bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lack of clinical significance of variability in the internal ribosome entry site of hepatitis C virus
Authors: Thelu Marie‐Ange , Drouet Emmanuel , Hilleret Marie‐Noëlle , Zarski Jean‐Pierre 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe extreme 5′‐proximal sequence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome including the 5′ non‐coding region (5′NCR) of 341 nucleotide long and the first 30 nucleotides of the core region is highly conserved among different HCV genotypes. It contains a segment termed Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES) that regulates the cap‐independent translation of HCV‐RNA to polyprotein. Sequence variability in this region has important implications for structural organisation and function of the IRES element and could correlate with HCV RNA concentration or response to antiviral therapy. Fourteen patients (seven women, seven men) with chronic hepatitis C were separated into two groups according to their response to antiviral therapy. Seven of these were sustained responders to treatment by Interferon alpha 2b and Ribavirin and seven were non‐responders. After cloning‐sequencing, the IRES (nt 21 to 374) appears to be structurally highly conserved. However some variability was found between the different isolates obtained: 209 substitutions with a median of four variants/patients. Comparison of the number of variants present in the viral population of the sustained responders and non‐responders patients do not show any difference. Positioning of the mutations on the predicted IRES secondary structure showed that the distribution of the mutations and their apparition frequency were different between the two groups. The translation initiator AUG‐4 codon, located in the stem‐loop IV, is never modified. Variations observed in the IRES are not a parameter of response to antiviral therapy, but the integrity of this region is a necessary condition to maintain its activity. J. Med. Virol. 72:396–405, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An anticopper antiangiogenic approach for advanced cancer in spontaneously occurring tumors using tetrathiomolybdate: A pilot study in a canine animal model
Authors: Kent Michael S. , Madewell Bruce R. , Dank Gillian , Dick Robert , Merajver Sofia D. , Brewer George J. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractIn this pilot study, 13 dogs of various breeds and ages with a variety of advanced tumors were treated with the antiangiogenic copper complexing drug tetrathiomolybdate. Dose escalations were performed to determine the safe and effective dose in dogs. The study was designed to last for a 6‐month period for each dog entered. Dogs were examined weekly for the first 3 months and then every other week for the next 3 months. Complete blood count, serum biochemistry panel, and measurement of serum ceruloplasmin (Cp) content were conducted at each visit to monitor response to drug administration. Serum Cp was used as a surrogate marker of copper status. The owner reported toxicity at each visit. The dog was examined for physical abnormalities. Tumor measurements were completed every 2 weeks using direct measurements of the tumor with calipers in three planes or by direct measurements of the tumor using radiographic or ultrasonographic images in two planes. Tumor response was evaluated only after dogs achieved a 4‐week reduction in their serum Cp content. Tumor responses were defined as either disease stabilization or reduction in tumor volume. Nine dogs achieved Cp reduction. Of those dogs, five had no response to treatment, whereas four dogs had tumor responses after Cp reduction, characterized as either disease stabilization or reduction in tumor volume, for the remainder of the study period. There was only mild self‐limiting toxicity with use of the drug. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 17:9–20, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term morphometric and immunohistochemical findings in human free microvascular muscle flaps
Authors: Kauhanen M. Susanna C. , Lorenzetti Fulvio , Leivo Ilmo V.V. , Tukiainen Erkki , Asko‐Seljavaara Sirpa L. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractReinnervation, muscle regeneration, density of microvessels, and muscle‐type specific atrophy were studied 3–4 years after surgery in surgically nonreinnervated free microvascular muscle flaps to 13 patients transplanted to the upper or lower extremities. Routine histology and immunohistochemistry for PGP 9.5 and S‐100 (neuronal markers), Ki‐67 (cell proliferation), myosin (muscle fiber types), and CD‐31 (endothelium) were carried out, and results were analyzed morphometrically. Three to 4 years after surgery, severe atrophy of predominantly slow‐type fibers was seen in 9 cases. In 4 cases, muscle‐fiber diameter and fiber‐type distribution were close to normal. Long intraoperative muscle ischemia and postoperative immobilization were associated with poor muscle bulk in flaps. The density of microvessels in flaps did not differ from control muscles. PGP 9.5 and S‐100 immunopositive nerve fibers were detected in 7 patients. Reinnervation was associated with good muscle bulk. In 4 patients, activation of satellite cells was evident. The results suggest that in some cases, spontaneous reinnervation may occur in free muscle flaps, and that several years after microvascular free flap transfer, the muscle still attempts to regenerate. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
VEGF‐promoted surgical angiogenesis in necrotic bone
Authors: Suzuki Osami , Bishop Allen T. , Sunagawa Toru , Katsube Kosuke , Friedrich Patricia F. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe ability of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to accelerate neoangiogenesis from implanted arterovenous (AV) bundles in necrotic bone was evaluated. A saphenous AV bundle was placed in a necrotic segment of rabbit ilium. In group II, VEGF (100 ng/h x 3 days) was administered by continuous infusion. Bone blood flow was measured with radioactive‐labeled microspheres, and capillary density was determined by microangiography combined with Spälteholtz bone clearing at 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Neovascularization was observed along the implanted vascular bundle in both groups. One week after surgery, bone blood flow and vessel area were significantly higher in VEGF‐treated animals (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed at later times. Direct VEGF administration increased surgical angiogenesis and improved blood flow and neovascularization in necrotic bone 1 week after AV bundle implantation. Thereafter, a robust angiogenic response from the AV bundle was seen in both groups. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recent advances in the reconstruction of complex Achilles tendon defects
Authors: Ronel Daniel N. , Newman Martin I. , Gayle Lloyd B. , Hoffman Lloyd A. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractLarge, complex lower‐extremity defects in the region of the Achilles tendon occur when tendon loss or disruption is complicated by damage to surrounding structures, including soft tissue, vessels, or bone. The surgical approach to these complex defects has evolved from simple amputation to the recognition that satisfactory reconstruction has three components: functional reconstruction of the tendon, importation of vascularized soft tissue, and skin coverage. Many techniques have been developed to address these difficult reconstructive goals, which often require multiple procedures or complicated single‐stage operations. Microsurgical advances have begun to reduce the complexity of Achilles tendon region reconstruction, and excellent results can be obtained which restore function, form, and cosmesis with minimal morbidity. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Salutary effects of radiopaque contrast media on the survival of random‐pattern skin flaps in the rat: An experimental study
Authors: Askar Ibrahim , Bozkurt Mehmet , Oktay M. Faruk , Gürlek Ali , Keles Celalettin 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe radiopaque contrast medium diatrizoate, has a vasodilator effect so that it is used in sudden‐deafness secondary ischemic injury. However, ischemic problems are encountered, especially when longer flaps are elevated. A longer flap also has ischemic and relatively ischemic tissue, and may obtain some benefit from contrast media. Forty male Sprague‐Dawley rats, weighing about 350–400 g, were used, and randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 rats each group): group 1 was the control, group 2 the diatrizoate, group 3 the iopamidol, and group 4 the iothalamate group. A rectangular 3 x 10 cm caudally based dorsal skin flap was elevated, and sutured back to its original place. In the control group, no pharmacologic agent was administered. Sodium‐meglumine‐diatrizoate 10 mg/kg/day was administered parenterally in the first experimental group (diatrizoate group); iopamidol 10 mg/kg/day in the second experimental group (iopamidol group); and iothalamate sodium 10 mg/kg/day in the third experimental group (iothalamate group) for 7 postoperative days. On postoperative day 7, all flaps were photographed, and the area of flap survival was measured by using a polar planimeter. The results were statistically evaluated with the Kruskal‐Wallis test and Mann‐Whitney U‐test (P = 0.05). The mean flap survival ranged from 79% in the iopamidol group to 83% in the diatrizoate group, and was significantly greater in all experimental groups (P < 0.05) compared to the control group (59%). There was no significant difference between experimental groups (P < 0.05). We believe that radiopaque contrast media have a beneficial effect in improving skin flap viability when distal flap necrosis is a potential complication of longer flaps. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Free anteromedial thigh flap: Clinical application and review of literature
Authors: Schoeller Thomas , Huemer Georg M. , Shafighi Maziar , Gurunluoglu Raffi , Wechselberger Gottfried , Piza‐Katzer Hildegunde 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe anteromedial thigh (AMT) flap is reviewed in terms of its vascular anatomy and previous clinical reports in the literature. Our own series of 5 patients treated with this flap for defects in the head and neck region and lower extremity is presented. Although several authors controversially discussed vasculature, we constantly found the pedicle as an emerging septocutaneous perforator at a point where the medial border of the rectus femoris muscle is crossed by the sartorius muscle. In all 5 patients, the AMT flap provided stable coverage with no flap loss. Based on our findings, we conclude that the anteromedial thigh flap offers all the advantages of fasciocutaneous flaps. Therefore, we recommend this flap as an alternative for defects requiring coverages of thin to moderate skin thickness. However, it should be remembered that variations in vascular anatomy are possible. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Arterialization of the portal stump by right renal artery after portocaval shunt in the rat
Authors: Li Destri Giovanni , La Greca Gaetano , Greco Luigi , Greco Raffaele , Licitra Edelweiss , Lanteri Raffaele , Di Cataldo Antonio 
Published: January 2004

AbstractPortosystemic shunts cause severe secondary effects, so that arterializations of the portal stump are planned to increase the blood supply to the liver. The aim of this study was to verify the technical feasibility of arterialization of the portal stump with the right renal artery in order to obtain a valid experimental model to study the pathophysiology of arterial revascularization of the liver. Twenty rats underwent end‐to‐side portocaval shunt + end‐to‐end anastomosis between the right renal artery and portal stump; another 20 rats were subjected to the same surgical procedure, but the portal stump underwent a reduction in size. In our study, both techniques gave good results, but the use of an operating microscope and good microsurgical training were essential in achieving a good patency rate (78.3%).Le derivazioni portosistemiche causano severi effetti collaterali per cui è stata ideata l'arterializzazione del moncone portale allo scopo di aumentare l'apporto ematico al fegato. Scopo di questo lavoro è stato quello di verificare la fattibilità tecnica dell'arterializzazione del moncone portale con l'arteria renale destra allo scopo di mettere a punto un valido modello sperimentale per studiare gli aspetti fisiopatologici della rivascolarizzazione arteriosa del fegato. Venti ratti sono stati sottoposti ad anastomosi porta‐cava termino‐laterale + anastomosi termino‐terminale tra arteria renale destra e moncone portale, altri venti ratti sono stati sottoposti allo stesso intervento chirurgico con la variante della riduzione del diametro del moncone portale. Nel nostro studio entrambe le tecniche hanno fornito buoni risultati ma a nostro parere l'uso del microscopio operatore ed un efficace training microchirurgico sono stati essenziali per ottenere una soddisfacente percentuale di pervietà (78.3%). © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hyperbaric oxygen for the treatment of early‐phase Dupuytren's contracture
Authors: Yıldız Şenol , Karacaoğlu Ercan , Pehlivan Özcan 
Published: January 2004

AbstractDupuytren's disease (DD) is a proliferative disorder of autosomal‐dominant inheritance, with variable penetrance of gene expression. The treatment of DD is challenging. Both operative and nonoperative approaches were reported for treatment of the disease, but no perfect approach has gained popularity as the best choice of treatment. Most of the emphasis has been placed on surgical techniques, but outcomes were reported to be dependent on some variables such as case selection, timing of surgery, and the surgeon's training and experience. In this paper, we report on a hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment for early‐phase DD. HBO treatment was applied to a female aged 23 years who had a mild form of DD. Physical findings and complaints before and after HBO treatment were compared. Total relief of symptoms as well as physical findings were obtained with HBO treatment. HBO for the treatment of DD is a novel concept. Having treated only one case is not enough to conclude that HBO is the only effective mode of treatment for DD. HBO should also be tried to treat early‐phase or mild contractures of DD. Unfortunately, HBO has a disadvantage, i.e., cost. But HBO is not invasive, and because of the nature of HBO treatment, most of the complications seen after surgeries, e.g., wound‐healing problems, damage to the digital nerves and vessels, buttonholing of the skin, and tendon sheath opening, are not seen. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On sampling and sampling errors in histomorphometry of peripheral nerve fibers
Authors: Geuna Stefano , Gigo‐Benato Davilene , De Castro Rodrigues Antonio 
Published: January 2004

AbstractHistomorphometrical assessment of regenerated peripheral nerves is a very common goal of many studies in experimental microsurgery. In this paper, the main critical issues in nerve fiber sampling for quantitative morphological assessment are addressed. The equal opportunity rule, i.e., the basic paradigm of random sampling, is described, together with an explanation of how sampling errors, in the selection of histologic fields and of the nerve fibers inside them, can produce a bias in quantitative estimates. Finally, some practical suggestions on how to cope with the most common sampling errors are provided, in order to help researchers obtain reliable histomorphometrical data on peripheral nerve fibers. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Large recurrent plexiform neurofibroma of the foot and ankle
Authors: Pu Lee L.Q. , Vasconez Henry C. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractPlexiform neurofibroma often causes significant pain, deformity, and functional problems in the affected part of the body. Surgical management of the condition can be challenging, and local recurrence is common because of inadequate resection of the tumor. One patient with a large recurrent plexiform neurofibroma of the foot and ankle was treated successfully with a complete resection of the tumor, followed by a free latissimus dorsi muscle transfer with a skin graft for soft‐tissue reconstruction. The patient has regained good contour of the foot and ankle, and has been symptom‐free with no evidence of local recurrence in the affected area for 18 months. The authors believe that thorough preoperative planning and state‐of‐the‐art reconstructions, as described here, are the keys to their success. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combined free‐tissue transfer for primary reconstruction of radial part of the hand
Authors: Rui Yongjun , Shou Kuishui , Zhang Quanrong , Xu Yajun , Sun Zhenzhong , Xu Lei 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThis paper presents 14 cases of primary reconstruction of radial‐part hand defect by combined free‐tissue transfer. The thumb was reconstructed by wraparound flap or second‐toe transfer, while a lateral upper‐arm flap or anterolateral thigh flap was transferred to cover the soft‐tissue defect of the radial part of the hand. The arteries of the toe and flap were anastomosed and cascaded with the radial artery in an anatomical “snuffbox.” Fourteen toes and 13 flaps survived in 14 cases. Only one flap was lost. Two‐point discrimination of thumb tips was between 4–8 mm. The results suggest that combined free‐tissue transfer appears to be a promising way of reconstructing a defect of the radial part of the hand. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Insights into the interactions between a drug and a membrane protein target by fluorine cross‐polarization magic angle spinning NMR
Authors: Boland Martin P. , Middleton David A. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe fluorinated anti‐psychotic drug trifluoperazine (TFP) has been shown to be a K+‐competitive inhibitor of gastric H+/K+‐ATPase, a membrane‐embedded therapeutic target for peptic ulcer disease. This paper describes how variable contact time 19F cross‐polarization magic angle spinning (VCT‐CP/MAS) NMR has been used to probe the inhibitory interactions between TFP and H+/K+‐ATPase in native gastric membranes. The 19F CP/MAS spectra for TFP in H+/K+‐ATPase enriched (GI) gastric membranes and in control membranes containing less than 5 nmol of the protein indicated that the drug associates with the membranes independently of the presence of H+/K+‐ATPase. The 19F peak intensities in the VCT‐CP/MAS experiment confirmed that TFP undergoes slow dissociation (koff < 100 s−1) from binding sites in GI membranes, and more rapid dissociation (koff < 100 s−1) from control membranes. The spectra showed that up to 40% of bound TFP was displaced from GI membranes by 100 mM K+ and by the K+‐competitive inhibitor TMPIP, but TFP was not displaced from the control membranes. Hence the spectra of TFP in GI membranes represent the drug bound to the K+‐competitive inhibitory site of H+/K+‐ATPase and to other non‐specific sites. The affinity of TFP for the K+‐competitive site (KD = 4 mM) was determined from a binding curve of 19F peak intensity versus TFP concentration after correction for non‐specific binding. The KD was much higher than the IC50 for ATPase inhibition (8 µM), which suggests that the substantial non‐specific binding of TFP to the membranes contributes to ATPase inhibition. This novel approach to probing ligand binding can be applied to a wide range of membrane‐embedded pharmaceutical targets, such as G‐protein coupled receptors and ion channels, regardless of the size of the protein or strength of binding. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peptide‐related alterations of membrane‐associated water: deuterium solid‐state NMR investigations of phosphatidylcholine membranes at different hydration levels
Authors: Mendonça Moraes Cléria , Bechinger Burkhard 
Published: January 2004

AbstractDeuterated water associated with oriented POPC bilayers was investigated before and after the addition of 2 mol% peptide. Membranes in the presences of antimicrobial‐(LAH4), pore‐forming‐ (the segments M2 of influenza A and S4 of the domain I of rat brain sodium channels) or lysine‐containing model peptides (LAK1 and LAK3) were investigated by 2H and proton‐decoupled 31P solid‐state NMR. The NMR spectra were recorded as a function of hydration in the range between 15 and 93% relative humidity and of sample composition. In the presence of peptides an increased association of water is observed. A quantitative analysis suggests that the peptide‐induced changes in the lipid bilayer packing have a significant effect on membrane–water association. The quadrupolar splittings of 2H2O at a given degree of hydration indicate that the changes of the water deuterium order parameter are specific for the peptide sequence and the lipid composition. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solid‐state 2H NMR studies of the effects of cholesterol on the acyl chain dynamics of magnetically aligned phospholipid bilayers
Authors: Tiburu Elvis K. , Dave Paresh C. , Lorigan Gary A. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractWe report the utilization of magnetically aligned phospholipid bilayers (bicelles) to study the effects of cholesterol in phospholipid bilayers for both chain perdeuterated DMPC and partially deuterated α‐[2,2,3,4,4,6‐d6]‐cholesterol using 2H solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. The quadrupolar splittings at 40°C were 25.5 and 37.7 kHz, respectively, for the 2,4‐2Heq and 2,4‐2Hax deuterons when the bilayer normal of the discs was aligned perpendicular to the static magnetic field. The quadrupolar splittings were doubled when Yb3+ ions were added to flip the bicelles 90° such that the bilayer normal was colinear with the magnetic field. The results suggest that cholesterol is incorporated into the bicelle discs. For chain perdeuterated DMPC‐d54, incorporated into DMPC–DHPC bicelle discs, the individual quadrupolar splittings of the methylene and methyl groups doubled on going from the perpendicular to the parallel alignment. Also, the presence of cholesterol increased the overall ordering of the acyl chains of the phospholipids. SCDi calculations were extracted directly from the 2H quadrupolar splittings of the chain perdeuterated DMPC. The order parameter, SCDi, calculations clearly indicated an overall degree of ordering of the acyl chains in the presence of cholesterol. We also noted a disordering effect at higher temperatures. This study demonstrates the ease with which 2H order parameters can be calculated utilizing magnetically aligned phospholipid bilayers when compared with randomly dispersed membrane samples. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.