bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced neuromuscular transmission efficacy in overloaded rat plantaris muscle
Authors: Argaw Anteneh , Desaulniers Patrice , Gardiner Phillip F. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractTo better understand the effect of muscle hypertrophy on the physiological properties of transmitter release, we investigated neuromuscular transmission (NMT) efficacy in overloaded rat plantaris muscle in situ. In the overload group, following bilateral tenotomy of plantaris synergists, rats were confined to wheel‐cages. Age‐matched rats in the control group were confined to plastic cages. During the terminal experiment, muscle action potentials were blocked using μ‐conotoxin, and full‐sized endplate potentials (EPPs) were recorded at 25, 50, and 75 HZ to determine their amplitude rundown. Quantal contents for the control and overload groups were 37.0 and 74.3, respectively (P <0.01). There was a significant group difference in EPP amplitude rundown at all frequencies examined, with increased rundown occurring in the overload group (P < 0.01). Cumulative quantal release was 139% and 153% higher in the overload group at 25 and 50 HZ, respectively (P < 0.05). Together, these data suggest the safety factor for NMT is increased by neuromuscular overload. Furthermore, these findings support and supplement previously reported activity‐dependent improvements in NMT efficacy that are probably mediated via presynaptic adaptations. Muscle Nerve 29: 89–96, 2004
Assessment of pelvic organ descent by use of functional cine‐MRI: Which reference line should be used?
Authors: Lienemann Andreas , Sprenger Dorothée , Janßen Udo , Grosch Eva , Pellengahr Christoph , Anthuber Christoph 
Published: December 2003

AbstractBackground and AimsSo far there is no agreement between clinical and radiological measurements and reference points for the quantification of pelvic organ descent in women. The aim of this study was to find out which of three reference lines on functional cine‐magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlates best with the respective clinical diagnoses.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated the functional cine‐MRI studies of 41 asymptomatic volunteers. Our golden standard was the results of the clinical examination using the International Continence Society (ICS)‐score. On MRI, we measured the distance of the bladder‐neck, distal edge of cervix/posterior fornix, and the most ventrocaudal point of the ventral rectal wall, respectively, to the pubococcygeal line (PCL), the horizontal tangent of the inferior rim of the pubic bone, and the line drawn through the long axis of the pubic bone. The results were correlated with the respective clinical findings using descriptive analysis alone.ResultsThe volunteers either showed a Stage 0 (16 cases), Stage I (12 cases), or a Stage II (13 cases) organ descent on clinical examination with 10 women (24.4%) having a pathological ICS‐score in the anterior, 15 women (36.1%) in the superior, and 4 women (9.8%) in the posterior compartment. On functional MRI the best correlation with the clinical results was achieved using the PCL for the anterior compartment (22.0%), the PCL with an offset of +3 cm for the superior (36.6%), and the hymenal line (HL) for the posterior compartment (9.8%).ConclusionsOrgan descent on functional cine‐MRI cannot be described using only one reference line. In order to optimize clinical exploitation of functional MRI of the pelvic floor a consensus regarding imaging protocols and evaluation criteria should be aimed for. Neurourol. Urodynam. 23:33–37, 2004. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Finite element of slender beams in finite transformations: a geometrically exact approach
Authors: Boyer Frédéric , Primault Dominique 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis article is devoted to the modelling of thin beams undergoing finite deformations essentially due to bending and torsion and to their numerical resolution by the finite element method. The solution proposed here differs from the approaches usually implemented to treat thin beams, as it can be qualified as ‘geometrically exact’. Two numerical models are proposed. The first one is a non‐linear Euler–Bernoulli model while the second one is a non‐linear Rayleigh model. The finite element method is tested on several numerical examples in statics and dynamics, and validated through comparison with analytical solutions, experimental observations and the geometrically exact approach of the Reissner beam theory initiated by Simo. The numerical result shows that this approach is a good alternative to the modelling of non‐linear beams, especially in statics. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adaptive penalty scheme for genetic algorithms in structural optimization
Authors: Lemonge Afonso C. C. , Barbosa Helio J. C. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractA parameter‐less adaptive penalty scheme for genetic algorithms applied to constrained optimization problems is proposed. Using feedback from the evolutionary process the procedure automatically defines a penalty parameter for each constraint. The user is thus relieved from the burden of having to determine sensitive parameter(s) when dealing with every new constrained optimization problem. The procedure is shown to be effective and robust when applied to test problems from the evolutionary computation literature as well as several optimization problems from the structural engineering literature. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An ellipsoidal particle–finite element method for hypervelocity impact simulation
Authors: Shivarama Ravishankar , Fahrenthold Eric P. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractA number of coupled particle–element and hybrid particle–element methods have been developed for the simulation of hypervelocity impact problems to avoid certain disadvantages associated with the use of pure continuum‐based or pure particle‐based methods. To date these methods have employed spherical particles. In recent work a hybrid formulation has been extended to the ellipsoidal particle case. A model formulation approach based on Lagrange's equations, with particle entropies serving as generalized coordinates, avoids the angular momentum conservation problems which have been reported with ellipsoidal smooth particle hydrodynamics models. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunohistochemical analysis of the IL‐6 family of cytokines and their receptors in benign, hyperplasic, and malignant human prostate
Authors: Royuela Mar , Ricote Monica , Parsons Melanie S , García‐Tuñón Ignacio , Paniagua Ricardo , De Miguel Maria P 
Published: December 2003

AbstractInterleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and its receptor have been implicated in prostate cancer progression. Because other members of the IL‐6 family such as leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and oncostatin M (OSM) share gp130, the signal transduction subunit of their receptors, interpretation of the data without considering the expression of these cytokines and their specific receptor subunits could be misleading. The immunohistochemical pattern of the IL‐6 family and their receptor subunits in normal prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostatic carcinoma (PC) was investigated. In normal prostates, gp130 and OSMRα were detected exclusively in the stroma and LIFRβ was very scarce. While IL‐6 was scarcely immunolocalized to the basal cells of the epithelium, OSM was detected in the stroma and LIF in both the epithelium and the stroma. This suggests an autocrine role for this family of cytokines in the stroma of normal prostates. In BPH, gp130 and OSMRα were detected both in the epithelium and in the stroma, whereas LIFRβ was localized only to the epithelium. IL‐6 localized preferentially to the epithelium, OSM to the stroma, and LIF to both compartments. Therefore, in addition to the autocrine role in the stroma, IL‐6 and OSM may play a paracrine role from the stroma to the epithelium in BPH. In PC, gp130 and OSMRα were detected both in the epithelium and in the stroma, increasing with rising Gleason grade, whereas LIFRβ was localized exclusively to the epithelium of low Gleason grade carcinomas. IL‐6, LIF, and OSM localized in all cell types, with immunostaining increasing with Gleason grade. These data suggest an autocrine role for these cytokines in the epithelial cells of PC. The distinct pattern of expression of LIFRβ exclusively in low Gleason grade carcinomas makes LIFRβ a candidate for malignancy diagnosis. The role of OSM mainly in high Gleason grade carcinomas makes OSM a putative target for prostate cancer therapy. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential Eµ enhancer activity and expression of BOB.1/OBF.1, Oct2, PU.1, and immunoglobulin in reactive B‐cell populations, B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas, and Hodgkin lymphomas
Authors: Loddenkemper Christoph , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis , Hummel Michael , Jöhrens‐Leder Korinna , Foss Hans‐Dieter , Jundt Franziska , Wirth Thomas , Dörken Bernd , Stein Harald 
Published: December 2003

AbstractIt has previously been demonstrated that in cultured and in situ tumour cells of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), the immunoglobulin (Ig) promoter is inactive and its transcription factors Oct2 and/or BOB.1/OBF.1 are down‐regulated. In this study, the analysis of these transcription factors has been extended to a broad spectrum of B‐cell malignancies and the findings have been related to the situation in normal B‐cells of various differentiation stages and to the expression of Ig. Furthermore, an additional Ig transcription factor, PU.1, recently described to be absent from cHL, and a further regulatory element of the Ig gene, the intronic Eµ enhancer, have been studied. BOB.1/OBF.1 and Oct2 were present in all B‐cells expressing Ig, whereas PU.1 proved to be absent from late B‐cell differentiation stages and from a subset of germinal centre B‐cells. Interestingly, there were several normal (eg germinal centre centroblasts and monocytoid B‐cells) and malignant B‐cell populations (eg a proportion of diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas, DLBCLs) that were Ig‐negative, despite their BOB.1/OBF.1 and Oct2 expression. This study further shows that absence of PU.1 alone, as well as inactivation of the intronic Eµ enhancer, is not sufficient to down‐regulate Ig transcription. Taken together, the simultaneous absence of PU.1, Oct2, and/or BOB.1/OBF.1 is unique to Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg (HRS) cells and cannot be detected in normal B‐cell subsets or B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (B‐NHLs). This supports the concept that the down‐regulation of Ig in cHL does not reflect a physiological situation, but a defect probably closely linked to the pathogenesis of cHL. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential expression of the calcium sensing receptor and combined loss of chromosomes 1q and 11q in parathyroid carcinoma
Authors: Haven Carola J , van Puijenbroek Marjo , Karperien Marcel , Fleuren Gert‐Jan , Morreau Hans 
Published: December 2003

AbstractMalignant transformation of parathyroid tumours is rare. Nevertheless, this small subset of malignant tumours often creates diagnostic and therapeutic problems. In this work, the morphological characteristics of 26 primary parathyroid carcinomas and seven metastases have been studied. Furthermore, immunohistochemical expression profiles for the calcium sensing receptor (CASR), cyclin D1 (CCND1), and Ki‐67 were determined for parathyroid carcinomas and compared with adenomas and hyperplasias using a tissue microarray. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the chromosome 1q region containing the HRPT2 gene and chromosome 11q (MEN1) was determined in the carcinomas. In contrast to the adenomas and hyperplasias, 31% of carcinomas demonstrated down‐regulation of CASR. A significant correlation was found between CASR expression and the Ki‐67 proliferation index. Chromosome 1q and chromosome 11q LOH were found in 12 of 22 (55%) and 11 of 22 (50%) carcinomas tested, respectively. Combined 1q and 11q LOH was seen in 8 of 22 (36%) carcinomas, in contrast to the low percentage of LOH reported in both regions in adenomas. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that combined 1q and 11q LOH in parathyroid tumours is suggestive of malignant behaviour. Strong down‐regulation of the CASR protein is seen in a proportion of parathyroid carcinomas with a high proliferation index. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blockade of the type I IGF receptor expression in human prostate cancer cells inhibits proliferation and invasion, up‐regulates IGF binding protein‐3, and suppresses MMP‐2 expression
Authors: Grzmil Michal , Hemmerlein Bernhard , Thelen Paul , Schweyer Stefan , Burfeind Peter 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe type I insulin‐like growth factor receptor (IGF‐IR) is involved in tumour cell proliferation, invasion, and cancer cell survival. Several studies indicate that the IGF axis contributes to prostate cancer pathogenesis, but there is no consensus regarding the relative expression of the IGF‐IR in benign and malignant prostate epithelium. In this study, endogenous IGF‐IR gene expression was reduced in stably transfected PC‐3 cells by employing an antisense RNA strategy which resulted in significant suppression of both PC‐3 cell invasion and proliferation in vitro. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that a direct correlation exists between the inhibition of IGF‐IR gene expression and either up‐regulation of IGF binding protein (BP)‐3 or down‐regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 expression in androgen‐independent PC‐3 cells. Moreover, inhibition of IGF‐IR gene expression in transfected PC‐3 cells leads to an enhanced rate of spontaneous apoptosis. In addition, expression analyses by quantitative RT‐PCR on RNA from laser microdissected matched normal prostate and prostate tumour samples revealed that IGF‐IR gene expression was up‐regulated in nine of 12 prostate cancers, whereas IGFBP‐3 gene expression was down‐regulated in all 12 prostate carcinomas analysed. These results indicate an important role for IGF‐IR and IGFBP‐3 in the homeostasis of prostate carcinoma cells and provide a further basis for targeting IGF‐IR or IGFBP‐3 gene expression in order to improve understanding of the IGF‐IR‐activated signalling pathways and as a potential treatment for prostate cancer. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal karyotyping after 28 weeks of gestation for late ultrasound findings in a low risk population
Authors: Drummond C. L. , Gomes D. Molina , Senat M. V. , Audibert F. , Dorion A. , Ville Y. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the indications and the results of invasive testing for fetal karyotyping for ultrasound abnormality in the third trimester of pregnancy, when first‐ and second‐trimester screening tests were negative.MethodsRetrospective study of 171 consecutive pregnancies that underwent invasive testing after 28 weeks of gestation in 2 institutions between January 1999 and December 2001. Forty‐one patients did not have any form of screening for fetal aneuploidy beforehand. One hundred and thirty of them had a normal first‐trimester scan and a low risk of fetal aneuploidy by nuchal translucency and/or maternal serum screening and were included in the statistical analysis.ResultsMean maternal age, gestational age at diagnosis and at invasive testing were 30.5 years; 29.3 weeks and 32.5 weeks respectively. Amniocentesis and fetal blood sampling were performed in 97 and 33 cases respectively.The most frequent indications for invasive testing in the third trimester were major fetal malformations (51%) and intrauterine growth restriction (19%) detected on routine second‐ or third‐trimester ultrasound examination. Ultrasound markers of aneuploidy and polyhydramnios accounted for 17 and 11% of the indications respectively.Fetal karyotype was normal in 121/130 cases. A gene mutation was found in one case. The karyotype was abnormal in nine cases, including seven cases of aneuploidy (one Turner syndrome, three trisomy 18, and three trisomy 21) and two cases of structural chromosomal abnormalities (46,XX, del 4 p16.1 and 46,XX, dup1).One hundred cases resulted in the delivery of a normal baby. Thirty cases led to termination of pregnancy or intrauterine death due to major fetal malformations (N = 25), abnormal karyotype in six of these, and severe IUGR (N = 5) with normal karyotype. Fetal US markers of aneuploidy and isolated polyhydramnios were associated with a favorable outcome in all cases.A significant increase in the risk of chromosomal anomaly was seen when two or more anomalies were found, rising from 2% with one anomaly to 21% when two or more anomalies were present.ConclusionIn low risk patients, fetal karyotyping in the third trimester may be justified when the diagnosis of fetal malformation is made in the third trimester of pregnancy. Two or more anomalies increase the risk of fetal aneuploidy even with a negative‐screening test in the first and second trimester of pregnancy. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ossification timing of sacral vertebrae by ultrasound in the mid‐second trimester of pregnancy
Authors: De Biasio P. , Ginocchio G. , Aicardi G. , Ravera G. , Venturini P. L. , Vignolo M. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the study was to establish the ossification timing of sacral vertebrae by ultrasonography in the second trimester of pregnancy, for the diagnosis of caudal regression syndrome with isolated sacral agenesis.MethodsThe study was carried out on 77 normal single pregnancies, at gestational ages ranging from 15 to 21 weeks, using high‐resolution transabdominal echography. The sacral region was visualized in a coronal plane, when the fetus was in anterodorsal position. The level of ossification of sacral vertebrae (S1 to S5) at each gestational age was recorded. Each sacral region was examined three times by the same observer and the nucleus was considered as present when it was visualized at least two times out of three. Blind assessment was performed three times by a second observer, who was not present at the previous examination, for interobserver and intraobserver error analysis.ResultsInterobserver and intraobserver error calculation demonstrated the reproducibility of the method. Concordance between the two observers as evaluated by Cohen Kappa index was 0.77 (C.I. 95%, 0.69–0.85).S1 ossification nuclei were visualized in all fetuses at 15 weeks and S2 nucleus was found in all fetuses within 17 weeks. S3 nucleus was detected in 45% of fetuses by the beginning of the 16th week. S4 was visualized in 55% of the cases at 18 weeks and progressively in a higher percentage of cases during the following weeks of gestation.ConclusionThe data obtained showed that the sequence of development of sacral region ossification was related to gestational age. This observation allows clinicians to accurately exclude isolated sacral agenesis at 16 to 17 weeks of gestation, when the S1–S2 ossification nuclei are visualized. This opportunity may be of particular value in the offspring of diabetic mothers. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Earliest gestational age for fetal sexing in cell‐free maternal plasma
Authors: Rijnders R. J. P. , Van Der Luijt R. B. , Peters E. D. J. , Goeree J. K. , Van Der Schoot C. E. , Ploos Van Amstel J. K. , Christiaens G. C. M. L. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate at what gestational age fetal DNA can reliably be detected at the earliest in maternal plasma.MethodsWe performed consecutive blood sampling in the first trimester of pregnancy in 17 women who were pregnant after in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). DNA was isolated and the Y‐chromosome specific SRY was amplified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).We likewise studied 31 women prior to invasive prenatal diagnosis procedures for test validation purposes. All test results were compared to cytogenetic sex or sex at birth.ResultsThe earliest SRY detection was at a gestational age of 5 weeks and 2 days. In none of 4 pregnancies ending in a miscarriage was SRY detected. We detected SRY in maternal plasma in 1 of 2 patients (50%) carrying a male fetus at a gestational age of 5 weeks, in 4 of 5 (80%) at a gestational age of 7 weeks, in 4 of 4 (100%) at a gestational age of 9 weeks. In all 7 women pregnant with a male fetus, the correct fetal sex was detected by 10 weeks. In none of the 6 patients who delivered a girl was SRY detected. In the validation group, SRY was detected in 13 of the 13 male, and none of the 18 female fetuses.ConclusionsWe conclude that real‐time PCR of the SRY gene promises to be a reliable technique for early fetal sexing in maternal plasma. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of needle and syringe size on chorionic villus sampling of term placentae: a randomised trial
Authors: Cochrane Lindsay , Ainscough Magdalen , Alfirevic Zarko 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effect of needle and syringe size on the amount of tissue obtained at chorionic villus samplingMethodsTwo needle sizes, 18 and 20 gauge, and two syringe sizes 5 mL and 20 mL, were used to assess samples from term post‐partum placentae. Each of the four combinations was tested by 25 aspirations. The placentae were divided into 100 grid spaces and each grid space was randomly allocated to a needle/syringe combination. The resulting samples were cleaned to separate the chorionic villi (CV), centrifuged and then weighed.ResultsSignificantly more tissue was obtained with an 18‐g needle compared with a smaller 20‐g needle (median weight difference 1.5 mg, 95% CI 0.8–2.3 mg). More tissue was also obtained with the larger 20‐mL syringe though the impact of the syringe size was less than that of the needle size (median difference 0.8 mg, 95% CI 0–1.6).ConclusionA larger syringe and needle size yields a larger quantity of chorionic villi from the post‐partum term placenta. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First report of prenatal diagnosis of genetic congenital deafness in a routine prenatal genetic test
Authors: Santoro M. L. , Mobili L. , Mesoraca A. , Giorlandino C. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to screen for connexin26 gene (GJB2) mutations associated with autosomal recessive non‐syndromic neurosensory deafness (NSRD) in a general risk population.MethodsScreening for the most common connexin26 gene mutations was offered to all women undergoing a second‐trimester amniocentesis for fetal karyotype analysis in our Center. After rapid DNA extraction from amniotic fluid, PCR amplification was performed and products analysed to detect mutations of GJB2 gene by a sequencing technique. In particular, we searched for the 20 most frequently reported mutations (out of the approximately 90 so far described) and for which there are commercially available tests.ResultsFrom a total of 4819 consecutive amniotic fluids examined, the following five different heterozygous mutations were detected: 35delG in 80 cases, 167delT in 3 cases and 1 occurrence of each of the following mutations: M34T, 35insG and W77R. From these data, a prevalence of 1 : 56 (1.78%) for the heterozygous condition can be estimated in the Mediterranean general risk population. The striking predominance of 35delG mutation is confirmed. In addition, we detected a homozygous 35delG mutation condition in a foetus of no risk parents. In this case, the early diagnosis permitted prompt application of an acoustic prosthesis allowing for cochlear implantation in due time, with significant improvement of the prognosis.ConclusionsIn a general risk population, a carrier status for congenital deafness can be observed in 1 : 56 (1.78%) amniotic fluids; this is mostly due to the presence of a 35delG mutation of the connexin26 gene. Occasional identification of homozygous states, although rare, allows the best therapeutic approach. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.