bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dissection of the molecular basis of mycophenolate resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Harley Jenks M. , Reines Daniel 
Published: November 2005

AbstractIMP dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is required for the de novo synthesis of guanine nucleotides. While most invertebrates have one IMPDH gene and humans and mice have two, Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains four, IMD1–IMD4. Although Imd2 is 92% identical to Imd3, it is the only S. cerevisiae IMPDH that is resistant to mycophenolic acid in vitro and is the only one of the four that supports drug‐resistant growth. Thus, S. cerevisiae is unique in possessing two classes of IMPDH enzymes with very different drug susceptibilities. The mycophenolate‐sensitive growth phenotype has become an important genetic tool in yeast, particularly as an indicator for mutations in the transcription elongation machinery. Here we exploit the distinct drug sensitivity of these two closely related IMPDH genes to identify the naturally occurring determinants of drug‐resistant growth. Using chimeric IMD2–IMD3 genes in a strain null for IMD genes, we show that one of the 39 amino acid differences between these enzymes is responsible for much of its drug resistance. The IMP dehydrogenase activity of purified chimeric Imd3 containing the Imd2 residue at position 253 was eight‐fold more resistant than native Imd3. The reciprocal change in Imd2 resulted in a 23‐fold loss of resistance. Hence, acquisition of a hydroxyl side‐chain at 523 is sufficient to confer a drug‐resistant phenotype upon this organism. We identified the major determinant of the functional distinction between IMD genes in this yeast and suggest that selective pressure on this species forced divergence of one member of this gene family toward drug resistance. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physiological role of D‐aspartate oxidase in the assimilation and detoxification of D‐aspartate in the yeast Cryptococcus humicola
Authors: Takahashi Shouji , Kakuichi Taiki , Fujii Kazuhito , Kera Yoshio , Yamada Ryo‐hei 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe physiological role of D‐aspartate oxidase (ChDASPO) in the yeast Cryptococcus humicola was analysed through the growth characteristics of a ChDASPO gene‐disrupted strain (daspoΔ) and the expression profile of ChDASPO on various combinations of carbon and nitrogen sources. The daspoΔ strain, constructed by homologous integration of the yeast URA3 marker, grew as well as the wild‐type strain on ammonium chloride, L‐aspartate or D‐alanine as the sole nitrogen source. In contrast, the daspoΔ strain did not grow at all on D‐aspartate, not only as the sole nitrogen source but also as the sole carbon source or as the sole nitrogen and carbon source, and grew more slowly than the wild‐type strain on D‐glutamate as the sole nitrogen source. In the wild‐type strain, the induction of ChDASPO activity strictly depended on the presence of D‐aspartate and was little affected by the co‐presence of ammonium chloride, but it was significantly reduced by the co‐presence of both glucose and ammonium chloride, which, however, did not abolish the induction, allowing considerable expression of ChDASPO. This expression pattern was consistent with that shown by Northern blot analysis. The daspoΔ strain was more sensitive than the wild‐type to the growth retardation by acidic D‐amino acids, but not to that by the corresponding L‐isomers or D‐alanine. These results clearly show that in the yeast, DASPO plays an essential role in the assimilation of D‐aspartate and acts as a detoxifying agent for D‐aspartate. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Body weight as an effective tool for determination of onset of puberty in captive female Nile hippopotami (Hippopotamus amphibious)
Authors: Wheaton Catharine J. , Joseph Sharon , Reid Kelly , Webster Tricia , Richards Mary , Savage Anne 
Published: November 2005

AbstractProfiles of fecal progestogens and body weight from the early juvenile to the peri‐pubertal period are presented for eight captive female Nile hippopotami housed at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Florida. Average growth rate in juveniles was 0.85±0.03 kg/day (r2=0.913). Progestogen elevations were detectable as early as 16.8 months of age, and elevations indicative of ovulation and luteal activity were identified in seven of eight females by 30.3±1.6 months of age and body weight of 829.3±49.4 kg. Progestogen patterns before the onset of puberty were highly variable within and between females. Some females remained at baseline concentrations, whereas in others the progestogen pattern was characterized by infrequent, transient elevations of low amplitude and shortened duration. Four females were monitored through onset of puberty, conception, and first pregnancy. Onset of puberty was defined as the first luteal phase from the series of consecutive ovarian cycles culminating in conception and was observed at 34.9±2.2 months of age and 963.6±39.4 kg, however, the quality and number of cycles varied among females before conception. Females conceived between 2.7–3.9 years of age after attaining an approximate threshold body weight of 1,000 kg (1,070.5±39.5 kg). The age at first conception in captivity occurs at a younger age than has been reported for wild populations. Body weight may be an effective tool for approximating the state of reproductive maturity and facilitate collection management in zoos. Zoo Biol. 0:1–13, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anuran gender identification by fecal steroid analysis
Authors: Szymanski D.C. , Gist D.H. , Roth T.L. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThis study tested the hypothesis that steroid hormone metabolites can be measured in anuran feces and their concentrations used to identify the sex of adults. Fecal samples from American toads, Bufo americanus, and boreal toads, B. boreas boreas, were extracted using ethyl acetate, and the concentrations of estradiol, progesterone and testosterone metabolites were measured by enzyme immunoassays with antibodies commonly used to evaluate steroid hormone concentrations in mammalian species. In American toads, mean testosterone metabolite concentrations (P<0.05) between males (224.3±15.5 ng/g feces) and females (80.7±10.6 ng/g), but estradiol and progesterone metabolite concentrations did not. In contrast, estradiol immunoreactivity differed (P<0.05) between male (19.0±1.8 ng/g) and female (48.3±6.3 ng/g) boreal toads. Progesterone and testosterone metabolite concentrations did not differ. Fecal hormone metabolite analysis offers a promising noninvasive approach to gender identification in anuran amphibians. However, the group of metabolites differentiating gender may not be consistent among species. Zoo Biol 0:1–12, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gastro‐Intestinal transit time in South American deer
Authors: de Oliveira Luciana Domingues , Duarte José Maurício Barbanti 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe study of diet and physiological peculiarities of the digestive system of neotropical deer is not well known and the literature shows inconsistencies. To better understand the digestive system of these mammals the difference in the gastro‐intestinal transit time of four species of neotropical deer (Mazama americana, Mazama gouazoubira, Mazama nana, Blastocerus dichotomus), kept in captivity, was evaluated. Four plants (Neonotonia wightii, Morus albans, Medicago sativa, Leucaena leucocephala) were utilized and two variables were measured, mean time of the beginning of the elimination (BE) and mean time of permanence (TP). The results obtained for BE indicated similarity among the deer species, with significant differences between M. gouazoubira (mean=13.62 hr) and M. Americana (mean=19.25 hr). For the plants, the BE was faster with N. wightii and L. leucocephala, and slower for M. sativa. The TP results for B. dichotomus showed longer time when compared to the other species, whereas M. gouazoubira had a lower permanence. Overall, N. wightii had the highest retention time in the digestive tract of all the deer species studied. Associated with this observation, N. wightii had the highest quantity of plant fiber of the plants tested. In a similar fashion M. sativa showed the lowest TP in the digestive tract of the deer and had the lowest quantity of acid detergent fiber. The data from this study showed that, within species, the shape of the excretion curve of the plants was similar when the animals consumed N. wightii or M. sativa. Blastocerus dichotomus and M. gouazoubira had the highest and the lowest gastro‐intestinal transit time, respectively. This suggests that these species characterize different abilities to digest high fiber food, and consequently, represent the two extremities in the morphophysiological adaptation within the deer species evaluated. This information is vital because it is important to know the digestive physiology to define the diet of captive animals, particularly regarding the quantity and quality of fiber. Zoo Biol 0:1–11, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Normal audiologic presentations in patients with acoustic neuroma: An evaluation using strict audiologic parameters
Authors: Magdziarz Daniel D. , Wiet Richard J. , Dinces Elizabeth A. , Adamiec Lois C. 
Published: November 2005

Although several studies have previously reported on patients presenting with “normal” audiologic parameters in acoustic neuroma, the present study is, to our knowledge, the first to exclusively examine in detail cases involving exceptionally stringent objective audiometric features. Of 369 patients with acoustic neuroma who were operated on between April 1980 and April 1997 by our group, 10 had strictly normal hearing, defined as follows: (1) pure‐tone average < 20 dB; (2) speech discrimination score > 90%; and (3) interaural differences < 10 dB at every hertz level. A high level of audiologic functioning was found to significantly lower the sensitivity of auditory brainstem response in the detection of acoustic neuroma. Magnetic resonance imaging was the only preoperative test exhibiting 100% sensitivity in this setting. Thus, a high level of clinical suspicion appears warranted in any case involving unexplained unilateral audio‐vestibular symptoms—including those instances in which strictly normal hearing parameters exist and are associated with negative auditory brainstem response findings.
Vestibular autorotation testing in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Belafsky Peter , Gianoli Gerard , Soileau James , Moore David , Davidowitz Sheri 
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVESThe current gold standard for diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the Dix‐Hallpike maneuver. However, because of fatigability, the Dix‐Hallpike is often falsely normal. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of vestibular autorotation testing in the diagnosis of BPPV.METHODSThe charts of 210 patients at a tertiary referral center for vertiginous disorders were reviewed. All patients underwent clinical evaluation, Dix‐Hallpike testing, audiometry, electronystag‐mography, and vestibular autorotation testing. The vestibular autorotation results of patients with BPPV were compared with the findings in patients with non‐BPPV vestibular disorders. The sensitivity and specificity of vestibular autorotation testing in diagnosing BPPV were calculated.RESULTSNinety‐one patients (42.9%) had BPPV, 76 patients (36.2%) had vertigo of uncertain cause, 28 (13.3%) had unilateral vestibular hypofunction, 9 patients (4.3%) had Meniere's disease, and 2 patients (1.0%) had perilymphatic fistula. Patients with BPPV were 3.32 times more likely to have a normal horizontal gain (95% CI = 1.54‐7.19). A normal horizontal gain is 85% sensitive but only 36% specific for BPPV. Patients with BPPV were 1.9 times more likely to have vertical phase lead (95% CI = 0.953.93). Patients with BPPV were 2.20 times more likely to have both normal horizontal gain and vertical phase lead (95% CI = 1.03‐4.69) The sensitivity of the combination of normal horizontal gain and vertical phase lead on vestibular autorotation testing is 87% specific but only 25% sensitive in the diagnosis of BPPV.CONCLUSIONA normal horizontal gain or vertical phase lead on vestibular autorotation testing in a vertiginous patient is suggestive of but not exclusive to a diagnosis of BPPV. The combination of a normal horizontal gain and vertical phase lead on vestibular autorotation testing is highly suggestive of the diagnosis of BPPV. Adjuvant use of these parameters in vestibular autorotation testing may prove to be helpful in the diagnosis of BPPV.
Postmeningitic ossification in pediatric cochlear implantation
Authors: Young Nancy M. , Hughes C. Anthony , Byrd Sharon E. , Darling Crystal 
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVEThe goals of this study were to retrospectively review high‐resolution CTs (HRCTs) of pediatric postmeningitic cochlear implant recipients and to correlate results with surgical findings.METHODSHRCTs of 20 children (11 months to 12 years old) who underwent implantation with multichannel devices were reviewed. Results were correlated with the degree of ossification observed at surgery.RESULTSNinety percent of subjects required drilling of ossified bone within the basal turn at surgery. HRCT of the cochleas suggested ossification within the basal turn in 45% (50% sensitivity). Ossification of the lateral semicircular canal on HRCT was present in 72% (77% sensitivity). Five of 6 cases without radiographic evidence of ossification had positive findings at surgery.CONCLUSIONOssification is a common occurrence in postmeningitic deaf children. Ossification of the lateral semicircular canal on HRCT is a more sensitive measure for predicting ossification than evidence of cochlear involvement. Absence of ossification on HRCT is no guarantee of cochlear patency at the time of implantation.
Evaluation of a new procedure for nasal alar rim and valve collapse: Nasal alar rim reconstruction
Authors: Troell Robert J. , Powell Nelson B. , Riley Robert W. , Li Kasey K. 
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVEA new operative technique to improve nasal valve collapse by placement of cartilage struts along the alar rim was compared with the standard nasal valve cartilage graft (NVG) technique.METHODS AND PATIENTSA retrospective study of consecutive patients with nasal valve collapse was performed at Stanford University Medical Center. Seventy‐nine patients with nasal valve collapse underwent reconstruction with either the classic NVG technique or a newly developed nasal alar rim reconstructive (NARR) procedure. The mean age of the NARR group was 50.13 years (SD ± 9.40), with 36 men (92.3%) and 3 women (7.7%). The mean age of the NVG group was 52.14 years (SD ± 10.83), with 36 men (90%) and 4 women (10%).MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESThese included functional and subjective evaluation of nasal valve collapse.RESULTSForty patients (50.6%) underwent the NVG technique, and 39 (49.4%) received the NARR procedure. The NVG technique revealed 0% worsened, 15.0% (6/40) unchanged, 25.0% (10/40) improved, and 60% (24/40) free of obstruction. The NARR procedure revealed 2.6% worsened, 2.6% unchanged, 7.7% improved, and 87.1% free of obstruction.CONCLUSIONSNasal alar cartilage struts placed along the caudal alar rim offers sufficient support to the alar rim and valve area. This procedure appears to be as effective as currently available reconstructive alternatives, while being technically uncomplicated.
Postoperative treatment of the patient with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Ulnick Keith M. , Debo Richard F. 
Published: November 2005

>OBJECTIVEThe postoperative management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) has been based primarily on the potential loss of the airway. Our hypothesis is that not all patients with OSAS require placement in the intensive care unit after surgery.METHODSWe undertook a prospective, nonrandomized study (N = 38). Data included demographics, polysomnograms, body mass index (BMI), and postoperative course, including any complications within 72 hours.RESULTSThe average respiratory disturbance index was 66, and the average BMI was 29. The average preoperative and postoperative maximal arterial oxygen desaturation values were 82% and 94%, respectively. Patients with BMIs less than 35 did not have desaturation values below 90%. No complications occurred.DISCUSSIONWithin the first 72 hours after surgery, no complications were observed in our study groups. Patients with BMIs greater than 35 were at increased risk for postoperative desaturations. The uncomplicated OSAS patient, one without significant comorbid factors, can be treated in a safe and prudent fashion outside of an intensive care unit.
Botulinum toxin treatment for symptomatic Frey's syndrome
Authors: Arad‐Cohen Abigail , Blitzer Andrew 
Published: November 2005

Gustatory sweating, or Frey's syndrome, usually occurs after surgery or trauma to the parotid gland as a result of inappropriate parasympathetic cholinergic innervation of cutaneous sympathetic receptors. Numerous medical and surgical treatments have been proposed to prevent or treat this condition. The results, overall, have been unsatisfactory. Botulinum toxin is a relatively new treatment modality for Frey's syndrome. We review the literature and present our experience with 7 patients successfully treated with intradermal injections of botulinum toxin (Botox). Our technique and dosing are described. In all treated patients gustatory sweating ceased in the area injected with botulinum toxin. In 6 patients, symptoms reappeared, and additional injections were needed up to 4 times, at 6‐ to 8‐month intervals. All patients now have been free of symptoms for a long period of time (mean 12.1 months). We strongly recommend intradermal injections of botulinum toxin as a safe, efficacious treatment for gustatory sweating.
Effect of long‐term electrical stimulation on motor recovery and improvement of clinical residuals in patients with unresolved facial nerve palsy
Authors: Targan Robert S. , Alon GAD , Kay Scott L. 
Published: November 2005

PURPOSEThis study investigated the efficacy of a pulsatile electrical current to shorten neuromuscular conduction latencies and minimize clinical residuals in patients with chronic facial nerve damage caused by Bell's palsy or acoustic neuroma excision.SUBJECTSThe study group included 12 patients (mean age 50.4 ± 12.3 years) with idiopathic Bell's palsy and 5 patients (mean age 45.6 ± 10.7 years) whose facial nerves were surgically sacrificed. The mean time since the onset of paresis/paralysis was 3.7 years (range 1‐7 years) and 7.2 years (range 69 years) for the Bell's and neuroma excision groups, respectively.METHOD AND PROCEDURESMotor nerve conduction latencies, House‐Brackmann facial recovery scores, and a 12‐item clinical assessment of residuals were obtained 3 months before the onset of treatment, at the beginning of treatment, and after 6 months of stimulation. Patients were treated at home for periods of up to 6 hours daily for 6 months with a battery‐powered stimulator. Stimulation intensity was kept at a submotor level throughout the study. Surface electrodes were secured over the most affected muscles. Groups and time factors were used in the analyses of the 3 outcome measures.RESULTSNo statistical differences were found between the two diagnostic groups with respect to any of the 3 outcome measures. Mean motor nerve latencies decreased by 1.13 ms (analysis of variance test, significant P = 0.0001). House‐Brackmann scores were also significantly lower (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P = 0.0003) after treatment. Collective scores on the 12 clinical impairment measures decreased 28.7 ± 8.1 points after 6 months [analysis of variance test, significant P = 0.0005). Eight patients showed more than 40% improvement, 4 better than 30%, and 5 less than 10% improvement in residuals score.CONCLUSIONThese data are consistent with the notion that long‐term electrical stimulation may facilitate partial reinnervation in patients with chronic facial paresis/paralysis. Additionally, residual clinical impairments are likely to improve even if motor recovery is not evident.
Chest wall mass after pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction
Authors: Kandula Madan N. , Deschler Daniel G. , Hayden Richard E. 
Published: November 2005

The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap has become a widely used means for the reconstruction of defects derived from the surgical removal of head and neck neoplasms. The most common complications arising from immediate reconstruction with the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap include flap necrosis, fistula, infection, dehiscence, and hematoma.1,2 Although the literature has focused primarily on the morbidity associated with the flap during the immediate postoperative period, little attention has been placed on the delayed postoperative complications of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. We present a report of a patient in whom a chest wall mass developed 4 months after tumor resection with immediate pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction.
Nasal polyposis: Role of subclinical delayed food hypersensitivity
Authors: Pang Yoke‐Teen , Eskici Orhan , Wilson Janet A. 
Published: November 2005

Nasal polyposis is a common problem in otolaryngology. The cause remains unclear, and treatment with medication and surgery is often unsatisfactory. We present our controlled study, which suggests a strong association between food allergy and nasal polyposis. The study was conducted in 2 parts. A postal survey of 900 patients with nasal polyps showed 53 respondents (5.9%) had a known food allergy. In the prospective study, 80 nasal polyp patients and 36 control subjects completed intra‐dermal tests for food allergy. Sixty‐five nasal polyp patients (81%) and 4 control subjects (11%) had positive intradermal food test results. This is highly significant. We believe that food allergy may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis and should be further studied.
Epidermal Growth Factor and Transforming Growth Factor‐α in Middle Ear Effusion
Authors: Nassif Paul S. , Simpson Steven Q. , Izzo Angelo A. , Nicklaus Pamela J. 
Published: November 2005

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor‐α (TGF‐α) promote the differentiation and proliferation of epithelia as well as the proliferation and chemotaxis of fibroblasts. Additionally, EGF promotes wound healing in tissues composed largely of epithelial cells and fibroblasts. We hypothesized that EGF and TGF‐α regulate the differentiation and proliferation of the epithelial lining and the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts in the subepithelial space of the middle ear mucosa in children with otitis media. As an initial test of this hypothesis, EGF and TGF‐α concentrations were measured in 82 middle ear effusions of children undergoing tympanostomy tube placement. EGF was present in 45% of these effusions, and TGF‐α was present in 6%. The mean concentration ± SEM values for EGF and TGF‐α were 19 ± 7.6 and 3.7 ± 7.9 pg/mL, respectively. In addition, neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes in middle ear effusions stained for EGF by immunocytochemistry. We conclude that growth factors are frequently present in middle ear effusions of children with otitis media.