bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human TAO kinase 1 induces apoptosis in SH‐SY5Y cells
Authors: Wu Ming‐Fang , Wang Shyang‐Guang 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe human TAO kinase 1 (hTAOK1) is a member of the Ste20 group of kinases with the kinase domain located at the N‐terminus. The rat homologue, originally named TAO1, has been demonstrated to be highly expressed in brain. In this study, the human TAO kinase 1 was transfected into human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells and its biological effects on the cell morphology were observed by co‐expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). It was found that after 16 h of transfection the cells had shrunk, and finally became rounded when transfected with wild‐type or mutant K57A genes encoding either the kinase domain (residues 1–376) or the full‐length molecule (residues 1–1001). Thirty‐four hours after transfection, cells floated and apoptotic bodies were observed after nuclear staining with DAPI. On the other hand, the cells that were transfected with the gene encoding the C‐terminal regulatory region (residues 377–1001) of hTAOK1, appeared to remain unchanged. In order to know the signaling events involved in the above biological phenomena, caspase‐3‐like activities of the transfected cells were measured in the absence or presence of JNK inhibitor SP600125, in which caspase‐3 and JNK (C‐jun‐N‐terminal kinase) are both known to be critical components of the neuronal apoptosis. The results showed that the apoptotic cells exhibited elevated caspase‐3‐like activity, which could be reduced by SP600125 to some extent. It is concluded that human TAO kinase 1 induces apoptosis in SH‐SY5Y cells and the kinase domain is essential, but its catalytic activity seems to be dispensable in this case.
Increasing glucose levels and BMI predict future heart failure Experience from the Reykjavík Study
Authors: Thrainsdottir I.S. , Aspelund T. , Gudnason V. , Malmberg K. , Sigurdsson G. , Thorgeirsson G. , Hardarson T. , Rydén L. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground:Heart failure is common in diabetes and ischaemic heart disease is the most likely link. Still, it has been suggested that the relation extends beyond such disease.Methods:7060 subjects with two or more visits in the Reykjavík Study were followed–during 30years from 1967. All underwent oral glucose tolerance tests. Disease status was defined according to the glycaemic level and presence of heart failure. The incidence and predictive factors for these diseases were determined.Findings:Age and sex standardized incidence of heart failure was 5.3/1000/year, of diabetes 4.6/1000/year and abnormal glucose regulation 12.6/1000/year. Body mass index (BMI) and fasting glucose predicted the development of these conditions (p<0.001). Increasing fasting glucose by 1mmol/l increased the risk for heart failure by 14% (p=0.04) after adjusting for IHD, BMI and other risk factors for CVD. There was a strong association between diabetes and heart failure, OR 3.0 (2.3–4.0), and abnormal glucose regulation and heart failure, OR 1.8 (1.5–2.3). Diabetes and heart failure were, however, not independent predictors of each other.Interpretation:There was an independent relationship between increases in fasting glucose and development of heart failure. BMI was a strong predictor of heart failure. Although fasting glucose and BMI were significant risk factors for glucose disturbances and heart failure the conditions themselves did not independently predict each other.
Association study of catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphism with personality traits in japanese healthy volunteers
Authors: ishii Genki , Suzuki Akihito , Oshino Shingo , Shiraishi Hiroaki , Matsumoto Yoshihiko , Otani Koichi , Goto Kaoru 
Published: August 2007

AbstractCatechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is one of the major enzymes for the degradation of catecholamines. It has been suggested that catecholaminergic neurotransmission is involved in characterization of personality. Previous studies on the association between the COMT Val158Met polymorphism and personality traits in healthy subjects have produced inconsistent results. Therefore, the relationship between this polymorphism and personality was re-examined in 478 Japanese healthy volunteers. Personality traits were assessed by the Temperament and Character inventory (TCI), and the COMT genotypes were determined by a PCR-RFLP method. in total, there were no significant differences among the Val/Val, Val/Met, and Met/Met genotypes in seven TCI dimension scores. Similarly, no significant relationship was found between the COMT genotypes and the TCI dimensions when males and females were analyzed separately. The present study thus suggests that the COMT Val158Met polymorphism is not associated with personality traits in Japanese healthy subjects.
Psychiatric diagnoses and personality traits associated with disadvantageous decision-making
Authors: Jollant F. , Guillaume S. , Jaussent I. , Bellivier F. , Leboyer M. , Castelnau D. , Malafosse A. , Courtet Ph. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectiveDecision-making impairment is an important feature of psychiatric disorders. in a large comorbid psychiatric population, we explored the link between decision-making deficit and clinical variables.MethodWe used the Iowa Gambling Task to measure decision-making in 317 patients. Psychiatric diagnoses were made according to the DSM-IV criteria. Self-questionnaires were used to assess several personality traits. The last and most severe suicidal acts were characterized.Results(1) After controlling for age and medication intake, a past history of suicide attempt (OR = 2.0 [1.1–3.8]) and normothymic bipolar disorders (OR = 3.4 [1.1–10.5]) were significantly and independently associated with impaired decision-making. (2) Decision-making performance was significantly correlated with affective lability. (3) No association was found between decision-making skills and suicidal characteristics.DiscussionA lack of statistical power may have masked associations with obsessive-compulsive disorder and anorexia nervosa. We did not control for other cognitive functions except attention.ConclusionThis study supports the independent association of decision-making impairment with vulnerability to suicidal behaviour but not with substance abuse. Normothymic bipolar disorders, but not unipolar disorders, were also linked to low performance. At the dimensional level, impulsivity and decision-making abilities may be distinct processes. Affective regulation skills appear to be a major influence on decision-making performance and following a relevant therapeutic target.
Platelet monoamine oxidase activity in obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Arrojo Manuel , Baca-Garcia Enrique , Perez-Rodriguez Maria Mercedes , Dolengevich-Segal Helen , Navio-Acosta Mercedes , Rodriguez-Salgado Beatriz , Saiz-Ruiz Jeronimo 
Published: August 2007

AbstractResponse to SSRIs suggests the implication of the serotonergic system in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, biological studies on serotonergic function in OCD have yielded contradictory results. Platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity has been proposed as an index of cerebral serotonin activity.The aim of this study was to examine platelet MAO activity in 29 OCD patients and 29 healthy controls matched by age, sex and tobacco use. We also explored the relationship between platelet MAO activity and aggressive obsessions in OCD patients.There were no differences in platelet MAO activity between OCD patients and healthy controls. We found a significant correlation between platelet MAO activity and Y-BOCS scores in the group of patients with Y-BOCS scores >15.OCD patients with aggressive obsessions had significantly lower levels of platelet MAO activity than patients without aggressive obsessions.Our results suggest that platelet MAO activity may be a marker of OCD severity, and that low platelet MAO activity may be associated with aggressive obsessions in OCD patients.
Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial of a Hemostatic Sealant in Children Undergoing Adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Jo Stephen H. , Mathiasen Ronald A. , Gurushanthaiah Deepak 
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the efficacy of Floseal as a hemostatic sealant compared to traditional electrocautery hemostasis after cold knife adenotonsillectomy.STUDY DESIGNProspective, randomized, controlled trial of 68 consecutive patients undergoing cold steel adenotonsillectomy. Patients were randomized to receive either Floseal (FS) or electrocautery (EC) for hemostasis.RESULTSFS patients had shorter operative times than EC patients (16 min vs 31.2 min, P < 0.0001) and less blood loss (49.2 mL vs 70.8 mL, P < 0.05). Four EC patients were crossed over to Floseal when adequate hemostasis could not be achieved in the adenoid bed. No Floseal patients were crossed over. FS patients had significantly less pain on postoperative days two through 11 (P < 0.05) and less use of narcotic pain medications over the first 10 postoperative days (P < 0.05). FS patients also had a faster return to regular diet (5.5 days vs 7.9 days, P < 0.01) and activity (5.3 days vs 7.8 days, P < 0.01) as compared to the EC patients. There were no significant complications in either group.CONCLUSIONSFloseal is safe and efficacious, and decreases postoperative morbidity as compared to electrocautery hemostasis after cold steel adenotonsillectomy.SIGNIFICANCEThis study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of Floseal as a hemostatic method in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.
Prospective Clinical Study of Bleeding Sites in Idiopathic Adult Posterior Epistaxis
Authors: Chiu Tor W. , McGarry Gerry W. 
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVESThe precise identification of the bleeding point is important to the efficient management of epistaxis. Our hypothesis was that the septum was the commonest bleeding site.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGThis was a prospective clinical study of 50 consecutive adult idiopathic posterior epistaxis patients carried out in a busy teaching hospital.METHODSThe nasal cavity was inspected with endoscopy to identify the site of bleeding before any intervention. The location of bleeding sites was recorded on a proforma.RESULTSOf bleeding sites posterior to the piriform fossa, 94 percent were identifiable, with 70 percent arising from the septum.CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCEThis is the largest prospective study of the bleeding site in adult patients with posterior epistaxis and the only one with a well‐defined population. The vast majority of posterior bleeding sites can be identified by endoscopy without general anesthesia. The septum should be examined closely in cases of idiopathic bleeding.
Obliteration of the Persistently Discharging Mastoid Cavity using the Middle Temporal Artery Flap
Authors: Singh Vivian , Atlas Marcus 
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the surgical outcome of patients undergoing obliteration of a persistently discharging mastoid cavity with specific soft tissue vascular flaps for chronic otitis media or cholesteatoma.STUDY DESIGNA five‐year retrospective consecutive case review in a tertiary care referral center. Following mastoidectomy obliteration with a superiorly based middle temporal artery, axial periosteal flap and inferiorly based random pedicled musculoperi‐osteal flap was performed. The primary outcome was control of suppuration and the creation of a dry, low‐maintenance cavity as assessed by a semi‐quantitative scale.RESULTSA total of 51 consecutive patients undergoing revision mastoidectomy with obliteration were identified with a minimum follow‐up of 12 months; 43 (84%) had a small dry healthy mastoid cavity; three ears (6%) had occasional otorrhea that was relatively easily managed by topical therapy.CONCLUSIONObliteration using the middle temporal artery and inferior random flaps is an effective method to manage patients with pre‐existing cavities and also those not previously operated upon.
Incidence of Thyroid Carcinoma in Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography‐Positive Thyroid Incidentalomas
Authors: King Deanne L. , Stack Brendan C. , Spring Paul M. , Walker Ronald , Bodenner Donald L. 
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVEFluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) whole body positron emission tomography (PET) scan may show clinically occult second lesions. Such lesions in the thyroid are increasingly common. There are several recent reports of a high probability of malignancy in these lesions ranging from 14% to 63%.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGThis is a retrospective review of 15,711 PET scans at a multi‐disciplinary thyroid clinic at a tertiary care university medical center. Twenty‐two patients were referred with thyroid PET “incidentalomas.” The review included 18 FDG‐PET scans, ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsies, and thyroid surgery pathology. Aspiration cytology or pathology were the main outcome measures.RESULTSThree patients had malignancy of the PET‐positive thyroid lesions. Papillary thyroid micro carcinomas were detected in four of the specimens that showed a benign pathology of the dominant nodule.CONCLUSIONOur experience shows a 14% malignancy rate for the dominant (imaged) nodule and a total malignancy rate of 32% when the incidental micro carcinomas are included. Both of these rates are significantly lower than results published previously.
Exclusively Endoscopic Surgery for Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma
Authors: Andrade Nilvano A. , Pinto José Antonio , de Oliveira Nóbrega Mônica , Aguiar José Estelita P. , Aguiar Tâmara Ferraro A.P. , Vinhaes Ériko S.A. 
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVETo present the indications of nasal endoscopic surgery for treating juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA).STUDY DESIGNChart review.MATERIALS AND METHODSTwelve patients underwent nasal endoscopic surgery exclusively to resect JNA from January 2001 to June 2004. According to the classification of Andrews et al, eight patients were stage I and four patients were stage II.RESULTSThe follow‐up was between five and 42 months, and no patient has shown a residual tumor or recurrence to date.CONCLUSIONIn JNA stages I and II, the endoscopic approach was effective without preoperative arterial embolization. There were no residual tumors or recurrence in this study.SIGNIFICANCEIt seems to be appropriate to reevaluate the surgical limits of endoscopic surgery for resecting JNA.
Planned Neck Dissection after Definitive Radiotherapy or Chemoradiation for Base of Tongue Cancers
Authors: Hitchcock Ying J. , Bentz Brandon G. , Sharma Pramod K. , Fang Christine , Tward Jonathan D. , Pappas Lisa , Chen Jergin , Hayes John K. , Shrieve Dennis C. 
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVESThe study goal was to analyze the role of planned neck dissection for squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue treated with definitive radiotherapy or chemoradiation.STUDY DESIGN, SETTINGWe conducted a retrospective study of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue undergoing planned neck dissection after definitive radiotherapy or chemoradiation.RESULTSTwenty‐two of 41 (53.7%) patients had one to six positive residual lymph nodes after receiving definitive radiotherapy or chemoradiation. Neck control rates were 92.3% and 88.3% at two and five years, respectively. Three of 22 (13.6%) patients with pathological residual nodal disease had regional or locore‐gional failures, compared with 1 of 19 (5.3%) patients with a pathologically complete response (P = 0.39).CONCLUSIONSWe observed a high incidence of pathologically residual lymph nodes after definitive radiotherapy or chemoradiation.SIGNIFICANCEPlanned neck dissection following definitive radiotherapy or chemoradiation is highly effective in achieving regional control of squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue.
Neck Dissection Followed by Chemoradiotherapy for Stage IV (N+) Oropharynx Cancer
Authors: Cupino Andrew , Axelrod Rita , Anne P. Rani , Sidhu Kulbir , Lavarino Jorosali , Kung Brian , Rosen Marc , Keane William , Machtay Mitchell 
Published: August 2007

PURPOSEThis study evaluated the strategy of performing neck dissection (ND) without primary tumor resection prior to definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for N2+ oropharynx cancer.METHODSWe analyzed records of 25 patients who underwent ND before concurrent CRT with weekly low‐dose concurrent paclitaxel and a platinum compound. The extent of ND was highly customized (1 to 39 nodes) and median radiotherapy dose was 70 Gy.RESULTSMedian follow‐up was 36 months. Two‐year and 3‐year actuarial locoregional control rates were 95% and 88%. No patient had regional neck nodal failure. Two‐year rate of freedom from distant metastases was 91%. The 2‐ and 3‐year event‐free survival rates were 88% and 75%. Fifteen percent had Grade 3+ late toxicity; none had permanent gastrostomy tube dependence.CONCLUSIONSNeck dissection without primary tumor resection before definitive chemoradiotherapy for oropharynx cancer is a safe and effective management program and warrants further exploration.
Endoscopic Revision of External Dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Demarco Ricardo , Strose Alex , Araújo Marcos , Valera Fabiana Cardoso Pereira , Moribe Iracema , Anselmo‐Lima Wilma Terezinha 
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVESTo observe the benefit of endoscopic surgery for the treatment of lacrimal duct obstruction in revisional surgeries after external dacryocystorhinostomy.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGRetrospective nonrandomized study. Eleven cases of recurrent lacrimal duct obstruction after external dacryocystorhinostomy were submitted to endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.RESULTSThe rate of success after revisional surgery was 90.9%. The major causes of failure of the external approach were the presence of granulation tissue, septal deviations and synechiae near the opening of the fistula, inadequate removal of the bony wall adjuvant the lacrimal sac, technical error in the localization of the lacrimal sac, and excessive perioperative bleeding that impaired the surgical field.CONCLUSIONEndoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in revisional cases proved to be a safe technique of low morbidity, permitting effective resolution of the lacrimal obstructions.SIGNIFICANCEEndoscopic surgery allows greater visibility of the lacrimal sac and its neighbor anatomic alterations and leads to better results.
Quality of Perceived Sound after Stapedotomy
Authors: Tan Frédérique M.L. , Grolman Wilko , Tange Rinze A. , Fokkens Wytske J. 
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the quality of perceived sound in relation to the audiometric result after stapedotomy.STUDY DESIGNNinety‐eight patients with otosclerosis, who underwent stapedotomy between 2004 and 2005, participated in this retrospective study. Audiometric data were obtained before and after stapedotomy. Patients filled out two questionnaires: the Amsterdam Post Operative Sound Evaluation and the Operation Benefit Profile, which is based on the Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile.RESULTSThere were 83 responders and 15 nonresponders; 83% indicated that their hearing was now better compared to preoperatively. The sounds that gave the highest percentage of distortion were “high pitched sound” (15%) and “loud sound” (13%). The groups with an air‐bone gap of 0 to 10 dB and 10 to 20 dB report a relatively high number of patients who experience distortion. The audiometric data correlate well with the Operation Benefit Score.CONCLUSIONSAudiometric improvement does not necessarily mean an improvement in perceived sound and vice versa. But the audiometric outcome is significantly related to the patient's experienced handicap, benefit of the operation, residual difficulty, and overall satisfaction.
Eight Cases of Nasal Tuberculosis
Authors: Kim Yong Min , Kim Ah Young , Park Yong Ho , Kim Dong Hyun , Rha Ki‐Sang 
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVETo elucidate the clinical characteristics of nasal tuberculosis and to discuss its diagnostic difficulties.STUDY DESIGNRetrospective clinical analysis.RESULTSA total of eight patients presented with nasal tuberculosis during the study period (from January 1989 through December 2006). Six were female and two were male. The patient age varied from 17 to 51 years, with a mean of 31 years. The most commonly involved site was the nasal septum (7 of 8). Perforation of the nasal septum was observed in three cases. Sinus invasion was observed in two cases and required sinus surgery. Six of the cases were a result of primary infections, while two were secondary disease manifestations. All patients were treated with anti‐tuberculosis medications, with subsequent improvement with regard to clinical symptoms and physical signs.CONCLUSIONSWe present the largest number of nasal tuberculosis cases reported in the medical literature from a single institute. Diagnosing nasal tuberculosis requires a high index of suspicion and occasionally the use of experimental drug treatment options.
The Sensitivity of Preoperative Scanning in Regional Recurrence of Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Khafif Avi , Ben‐Yosef Rami , Kesler Ada , Trejo‐Laider Leonor , Landsberg Roee , Patchornik Hanna , Even‐Sapir Einat , Fliss Dan M. 
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUNDThe treatment of patients with regionally recurrent papillary carcinoma of the thyroid is a matter of controversy. Radioactive nodal picking was proposed as an alternative to neck dissection in these patients.METHODSWe analyzed neck dissection specimens in 20 patients with PTC and compared the results to preoperative total‐body scan (TBS) following a therapeutic dose of I131 and ultra‐sonographic findings.RESULTSEighteen patients underwent paratracheal neck dissection and 10 patients had a lateral neck dissection. Preoperative TBS detected the correct number of positive nodes in only 1 patient (5%) and the correct number of patients with positive nodes in 6/20 (30%) of the patients. US detected 32/98 positive nodes (36%) and 20/20 (100%) of the patients. Prediction of the number of positive nodes for both TBS and US was low (5% and 10%, respectively).CONCLUSIONSPreoperative TBS and/or US cannot satisfactorily predict metastatic lymph node involvement and cannot safely delineate limited surgery to replace formal neck dissection in patients with regionally recurrent PTC.
Harmonic Scalpel Tonsillectomy: A Systematic Review of Evidence for Postoperative Hemorrhage
Authors: Neumann Codruta , Street Ian , Lowe David , Sudhoff Holger 
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVETo systematically review the literature on harmonic scalpel tonsillectomy with a view of comparing its postoperative hemorrhagic rate with the conventional methods for tonsillectomy.DATA SOURCESCochrane Library, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, INAHTA, CRD (Centre for Review and Dissemination, York, UK), and related databases. The date of the last search was September 19, 2006; papers were considered irrespective of language of publication.REVIEW METHODSInclusion and exclusion criteria were applied independently by two reviewers with a third reviewer available for adjudication. The papers were quality assessed using Chalmers' criteria. Eleven randomized controlled trials (RCT) were included in the final review with five RCTs comparing harmonic scalpel tonsillectomy with “cold steel” tonsillectomy and six RCTs comparing harmonic scalpel with “hot” tonsillectomy techniques.RESULTSAll studies were underpowered to detect a significant difference in the postoperative hemorrhagic complication between harmonic scalpel and the comparator tonsillectomy techniques. The heterogeneity of studies made quantitative combination of results impossible.CONCLUSIONThe evidence reviewed is of low quality and does not support any significant difference in postoperative hemorrhage rates when harmonic scalpel is compared with other tonsillectomy techniques. As studies have numerous methodological flaws and incorporate biases and confounding factors, these results need to be interpreted with caution. Larger and better‐conducted studies would be needed in order to compare the safety of harmonic against conventional tonsillectomy methods. The need for a large sample size might make an RCT impractical; therefore a large, well‐controlled cohort study could be more suitable.