bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The extent of laminectomy affects pain‐related behavior in a rat model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Košta Vana , Kojundžić Sanja Lovrić , Sapunar Liana Cambj , Sapunar Damir 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTOne of the unresolved questions in neuropathic pain research is whether we can prevent or reverse mechanical hyperalgesia by rhizotomy or ganglionectomy. However, one of the obstacles in answering that question is lack of a standardized surgical procedure used in experimental ganglionectomy. We tested the hypothesis that laminectomy performed during ganglionectomy induces lumbar column deformity. We further examined whether spinal deformity is a source of pain‐related behavior. Five conditions were studied. Fifth and sixth lumbar (L5 and L6) ganglionectomy were performed in rats using either minimal or extensive laminectomy technique. Two other groups had minimal and extensive laminectomy without ganglionectomies. A final control group had no surgery. Sensory responsiveness of the plantar aspect of the hind paw was repeatedly tested, and a plain radiograph in anteroposterior projection was made to assess the extent of deformity by measurement of deformity angles. Hyperalgesia resulted in groups with extensive laminectomy regardless of performance or absence of ganglionectomy, while in groups with minimal laminectomy there was no increase in pain‐related behavior. Lateral deformity of the spine was observed in rats with or without ganglionectomy, confirming that laminectomy can produce deformity. The extent of deformity was more pronounced in rats exposed to the extensive laminectomy. Our results indicate that laminectomy can produce spine deformity and that there is a direct relationship between the extent of laminectomy and the development of mechanical hypersensitivity. The data presented suggest that there is a need for standardization of laminectomy procedure in rat experimental pain models.
Single‐stage BAHA implantation in adults and children: Is it safe?
Authors: Kohan Darius , Morris Luc GT , Romo Thomas 
Published: June 2008

ObjectiveMost surgeons perform pediatric bone‐anchored hearing aid (BAHA) implantation in two stages. This study examined the safety and efficacy of single‐stage BAHA implantation in adults and children.MethodsRetrospective review of 32 ears: 18 pediatric (ages 6 to 13 years) and 14 adult patients who underwent single‐stage BAHA surgery between 2002 and 2006.ResultsA total of eight (25%) ears experienced complications. Overall, four (13%) ears required revision in the operating room. In the pediatric group, there were three (16.7%) ears with skin complications; two required operative revision. In the adult group, there were five (36%) ears with skin complications; two required operative revision.ConclusionsIn both adults and children, the single‐stage technique for BAHA implantation is safe and efficient. All complications were related to skin reaction. Safety profiles for 1‐ and 2‐stage surgery are similar, although the single‐stage procedure is more cost effective, avoids a second procedure, and provides for earlier hearing rehabilitation.
Histological features of osteofibrous hemangioma of the maxillofacial and skull base regions
Authors: Stamataki Sofia , Francis Howard W. , Holliday Michael , McCarthy Edward 
Published: June 2008

ObjectivesThe histological spectrum of hemangiomas of the skull base and maxillofacial skeleton was evaluated to help explain the variability of the clinical and radiological presentation of this tumor.DesignRetrospective case series.ParticipantsPatients with surgically treated hemangiomas of the ear, sinuses, skull base, and maxillofacial bones.MethodLight microscopic appearance of surgical specimens.ResultsReview of specimens from 23 tumors revealed two distinct histological patterns: 1) typical histology consisting of vascular spaces lined by endothelium and a thin layer of smooth muscle, and 2) osteofibrous histology that consisted of prominent fibrous tissue between vascular spaces associated occasionally with neo‐osseogenesis. The osteofibrous histology was more prevalent in the sinonasal and anterior skull base regions compared to the internal auditory canal.ConclusionsConnective tissue and bony proliferation within hemangiomas vary according to tumor location and may have implications for the radiological appearance, ease of surgical resection, and associated morbidity.
Clinical evaluation of a novel internal nasal dilation stent for the improvement of nasal breathing
Authors: Brandt Michael G. , Moore Corey C. , Doyle Philip C. 
Published: June 2008

ObjectiveThis study assessed rhinometric improvement in nasal airflow, perceived comfort, and the utility of nasal dilation devices for individuals with nasal obstruction treated with an external nasal dilator (END) or a novel internal nasal dilation stent (INDS).Study DesignProspective, randomized, crossover trial.SubjectsIndividuals with symptoms of nasal obstruction.MethodsTwenty‐three participants underwent rhinometry and a trial with a novel INDS and a validated END. Devices were used in a randomized, crossover fashion. Nasal airflow, maximum use, continuous use, comfort, and challenge with these devices were assessed.ResultsThe END and INDS showed greater nasal airflow from baseline, with the INDS being significantly better than the END. The INDS was used significantly more than the END, and demonstrated significantly greater comfort and less associated challenge.ConclusionsThe novel INDS showed 3.4 times improved nasal airflow from baseline, was used maximally and continuously longer than a validated END, and was judged to be significantly more tolerable.
Systematic review of the treatment of functional dysphonia and prevention of voice disorders
Authors: Jani Ruotsalainen , Jaana Sellman , Laura Lehto , Jos Verbeek 
Published: June 2008

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for treating functional dysphonia or preventing voice disorders in adults.Data SourcesWe searched MEDLINE (1950 to 2006), EMBASE (1974 to 2006), CENTRAL (Issue 2 2006), CINAHL (1983 to 2006), PsychINFO (1967 to 2006), Science Citation Index (1986 to 2006), and the Occupational Health databases OSH‐ROM (February 2006).Review MethodsSystematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. Included studies evaluated the effectiveness of interventions for 1) treating functional/nonorganic dysphonia or 2) preventing voice disorders. We identified six randomized controlled trials about treatment and two about prevention. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed trial quality.ResultsA combination of direct and indirect voice therapy, compared with no intervention, improves self‐reported (standardized mean difference −1.07; 95% CI −1.94 to −0.19), observerrated (weighted mean difference [WMD] −13.00; 95% CI −17.92 to −8.08), and instrumentally assessed vocal functioning (WMD −1.20; 95% CI −2.37 to −0.03) in adults with functional dysphonia. Effects are reported to remain for at least 14 weeks. Effects are similar in patients and in teachers and student teachers screened for voice problems. We found two studies that did not show voice training, compared with no intervention, to have a preventive effective in improving self‐reported vocal functioning. Assessment of publication bias showed that the real effect sizes are probably smaller.ConclusionComprehensive voice therapy is effective in improving vocal performance in adults with functional dysphonia. There is no evidence of effectiveness of voice training in preventing voice disorders.
Accuracy of PTH assay and corrected calcium in early prediction of hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery
Authors: Cavicchi Ottavio , Piccin Ottavio , Caliceti Umberto , Fernandez Ignacio Javier , Bordonaro Carla , Saggese Domenico , Ceroni Alberto Rinaldi 
Published: June 2008

ObjectiveTo evaluate the accuracy of the intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) and 6‐hour PTH (6hPTH) assay in predicting transient hypoparathyroidism after thyroidectomy.Study DesignA nonrandomized prospective study was conducted on patients undergoing thyroid surgery.Subjects and MethodsOf 138 patients undergoing thyroid surgery, intraoperative PTH was measured 10 minutes after gland removal. Serum calcium, magnesium, inorganic phosphorus, albumin, and PTH levels were assayed 6 and 16 hours after surgery and daily until patient discharge.ResultsThe development of postoperative hypocalcemia was associated with low ioPTH (P < 0.0001) and 6hPTH (P < 0.0001) values, and the decline of PTH from baseline (P < 0.0001). The cutoff for percentage decline of ioPTH and 6hPTH (55.7% and 379%, respectively) was more accurate than an absolute value. Accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values were 88 percent, 63 percent, and 100 percent for ioPTH and 75 percent, 46 percent, and 100 percent for 6hPTH, respectively.ConclusionWith the use of ioPTH decline in association with 16‐hour corrected calcium, it is possible to distinguish early normocalcemic patients from hypocalcemic ones in most cases.
Urinary leukotrienes in patients with nasal polyposis
Authors: Royer Michel , Guzmán María Antonieta , Gormaz Juan‐Pablo , Nazar Gonzalo 
Published: June 2008

ObjectivesTo compare urinary leukotriene E4 (ULT) level in patients with nasal polyposis (NP) with and without aspirin intolerance and allergic rhinitis (AR), and correlate it with disease severity.Study Design and SettingProspective study from November 2005 to November 2006. Patients with NP (n = 30) and AR (n = 35) were included. The concentration of ULT was measured in both groups. Oral provocation test with aspirin was performed to patients with NP. ULT level between both groups was compared and correlated with NP disease severity.ResultsULT concentration was elevated on NP and AR. The patients with NP and aspirin intolerance (n = 4) presented higher levels of ULT compared to aspirin‐tolerant patients. Leukotriene concentration was not correlated with NP severity.ConclusionsPatients with NP and aspirin intolerance have increased ULT excretion; thus their measurement can be used as an indicator of arachidonic acid metabolism alteration.
The Neogene–Recent Hatay Graben, South Central Turkey: graben formation in a setting of oblique extension (transtension) related to post-collisional tectonic escape
Authors: BOULTON SARAH J. , ROBERTSON ALASTAIR H. F. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractStructural data and a regional tectonic interpretation are given for the NE–SW-trending Hatay Graben, southern Turkey, within the collision zone of the African (Arabian) and Eurasian (Anatolian) plates. Regional GPS and seismicity data are used to shed light on the recent tectonic development of the Hatay Graben. Faults within Upper Cretaceous to Quaternary sediments are categorized as of first-, second- and third-order type, depending on their scale, location and character. Normal, oblique and strike-slip faults predominate throughout the area.The flanks of the graben are dominated by normal faults, mainly striking parallel to the graben, that is, 045–225°. In contrast, the graben axis exhibits strike-slip faults, trending 100–200°, together with normal faults striking 040–060° and 150–190° (a subset strikes 110–130°). Similarly orientated normal faults occur throughout Upper Cretaceous to Pliocene sediments, whereas strike-slip faults are mostly within Pliocene sediments near the graben axis. Stress inversion of slickenline data from mostly Pliocene sediments at ten suitable locations (all near the graben axis) show that σ3 directions (minimum stress axis ≈ extension direction) are uniform in the northeast of the graben but orientated at a high angle to the graben margins. More variable σ3 directions in the southwest may reflect local block rotations. During Miocene times, the Arabian and Anatolian plates collided, forming a foreland basin associated with flexurally controlled normal faulting. During the Late Miocene there was a transition from extension to transtension (oblique extension). The neotectonic Hatay Graben formed during the Plio-Quaternary in a transtensional setting. In the light of modern and ancient comparisons, it is suggested that contemporaneous strain was compartmentalized into large-scale normal faults on the graben margins and mainly small-scale strike-slip faults near the graben axis. Overall, the graben reflects Plio-Quaternary westward tectonic escape from a collision zone towards the east to a pre- or syn-collisional zone to the west in the Mediterranean Sea.
Geochronology and geochemistry of the c. 80 Ma Rutog granitic pluton, northwestern Tibet: implications for the tectonic evolution of the Lhasa Terrane
Authors: ZHAO TAI-PING , ZHOU MEI-FU , ZHAO JUN-HONG , ZHANG KAI-JUN , CHEN WEI 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe Rutog granitic pluton lies in the Gangdese magmatic arc in the westernmost part of the Lhasa Terrane, NW Tibet, and has SHRIMP zircon U–Pb ages of c. 80 Ma. The pluton consists of granodiorite and monzogranite with SiO2 ranging from 62 to 72 wt% and Al2 O3 from 15 to 17 wt%. The rocks contain 2.33–4.93 wt% K2O and 3.42–5.52 wt% Na2O and have Na2O/K2O ratios of 0.74–2.00. Their chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns are enriched in LREE ((La/Yb)n = 15 to 26) and do not show significant Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.68–1.15). On a primitive mantle-normalized trace element diagram, the rocks are rich in large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and poor in high field strength elements (HFSE), HREE and Y. Their Sr/Y ratios range from 15 to 78 with an average of 30. The rocks have constant initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7045 to 0.7049) and slightly positive ɛNd(t) values (+0.1 to +2.3), similar to I-type granites generated in an arc setting. The geochemistry of the Rutog pluton is best explained by partial melting of a thickened continental crust, triggered by underplating of basaltic magmas in a mantle wedge. The formation of the Rutog pluton suggests flat subduction of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere from the south. Crustal thickening may have occurred in the Late Cretaceous prior to the India–Asia collision.
A devil's staircase from rotations and irrationality measures for Liouville numbers
Authors: KWON DOYONG 
Published: June 2008

AbstractFrom Sturmian and Christoffel words we derive a strictly increasing function Δ:[0,∞) → . This function is continuous at every irrational point, while at rational points, left-continuous but not right-continuous. Moreover, it assumes algebraic integers at rationals, and transcendental numbers at irrationals. We also see that the differentiation of Δ distinguishes some irrationality measures of real numbers.
Activation of NADPH oxidase 1 in tumour colon epithelial cells
Authors: Nisimoto Yukio , Tsubouchi Ryoko , Diebold Becky A. , Qiao Shanlou , Ogawa Hisamitsu , Ohara Takuya , Tamura Minoru 
Published: June 2008

In the plasma membrane fraction from Caco-2 human colon carcinoma cells, active Nox1 (NADPH oxidase 1) endogenously co-localizes with its regulatory components p22phox, NOXO1, NOXA1 and Rac1. NADPH-specific superoxide generating activity was reduced by 80% in the presence of either a flavoenzyme inhibitor DPI (diphenyleneiodonium) or NADP+. The plasma membranes from PMA-stimulated cells showed an increased amount of Rac1 (19.6 pmol/mg), as compared with the membranes from unstimulated Caco-2 cells (15.1 pmol/mg), but other components did not change before and after the stimulation by PMA. Spectrophotometric analysis found approx. 36 pmol of FAD and 43 pmol of haem per mg of membrane and the turnover of superoxide generation in a cell-free system consisting of the membrane and FAD was 10 mol/s per mol of haem. When the constitutively active form of Rac, Rac1(Q61L) or GTP-bound Rac1 was added exogenously to the membrane, O2−-producing activity was enhanced up to 1.5-fold above the basal level, but GDP-loaded Rac1 did not affect superoxide-generating kinetics. A fusion protein [NOXA1N–Rac1(Q61L)] between truncated NOXA1(1–211) and Rac1-(Q61L) exhibited a 6-fold increase of the basal Nox1 activity, but NOXO1N(1–292) [C-terminal truncated NOXO1(1–292)] alone showed little effect on the activity. The activated forms of Rac1 and NOXA1 are essentially involved in Nox1 activation and their interactions might be responsible for regulating the O2−-producing activity in Caco-2 cells.
Acellular haemoglobin attenuates hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and its target genes in haemodiluted rats
Authors: Manalo Dominador J. , Buehler Paul W. , Baek Jin Hyen , Butt Omer , D'agnillo Felice , Alayash Abdu I. 
Published: June 2008

Hb (haemoglobin)-based blood substitutes represent a class of therapeutics designed to correct oxygen deficit under conditions of anaemia and traumatic blood loss. The influences of these agents on HIF-1α (hypoxia-inducible factor-1α) target genes involved in adaptation to hypoxia have so far not been studied. In the study presented here, rats underwent 80% ET (exchange transfusion) with either HS (hetastarch) or a polymerized Hb OG (Oxyglobin®). HS induced dramatic EPO (erythropoietin) gene transcription, reaching a maximum at 4 h post-ET. In contrast, OG suppressed EPO transcription until approx. 24 h post-ET. Large plasma EPO levels that were observed post-ET with HS were significantly blunted in animals transfused with OG. OG, unlike HS, induced a sharp increase in HO-1 (haem oxygenase-1) transcription at 4 h, which declined rapidly within 24 h, whereas modest increases in iNOS [inducible (nitric oxide synthase)] and constitutive NOS [eNOS (endothelial NOS)] were detected over the control. Our results demonstrate for the first time that severe haemodilution-induced erythropoietic responses in kidneys were attenuated by a low-oxygen-affinity cell-free Hb and suggest that tissue-specific oxygen-sensing pathways can be influenced by allosterically modified Hbs.
Biochemical characterization of the initial steps of the Kennedy pathway in Trypanosoma brucei: the ethanolamine and choline kinases
Authors: Gibellini Federica , Hunter William N. , Smith Terry K. 
Published: June 2008

Ethanolamine and choline are major components of the trypanosome membrane phospholipids, in the form of GPEtn (glycerophosphoethanolamine) and GPCho (glycerophosphocholine). Ethanolamine is also found as an integral component of the GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol) anchor that is required for membrane attachment of cell-surface proteins, most notably the variant-surface glycoproteins. The de novo synthesis of GPEtn and GPCho starts with the generation of phosphoethanolamine and phosphocholine by ethanolamine and choline kinases via the Kennedy pathway. Database mining revealed two putative C/EKs (choline/ethanolamine kinases) in the Trypanosoma brucei genome, which were cloned, overexpressed, purified and characterized. TbEK1 (T. brucei ethanolamine kinase 1) was shown to be catalytically active as an ethanolamine-specific kinase, i.e. it had no choline kinase activity. The Km values for ethanolamine and ATP were found to be 18.4±0.9 and 219±29 μM respectively. TbC/EK2 (T. brucei choline/ethanolamine kinase 2), on the other hand, was found to be able to phosphorylate both ethanolamine and choline, even though choline was the preferred substrate, with a Km 80 times lower than that of ethanolamine. The Km values for choline, ethanolamine and ATP were 31.4±2.6 μM, 2.56±0.31 mM and 20.6±1.96 μM respectively. Further substrate specificity analysis revealed that both TbEK1 and TbC/EK2 were able to tolerate various modifications at the amino group, with the exception of a quaternary amine for TbEK1 (choline) and a primary amine for TbC/EK2 (ethanolamine). Both enzymes recognized analogues with substituents on C-2, but substitutions on C-1 and elongations of the carbon chain were not well tolerated.
Regulation of a Drosophila melanogaster cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase by prenylation and interaction with a prenyl-binding protein
Authors: Day Jonathan P. , Cleghon Vaughn , Houslay Miles D. , Davies Shireen-A. 
Published: June 2008

Post-translational modification by isoprenylation is a pivotal process for the correct functioning of many signalling proteins. The Drosophila melanogaster cGMP-PDE (cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase) DmPDE5/6 possesses a CaaX-box prenylation signal motif, as do several novel cGMP-PDEs from insect and echinoid species (in CaaX, C is cysteine, a is an aliphatic amino acid and X is ‘any’ amino acid). DmPDE5/6 is prenylated in vivo at Cys1128 and is localized to the plasma membrane when expressed in Drosophila S2 cells. Site-directed mutagenesis of the prenylated cysteine residue (C1128S-DmPDE5/6), pharmacological inhibition of prenylation or co-expression of DmPrBP (Drosophila prenyl-binding protein)/δ each alters the subcellular localization of DmPDE5/6. Thus prenylation constitutes a critical post-translational modification of DmPDE5/6 for membrane targeting. Co-immunoprecipitation and subcellular-fractionation experiments have shown that DmPDE5/6 interacts with DmPrBP/δ in Drosophila S2 cells. Transgenic lines allow targeted expression of tagged prenylation-deficient C1128S-DmPDE5/6 in Type I (principal) cells in Drosophila Malpighian tubules, an in vivo model for DmPDE5/6 function. In contrast with wild-type DmPDE5/6, which was exclusively associated with the apical membrane, the C1128S-DmPDE5/6 mutant form was located primarily in the cytosol, although some residual association occurred at the apical membrane. Despite the profound change in intracellular localization of C1128S-DmPDE5/6, active transport of cGMP is affected in the same way as it is by DmPDE5/6. This suggests that, in addition to prenylation and interaction with DmPrBP/δ, further functional membrane-targeting signals exist within DmPDE5/6.
Interaction of tryptophan derivatives with SLC6A14 (ATB0,+) reveals the potential of the transporter as a drug target for cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Karunakaran Senthil , Umapathy Nagavedi S. , Thangaraju Muthusamy , Hatanaka Takahiro , Itagaki Shiro , Munn David H. , Prasad Puttur D. , Ganapathy Vadivel 
Published: June 2008

ATB0,+ [SLC6A14 (solute carrier family 6 member 14)] is an Na+/Cl−-coupled amino acid transporter whose expression is upregulated in cancer. 1-Methyltryptophan is an inducer of immune surveillance against tumour cells through its ability to inhibit indoleamine dioxygenase. In the present study, we investigated the role of ATB0,+ in the uptake of 1-methyltryptophan as a potential mechanism for entry of this putative anticancer drug into tumour cells. These studies show that 1-methyltryptophan is a transportable substrate for ATB0,+. The transport process is Na+/Cl−-dependent with an Na+/Cl−/1-methyltryptophan stoichiometry of 2:1:1. Evaluation of other derivatives of tryptophan has led to identification of α-methyltryptophan as a blocker, not a transportable substrate, for ATB0,+. ATB0,+ can transport 18 of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids. α-Methyltryptophan blocks the transport function of ATB0,+ with an IC50 value of ∼250 μM under conditions simulating normal plasma concentrations of all these 18 amino acids. These results suggest that α-methyltryptophan may induce amino acid deprivation in cells which depend on the transporter for their amino acid nutrition. Screening of several mammary epithelial cell lines shows that ATB0,+ is expressed robustly in some cancer cell lines, but not in all; in contrast, non-malignant cell lines do not express the transporter. Treatment of ATB0,+-positive tumour cells with α-methyltryptophan leads to suppression of their colony-forming ability, whereas ATB0,+-negative cell lines are not affected. The blockade of ATB0,+ in these cells with α-methyltryptophan is associated with cell cycle arrest. These studies reveal the potential of ATB0,+ as a drug target for cancer chemotherapy.