bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid and sensitive analysis of vincristine in human plasma using on‐line extraction combined with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Corona Giuseppe , Casetta Bruno , Sandron Sara , Vaccher Emanuela , Toffoli Giuseppe 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA simple and rapid method has been developed and validated for the quantitation of vincristine in human plasma by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization using on‐line solid‐phase extraction. The method uses vinblastine as internal standard and the sample preparation is limited just to a plasma protein precipitation step. Further sample clean‐up is carried out on‐line through a perfusion column preceding an analytical phenyl LC column, the latter directly connected to the mass spectrometer. Quantitation is performed in multiple reaction monitoring mode using the transitions of m/z 825.3 → 765.3 and 811.3 → 751.3 for vincristine and vinblastine respectively. The assay was linear (r2 ≥0.99) in a concentration range from 0.1 to 500 ng/mL. Carry‐over, measured on the experimental set‐up, was less than 0.04%. Recovery for vincristine and the internal standard was within 90–95%. The intra‐day and inter‐day assay precision ranged from 1.2% to 6.8% RSD while mean percentage deviation from nominal value ranged from 0.01% to 6.1%. The proposed assay was found suitable for pharmacokinetics investigations and clinical therapeutic drug monitoring especially in pediatric cancer patients. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of doubly charged alkaline earth metal and 3‐azidopropionitrile complexes by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Couto Narciso , Ramos M. João , Fernandez M. Tereza , Rodrigues Paula , Barros M. Teresa , Costa M. Lourdes , Cabral Benedito J. Costa , Duarte M. Filomena 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe present work describes a study of the complexation of calcium and magnesium by 3‐azidopropionitrile by means of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). Complexes were obtained from solutions of calcium and magnesium salts of the type CaX2 and MgX2 (where X = Cl or NO3) in water and methanol/water. The complexes detected were mainly double positively charged, with various stoichiometries not depending on the solvent, since water and 3‐azidopropionitrile were always the main ligands. Solvation with methanol was not observed unlike in a previous study of complexation of nickel and cobalt by 3‐azidopropionitrile. The complex ions [M(II)Az4(H2O)]2+, [M(II)Az5]2+ (where M = Ca and Mg) are the most abundant for both metals, and both counter ions. Tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) analysis showed that, under collision‐induced dissociation (CID) conditions, the most important processes occurring were loss of neutral ligands and the replacement of 3‐azidopropionitrile by water. A complex species containing reduced alkaline earth metal was due to radical loss, resulting from homolytic cleavage in the azide ligand. Some terminal ions, in the fragmentation sequences, point to the nitrile group as the coordination site in the 3‐azidopropionitrile. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed this coordination site and proved that 3‐azidopropionitrile behaves as a monodentate ligand in the systems under study. Moreover, the theoretical study proved that the presence of water ligand introduces stability through a hydrogen bond established between the water molecule and one nitrogen atom of the azido group. In addition, the strong dipole moment of 3‐azidopropionitrile (4.76 D), which is mainly related to presence of the nitrile group, favors the stabilization of the metal‐ligand complexes through charge‐dipole interactions and the coordination of the metal to the nitrile group. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Classification of Cystic Duct Carcinoma
Authors: Yokoyama Y. , Nishio H. , Ebata T. , Abe T. , Igami T. , Oda K. , Nimura Y. , Nagino M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundFarrar’s criteria for cystic duct carcinoma (histopathologic diagnosis of a carcinoma strictly limited to the cystic duct) are impractical especially when making a diagnosis of primary cystic duct carcinoma in its advanced stage. Therefore, in our previous study, we proposed a new definition of cystic duct carcinoma: a gallbladder tumor, the center of which is located in the cystic duct. In this study, we further propose a new classification for cystic duct carcinomas diagnosed by our definition.Patients and methodsThis study included 44 surgical patients with cystic duct carcinoma diagnosed by our criteria. These patients were further classified into two groups: hepatic hilum type (HH, n = 29), in which the tumor mainly invades the hepatic hilum, and cystic confluence type (CC, n = 15), in which the tumor mainly involves the confluence of the cystic duct. The clinicopathologic features of these two groups were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsThere was more papillary or well differentiated adenocarcinoma in the CC type lesions than in the HH type. The perineural and vascular invasion were more common in the HH type than in the CC type. The survival rate tends to be higher for patients with the CC type than for those with the HH type (p = 0.064). Moreover, we found a significantly different sex ratio between these two groups (female sex was predominant for the HH type, whereas male sex was predominant for the CC type).ConclusionOur new classification showed two distinct types of advanced cystic duct carcinoma, which may help in understanding the clinical characteristics of the carcinoma originated in the cystic duct.
Heraklas on Knots: Sixteen Surgical Nooses and Knots from the First Century A.D.
Authors: Hage J. Joris 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIn the first century of our common era, the Greek physician Heraklas wrote a brief essay on how to tie 16 knots and nooses for surgical and orthopedic purposes. His work is reintroduced and discussed here because its place in the origin and evolution of surgery needs to be properly acknowledged and recorded in the current medical literature. To do so, Raeder’s definitive Greek edition of the oldest extant manuscripts of Heraklas’ essay was studied along with the various illustrated interpretations of his text published over the last six centuries. Moreover, the contemporary literature was searched for current applications of Heraklas’ knots by use of a database of surgical knots. It was found that seven of Heraklas’ 16 knots and nooses were still applied surgically of late, and that four of these have even been recently rediscovered for such applications. Therefore, it is concluded that Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine medicine had a rich knowledge and high standards. Contemporary surgical techniques may be found to be truly ancient if we search deep enough, far enough, and long enough.
Limitations of Intraoperative Adrenal Remnant Volume Measurement in Patients Undergoing Subtotal Adrenalectomy
Authors: Brauckhoff Michael , Stock Karsten , Stock Susanne , Lorenz Kerstin , Sekulla Carsten , Brauckhoff Katrin , Thanh Phuong Nguyen , Gimm Oliver , Spielmann Rolf Peter , Dralle Henning 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies have shown that a minimum of approximately one‐third of one normal adrenal gland is required for sufficient adrenocortical stress capacity. Correlation between intraoperative measurement, determination of remnant size by computed tomography (CT), and adrenocortical stress capacity has not been examined so far.MethodsTwenty‐two patients with familial pheochromocytoma (n = 13), sporadic pheochromocytoma (n = 3), and adrenocortical tumors (n = 6) who underwent unilateral or bilateral subtotal adrenalectomy (STAE, 28 adrenal remnants) were prospectively studied. Patients were examined in a multi‐slice CT to determine residual adrenal tissue and by ACTH test 4 days and 3 months postoperatively.ResultsThere was a slight significant correlation between intraoperative and CT calculated volumes (r = 0.77; p < 0.001). However, volumes assessed by CT were almost doubled compared with intraoperative determination (p < 0.001). Although recovery of adrenal function could be observed, no significant changes of remnant volumes could be detected within 3 months. In patients with familial pheochromocytoma, there was a significant correlation between residual adrenal volume and stimulated cortisol levels (P < 0.001). A distinct minimum of adrenal volume for intact adrenocortical stress capacity could not be exactly determined; however, in one patient with only 10% residual adrenal tissue intact stress capacity was found.ConclusionsResidual adrenal tissue of approximately 10–15% offers intact stress capacity. However, an exact determination of the size of an adrenal remnant after STAE has limitations. CT gives larger volumes compared with intraoperative determination. For calculation of a volume–function correlation of residual adrenal tissue, in clinical practice, the determination of relative adrenal residual volume is acceptable.
Length of Stay: An Inappropriate Readout of the Success of Enhanced Recovery Programs
Authors: Maessen J. M. C. , Dejong C. H. C. , Kessels A. G. H. , von Meyenfeldt M. F. ,   Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Group
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundEnhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs are designed to reduce hospital length of stay by shortening the postoperative recovery period. The intended effect of an accelerated recovery on the length of stay may be frustrated by a delayed discharge. This study was designed to assess the influence of an ERAS program on the proportion, appropriateness, and extent of delay in discharge.MethodsPatients who enrolled in the ERAS program (n = 121) between 2003 and 2006 were compared with 52 patients who were managed traditionally in 2001.ResultsNinety percent of the pre‐ERAS patients and 87% of the ERAS patients were not discharged on the day that discharge criteria were fulfilled. The additional stay of 59% of the pre‐ERAS patients and 69% of the ERAS patients was inappropriate. Wound care (15% in the pre‐ERAS and 3% of the ERAS group) and observation of any symptoms pointing to an anastomotic leakage (10% in both groups) were the most important reasons for a medical appropriate delay of discharge. The extent of delay in discharge decreased significantly from a median of two days in the pre‐ERAS group to a median of 1 day in the ERAS group (p = 0.004).ConclusionsReductions in length of stay up to a median of 2 days after start of an enhanced recovery program may relate to changes in organization of care and not to a shorter recovery period. Recovery statistics should replace or at least be added to the length of stay as outcome of enhanced recovery programs.
A Critical Analysis of Laparoscopic Appendectomy: How Experience with 1,400 Appendectomies Allowed Innovative Treatment to Become Standard in a University Hospital
Authors: Schick Kerstin S. , Hüttl Thomas P. , Fertmann Jan M. , Hornung Hans‐Martin , Jauch Karl‐Walter , Hoffmann Johannes N. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundAlthough advantages of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) have not yet been proved, there is increasing evidence that LA provides diagnostic and therapeutic advantages as compared to conventional surgery. This article reports the introduction of LA in a university hospital where LA now represents the standard operative procedure in patients with suspected appendicitis.MethodsConsecutive patients with appendectomy were prospectively included in the surgical database from 5/1991 to 10/2005. Operating time skin‐to‐skin in minutes, conversion from laparoscopy to open appendectomy, and complications requiring reoperation as well as surgical expertise were recorded.ResultsAfter initial performance of LA by four experienced specialists in laparoscopic surgery between 1991 and 1994, LA was routinely implemented from 1995 to 2005. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed in 1,012 patients, and conventional appendectomy in 449 patients, with a LA rate of about 90% in recent years. Intraoperative conversion was deemed necessary in 62 patients (6.2 %) by 40 surgeons among the 103 surgeons who performed LA over 14 years with a mean operative time of 57 ± 2 min. Between 1995 and 2005 about 25%–30% of LAs were performed as the first LA for the respective surgeon. Laparoscopic appendectomy was associated overall with a reduced length of stay in the hospital compared to open appendectomy (LA: 4.4 ± 0.1 days versus 6.6 ± 0.2 in open appendectomy; p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis analysis provides evidence that LA can be introduced in an university hospital with acceptable results despite low operation numbers per surgeon and a liberal teaching policy. The LA procedure, which is associated with a 2%–4% rate of reoperation, may serve as laparoscopy training for young surgeons.
Surgeon Performed Ultrasound Facilitates Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy by the Focused Lateral Mini‐incision Approach
Authors: Soon Patsy S. H. , Delbridge Leigh W. , Sywak Mark S. , Barraclough Beverley M. , Edhouse Pam , Sidhu Stan B. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundMinimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) is now widely accepted where a single adenoma can be localized preoperatively. In our unit, MIP is offered once a parathyroid adenoma is localized with a sestamibi (MIBI) scan, with or without a concordant neck ultrasound. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of surgeon performed ultrasound (SUS) with radiologist performed ultrasound (RUS) in the localization of a parathyroid adenoma in MIBI‐positive primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).Patients and MethodsThis is a prospective study of patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) from April 2005 to October 2006 at the University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit. Patients were then divided into those who underwent preoperative RUS or SUS.ResultsTwo‐hundred eighteen patients formed the study group. One hundred forty‐eight (66%) patients had RUS and 87 (39%) had SUS. Overall, RUS correctly localized the parathyroid adenomas in 121 of 148 (82%) patients. Surgeon performed ultrasound correctly localized the abnormal parathyroid adenoma in 72 of 87 (83%) of cases. There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with single gland disease, double adenomas, or hyperplasia correctly localized by SUS or RUS. Incorrect interpretation of ultrasound imaging was due to cystic degeneration in thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, retro‐esophageal location of adenomas and ectopic and small parathyroid glands.ConclusionsSurgeon performed ultrasound is a useful adjunctive tool to MIBI localization for facilitating MIP and when performed by experienced parathyroid surgeons, it can achieve accuracy rates equivalent to that of a dedicated parathyroid radiologist.
A quantitative study of testicular germ cell populations in masculinized neomale common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)
Authors: Hulak M. , Psenicka M. , Coward K. , Linhart O. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe main objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of 17α‐methyltestosterone treatment upon the testicular germ cells of gynogenetic masculinized neomale common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) in comparison with diploid carp. Gynogenetic common carp progeny (mean body weight, BW, 2.6 ± 0.3 g; mean total length, 10.4 ± 0.5 cm) were treated for a period of 40 days with 17α‐methyltestosterone (MT) at a dose of 100 mg kg−1. The oral administration of MT resulted in 61.5–100% of fish exhibiting male gonads. The masculinized neomales exhibited reduced (P < 0.05) body weight (BW = 22.9 ± 0.8) but significantly increased (P < 0.05) mean testis weight (2.1 ± 0.3) and mean gonadosomatic index (GSI = 9.5 ± 0.2%) in comparison with fish not treated with MT (BW 54.8 ± 1.3; GSI = 0.61%). Furthermore, treatment with MT also resulted in an increased number of fish exhibiting abnormal gonads. However, neomales did not exhibit abnormalities in the development of sperm ducts. MT treatment significantly increased germ cell volume, nuclear diameter, nuclear volume and cyst volume (P < 0.01 in all cases) in MT‐treated fish compared to untreated fish. The area occupied by seminiferous tubules, the number of Sertoli cells and germ cells per cyst, and the number of Leydig cells were significantly (P < 0.05) greater in fish treated with MT. The carp neomales exhibited approximately 20–60% more Sertoli cells per cyst (P < 0.05). Leydig cell nuclear volume and Leydig cell individual volume were significantly reduced in MT‐treated groups (P < 0.05) compared with untreated groups. In conclusion, our study strongly suggests that the abnormal gonadal structure evident in masculinized neomales could be explained by a combination of MT‐induced genetic (homozygosity) and anabolic effects (upon germ and somatic cells).
Depot specific differences during adipogenesis of porcine stromal‐vascular cells
Authors: Samulin Johanna , Lien Sigbjørn , Grindflek Eli , Berget Ingunn , Ruyter Bente , Sundvold Hilde 
Published: January 2008

AbstractRecently a role of adipose tissue as an endocrine organ secreting factors involved in the regulation of whole‐body energy homeostasis has emerged. Preadipocytes in different fat depots have distinct adipogenic potential and the metabolic activity differs between mature adipocytes of different depot origins. Here we describe the proliferation and differentiation of stromal‐vascular cells derived from subcutaneous and visceral fat depots of adult pigs. We demonstrate that subcutaneous porcine preadipocytes proliferate more actively and that individual subcutaneous adipocytes have a more rapid accumulation of triacylglycerols than visceral cells. During differentiation, subcutaneous and visceral preadipocytes showed similar gene expression patterns with increased expression of adiponectin (APM1), adipocyte‐specific fatty acid binding protein (FABP4), catalase (CAT), and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARG2). Furthermore, initial data showing depot‐originated effects on the expression of CAT, carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1B (CPT1B) and FABP4 suggest possible depot specific differences in the function and metabolism of mature porcine adipocytes.
Aquaporin 1 expression in the testis, epididymis and vas deferens of postnatal ICR mice
Authors: Danyu Lu , Ying Li , Zhenwu Bi , Heming Yu , Xuejun Li 
Published: January 2008

AbstractAquaporin 1 (AQP1) is one of the water channels involved in water transfer and reabsorption. The results of a reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) indicated that the level of AQP1 mRNA was increased in the testis and vas deferens, but decreased in the epididymis from the early postnatal period through puberty to adulthood. The results of Western blot analyses largely matched the RT‐PCR findings for AQP1. AQP1 was immunohistochemically localized on the plasma membrane in the epithelia of rete testis and vas deferens at postnatal day 70, although it was hardly detectable at postnatal day 15. Nevertheless, AQP1 was expressed in the epithelia of the efferent duct and the initial segment of caput epididymis at postnatal day 15 and persisted into adulthood. The results taken together suggest that the expression and localization of AQP1 in mouse testis, epididymis and vas deferens are a stage‐, tissue‐ and region‐specific pattern and provide obvious clues that a possible relationship exists between the functional application of AQP1 for water reabsorption, and male reproduction and maturation.
Mechanical stimulation of C2C12 cells increases m‐calpain expression, focal adhesion plaque protein degradation
Authors: Grossi Alberto , Karlsson Anders H. , Lawson Moira A. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractMyogenesis is a complex sequence of events, including the irreversible transition from the proliferation‐competent myoblast stage into fused, multinucleated myotubes. During embryonic development, myogenic differentiation is regulated by positive and negative signals from surrounding tissues. Stimulation due to stretch‐ or load‐induced signaling is now beginning to be understood as a factor which affects gene sequences, protein synthesis and an increase in Ca2+ influx in myocytes. Evidence of the involvement of Ca2+‐dependent activity in myoblast fusion, cell membrane and cytoskeleton component reorganization due to the activity of the ubiquitous proteolytic enzymes, calpains, has been reported. Whether there is a link between stretch‐ or load‐induced signaling and calpain expression and activation is not known. Using a magnetic bead stimulation assay and C2C12 mouse myoblasts cell population, we have demonstrated that mechanical stimulation via laminin receptors leads to an increase in m‐calpain expression, but no increase in the expression of other calpain isoforms. Our study revealed that after a short period of stimulation, m‐calpain relocates into focal adhesion complexes and is followed by a breakdown of specific focal adhesion proteins previously identified as substrates for this enzyme. We show that stimulation also leads to an increase in calpain activity in these cells. These data support the pivotal role for m‐calpain in the control of muscle precursor cell differentiation and thus strengthen the idea of its implication during the initial events of muscle development.
PIKfyve: Partners, significance, debates and paradoxes
Authors: Shisheva Assia 
Published: January 2008

AbstractKey components of membrane trafficking and signaling machinery in eukaryotic cells are proteins that bind or synthesize phosphoinositides. PIKfyve, a product of an evolutionarily conserved single‐copy gene has both these features. It binds to membrane phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns)3P and synthesizes PtdIns(3,5)P2 and PtdIns5P. Molecular functions of PIKfyve are elusive but recent advances are consistent with a key role in the course of endosomal transport. PIKfyve dysfunction induces endosome enlargement and profound cytoplasmic vacuolation, likely as a result of impaired normal endosome processing and membrane exit out of endosomes. Multicellular organisms with genetically impaired function of PIKfyve or that of the PIKfyve protein partners regulating PtdIns(3,5)P2 homeostasis display severe disorders, including embryonic/perinatal death. This review describes recent advances on PIKfyve functionality in higher eukaryotes, with particular reference to biochemical and genetic insights in PIKfyve protein partners.