bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of p27KIP1 expression in resected non–small cell lung cancers: Analysis in combination with expressions of p16INK4A, pRB, and p53
Authors: Hirabayashi Hirohisa , Ohta Mitsunori , Tanaka Hisaichi , Sakaguchi Masahiro , Fujii Yoshitaka , Miyoshi Shinichiro , Matsuda Hikaru 
Published: November 2002

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesWhether a prognostic role for expression of the tumor suppressor gene (TSG) products exists in resected non–small call lung cancers (NSCLCs) remains controversial. Our study was performed to determine the value of TSGs expressions for patients survival in NSCLCs.MethodsWe examined 108 resected NSCLCs for the expression of TSG products, p27KIP1, p16INK4A, pRB, and p53 that govern cell cycle transition by immunohistochemistry and compared them with patient clinical characteristics and prognoses.ResultsAbnormal expressions of p27KIP1, p16INK4A, pRB, and p53 were found in 61 (57%), 53 (49%), 42 (39%), and 48 (44%), respectively, of the 108 NSCLCs. Univariate analysis showed abnormal expression of p27KIP1 to be a strong indicator for poor patient survival, not only in the total cohort (P = 0.0024), but also in subgroups with T1–T2 (P = 0.016), N0 (P = 0.047), and squamous cell carcinomas (P = 0.026), but not according to the expression of p16INK4A, pRB, or p53. In the Cox regression analysis, p27KIP1 expression was found to be an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.0148) and associated with pathological stage (P = 0.0278).ConclusionsOur results suggest that abnormal p27KIP1 expression may be a useful indicator to predict postoperative prognosis, especially in patients with early stage NSCLCs, as compared to other TSG products examined. J. Surg. Oncol. 2002;81:177–184. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extensor digitorum brevis test and resistance to botulinum toxin type A
Authors: Gordon Paul H. , Gooch Clifton L. , Greene Paul E. 
Published: November 2002

AbstractWe studied 22 patients with dystonia to determine the normal range of values for the extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) test, and to determine its sensitivity and specificity in detecting resistance to botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A). Three compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) elicited by peroneal nerve stimulation were averaged before and 2 weeks after injection of 20 units of BTX‐A into the EDB. Amplitude and area ratios were calculated by dividing the averaged postinjection CMAP by the averaged preinjection CMAP values. The difference in means of this ratio between clinically sensitive and resistant subjects was statistically significant (P < 0.002). A normal range of <0.45 for each ratio was determined by adding two standard deviations to the ratio mean of 14 clinically sensitive subjects. Four of five resistant patients had values outside the normal range. The EDB test is a simple quantitative method of detecting resistance to BTX‐A, with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 94%. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 26: 828–831, 2002
Response to exercise of patients with idiopathic hyper‐CK‐emia
Authors: Reijneveld J.C. , Te Boekhorst B.C.M. , Zonderland M.L. , Kalmijn S. , Notermans N.C. 
Published: November 2002

AbstractPatients with an idiopathic increase in serum creatine kinase (CK) levels (hyper‐CK‐emia) have a benign prognosis, but symptoms may be disabling in daily life. Previous studies have suggested that physical exercise increases the severity of complaints in these patients. We studied whether maximal and submaximal bouts of exercise on a cycle ergometer are harmful for patients with idiopathic hyper‐CK‐emia. Such dynamic exercise did not lead to larger increases in serum CK activity or more complaints in 11 patients with idiopathic hyper‐CK‐emia, compared with 11 age‐matched healthy controls. Our data suggest that exercise does not result in more extensive muscle damage in patients with idiopathic hyper‐CK‐emia than in healthy subjects. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 26: 832–837, 2002
Changes in nerve conduction velocity across the elbow due to experimental error
Authors: Landau Mark E. , Diaz Myrna I. , Barner Kristen C. , Campbell William W. 
Published: November 2002

AbstractOne diagnostic criterion for ulnar nerve mononeuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is a decrease in across‐elbow nerve conduction velocity (NCV) > 10 m/s compared to the forearm segment. Distance and latency measurement errors are an inherent part of NCV calculations. Twenty electromyographers measured the latencies of stored ulnar compound muscle action potentials and measured the forearm and across‐elbow distances along the ulnar nerve. Based on previously published equations, experimental error in NCV was calculated for various NCVs. The mean distances and standard deviations for the forearm and elbow segments were 212.5 ± 2.1 mm and 86.7 ± 4.2 mm, respectively. For an NCV of 55 m/s, a difference of 14 m/s between the two segments can occur from measurement error alone. Distance measurements about the elbow are fraught with interobserver errors rendering the resultant NCV of that segment of limited value as a sole criterion for the diagnosis of UNE. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 26: 838–840, 2002
Ectopic endplates induce localized changes in skeletal muscle ultrastructure
Authors: Bishop Derron L. , Milton Richard L. 
Published: November 2002

AbstractTo investigate the processes by which motoneurons control protein synthesis, and thus the ultrastructure of the muscle fibers they innervate, ectopic endplates were induced to form on adult mouse skeletal muscle fibers by transplantation of a foreign nerve onto the muscle. In the dually innervated muscle fibers thus created, we examined two ultrastructural parameters that correlate with the expression of distinct isoforms of the myofibrillar proteins α‐actinin and titin, specifically, Z‐line width and sarcomere length. It was found that Z‐lines were significantly thinner (98 vs. 128 nm) and sarcomeres were significantly shorter (1.69 vs. 2.06 μm) near the ectopic than near the original endplates. Thus, ectopic endplate formation on adult skeletal muscle fibers induces a localized alteration in myofibrillar morphology. These results may help to elucidate the role played by motoneurons in the determination and maintenance of muscle fiber properties and the processes that occur following muscle reinnervation after nerve injury. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 26:791–797, 2002
Ultrasonographic measurement of median nerve cross‐sectional area in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome: Diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Nakamichi Ken‐Ichi , Tachibana Shintaro 
Published: November 2002

AbstractSeverity‐correlated enlargement of the median nerve occurs in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We determined whether measurement of the nerve cross‐sectional area was useful in making the diagnosis of CTS. In 414 wrists of 275 patients with clinically diagnosed idiopathic CTS and 408 wrists of 408 controls, we made ultrasonographic measurements of the nerve area at the distal (distal edge of the flexor retinaculum), mid (hook of the hamate), and proximal carpal tunnel (wrist crease). Criteria based on the area at a single level yielded sensitivities of 43–57% and specificities of 96–97%. Use of the mean carpal nerve area (average of the areas at the three levels) improved the results (sensitivity, 67%; specificity, 97%), which was as sensitive as the nerve conduction studies (NCS). In the NCS, we obtained sensitivities of 66% for the distal motor nerve latency and 67% for the distal sensory nerve latency, with specificities of 97% for each. A combination of the mean carpal nerve area and NCS criteria yielded a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 94%. The clinical implications of these findings for the diagnosis of CTS are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 26: 798–803, 2002
Innovation and intellectual property: The case of genomic patenting
Authors: Jackson Brian A. 
Published: November 2002

AbstractIn an effort to balance static and dynamic efficiency in the production and use of knowledge, societies
institute intellectual property policies. In the United States, the patent system is a well‐established
mechanism to provide inventors with time‐limited protection of new technologies in exchange for disclosure
of information about their inventions. Emerging biotechnology, specifically the filing of patents on gene
sequences, raises serious questions about whether the patent system is appropriately weighing societal costs and
benefits in its grants of intellectual property protection. Gene sequences represent a hybrid case between
discrete inventions and more general pieces of information that are useful for many, potentially very different,
purposes. This information content in genes makes it possible for a patent on a gene to cover a wide range of
possible technological applications and, as a result, be of unknown breadth when issued. This analysis explores
the potential effect of these characteristics on future innovation in biotechnology. © 2003 by the
Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Driving less for better air: Impacts of a public information campaign
Authors: Henry Gary T. , Gordon Craig S. 
Published: November 2002

AbstractIn the wake of the 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act, localities across the United States initiated public
information campaigns both to raise awareness of threats to air quality and to change behavior related to air
pollution by recommending specific behavioral changes in the campaign messages. These campaigns are designed to
reduce the health hazards associated with poor air quality and to avoid federal sanctions resulting from the
failure to meet air quality standards. As in many other communities across the country, a coalition of government
agencies and businesses initiated a public information campaign in the Atlanta metropolitan region to reduce
certain targeted behaviors, mainly driving. A two‐stage model used to analyze data from a rolling sample
survey shows that the centerpiece of the information campaign—air quality alerts—was effective in
raising awareness and reducing driving in a segment of the population. When the overall information campaign was
moderated by employers' participation in programs to improve air quality, drivers significantly reduced the
number of miles they drove and the number of trips they took by car on days when air quality alerts were sounded.
Public information campaigns can be successful in increasing awareness, but changing well‐established
behaviors, such as driving, is likely to require institutional mediation to provide social contexts that support
the behavioral change, as well. © 2003 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Hospital selective contracting without consumer choice: What can we learn from Medi‐Cal?
Authors: Bamezai Anil , Melnick Glenn A. , Mann Joyce M. , Zwanziger Jack 
Published: November 2002

AbstractIn the selective contracting era, consumer choice has generally been absent in most state Medicaid programs, including California's (called Medi‐Cal). In a setting where beneficiary exit is not a threat, a large payer may have both the incentives and the ability to exercise undue market power, potentially exposing an already vulnerable population to further harm. The analyses presented here of Medi‐Cal contracting data, however, do not yield compelling evidence in favor of the undue market power hypothesis. Instead, hospital competition appears to explain with greater consistency why certain hospitals choose to contract with Medi‐Cal while others do not, the trends in inpatient prices paid by Medi‐Cal over time, and the effect of price competition on service cutbacks, such as emergency room closures. © 2003 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Strategies for the isolation and detection of fetal cells in transcervical samples
Authors: Bussani Cecilia , Cioni Riccardo , Scarselli Benedetta , Barciulli Francesco , Bucciantini Sandra , Simi Paolo , Fogli Antonella , Scarselli Gianfranco 
Published: November 2002

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the study was to evaluate the detection of fetal cells from transcervical samples, collected in early pregnancy, by means of different molecular techniques. The value of the isolation of trophoblasts using an inverted microscope, also referred to as micromanipulation, is discussed.MethodsAll the 89 specimens were obtained by intrauterine lavages before termination of pregnancy (TOP), between 7 and 12 weeks of gestation. Micromanipulation was carried out in a subgroup of 57 for the isolation of fetal material. Fetal sexing was achieved by FISH (fluorescentin situhybridisation) using fluorescently labelled probes for X and Y chromosomes and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Male samples were also investigated for aneuploidy of the chromosome 21. Quantitative fluorescent (QF)‐PCR using two short tandem repeat (STR) markers for chromosome 21 was carried out in 26 micromanipulated samples.ResultsFISH analysis revealed that 45/89 placental samples derived from pregnancies with male fetuses. Correct sexing of the lavage samples from male pregnancies was achieved in 41/45 (91%) using dual‐FISH technique, and in 43/45 (95.5%) with PCR. All the samples derived from male pregnancies tested for chromosome 21 were normal. From 57 samples subjected to micromanipulation, 51 (89.5%) showed discernible chorionic villous filaments or cell clumps of possible trophoblastic origin. One case of tetraploidy and two cases of monosomy were recorded. The rate of fetal cells, in the non‐micromanipulated samples, was between 4% and 97% (mean 54.3%). In micromanipulated specimens, maternal contaminant cells were absent or extremely rare (1–2%). The efficiency of the QF‐PCR analysis in detecting paternal peaks in all lavage samples was only 61.5%.ConclusionThe present study confirms the presence of fetal cells in a very high proportion of both whole and micromanipulated intrauterine lavage samples. The isolation of trophoblastic elements can be achieved in most cases by micromanipulation. FISH and PCR techniques allowed the analysis of the most common fetal aneuploidies, confirming the power of this minimally invasive method. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of atelosteogenesis type I at 21 weeks' gestation
Authors: Ueno Kazunori , Tanaka Mamoru , Miyakoshi Kei , Zhao Chen , Shinmoto Hiroshi , Nishimura Gen , Yoshimura Yasunori 
Published: November 2002

AbstractWe describe prenatal diagnosis in a male fetus at 21 weeks of gestation with atelosteogenesis type I (AO I). Fetal ultrasonography (US) revealed absent or deficient ossification of the posterior neural arches of the thoracic spine, humeri, radii, ulnae, fibulae, and short tubular bones other than the distal phalanges, in addition to extremely short, thick femora. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using an ultrafast imaging sequence depicted dysmorphic features, pulmonary hypoplasia, and large cisterna magna. Postmortem radiographs warranted a diagnosis of AO I. Autopsy corroborated not only pulmonary hypoplasia but also laryngeal stenosis. The chondro‐osseous histological findings were consistent with those of AO I. Meticulous evaluation using fetal US and MRI permits a definitive prenatal diagnosis of AO I to be made. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular weight forms of inhibin A, inhibin B and pro‐αC in maternal serum, amniotic fluid and placental extracts of normal and Down syndrome pregnancies
Authors: Thirunavukarasu P. P. , Lambert‐Messerlian G. , Robertson D. M. , Dawson G. , Canick J. , Wallace E. M. 
Published: November 2002

AbstractBackgroundInhibin A, an established prenatal marker of Down syndrome (DS), exists in the maternal circulation in a number of isoforms. The present study explored whether specific inhibin A isoforms may be selectively increased in DS, offering the prospect of improved marker performance.MethodsSecond trimester maternal serum, placental extracts and amniotic fluid (AF) pools from both normal and DS pregnancies were fractionated by a combined immunoaffinity (IA) chromatography, preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (Prep‐PAGE) and electroelution procedure. Inhibins A, B and pro‐αC were determined in the eluted fractions by specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and the profiles of immunoactivity (IA) characterized in terms of molecular weight (MW) and percentage recovery.ResultsThe MW patterns of inhibin A and pro‐αC in maternal serum and AF were similar between DS and control pregnancies, both showing peaks between 25–40 k and approximately 65 k. AF contained, in addition, a higher proportion of <30 k inhibins A and B, and <25 k pro‐αC forms. There were large differences in the inhibin forms present in DS placentae, with more 70 k and less 30–40 k inhibin A than in controls.ConclusionsThe present data suggest that the processing, cleavage or secretion of inhibin MW forms by the DS placenta differs from normal. However, these differences are not reflected in maternal serum and so improvements in serum screening will not be afforded by measuring specific inhibin A isoforms. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Origin of amnion and implications for evaluation of the fetal genotype in cases of mosaicism
Authors: Robinson Wendy P. , McFadden Deborah E. , Barrett Irene J. , Kuchinka Brian , Peñaherrera Maria S. , Bruyère Hélène , Best Robert G. , Pedreira Denise A. L. , Langlois Sylvie , Kalousek Dagmar K. 
Published: November 2002

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate presence of trisomy in amniotic epithelium (uncultured amnion) and mesenchyme (cultured amnion) from mosaic cases to understand the origins of these tissues and their relationship to pregnancy outcome.MethodsPolymerase chain reaction (PCR) of microsatellite loci was used to determine the presence of trisomy (of meiotic origin only) in amnion samples from 33 placentas previously ascertained because of a prenatal diagnosis of trisomy mosaicism that was predominantly confined to the placental tissues.ResultsIn 16 (48%) of 33 cases, trisomy was confirmed to be present by molecular analysis of uncultured amnion. In contrast, cytogenetic analysis of cultured amnion showed trisomy in only 2 of 20 informative cases. The molecular detection of trisomy in amnion was strongly associated with poor pregnancy outcome (intrauterine growth restriction, fetal anomalies and/or intrauterine/neonatal death) even when analysis was limited to cases negative for the trisomy on amniotic fluid (N = 22, p = 0.0005).ConclusionsWe infer that amniotic mesenchyme (usually diploid) derives from early embryonic mesoderm of the primitive streak and not from the hypoblast as is commonly cited. Trisomy in amniotic epithelium suggests that high numbers of abnormal cells were present in the epiblast, and this correlates with poor outcome even when the subsequently derived fetus and amniotic mesenchyme appear to carry only diploid cells. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Issues and concerns of couples presenting for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)
Authors: Katz Mandy G. , Fitzgerald Lara , Bankier Agnes , Savulescu Julian , Cram David S. 
Published: November 2002

AbstractBackgroundThe use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to select genetically ‘normal’ human embryos and to transfer them to the uterus of a woman has generated considerable controversy. Debate has occurred over the implications of PGD, sex selection, safety of embryonic manipulation and eugenics. This study evaluates a range of social and moral concerns of couples towards PGD and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) prior to treatment to obtain unbiased authentic attitudes independent of the treatment cycle and the outcome.MethodsA total of 121 subjects were administered a structured questionnaire after each couple's in vitro fertilization (IVF) or genetic counselling session. Group A consisted of 41 subjects presenting for PGD of single gene disorders (PGD‐SG) and group B consisted of 48 subjects undertaking PGD for aneuploidy screening (PGD‐AS). A control group consisted of 32 subjects that were about to commence their first IVF cycle.Results and discussionAll groups found PGD to be a highly acceptable treatment. They expressed little concern about its extension to testing non‐disease states such as sex and they were strongly in favour of a shared decision‐making model in which couples have considerable autonomy over decisions about the embryo(s) to transfer. Differences between the groups included issues surrounding the transfer of embryos, restrictions to PGD and the destruction of embryos. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Personal desires of patients and social obligations of geneticists: applying preimplantation genetic diagnosis for non‐medical sex selection
Authors: Pennings Guido 
Published: November 2002

AbstractThe arguments against the use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for non‐medical sex selection are analysed. It is concluded that the distinction between medical and non‐medical reasons is difficult to maintain, that the disproportionality of means and end is not a decisive counterargument and that the fear of damage to the reputation of PGD does not justify the refusal of controversial applications. Moreover, since non‐medical sex selection does not belong to basic health care, it should not be equally accessible to all. The position defended in this article is founded on two basic principles: (1) medical reasons have priority on non‐medical reasons, and (2) personal reasons do not qualify for public funding. In order to respect both principles, it is proposed that restrictions should be installed to control the number of requests for social sexing and that a tax should be imposed on these elective services. The tax should compensate the society for the investment it made in the training and education of the physician. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis using FISH for carriers of Robertsonian translocations: the Portuguese experience
Authors: Alves Cláudia , Sousa Mário , Silva Joaquina , Barros Alberto 
Published: November 2002

AbstractPreimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is an alternative to prenatal diagnosis for couples at risk of transmitting genetic disorders to their offspring. We present a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of embryos obtained after seven PGD cycles in six couples with Robertsonian translocations and male factor infertility: 4 der(13;14), 1 der(14;21) and 1 der(15;21). Of 74 metaphase II (MII) injected oocytes, 61 (82.4%) fertilized normally and cleaved. Of these, 37/61 (60.7%) embryos were of high morphological quality with ≥6 blastomeres. After biopsy of 44 embryos at day 3 of development, seven degenerated, seven arrested in development and 30/44 (68.2%) evolved, of which 25/30 (83.3%) reached the morula/blastocyst stage. Analysis of biopsied blastomeres showed 23/44 (52.3%) of normal/balanced embryos, of which 15 (11 at the morula/blastocyst stage) were transferred in six cycles. One term pregnancy was achieved, which ended by cesarean section at 37 weeks of gestation, giving birth to two healthy newborn. Analysis of 49 embryos (excluding 12 inconclusive cases) showed a predominance of alternate segregation (38/49, 77.6%) over adjacent segregation (7/49, 14.3%), with one (2%) being a polyploid mosaic and three (6.1%) chaotic. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.