bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conservative Management of Vestibular Schwannomas: An Effective Strategy
Authors: Ferri Gian Gaetano , Modugno Giovanni Carlo , Pirodda Antonio , Fioravanti Antonio , Calbucci Fabio , Ceroni Alberto Rinaldi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectives: Stimulated by the availability of a larger sample of patients and a longer follow‐up period, we update our experience with conservative management of vestibular schwannomas.Study Design: Patients with intracanalicular and small/medium‐sized tumors have been followed prospectively at a tertiary referral center.Methods: One hundred twenty‐three patients affected by sporadic vestibular schwannoma were primarily observed by means of magnetic resonance imaging scans. In case of significant tumor growth (≥2 mm), patients were either surgically treated or submitted to radiotherapy, but, not rarely, they continued to follow the “wait‐and‐scan” policy. Tumor‐size changes over time were also evaluated with hearing function. Statistical analysis with predictive growth factors was performed.Results: Almost two thirds (64.5%) of the cases did not show tumor growth during the entire period of observation (mean follow‐up period, 4.8 yrs). Among growing tumors, 16 patients were surgically treated with no complications or facial nerve palsy. Less than half (45.5%) of the patients presented useful hearing (classes A and B of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery classification) at diagnosis, and 41 (73.2%) patients had preserved hearing during follow‐up independently from the tumor growth rate.Conclusions: Conservative management of vestibular schwannoma appears to be a safe procedure because most tumors do not grow and surgical outcomes are not affected by possible delays. In the great majority of cases, useful hearing is maintained over time. Because of the irregular behavior of the tumor, periodic neuroradiologic scans are mandatory to limit late surgical risks.
Deviated Nose Cartilaginous Dorsum Correction Using a Dorsal L‐Strut Cutting and Suture Technique
Authors: Song Hyung Min , Kim Ji‐Sun , Lee Bong‐Jae , Jang Yong Ju 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective: A deviated nose with involvement of a severely deviated cartilaginous dorsum is a particular challenge for rhinoplasty surgeons. We applied a new approach for treating such cases, the “dorsal L‐strut cutting and suture technique,” and assessed its efficacy and the surgical outcomes.Study Design: Retrospective chart review.Methodss: The study population consisted of 27 patients who received the “cutting and suture technique of dorsal L‐strut” to control a severe cartilaginous dorsal deflection between February 2004 and September 2006. Two otolaryngologists who were not involved in surgeries assessed surgical outcomes. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were studied to evaluate outcomes, and anthropometric measurements were made. Postoperative complications were assessed.Results: Postoperative assessments showed that 81.5% of patients had “excellent” or “good” deviation correction. Two (7.4%) patients experienced cephalic rotation of the tips and shortening of the nasal length. There were no reports of recurrence, saddling, or infection during follow‐up. Pre‐ and postoperative anthropometric measurements showed there was no significant change in tip projection, nasal length, nasofrontal angle, or nasolabial angle.Conclusions: The dorsal L‐strut cutting and suture technique appears to be a useful method for correcting severe cephalocaudal convexity of the dorsal L‐strut in deviated noses.
OK‐432 Sclerotherapy of Cervical Chylous Lymphocele After Neck Dissection
Authors: Roh Jong‐Lyel , Park Chan Il 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgound/Objectives: Postoperative cervical chylous lymphoceles are extremely rare circumscribed collections of lymph which are usually treated by drainage or surgical exploration, but rarely by sclerotherapy. We investigated the efficacy of OK‐432 (Picibanil, Chungai Pharmaceutical Co., Tokyo, Japan) sclerotherapy in the treatment of cervical lymphocele after neck dissection.Methods: Four patients with postoperative lymphocele who could not be cured by repeated percutaneous needle aspiration and pressure dressing were treated with intralesional injection of 0.1–0.2 mg OK‐432 after aspiration of fluid. The aspirated fluid was assessed biochemically and cytologically, and regular palpation and ultrasonography/computed tomography were used to evaluate outcomes and recurrences.Results: Two patients with chyle leak during neck dissection had lymphoceles in the left supraclavicular region 3 weeks later. The other two patients had lymphoceles on the right neck 9 and 12 months, respectively, after neck dissection. All aspirated fluids were chylous in origin without tumor cells. OK‐432 sclerotherapy scored all four lesions with no major complications except for fever and local pain for several days. No lymphocele recurrences or metastatic cancers were observed in any patient for >1 year after sclerotherapy.Conclusions: Intralesional injection of OK‐432 may be a safe and effective alternative to surgical exploration in the treatment of cervical lymphocele after neck dissection.
Sonographically‐Directed Neck Dissection for Recurrent Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Lisa , Steward David L. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective: To determine the effectiveness of sonographically‐directed compartmental neck dissection for recurrent differentiated thyroid carcinoma as confirmed by ultrasound surveillance and thyroid‐specific biochemical markers.Study Design: Retrospective chart review.Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 18 patients with sonographically localized and pathology‐confirmed recurrent differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Fifteen patients chose to undergo compartmental neck dissection by a single surgeon. Surgery involved central compartment (level VI) or functional lateral neck dissection (level II‐IV+/‐V). Three patients declined surgery despite proven recurrent lymph node disease.Results: All 18 patients started out with sonographic evidence of recurrent lymph node disease. Preoperative thyroglobulin or thyroglobulin antibody levels were positive in 17 of 18 patients (94%). Postoperatively, all 15 patients who underwent compartmental lymph node dissections had no sonographic evidence of lymph node disease. Of the 14 patients with preoperative positive thyroglobulin or thyroglobulin antibody levels, 9 patients converted to negative levels (64%). Furthermore, two of four patients (50%) converted to thyroglobulin antibody negative status after surgery. All three patients who declined surgery had persistently detectable sonographic nodal disease in addition to positive thyroglobulin and/or thyroglobulin antibody levels (100%). Surgical complications were minimal and self‐limited as no patient experienced permanent cranial nerve deficits.Conclusion: Ultrasound‐directed cranial nerve sparing compartmental lymph node dissection results in no sonographically detectable cervical lymph node disease and undetectable basal thyroglobulin or thyroglobulin antibody levels in the majority of patients with low morbidity.
MTA Is an Arabidopsis Messenger RNA Adenosine Methylase and Interacts with a Homolog of a Sex-Specific Splicing Factor
Authors: Zhong Silin , Li Hongying , Bodi Zsuzsanna , Button James , Vespa Laurent , Herzog Michel , Fray Rupert G. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
N 6-Methyladenosine is a ubiquitous modification identified in the mRNA of numerous eukaryotes, where it is present within both coding and noncoding regions. However, this base modification does not alter the coding capacity, and its biological significance remains unclear. We show that Arabidopsis thaliana mRNA contains N 6-methyladenosine at levels similar to those previously reported for animal cells. We further show that inactivation of the Arabidopsis ortholog of the yeast and human mRNA adenosine methylase (MTA) results in failure of the developing embryo to progress past the globular stage. We also demonstrate that the arrested seeds are deficient in mRNAs containing N 6-methyladenosine. Expression of MTA is strongly associated with dividing tissues, particularly reproductive organs, shoot meristems, and emerging lateral roots. Finally, we show that MTA interacts in vitro and in vivo with At FIP37, a homolog of the Drosophila protein FEMALE LETHAL2D and of human WILMS' TUMOUR1-ASSOCIATING PROTEIN. The results reported here provide direct evidence for an essential function for N 6-methyladenosine in a multicellular eukaryote, and the interaction with At FIP37 suggests possible RNA processing events that might be regulated or altered by this base modification.
Probing the binding mechanism and affinity of tanezumab, a recombinant humanized anti‐NGF monoclonal antibody, using a repertoire of biosensors
Authors: Abdiche Yasmina Noubia , Malashock Dan Stephen , Pons Jaume 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe describe the use of four complementary biosensors (Biacore 3000, Octet QK, ProteOn XPR36, and KinExA 3000) in characterizing the kinetics of human nerve growth factor (NGF) binding to a humanized NGF‐neutralizing monoclonal antibody (tanezumab, formerly known as RN624). Tanezumab is a clinical candidate as a therapy for chronic pain. Our measurements were consistent with the NGF/tanezumab binding affinity being tighter than 10 pM due to the formation of an extremely stable complex that had an estimated half‐life exceeding 100 h, which was beyond the resolution of any of our methods. The system was particularly challenging to study because NGF is an obligate homodimer, and we describe various assay orientations and immobilization methods that were used to minimize avidity in our experiments while keeping NGF in as native a state as possible. We also explored the interactions of NGF with its natural receptors, TrkA and P75, and how tanezumab blocks them. The Biacore blocking assay that we designed was used to quantify the potency of tanezumab and is more precise and reproducible than the currently available cell‐based functional assays.
NMR insights into a megadalton‐size protein self‐assembly
Authors: Chugh Jeetender , Sharma Shilpy , Hosur Ramakrishna V. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractProtein self‐association is critical to many biological functions. However, atomic‐level structural characterization of these assemblies has remained elusive. In this report we present insights into the mechanistic details of the process of self‐association of the 136‐residue GTPase effector domain (GED) of the endocytic protein dynamin into a megadalton‐sized soluble mass. Our approach is based on NMR monitoring of regulated folding and association through Gdn‐HCl titration. The results suggest the evolution of a sequence–self‐association paradigm. Equally significantly, the study demonstrates an elegant bottom‐up strategy that can render large protein self‐assemblies accessible to NMR investigations that have remained difficult to date.
Tissue transglutaminase modulates α‐synuclein oligomerization
Authors: Segers‐Nolten Ine M.J. , Wilhelmus Micha M.M. , Veldhuis Gertjan , van Rooijen Bart D. , Drukarch Benjamin , Subramaniam Vinod 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe have studied the interaction of the enzyme tissue transglutaminase (tTG), catalyzing cross‐link formation between protein‐bound glutamine residues and primary amines, with Parkinson's disease‐associated α‐synuclein protein variants at physiologically relevant concentrations. We have, for the first time, determined binding affinities of tTG for wild‐type and mutant α‐synucleins using surface plasmon resonance approaches, revealing high‐affinity nanomolar equilibrium dissociation constants. Nanomolar tTG concentrations were sufficient for complete inhibition of fibrillization by effective α‐synuclein cross‐linking, resulting predominantly in intramolecularly cross‐linked monomers accompanied by an oligomeric fraction. Since oligomeric species have a pathophysiological relevance we further investigated the properties of the tTG/α‐synuclein oligomers. Atomic force microscopy revealed morphologically similar structures for oligomers from all α‐synuclein variants; the extent of oligomer formation was found to correlate with tTG concentration. Unlike normal α‐synuclein oligomers the resultant structures were extremely stable and resistant to GdnHCl and SDS. In contrast to normal β‐sheet‐containing oligomers, the tTG/α‐synuclein oligomers appear to be unstructured and are unable to disrupt phospholipid vesicles. These data suggest that tTG binds equally effective to wild‐type and disease mutant α‐synuclein variants. We propose that tTG cross‐linking imposes structural constraints on α‐synuclein, preventing the assembly of structured oligomers required for disruption of membranes and for progression into fibrils. In general, cross‐linking of amyloid forming proteins by tTG may prevent the progression into pathogenic species.
Morphological variation ofNymphaea(Nymphaeaceae) in European Russia
Authors: Volkova Polina A. , Shipunov Alexey B. 
Published: May 2008

The morphological variability of the genusNymphaeais described on the basis of detailed studies of fresh material from 49 populations in European Russia and southern Siberia.Macromorphological characters in the field (including analysis of leaf shape using geometrical morphometry), pollen size and exine sculpture have been analyzed. One polymorphic widespread species,N. candida, grows in most of European Russia.Nymphaea tetragonaseems to be absent in the investigated waters and possibly in the whole central part of European Russia, whereasN. albawas found only in the Astrakhan Region (the delta of the River Volga). These three species are separated relatively well by several morphological characters in fresh plants.Nymphaea tetragonadiffers fromN. albaandN. candidaby the sculpture of the exine of the proximal part of the pollen grains, but the latter species do not seem to be differentiated by pollen characters. Size characters ofNymphaealeaves and flowers do not depend on organic content in water.
100 Myr record of sequences, sedimentary facies and sea level change from Ocean Drilling Program onshore coreholes, US Mid‐Atlantic coastal plain
Authors: Browning James V. , Miller Kenneth G. , Sugarman Peter J. , Kominz Michelle A. , McLaughlin Peter P. , Kulpecz Andrew A. , Feigenson Mark D. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTWe analyzed the latest Early Cretaceous to Miocene sections (∼110–7 Ma) in 11 New Jersey and Delaware onshore coreholes (Ocean Drilling Program Legs 150X and 174AX). Fifteen to seventeen Late Cretaceous and 39–40 Cenozoic sequence boundaries were identified on the basis of physical and temporal breaks. Within‐sequence changes follow predictable patterns with thin transgressive and thick regressive highstand systems tracts. The few lowstands encountered provide critical constraints on the range of sea‐level fall. We estimated paleowater depths by integrating lithofacies and biofacies analyses and determined ages using integrated biostratigraphy and strontium isotopic stratigraphy. These datasets were backstripped to provide a sea‐level estimate for the past ∼100 Myr. Large river systems affected New Jersey during the Cretaceous and latest Oligocene–Miocene. Facies evolved through eight depositional phases controlled by changes in accommodation, long‐term sea level, and sediment supply: (1) the Barremian–earliest Cenomanian consisted of anastomosing riverine environments associated with warm climates, high sediment supply, and high accommodation; (2) the Cenomanian–early Turonian was dominated by marine sediments with minor deltaic influence associated with long‐term (107year) sea‐level rise; (3) the late Turonian through Coniacian was dominated by alluvial and delta plain systems associated with long‐term sea‐level fall; (4) the Santonian–Campanian consisted of marine deposition under the influence of a wave‐dominated delta associated with a long‐term sea‐level rise and increased sediment supply; (5) Maastrichtian–Eocene deposition consisted primarily of starved siliciclastic, carbonate ramp shelf environments associated with very high long‐term sea level and low sediment supply; (6) the late Eocene–Oligocene was a starved siliciclastic shelf associated with moderately high sea‐level and low sediment supply; (7) late early–middle Miocene consisted of a prograding shelf under a strong wave‐dominated deltaic influence associated with major increase in sediment supply and accommodation due to local sediment loading; and (8) over the past 10 Myr, low accommodation and eroded coastal systems were associated with low long‐term sea level and low rates of sediment supply due to bypassing.
Carbonate seismic stratigraphy of the Gulf of Papua mixed depositional system: Neogene stratigraphic signature and eustatic control
Authors: Tcherepanov Evgueni N. , Droxler André W. , Lapointe Philippe , Mohn Kenneth 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTThe Eocene–Miocene carbonate deposition in the Gulf of Papua (GoP) corresponds to the carbonate evolution phase of this continental margin mixed depositional system. Global sea‐level (eustatic) fluctuations appear to have been the most important factor influencing the mixed depositional system development during its carbonate phase. Development of the major carbonate system in the Gulf was initiated during the Eocene. Subsequent to an early Oligocene hiatus, the carbonate system expanded its surface area, vertically aggraded, then systematically backstepped, and finally partially drowned during the late Oligocene–early part of the early Miocene. During the late early Miocene–early middle Miocene, the carbonate system continued its vertical growth in most platform areas, where it was able to keep up with sea‐level rise. At the early middle/late middle Miocene (Langhian/Serravallian) boundary, carbonate deposition shifted downward during a long‐term sea‐level regression, exposing most of the early middle Miocene platform tops. Following this downward shift, active carbonate production became restricted during the late middle Miocene to only the northeastern part of the study area, and carbonate accumulation was characterized by four systematically prograding units. At the very beginning of the late Miocene, the platform tops were re‐flooded. The carbonate system was partially drowned, systematically backstepped, and locally aggraded during part of the late Miocene, the early Pliocene, and the Quaternary. The overall organization of the carbonate sequence geometries, observed in the GoP, display a clear pattern, often referred to as the Oligocene–Neogene stratigraphic signature. This pattern is identical to contemporaneous sedimentary patterns observed in pure carbonate systems such as in the Maldives and in the Bahamas, and also in some siliciclastic systems. Because this pattern is observed in several globally distributed locations, the recognition of the Oligocene–Neogene stratigraphic signature in the GoP demonstrates that the depositional evolution during the late Oligocene–Miocene and the early Pliocene must have been dominantly controlled by eustatic fluctuations.
Platelet transfusion refractoriness
Authors: Hod Eldad , Schwartz Joseph 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe platelet, a fascinating anucleate cell, is critically important for haemostasis. Platelet transfusions have greatly reduced the incidence of major haemorrhagic complications associated with the management of haematological and oncological disorders. However, some patients fail to receive the full benefit of platelet transfusions because they do not achieve the appropriate platelet count increment following transfusion. This review will discuss the aetiology, diagnosis, and management of refractoriness to platelet transfusion, a complicated problem for both the treating physicians and the transfusion services supporting these patients. Although advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of immune‐mediated platelet refractoriness, which is usually caused by anti‐human leucocyte antigen antibodies, non‐immune causes, such as sepsis, remain problematic.
Audit of the peri‐delivery use of unfractionated heparin in women on therapeutic low‐molecular weight heparin
Authors: Lambert J. R. , Austin S. K. , Peebles D. , Cohen H. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThere is no evidence‐based approach for the optimal management of peri‐delivery anticoagulation in women receiving therapeutic dose of low‐molecular weight heparin (LMWH) during pregnancy. Nevertheless, the maintenance of anticoagulation for the maximal period peri‐delivery appears appropriate in women considered to be at high risk of venous or arterial thromboembolism. We developed a regimen based on fixed thromboprophylactic dose of unfractionated heparin (UFH) peri‐delivery and undertook an audit to evaluate the use and feasibility of this approach and any adverse events. Fixed intravenous thromboprophylactic dose of UFH (15 000 units/24 h) was commenced on the evening prior to a planned delivery [induction of labour or elective caesarean section (CS)], stopped 4 h predelivery and restarted 2–6 h postdelivery. Compliance was good with 32/38 consecutive deliveries managed according to the regimen. There were no cases of postpartum haemorrhage and no thrombosis associated with these 32 deliveries. Twenty‐one patients were delivered by CS (11 elective) and eight patients received epidural/spinal anaesthesia without complication. In conclusion, the fixed thromboprophylactic dose UFH regimen provided maintenance of anticoagulation except for a matter of hours without excessive bleeding risk (conducive to neuroaxial anaesthesia) and was simple, flexible and acceptable to staff and patients.
The use of ecarin chromogenic assay and prothrombinase induced clotting time in the monitoring of lepirudin for the treatment of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Guy S. , Kitchen S. , Laidlaw S. , Cooper P. , Woolley A. , Maclean R. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryLepirudin (r‐hirudin) is one of the two alternative anticoagulants licensed to treat patients with heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Manufacturer’s guidelines state that lepirudin should be monitored using the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) ratio. However, several studies have demonstrated a plateau effect of higher concentrations of lepirudin on APTT ratios and variable results when comparing different APTT reagents. This study compares APTT ratios (using two different APTT reagents) with two other commercially available methods for directly quantifying plasma lepirudin levels: ecarin chromogenic assay and prothrombinase‐induced clotting time in 95 samples from five patients receiving lepirudin anticoagulation for HIT.
Antiphospholipid antibodies in adults with immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Pierrot‐Deseilligny Despujol Carole , Michel Marc , Khellaf Mehdi , Gouault Michèle , Intrator Liliane , Bierling Philippe , Godeau Bertrand 
Published: May 2008

SummaryTo determine the clinical significance of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), anticardiolipin (aCL) (IgG and IgM) and lupus anticoagulant (LA) were sought at diagnosis in 215 ITP adults with platelets <50 × 109/l. aPL (aCL and/or LA) were detected in 55 patients (26%): aCL alone in 39 (18%), aCL and LA in 15 (7%) and LA alone in one (0·5%). LA was significantly associated with high IgG‐aCL levels (P = 0·001). Among age, sex, initial platelet count, bleeding score, acute or chronic ITP outcome, only younger age was significantly associated with LA‐positivity (mean age 29 ± 14 years vs. 45 ± 20 years, P = 0·002). After a median follow‐up of 31 months, 14/215 (7%) patients developed thrombosis (four arterial, 10 venous and/or pulmonary embolism); four of them (29%) had high aCL levels and LA. Multivariate analysis significantly associated thrombosis events only with age [hazard ratio (HR) = 1·6; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1·2–2·4], LA (HR: 9·9; 95% CI: 2·3–43·4) or high IgG‐aCL level (HR: 7·5; 95% CI; 1·8–31·5). Although the thrombosis rate was low, the significant associations between thrombosis and LA or high aCL level suggest that aPL should be tested at ITP diagnosis.