bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distal 3p deletion syndrome: Detailed molecular cytogenetic and clinical characterization of three small distal deletions and review
Authors: Malmgren Helena , Sahlén Sigrid , Wide Katarina , Lundvall Mikael , Blennow Elisabeth 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe distal 3p deletion syndrome is characterized by developmental delay, low birth weight and growth retardation, micro‐ and brachycephaly, ptosis, long philtrum, micrognathia, and low set ears. We have used FISH and BACs in order to map three 3p deletions in detail at the molecular level. The deletions were 10.2–11 Mb in size and encompassed 47–51 known genes, including the VHL gene. One of the deletions was interstitial, with an intact 3p telomere. In nine previously published patients with 3p deletions, the size of the deletion was estimated using molecular or molecular cytogenetic techniques. The genotype, including genes of interest, and the phenotype of these cases are compared and discussed. The localization of the proximal breakpoint in one of our patients suggests that the previously identified critical region for heart defects may be narrowed down, now containing three candidate genes. We can also conclude that deletion of the gene ATP2B2 alone is not enough to cause hearing impairment, which is frequently found in patients with 3p deletion. This is the third reported case with an interstitial deletion of distal 3p. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bone morphogenetic proteins promote gliosis in demyelinating spinal cord lesions
Authors: Fuller Molly L. , DeChant Anne K. , Rothstein Brian , Caprariello Andrew , Wang Rae , Hall Alison K. , Miller Robert H. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the role of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in stimulating glial scar formation in demyelinating lesions of the adult spinal cord.MethodsThe dorsal columns of adult rats were injected with lysolecithin to induce a local demyelinating lesion. Levels of BMP4 and BMP7 proteins were assayed and compared with glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in the injury area. BMP‐responsive cells were identified by expression of phosphorylated Smad1/5/8. Cultures of mature spinal cord astrocytes were treated with BMP4, and levels of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs) were measured. The effect of BMP4 on CSPG gene regulation was determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction for CSPG core proteins.ResultsBMP4 and BMP7 increase rapidly at the site of demyelination, and astrocytes surrounding the lesion increase expression of phosphorylated Smad1/5/8. Cultured mature astrocytes respond directly to BMPs with Smad1 translocation to the nucleus, increased phosphorylated Smad1/5/8, and increases in glial fibrillary acidic protein and CSPG expression. BMP treatment also increased CSPG messenger RNA for CSPG core proteins, including aggrecan and neurocan. Increases in CSPG expression in astrocytes by BMPs were blocked by the inhibitor noggin. Injections of BMP4 or BMP7 into the dorsal columns in the absence of demyelination led to increases in CSPG expression.InterpretationLocal increases in BMPs at the site of a demyelinating lesion causes upregulation of gliosis, glial scar formation, and heightened expression of CSPGs such as neurocan and aggrecan that may inhibit remyelination. Ann Neurol 2007
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection of the developing brain: critical role of host age
Authors: Bonthius Daniel J. , Nichols Brent , Harb Harb , Mahoney Jo , Karacay Bahri 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectiveLymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a common human pathogen that causes substantial injury to the developing brain when the infection occurs during pregnancy. However, among children with congenital LCMV infection, there is considerable variability in the site, nature, and severity of neuropathology and in the clinical outcome. We hypothesize that the variability in neuropathology and outcome is due to differences in the gestational timing of LCMV infection.MethodsWe utilized an animal model of human congenital LCMV infection, in which developing rat pups were inoculated with LCMV at a series of postnatal ages, including postnatal days 1, 4, 6, 10, 21, 30, and 60. Cellular targets of infection were determined immunohistochemically, viral titers were determined by plaque assay, and pathology was determined by histological analysis, neuronal quantification, and immunostaining for lymphocytic subclasses.ResultsHost age at the time of infection profoundly affected the cellular targets of infection, maximal viral titers, immune response to the viral infection, and the severity, nature, and location of the neuropathology. All of the pathological changes observed in children with congenital LCMV infection were reproduced in the rat model by infecting the rat pups at different ages.InterpretationThe effect of LCMV infection on the developing brain strongly depends on host age at the time of infection. Much of the variability in neuropathology and outcome among children with congenital LCMV infection probably depends on the gestational age at which the infection occurs. Ann Neurol 2007
A new indicator for determining the fast chemical reaction stage of CaO carbonation with CO2
Authors: Wang Baowen , Zheng Ying , Yan Rong , Zheng Chuguang , Shao Jingai , Qiu Jianrong 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe carbonation reaction of CaO with CO2 mainly consists of two stages: the fast surface chemical reaction stage and the ensuing product layer diffusion control stage. The determination of the former stage is very important for an efficient capture of CO2 using multiple cyclic calcination and carbonation reactions (CCRs) method. The CaO carbonation with CO2 and the product layer thickness of CaCO3 produced were numerically simulated using Bhatia's unified random pore model (URPM) and four equations developed for estimating product layer thickness. Analysis of the numerical results indicated large discrepancies of the product layer thickness computed from the four methods, showing that it might not be suitable to determine the fast chemical reaction stage based only on the product layer thickness. The concentration profile of the reaction reactant (CO2) (vs) reaction time should be a direct indicator of the reaction extent. It was also found that the changing tendencies of the overall CO2 dimensionless concentration inside the CaO particle and the overall carbonation reaction rate (vs) reaction time coincided at the same time, both decreasing towards zero. It shows that the latter (reaction rate) can also be considered to determine the completion of the fast chemical reaction stage, the same as the former (CO2 concentration in CaO particles). Furthermore, the reaction rate can be experimentally determined separately for the two indicators (product layer thickness and CO2 concentration). Therefore, the overall reaction rate was suggested as a new and feasible indicator to determine the fast chemical reaction stage of CaO with CO2. Copyright © 2007 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Properties of cotton yarns after slack swelling and stretching in presence or absence of alkali. II
Authors: Anita Hebsiba G. , Thambidurai S. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAn investigation on the properties of solution‐stretched ring spun and rotor spun cotton yarns at regular time intervals was made. Significant changes in the properties of these yarns are observed. The changes in fine structure are evaluated by means of infra red spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction methods. Ring spun cotton yarns exhibit better abrasion resistance than do rotor spun yarns. Abrasion resistance of NS‐ring and rotor spun yarns is higher than their counter parts. WS‐ring spun yarns are characterized by higher compression values, explaining the softness produced by the stretching treatment. The dyeability of the treated yarns is also studied with reactive dye, and the color values are found to be significantly greater for WS‐ring and rotor spun yarns. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Effects of molecular structural parameters of carboxymethyl chitosan on the growth of fibroblasts in vitro
Authors: Wang Ye , Chen Xi Guang , Lv Ying Hui , Zhou Hui Yun , Zhang Jing 
Published: August 2007

AbstractA series of carboxymethyl chitosan samples (CMCHs) with different molecular structural parameters were synthesized to estimate their different influences on the growth of fibroblasts. All the CMCHs stimulated the fibroblasts proliferation and CMCHs with different molecular weight (MW) had the similar effect on fibroblasts proliferation. The least concentration for CMCHs (the degree of deacetylation, DD 70.3–79.9%, the degree of substitution, DS 1.12–1.26) exhibiting acceleratory effect on fibroblasts proliferation was 50 μg mL−1. As the DD increased from 70.3 to 93.6%, CMCH's ability of stimulating fibroblasts proliferation increased significantly. CMCH possessed much higher proliferation rate with the DS increasing to 2.39. CM40 with 92.4% DD and 2.39 DS had the strongest acceleratory fibroblasts proliferation at the range tested. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Location of a nanoclay at the interface in an immiscible poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(ethylene oxide) blend and its effect on the compatibility of the components
Authors: Fang Z. , Harrats C. , Moussaif N. , Groeninckx G. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractNanocomposites based on 80/20 and 20/80 (w/w) poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) immiscible blends and organophilic layered silicates were prepared with melt extrusion. From transmission electron microscopy analysis, it was observed that the exfoliated silicate platelets were preferentially located at the interface between the two blend phases. When the blend‐based nanocomposites were prepared via a two‐step process in which the silicates were first premixed with the PEO component or with the PCL component, the silicate layers migrated from the PEO phase or PCL phase to the interface. The rheological behavior of the nanocomposites was also investigated. At low frequencies, the frequency dependence of the storage modulus changed from a liquidlike behavior for the unfilled blend to a solidlike behavior for the nanocomposites, indicating the formation of a network structure as a result of exfoliation. From the scanning electron micrographs, a monotonic decrease of the PEO domain size in the 80/20 PCL/PEO blend was observed as a function of the organophilic clay content. Therefore, a clear emulsifying effect was induced by the organophilic layered silicates in the immiscible PCL/PEO blend. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Morphology, dynamic mechanical properties, and gas separation of crosslinking silica‐containing polyimide nanocomposite thin film
Authors: Tsai Mei‐Hui , Huang Shih‐Liang , Chiang Pei‐Chun , Chen Chiou‐Juy 
Published: August 2007

AbstractSilica‐containing polyimide (PI‐Si) crosslinked hybrid films are synthesized and applied to gas separation application. The PI‐Si hybrid films are prepared from 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether (ODA), 3, 3′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA), p‐aminophenyltrimethoxysilane (APTS), and phenyltrimetoxysilane (PTS). The monomer of monoamide APTS is used to modulate the block chain length of ODA–ODPA and then form bonding between PTS and ODA–ODPA phases. In the series of xASPI (where x indicates the molecular weight (in kg/mol) of PI block chain length of ODA–ODPA and ASPI denotes PI modified with APTS) hybrid films, the glass transition temperature (Tg) increases and α‐relaxation damping peak intensity decreases with the increase of APTS content. Meanwhile, the gas permeabilities of O2 and N2 of xASPI films are slightly higher as compared with pure PI. The other series of (5AS–y‐S)PI (5ASPI incorporates with PTS and y is the weight of PTS) hybrid films, the properties of Tg, density, and α‐relaxation damping peak intensity are decreased with increasing the PTS content. However, higher O2 and N2 gas permeabilities and O2/N2 selectivity are achieved by increasing the PTS content in (5AS–y‐S)PI hybrid films. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Congenital defects among liveborn infants with Down syndrome
Authors: Cleves Mario A. , Hobbs Charlotte A. , Cleves Phillip A. , Tilford John M. , Bird T.M. , Robbins James M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND: Many infants with Down syndrome (DS) have co‐occurring congenital malformations requiring intensive surgical and medical management. To anticipate the care needed by these infants, providers and parents require accurate information about birth defects that may be present. This article uses a unique national hospital discharge dataset to identify the rate at which structural birth defects are identified among liveborn infants with DS. METHODS: ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis codes for data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project were used to identify infants with and without DS, and to classify birth defects. The study population consisted of liveborn infants discharged from the hospital from 1993 through 2002. ORs for the association between the occurrence of congenital malformations and the presence of DS were computed using logistic regression models for survey data. RESULTS: Discharge data included 11,372 DS and 7,884,209 non‐DS births, representing national estimates of 43,463 DS and 39,716,469 non‐DS births respectively. In addition to congenital heart defects that co‐occurred most often in DS infants compared to infants without DS, the risks for gastrointestinal malformations (OR 67.07), genitourinary malformations (OR 3.62), orofacial malformations (OR 5.63), and abdominal wall malformations (OR 3.25) were also elevated in infants with DS. There was no difference in the risk of spina bifida between infants with and without DS. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first nationally representative compilation of the co‐occurrence of congenital malformations associated with DS. This information may assist providers and parents in their attempts to understand and prepare for the true burden of this condition. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 79:657–663, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multivariable analysis comparing outcome after sentinel node biopsy or therapeutic lymph node dissection in patients with melanoma
Authors: van Akkooi A C J , Bouwhuis M G , de Wilt J H W , Kliffen M , Schmitz P I M , Eggermont A M M 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background
Sentinel node (SN) status is the most important prognostic factor for overall survival in stage I or II melanoma. Yet SN-positive tumours with submicroscopic involvement of the SN (clusters of cells smaller than 0·1 mm) have shown a distant recurrence rate of only 9 per cent at 5 years, as good as that in SN-negative patients. This study compared the outcome after completion lymph node dissection (CLND) in SN-positive tumours with elective total lymph node dissection (TLND) in patients with palpable nodes.

Methods
A total of 188 patients were identified; 124 had TLND and 64 had CLND. Median follow-up was 56 and 37 months respectively. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding tumour Breslow thickness, ulceration and site of the primary tumour. Survival rates were calculated from date of primary excision. All patients with primary melanomas on extremities or trunk were included.

Results
On univariable analysis, the site of the primary tumour (extremity versus trunk) (P &lt; 0·001), Breslow thickness (P = 0·005) and ulceration (P &lt; 0·001) were prognostic for overall survival. There was a non-significant 13 per cent difference in overall survival at 5 years between CLND and TLND (P = 0·115). Excluding 15 patients who had SN disease with submicrometastases reduced the difference to 6 per cent (P = 0·415).

Conclusion
This study showed no significant survival benefit for SN-positive CLND compared with TLND, especially when patients with nodes containing submicrometastases were excluded.
Laparoscopic reintervention for anastomotic leakage after primary laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Authors: Wind J , Koopman A G , van Berge Henegouwen M I , Slors J F M , Gouma D J , Bemelman W A 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background
Anastomotic leakage is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to assess the potential benefits of a laparoscopic reintervention for anastomotic leakage after primary laparoscopic surgery.

Methods
Between January 2003 and January 2006, ten patients who had laparoscopic colorectal resection and later developed anastomotic leakage had a laparoscopic reintervention. A second group included 15 patients who had relaparotomy after primary open surgery.

Results
Patient characteristics were comparable in the two groups. The median time from first operation to reintervention was 6 days in both groups. There were no conversions. The intensive care stay was shorter in the laparoscopic group (1 versus 3 days; P = 0·002). Resumption of a normal diet (median 3 versus 6 days; P = 0·031) and first stoma output (2 versus 3 days; P = 0·041) occurred earlier in the laparoscopic group. The postoperative 30-day morbidity rate was lower (four of ten patients versus 12 of 15; P = 0·087) and hospital stay was shorter (median 9 versus 13 days; P = 0·058) in the laparoscopic group. No patient developed incisional hernia in the laparoscopic group compared with five of 15 in the open group (P = 0·061).

Conclusion
These data suggest that laparoscopic reintervention for anastomotic leakage after primary laparoscopic surgery is associated with less morbidity, faster recovery and fewer abdominal wall complications than relaparotomy.
Mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells into the circulation in burned patients
Authors: Fox A , Smythe J , Fisher N , Tyler M P H , McGrouther D A , Watt S M , Harris A L 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background
Bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been detected in the peripheral blood of patients following thermal injury. EPCs migrate to sites of active neovascularization in response to mediators released after trauma, contributing to wound healing. The aim was to characterize levels and kinetics of EPCs in burned patients, then relate these to key mobilizing factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL 12), and compare them with those in healthy subjects.

Methods
The study included 19 adult patients with superficial or full-thickness burns and 50 blood donor volunteer controls. EPCs, identified by cell surface markers CD45dim/−, CD133+, CD144+ and VEGF receptor 2, were quantified by four-colour flow cytometry. Plasma VEGF and CXCL12 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results
Burned patients showed a rapid rise in EPC levels within 24 h, a ninefold increase compared with controls, returning to basal levels by 72 h. Body surface area burned correlated strongly with the degree of mobilization. EPC levels correlated significantly with rises in plasma VEGF and CXCL12.

Conclusion
Thermal injury induced a rapid rise in EPCs that was proportional to the extent of the burn and significantly correlated with levels of angiogenic cytokines. Such cytokines may be used to stimulate EPCs as a future therapeutic target in burned patients.
Local excision of rectal tumours by transanal endoscopic microsurgery (Br J Surg 2007; 94: 627–633)
Authors: Selvasekar C R , Hassan I 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses should be sent electronically via the BJS website (www.bjs.co.uk). All letters will be reviewed and, if approved, appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length.
Effect of patulin on the interdigitating dendritic cells (IDCs) of rat thymus
Authors: Özsoy Nesrin , Selmanoğlu Güldeniz , Koçkaya E. Arzu , Gül Nursel , Cebesoy Suna 
Published: August 2007

AbstractPatulin is a common fungal contaminant of ripe apples used for the production of apple juice concentrates and it is also present in other fruits, vegetables and food products. Patulin is a secondary metabolite produced by species of the genera Penicillium, Aspergillus and Byssochlamys. Patulin has been reported to be mutagenic, carcinogenic and teratogenic. Antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) are of prime importance in the innate immune response; they capture antigen in tissues and then migrate to the lymphoid organs to present the antigen to T lymphocytes. Thus, they are crucial for the initiation of immunity. Interdigitating dendritic cells (IDCs) are a subset of APCs that are present at the lymphatic organs. In the thymus, they act in positive and negative selection during T cell development. In the present study, patulin was administered orally to growing male rats aged 5–6 weeks. A dose of 0.1 mg kg−1 bw day−1 was given to rats for a period of 60 or 90 days daily. The effect of patulin on the IDCs of thymus was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the results were evaluated in terms of cell destruction. In the rats of the control group, it was observed that the IDCs had an indented nucleus, a clear cytoplasm and numerous membrane extensions. In the cytoplasm, a well‐developed golgi complex, mitochondria, granular endoplasmic reticulum and a small number of lysosomal structures were observed. At day 60 of patulin‐treated rat groups (P‐60), loss of cristae in mitochondria and chromatin margination and lysis in the nucleus were found. It was observed that the IDCs had a perinuclear area of cytoplasm surrounded by a peripheral electron‐lucent zone. In the cytoplasm of the 90‐day patulin‐treated rat group (P‐90), a peripheral electron‐lucent zone was also found, similar to the P‐60 group. Additionally increase in vesicular and lysosomal structures, increase in apoptotic bodies and condensation of chromatin in the nucleus were noted. It was observed that patulin leads to apoptotic body formation and cell apoptosis in the IDCs of rat thymus especially in the P‐90‐treated groups. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.