bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Laryngeal Injuries from Prolonged Intubation in Adults
Authors: Deeb Ziad E. , Williams Jack B. , Campbell Todd E. 
Published: November 2005

Prolonged endotracheal intubation can cause injuries to 1 or more regions of the larynx, making safe extubation impossible and leading to tracheostomy in many patients. Unfortunately, a considerable number of these patients do not benefit from early laryngeal evaluation, which may reveal potentially treatable soft, obstructive tissue before it undergoes irreversible fibrosis. Between July 1992 and December 1995, we performed immediate direct telelaryngoscopy on 142 adults who required tracheostomy because of failed extubation. When present, obstructive tissue was removed with microsurgical techniques. One hundred twenty‐nine (90%) patients were decannulated within 3 weeks. The 2 main reasons for failure of early decannulation were intractable granulation (in patients with insulin‐dependent diabetes) and coexisting tracheal stenosis. Immediate telelaryngoscopy is recommended in all patients who require tracheostomy because of failed extubation. Flexible laryn‐goscopy is not adequate for thorough assessment of laryngeal damage from prolonged intubation.
Retrosigmoid‐Transmeatal en Bloc Removal of Small to Medium‐Sized Acoustic Neuromas
Authors: Colletti Vittorio , Fiorino Francesco G. 
Published: November 2005

One hundred three subjects with acoustic neuroma (AN) underwent surgery—involving a retrosigmoid‐transmeatal approach—between January 1990 and December 1995. All the intracanalar tumors (n = 18) and 70 of the intra‐ and extracanalar neuromas with an extracanalar neuroma size less than 25 mm—a total of 88 patients—constituted the final study population. The first 48 patients were operated on with the use of classic procedures described in the literature, characterized by limited exposure of the internal auditory canal and removal of the tumor after debulking. Surgery in the next 40 subjects was conducted according to the technique of en bloc removal of the tumor. The main features of this technique are continuous direct recording of cochlear and facial‐nerve action potentials, wide opening of the internal auditory canal with lateral extension to the fundus, and removal of the tumor following the capsular lining without debulking. Statistical analysis of the results of the en bloc removal, compared with the previously used debulking technique, showed improvement in postoperative outcome for both auditory and facial‐nerve function.
Alternative to Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in the Management of Pediatric Chronic Rhinosinusitis Refractory to Oral Antimicrobial Therapy
Authors: Buchman Craig A. , Yellon Robert F. , Bluestone Charles D. 
Published: November 2005

We determined the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of a treatment regimen consisting of maxillary sinus aspiration and irrigation with or without adenoidectomy, followed by culture‐directed intravenous antibiotics and oral prophylaxis, for children with chronic rhinosinusitis refractory to oral antimicrobial therapy. Twenty‐seven children (age 1–12 years, mean 6.7 years) with symptomatic (mean duration 16 months) and computed tomography‐proven sinus disease, which persisted despite at least 1 month of oral antibiotics, were treated. Twenty‐four patients (89%) had complete resolution of their presenting symptoms after intravenous therapy; in 3 (11%), intravenous therapy failed and endoscopic sinus surgery was required. Follow‐up data were available for 26 of the children (96%); 23 of them had initial complete resolution. At last follow‐up (mean 282 days, range 26–1095 days), 10 of these 23 patients (44%) remained asymptomatic, and 13 (57%) had had at least one other episode of sinusitis (mean 1.0, range 1–3) treated with oral antibiotics, with resolution. Treatment‐related complications included superficial thrombophlebitis (7%), diarrhea (7%), intravenous catheter guide‐wire kink requiring venotomy (4%), and serum sickness–like syndrome (4%). These preliminary results suggest that this treatment plan is relatively safe and feasible and that it may be a reasonable alternative to endoscopic sinus surgery in children with chronic rhinosinusitis unresponsive to orally administered antimicrobial therapy.
A novel physical and functional association between nucleoside diphosphate kinase A and AMP-activated protein kinase α1 in liver and lung
Authors: Crawford Russell M. , Treharne Kate J. , Best O. Giles , Muimo Richmond , Riemen Claudia E. , Mehta Anil 
Published: November 2005

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK, NM23/awd) belongs to a multifunctional family of highly conserved proteins (∼16–20 kDa) containing two well-characterized isoforms (NM23-H1 and -H2; also known as NDPK A and B). NDPK catalyses the conversion of nucleoside diphosphates into nucleoside triphosphates, regulates a diverse array of cellular events and can act as a protein histidine kinase. AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) is a heterotrimeric protein complex that responds to cellular energy status by switching off ATP-consuming pathways and switching on ATP-generating pathways when ATP is limiting. AMPK was first discovered as an activity that inhibited preparations of ACC1 (acetyl-CoA carboxylase), a regulator of cellular fatty acid synthesis. We report that NM23-H1/NDPK A and AMPK α1 are associated in cytosol from two different tissue sources: rat liver and a human lung cell line (Calu-3). Co-immunoprecipitation and binding assay data from both cell types show that the H1/A (but not H2/B) isoform of NDPK is associated with AMPK complexes containing the α1 (but not α2) catalytic subunit. Manipulation of NM23-H1/NDPK A nucleotide transphosphorylation activity to generate ATP (but not GTP) enhances the activity of AMPK towards its specific peptide substrate in vitro and also regulates the phosphorylation of ACC1, an in vivo target for AMPK. Thus novel NM23-H1/NDPK A-dependent regulation of AMPK α1-mediated phosphorylation is present in mammalian cells.
Haem repression of the housekeeping 5-aminolaevulinic acid synthase gene in the hepatoma cell line LMH
Authors: Kolluri Sridevi , Sadlon Timothy J. , May Brian K. , Bonkovsky Herbert L. 
Published: November 2005

Haem is essential for the health and function of nearly all cells. 5-Aminolaevulinic acid synthase-1 (ALAS-1) catalyses the first and rate-controlling step of haem biosynthesis. ALAS-1 is repressed by haem and is induced strongly by lipophilic drugs that also induce CYP (cytochrome P450) proteins. We investigated the effects on the avian ALAS-1 gene promoter of a phenobarbital-like chemical, Glut (glutethimide), and a haem synthesis inhibitor, DHA (4,6-dioxoheptanoic acid), using a reporter gene assay in transiently transfected LMH (Leghorn male hepatoma) hepatoma cells. A 9.1 kb cALAS-1 (chicken ALAS-1) promoter-luciferase-reporter construct, was poorly induced by Glut and not by DHA alone, but was synergistically induced by the combination. In contrast, a 3.5 kb promoter ALAS-1 construct was induced by Glut alone, without any further effect of DHA. In addition, exogenous haem (20 μM) repressed the basal and Glut- and DHA-induced activity of luciferase reporter constructs containing 9.1 and 6.3 kb of ALAS-1 5′-flanking region but not the construct containing the first 3.5 kb of promoter sequence. This effect of haem was subsequently shown to be dependent on the −6.3 to −3.5 kb region of the 5′-flanking region of cALAS-1 and requires the native orientation of the region. Two deletion constructs of this approx. 2.8 kb haem-repressive region (1.7 and 1.1 kb constructs) retained haem-dependent repression of basal and drug inductions, suggesting that more than one cis-acting elements are responsible for this haem-dependent repression of ALAS-1. These results demonstrate that there are regulatory regions in the 5′-flanking region of the cALAS-1 gene that respond to haem and provide a basis for further investigations of the molecular mechanisms by which haem down-regulates expression of the ALAS-1 gene.
PfPDE1, a novel cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase from the human malaria parasitePlasmodium falciparum
Authors: Yuasa Keizo , Mi-Ichi Fumika , Kobayashi Tamaki , Yamanouchi Masaya , Kotera Jun , Kita Kiyoshi , Omori Kenji 
Published: November 2005

This is the first report of molecular characterization of a novel cyclic nucleotide PDE (phosphodiesterase), isolated from the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and designated PfPDE1. PfPDE1 cDNA encodes an 884-amino-acid protein, including six putative transmembrane domains in the N-terminus followed by a catalytic domain. The PfPDE1 gene is a single-copy gene consisting of two exons and a 170 bp intron. PfPDE1 transcripts were abundant in the ring form of the asexual blood stages of the parasite. The C-terminal catalytic domain of PfPDE1, produced in Escherichia coli, specifically hydrolysed cGMP with a Km value of 0.65 μM. Among the PDE inhibitors tested, a PDE5 inhibitor, zaprinast, was the most effective, having an IC50 value of 3.8 μM. The non-specific PDE inhibitors IBMX (3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine), theophylline and the antimalarial chloroquine had IC50 values of over 100 μM. Membrane fractions prepared from P. falciparum at mixed asexual blood stages showed potent cGMP hydrolytic activity compared with cytosolic fractions. This hydrolytic activity was sensitive to zaprinast with an IC50 value of 4.1 μM, but insensitive to IBMX and theophylline. Furthermore, an in vitro antimalarial activity assay demonstrated that zaprinast inhibited the growth of the asexual blood parasites, with an ED50 value of 35 μM. The impact of cyclic nucleotide signalling on the cellular development of this parasite has previously been discussed. Thus this enzyme is suggested to be a novel potential target for the treatment of the disease malaria.
The epididymal soluble prion protein forms a high-molecular-mass complex in association with hydrophobic proteins
Authors: Ecroyd Heath , Belghazi Maya , Dacheux Jean-Louis , Gatti Jean-Luc 
Published: November 2005

We have shown previously that a ‘soluble’ form of PrP (prion protein), not associated with membranous vesicles, exists in the male reproductive fluid [Ecroyd, Sarradin, Dacheux and Gatti (2004) Biol. Reprod. 71, 993–1001]. Attempts to purify this ‘soluble’ PrP indicated that it behaves like a high-molecular-mass complex of more than 350 kDa and always co-purified with the same set of proteins. The main associated proteins were sequenced by MS and were found to match to clusterin (apolipoprotein J), BPI (bacterial permeability-increasing protein), carboxylesterase-like urinary excreted protein (cauxin), β-mannosidase and β-galactosidase. Immunoblotting and enzymatic assay confirmed the presence of clusterin and a cauxin-like protein and showed that a 17 kDa hydrophobic epididymal protein was also associated with this complex. These associated proteins were not separated by a high ionic strength treatment but were by 2-mercaptoethanol, probably due to its action on reducing disulphide bonds that maintain the interaction of components of the complex. Our results suggest that the associated PrP retains its GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol) anchor, in contrast with brain-derived PrP, and that it is resistant to cleavage by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. Based on these results, the identity of the associated proteins and the overall biochemical properties of this protein ensemble, we suggest that ‘soluble’ PrP can form protein complexes that are maintained by hydrophobic interactions, in a similar manner to lipoprotein vesicles or micellar complexes.
High-resolution crystal structure of the human Notch 1 ankyrin domain
Authors: Ehebauer Matthias T. , Chirgadze Dimitri Y. , Hayward Penny , Martinez Arias Alfonso , Blundell Tom L. 
Published: November 2005

The Notch receptor is part of a highly conserved signalling system of central importance to animal development. Its ANK (ankyrin) domain is required for Notch-mediated signal transduction. The crystal structure of the human Notch 1 ANK domain was solved by molecular replacement at 1.9 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm) resolution, and it shows that the features identified in the Drosophila homologue are conserved. The domain has six of the seven ANK repeats predicted from sequence. The putative first repeat, which has only part of the consensus and a long insertion, is disordered in both molecules in the asymmetric unit, possibly due to the absence of the RAM (RBPJκ-associated molecule) region N-terminal to it. The exposed hydrophobic core is involved in intermolecular interactions in the crystal. Evolutionary trace analysis identified several residues that map to the hairpins of the structure and may be of functional importance. Based on the Notch 1 ANK structure and analysis of homologous Notch ANK sequences, we predict two possible binding sites on the domain: one on the concave surface of repeat 2 and the other below the hairpins of repeats 6–7.
Does the Precision of News Affect Market Underreaction? Evidence from Returns Following Two Classes of Profit Warnings
Authors: Bulkley George , Herrerias Renata 
Published: November 2005

Abstract We evaluate whether the market reacts rationally to profit warnings by testing for subsequent abnormal returns. Warnings fall into two classes: those that include a new earnings forecast, and those that offer only the guidance that earnings will be below current expectations. We find significant negative abnormal returns in the first three months following both types of warning. There is also evidence that underreaction is more pronounced when the disclosure is less precise. Abnormal returns are significantly more negative following disclosures that offer only qualitative guidance than when a new earnings forecast is included.
Does Overconfidence Affect Corporate Investment? CEO Overconfidence Measures Revisited
Authors: Malmendier Ulrike , Tate Geoffrey 
Published: November 2005

Abstract This article presents the growing research area of Behavioural Corporate Finance in the context of one specific example: distortions in corporate investment due to CEO overconfidence. We first review the relevant psychology and experimental evidence on overconfidence. We then summarise the results of Malmendier and Tate (2005a) on the impact of overconfidence on corporate investment. We present supplementary evidence on the relationship between CEOs’ press portrayals and overconfident investment decisions. This alternative approach to measuring overconfidence, developed in Malmendier and Tate (2005b), relies on the perception of outsiders rather than the CEO's own actions. The robustness of the results across such diverse proxies jointly corroborates previous findings and suggests new avenues to measuring executive overconfidence.
Short‐term mortality of bacteraemia in elderly patients with haematological malignancies
Authors: Nørgaard Mette , Larsson Heidi , Pedersen Gitte , Schønheyder Henrik C. , Rothman Kenneth J. , Sørensen Henrik T. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryBacterial infections are important complications in patients with haematological malignancies. We compared the outcome of bacteraemia among elderly and younger patients with haematological malignancies, and evaluated the impact of comorbidity on this association using population‐based registries from 1992 to 2002. Among 358 patients with an incident haematological malignancy and an episode of bacteraemia, 207 (58%) were older than 60 years and 37 (10%) older than 80 years. The 7‐d mortality was 10% among patients younger than 60 years, 21% among patients aged 60–79 years, and 27% for patients older than 80 years. When compared with patients younger than 60 years, the adjusted mortality rate ratios (MRRs) were 1·9 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0·9–3·8] for patients aged 60–79 years and 1·6 (95% CI: 0·6–4·2) for patients older than 80 years. The 30‐d mortality was 23% among patients younger than 60 years of age, 35% among patients aged 60–79 years, and 54% among patients 80 years or older. Adjusted MRRs were 1·7 (95% CI: 1·1–2·7) and 2·3 (95% CI: 1·2–4·3), respectively. We found that increasing age was associated with increased mortality from bacteraemia in patients with haematological malignancies. An increased burden of comorbidity among the elderly did not explain this association.
Lack of CD27 in myeloma delineates different presentation and outcome
Authors: Moreau Philippe , Robillard Nelly , Jégo Gaétan , Pellat Catherine , Gouill Steven Le , Thoumi Soraya , Avet‐Loiseau Hervé , Harousseau Jean‐Luc , Bataille Régis 
Published: November 2005

SummaryCD27 expression was evaluated on normal plasma cells (PC), PC from patients with multiple myeloma (MM) at diagnosis or relapse and on human myeloma cell lines (HMCL). CD27 was expressed by normal PC but was lacking in PC from MM patients at diagnosis (36%) and relapse (47%), and in HMCL (92%). The prognostic impact of CD27 expression was evaluated in 42 patients with de novo MM. Overall survival was 92% at 3 years in CD27+ vs. 50% in CD27– MM (P = 0·017). CD27 expression seems to delineate two important subsets of MM with different presenting features and clinical outcomes.
Bacterial Expression and Characterization of a Single‐Chain Variable Fragment Antibody Specific to Several Replicases of Plant (+)RNA Viruses
Authors: Fomitcheva V. W. , Schubert J. , Saalbach I. , Habekuß A. , Kumlehn J. , Conrad U. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe use of synthetic antibodies may be an alternative tool for plant protection. RNA‐dependent RNA polymerases (RdRps) play a key role in the process of virus replication. If recombinant antibodies like single‐chain variable fragment antibodies (scFv) are directed against RdRps, they might be used to create virus‐resistant plants. To this end, a recombinant antibody from a phage display library directed against the conserved amino acid domain (glycine‐aspartate‐aspartate, GDD) in the active centre of the RdRp of plant (+)RNA viruses was selected. High expression level in Escherichia coli enabled the purification of scFv which was used to raise polyclonal anti‐scFv antibodies. The scFv was characterized and assessed for specificity to the RdRps of viruses belonging to different families. It reacted with the RdRps of numerous distinct viruses, showing its potential in generating resistance to a large number of (+)RNA viruses containing the GDD motif.
Induced Resistance in Yali Pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.) Fruit against Infection by Penicillium expansum by Postharvest Infiltration of Acibenzolar‐S‐methyl
Authors: Cao J. , Jiang W. , He H. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to evaluate how disease resistance in Yali pear fruit (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.) was affected by the infiltration of acibenzolar‐S‐methyl (ASM) after harvest. The disease incidence and lesion area in/on the fruit inoculated with Penicillium expansum significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by the infiltration with 0.5 mm ASM, and the duration of protection conferred by ASM lasted over 15 days. ASM did not directly inhibit the mycelial growth of P. expansum in vitro. However, ASM treatment significantly enhanced activities of the main defence enzymes including peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase and chitinase, and activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase and catalase in the fruit during the infection. Two kinds of second metabolites, total phenolic compounds and flavonoids, and two productions of lipid peroxidation, H2O2 and malondialdehyde, were also involved in the resistance and significantly accumulated in ASM‐treated fruit in the infection. The inhibitory effect of ASM on the disease may be related to its ability to enhance defence responses in the fruit. The application of ASM in inducing resistance in fruit possesses promising in control of postharvest diseases alternative to fungicides.
Potential Biological Control Activity and Genetic Diversity of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae Strains
Authors: Cirvilleri G. , Bonaccorsi A. , Scuderi G. , Scortichini M. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractA total of 71 Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae strains obtained from herbaceous and woody plant species were evaluated for the in vitro inhibition activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi, and were classified into two distinct groups. The 53 strains of group A inhibited, to a different extent, all the tested micro‐organisms: Rhodotorula pilimanae, Bacillus megaterium, Salmonella sp., Listeria monocytogenes, P. syringae, Botritys cinerea, Penicillium digitatum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus ochraceus, Fusarium solani. The 18 strains of group B inhibited the growth only of B. megaterium, L. monocytogenes and P. syringae. The culture filtrates of strains of group A, unlike those of group B, induced the necrosis of bean pods and showed in vitro antimicrobial activity. Strains of group A, on the contrary to those of group B, were moderately to highly virulent when artificially inoculated on citrus fruits. All strains of groups A and B were virulent on bean pods. No strain of the two groups was virulent on apple fruits and grapes. Applications of P. s. pv. syringae strains reduced postharvest green and blue mould in citrus and apple fruits, respectively. The efficacy of disease control by strains of group A was higher than that of strains of group B. One strain of group A and one from group B showed interesting prerequisites for use as a biocontrol agent towards P. digitatum and P. expansum on orange and apple fruits, respectively. The syrB gene was present in almost all strains. Repetitive‐sequence polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC) primers and unweighted pair‐group method with average linkage (UPGMA) analysis showed that the strains varied genetically and could be grouped into seven clusters.
Immunolocalization of Defence‐related Proteins in the Floral Organs of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Liljeroth E. , Marttila S. , von Bothmer R. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractWe have investigated the localization of some pathogenesis‐related (PR) proteins in the floral organs of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) during the flower development using immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry. At a premature stage, where the different parts of the flower are not yet developed, almost no labelling of PR‐1 and PR‐2 was observed, whereas some weak labelling of PR‐3 and PR‐5 was found. At a stage where the styles had developed and diverged, and the stamens were clearly developed, a strong labelling of PR‐3 was found. The strongest labelling was in the transmitting tissue of the inner part of the style but also in the stigmal branches. The label was located to the cell walls. At this stage some labelling of PR‐1, PR‐2 and PR‐5 was found in the anther tissue. At later developmental stages, with fully developed ovary and degenerating stigmal branches, the labelling of PR‐3 had significantly decreased. However, accumulation of PR‐1, PR‐2 and PR‐5 was evident mainly in the stigmal branches but also in the stigma and occasionally in the style and ovary wall. No labelling was found inside the ovary. The spatial and temporal accumulation of the different PR proteins are discussed in relation to putative roles in defence against pathogens and in guidance and facilitation of the pollen tube growth through the style.