bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thoracic wall lesions in children
Authors: Wong Kin‐Sun , Hung Iou Jih , Wang Chao Ran , Lien Reyin 
Published: February 2004

AbstractOur objective was to review the clinical features and radiographic manifestations of chest wall lesions in a pediatric chest unit. Twenty‐five patients (11 males and 14 females, aged 14 months to 15 years) were suspected of having a chest wall lesion on the basis of clinical examination and chest radiograph. A retrospective review of clinical characteristics and radiographic findings was performed in order to define the pathology and extent of lesions and outcomes of chest wall diseases in children. Thirty‐six percent of pediatric patients studied for thoracic abnormalities had anatomical variations of the thoracic cage such as sternal titling, bifid ribs, and costal cartilage convexities. Tuberculous infections of the sterum and ribs were seen in 4 cases. Osteochondromas were seen in 4 patients, and were especially noted in patients with a history of familial exostosis. Other malignant thoracic wall tumors included in this study included chondrosarcoma (n = 1), Ewing's sarcoma (n = 1), and primitive neuroectodermal tumor (n = 2). In conclusion, the protruding lesions arising from the chest wall demonstrate a wide range of normal, congenital variant, and pathologic lesions arising from the soft tissues and bony components. Those with life‐threatening lesions (less likely located in the parasternal region) are more prone to have chest pains and dyspneic respirations; in most cases, plain chest radiographs tend to have a high rate of bony or pleural involvement as well as thoracic deformities. In an endemic area of tuberculosis, costal tuberculosis should be considered in undiagnosed bony lesions; a chest CT scan could be diagnostically useful. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:257–263. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk factors for an intensive care unit admission in children with asthma
Authors: Belessis Yvonne , Dixon Susan , Thomsen Amanda , Duffy Barry , Rawlinson William , Henry Richard , Morton John 
Published: February 2004

AbstractAn admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) with asthma is a marker of asthma severity and may be a precursor of asthma death. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for acute severe asthma needing an ICU admission. We hypothesized that children admitted to the ICU represent a severe phenotype with identifiable premorbid clinical features. The study was case‐control in design. One hundred and forty‐one children were studied. Seventy children admitted to the ICU and 71 children admitted to the general medical ward served as cases and controls, respectively. Children were aged between 1–16 years. They underwent skin prick allergy testing, and had a nasopharyngeal aspirate and serology performed to screen for respiratory pathogens. Their parents completed an asthma and allergy symptom questionnaire and the Newcastle Asthma Knowledge Questionnaire (NAKQ). On univariate analysis, an admission to the ICU was more likely in children with 1) “frequent episodic” or “persistent” background asthma; 2) three or more previous admissions for asthma; 3) one or more asthma admissions in the previous 12 months; 4) three or more presentations to the Emergency Department (ED) in the preceding 12 months; 5) three or more positive responses on skin prick allergy testing; 6) an elevated IgE level; 7) oxygen saturation on presentation ≤91%; 8) longer duration of asthma; 9) lower level of maternal education; 10) an admission during autumn; 11) three or more siblings; and 12) being prescribed antibiotics. Risk factors that remained significant on multivariate analysis were three or more presentations to the ED in the preceding 12 months (P = 0.003), an elevated IgE level (P = 0.01), oxygen saturation on presentation ≤91% (P = 0.003), and longer asthma duration (P = 0.02). ICU patients took longer to see a doctor and to commence oral steroids. No differences were found between cases and controls in the proportion taking preventer therapy (58% vs. 52%), provided with a written asthma action plan (32% vs. 25%), or in whom spirometry or peak flow was measured (28% vs. 42%). However, rates were low in both groups. Parental asthma knowledge was generally poor. This study identified risk factors for an ICU admission in children with asthma. A potentially preventable risk factor is a history of multiple ED presentations in the past year. Specialist referral of children with multiple ED presentations may improve asthma control and reduce the risk of an ICU admission. Background asthma management remains suboptimal in children needing hospitalization. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:201–209. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Late presentation of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of lung in ten‐year‐old girl
Authors: Hugger Kenessa , Maupin Kevin D. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractCongenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung (CCAML) is uncommon, and usually presents in children with respiratory distress. We describe a girl presenting with pneumonia at age 10 years. She had been previously healthy and active, and with no previous hospitalizations or X‐rays. A chest CT scan showed right lower lobe cystic lesions suggestive of CCAML. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:276–278. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The novel Ras antagonist, farnesylthiosalicylate, suppresses growth of prostate cancer in vitro
Authors: McPherson Robert A. , Conaway Mark C. , Gregory Chris W. , Yue Wei , Santen Richard J. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe majority of men with advanced prostate cancer (PCa) respond to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with objective evidence of tumor regression. However, these tumors will regrow in the presence of low‐androgen levels after 12–18 months. Regrowth after ADT is associated with upregulation of growth factor (GF) mediated pathways. The compound farnesylthiosalicylate (FTS), a specific antagonist of the 21 kDa Ras protein, suppresses GF signaling and it might be a useful therapy against advanced PCa.METHODSWe measured androgen and GF dependent growth of androgen dependent LNCaP and androgen hypersensitive CWR‐R1 PCa cells in response to specific inhibitors of GF pathways, including FTS. Inhibition of GF mediated signaling and cell‐cycle pathways was confirmed by Western blotting of extracts from treated cells.RESULTSBoth LNCaP and CWR‐R1 cells were dependent on GF signaling pathways for cell growth. FTS, as well as suppressing cell growth, inhibited GF signaling pathway activity and reduced the levels of E2F1, p‐Rb, and p‐cdc2, all GF dependent mediators of cell‐cycle progression.CONCLUSIONSThese data suggest that FTS might be a useful agent against PCa that has relapsed after ADT. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Separation of enzymatically active and inactive prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) by peptide affinity chromatography
Authors: Wu Ping , Stenman Ulf‐Håkan , Pakkala Miikka , Närvänen Ale , Leinonen Jari 
Published: February 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDProstate‐specific antigen (PSA) is a serine protease with highly prostate‐specific expression and an important marker for prostate cancer. We have previously identified novel PSA‐binding peptides that enhance the enzymatic activity of PSA when produced as fusion proteins.METHODPSA‐binding peptides and derivatives with a spacer were chemically synthesized and used to prepare an affinity column, which was used to fractionate PSA in seminal plasma, serum, and LNCap cell culture medium.RESULTSApproximately 67% of seminal plasma PSA bound to the peptide affinity column and was eluted under mild conditions. Eluted PSA was intact and enzymatically active while the unbound fraction mainly contained various nicked forms. ProPSA from LNCap cells bound to the peptide column only after activation by trypsin.CONCLUSIONSPSA‐binding peptides can be used to separate enzymatically active and inactive forms of PSA. Thus the peptides are potentially useful as ligands for development of methods for specific detection of active free PSA. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cell specific expression of CD10/neutral endopeptidase 24.11 gene in human prostatic tissue and cells
Authors: Song Jian , Aumüller Gerhard , Xiao Fei , Wilhelm Beate , Albrecht Martin 
Published: February 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDNeutral endopeptidase (NEP/CD10) is a cell surface zinc metalloproteinase that functions as part of a regulatory loop controlling local concentrations of peptide substrates and associated peptide‐mediated signal transduction processes. In contrast to the encouraging data dealing with NEP activity and regulation in prostate epithelial cells, only a few studies are available on the cellular expression and localization of neutral endopeptidase in the prostatic stromal and cancer cells. Here, we describe the cellular localization of NEP in human prostatic tissue and cells using in situ RT‐PCR as a novel molecular biological approach.METHODSImmunofluorescence and Western blot experiments were performed to control the expression and distribution of the NEP in normal and malignant human prostatic tissues and cell lines. NEP gene expression was monitored by RT‐PCR, NEP mRNA was detected in paraffin tissue sections and cultured cells of human prostate by the highly sensitive method of one step‐in situ reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).RESULTSNEP mRNA was detected in human prostatic tissue and in cultured cells by means of in situ RT‐PCR. Prostatic tissue showed strong signals in the glandular epithelium and weak signals in the stroma, cultured cells displayed strong signals in prostate cancer cells (LNCaP) and weak signals in stromal cells (hPCPs). Western blot experiments were performed using whole cell extracts to proof the presence of NEP protein in LNCaP and hPCPs. The experiments confirm the expression of NEP by both cell types, however, the experiment with hPCPs cells showed two bands. NEP‐immunofluorescence was strong in normal prostatic epithelium and confined to the apical plasma membrane. In dedifferentiated prostate cancer specimens, immunofluorescence of apical plasma membranes was lost, and both the cytoplasm and portions of the plasma membrane were immunoreactive for NEP. Prostate cancer cells (LNCaP) showed a strong immunoreaction of the plasma membrane and the cytoplasm. In comparison with LNCaP cells, only a weak cytoplasmic immunofluorescence was found in some stromal cells (hPCPs).CONCLUSIONSIn normal prostatic tissue and specimens derived from human prostate cancer, NEP mRNA and protein are expressed mainly by the epithelial cells and to a minor extent by the stromal cells of human prostate glands. In situ RT‐PCR is a powerful and straightforward approach for the routine and rapid detection of cellular specific expression of low copy genes. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical understaging in patients with prostate adenocarcinoma submitted to radical prostatectomy: Predictive value of serum chromogranin A
Authors: Sciarra Alessandro , Voria Giuseppe , Monti Salvatore , Mazzone Luigi , Mariotti Gianna , Pozza Mariangela , D'Eramo Giuseppe , Silverio Franco Di 
Published: February 2004

AbstractPURPOSETo evaluate whether the pretreatment determination of serum chromogranin A (CgA) can provide information beyond that obtained with serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) and Gleason score at biopsy as a predictive factor of clinical understaging (T2‐pT3) of prostate adenocarcinoma.MATERIALSIn this prospective study, we analyzed 83 consecutive patients with clinical T2N0M0 prostate adenocarcinoma submitted to radical prostatectomy (RRP). On the same day of RRP, before surgery, a blood sample for the determination of serum total PSA and CgA levels (RIA) was obtained.RESULTSAfter RRP, 27 of the 83 cases (32.5%) showed extracapsular disease extension (pT3) at the final pathological examination and were considered clinically understaged. A significant association between serum CgA and pathological stage (r = 0.3830; P = 0.0004) was found. At the multivariate analysis, serum CgA and PSA, but not biopsy Gleason score, were found to be significant pretreatment independent predictors of pT3 at RRP (P = 0.00004 and P = 0.0018, respectively). The relative risk of clinical understaging significantly varied according to serum CgA levels. Using a CgA cut‐off value of 60 ng/ml, PPV and NPV for clinical understaging were 0.5161 and 0.7885, respectively (P = 0.0072).CONCLUSIONSSerum CgA could be incorporated into risk assessment models of newly diagnosed prostate cancer. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular characterization of the commonly used human androgen receptor expression vector, pSG5‐AR
Authors: Litvinov Ivan V. , Chang Chawnshang , Isaacs John T. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDpSG5‐AR is a commonly used androgen receptor (AR) expression vector. However, a detailed molecular characterization of this construct has not been published. In this study, we describe the molecular organization of the above plasmid and analyze the AR transcript coded by the above construct.METHODSpSG5‐AR was sequenced by the standard dideoxy sequencing method. The obtained sequence was analyzed by the DS Gene software.RESULTSA molecular map of the pSG5‐AR plasmid as well as a map of the AR insert is provided. The AR transcript from pSG5‐AR is lacking significant portions of the 5′‐ and 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) and contains shorter than average CAG and GGC repeats.CONCLUSIONSThe above characteristics of the pSG5‐AR are significant and may result in different regulation pattern of expression of the expressed AR in comparison to the endogenous gene. Such a conclusion is based on the knowledge that post‐transcriptional regulation plays an important role in controlling the levels of AR in a cell. Such regulation is controlled by the regulatory elements within the 5′‐ and 3′‐UTRs of the AR transcript. In addition, this vector might be coding for an AR with a different transactivational capacity than the endogenous AR gene. The transactivational activity of AR was shown to be affected by the size of the trinucleotide‐repeat‐regions (CAG and GGC) within the gene. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of transforming growth factor‐β1 on parathyroid hormone‐related protein mRNA expression and protein secretion in canine prostate epithelial, stromal, and carcinoma cells
Authors: Sellers Rani S. , LeRoy Bruce E. , Blomme Eric A.G. , Tannehill‐Gregg Sarah , Corn Stephanie , Rosol Thomas J. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDBone metastases of prostate carcinoma are associated with osteoblastic metastases. Tumor‐derived factors, such as parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP), may promote the development of osteoblastic metastases. We examined the effect of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGFβ1) on PTHrP mRNA expression and PTHrP secretion in normal canine prostate epithelial cells (PEC) and stromal cells (PSC), and in canine prostate carcinoma cells (PCC).METHODSPrimary cultures of PEC, PSC, and PCC were produced. The effect of TGFβ1 on PTHrP mRNA expression was measured by Northern blot, and secretion of PTHrP into culture medium was measured by immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). Degradation of recombinant‐human PTHrP (rhPTHrP) (1–84) inoculated in prostrate cell cultures was measured over 24 hr. Arginine esterase (AE) activity in tissue and conditioned medium was also measured.RESULTSTGFβ1 increased PTHrP mRNA expression in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner in PEC and in PCC. TGFβ1 decreased PTHrP mRNA in PSC. TGFβ1 significantly increased PTHrP secretion (P ≤ 0.05) into PEC but not PSC conditioned medium. rhPTHrP was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) degraded in PEC conditioned medium as compared to PSC conditioned medium. AE activity was present in prostate and prostate carcinoma tissue, but not in conditioned medium from PEC or PSC.CONCLUSIONSTGFβ1 increased PTHrP mRNA expression in canine PEC and PCC, and decreased expression in PSC. This regulatory pathway may be important in the pathogenesis of osteoblastic metastases. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The regulation of clinical trials in South Africa
Authors: Baird Debbie , van Niekerk Diederik 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIn South Africa the Medicines Control Council (MCC) is a statutory body responsible for the regulation of all clinical trials undertaken for both non‐registered and registered medicines. In this article, we first take a brief look at the legislative background and its development over the last 30 years. We then introduce you to the current regulatory environment, including the structure of the MCC and the clinical trials approvals process. Finally, we look briefly to the future of clinical trials regulation and the progress made by the successful collaboration between the MCC and the clinical trials industry. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Myth of the SOP
Authors: Blackmore Aliah 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe analysis in this paper is based on the assumption that the standard operating procedure (SOP) is a product of the implicit tension between the driving forces of innovation and regulation. In this context, the current and potential capacity of the SOP in the modern organisation is examined with regard to the continually, evolving interaction between the organisational workflow and the know‐how of the employees within the organisation. This paper concentrates on the discrepancy between the process to which the SOP refers and the know‐how implemented by the process participant. It is argued that this deviation from ‘reality’ indicates that the SOP currently has the impact of an organisational myth. The paper concludes by outlining some strategies for reducing this deviation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A revised guideline for medical device clinical investigations: ISO 14155 Part 1 and 2: 2003
Authors: Giroud Danielle 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe international standard (International Organization for Standardization (ISO)) ISO 14155:1996 ‘Clinical Investigation of Medical Devices for Human Subjects’ has been updated in 2003. The revised ISO 14155:2003 focuses on general requirements for clinical studies (Part 1) and the clinical investigation plan (Part 2). The documents provide manufacturers with significantly improved guidelines for the conduct of clinical investigations with medical devices. This article highlights the main differences between the previous version of 1996 and the new version of 2003. The article also points out some areas in the new ISO 14155 which may still need further improvement. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Constrained stabilization problems for discrete‐time linear plants
Authors: Saberi Ali , Shi Guoyong , Stoorvogel Anton A. , Han Jian 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIn this paper we study discrete‐time linear systems with full or partial constraints on both input and state. It is shown that the solvability conditions of stabilization problems are closely related to important concepts, such as the right‐invertibility of the constraints, the location of constraint invariant zeros and the order of constraint infinite zeros. The main results show that for right‐invertible constraints the order of constrained infinite zeros cannot be greater than one in order to achieve global or semi‐global stabilization. This is in contrast to the continuous‐time case. Controllers for both state feedback and measurement feedback are constructed in detail. Issues regarding non‐right invertible constraints are discussed as well. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new non‐linear sliding‐mode torque and flux control method for an induction machine incorporating a sliding‐mode flux observer
Authors: Chen Fang , Dunnigan Matthew W. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIn this paper a novel sliding‐mode control algorithm, based on the differential geometry state‐co‐ordinates transformation method, is proposed to control motor torque directly. Non‐linear feedback linearization theory is employed to decouple the control of rotor flux magnitude and motor torque. The advantages of this method are: (1) The rotor flux and the generated torque can be accurately controlled. (2) Robustness with respect to matched and mismatched uncertainties is obtained. Additionally, a varying continuous control term is proposed. As a result, chattering is eliminated without sacrificing robustness and precision. The control strategy is based on all motor states being available. In practice the rotor fluxes are not usually measurable, and a sliding‐mode observer is derived to estimate the rotor flux. The observer is designed to possess invariant dynamic modes which can be assigned independently to achieve the desired performance. Furthermore, it can be shown that the observer is robust against model uncertainties and measurement noise. Simulation and practical results are presented to confirm the characteristics of the proposed control law and rotor flux observer. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal fixed‐structure control for linear non‐negative dynamical systems
Authors: Nersesov Sergey G. , Haddad Wassim M. , Chellaboina VijaySekhar 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIn this paper, we develop optimal output feedback controllers for set‐point regulation of linear non‐negative dynamical systems. Specifically, using a constrained fixed‐structure control framework we develop optimal output feedback control laws that guarantee that the trajectories of the closed‐loop system remain in the non‐negative orthant of the state space for non‐negative initial conditions. In addition, we characterize domains of attraction predicated on closed and open Lyapunov level surfaces contained in the non‐negative orthant for unconstrained optimal linear‐quadratic output feedback controllers. Output feedback controllers for compartmental systems with non‐negative inputs are also given. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Web Site Evolution
Authors: Boldyreff Cornelia , Tonella Paolo 
Published: February 2004

AbstractWeb sites are becoming increasingly important for companies and organizations. Crucial information as well as economic transactions are managed by Web sites, so that their reliability, usability and overall quality are central issues. The advent of new technologies, such as Web services, makes the domain of Web applications a very dynamic one, where the evolution is rapid and unavoidable. Moreover, existing systems are also eligible for migration to the Web, thus requiring specific reengineering processes and methods.This special issue is focused on the recent achievements produced by software engineering research that has been conducted on Web sites. Reverse engineering, restructuring, testing and dynamic analysis are well‐established disciplines that have been investigated in the new domain of the Web. Moreover, migration of legacy code to the Web poses technical problems related to domain analysis, adoption challenges and performance assessment. This issue provides an overview of the most promising results achieved in these fields. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the business value and technical challenges of adopting Web services
Authors: Tilley S. , Gerdes J. , Hamilton T. , Huang S. , Müller H. , Smith D. , Wong K. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis paper provides a balanced perspective of the business value and technical challenges of adopting Web services. Technology adoption is a continual challenge for both tool developers and enterprise users. Web services are a prime example of an emerging technology that is fraught with adoption issues. Part of the problem is separating marketing hype from business reality. Web services are network‐accessible interfaces to application functionality. They are built using Internet technologies such as XML and standard protocols such as SOAP. The adoption issues related to Web services are complex and multifaceted. For example, determining whether this technology is a fundamental advance, rather than something old under a new name, requires technical depth, business acumen, and considerable historical knowledge of past developments. A sample problem from the health care industry is used to illustrate some of the adoption issues. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.