bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional European differences in allele and genotype frequencies of low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1 polymorphism in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Panza Francesco , D'Introno Alessia , Colacicco Anna M. , Capurso Cristiano , Basile Anna M. , Capurso Sabrina , Capurso Antonio , Solfrizzi Vincenzo 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1 (LRP1 gene) is a candidate gene for Alzheimer's disease (AD), because it is a ligand for proteins involved in AD pathogenesis, such as apolipoprotein E (APOE), α2‐macroglobulin (A2M), amyloid precursor protein (APP), and is located on chromosome 12, within a region linked with AD. An association between a silent polymorphism (C/T) in exon 3 and late onset AD has been reported, with an increased frequency of the C allele, although with conflicting results. We examined this polymorphism in a cohort of 166 sporadic AD patients and 225 sex‐ and age‐matched nondemented controls from Southern Italy. No statistically significant differences were found in LRP1 genotype and allele frequencies between the whole AD sample and controls, nor in early‐ and late‐onset subsets of AD patients. No statistically significant differences in frequencies between LRP1 alleles and AD among APOE allele, age, or gender strata were found. Finally, comparing our results with the findings from other European populations, the LRP1 C allele frequency showed a statistically significant decreasing trend from Northern to Southern regions of Europe, with a concomitant increase in LRP1 T allele frequency, but in AD patients only. Finally, in the AD sample, a decreasing geographical trend from North to South of Europe was found for LRP1 CC genotype, and an inverse trend for LRP1 CT genotype frequency. We suggest that these regional variations in LRP1 genotype and allele frequencies in AD could be related to the different patterns of association between this polymorphism and the disease in various European studies. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling AC current conduction through a human tooth
Authors: Križaj Dejan , Jan Janja , Valenčič Vojko 
Published: March 2004

AbstractImpedance between the electrode inserted in a root canal of a human tooth and the outer electrode placed on the oral mucosa serves as a measure of the root canal length, a vital parameter necessary for efficient endodontic procedure in dentistry. For better understanding of current conduction through the tooth, the impedance has been measured on extracted teeth (in vitro) and further used to develop corresponding electrical lumped element models. For modeling the metal/solution interface and complex structure of the tooth, Fricke's constant phase elements are employed. More detailed insight into current conduction is given by numerical simulation. Numerical simulation demonstrates the influence on the impedance of several important parameters, such as dentin conductance, canal preparation, and solution conductance. Bioelectromagnetics 25:185–195, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Studies on microwaves in medicine and biology: From snails to humans
Authors: Lin James C. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThis d'Arsonval Medal acceptance presentation highlights several research themes selected from Dr. Lin's published works, focusing on the microwave portion of the nonionizing electromagnetic spectrum. The topics discussed include investigation of microwave effects on the spontaneous action potentials and membrane resistance of isolated snail neurons, effects on the permeability of blood brain barriers in rats, the phenomenon and interaction mechanism for the microwave auditory effect (the hearing of microwave pulses by animals and humans), the development of miniature catheter antennas for microwave interstitial hyperthermia treatment of cancer, the application of transcatheter microwave ablation for treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, and the use of noninvasive wireless technology for sensing of human vital signs and blood pressure pulse waves. The paper concludes with some observations on research and other endeavors in the interdisciplinary field of bioelectromagnetics. Bioelectromagnetics 25:146–159, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Orientation of DNA on a surface from simulation
Authors: Wong Ka‐Yiu , Pettitt B. Montgomery 
Published: March 2004

AbstractDNA orientation near surfaces determines many properties related to hybridization efficiency. We performed a 40‐ns molecular dynamics simulation to study the structure and orientation of a 12‐base‐pair DNA duplex tethered to a neutral, epoxide‐coated silica surface. Starting with a canonical B‐form tethered in an up‐right position, normal to the surface, the DNA tilted to over 55° and back. The time scale was a few nanoseconds for tilting events. The linker between the DNA and the surface went from standing upright to tilted, and finally collapsed on the surface. Although the DNA conformation fluctuated, it remained closed to B‐form for the entire 40 ns. Calculations of helical parameters of the DNA show that the tethered end of the DNA changed its conformation noticeably when attracted to the surface. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2004
Strategies for covalent attachment of DNA to beads
Authors: Steinberg Gali , Stromsborg Katie , Thomas Lynette , Barker David , Zhao Chanfeng 
Published: March 2004

AbstractSeveral covalent attachment chemistries were tested for the immobilization of DNA onto glass beads. The comparison was based on the ability of these chemistries to produce derivatized beads that give good hybridization signals. Cyanuric chloride, isothiocyanate, nitrophenyl chloroformate, and hydrazone chemistries gave us the best (yet comparable) hybridization signals. We further characterized the cyanuric chloride method for the number of attachment sites, number of hybridizable sites, hybridization kinetics, effect of linker length on hybridization intensity and stability of the derivatized beads. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2004
Implementation of a specialist-led service for the management of acute gallstone disease
Authors: Mercer S J , Knight J S , Toh S K C , Walters A M , Sadek S A , Somers S S 
Published: March 2004

Abstract

Background
The ‘gold standard’ treatment for acute cholecystitis and biliary colic requiring hospital admission is urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This is not routinely available in all hospitals.

Methods
A retrospective audit of emergency admissions with acute cholecystitis or biliary colic from January to December 2000 led to the development and implementation of a specialist-led protocol for the urgent management of acute gallstone disease. A second audit was carried out covering the 6 months after implementation.

Results
One hundred and fifty-eight patients were admitted with acute cholecystitis or biliary colic in the first audit period and 110 in the second interval. The rate of cholecystectomy at index admission increased from 37·3 to 67·3 per cent, at a median of 3 days after admission, and the conversion rate to open surgery fell from 32 to 12 per cent. Median hospital stay fell from 9 to 5·5 days, and the unplanned readmission rate decreased from 19·0 to 3·6 per cent.

Conclusion
Urgent cholecystectomy for the management of acute gallstone disease is feasible and achievable in an acute services hospital with a specialist upper gastrointestinal team. It can lead to a reduced conversion rate, shorter hospital stay, fewer unplanned readmissions, an acceptable operating time and a low complication rate. The protocol is recommended for implementation in other hospitals.
Training and patient safety
Authors: Thorpe P 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
Patient Safety Leading Article Series, 2004 Over the rest of 2004 BJS will publish a series of leading articles dealing with issues of patient safety. A personal view of the matter was sought from the perspective of a trainee, Paul Thorpe, British trained but currently working in Australia. The trainee's view, sadly but typically, tends to come last—but not this time. Paul's article starts off the series. He notes that hospitals lag behind the airline industry and it is fitting, therefore, that the second paper is by Manfred Müller of Lufthansa.
Topography and interactions of the arytenoid and cricoid articular facets: Implications for vocal process positional shifts
Authors: Probst Kenneth X. , Schön Ybarra Miguel A. , Kashima Haskin , Crosby Ranice W. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractUsing new computer applications and digital technologies, we provide a rigorous description and realistic illustrations of the arytenoid‐on‐the cricoid rotations. We also provide the articular facet topography and interactions that underlay those rotations and the concomitant vocal process positional shifts. The thyroid cartilage and all soft tissues were removed from three excised, preserved, normal, adult human larynges without disturbing the crico‐arytenoid (CA) articular capsule. Three CA assemblies were thus prepared and used to digitize arytenoid rotations and vocal process positional shifts, and, after disarticulation, also the surface contour of the arytenoid and cricoid facets, and the cricoid lumen margin. The digitized data served to computer generate 2D and 3D graphic visualizations of the vocal process positional shifts, of the topography of the facets, and of the facet motion sequences that show that the anteroposteriorly concave arytenoid facet slides and conjunctly rotates on the anteroposteriorly convex cricoid facet. Visual details of all graphic representations and facet motion sequences were essentially identical across the three assemblies. Then, based on the computer generated data obtained from the largest of the CA assemblies, 3D, realistic, and hand‐drawn images were made that illustrate the directions in which the arytenoids can rotate and the vocal processes concomitantly shift positions. Results indicate that when the arytenoids rotate by sliding from anterior to posterior on the cricoid facets about a primary axis of motion aligned from medial, posterior, and superior, to lateral, anterior, and inferior, their vocal processes shift positions along a plane obliquely oriented from anterior and medial, to posterior and lateral, and from inferior and medial, to superior and lateral. Clin. Anat. 17:206–213, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of clinical and molecular surveillance in patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma after primary therapy
Authors: Hong Ruey‐Long , Lin Chin‐Yu , Ting Lai‐Lei , Ko Jenq‐Yuh , Hsu Mow‐Ming 
Published: March 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe importance of detecting recurrence at an early stage in patients with malignant disease is well recognized. Circulating Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA can be detected in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The objective of the current study was to assess the effectiveness of plasma EBV DNA monitoring in the early detection of NPC recurrence compared with conventional methods.METHODSPatients with NPC in two prospective clinical trials who had locoregional recurrences or distant metastases were recruited into the study. Clinical data on these patients were scrutinized for evidence of recurrence. EBV DNA copy numbers in the prospectively collected plasma samples were assayed retrospectively with real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis.RESULTSAt the time of clinical recurrence, 65% of 26 patients with locoregional recurrences and all but 1 of 28 patients with distant failure had circulating EBV DNA. The difference between the time from completion of treatment to positivity for circulating EBV DNA and the time from completion of treatment to the first observed clinical abnormality was not statistically significant for patients with local recurrence (P = 0.84). However, the time to the first detection of circulating EBV DNA was significantly shorter among patients with distant metastases (P < 0.0001). The Kaplan–Meier estimated median time to the emergence of plasma EBV DNA was 190 days, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 95–300 days, and the median time to the first observed clinical abnormality was 295 days (95% CI, 276–361 days).CONCLUSIONSMonitoring plasma EBV DNA levels surpassed traditional methods for the early detection of distant failure in patients with NPC. The role of this technique should be evaluated in prospective studies that incorporate complementary advanced imaging technology. Cancer 2004;100:1429–37. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Improvement of Selectivity in Specific Adsorption by the Addition of Acetic Acid during the CVD of Silicon Alkoxide to Form a Silica Overlayer with a Molecular Sieving Property
Authors: Katada N. , Akazawa S. , Niwa M. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe CVD of silicon alkoxide was carried out on a tin oxide surface coated with pre‐adsorbed carboxylate anions as templates. During the deposition of alkoxide, acetic acid was added in order to accelerate the formation of siloxane. After removal of the template and acetic acid, both the template molecule itself and the smaller molecule were adsorbed, while the adsorption of larger molecules was almost completely suppressed. The shape‐selective adsorption capacity was thus observed, and the presence of a cavity, the shape and size of which were controlled by the template molecule, is suggested.
Identification and characterisation of mRif1: A mouse telomere‐associated protein highly expressed in germ cells and embryo‐derived pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Adams Ian R. , McLaren Anne 
Published: March 2004

AbstractWe have identified a mouse ortholog of the yeast Rif1 family of telomere‐associated proteins on the basis of its high expression in primordial germ cells and embryo‐derived pluripotent stem cell lines. mRif1 is also highly expressed in totipotent and pluripotent cells during early mouse development, and in male and female germ cells in adult mice. mRif1 expression is induced during derivation of embryonic stem cells and is rapidly down‐regulated upon differentiation of embryonic stem cells in vitro. Furthermore, we show that mRif1 physically interacts with the telomere‐associated protein mTrf2 and can be cross‐linked to telomeric repeat DNA in mouse embryonic stem cells. mRif1 may be involved in the maintenance of telomere length or pluripotency in the germline and during early mouse development. Developmental Dynamics 229:733–744, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional analysis in Drosophila indicates that the NBCCS/PTCH1 mutation G509V results in activation of smoothened through a dominant‐negative mechanism
Authors: Hime Gary R. , Lada Hania , Fietz Michael J. , Gillies Susan , Passmore Abraham , Wicking Carol , Wainwright Brandon J. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractMutations in the human homolog of the patched gene are associated with the developmental (and cancer predisposition) condition Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (NBCCS), as well as with sporadic basal cell carcinomas. Most mutations that have been identified in the germline of NBCCS patients are truncating or frameshift mutations, with amino acid substitutions rarely found. We show that a missense mutation in the sterol‐sensing domain G509V acts as a dominant negative when assayed in vivo in Drosophila. Ectopic expression of a Drosophila patched transgene, carrying the analogous mutation to G509V, causes ectopic activation of Hedgehog target genes and ectopic membrane stabilisation of Smoothened. The G509V transgene behaves in a manner similar, except in its subcellular distribution, to a C‐terminal truncation that has been characterised previously as a dominant‐negative protein. G509V exhibits vesicular localisation identical to the wild‐type protein, but the C‐terminal truncated Patched molecule is localised predominantly to the plasma membrane. This finding suggests that dominant‐negative function can be conferred by interruption of different aspects of Patched protein behaviour. Another mutation at the same residue, G509R, did not exhibit dominant‐negative activity, suggesting that simple removal of the glycine at 509 is not sufficient to impart dominant‐negative function. Developmental Dynamics 229:780–790, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic background has a major effect on the penetrance and severity of craniofacial defects in mice heterozygous for the gene encoding the nucleolar protein treacle
Authors: Dixon Jill , Dixon Michael James 
Published: March 2004

AbstractTreacher Collins syndrome (TCS) is a craniofacial disorder that results from mutations in TCOF1, which encodes the nucleolar protein Treacle. The severity of the clinical features exhibits wide variation and includes hypoplasia of the mandible and maxilla, abnormalities of the external ears and middle ear ossicles, and cleft palate. To determine the in vivo function of Treacle, we previously generated Tcof1 heterozygous mice on a mixed C57BL/6 and 129 background. These mice exhibited a lethal phenotype, which included abnormal development of the maxilla, absence of the eyes and nasal passages, and neural tube defects. Here, we show that placing the mutation onto different genetic backgrounds has a major effect on the penetrance and severity of the craniofacial and other defects. The offspring exhibit markedly variable strain‐dependent phenotypes that range from extremely severe and lethal in a mixed CBA/Ca and 129 background, to apparently normal and viable in a mixed BALB/c and 129 background. In the former case, in addition to a profoundly severe craniofacial phenotype, CBA‐derived heterozygous mice also exhibited delayed ossification of the long bones, rib fusions, and digit anomalies. The results of our studies indicate that factors in the different genetic backgrounds contribute extensively to the Tcof1 phenotype. Developmental Dynamics 229:907–914, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alternative processing for MHC class I presentation by immature and CpG‐activated dendritic cells
Authors: Chen Liying , Jondal Mikael 
Published: March 2004

AbstractExogenous proteins can be processed by antigen‐presenting cells for the generation of MHC class I‐restricted T cell responses. Where this occurs is not clear, although both transfer of internalized antigen into the cytosol and alternative processing in endolysosomes and phagosomes have been reported. Here we have studied the capacity of bone marrow‐derived mouse myeloid dendritic cells (DC) to process the OVA protein for peptide presentation by H2‐Kb. We have found that immature DC (iDC), both wild‐type and transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP)‐deficient cells, can transiently process OVA in a pathway which is resistant to inhibitors of the classical MHC class I pathway including the Golgi inhibitor Brefeldin A (BFA) and the proteasome inhibitor lactacystin. This alternative pathway is not found in subcultured DC with an intermediate maturity (imDC) or in resting, IL‐3 expanded macrophages but can be re‐expressed in imDC if these are activated byan immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotide. Both iDC and CpG‐activated DC were found to process OVA by regurgitation. In addition, we found that iDC secrete proteolytic enzymes into the supernatant, which can process OVA in the extracellular phase. These results suggest that multiple pathways exist for the processing of exogenous protein antigens into MHC class I‐binding peptides.
CTLA‐4‐dependent mechanisms prevent T cell induced‐liver pathology during the erythrocyte stage of Plasmodium berghei malaria
Authors: Jacobs Thomas , Plate Tanja , Gaworski Iris , Fleischer Bernhard 
Published: March 2004

AbstractDuring the course of malaria several organs develop pathology. Frequently also signs of hepatocyte damage are found. In the present work we studied the mechanisms leading to liver pathology during the erythrocyte stage of Plasmodium berghei malaria. During infection, mice developed an inflammation of the liver, associated with infiltration of T cells, although only little tissuedamage could be observed. Histological analysis revealed the presence of CTL‐associated antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4)‐positive T cells in the liver parenchyma. To study the influence of CTLA‐4 expression on liver inflammation, mice were treated with an antibody against CTLA‐4. Treated mice suffered from a dramatically increased liver pathology. Using cytokine‐deficient mice we found that pathology was dependent on the presence of IL‐12 and IFN‐γ. To further study the mechanisms that lead to an enhanced pathology, we analyzed cytokine production from liver‐derived T cells. In infected mice the frequency of IFN‐γ‐producing cells in the liver was low. In contrast, in anti‐CTLA‐4‐treated mice larger numbers of IFN‐γ‐producing cells were detectable. Our results indicate that activated T cells during the erythrocyte stage of malaria can induce pathology due to secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, these results provide evidence that CTLA‐4 expression can restrict T cell function in inflamed organs and might therefore prevent pathology.
The murine inhibitory receptor mSiglec‐E is expressed broadly on cells of the innate immune system whereas mSiglec‐F is restricted to eosinophils
Authors: Zhang Jiquan Q. , Biedermann Björn , Nitschke Lars , Crocker Paul R. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractMurine (m) Siglec‐E and mSiglec‐F are recently discovered murine sialic acid‐binding Ig‐like lectins with tyrosine‐based inhibitory signaling motifs. They are postulated to be the orthologs ofhuman (h) siglec‐7, ‐8 or ‐9 and siglec‐5, respectively. We report here the first detailed characterization of mSiglec‐E, and compare its expression pattern with mSiglec‐F. Similar to hSiglec‐7, mSiglec‐E preferred α2–8‐linked disialic acid over α2–3‐ and α2–6‐linked sialic acids. Using a specific Ab, FACS analysis demonstrated that mSiglec‐E was expressed mainly on neutrophils inblood and their immature precursors in bone marrow. mSiglec‐E was present on peritoneal cavity macrophages and on subsets of mature NK cells and splenic dendritic cells. mSiglec‐E was also found ona novel population of peritoneal cavity B‐1a‐like cells and a subset of splenic B cells enriched in transitional T2 and marginal zone B cells. In striking contrast to mSiglec‐E, mSiglec‐F was expressed predominantly on eosinophils in blood and their precursors in the bone marrow. The distinct and largely non‐overlapping expression profiles of mSiglec‐E and mSiglec‐F suggest that they play non‐redundant roles in the innate immune system. mSiglec‐E is likely to modulate the functions of several types of effector cells, whereas mSiglec‐F is likely to be more restricted to eosinophil biology.
Functional mapping of the FcγRII binding site on human IgG1 by synthetic peptides
Authors: Medgyesi Dávid , Uray Katalin , Sallai Krisztina , Hudecz Ferenc , Koncz Gábor , Abramson Jakub , Pecht Israel , Sármay Gabriella , Gergely János 
Published: March 2004

AbstractReceptors specific for the Fc part of IgG (FcγR) are expressed by several cell types and play diverse roles in immune responses. Impaired function of the activating and inhibitory FcγRmay result in autoimmunity. Thus, the modulation of IgG‐FcγR interaction can be a target for the development of treatments for some autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This study addresses the localization and functional characterization of linear sequences in human IgG1 which bind to FcγRII. Peptides with overlapping sequences derived from the CH2 domain of human IgG1 between P234 and S298 were synthesized and used in binding and functional experiments. Binding of the peptides to FcγR was assayed in vitro and ex vivo, and peptides foundto interact were functionally tested. The shortest effective peptide was T256–P271, which bound to soluble recombinant FcγRIIb with Kd=6×106 M–1. The biotinylated peptides R255–P271 and T256–P271 complexed by avidin exhibited functional activity; they induced FcγRIIb‐mediated inhibition of the BCR‐triggered Ca2+ response of human Burkitt lymphoma cells, and inflammatory cytokine production (TNF‐α and IL‐6) by the human monocyte cell line MonoMac. In conclusion, our results suggest that the selected peptides functionally represent the FcγRII‐binding part of IgG1.