bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cloning and functional characterization of a rat Daxx that functions as a corepressor for the androgen receptor
Authors: Mizuta Haruo , Kuroda Yasuo 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe androgen receptor (AR), a ligand‐activated nuclear transcription factor, plays an important role in endocrine system development and homeostasis. AR‐mediated gene transcription is modulated by a wide variety of coregulator proteins, but corepressors of AR have not been well characterized. We have isolated a rat homologue of Daxx, a possible AR repressor. The clone obtained comprised a 2196 bp open reading frame, corresponding to a sequence of 731 amino acids with 80.5% homology to mouse. Basal transcription of the isolated clone was repressed in transient transcription experiments using a Gal4 reporter gene assay. Furthermore, a mammalian two‐hybrid assay showed a strong interaction between Daxx and promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein. These results indicate that the isolated clone is a rat homologue of Daxx. The rat Daxx (rDaxx) interacted with the androgen receptor (AR): in co‐immunoprecipitation experiments, AR formed complexes with anti‐Daxx antibody. Furthermore, overexpression of Daxx suppressed AR‐mediated transcriptional activity in HeLa and CV1 cells in transient transfection experiments. Taken together, our results suggest that Daxx may function as a corepressor for the androgen receptor.
Laboratory evidence for behavioural impairment of fish escaping trawls: a review
Authors: Ryer Clifford H. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
It is now widely accepted that for some species a proportion of the undersized fish escaping trawl codends die as a direct result of stress, with 10% to 30% mortality commonly cited. It has also been suggested that there may be indirect or behaviourally mediated mortality; fish that encounter and escape the trawl, only to experience stress-induced behavioural deficits and succumb to predators in the hours or days afterwards. The goal of this review was to evaluate the plausibility of this behaviourally mediated, yet unobserved mortality. Three laboratory studies utilizing cod (Gadus morhua), walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma), and sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) have assayed for behavioural impairment in fish following application of stressors designed to simulate entrainment and escape from trawls. Where impairments in anti-predator capabilities occurred, it was determined that trawl-stressed fish exhibited reduced swimming speed, reduced shoal cohesion, and reduced predator vigilance compared to control fish. Although stressed fish appeared to rapidly recover their ability to avoid being eaten by predators, measurements of more subtle aspects of escapee behaviour suggest that impairments may persist for days after stressor application. Although these studies demonstrate that more investigation is required, when combined with a more extensive literature demonstrating that a variety of stressors can impair fish anti-predator behaviour, it is reasonable to conclude that many fish species escaping trawl codends will likely suffer behavioural deficits that subject them to elevated predation risk. As such, there is probably mortality associated with trawl fisheries that is generally unrecognized, unmeasured, and unaccounted for in current stock assessment models. Further, these studies demonstrate that behavioural competency needs to be considered in the design and implementation of by-catch reduction devises and strategies.
Review of technological advances for the study of fish behaviour in relation to demersal fishing trawls
Authors: Graham N. , Jones E.G. , Reid D.G. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
In demersal trawling, there is a need to develop more species-selective trawls to minimize discarding in multispecies fisheries. This requires observational tools that can operate at depths and light levels encountered by the commercial fleets. There is a growing tendency towards more fishery-independent stock-assessment methods using survey trawls to provide population indices. This requires the ability to quantify the herding and capture efficiency by species and age groups of such gears. A range of optical and acoustic observation techniques has been developed over the past few decades to assist in these goals. In this paper we update the review of technologies presented at the ICES Symposium on Fish Behaviour in Relation to Fishing Operations held in 1992. Since then, considerable advances in optical, acoustic, and data-processing technology have been made.
Autism associated with conditions characterized by developmental errors in early embryogenesis: a mini review
Authors: Miller Marilyn T. , Strömland Kerstin , Ventura Liana , Johansson Maria , Bandim Jose M. , Gillberg Christopher 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAutism is a complex developmental disorder without an established single etiology but with significant contributions from genetic studies, functional research, and neuropsychiatric and neuroradiologic investigations. The purpose of this paper is to review the findings in five studies involving individuals manifesting the characteristic findings of autism spectrum disorder associated with malformations and dysfunctions known to result from early embryogenic defects. These investigations include two associated with teratogens (thalidomide embryopathy, Möbius sequence with misoprostol) and three (most Möbius sequence cases, CHARGE association, Goldenhar syndrome) with no known etiology.These studies suggest that early embryonic development errors often involving cranial nerve palsies, internal and external ear malformations, ophthalmologic anomalies, and a variety of systemic malformations may be associated with autism spectrum disorders statistically more frequently than expected in a normal population. Although the exact time of developmental insult for each condition cannot be identified, the evidence is that it may occur as early as week 4 to 6+ of embryogenesis.
Tau‐inclusion body formation in oligodendroglia: the role of stress proteins and proteasome inhibition
Authors: Richter‐Landsberg Christiane , Bauer Nina G. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractFilamentous tau‐positive inclusions in neurons and glia are a unifying mechanism underlying a variety of late onset neurodegenerative disorders termed “tauopathies”. Oligodendroglial lesions and white matter pathology have long been underestimated and are specifically prominent in frontotemporal dementias (FTDs), such as Pick's disease (PiD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and frontotemporal dementia with Parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP‐17). Oligodendrocytes contain an extensive microtubule network and express the microtubule‐associated protein tau. Tau‐positive inclusion bodies in oligodendrocytes are postively stained with antibodies against ubiquitin and heat shock proteins (HSPs). Specifically the small HSP αB‐crystallin has been identified in oligodendroglial lesions. HSPs act as molecular chaperones and prevent the accumulation of abnormal proteins, and support proteolytic degradation by targeting non‐reparable proteins to the ubiquitin proteasomal pathway. HSPs and the proteasomal system closely work together. The present report summarizes recent data on HSP induction and aggregate formation in oligodendroglia cell culture systems, indicating that posttranslational modification of tau, HSP induction and alterations of the proteasomal system, which might occur during aging and disease processes, are involved in the neuropathological events leading to aggregate formation and degeneration.
New players in old amyloid precursor protein‐processing pathways
Authors: Roßner Steffen 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe amyloid precursor protein (APP) gives rise to β‐amyloid peptides, which are the main constituents of senile plaques in brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. The generation of β‐amyloid peptides requires the enzymatic activity of the β‐site APP‐cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1). BACE1 is primarily expressed by neurons and increased BACE1 protein concentrations and enzymatic activities have been reported in the brains of AD patients. However, there is accumulating evidence that, in addition to neurons, reactive astrocytes are capable of expressing BACE1 and, therefore, may contribute to β‐amyloid plaque formation. This suggests that conditions accompanied by chronic astrocyte activation may contribute to developing AD.Non‐amyloidogenic processing of the APP can be stimulated by phorbol esters (PEs) and by intracellular diacylglycerol (DAG) generation. This led to the hypothesis that classical and novel protein kinase Cs (PKCs), which are activated by DAG/PEs, regulate APP processing. However, in addition to PKCs, there are other DAG/PE receptors present in neurons which may participate in the modulation of APP processing. Munc13‐1, a presynaptic protein with an essential role in synaptic vesicle priming, represents such an alternative target of the DAG second messenger pathway. Using Munc13‐1 knock‐out mice and human neuroblastoma cells transfected with wild‐type and mutant Munc13‐1 constructs it was demonstrated that Munc13‐1 acts independently of and in parallel with PKC to modulate APP metabolism. Therefore, agonists specific for the Munc13‐1 C1‐domain or small molecules mimicking the function of the endogenous Munc13‐1 activator RIM1 may prove useful to shift APP processing towards the non‐amyloidogenic pathway.
Malignant transformation of endometriosis and genetic alterations of K‐ras and microsatellite instability
Authors: Amemiya S. , Sekizawa A. , Otsuka J. , Tachikawa T. , Saito H. , Okai T. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractObjectives: To clarify the role of specific genetic alterations in the multi‐step process of malignant transformation of endometriosis. Methods: In cases of ovarian endometrioid carcinoma, we separated regions of normal endometriosis, atypical endometriosis and ovarian endometrioid carcinoma by laser microdissection, and examined K‐ras mutation and microsatellite instability in each separated tissue sample. Results: We detected K‐ras mutation and microsatellite instability in endometrioid carcinoma tissue, but not in normal or atypical endometriosis bordering the cancerous region. Conclusions: The present findings suggest that K‐ras mutation and microsatellite instability are associated with malignant transformation from atypical endometriosis to ovarian endometrioid carcinoma.
Study of Lubricant‐Induced Changes in Chronic Snorers
Authors: Wijewickrama Rohan C , Blalock P David , Mims James W 
Published: August 2004

ProblemThe efficacy of many of the noninvasive treatments for snoring has not been evaluated in controlled trials. This study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of an oil‐based spray in the treatment of snoring, in a double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over trial using objective acoustic analysis and subjective questionnaires.MethodsParticipants were randomized to use both oilbased oral spray (treatment) and water‐based oral spray (placebo) during a 2‐night in‐home study period. Questionnaires were completed by the participant and his/her bed‐partner; these were evaluated along with audiotape recordings, which were analyzed for frequency, duration, and mean energy of snoring.ResultsGreatest snoring rate demonstrated 30% = benefit; 40% = no change; 30% = adverse effect (n = 20). percent time snoring yielded: 30% = benefit; 15% = no change; 55% = adverse effect (n = 20). Study data results for mean energy were (n = 12): 17% = benefit; 33% = no change; 50% = adverse effect. Bed‐partner observations (n = 17) demonstrated 37% = benefit; 38% = no change, 25% = adverse effect.ConclusionObjective and subjective evaluation of the performance of the oil‐based Snoreless spray in comparison to placebo demonstrated a lack of efficacy in snoring reduction.SignificanceStudy findings indicate that oil‐based oral sprays are not effective in the treatment of snoring.SupportNone reported.
Acceptance of Treatment Suggestions for Sleep‐Disordered Breathing
Authors: Verse Thomas , Wiesmiller Kerstin , Pirsig Wolfgang , Stuck Boris A , Maurer Joachim T , Hoermann Karl 
Published: August 2004

ProblemSleep‐disordered breathing is one of the most widespread diseases in industrialized countries. Unfortunately, even in severe cases, sleep apnea patients often do not follow the treatments suggested. The aim of this study was to investigate (1) the primary acceptance rates in relation to the kind of treatment suggested and (2) whether there are characteristic differences between patients who accept and those who do not accept the treatments recommended.MethodsIn our study, 503 patients with sleep‐disordered breathing underwent complete fully attended polysomnography in the sleep lab. With regard to the nature and severity of their sleep disorder and the individual clinical findings, 171 patients were recommended to undergo nCPAP, 42 to use a mandibular advancement device (MAD), and for 244 patients a surgical treatment was suggested. In 21 cases there was no need for any kind of treatment, and in the other 25 cases only weight loss was suggested.ResultsIn total, 234 patients accepted the treatment suggested (46.5%). In detail, the recommendations were accepted as follows: nCPAP 54%, surgery 42%, MAD 40.5%, and weight loss 4%. Gender did not have any affect on the acceptance rate. The youngest and the oldest patients showed higher acceptance rates (<24 years 100%, >65 years 62%). In general patients with more severe disease tended to accept treatment more frequently (acceptance rate of 40% for primary snorers vs 85% for patients with severe sleep apnea; P < 0.05).ConclusionThe acceptance rate of treatment suggestions for sleep‐disordered breathing is dependent on the severity of the disease. This may be due to the more pronounced clinical symptoms going along with increasing severity of the disease. The kind of treatment suggested (apart from weight loss) and the age of the patients seem to have only minor influence on the primary acceptance of treatment suggestions, while gender seems to have no effect at all.SignificanceIn mild sleep apnea, the consequences of the disease have to be accounted very carefully to the patient in order to achieve the patient's compliance for any kind of treatment.SupportNo comments.
Patient Selection and Efficacy of the Pillar Implant Technique for Snoring and OSAHS
Authors: Friedman Michael , Vidyasagar Ramakrishnan , Bliznikas Darius 
Published: August 2004

ProblemStiffening the soft palate using a palatal implant is an innovative technique, introduced for clinical practice in 2003. This is a simple, office‐based procedure with minimal morbidity. Our objective was to identify (1) the success rate using subjective symptoms and objective improvement of OSAHS; (2) the success rate based on Friedman's clinical stage to develop patient selection criteria; and (3) the technique's value as an adjunctive or revision procedure.MethodsThe study was a retrospective chart review of the first 100 patients undergoing the Pillar implant. Data collected included: previous treatments for snoring and/or OSAHS, adjunctive procedures, preoperative and two‐month postoperative snore level, Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), PSG, and complications. Charts were grouped as follows: group I had no adjunctive and previous treatments; group II received adjunctive nasal and/or tongue base procedures; and group III had previous UP3.ResultsPatients with primary snoring and mild and moderate OSAHS were treated. The AHI level was not a predictor of success. Group I patients (n = 36) had significant improvement in snoring levels, but not in ESS or AHI. Twenty‐six patients (72.2%) were considered successful based on elimination of symptoms. Group II patients (n = 43) had the best results. Mean AHI and ESS improved and snore level decreased. Thirty‐five patients (81%) were rated as successful. Group III (n = 21) patients had no change in AHI or ESS but showed significantly decreased snoring. Twelve patients (57%) were rated as successful. Complications were limited to 4 patients with partial extrusion.ConclusionThe Pillar implant is an easy and effective office‐based procedure to treat snoring and OSAHS in selected patients.SignificanceThis study demonstrates the efficacy of the palatal implant technique alone and in combination with adjunctive procedures in decreasing snoring levels and treating OSAHS.SupportNone reported.
Plasmid Gene Delivery into Rat Laryngeal Muscle Using Bidirectional Electroporation
Authors: Flint Paul W , Saito Koichiro , Lehar Mohamed , Li Zhao Bo 
Published: August 2004

ProblemNonviral gene delivery systems have advantages over viral delivery systems in several aspects including easy propagation on a large scale with high quality, and low immunogenicity. The major drawback of plasmid DNA as a vector is its low efficiency for gene transfer. In this study we examined the delivery of plasmid DNA into laryngeal muscle using electroporation in both unidirectional and bidirectional modalities to enhance gene transfer in laryngeal muscle.MethodsUsing a midline thyrotomy approach in adult Sprague‐Dawley rats, EGFP‐N3 plasmid vector was injected into the left thyroarytenoid muscle. We compared 3 groups as follows: (1) plasmid injection without electroporation, (2) plasmid injection with unidirectional electroporation, and (3) plasmid injection with bidirectional electroporation. The animals were kept alive for 1 week after the injection. Fresh frozen coronal sections of the larynx were used to assess the maximum number of thyroarytenoid muscle fibers expressing EGFP.ResultsAll groups undergoing electroporation demonstrated increased EGFP expression in the muscle fibers compared to the group without electroporation. Gene expression by total number of cells was increased 2‐fold in the bidirectional group when compared to the unidirectional group.ConclusionBoth unidirectional and bidirectional electro‐poration significantly improved the gene transfer of naked plasmid DNA in laryngeal muscle, with bidirectional electro‐poration yielding a 2‐fold increase over the unidirectional modality.SignificanceElectroporative gene transfer using bidirectional modality may improve our ability to deliver trophic factors into laryngeal muscle at lower field strengths, while avoiding the potential adverse effects of viral vectors.SupportNone reported.
The Effect of Hyaluronic Acid on Tracheal Wound Healing
Authors: LoSavio Phillip Samuel , Walner David L , Williams James M , Kaiser Kelly A , Mark Victoria , Caldarelli David D 
Published: August 2004

ProblemVarious methods have been studied to improve tracheal healing after surgery. Previous experiments have demonstrated the benefits of hyaluronic acid (HA) not only in wound healing in the tympanic membrane, skin, and articular cartilage but also in decreasing adhesions in abdominal operations. The goal of this project was to study the effects of hyaluronic acid on tracheal wound healing.MethodsTwenty‐two New Zealand white rabbits, (11 experimental, 11 control) had a 2 mm round defect created in the third tracheal ring. The experimental group had an 8 mm round sodium hyaluronate‐based sponge (SEPRAPACKTM) fixed over the defect using fibrin glue (HemaseelTM). The control group had a plain 8 mm collagen sponge placed in a similar manner. Tracheal tissue was harvested at 4 weeks postop and histologically scored in regard to inflammation, connective tissue organization, epithelial closure, chondrocyte death, and cartilage regeneration (clonal cell formation) at the area of injury. Statistical analysis was done using the Mann‐Whitney U and Fisher‐Exact tests.ResultsInflammatory cell infiltration was significantly increased at the area of injury in the control group compared to the HA‐treated wound (P = 0.014). In the HA‐treated group a lower percentage of animals had chondrocyte death at the wound edge (45.5%−HA vs 81.8%−control) (P = 0.183) and a greater percentage of animals demonstrated new clonal cell formation (72.7%−HA vs 54.5%−control) (P = 0.659). No differences were seen in connective tissue organization and epithelial closure.ConclusionThese results show that HA significantly decreases inflammation in tracheal wounds in a rabbit model. Although not statistically significant, the results also suggest that HA may be chondroprotective, as demonstrated in articular cartilage models.SignificancePoor wound healing including cartilage ring damage can contribute to airway compromise especially in an infant after tracheal surgery. This experiment suggests that HA may be useful as an adjunct in improving postoperative tracheal repair.Support(1) The Friedberg Research Fund in the Department of Otolaryngology at Rush University Medical Center. (2) SEPRAPACKTM and Hemaseel TM were both donated by GYRUS ENT and HAEMACURE, respectively under no obligation by the authors.
Distinguishing Edema vs Scar in the Rabbit Subglottis Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Karamzadeh Amir M , Jackson Ryan , Guo Shuguang , Ahuja Gurpreet S , Chao Michael Chung‐Yaw , Chen Zhongping , Wong Brian J 
Published: August 2004

ProblemIn neonates, subglottic stenosis is a tremendous problem related to prolonged enotracheal intubation. Despite the use of diagnostic endoscopy, differentiating between edema, scar, or neocartilage formation remains a challenge. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an imaging modality that uses light to produce high‐resolution cross‐sectional images in tissue. Using an ex vivo rabbit laryngotracheal model, we evaluate the efficacy of OCT to differentiate between several simulated subglottic pathologies.MethodsSeven laryngeal‐tracheal complexes were harvested from freshly sacrificed rabbits. The specimens were divided into 4 groups: (1) control; (2) submucosal collagen injection (simulating scar formation); (3) dehydration/hydration (simulating edema); and (4) repeated intubation trauma. The subglottic region was imaged using an OCT system that produced images with axial and lateral resolution of 10 and 20 μm, respectively. The submucosal thickness (basement membrane to perichondrium) was measured in each group and compared to controls. OCT images were later correlated with conventional histology.ResultsThe epithelium, basement membrane, lamina propria, perichondrium, and cartilage (cricoid and tracheal) were very clearly imaged. A 50% increase in submucosal thickness was observed in group 2, and the collagen was clearly identified and distinct from surrounding native tissues. Dehydration (group 3) produced a 60% reduction while rehydrating the same specimen in distilled water resulted in a 350% increase. Edema, produced by either repeated intubation or distilled water immersion, was easily differentiated from both native and the collagen‐injected tissues.ConclusionOCT successfully identifies the layer micro‐structure of the subglottis and can be used to differentiate between edema and increased collagen in the rabbit model.SignificanceOCT can be readily adapted for use during rigid and flexible endoscopy. Likewise, since OCT imaging fibers can be placed within endotracheal tubes to image the airway, the technique is an extremely attractive option for use in the ICU to manage the neonatal airway.SupportNone reported.