bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum‐free mouse embryo cells generate a self‐sustaining feedback loop for an astrocyte marker protein and respond to cytokines and bisphenol A in accordance with the subtle difference in their differentiation state
Authors: Yamaguchi Hideaki , Zhu Jun , Yu Tao , Sasaki Kazuo , Umetsu Hironori , Kidachi Yumi , Ryoyama Kazuo 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSerum‐free mouse embryo (SFME) cells, the astrocyte progenitor cells in the central nervous system, generated a self‐sustaining feedback loop for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression after a period of cell passages. The period required was about 150 days (30 passages). SFME and high‐GFAP‐expressing SFME (G‐SFME) cells were exposed to 10 ng/ml leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and 10 ng/ml bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) to induce differentiation and their responses to cytokine signals were analyzed. Although differentiation was significantly induced in both cell types, SFME cells showed more obvious responses to the cytokine signals. Various concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA) (0.1 pg/ml to 1 μg/ml) were added to determine its effects on cell differentiation. A completely serum‐free culture was developed for effective differentiation of G‐SFME cells with LIF and BMP2, and GFAP expression was significantly increased in the presence of 1–100 pg/ml BPA. These increases were attributed to excessive activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 1 (Smad1) by the low‐level BPA. The data obtained in the present study revealed that the sensitivity of the cells to LIF, BMP2 and BPA could change upon cell differentiation, suggesting that the cells may possibly respond differently to cytokines and endocrine disruptors depending on subtle differences in their differentiation state.
Residual stress ischaemia is associated with blood markers of myocardial structural remodelling
Authors: Radauceanu Anca , Moulin Frédéric , Djaballah Wassila , Marie Pierre Y. , Alla François , Dousset Brigitte , Virion Jean M. , Capiaumont Josette , Karcher Gilles , Aliot Etienne , Zannad Façez 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground:Long‐term prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients is worsened when stress ischemia persists on treatment, but the relationship with adverse cardiac remodelling had never been investigated.Aim:To analyze changes in blood markers of fibrosis in patients with chronic CAD exhibiting exercise ischaemia.Methods:Circulating markers of collagen: (i) turnover (amino‐terminal propeptide of collagen‐III [PIIINP]) and (ii) degradation (matrix metalloproteinase 1 [MMP‐1]), were obtained in 139 CAD patients referred for exercise 201Tl‐SPECT.Results:In the 57 patients who had SPECT‐ischaemia, PIIINP was higher (4.3±2.9 μg L−1 vs. 3.1±1.5 μg L−1, p=0.002) and MMP‐1 lower (3.8±2.1 μg L−1 vs. 4.7±2.8 μg L−1, p=0.04) than in the 82 patients without SPECT‐ischaemia. PIIINP was independently related to LV volume, SPECT‐ischaemia and age, whereas MMP‐1 was related to current treatment with ACEI and β‐blockers (p<0.05).In the 104 patients with a normal LV ejection fraction, only PIIINP was related to SPECT‐ischaemia (4.1±2.2 μg L−1 vs. 3.1±1.5 μg L−1, p=0.01).Conclusion:In patients with chronic CAD, exercise ischaemia is associated with increased collagen‐III turnover, independently of concomitant medications and even when LV ejection fraction is normal. Long‐term, this increase might relate to adverse cardiac remodelling even when cardiac function is not clearly affected at baseline.
Effect of religion on suicide attempts in outpatients with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorders compared with inpatients with non-psychotic disorders
Authors: Huguelet Philippe , Mohr Sylvia , Jung Valérie , Gillieron Christiane , Brandt Pierre-Yves , Borras Laurence 
Published: December 2006

AbstractLittle is known of the relations between psychosis, religion and suicide. One hundred and fifteen outpatients with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder and 30 inpatients without psychotic symptoms were studied using a semi-structured interview assessing religiousness/spirituality. Their past suicide attempts were examined. Additionally, they were asked about the role (protective or incentive) of religion in their decision to commit suicide. Forty-three percent of the patients with psychosis had previously attempted suicide. Religiousness was not associated with the rate of patients who attempted suicide. Twenty-five percent of all subjects acknowledged a protective role of religion, mostly through ethical condemnation of suicide and religious coping. One out of ten patients reported an incentive role of religion, not only due to negatively connotated issues but also to the hope for something better after death. There were no differences between groups (i.e. psychotic vs. non-psychotic patients). Religion may play a specific role in the decisions patients make about suicide, both in psychotic and non-psychotic patients. This role may be protective, a finding particularly important for patients with psychosis who are known to be at high risk of severe suicide attempts. Interventions aiming to lower the number of suicide attempts in patients with schizophrenia should take these data into account.
Reproductive biology of Atlantoraja cyclophora (Regan 1903) (Elasmobranchii: Rajidae) off southern Brazil
Authors: Oddone María Cristina , Vooren Carolus Maria 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
A total of 459 (245 females, 214 males) Atlantoraja cyclophora was captured by bottom trawl off the coast of Rio Grande do Sul between 30°40′S and 34°30′S during surveys conducted in winter 2001 and summer/autumn 2002 at depths of 100–300 m. Total length at maturity was 52.8 cm for females and 48.5 cm for males. Symmetry and functional parity of the gonads were observed in both sexes, but there was no significant temporal variation in either sex for any of the reproductive parameters studied. Ovulation and egg-deposition were similarly intensive in both seasons. In adult females, there was an ovarian resting period at an individual level, though it was not synchronized at a population level. Distribution of egg-bearing females was not related to depth or species' range.
Application of mitomycin‐C for head and neck keloids
Authors: Stewart Charles E. , Kim John Y. 
Published: November 2006

Keloids of the head and neck are a relatively common entity in darker‐skinned races, occurring in 5%‐15% of skin wounds. Keloids are fibrotic lesions that are a result of an abnormal wound‐healing process that lacks control of the mechanisms that regulate tissue repair and regeneration. The proliferation of normal tissue‐healing processes results in scarring that enlarges well beyond the original wound margins.Many treatment modalities for keloids have been tried with variable amounts of success. Surgical excision, compressive therapy, silicon dressings, corticosteroid injections, radiation, cryotherapy, interferon therapy, and laser therapy have all been used alone or in combination. Despite this wide range of available treatments, recurrence rates typically remain in the 50%‐70% range.In this study, we present our results in a series of 10 patients who were treated with surgical excision of head and neck keloids and the application of topical mitomycin‐C. Mitomycin‐C is a chemotherapeutic agent that inhibits DNA synthesis and fibroblast proliferation. It has been used in ophthalmologic procedures and airway surgery to decrease scar formation. In these 10 patients, we combined surgical excision of keloids with the application of topical mitomycin‐C. The patients were then followed postoperatively for recurrence (range, 7‐14 months). We have found topical application of mitomycin‐C to be an effective therapy for prevention of keloid recurrence in the head and neck, with a success rate of 90% as reported in this series.
Predictive value of p53 and PCNA expression for occult neck metastases in patients with clinically node‐negative oral tongue cancer
Authors: Keum Ki Chang , Chung Eun Ji , Koom Woong Sub , Cho Jae Ho , Cho Sang Ho , Choi Eun Chang , Lee Chang Geol , Suh Chang Ok , Kim Gwi Eon 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVEIn an attempt to identify molecular markers predictive of occult neck metastases, we investigated whether positive p53 or proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunoreactivities on deparaffinized sections of the primary tumor are correlated to the presence of occult neck node metastases in oral tongue cancer patients with clinically negative cervical nodes (N0).STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGBetween 1986 and 1997, 37 clinically N0 patients who underwent neck dissection (25 male, 12 female; mean age 54 years) were selected for p53 and PCNA staining.RESULTSp53 and PCNA immunoreactivities were detected in 68% and 32%, respectively. There was no correlation between p53 or PCNA and other clinicopathological factors, such as tumor differentiation, tumor type, tumor size, and T‐stage. Although tumor differentiation (P = 0.03) and tumor size (P = 0.03) were significantly correlated with occult neck metastases of oral tongue cancer by univariate analysis, no correlation was found between p53 or PCNA and the presence of occult neck metastasis.CONCLUSIONp53 and/or PCNA expression are unsuitable as biological markers predictive of lymph node metastases of oral tongue cancer.SIGNIFICANCEp53‐ or PCNA‐positive status are not a reliable parameter for selection of elective neck dissection in the management of N0 oral tongue cancer patients.
Crosslinked hydrogels for tympanic membrane repair
Authors: Park Albert H. , Hughes Casey W. , Jackson Adrienne , Hunter Lisa , McGill Lawrence , Simonsen Sara Ellis , Alder Stephen C. , Shu Xiao Zheng , Prestwich Glenn D. 
Published: November 2006

PROBLEMTo provide a less expensive and more convenient protocol for the treatment of tympanic membrane perforations (TMPs).METHODSSeveral materials were prepared and compared for TMP repair including Carbylan‐SX, Gelatin‐DTPH‐PEGDA (GX), Carbylan‐S/Gelatin‐DTPH (Carbylan‐GSX) (injectable and sponge), Gelfoam, Epifilm, and crosslinked thiolated chondroitin sulfate (CS‐DTPH‐PEGDA [CS‐SX]). Hartley pigmented guinea pigs (Elm Hill) underwent bilateral myringotomy with 1 ear left as a control and the other treated with one of the previously mentioned materials.RESULTSCarbylan‐GSX (injectable and sponge), Gelfoam with saline, and CS‐SX had the shortest time for TMP closure. Epifilm, Carbylan, and gelatin preparations resulted in closure rates similar to controls. CS‐SX showed a marked inflammatory reaction compared with controls and other materials based on neutrophil, lymphocyte, epitheloid counts, and degree of fibrosis.CONCLUSIONSThis study shows the validity of Carbylan‐GSX compared with Gelfoam as a material to promote TMP closure in an acute TMP guinea pig model.
Systematic facial nerve monitoring in middle ear and mastoid surgeries: “Surgical dehiscence” and “electrical dehiscence”
Authors: Choung Yun‐Hoon , Park Keehyun , Cho Min Jung , Choung Pill‐Hoon , Shin You Ree , Kahng Hison 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate and systemize intraoperative facial nerve monitoring (IOFNM) in middle ear and mastoid surgeries.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGA prospective study.METHODSIOFNM was performed in 100 patients undergoing middle ear and mastoid surgeries. We checked “surgical dehiscence” under microscopes, and also estimated the minimal threshold of electric current needed to change the electromyography of facial muscles using Nerve Integrity Monitor (NIM)‐2 (Xomed, Minneapolis, MN, USA).RESULTSForty‐three percent of cases showed “surgical dehiscence” and responded to electric stimulation of 0.7 mA or less. “Electrical dehiscence” (≤ 0.7 mA) was presented in 73 (73.0%) cases, and 82.2% of these cases responded to 0.4 mA or less. The mean threshold of minimal electrical stimulation was 0.29 mA for tympanic segments and 0.41 mA for mastoid segments.CONCLUSIONSWe recommend an electrical stimulation of 0.7 mA for the first screening and 0.4 mA for the second exploration in order to define the facial nerve using intraoperative NIM‐2 monitoring in middle ear and mastoid surgeries.
Sunnybrook and House‐Brackmann Facial Grading Systems: Intrarater repeatability and interrater agreement
Authors: Kanerva Mervi , Poussa Tuija , Pitkäranta Anne 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVETo assess repeatability and agreement of the House‐Brackmann (H‐B FGS) and the Sunnybrook (SFGS) Facial Grading Systems.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGEight video‐recorded facial palsy patients were graded in 2 sittings by 28 doctors. Repeatability and agreement for SFGS were measured by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of repeatability (CR), and for H‐B FGS by agreement percentage and kappa coefficients.RESULTSRepeatability for SFGS was from good to excellent and for H‐B FGS from fair to good. Agreement between doctors for SFGS was moderate by CR and nearly perfect by ICC. For H‐B FGS, the agreement percentage was 50%, and generalized kappa indicated only fair agreement.CONCLUSIONSSFGS was at least as good in repeatability as H‐B FGS and showed more reliable results in agreement between doctors.SIGNIFICANCEWhile waiting for an ideal scale for facial grading, the usage of SFGS can be encouraged over H‐B FGS.
Expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 and 5‐lipoxygenase in nasal polyps associated with interleukin‐4 promoter polymorphism ‐590
Authors: Kook Park Seong , Heo Kyung Wook , Jung Hyun , Yea Sung Su , Yang Young 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 and 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO) associated with interleukin (IL)‐4 promoter polymorphism ‐590 in nasal polyp tissues.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING:A prospective controlled study. A venous blood sample was taken to determine the genotype in 61 nasal polyp subjects. The C‐590T variant was determined by the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The expression of 5‐LO and COX‐2 was determined with immunohistochemical staining in 37 nasal polyp tissues associated with genotype.RESULTS:The genotype frequencies at position ‐590 of the IL‐4 gene in the patients with nasal polyp were C/C (8.20%), C/T (40.98%), and T/T (50.82%). There was no significantly increased expression of COX‐2 among genotypes. The 5‐LO expression was significantly increased in C/C compared with C/T and T/T.CONCLUSION:We suggested that the IL‐4 promoter polymorphism ‐590 C/C is associated with the expression of 5‐LO in the patients with nasal polyp.
Primed fibroblasts and exogenous decorin: Potential treatments for subacute vocal fold scar
Authors: Krishna Priya , Rosen Clark A. , Branski Ryan C. , Wells Alan , Hebda Patricia A. 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVETo investigate hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) primed fibroblasts and decorin application on skin and vocal fold fibroblasts in vitro and in vivo in rabbit vocal fold scar model.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING:Vocal fold and skin fibroblasts underwent five in vitro treatment conditions: control, epidermal growth factor, HGF, both decorin and HGF, and decorin alone. Hyaluronic acid and collagen enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were performed. In vivo, 12 rabbits underwent unilateral vocal fold stripping. Injured vocal folds were then injected with skin fibroblasts, HGF, HGF‐primed fibroblasts and decorin, or decorin. Outcomes included histologic and lamina propria height analyses.RESULTS:In vitro, HGF increased hyaluronic acid synthesis in vocal fold fibroblasts (P < 0.001). HGF and decorin treatment diminished collagen secretion (P < 0.01). In vivo, histologic findings indicated minimal difference in collagen amount between treatment groups.CONCLUSION:HGF and decorin together may decrease collagen production by skin and vocal fold fibroblasts. Fibroblast transplantation into scarred vocal folds has equivocal benefit.
Evaluation of Six Methods for Estimating Synonymous and Nonsynonymous Substitution Rates
Authors: Zhang Zhang , Yu Jun 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Methods for estimating synonymous and nonsynonymous substitution rates among protein-coding sequences adopt different mutation (substitution) models with subtle yet significant differences, which lead to different estimates of evolutionary information. Little attention has been devoted to the comparison of methods for obtaining reliable estimates since the amount of sequence variations within targeted datasets is always unpredictable. To our knowledge, there is little information available in literature about evaluation of these different methods. In this study, we compared six widely used methods and provided with evaluation results using simulated sequences. The results indicate that incorporating sequence features (such as transition/transversion bias and nucleotide/codon frequency bias) into methods could yield better performance. We recommend that conclusions related to or derived from Ka and Ks analyses should not be readily drawn only according to results from one method.
Comparative Analysis of Transcription Start Sites Using Mutual Information
Authors: Reddy D. Ashok , Mitra Chanchal K. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
The transcription start site (TSS) region shows greater variability compared with other promoter elements. We are interested to search for its variability by using information content as a measure. We note in this study that the variability is significant in the block of 5 nucleotides (nt) surrounding the TSS region compared with the block of 15 nt. This suggests that the actual region that may be involved is in the range of 5–10 nt in size. For Escherichia coli, we note that the information content from dinucleotide substitution matrices clearly shows a better discrimination, suggesting the presence of some correlations. However, for human this effect is much less, and for mouse it is practically absent. We can conclude that the presence of short-range correlations within the TSS region is species-dependent and is not universal. We further observe that there are other variable regions in the mitochondrial control element apart from TSS. It is also noted that effective comparisons can only be made on blocks, while single nucleotide comparisons do not give us any detectable signals.
Optimal Allocation of Replicates for Measurement Evaluation Studies
Authors: Zakharkin Stanislav O. , Kim Kyoungmi , Bartolucci Alfred A. , Page Grier P. , Allison David B. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Optimal experimental design is important for the efficient use of modern high-throughput technologies such as microarrays and proteomics. Multiple factors including the reliability of measurement system, which itself must be estimated from prior experimental work, could influence design decisions. In this study, we describe how the optimal number of replicate measures (technical replicates) for each biological sample (biological replicate) can be determined. Different allocations of biological and technical replicates were evaluated by minimizing the variance of the ratio of technical variance (measurement error) to the total variance (sum of sampling error and measurement error). We demonstrate that if the number of biological replicates and the number of technical replicates per biological sample are variable, while the total number of available measures is fixed, then the optimal allocation of replicates for measurement evaluation experiments requires two technical replicates for each biological replicate. Therefore, it is recommended to use two technical replicates for each biological replicate if the goal is to evaluate the reproducibility of measurements.
Rhinocerebral mucormycosis with orbital and intracranial extension: a case report and review of optimum management
Authors: Munir N , Jones N S 
Published: November 2006

Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is a devastating, rapidly progressive and often fatal opportunistic fungal infection predominantly affecting individuals with underlying metabolic and/or immunological compromise. Intracranial extension of the disease has invariably been associated with mortality.We present a review of optimum management of rhinocerebral mucormycosis and a case report of sinonasal mucormycosis with intracranial and orbital extension which was treated successfully with a combination of systemic liposomal amphotericin B therapy and wide surgical debridement.
Topical antibiotic ototoxicity: does it influence our practice?
Authors: Ho E C , Alaani A , Irving R 
Published: November 2006

Introduction: We hypothesised that general practitioners and ENT specialists manage discharging ears differently. This study was designed to investigate this further.Methods and materials: Postal questionnaires were sent to all general practitioners in the Birmingham area and all UK consultants on the British Association of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery address list.Results and discussion: In the presence of an intact tympanic membrane, 99 per cent of consultants and 90 per cent of general practitioners would use topical antibiotics. In the presence of a perforated tympanic membrane, 97 per cent of consultants would continue to use topical antibiotics, compared with only 43 per cent of general practitioners. This was attributed to a fear of ototoxicity. If a topical non-ototoxic antibiotic of proven efficacy could be made available, 93 per cent of consultants and 88 per cent of general practitioners in this study would seriously consider using it as first line treatment.Conclusion: The majority of general practitioners would not use topical antibiotics in the presence of a perforated tympanic membrane. Most doctors would consider using a non-ototoxic topical antibiotic as first line treatment should one be made available.
A multi-centre prospective case-control study of campylobacter infection in persons aged 5 years and older in Australia
Authors: STAFFORD R. J. , SCHLUTER P. , KIRK M. , WILSON A. , UNICOMB L. , ASHBOLT R. , GREGORY J. ,   the OzFoodNet Working Group
Published: November 2006

SUMMARYThere are an estimated 277 000 cases of campylobacteriosis in Australia each year, most of which are thought to be sporadically acquired. To explore causes for these infections, we conducted a multi-centre case-control study of patients and community controls across five Australian States during 2001–2002. A total of 881 campylobacter cases and 833 controls aged ⩾5 years were recruited into the study. Crude logistic analyses were conducted within various food and non-food exposure groups. A final most parsimonious multivariable logistic regression model was developed and adjusted odds ratios (aOR), 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were derived together with adjusted population attributable risks (PAR). Consumption of undercooked chicken (aOR 4·7, 95% CI 2·6–8·4) and offal (aOR 2·0, 95% CI 1·0–4·0), ownership of domestic chickens aged <6 months (aOR 12·4, 95% CI 2·6–59·3) and domestic dogs aged <6 months (aOR 2·1, 95% CI 1·1–4·2) were found to be independent risk factors for illness in the final model. The PAR proportions indicate that eating chicken meat, either cooked or undercooked may account for approximately 30% of campylobacter cases that occur each year in Australia. These results justify the continued need for education of consumers and foodhandlers about the risks associated with the handling of raw chicken and the potential for cross-contamination.