bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of CD137 and its ligand in human neurons, astrocytes, and microglia: Modulation by FGF‐2
Authors: Reali Camilla , Curto Monica , Sogos Valeria , Scintu Franca , Pauly Susanne , Schwarz Herbert , Gremo Fulvia 
Published: September 2003

AbstractCD137 (ILA, 4‐1BB), a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family, and its ligand CD137‐L were assayed by RT‐PCR and immunocytochemistry in cultured human brain cells. Results demonstrated that both neurons and astrocytes expressed specific RNA for CD137 and its protein, which was found both on the plasma membrane and in the cytoplasm. Surprisingly, microglia, which also expressed CD137 mRNA, showed negative immunostaining. CD137‐L‐specific RNA was detected only in astrocytes and neurons. When brain cells were treated with fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2), upregulation of CD137 but not of its ligand was observed in neurons and astrocytes. Protein localization was also affected. In microglia, an inhibition of RNA expression was induced by treatment, whereas CD137‐L remained negative. Our data are the first demonstration that human brain cells express a protein found thus far in activated immunocompetent cells and epithelia. Moreover, they suggest not only that CD137 and CD137‐L might play a role in interaction among human brain cells, but also that FGF‐2 might have an immunoregulatory function in brain, modulating interaction of the central nervous system with peripheral immunocompetent cells. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protein kinase A and calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II regulate D‐[3H]aspartate release in auditory brain stem nuclei
Authors: Zhang J. , Suneja S.K. , Potashner S.J. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractWe noted previously that after unilateral cochlear ablation (UCA) in young adult guinea pigs, plastic changes in glutamatergic transmitter release in several brain stem auditory nuclei depended on protein kinase C. In this study, we assessed whether such changes depended on protein kinase A (PKA) and calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). The electrically‐evoked release of D‐[3H]aspartate (D‐[3H]Asp) was quantified in vitro as an index of glutamatergic transmitter release in the major subdivisions of the cochlear nucleus (CN) and the main nuclei of the superior olivary complex (SOC). In tissues from intact animals, dibutyryl‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate (DBcAMP), a PKA activator, elevated D‐[3H]Asp release by 1.9–3.7‐fold. The PKA inhibitor, H‐89 (2 μM), did not alter the evoked release but blocked the stimulatory effects of DBcAMP. These findings suggested that PKA could positively regulate glutamatergic transmitter release. Seven days after the ablation of one cochlea and its cochlear nerve, the stimulatory effect of DBcAMP remained evident. After 145 postablation days, H‐89 blocked the plastic elevations of D‐[3H]Asp release in the ipsilateral CN and lateral (LSO) and medial (MSO) superior olive. A CaMKII inhibitor, KN‐93, produced similar blocks, suggesting that the postablation plasticities in these nuclei depended on PKA or CaMKII. Both H‐89 and KN‐93 elevated release in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) and the contralateral MSO, suggesting that either kinase could be used by endogenous mechanisms in these nuclei to downregulate glutamatergic release. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of motor unit firing patterns on evaluation of muscle activities by Karhunen–Loève expansion
Authors: Nakamura Yukihiro , Kaneko Hidekazu , Kiryu Tohru , Suzuki Shinya S. , Saitoh Yoshiaki 
Published: September 2003

AbstractIn fields such as rehabilitation and sports science, it is important to evaluate the state of muscle fatigue exactly in order to realize the maximum training effect while avoiding damage due to overtraining. Since the surface EMG is noninvasive and measurement is easy, the EMG evaluation parameters calculated from EMG are widely used for evaluation. It should be noted, however, that the behavior of the evaluation parameters is similar in true muscle fatigue and in cases where muscle fatigue is simulated by intentionally decreasing the muscle tension. This makes discrimination of the two cases difficult. To recognize the difference between the states of muscle activity, the authors proposed a method in which the time series of the EMG evaluation parameters is represented by a Karhunen–Loève (KL) expansion, but the physiological condition which is expressed by the result of KL expansion analysis has not been sufficiently investigated. This study uses a surface EMG simulation model in which the firing pattern of the motor units (MU) can be varied flexibly, and attempts to clarify how the MU firing pattern affects the results of analysis by KL expansion. It is found that the same analytical results as for the state of muscle fatigue can be obtained by considering the fluctuation of the firing probability in multiple MU and the accompanying intermittent MU recruitment. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 34(12): 45–55, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10326
Chaos and complexity theory in management: an exploration from a critical systems thinking perspective
Authors: Ortegón‐Monroy Maria Carolina 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThis paper presents the theoretical and practical findings emerging from an exploratory study of Chaos and Complexity Theory (C&CT) as an alternative approach to propitiate new understandings about the nature of management in organizations. They show that C&CT is not theoretically coherent enough to be applied in practice. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acetic‐acid guided visual inspection vs. cytology‐based screening for cervical cancer in the Philippines
Authors: Ngelangel C.A , Limson G.M , Cordero C.P , Abelardo A.D , Avila J.M , Festin M.R ,   UP‐DOH CCSHOSG
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectives: To compare the validity and acceptability of acetic‐acid visualization (VIA), magnified acetic‐acid visualization (VIAM), spatula+cotton swab–Papanicolaou (Pap) smear (SS), and cervical brush–Pap smear (CB) in the detection of precursor/early cervical cancer lesions. Methods: A total of 12 992 women aged between 25 and 65 years from 14 Philippine centers were randomly allocated to the four tests. The gold standard was colposcopy with biopsy for positive/suspicious cases. Results: Sensitivity rates [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] were 37 (CI, 26.8–48.5), 34.1 (CI, 24.8–44.8), 14.3 (CI, 6.4–27.8), and 19.1 (CI, 9.2–34.6) for VIA, VIAM, SS, and CB, respectively. Specificity rates were 90.7 (CI, 89.6–91.7), 90.7 (CI, 89–91.1), 97.5 (CI, 96.8–98), and 97.9 (CI, 97.3–98.4), respectively. Kappa for the Pap smear (PS) within centers ranged from −0.154 to 0.783, and between centers from −0.028 to 0.364. Screeners preferred CB; screened‐women preferred VIA. Conclusions: The acetic‐acid visualization and VIAM methods are recommended for initial cervical cancer screening in the Philippines.
Manual vacuum aspiration for second‐trimester pregnancy termination
Authors: Todd C.S. , Soler M.E. , Castleman L. , Rogers M.K. , Blumenthal P.D. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectives: To compare manual and electric vacuum aspiration for surgical abortions between 14 and 18 weeks of pregnancy. Methods: A consecutive case series of pregnant women presenting to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for abortion. There were 73 women in the manual vacuum aspiration group and 37 women in the electric vacuum aspiration group. Dilatation and evacuation was performed using manual or electric vacuum aspiration according to protocol. Procedure time was assessed with the t‐test. Results: In all cases, abortion was performed with initial vacuum. Group sizes were sufficient to detect a 20% difference in mean procedure time with 80% power (calculated with two separate S.D.s for procedure time). There was no significant difference in procedure time between the two groups. Conclusions: Manual vacuum aspiration can be safely and effectively used in second‐trimester abortion procedures and should be more widely investigated for this purpose.
Biological effects after prenatal irradiation (embryo and fetus)
Authors: Valentin J. 
Published: September 2003

In its 1990 recommendations, the ICRP considered the radiation risks after exposure during prenatal development. This report is a critical review of new experimental animal data on biological effects and evaluations of human studies after prenatal radiation published since the 1990 recommendations. Thus, the report discusses the effects after radiation exposure during pre-implantation, organogenesis, and fetogenesis. The aetiology of long-term effects on brain development is discussed, as well as evidence from studies in man on the effects of in-utero radiation exposure on neurological and mental processes. Animal studies of carcinogenic risk from in-utero radiation and the epidemiology of childhood cancer are discussed, and the carcinogenic risk to man from in-utero radiation is assessed. Open questions and needs for future research are elaborated. The report reiterates that the mammalian embryo and fetus are highly radiosensitive. The nature and sensitivity of induced biological effects depend upon dose and developmental stage at irradiation. The various effects, as studied in experimental systems and in man, are discussed in detail. It is concluded that the findings in the report strengthen and supplement the 1990 recommendations of the ICRP.
Endoscopic Repair of Large Skull Base Defects after Powered Sinus Surgery
Authors: Church Christopher A. , Chiu Alexander G. , Vaughan Winston C. 
Published: September 2003

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the management of patients with large skull base defects (> 2 cm) and intracranial injury caused by powered endoscopic sinus surgery.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGAll patients treated for postendoscopic sinus surgery skull base injury over a 4‐year period were reviewed.RESULTSThree patients with skull base defects greater than 2 cm in size and associated intracranial injury from powered ESS were identified. All patients presented with active cerebrospinal fluid leaks. CT scans showed intracranial injury and pathology reports revealed brain tissue removal. Using image‐guided endoscopic techniques, all defects were addressed with multilayer repair. Closure was achieved in all patients on the first attempt, with an average follow‐up of 27 months.CONCLUSIONSThe use of powered instrumentation along the skull base can be dangerous and can result in extensive skull base defects with associated loss of dura and gray matter. Large ethmoid roof defects and significant intracranial injury, however, are not absolute contraindications to endoscopic repair.
The Role of Leukotrienes in Nasal Allergy
Authors: Haberal Ilknur , Corey Jacquelynne P. 
Published: September 2003

OBJECTIVEThis review focuses on the role of cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs) in nasal allergy. The purpose was to provide knowledge of the role of cysLTs in the pathophysiology of nasal allergy and the role of antileukotrienes in the treatment of nasal allergies.MATERIALS AND METHODSWe conducted a literature review.RESULTSThe proinflammatory effects of cysLTs have been well described in asthma. Antileukotrienes have proved to be an effective anti‐inflammatory treatment for asthma patients. Similar to pathogenesis of asthma, cysLTs exert potent inflammatory effects in the upper airways and play a role in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis and other nasal allergies.CONCLUSIONAntileukotriene treatment appears to be beneficial in nasal allergies. Allergic rhinitis is a complex, IgE‐mediated inflammatory disease of the upper airways. It is the most common allergic disease, occurring in 10% to 30% of adults and up to 30% of children. It may be perennial or seasonal. Sneezing, itching, watery rhinorrhea, and nasal obstruction are classic symptoms. It may impair cognition, school/work performance and productivity, behavior, mood, and quality of life. On physical examination, clear secretions, nasal congestion, pink‐bluish nasal mucosa, the allergic salute, and allergic shiners may be detected. Allergic rhinitis is a common comorbid condition with asthma, sinusitis, otitis media, nasal polyposis, and respiratory infections.
Posterior Cartilage Graft in Single‐Stage Laryngotracheal Reconstruction
Authors: Younis Ramzi T. , Lazar Rande H. , Astor Frank 
Published: September 2003

PURPOSESingle‐stage laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) has gained popularity during the past decade, but few reports discuss posterior grafting. We assessed the indications, treatment, complications, and outcomes for patients who underwent this procedure.METHODSWe reviewed the charts of 120 pediatric patients who underwent LTR at LeBonheur Children's Medical Center or the University of Mississippi Medical Center between January 1992 and September 2000. We identified and evaluated those who had undergone single‐stage anterior plus posterior cartilage rib graft reconstruction during this period.RESULTSOf 120 patients, 56 had anterior graft procedures, and 46 had anterior plus posterior cartilage rib graft reconstruction. The 46 patients included 26 boys and 20 girls (age range, 18 months to 9 years; follow‐up periods, 3 months to 6 years). Twenty‐one of 46 had circumferential grade III stenosis, 14 had grade IV stenosis, 4 had bilateral vocal cord paralysis, 4 had posterior glottic and subglottic stenosis, and 3 had laryngeal cleft. Eleven of 46 patients had previous procedures and required revision LTR. All 46 patients underwent single‐stage reconstruction with temporary stenting using an endotracheal tube for 10 to 24 days; 4 failed required replacement of the tracheotomy tube, and 8 required reintubation after the first extubation. The overall decannulation success rate was 83% (38 of 46).CONCLUSIONSLTR is the procedure of choice for the surgical management of subglottic stenosis. Although use of a posterior rib graft is technically demanding and requires extensive experience, good results can be obtained when the guidelines are followed.
The Role of Positron Emission Tomography in the Evaluation of the N‐Positive Neck
Authors: Wax Mark K. , Myers Larry L. , Gona Jayakumari M. , Husain Syed S. , Nabi Hani A. 
Published: September 2003

BACKGROUNDA major prognostic indicator in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract is the presence or absence of cervical metastasis. Nodal involvement at different levels affects treatment. Thus identification of the degree of nodal involvement is important. Evaluation of the neck by conventional imaging modalities (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) is not completely accurate. Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning as a dynamic functional assessment may allow detection of multiple metastatic nodes at different levels.PURPOSEWe sought to compare the effectiveness of PET with pathologic examination for: presence, location, and number of cervical metastases in the clinically N‐positive neck.SETTINGTertiary care academic facility.MATERIALS AND METHODSFrom 1994 to 1997, 15 patients with clinically N‐positive necks who had preoperative PET scans underwent 23 neck dissections. PET scans were correlated with the pathologic findings of the neck dissections in determining the ability to correctly identify the number and level(s) of nodal disease.RESULTSWhen determining identification of the level of disease, PET demonstrated sensitivity of 81%; specificity, 99%; positive predictive value, 97%; negative predictive value, 90%; and accuracy, 92%. When evaluating the ability to correctly predict neck stage, PET demonstrated sensitivity of 86%, positive predictive value of 100%, and accuracy of 80% compared with clinical examination with sensitivity of 53% and accuracy of 53%.CONCLUSIONPET accurately identified disease in the N‐positive neck. Its ability to identify multiple level disease may allow it to help predict the selectivity of neck dissection in the therapeutic protocol.
Reconstruction of Complex Parotidectomy Defects Using the Lateral Arm Free Tissue Transfer
Authors: Teknos Theodoros N. , Nussenbaum Brian , Bradford Carol R. , Prince Mark E. , El‐Kashlan Hussam , Chepeha Douglas B. 
Published: September 2003

OBJECTIVESThe study goal was to show that the lateral arm flap is a viable reconstructive option for complex parotidectomy defects.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGWe studied a case series at a tertiary care medical center from March 1997 to March 2002. The lateral arm flap was used to reconstruct parotidectomy defects that included a composite resection of adjacent tissue in 30 patients. There were 19 men and 11 women (mean age, 62 years; mean follow‐up, 19 months). The mean flap area was 114 cm2, and the mean flap volume was 172 cm3. The posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm (PCNF) was used as a facial nerve cable graft in 14 patients. Facial disability outcomes were measured using the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation scale.RESULTSThe major and minor complication rates with use of this reconstructive approach were low: 16.7% (5 of 30) and 26.7% (8 of 30), respectively. Donor site morbidity was minimal, with no patient having a major donor site complication and 23.3% (7 of 30) having minor complications. Functional recovery of the facial nerve occurred in 6 of 8 evaluable patients who underwent facial nerve grafting using the PCNF. Controlling for degree of facial nerve paralysis, Facial Clinimetric Evaluation scale scores of our patients were not statistically different than those of a historic population with a facial paralysis and no surgical defect.CONCLUSIONSThe lateral arm free flap effectively restores facial appearance when used for reconstruction of complex parotidectomy defects. The PCNF, a nerve harvested with the lateral arm flap, can be used as a facial nerve cable graft with a high rate of success.SIGNIFICANCEThe lateral arm flap is successful as a single donor site for reconstructing facial contour and the facial nerve after major ablative defects in the parotid region.
Altered Cbfal expression and biomineralization in an osteosarcoma cell line
Authors: Perinpanayagam H. , Schneider G. , Holtman K. , Zaharias R. , Stanford C. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractOsteoblast differentiation and expression are regulated by Cbfal transcription factors. Recent evidence suggests that Cbfal may also regulate bone mineralization. The purpose of this study was to characterize Cbfal expression in relation to mineralization in rat UMR106‐01 osteoblastic cell cultures. UMR106‐01 BSP cultures consistently form bone‐like mineral, whereas the UI subclone mineralize gradually. BSP and UI cultures were grown for 48 h and then treated with β‐glycerophosphate. BSP cultures had alizarin red stained calcifications and mineral‐like deposits within 24 h of phosphate. Atomic absorption spectroscopy measured significantly (P < 0.0001) more calcium in the phosphate‐treated BSP cultures than in the UI. Cbfal message was detected in the BSP and UI cultures, but the Cbfal N‐terminal isoform was deficient in UI and appeared to be up‐regulated in the phosphate‐treated BSP cultures. Cbfal protein levels were also reduced in the UI. DNA sequence from the RT‐PCR products was utilized to design Taqman Real‐time RT‐PCR reagents. Quantitative Real‐time RT‐PCR analysis showed that Cbfal mRNA levels relative to endogenous 18 s rRNA were lower in the slower mineralizing UI cultures. Furthermore, the Cbfal N‐terminal isoform mRNA levels were significantly (P < 0.001) lower in the slower mineralizing cultures. Transfection with Cbfal or isoform antisense caused a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in mineralization. Therefore, Cbfal expression may be associated with bone‐like mineral formation in rat UMR106‐01 osteoblastic cell cultures. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Spring–summer climatological circulation in the upper layer in the region of Cape St. Vincent, Southwest Portugal
Authors: Sánchez Ricardo F. , Relvas Paulo 
Published: September 2003

Abstract
Geostrophic transport and hydrographic measurements derived from a historical database (1900–1998) were used to study the spring–summer mean circulation in the upper layer south and west of Cape St. Vincent, Southwest (SW) Portugal. The larger-scale circulation scheme is forced by equatorward winds from May to September, when the Iberian coastal transition zone (CTZ) is dominated by a generalized upwelling of cold, low-salinity water. A partially separated surface jet intensified at the shelf break conveys ∼1 Sv of upwelled water equatorward parallel to the bathymetry, while offshore a poleward flow transports ∼0.4–0.6 Sv of upwelled water. Although alongshore transports dominate the circulation pattern of the upper layers, cross-shore transports are significant at the climatological scale. Anticyclonic circulation with an exchange of ∼0.5 Sv from the equatorward jet to the offshore poleward flow and the partial re-circulation further north, back into the equatorward flow are discussed. A coherent, cyclonic re-circulation pattern inshore of the upwelling jet is also speculated. From these results the shelf break is considered a climatological border at both sides of which two major re-circulation cells occur. The climatological equatorward flow has offshore protrusions, interpreted as recurrent episodes of major contortions of the upwelling flow. These features bring about considerable “cross-shelf flow” re-circulation reaching up to 50% of the main flow. The most significant exchanges are found to be associated with major changes of orientation of the coastline. Off Cape St. Vincent the upwelling front stretches to both west and south and contributes to the cross-shelf re-circulations. Additionally, convergence of the upwelling flow and a branch of the Azores current, with associated re-circulation is found diagonally from the cape. On the southern coast the upwelling jet is seen to meander offshore in the vicinity of Cape St. Maria. Individual synoptic cruise data showed agreement with the climatological circulation features. We conclude that these oceanographic features leave an imprint on the climatic circulation in spite of the “smoothing out” of recurrent events over the spring–summer period of the years of 1900–1998.
Bimodal regulatory effect of melittin and phospholipase A2‐activating protein on human type II secretory phospholipase A2
Authors: Koumanov K. , Momchilova A. , Wolf C. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractMelittin and phospholipase A2‐activating protein (PLAP) are known as efficient activators of secretory phospholipase A2(sPLA2) types I, II, and III when phospholipid liposomes are used as substrate. The present study demonstrates that both peptides can either inhibit or activate sPLA2depending on the peptide/phospholipid ratio when erythrocyte membranes serve as a biologically relevant substrate. Low concentrations of melittin and PLAP were observed to inhibit sPLA2–triggered release of fatty acids from erythrocyte membranes. The inhibition was reversed at melittin concentrations above 1 μM. PLAP‐induced inhibition of sPLA2persisted steadily throughout the used concentration range (0–150 nM). The two peptides induced a dose‐dependent activation of sPLA2at low concentrations, followed by inhibition when model membranes were used as substrate. This opposite modulatory effect on biological membranes and model membranes is discussed with respect to different mechanisms the interaction of the regulatory peptides with the enzyme molecules and the substrate vesicles.