bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allelic loss on chromosomes 2q21 and 19p 13.2 in oxyphilic thyroid tumors
Authors: Stankov Karmen , Pastore Alessandro , Toschi Luca , McKay James , Lesueur Fabienne , Kraimps Jean Louis , Bonneau Dominique , Gibelin Hélène , Levillain Pierre , Volante Marco , Papotti Mauro , Romeo Giovanni 
Published: April 2004

AbstractHürthle thyroid tumors are characterized by frequent numerical chromosomal aberrations, including aneuploidy or polyploidy, losses and gains of some chromosomal regions and DNA fragmentation. In recent years, great attention has been paid to the combined analysis of morphologic and genetic features of oxyphilic tumors and to the elucidation of their pathogenesis. We analyzed for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the candidate regions for TCO (thyroid tumor with cell oxyphilia) and NMTC1 (nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma 1), 2 loci already mapped on chromosomes 19p13.2 and 2q21, respectively. Matched normal and tumor DNA samples from 70 patients with sporadic oxyphilic thyroid tumors and 20 with sporadic follicular tumors were subjected to microsatellite analysis using 10 markers on 19p13.2 and 6 markers on 2q21. This approach led us to the observation of a more significant LOH in oxyphilic than in follicular tumors. Allelic loss in tumor samples was evenly distributed in both 19p13.2 and 2q21 regions, in accordance with the established linkage of TCO and NMTC1 for inherited tumors. In order to investigate the possible contribution of both susceptibility loci in oxyphilic tumors, the family that led to the original mapping of TCO locus was reanalyzed for the markers in the 2q21 region. This led to the exclusion of linkage with the NMTC1 locus and to the refutation of the digenic inheritance hypothesis at least in this family. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Post‐translationally modified S12, absent in transformed breast epithelial cells, is not associated with the 26S proteasome and is induced by proteasome inhibitor
Authors: Thompson H. Garrett R. , Harris Joseph W. , Brody James P. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe 26S proteasome, consisting of the 20S core and 19S regulatory complexes, regulates intracellular protein concentration through proteolytic degradation of targeted substrates. Composition of the 19S regulatory complex as well as posttranslational modifications of the 19S subunits can effectively regulate the activity of the 26S proteasome. Aberrant activity of the 26S proteasome affects the cell cycle, apoptosis and other cellular processes related to cancer. Recent data show an additional proteasome‐independent role of 19S subunits in transcriptional regulation. S12 (Rpn8), the human homologue of mouse Mov‐34, is a non‐ATPase 19S regulatory subunit of the 26S proteasome. Previous studies have identified phosphorylated S12. In our study, we identify a modified S12 isoform (S12‐M) with distinct biochemical properties. The S12‐M isoform was found in 6 normal, but not 4 transformed, breast epithelial cell lines. Modification of S12 protein can be induced in vitro by addition of the proteasome inhibitor PSI. Modified and unmodified S12 have similar mass, but different isoelectric points, consistent with phosphorylation. In normal cells, unmodified S12 associates with the 26S proteasome, while modified S12‐M does not. Whereas transformed cell line nuclei contain neither S12 isoform, S12‐M is predominantly cytosolic in normal cells, with the unmodified S12 present in both the nuclei and cytosol. Together with the role of 19S subunits in transcriptional regulation, homology between S12 and eIF3 and TFIIH subunits, coelution with immunoproteasome subunits, and differential posttranslational modification and nuclear localization, these data suggest a differential nuclear function of modified and unmodified S12 in cancer. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alterations in tumor necrosis factor–induced endothelial cell procoagulant activity by hyperthermia
Authors: Carroll Nancy M. , Elaraj Dina M. , Puhlmann Markus , Weinreich David M. , Turner Ewa M. , Xu Hui , Alexander H. Richard 
Published: April 2004

AbstractTNF is a cytokine with potent antitumor activity in murine models and when administered clinically via regional perfusion. There is substantial evidence that this antitumor activity depends in large part on TNF's procoagulant effect on tumor neovasculature, which is mediated by induction of endothelial cell tissue factor (TF), a component of the extrinsic clotting cascade. In regional perfusion of a cancer‐bearing limb or organ, TNF is always administered under hyperthermic temperatures; however, little is known about the effect of hyperthermia on TNF‐mediated procoagulant activity in endothelium. We examined the effects of hyperthermia on TNF‐mediated procoagulant activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were exposed to TNF at normothermic (37°C) and hyperthermic (41°C) temperatures for 90 min, then assayed for clotting activity, TF protein production and mRNA production of TF and tissue factor pathway inhibitor‐2 (TFPI‐2), an endogenous inducible inhibitor of TF activity in HUVECs. TNF treatment at 41°C significantly reduced clotting activity, TF protein and mRNA as well as TFPI‐2 mRNA compared to treatment at 37°C. These data show that hyperthermia significantly reduces the procoagulant effects of TNF on endothelial tissue compared to normothermia, which may have important clinical implications for the use of TNF in regional perfusion. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factors Affecting Macroinvertebrate Richness and Diversity in Portuguese Streams: a Two‐Scale Analysis
Authors: Graça Manuel A. S. , Pinto Paulo , Cortes Rui , Coimbra Nuno , Oliveira Simone , Morais Manuela , Carvalho Maria João , Malo Jorge 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWe analysed the spatial patterns in macroinvertebrate taxon richness and abundance at two scales: sampling unit and basin. We sampled 12 stream sites in three zones of Portugal, differing in climate geomorphology and water chemistry. At a sampling unit scale, substratum organic matter content, depth and the dominant size of substratum particles were correlated with numbers of taxa and individuals. We propose that the number of taxa at a small scale depends on the number of individuals, which in turn is the result of organic matter accumulation, hydrologic and substratum characteristics. The environmental parameters better explaining the large‐scale biological data were temperature, minimum size of substratum particles and pH. Regardless of the relative importance of variable types and mechanisms regulating stream invertebrates along the climatic gradient, rivers from the North and Centre appeared to be richer in taxa than the typically Mediterranean streams in the South.
Botulinum toxins in neurological disease
Authors: Comella Cynthia L. , Pullman Seth L. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractBotulinum toxins are among the most potent neurotoxins known to humans. In the past 25 years, botulinum toxin has emerged as both a potential weapon of bioterrorism and as a powerful therapeutic agent, with growing applications in neurological and non‐neurological disease. Botulinum toxin is unique in its ability to target peripheral cholinergic neurons, preventing the release of acetylcholine through the enzymatic cleavage of proteins involved in membrane fusion, without prominent central nervous system effects. There are seven serotypes of the toxin, each with a specific activity at the molecular level. Currently, serotypes A (in two preparations) and B are available for clinical use, and have been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of dystonia, spasticity, and other disorders in which muscle overactivity gives rise to symptoms. This review focuses on the pharmacology, electrophysiology, immunology, and application of botulinum toxin in selected neurological disorders. Muscle Nerve 29: 628–644, 2004
Prevalence and determinants of antibiotic resistance in faecal Escherichia coli among unselected patients attending general practitioners in Southwest Germany
Authors: Stürmer Til , Erb Andrea , Marre Reinhard , Brenner Hermann 
Published: April 2004

AbstractPurposeWidespread use of antibiotics is thought to be the main reason for the world‐wide increase in antibiotic resistance. Although a great majority of antibiotics are prescribed outside hospitals, little is known about the prevalence and determinants of antibiotic resistance in the general population.MethodsEscherichia coli (E. coli) was cultured from and minimal inhibitory concentrations against six commonly prescribed antibiotic substances were tested in 750 stool samples of 484 unselected, consecutive outpatients aged 40–74 years attending general practitioners. Odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between potential risk factors and the prevalence of antibiotic resistance were estimated using generalised estimating equations.ResultsPrevalence of E. coli resistance against ampicillin, doxycycline, cotrimoxazole or quinolones was 24%. Current antibiotic use was strongly associated with antibiotic resistance, adjusted OR: 11.1, 95%CI: 2.3–53, but antibiotic resistance was unaffected by antibiotic use stopped weeks before. Recent hospitalisations were the only other significant predictor of an increased prevalence of resistance.ConclusionsThe strong association between current use of antibiotics and colonisation with antibiotic resistant E. coli suggests a major role for selection of resistant strains while using antibiotics that seem to be quickly reversible, though. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early onset of hyperkalemia in patients treated with low molecular weight heparin: a prospective study
Authors: Koren‐Michowitz Maya , Avni Batia , Michowitz Yoav , Moravski Gil , Efrati Shai , Golik Ahuva 
Published: April 2004

AbstractObjectiveData on low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and induction of hyperkalemia is scarce. Therefore, we conducted a prospective study evaluating potassium levels before and after three days of treatment with the LMWH Enoxaparin.MethodsPatients treated with the LMWH Enoxaparin in the standard therapeutic dosages were included. Levels of potassium, sodium, urea, creatinine, AST, ALT bicarbonate, pH and platelet counts were examined before and after three days of LMWH treatment. Plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone levels were examined in a subgroup of patients. Potassium levels were correlated with disease states and medications known to affect potassium homeostasis.ResultsNinety‐seven consecutive patients were enrolled in the study, however, 12 patients were excluded from analysis; therefore 85 patients comprised the study group. The most common reason for exclusion (in 9 patients) was the absence of a second potassium result. We found an increase in potassium levels from 4.26±0.04 mmol/L at baseline to 4.43±0.04 mmol/L on the third day of treatment (mean±SE), with potassium levels exceeding 5.0 mmol/L in 9% of treated patients. There was no life threatening or symptomatic hyperkalemia. PRA and aldosterone levels did not change significantly during the treatment period. There was no correlation between the increase in potassium levels and diabetes mellitus or treatment with angiotensin converting enzymes inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, β‐blockers and non‐potassium sparing diuretics.ConclusionsPotassium levels increase on the third day of treatment with the LMWH Enoxaparin. This effect may be aldosterone independent. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oral anticoagulants and the risk of osteoporotic fractures among elderly
Authors: Pilon Danielle , Castilloux Anne‐Marie , Dorais Marc , LeLorier Jacques 
Published: April 2004

AbstractPurposeCoumadin‐based oral anticoagulants are associated with a decrease in bone mass density, but their role in fracture risk is equivocal. Because the use of oral anticoagulants is prevalent among the elderly, as is the risk and morbidity of osteoporotic fractures, the association between osteoporotic fractures and oral anticoagulants needs to be clarified.MethodWe conducted a case‐control study on a 10% random sample of subjects aged 70 years and older enrolled in the Quebec universal health insurance plan between 1992 and 1994. Incident cases of a first osteoporotic fracture were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Exposure was defined as one or more prescriptions of oral anticoagulants dispensed before the osteoporotic fracture. Ten controls for each case, matched by age and date of osteoporotic fracture, were identified.ResultsAmong 1523 cases, 48 (3.2%) were ever exposed to oral anticoagulants; among 15 205 controls, 461 (3.0%) were ever exposed (crude odds ratio: 1.0: 95% confidence interval: 0.7–1.5). These negative results persisted after adjusting for potential confounding variables and stratifying exposure into cumulative dose and treatment duration.ConclusionsCoumadin‐based oral anticoagulants are not significantly associated with osteoporotic fractures among the elderly, providing reassurance for elderly patients on long‐term oral anticoagulants. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Drug switching patterns among patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis using COX‐2 specific inhibitors and non‐specific NSAIDs
Authors: Zhao Sean Z. , Wentworth Chuck , Burke Thomas A. , Makuch Robert W. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractPurposeTo compare RA and OA patients' time‐to‐switch after newly initiating treatment with three most commonly used non‐specific (NS)‐NSAIDs and two COX‐2 inhibitors, celecoxib and rofecoxib.MethodsManaged care enrollees newly prescribed celecoxib, rofecoxib, ibuprofen, naproxen or diclofenac were identified. Time to switch to a different NS‐NSAID or COX‐2 specific inhibitor was determined using time‐to‐event analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) after controlling for potential confounders.ResultsThe time to 25% of the cohort switching was longer for rofecoxib and celecoxib (159 and 205 days respectively) compared to the three NS‐NSAIDs (49–78 days). Patients were at the highest risk of switching within the first 100 days of therapy. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the OR for switching to another NS‐NSAID or COX‐2 specific inhibitor ranged from 1.74 to 2.35 for the three NS‐NSAIDs compared to celecoxib (all comparisons, p < 0.01). Similar findings were obtained when comparing rofecoxib to each of the three NS‐NSAIDS (all comparisons, p < 0.01). When COX‐2 inhibitors combined were compared to NS‐NSAIDS combined, the OR for switching was 1.53 (95% confidence interval=1.42–1.65; p < 0.01) after adjusting for potential confounders.ConclusionsPatients on the COX‐2 specific inhibitors (celecoxib and rofecoxib) were significantly less likely to switch their therapy than patients on NS‐NSAIDS (ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac). These results suggest that COX‐2 specific inhibitors may be a more effective treatment option when compared with NS‐NSAIDs in usual clinical practice. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of mailed warning to prescribers on the co‐prescription of tramadol and antidepressants
Authors: Shatin Deborah , Gardner Jacqueline S. , Stergachis Andy , Blough David , Graham David 
Published: April 2004

AbstractPurposeAn evaluation was made of the effectiveness in changing prescribing behavior of ‘Dear Health Professional (DHP)’ letters mailed by the manufacturer to physicians and other health professionals advising them of safety information on co‐prescribing of tramadol and antidepressants.MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis of prescription claims of all plan members from 12 UnitedHealth Group‐affiliated health plans who received a first prescription for tramadol between 1 April 1995 and 31 December 1996. The prevalence of co‐prescribing of antidepressants and tramadol relative to the date of the ‘DHP’ communication was determined.Results9218 plan members received an initial prescription for tramadol within the observation period. Prior to the date of the ‘DHP’ communication 1061/4774 (22.2%) members received a prescription for an antidepressant within 30 days of their first prescription for tramadol. Following the date of the communication 844/4444 (19.0%) of members received an antidepressant within 30 days of their first prescription for tramadol. An overall decreasing linear trend in antidepressant co‐prescribing was evident over the observation period, but there was no statistically significant acceleration in the decrease following this communication.ConclusionsThe mailed ‘DHP’ advisory letter did not affect the rate of co‐prescribing of tramadol with antidepressants. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use and adherence to beta‐blockers for secondary prevention of myocardial infarction: who is not getting the treatment?
Authors: Wei Li , Flynn Robert , Murray Gordon D. , MacDonald Thomas M. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractPurposeTo characterise those who receive beta‐blocker therapy after MI and to estimate the effect of adherence to beta‐blocker use on subsequent mortality and recurrent MI.MethodsA community‐based observational cohort study was done using a record linkage database. Patients were those discharged from hospitals after their first MI between January 1994 and December 1995 and who also survived for at least 1 year. The outcome was all cause mortality and recurrent MI. Results were adjusted for age, sex, social deprivation, airways disease, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular drug use, steroid use and hospitalisation for cardiovascular disease using a logistic regression model and a Cox regression model.ResultsA total of 865 patients were included in this study. 386 (44.6%) were on beta‐blocker treatment during the year after MI. Beta‐blocker use was lower amongst high‐risk patients (older patients, patients with obstructive airway disease, PVD and those with a previous hospitalisation for heart failure). Mortality was lower in patients treated with beta‐blockers compared with those untreated. Good adherence (≥80%) was associated with a lower adjusted relative risk of mortality compared with unexposed patients (0.49, 95%CI 0.30–0.80, p < 0.01). Within the high‐risk subgroup of patients, the adjusted relative risk of mortality with good adherence was 0.40 (0.17–0.93, p = 0.03).ConclusionsBeta‐blocker use was lower in older patients, patients with airways disease, PVD and heart failure, but these patients appeared to have the greatest benefit from beta‐blockers. Good adherence to beta‐blocker treatment after MI was associated with a lower risk of mortality. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonaqueous dispersion polymerization of styrene in methanol with the ionomer block copolymer poly[(4‐methylstyrene)‐co‐(4‐vinyltriethylbenzyl ammonium bromide)]‐b‐polyisobutene as a stabilizer
Authors: Ma Yuhong , Yang Wantai 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe nonaqueous dispersion polymerization of styrene in methanol with poly[(4‐methylstyrene)‐co‐(4‐vinyltriethylbenzyl ammonium bromide)]‐b‐polyisobutene as a stabilizer was investigated. There was no observable inducing period or autoacceleration in the polymerization process. The conversion increased almost linearly with the polymerization time as high as 80%. The average sizes of the obtained polystyrene particles increased, and the size distributions of the polystyrene particles tended to become narrower, with increasing conversion. The mechanism of the dispersion polymerization in the presence of polyisobutene‐b‐poly[(4‐methylstyrene)‐co‐(4‐vinyltriethylbenzyl ammonium bromide)] was nucleation/growth. When the stabilizer/monomer ratio (w/w) was greater than 2.0%, the polystyrene dispersion was stable, and there was no observable polymer particle coagulation taking place during the whole polymerization process. The average diameter of the polymer particles can be mediated through changes in the polymerization conversion, monomer, and stabilizer. Nearly monodispersed polystyrene particles with average diameters of approximately 0.45–2.21 μm were obtained under optimal conditions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2678–2685, 2004
Photoinduced controlled/living free‐radical polymerization of 4‐methacryloyl‐1,2,2,6,6‐pentamethyl‐piperidenyl
Authors: Liu Xiaoxuan , Zhang Xiahong , Zhang Xinghong , Wu Guangguo , Yang Jianwen , Pang Laixing , Zeng Zhaohua , Chen Yonglie 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe photoinduced solution polymerization of 4‐methacryloyl‐1,2,2,6,6‐pentamethyl‐piperidinyl (MPMP), used as a reactive hindered amine piperidinol derivative, was performed. The obtained MPMP homopolymer had a very narrow molecular weight distribution (1.06–1.39) according to gel permeation chromatography. The number‐average and weight‐average molecular weights increased linearly with the monomer conversion, this being characteristic of controlled/living free‐radical polymerizations. Electron spin resonance signals were detected in the MPMP homopolymer and in a polymer mixture solution, and they were assigned to nitroxide radicals, which were bound to the polymer chains and persisted at a level of 10−9 mol/L during the polymerization. Instead of the addition of mediated nitroxide radicals such as 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐piperidinyl‐1‐oxy (TEMPO), those radicals (>NO ·) were formed in situ during the photopolymerization of MPMP, and so the reaction mechanism was understood as being similar to that of TEMPO‐mediated controlled/living free‐radical polymerization. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2659–2665, 2004
Preparation of a new polymer containing photoluminescent pyrazoline unit in the main chain
Authors: Fang Qiang , Yamamoto Takakazu 
Published: April 2004

AbstractA novel photoluminescent polymer (PPyne) containing a 2‐pyrazoline unit in the molecular main chain was prepared (for the first time) by polycondensation between a 2‐pyrazoline monomer [an adduct of 2,6‐bis(4‐bromobenzylidene)cyclohexanone with phenylhydrazine] and 2,5‐dihexyloxy‐p‐phenylene diboric ester in the presence of Pd(PPh3)4. PPyne had a number‐average molecular weight of 7800 and a polydispersity index of 1.99 and showed good solubility in common organic solvents. In toluene PPyne exhibited an intrinsic viscosity [η] of 0.42 dL g−1 at 30 °C. The polymer was photoluminescent (PL) in both the chloroform solution and the solid state; the quantum yield of PL in the solution was 40%. In the two states, PPyne gave the same ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) peak at 368 nm and the same PL peak at 512 nm. DSC traces indicated that PPyne had a melting temperature of 168 °C, and thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the polymer had good thermal stability with a 5 wt % loss temperature of 376 °C under N2. Electrochemical oxidation of PPyne started at about 0.5 V versus Ag/AgNO3 and gave a peak at 0.98 V versus Ag/AgNO3 with a color change of the film from yellow to black green. The color change was followed by UV–vis spectroscopy. The corresponding reduction peak appeared at 0.80 V versus Ag/AgNO3. Treatment of PPyne with HCl led to dehydrogenating transformation of the polymer to a new cross‐conjugated polymer. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2686–2697, 2004