bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mini‐review: Specificity and expression of CIITA, the master regulator of MHC class II genes
Authors: LeibundGut‐Landmann Salomé , Waldburger Jean‐Marc , Krawczyk Michal , Otten Luc A. , Suter Tobias , Fontana Adriano , Acha‐Orbea Hans , Reith Walter 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe class II transactivator (CIITA) has been referred to as the "master control factor" for the expression of MHC class II (MHCII) genes. As our knowledge on the specificity and function of CIITA grows, it is becoming increasingly evident that this sobriquet is entirely justified. First, despite extensive investigations, the major target genes of CIITA remain those implicated in the presentation of antigenic peptides by MHCII molecules. Although other putative target genes have been reported, the contribution of CIITA to their expression remains indirect, controversial or comparatively minor relative to its decisive role as a regulator of MHCII and related genes. Second, the most important parameter dictating MHCII expression is by far the expression pattern of the gene encoding CIITA (MHC2TA). The vast majority of signals that activate or repress MHCII expression under physiological and pathological situations converge on one or more of the three alternative promoters that drive transcription of the MHC2TA gene. In short, with respect to its specificity and its exquisitely controlled pattern of expression, CIITA is by a long stretch the single most important transcription factor for the regulation of genes required for MHCII‐restricted antigen‐presentation.
The survival effect of TNF‐α  in human neutrophils is mediated via NF‐κB‐dependent IL‐8 release
Authors: Cowburn Andrew S. , Deighton John , Walmsley Sarah R. , Chilvers Edwin R. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe capacity of cytokines to modulate neutrophil apoptosis is thought to be a major factor influencing the resolution of granulocytic inflammation. We have previously shown that the late survival effect of TNF‐α  in human neutrophils involves activation of both NF‐κB and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3‐kinase) pathways. In this study, we address how these pathways integrate to prevent cell death. In human neutrophils, TNF‐α  (200 U/ml) induced rapid IκB‐α  degradation, NF‐κB activation and IL‐8 release (31.8±5.4 pg/105 cells/2 h), whereas GM‐CSF (10 ng/ml) stimulated an equivalent IL‐8 release (26.5±4.5 pg/105 cells/2 h) without enhanced IκB‐α  degradation or NF‐κB activation compared to control. Importantly, inhibition of PI3‐kinase did not modify TNF‐α ‐induced IκB‐α  degradation, yet fully inhibited the survival effect of both cytokines. Inhibition of IκB‐α  phosphorylation, PI3‐kinase or ERK1/2 activation blocked IL‐8 release by both cytokines. Blocking IL‐8 activity by inhibiting its synthesis or by using a neutralizing antibody enhanced the early pro‐apoptotic effectof TNF‐α  and inhibited its late survival effect without affecting GM‐CSF‐induced survival. These data suggest that cross‐talk between NF‐κB and PI3‐kinase pathways in TNF‐α ‐stimulated neutrophils results from NF‐κB/ERK1/2‐dependent IL‐8 production which acts in an autocrine manner to drive PI3‐kinase‐dependent survival. In contrast, GM‐CSF‐mediated survival does not involve NF‐κB activation or IL‐8 release.
Effects of a Surfactant on the Electrocatalytic Activity of Cobalt Hexacyanoferrate Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode Towards the Oxidation of Dopamine
Authors: Xun Zhiyin , Cai Chenxin , Lu Tianhong 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe cobalt hexacyanoferrate film (CoHCF) was deposited on the surface of a glassy carbon (GC) electrode with a potential cycling procedure in the presence and absence of the cationic surfactant, cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), to form CoHCF modified GC (CoHCF/GC) electrode. It was found that CTAB would affect the growth of the CoHCF film, the electrochemical behavior of the CoHCF film and the electrocatalytic activity of the CoHCF/GC electrode towards the electrochemical oxidation of dopamine (DA). The reasons of the electrochemical behavior of CoHCF/GC electrode influenced by CTAB were investigated using FTIR and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. The apparent rate constant of electrocatalytic oxidation of DA catalyzed by CoHCF was determined using the rotating disk electrode measurements.
Use of a Carbon Paste Electrode Modified with Spinel‐Type Manganese Oxide as a Potentiometric Sensor for Lithium Ions in Flow Injection Analysis
Authors: Teixeira Marcos F. S. , Cavalheiro Éder T. G. , Bergamini Márcio F. , Moraes Fernando C. , Bocchi Nerilso 
Published: April 2004

AbstractA potentiometric sensor constructed from a mixture of 25% (m/m) spinel‐type manganese oxide (lambda‐MnO2), 50% (m/m) graphite powder and 25% (m/m) mineral oil is used for the determination of lithium ions in a flow injection analysis system. Experimental parameters, such as pH of the carrier solution, flow rate, injection sample volume, and selectivity for Li+ against other alkali and alkaline‐earth ions and the response time of this sensor were investigated. The sensor response to lithium ions was linear in the concentration range 8.6×10−5–1.0×10−2 mol L−1 with a slope 78.9±0.3 mV dec−1 over a wide pH range 7–10 (Tris buffer), without interference of other alkali and alkaline‐earth metals. For a flow rate of 5.0 mL min−1 and a injection sample volume of 408.6 μL, the relative standard deviation for repeated injections of a 5.0×10−4 mol L−1 lithium ions was 0.3%.
Time trends of female lung cancer in Hong Kong: Age, period and birth cohort analysis
Authors: Chiu Yuk Lan , Yu Ignatius T.S. , Wong Tze Wai 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe study was conducted to estimate the effects of age, year of diagnosis (period) and year of birth (cohort) on the time trend of female lung cancer incidence between 1976 and 2000 in Hong Kong. Data were obtained from a population‐based cancer registry and the Census and Statistics Department. Using the Hong Kong general population of 1990 as the reference, age‐adjusted incidence rates were computed by using direct standardization. We also analyzed secular trends in 2 consecutive periods, 1976–1990 and 1991–2000, using a Poisson regression model to estimate the annual percentage change in incidence rate. Age, period and cohort effects were assessed employing the method proposed by Clayton and Schifflers with 3 Poisson regression models fitted separately for age alone, age and period, and age and cohort. The age‐adjusted incidence rate increased steadily up to 1990, when a peak of 40.1 per 100,000 was reached. Thereafter, a downward trend was observed. The overall annual increase was 4.2% during the period 1976–1990 with the fastest increase observed in women aged 80–84 years. An overall decrease of 2.3% was seen in the period 1991–2000, with the greatest reduction occurring in the 35–39 age group. After the adjustment for age, significant period and cohort effects on the time trend of incidence were observed. The age‐cohort model provided a better description of the data than the age‐period model. The risk of successive 5‐year birth cohorts increased from 1896 to 1925 and then decreased. The time trend of lung cancer incidence of Hong Kong female in 1976–2000 had a marked birth cohort effect. Our results imply that major sources of exposure, which carry an increased risk of lung cancer for Hong Kong women, have been becoming less common in recent decades. Domestic air pollution, poor nutrition and tobacco smoking might have played important roles in the change of risks in successive generations and provide guidance for future interventions. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential expression of the human homologue of drosophila discs large oncosuppressor in histologic samples from human papillomavirus–associated lesions as a marker for progression to malignancy
Authors: Cavatorta Ana Laura , Fumero Gastón , Chouhy Diego , Aguirre Roxana , Nocito Ana Lía , Giri Adriana A. , Banks Lawrence , Gardiol Daniela 
Published: April 2004

AbstractHigh‐risk HPVs play a causal role in the development of cervical cancer, and their E6 oncoproteins target h‐Dlg for ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis. The h‐Dlg oncosuppressor is associated with cell–cell interactions, and deregulation of these structures leads to defective cell adhesion, loss of cell polarity and unregulated proliferation. We evaluated the contribution of this E6 activity in the progression to malignancy in HPV infections by analyzing h‐Dlg expression in HPV‐associated lesions. We analyzed h‐Dlg in cervical, laryngeal, vulvar, colon and kidney histologic samples by Dlg immunohistochemistry. HPV association was ascertained by a PCR‐colorimetric method. Although Dlg was certainly expressed in intraepithelial cervical, vulvar and laryngeal HPV‐associated lesions, its cellular and tissue distribution patterns were altered compared to normal tissue. However, marked reduction in Dlg levels was observed in HPV‐positive invasive cervical carcinomas. To elucidate whether the loss of Dlg was significant for carcinogenesis in general, we investigated Dlg expression in tumors not associated with HPV. In colon and kidney carcinomas, Dlg was expressed, albeit with a different pattern of distribution with respect to the normal tissue. The loss of Dlg may be considered a late‐stage marker in cervical carcinogenesis, but alterations in its expression and localization take place during the different dysplastic stages. Dlg downregulation and/or alterations in its localization may contribute to transformation and may explain some of the characteristics of the malignant cells, such as loss of polarity and high migration ability. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ilyocryptusthailandensis sp. nov. (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Ilyocryptidae) from North Thailand
Authors: Kotov Alexey A. , Sanoamuang La‐orsri 
Published: April 2004

AbstractPreviously only a single species of Ilyocryptus Sars, 1862 (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Ilyocryptidae) was reported from Thailand, I. spinifer Herrick, 1882. However, our examination of numerous samples from this country resulted in the discovery of four other species of Ilyocryptus. Ilyocryptus thailandensis sp. nov. is described from two adjacent water bodies in Uttaradit Province, North Thailand. It has at least two characters which distinguish it from any other species of the Ilyocryptus: (1) a row of lateral setae reaching medial anus, and continuing along preanal margin up to base of the postabdomen; (2) a large projection bearing the sensory setae, situated on the coxal region of antenna II. It appears to be a rare species, may be, endemic of the North Thailand.
Banning antimicrobial growth promoters in feedstuffs does not result in increased therapeutic use of antibiotics in medicated feed in pig farming
Authors: Arnold Sabine , Gassner Beat , Giger Thomas , Zwahlen Roland 
Published: April 2004

AbstractObjectiveWe analysed prescription patterns for medicated feedstuffs to find out whether the ban on nutritive antimicrobial growth promotion introduced in Switzerland in 1999 had caused an increase in the therapeutic use of antimicrobial agents given orally to piglets and fattening pigs.MethodsFrom 1996 to 2001, a total of 6427 prescriptions were evaluated for medicated pig feed delivered to pig farms in the Swiss canton of St Gall. Prescribed daily doses (PDD) were derived for 14 active ingredients. The overall amount and the potency of antimicrobial agents were measured in relation to the size of the pig population (PDD/population).ResultsThe use of antimicrobial agents decreased between 1996 (1200 kg) and 1999 (708 kg) and increased thereafter from 779 kg in 2000 to 936 kg in 2001. The PDD/population (6.1 in 1996 and 3.6 in 1999) remained low (3.3 in 2000 and 3.4 in 2001). The difference between the two parameters can be explained by changes in prescribing patterns, namely a reduction in antimicrobial therapy of respiratory diseases in fattening pigs and a shift to antimicrobial treatment of gastrointestinal‐tract infections in piglets using drugs with a high PDD. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do therapeutic indications of antidepressants change from one year to another?
Authors: Cuevas Carlos De las , Sanz Emilio 
Published: April 2004

AbstractPurposeTo analyse and describe the pattern of prescriptions for antidepressants by all psychiatrists working for the Canary Islands Health Service (CIHS) during the 4‐year period from 1999 to 2002.MethodsAll prescriptions for antidepressants by the ten psychiatrists who worked continuously for the CIHS during the period 1999–2002 in the island of Tenerife (700 000 inhabitants) were collected from the CIHS central database. Global prescription of antidepressant medication for the entire region (1.8 million inhabitants) by any physician working for the public sector was counted and converted into defined daily doses (DDDs).ResultsThe intensity of prescribing antidepressants increased from 22.1 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day in 1999 to 29.1 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day in 2002, with the five top selective serotonine reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) being responsible for 83.6% of all the antidepressant prescriptions in the year 2002. A wide variation in individual prescription pattern was evident both between and within each psychiatrist during these years. Working in the same conditions, and with a similar morbidity pattern, one psychiatrist prescribed up to 32 000 DDDs in one year, whereas another colleague only prescribed 600 DDDs in the same period and to the same covered population. The amount of individual variation in prescription pattern highly correlated with the intensity of drug prescribing.ConclusionsThe high inter‐ and intra‐individual variation in antidepressant prescribing could not be linked with personal, structural or morbidity patterns, and the heavy influence of pharmaceutical industry could not be ruled out. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Principles for modeling propensity scores in medical research: a systematic literature review
Authors: Weitzen Sherry , Lapane Kate L. , Toledano Alicia Y. , Hume Anne L. , Mor Vincent 
Published: April 2004

AbstractPurposeTo document which established criteria for logistic regression modeling researchers consider when using propensity scores in observational studies.MethodsWe performed a systematic review searching Medline and Science Citation to identify observational studies published in 2001 that addressed clinical questions using propensity score methods to adjust for treatment assignment. We abstracted aspects of propensity score model development (e.g. variable selection criteria, continuous variables included in correct functional form, interaction inclusion criteria), model discrimination and goodness of fit for 47 studies meeting inclusion criteria.ResultsWe found few studies reporting on the propensity score model development or evaluation of model fit.ConclusionsReporting of aspects related to propensity score model development is limited and raises questions about the value of these principles in developing propensity scores from which unbiased treatment effects are estimated. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytomegalovirus pneumonitis in a patient with Hodgkin disease and ataxia‐telangiectasia
Authors: Sandoval Claudio , Swift Michael 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWe describe a child with with Hodgkin disease and ataxia‐telangiectasia who also developed an unusual pneumonitis caused by a cytomegalovirus which was fatal. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:559–560. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of spirometric reference values
Authors: Subbarao Padmaja , Lebecque Patrick , Corey Mary , Coates Allan L. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractLung‐function reference values play a vital role in the management of respiratory disorders. There are many proposed reference equations for pediatric spirometry. Recently, spirometric reference equations were proposed, using data from people aged 8–80 years living in the US compiled by the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Our objective was to compare the predictive value of wider age‐range reference equations to established pediatric reference equations for the pediatric population. Spirometry, height, and weight were obtained from 70 normal children aged 6–18 years. The difference between measured and predicted values as suggested by different reference equations was compared. Predicted values from general equations significantly differed from those generated from pediatric equations and from measured values in this population. The difference between measured and predicted values from the wider age‐range equations varied between 7–16% for forced expired volume in 1 sec (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). The difference between measured and predicted values for the pediatric equations varied between 1–4%. Although wider age‐range equations provide continuity through age ranges, their predictive accuracy may be low in the pediatric age group, especially for the youngest, smallest children. Extrapolating reference equations beyond the age range of subjects used to generate then is not recommended. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:515–522. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Asset restructuring and business group affiliation in French civil law countries
Authors: Hoskisson Robert E. , Cannella Albert A. , Tihanyi Laszlo , Faraci Rosario 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWe examine the relationship of environmental antecedents to asset restructuring in nine French civil law countries in Latin America and Europe. In these countries, business group affiliation helps member firms to access resources, take advantage of environmental opportunities, and neutralize threats. Results indicated that environmental antecedents, such as change in country development, increased competition and deregulation led to increased asset restructuring. More importantly, however, we also found that the influence of environmental factors was moderated by business group membership. The relationship between change in country development and restructuring was stronger for group‐affiliated firms and the effects of increased competition and deregulation on asset restructuring were stronger for primarily independent firms. Our study offers additional evidence that organizations may respond differently to environmental opportunities and threats depending on the institutional setting. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delayed Vertigo after Stapes Surgery
Authors: Albera Roberto , Canale Andrea , Lacilla Michelangelo , Cavalot Andrea L. , Ferrero Vittorio 
Published: April 2004

AbstractObjectives:Stapes surgery restores partial or total hearing in almost 95% of cases, and in case of failure, revision surgery may often resolve the problem. Delayed vertigo is commonly related to perilymphatic fistula. The aim of this study is to report experience gained in revision stapes surgery in cases of delayed vertigo.Study Design:This is an intervention study, before‐after trial; it includes follow‐up between 12 and 84 months that was based on clinical history and audiometric evaluations.Methods:The work was carried out in the otologic surgery referral center of Piemonte in outpatient surgery. Nine patients (4 males and 5 females, between 43 and 60 years of age) who presented with delayed vertigo after stapes surgery were retrospectively reviewed. All nine underwent clinical history evaluation, pure tone audiogram, investigation of the vestibular system with a bithermal binaural caloric test, and fistula test. Vestibular tests were performed with electronystagmography recording. In all nine subjects, functional middle ear exploration was carried out by way of a transmeatal approach using local anesthesia. The demonstration of a perilymphatic leak was positive in only three (33%) cases, but the oval window region was filled with fibrin glue in all nine cases.Results:At follow‐up, vertigo was resolved in all cases with revision surgery, even though perilymph leak was positive only in three cases.Conclusion:From the results obtained, we feel that exploration of the middle ear should be always carried out in cases of delayed vertigo after stapes surgery with suspected perilymphatic fistula.
Tissue Engineering of a Human Sized And Shaped Auricle Using a Mold
Authors: Kamil S. H. , Vacanti M. P. , Aminuddin B. S. , Jackson M. J. , Vacanti C. A. , Eavey R. D. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractObjectives: The creation of a tissue‐engineered auricle was initially successful in an immunocompromised nude mouse model. Subsequently, an immunocompetent porcine model successfully generated a helical construct. We wished to evaluate the novel technique of using a mold to create a complete, anatomically refined auricle in a large animal model.Methods: Mixtures of autogenous chondrocytes and biodegradable polymers were used inside a perforated, auricle shaped hollow gold mold. Three biodegradable polymers (calcium alginate, pluronic F‐127, and polyglycolic acid) were used to retain the seeded chondrocytes inside the mold. These molds, along with a control, were implanted subcutaneously in the abdominal area of 10 animals (pigs and sheep). The constructs were removed after 8 to 20 weeks and were assessed by gross morphology and histology.Results: All the gold implants were well tolerated by the animals. The implants using calcium alginate (n = 3) generated constructs of the exact shape and size of a normal human ear; the histology demonstrated mostly normal cartilage with some persistent alginate. The implants with pluronic F‐127 (n = 3) resulted in cartilage with essentially normal histology, although leakage outside the molds and external cartilage generation was noted. Polyglycolic acid implants (n = 3) produced no useful cartilage because of an inflammatory reaction with fibrosis. The empty control mold (n = 1) demonstrated only a very small amount of fibrous tissue inside.Conclusion: A tissue‐engineered human sized auricle of normal anatomic definition can be generated in an immunocompetent large‐animal model using a mold technique. Although further refinements will be necessary, the technique appears promising for potential use in patients with microtia.
Pediatric Tonsillotomy with the Radiofrequency Technique: Less Morbidity and Pain
Authors: Hultcrantz Elisabeth , Ericsson Elisabeth 
Published: April 2004

AbstractObjective: To compare two techniques for pediatric tonsil surgery with respect to pain and postoperative morbidity. The two methods were the partial tonsil resection using radiofrequency (RF) technique (tonsillotomy [TT]) versus traditional tonsillectomy (TE).Study Design: Prospective clinical randomized study in one tertiary care ENT clinic and two secondary care clinics.Method: One hundred fifty children, between 5 and 15 years of age, were randomized to either TT with RF using the Surgitron™ Ellman, 1.7 MHz, or regular TE. Randomization was performed from the waiting list, including children with both a history of obstructive problems and recurrent tonsillitis. The TT was performed with a specially made sling electrode using a cut/coagulation mode.Results: Forty‐nine children were operated on with TT and 43 with TE. There was significantly less bleeding in the TT group, although two cases of primary postoperative bleeding occurred among the TT children and one in the TE group. The pain recordings showed significantly less pain for the TT children from the second hour postoperatively onward, and the TT children were pain free and in school 3 days earlier than the TE group. The TT group had less need of the prescribed drugs (diclofenac and paracetamol). After 9 days, 73% of the TT children were completely healed, but only 31% of the TE children. By that time, the TE children had lost a mean of 660 g, and the TT children had gained 127 g. The effect on snoring was the same for both groups.Conclusion: RF appears to be a safe and reliable method for tonsil surgery with much less postoperative morbidity than regular TE.