bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Purification, characterization and functional cloning of inositol oxygenase from Cryptococcus
Authors: Kanter Ulrike , Becker Michael , Friauf Eckhard , Tenhaken Raimund 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe enzyme inositol oxygenase (myo‐inositol : oxygen oxidoreductase; E.C. 1.13.99.1) is a monooxygenase that converts inositol into glucuronic acid in the presence of molecular oxygen. This enzyme is integrated into a pathway leading to either degradation and energy production or the biosynthesis of precursors for polysaccharides. The enzyme was purified from the yeast Cryptococcus lactativorus by a five‐step chromatography procedure. The purified enzyme shows a molecular mass of 37 kDa on SDS–PAGE, similar to the estimation of the size of the native enzyme determined by size exclusion chromatography. Peptides of the inositol oxygenase protein derived from a tryptic digest were sequenced de novo by nanoelectrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Using degenerate oligonucleotides, the corresponding gene was cloned from first strand cDNA. The open reading frame encodes a 315 amino acid polypeptide with a predicted molecular mass of 36.9 kDa. Inositol oxygenase is a single copy gene in C. lactativorus. It has close homologues in other fungi such as Cryptococcus neoformans and Neurospora crassa. Biochemical characterization of the enzyme showed a pH optimum of 6–6.5 and a temperature optimum of 30 °C. Myo‐inositol is the only accepted substrate with a Km of ca. 5 mM. The enzyme contains a Fe‐centre but the enzyme activity is resistant to KCN. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of Tea1p, Tea3p and Pom1p in the determination of cell ends in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Niccoli Teresa , Arellano Manuel , Nurse Paul 
Published: December 2003

AbstractSchizosaccharomyces pombe cells are rod‐shaped and grow along a single axis from their two ends. Microtubules extend from the cell centre terminating at the cell ends. The ERM(ezrin/radixin/moesin)‐like proteins Tea1p and Tea3p, and the Dyrk‐like kinase Pom1p are cell end markers involved in the regulation of growth and microtubular dynamics at the cell ends. We have analysed the relative contribution of these three proteins to the determination of cell ends as sites both for cell growth and for microtubular termination. Pom1Δ, in combination with Tea1Δ or Tea3Δ, has the greatest difficulty in relocalizing actin to the cell ends following actin depolymerization and generates the most defective growth pattern. Tea1Δ, in combination with Pom1Δ or Tea3Δ, displays the highest number of microtubules bending round the cell ends. Tea1ΔPom1Δ, which has the most defective growth pattern and microtubules, also displays the highest number of branched cells. We show that Tea1p, Tea3p and Pom1p all contribute, to different extents, to the determination of cell ends, as sites for both cell growth and microtubular termination. We also show that the fission yeast cell relies on both the positioning of landmarks and a properly organized microtubule cytoskeleton to direct cell growth. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neural network solution for temperature profile retrieval from infrared spectra with high spectral resolution
Authors: Gribanov K.G. , Zakharov V.I. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractA method based on artificial neural network for atmospheric temperature profile retrieval from spectra measured by nadir viewing high resolution Fourier transform spectrometers is presented. Very fast retrieval of temperature profile is approached. Impact of instrument noise on the retrieval results is considered. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Pharmacological treatment in patients with heart failure: patients knowledge and occurrence of polypharmacy, alternative medicine and immunizations
Authors: Martínez‐Sellés Manuel , Robles José A. García , Muñoz Roberto , Serrano José A. , Frades Elisa , Muñoa Marta Domínguez , Almendral Jesús 
Published: December 2003

AbstractAims:To evaluate in patients with heart failure (HF) due to systolic dysfunction the occurrence of polypharmacy, alternative medicine, immunization against influenza, and patients’ knowledge about their medication.Methods and results:Sixty‐five patients, 49 men, mean age 60.5±12.0 years answered a confidential questionnaire during 2002. Polypharmacy was frequent, 48 (74%) were taking six or more pills per day and 18 (28%) 11 or more. Fifteen patients (23%) used over‐the‐counter analgesics. Eight patients (12%) used alternative medicine [five women (31%) vs. three men (6%), P=0.02]. Forty‐four patients (68%) received immunization against influenza (18 patients <65 years (54%) vs. 25 patients ≥65 years (79%), P=0.03). Half the patients knew that beta‐blockers and vasodilators decreased blood pressure, 31 patients receiving diuretics (88%) knew that this drugs help to eliminate liquids, 12 patients (38%) recognized this effect with low dose spironolactone and 23% or less with other drugs. Only 12 patients (42%) treated with acenocoumarol and 13 of those treated with aspirin (32%) recognized the action of these drugs.Conclusion:Patients with HF and systolic dysfunction have a poor knowledge about the medication they receive. Polypharmacy, over‐the‐counter, homeopathic and alternative medicine use is frequent whereas the rate of immunization against influenza is low.
Second trimester choroid plexus cysts and trisomy 18
Authors: Sahinoglu Z. , Uludogan M. , Sayar C. , Turkover B. , Toksoy G. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectives: In this study, the aims were to reveal the incidence of isolated choroid plexus cyst in our population, and to discuss the accuracy of distinguishing either an isolated or non‐isolated choroid plexus cyst. Methods: The study population was consisted of 10 594 pregnant women. The patients with choroid plexus cysts were classified into two groups: isolated and non‐isolated. Detailed ultrasonographic examination and genetic counseling were performed and triple screening test was ordered. The incidence, sensitivity, specificity, false‐positive rate and likelihood ratio of cases with isolated choroid plexus cyst for trisomy 18 were determined. Results: Choroid plexus cysts were identified in 109 patients (109/10 594; 1.02%). In 102 patients isolated choroid plexus cysts, and in seven patients additional fetal anomalies supporting trisomy 18 were detected. Trisomy 18 was detected in four patients, and one of them had isolated choroid plexus cyst. The likelihood ratio in cases of isolated choroid plexus cysts for trisomy 18 was 9.51 (95% confidence interval, 0.2–41). Conclusions: According to the study the individual risk for trisomy 18 in isolated choroid plexus cyst should be calculated by using the likelihood ratio. These data allows the physician to express the individual risk of trisomy 18 and permits more accurate genetic counseling.
Polymorphism p53 codon‐72 and invasive cervical cancer: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Jee S.H. , Won S.Y. , Yun J.E. , Lee J.E. , Park J.S. , Ji S.S. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectives: Although some studies have reported that the arginine isoform on codon 72 of p53 increases the susceptibility to invasive cervical cancer, such data remain controversial. The objective of this study was to quantitatively summarize the evidence for such a relationship. Methods: Our data sources consisted of a MEDLINE search of the literature published before December 2002, bibliography review, and expert consultation. Thirty‐seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Information on sample size, study design, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and method of genotype determination was abstracted by two reviewers using a standardized protocol. The overall odds ratio (OR) of the p53 gene on invasive cervical cancer was estimated using the Mantel–Haenzel method. Results: The overall OR (95% confidence interval) for cervical cancer among those with the homozygous mutant (Arg/Arg) was 1.2 (1.1–1.3, P=0.001) compared with those with the heterozygous mutant (Arg/Pro). By a cellular type of cervical cancer, the overall OR among those with Arg/Arg was statistically significant in adenocarcinomas (1.7, 1.1–2.6, P=0.024), but not in squamous cell carcinomas (1.1, 0.9–1.2, P=0.960), compared with Pro/Pro. Compared with Arg/Pro, the OR among those with Arg/Arg was statistically significant in HPV types 16 (1,5, 1.2–2.0, P=0.002). Conclusions: Overall, the p53 gene was associated with increased risk for invasive cervical cancer. However, the risk varied by country, cellular, and HPV type.
Colposacrosuspension for severe genital prolapse
Authors: Cronjé H.S. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjective: A descriptive study of 140 patients with severe genital prolapse managed by colposacrosuspension with mesh interposition and a modified Burch colposuspension. Methods: A laparotomy was performed with mobilization of the rectum and exploration of the rectovaginal septum. Vaginally, a longitudinal incision was made in the posterior vaginal wall which was completely separated from the rectum. A perineal repair was done, whereafter a strip of Vypro® (Johnson & Johnson, Brussels, Belgium) mesh was inserted from the perineum to the sacrum at S1. It was fixated to the perineum and vagina while the rectum was elevated and attached to the mesh. Where a perineal repair was deemed not necessary, the mesh extended from the mid‐vagina to the sacrum. A second mesh strip was placed anteriorly of the vagina, covering the upper third of the vagina and extending to the sacrum. After closure of the pelvic peritoneum, covering the mesh, a modified Burch colposuspension was performed. Follow‐up was done at 6 weeks, 6 months and yearly thereafter. Results: The median age was 61 years with a median parity of 3. All patients presented with grade 2 (extending to the vaginal introitus) or 3 (outside the vaginal introitus) prolapse. Approximately one‐third had urinary incontinence and a similar proportion complained of difficulty in defecation. All the patients underwent colposacrosuspension with the mesh extending to the perineum in 67% of the patients. A Burch colposuspension was performed in 79% of the women. Postoperatively, 97% of the patients were followed for 1–29 months with a median of 8.5 months (mean 10.2 months). Recurrent prolapse, grade 2 or 3, developed in 11 patients (8%) and 17 patients (12%) developed urinary incontinence, needing a transvaginal tape procedure. Removal of the mesh was necessary in one patient (0.7%). Conclusion: Colposacrosuspension for severe genital prolapse delivered satisfactory short‐term results. It is, however, a major surgical procedure and elderly or compromised patients may require less invasive procedures.
Human papillomavirus infection and cervical ectopy
Authors: Rocha‐Zavaleta L. , Yescas G. , Cruz R.M. , Cruz‐Talonia F. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectives: To investigate the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV), and HPV type 16 (HPV16) infection in cervical ectopy, and the presence of anti‐HPV16 secretory IgA (sIgA) antibodies. Methods: DNA from patients with cervical ectopy (n=218), HPV‐associated lesions (n=111), and controls without evidence of cervical ectopy or HPV infection (n=93) were analyzed by PCR for the presence of HPV and HPV16. The presence of mucosal sIgA antibodies against HPV16 capsid antigens (VLP) was assayed in cervical mucus by ELISA. Results: Prevalence of HPV DNA was higher in cervical ectopy than in controls (P=0.04; OR=2.06; 95% CI 0.99–4.33). HPV16 was 6.3 times more prevalent in cervical ectopy than in controls. Anti‐HPV16 sIgA were detected more frequently in cervical ectopy patients than in controls (P=0.0004). Conclusions: Cervical ectopy correlates with HPV infection. HPV16 is highly prevalent in cervical ectopy. sIgA antibodies against HPV16 capsids are generated in patients with cervical ectopy.
Stimulation of bone cell differentiation by low‐intensity ultrasound—a histomorphometric in vitro study
Authors: Korstjens C. M. , Nolte P. A. , Burger E. H. , Albers G. H. R. , Semeins C. M. , Aartman I. H. A. , Goei S. W. , Klein‐Nulend J. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractSeveral investigations have established a stimulatory effect of low‐intensity ultrasound treatment on osteogenesis and fracture healing. The objective of this study was to examine whether the stimulatory effect of low‐intensity ultrasound results in increased bone cell activity and/or proliferation.Twenty‐four paired triplets of metatarsal bone rudiments of twelve 17‐days‐old fetal mice were dissected and divided into two groups. One group of bone rudiments was treated with pulsating low‐intensity ultrasound (30 mW/cm2; 1.5 MHz) for 20 min/day for a period of 3 or 6 days. The other group served as controls. After culture, the metatarsal bone rudiments were prepared for computer aided light microscopy. The following histomorphometric parameters were determined: length, width and volume of the calcified cartilage and of the bone collar, and cell number. GLM analysis demonstrated that bone collar volume and calcified cartilage percentage were significantly higher in the ultrasound‐stimulated rudiments compared to untreated controls. Further, the calcified cartilage volume bordering the hypertrophic zone was significantly higher than in the center of the bone rudiment. Ultrasound treatment did not change the number of the cells.These results suggest that the stimulatory effect of low‐intensity ultrasound on endochondral ossification is likely due to stimulation of bone cell differentiation and calcified matrix production, but not to changed cell proliferation. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Femoral head blood flow reduction and hypercoagulability under 24 h megadose steroid treatment in pigs
Authors: Drescher Wolf , Weigert Karen P. , Bünger Mathias H. , Ingerslev Jørgen , Bünger Cody , Hansen Ebbe S. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe pathogenesis of corticosteroid‐induced femoral head necrosis is assumed to be ischemia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perfusion pattern of the femoral head and plasma coagulability during 24 h corticosteroid megadose treatment, as recommended by the National Acute Spinal Cord Injury Studies (NASCIS), in the awake big animal model. Blindedly, 9 animals underwent megadose methylprednisolone infusion (30 mg/kg intravenously as an initial bolus, followed by 5.4 mg/kg/h for further 23 h) while 9 animals served as placebo treated controls. Regional blood flow of the systematically subdivided femoral head, proximal femur, acetabulum, and soft tissue hip regions was investigated by the microsphere technique at steady state (phase 1), after the initial bolus infusion (phase 2), and after the completed treatment (phase 3). Plasma coagulability was examined in phases 1 and 3. Blood flow of the femoral head epiphysis and metaphyseal cancellous bone was unchanged after one hour of steroid infusion, but decreased after the completed treatment at 24 h in the experimental group. Femoral head blood flow reduction was global without a tendency to more pronounced blood flow decrease in any subregion. Plasma fibrinogen was significantly higher after 24 h of steroid infusion than in the placebo control group. 24 h high dose methylprednisolone treatment causes femoral head blood flow reduction and hypercoagulability of plasma in the normal awake immature pig. These findings may be pathogenetic factors in the early stage of steroid‐induced osteonecrosis. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Extracorporeal shock waves promote healing of collagenase‐induced Achilles tendinitis and increase TGF‐β1 and IGF‐I expression
Authors: Chen Yeung‐Jen , Wang Ching‐Jen , Yang Kuender D. , Kuo Yur‐Ren , Huang Hui‐Chen , Huang Yu‐Ting , Sun Yi‐Chih , Wang Feng‐Sheng 
Published: December 2003

AbstractExtracorporeal shock waves (ESW) have recently been used in resolving tendinitis. However, mechanisms by which ESW promote tendon repair is not fully understood. In this study, we reported that an optimal ESW treatment promoted healing of Achilles tendintis by inducing TGF‐β1 and IGF‐I. Rats with the collagenease‐induced Achilles tendinitis were given a single ESW treatment (0.16 mJ/mm2 energy flux density) with 0, 200, 500 and 1000 impulses. Achilles tendons were subjected to biomechanical (load to failure and stiffness), biochemical properties (DNA, glycosaminoglycan and hydroxyproline content) and histological assessment. ESW with 200 impulses restored biomechanical and biochemical characteristics of healing tendons 12 weeks after treatment. However, ESW treatments with 500 and 1000 impulses elicited inhibitory effects on tendinitis repair. Histological observation demonstrated that ESW treatment resolved edema, swelling, and inflammatory cell infiltration in injured tendons. Lesion site underwent intensive tenocyte proliferation, neovascularization and progressive tendon tissue regeneration. Tenocytes at the hypertrophied cellular tissue and newly developed tendon tissue expressed strong proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) after ESW treatment, suggesting that physical ESW could increase the mitogenic responses of tendons. Moreover, the proliferation of tenocytes adjunct to hypertrophied cell aggregate and newly formed tendon tissue coincided with intensive TGF‐β1 and IGF‐I expression. Increasing TGF‐β1 expression was noted in the early stage of tendon repair, and elevated IGF‐I expression was persisted throughout the healing period. Together, low‐energy shock wave effectively promoted tendon healing. TGF‐β1 and IGF‐I played important roles in mediating ESW‐stimulated cell proliferation and tissue regeneration of tendon. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Climatic and volcanic forcing revealed in a 50,000-year diatom record from Lake Massoko, Tanzania
Authors: Barker Philip , Williamson David , Gasse Françoise , Gibert Elisabeth 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe interactions between climatic and volcanic forcing on diatom communities contained in a 50,000-year sedimentary sequence from Lake Massoko, Tanzania, were examined. At the century scale, 19 discrete tephra inputs to the lake isolated the sedimentary nutrient supply and shifted the diatom communities to those tolerant of low phosphorus levels, whereas at the millennial scale, diatom-inferred shifts in precipitation–evaporation based on conductivity optima and diatom life-form ratios were broadly similar to lake-level reconstructions from Lake Rukwa, Lake Malawi, and others in the region. Some fluctuations of Lake Massoko are consistent with the precession-driven changes in insolation, but the major climate shifts do not relate directly to orbital forcing of summer insolation south of the equator and show more consistency with records from the equatorial and northern tropics that receive rainfall from the passing of the intertropical convergence zone. Sea surface temperatures are strongly correlated to multimillennial-scale climate patterns over this region of Africa.
Holocene climate phases from buried soils in Tigray (northern Ethiopia): comparison with lake level fluctuations in the Main Ethiopian Rift
Authors: Dramis Francesco , Umer Mohammed , Calderoni Gilberto , Haile Mitiku 
Published: December 2003

AbstractStratigraphic analysis of alluvial/colluvial sequences and 14C dating have been used as proxies for Holocene climate changes in the highlands of Tigray (northern Ethiopia). The studied records show alternations of buried soils and peaty–clayey sediments, pointing to wet, stabilization phases, and organic-free colluvium layers resulting from the abrupt occurrence of dry-climate episodes. The 14C dates, mostly unpublished, cluster in the 11,090–9915, 9465–9135, 8450–7330, 6720–3635, 2710–2345, and 1265–790 cal yr B.P. time spans. Evidence of subsequent pedogenesis is lacking in the area, apart from a buried humified horizon dated at 300 ± 60 14C yr B.P. (460–295 cal yr B.P.). Both the timing and the pattern of Tigray paleoclimatic events fit the corresponding framework, based on lake level changes, previously implemented for the Main Rift Valley. These findings give further support for arguing that the forcing mechanisms of the wet/dry fluctuations during the Holocene were effective over a large scale.
Laparoscopic tubal anastomosis
Authors: Ribeiro S.C. , Tormena R.A. , Giribela C.G. , Izzo C.R. , Santos N.C. , Pinotti J.A. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectives: To evaluate the pregnancy outcome after laparoscopic tubal anastomosis. Methods: From December 1998 to December 2001, 26 patients with bilateral tubal ligation who underwent laparoscopic tubal anastomosis were prospectively evaluated. Patients’ age varied from 28 to 37 years. Results: Laparoscopic tubal reversal was performed in 23 patients. Bilateral reversal was possible in all but two patients. The operation time ranged from 95 to 155 min and all patients were discharged in the following morning after surgery. After 3 months, tubal patency was confirmed in 15 patients (15/23). Pregnancy rate was 56.5% (13/23), without ectopic pregnancies. The average time from tubal reversal and pregnancy was 6 months. Conclusions: In selected cases, laparoscopic tubal reversal can be offered to patients who had been submitted to tubal sterilization and desire new pregnancies. Patient selection as well as meticulous surgical technique are key factors in achieving satisfactory pregnancy rates.
Laparoscopic adnexectomy for benign tubo‐ovarian disease using abdominal wall lift: a comparison to laparotomy
Authors: Tintara H. , Choobun T. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectives: To evaluate the results of laparoscopic adnexectomy using an abdominal wall‐lifting device compared to laparotomy. Methods: From February 1997 to December 2001, laparoscopic adnexectomy was performed in 68 cases of benign diseases in a university hospital. Three cases (4.4%) were converted to laparotomy due to poor visualization. The control group was a similar cohort of 65 patients who underwent the same procedures using laparotomy. Results: There were 59 ovarian cysts and six tubal pregnancies in each group. Mean analgesic used, hospital stay, recovery period and blood loss were 11.5 mg, 2.0 days, 1.0 week and 49 ml, compared with 151.8 mg, 4.0 days, 3.0 weeks, and 122 ml in the laparotomy group (P<0.0005). Mean operating times and hospital charges were 81.7 min and $293.9 (US), compared with 77.1 min (P=0.108) and $272.7 (US) (P=0.033) in the laparotomy group. No serious complications were found in either group. Conclusions: Gasless laparoscopic adnexectomy is a safe and effective technique to provide laparoscopic benefit with minimal increase in hospital charges.
Mifepristone‐induced abortion and birth weight in the first subsequent pregnancy
Authors: Yimin C , Wei Y , Weidong C , Xianmi W , Junqing W , Lin L 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectives: To assess the effect of a medically induced abortion (MA) on birth weight in the first subsequent pregnancy. Methods: Pregnant women who had had a MA, a surgical abortion (SA), or primigravidas with no history of abortion (NA), were recruited for a prospective cohort study between July 1998 and February 2001. The sample for the present analysis included 12 995 singleton live births at term. Results: The overall incidence rate of low birth weight (LBW) was 1.0%. The rates of LBW in the MA, SA, and NA groups were 1.0%, 0.9%, and 1.2, respectively. There were no significant differences in LBW rates between the MA and SA groups, neither between the MA and NA. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the effects of MA on birth weight, and we found no relationship between risk of LBW and MA. Conclusions: We did not find a statistically significant relationship between a history of one medically induced abortion and LBW for the first subsequent term pregnancy.