatography of an HCF173 fusion protein uncovered the psbA mRNA as a component of this complex.
Partnership with and without trade unions in the UK financial services: filling or fuelling the representation gap?
Authors: Tailby Stephanie , Richardson Mike , Upchurch Martin , Danford Andy , Stewart Paul 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTPartnership theory proposes that an appropriate integration of direct and indirect employee participation mutually benefits the workers and the company. This study explores the putative employee voice gains and the risks for union effectiveness by comparing employees' evaluation of partnership practices at two financial service companies with non‐union and union employee representation, respectively.
Impact of Mandatory Physician Reporting on Accident Risk in Epilepsy
Authors: McLachlan Richard S , Starreveld Elout , Lee Mary Ann 
Published: April 2007

Summary:  Background: In some jurisdictions, physicians are required by law to report patients with seizures to the department of motor vehicles. We assessed the hypothesis that mandatory reporting reduces the risk of automobile accidents in people with epilepsy. Methods: A retrospective survey of driving and accident rates was done by mailed questionnaire to two groups of subjects with epilepsy in Canada, one living in Ontario where reporting is mandatory and the other in Alberta where it is not. Responses were obtained from a control group without epilepsy for comparison. Results: The epilepsy (n = 425) and control (n = 375) groups were comparable in age and sex. Seventy‐three percent of the epilepsy group were or had been licensed drivers compared to 94% of the controls (rr 0.77, 95% CI 0.73–0.83, p < 0.001). Lifetime accident rate of licensed drivers was 58% in epilepsy and 60% in controls (rr 0.99, 95%CI 0.82–1.19, ns) while 9% of the epilepsy group and 9% of the controls had an accident in the previous year (rr 1.00, 95%CI 0.95–1.06, ns). All those with epilepsy in Ontario (n = 202) and Alberta (n = 223), also comparable in age and sex, had equal lifetime accident rates of 45 and 46% (rr 0.99, 95%CI 0.67–1.47, ns) and 1‐year rates of 11 and 8% (rr 1.38, 95%CI 0.59–3.27, ns). In Ontario, 20% of drivers were unlicensed compared to 9% in Alberta (rr 2.39, 95%CI 1.17–4.89, p = 0.01) Conclusion: Although it is clearly dangerous for many people with ongoing seizures to drive, the findings provide no support for the hypothesis that mandatory reporting of patients by physicians reduces accident risk and suggest that concerns about the impact of epilepsy on driving compared to other medical and nonmedical risk factors may be excessive.
Decreased Efficacy of GABAA‐receptor Modulation by Midazolam in the Kainate Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Liefaard Lia C. , Gunput Rou‐Afza F. , Danhof Meindert , Voskuyl Rob A. 
Published: April 2007

Summary:  Purpose: The objective of this investigation was to characterize quantitatively the time‐dependent changes in midazolam (MDL) efficacy in the silent period after induction of status epilepticus (SE) in rats. The changes in MDL efficacy were correlated to changes in ex vivo GABAA‐receptor expression. Methods: MDL efficacy was quantified by pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK‐PD) modeling by using the β‐frequency of the EEG as PD end point. Two PK‐PD experiments were performed in each animal: the first experiment before and the second experiment at either day 4 or day 14 after SE. SE was induced by repetitive intraperitoneal injections with kainate. GABAA‐receptor expression was determined by ex vivo autoradiography with [3H]flumazenil. Results: The concentration versus EEG effect relation of midazolam was successfully described by the sigmoidal Emax model. The maximal effect on the β‐frequency of the EEG (Emax) was reduced to 51.6 ± 35.6% and 25.8 ± 33.7% of the original value at 4 and 14 days after induction of SE. The ex vivo study with [3H]flumazenil showed that the observed reductions in Emax were paralleled by a reduction in GABAA‐receptor density. Conclusions: The efficacy of MDL is decreased in the silent period after SE, which can be partly accounted for by a reduction in GABAA‐receptor density.
Reduced Hippocampal 5HT1A PET Receptor Binding and Depression in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Theodore William H. , Hasler Gregor , Giovacchini Giampiero , Kelley Kathleen , Reeves‐Tyer Pat , Herscovitch Peter , Drevets Wayne 
Published: April 2007

Summary:  Purpose: To study the relation of hippocampal 5HT1A receptor binding to symptoms of depression in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Depression is common in people with epilepsy, and reduced 5HT1A binding has been reported in patients with primary depressive disorders. Methods: We studied 45 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy confirmed by ictal video‐EEG recording. Mood was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Positron emission tomographic measurement of 5HT1A receptors was performed with 18F‐FCWAY, a highly specific silent antagonist. 3D‐T1‐weighted MRI was used to correct for structural atrophy. Receptor distribution volume (V) was corrected for plasma tracer free fraction (f1). Results: There was a significant inverse relation between ipsilateral hippocampal v/f1 and the BDI. For contralateral hippocampus, there was a nonsignificant trend. Patients with BDI > 20 had significantly lower ipsilateral hippocampal V/f1 than patients in the low and medium groups. There was no significant effect of the presence of mesial temporal sclerosis, focus laterality, or gender on the BDI. Conclusions: Our study shows a relationship between hippocampal 5HT1A binding and depressive symptoms measured by the BDI in patients with epilepsy. The findings parallel results in patients with MDD.