bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is allostery an intrinsic property of all dynamic proteins?
Authors: Gunasekaran K. , Ma Buyong , Nussinov Ruth 
Published: July 2004

AbstractAllostery involves coupling of conformational changes between two widely separated binding sites. The common view holds that allosteric proteins are symmetric oligomers, with each subunit existing in “at least” two conformational states with a different affinity for ligands. Recent observations such as the allosteric behavior of myoglobin, a classical example of a nonallosteric protein, call into question the existing allosteric dogma. Here we argue that all (nonfibrous) proteins are potentially allosteric. Allostery is a consequence of re‐distributions of protein conformational ensembles. In a nonallosteric protein, the binding site shape may not show a concerted second‐site change and enzyme kinetics may not reflect an allosteric transition. Nevertheless, appropriate ligands, point mutations, or external conditions may facilitate a population shift, leading a presumably nonallosteric protein to behave allosterically. In principle, practically any potential drug binding to the protein surface can alter the conformational redistribution. The question is its effectiveness in the redistribution of the ensemble, affecting the protein binding sites and its function. Here, we review experimental observations validating this view of protein allostery. Proteins 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preoperative Steroid Administration: Effect on Morbidity among Patients Undergoing Intestinal Bowel Resection for Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Bruewer Matthias , Utech Markus , Rijcken Emile J.M. , Anthoni Christoph , Laukoetter Mike G. , Kersting Sabine , Senninger Norbert , Krieglstein Christian F. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractLong‐term steroid therapy may predispose to increased perioperative morbidity in patients undergoing surgery with bowel anastomoses. The aim of our study was to review our data to determine if the steroid dosage is associated with the incidence of early complications after bowel resection in patients with prolonged steroid therapy for Crohn’s disease (CD). Altogether, 397 patients underwent bowel resection with primary intestinal anastomoses for CD between 1982 and 2000 in our institution. The mortality and morbidity rates, anastomotic leakage, wound infections, intraabdominal abscesses, reoperation rate, and length of postoperative hospitalization in patients who were having high‐dose (≥ 20 mg of prednisolone per day, n = 73) and low‐dose (< 20 mg prednisolone per day, n = 146) steroid therapy for more than 1 month before surgery were compared with those of patients (n = 177) who were not receiving steroids. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test and Student’s t‐test, with p < 0.05 considered significant. The three groups were similar in terms of gender, duration since first diagnosis, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, and obesity. Mortality, morbidity, anastomotic leakage, wound infections, intraabdominal abscesses, reoperation rate, and average postoperative stay were not statistically different in patients with high‐dose, low‐dose, or no steroid therapy. The only factor associated with increased morbidity was a low preoperative hemoglobin level. Our results demonstrate that, in patients who are undergoing bowel resection for CD, even high‐dose prolonged preoperative systemic steroid therapy is not associated with increased postoperative complications.
Effect of Interstitial Laser Hyperthermia in a Murine Model of Colorectal Liver Metastases: Scanning Electron Microscopic Study
Authors: Muralidharan Vijayaragavan , Nikfarjam Mehrdad , Malcontenti‐Wilson Caterina , Christophi Christopher 
Published: July 2004

AbstractInterstitial laser hyperthermia (ILH) is an in situ ablative technique used to treat colorectal liver metastases. The relatively high recurrence of tumor after treatment by ILH may be related to incomplete destruction. Little is known about the effectiveness of ILH for destroying tumor microvasculature. The aim of this study was to define the changes to the microvascular architecture of tumors after treatment with ILH, specifically focusing on the completeness of tumor vasculature destruction. An intrasplenic induction model of liver metastases in 4‐ to 6‐week‐old male inbred CBA mice was used. Laser hyperthermia was applied to liver and tumor tissue using a bare optical quartz fiber from a Medilas Fibertom 4100 Nd:YAG surgical laser generator. The animals underwent microvascular corrosion casting of the livers immediately after application of ILH. Microvascular casts were then prepared and studied by scanning electron microscopy. ILH produced complete, uniform destruction of the tumor microvasculature with compete hemostasis. Blood flow in vessels larger than 100 μm diameter had a relatively protective effect, although ILH was able to overcome this barrier effectively by increasing the energy applied. ILH produces complete destruction of tumor microvasculature with hemostasis. The protective effect of blood flow in larger vessels can be overcome by the appropriate use of higher energy levels.
Clinical Value of Parathyroid Scintigraphy with Technetium‐99m Methoxyisobutylisonitrile: Discrepancies in Clinical Data and a Systematic Metaanalysis of the Literature
Authors: Gotthardt Martin , Lohmann Bodo , Behr Thomas M. , Bauhofer Artur , Franzius Christiane , Schipper Meike L. , Wagner Maria , Höffken Helmut , Sitter Helmut , Rothmund Matthias , Joseph Klaus , Nies Christoph 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThere is a considerable discrepancy in the literature concerning the sensitivity of parathyroid scintigraphy (PS) with 99mTc‐MIBI. We therefore analyzed our own data and compared them to the literature in a metaanalysis. All patients who received 99mTc ‐MIBI scintigraphy and subsequent surgery in our department for the detection of enlarged parathyroid glands in primary (pHPT) or secondary (sHPT) hyperparathyroidism between 1991 and 1999 were included in our retrospective analysis. The results of surgery served as the gold standard. For a true positive result, the scintigraphy had to predict the exact location of parathyroid adenoma (PA) or parathyroid hyperplasia (PH). We then compared these data to the results of a nonstatistical systematic metaanalysis of the literature. Patients (178) underwent PS between 1991 and 1999; 139 were operated on and included in this study. Of these, 109 had pHPT and 30 had sHPT. The sensitivity and specificity of the PS were found to be 45% / 94% for pHPT and 39% / 40% for sHPT. Fifty‐two studies concerning PS were included in the metaanalysis. Sensitivities reported varied from 39% to > 90%. Consideration of the different possible techniques used for PS could not explain these discrepancies. Our data show that the sensitivity of PS in clinical routine may be lower than expected from the literature. Our data are consistent with other studies and with partially unpublished clinical observations from other university hospitals. We believe that a well‐designed and properly conducted prospective study is necessary to evaluate the reasons for the differences observed.
Role of Computer Analysis in Gastric Cancer Surgery: Evaluation of the WinEstimate v. 2.5 Computer Program
Authors: Omejc Mirko , Mekicar Jernej 
Published: July 2004

AbstractTo identify the group of patients with gastric cancer who can benefit from extensive lymphadenectomy and to offer a rational approach to lymph node dissection, it is important to know the incidence of metastases at each lymph node station. A computer program was developed for assessment of lymph node involvement and survival time in each individual case according to preoperative variables. In patients who have undergone R0 resection with D2 lymphadenectomy, differences between the individual results generated by the computer and the actual data were compared. A cutoff point of 10% in the prediction of metastases was used as a positive result. The computer program made false predictions in 9% of patients for the pN status (3% lower and 6% higher than the actual status). Computerized prediction of 5‐year survival was close to the rate calculated by the Kaplan‐Meier method (55.5% vs 56.1%). Preoperative computer analysis of patient data and tumor characteristics offers a rational approach to individualizing tumor therapy] where the extent of lymph node dissection is tailored to the type, site, and stage of the tumor, thereby minimizing the disadvantages (morbidity, mortality) associated with the extensive operative procedure.
Modification of Mesosigmoidoplasty for Nongangrenous Sigmoid Volvulus
Authors: Bach Olaf , Rudloff Udo , Post Stefan 
Published: July 2004

AbstractMesosigmoidoplasty is a nonresective procedure for nongangrenous sigmoid volvulus. It aims to correct the main pathogenetic factor of this condition, the narrow but long mesosigmoid. Although it had been demonstrated by intraoperative measurements that this has indeed achieved its purpose, recurrent volvulus has been reported after the procedure. This has raised the question of whether an operation on the mesosigmoid’s peritoneal cover alone is sufficient to maintain the change in shape. The modification presented here aims at more sustainable shortening and widening of the mesosigmoid by including all its layers in the procedure. Of 31 consecutive patients with sigmoid volvulus operated on in Malawi in East Africa, 14 had the nongangrenous variety. Twelve of them underwent modified mesosigmoidoplasty without any major perioperative complications. There was one relaparotomy following misdiagnosis of cryptic Hirschsprung’s disease and one true recurrence secondary to a technical error during the previous operation. During a follow‐up of eight patients for 4 to 8 months, there were no complaints about abdominal discomfort or changed stool habits. Thus including all layers of the mesosigmoid in the plastic procedure did not increase short‐term morbidity and in theory should be advantageous in respect to preventing recurrence. Applying it to a larger series with prolonged follow‐up seems to be justified.
Increased Mortality in Patients Hospitalized with Primary Hyperparathyroidism during the Period 1977–1993 in Denmark
Authors: Øgard Christina G. , Engholm Gerda , Almdal Thomas P. , Vestergaard Henrik 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to determine whether patients with the incident hospital diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in Denmark during the period 1977–1993 had an increased mortality from cardiovascular disease and cancer compared to the rest of the Danish population. In a random sample of half of the Danish population, all patients with an incident hospital diagnosis of PHPT were identified in the National Hospital Patients Register. The mortality in the cohort was analyzed and compared with the background population. A cohort of 1578 patients was identified. Follow‐up of 1179 women and 376 men, who did not die in the same month as the incident PHPT diagnosis, was made through 1993. Of these, 312 (20%) died within the follow‐up period. The standard mortality ratio (SMR) for women was 1.7 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.5–1.9). SMR for men was 1.6 (95% CI: 1.3–2.0). In women an increased mortality from ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and cancer was found. In men an increased mortality from cerebrovascular disease and cancer was found.
Surgical Intervention for Obstructive Jaundice Due to Biliary Tumor Thrombus in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Peng Shu You , Wang Jian Wei , Liu Ying Bin , Cai Xiu Jun , Deng Gui Long , Xu Bin , Li Hai Jun 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThis retrospective study in eight surgically treated patients with obstructive jaundice due to biliary tumor thrombus in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was performed to evaluate the role of surgical intervention. All biliary tumor thrombi were confirmed preoperatively or intraoperatively. Only two manifested intraluminal biliary obstructions due to a primary tumor that had not been found preoperatively. The operative procedures included hepatectomy with removal of the biliary tumor thrombus (n = 3), hepatectomy combined with extrahepatic bile duct resection (n = 1), thrombectomy through a choledochotomy (n = 3), and piggyback orthotopic liver transplantation (n = 1). The 1‐ and 3‐year survival rates were 62.5% and 37.5%, respectively. Two patients survived more than 5 years. Surgical intervention was effective in patients with obstructive jaundice due to a biliary tumor thrombus in an HCC. Thus surgery for a recurrence can prolong survival, and liver transplantation is a treatment worthy of further investigation.
Risk Factors for Mortality and Morbidity after Elective Sigmoid Resection for Diverticulitis: Prospective Multicenter Multivariate Analysis of 582 Patients
Authors: Pessaux Patrick , Muscari Fabrice , Ouellet Jean‐François , Msika Simon , Hay Jean‐Marie , Millat Bertrand , Fingerhut Abe , Flamant Yves ,   French Association for Surgical Research
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe prevalence of diverticular disease of the colon is increasing in occidental countries. It would be useful to further decrease the mortality and morbidity after elective sigmoid resection (ESR) for diverticulitis. The aim of this study was to identify modifiable preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for mortality and morbidity after ESR for diverticulitis., A database of 2615 patients who underwent a colon or rectal resection with primary anastomosis between 1985 to 1998 has been constructed from prospective randomized studies published by a French surgical group. Of those patients, 582 had undergone ESR for diverticulitis, and they constitute the population of the present study. A total of 46 potential preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for mortality and morbidity have been studied by univariate and multivariate analysis. The operative mortality for our series was 1.2%, and the overall morbidity was 24.9%. The multivariate analysis revealed two statistically significant independent risk factors of mortality: age > 75 (odds‐ratio = 7.9; 95%confidence interval [CI 1.7–36.6]; p = 0.01) and obesity (odds ratio = 5.2; 95%CI [1.1–27.9]; p = 0.04). The abdominal morbidity (AM) was 6.5% (38/582). The absence of antimicrobial prophylaxis administration with ceftriaxone was the only significant risk factor for AM in multivariate analysis (p = 0.003; odds ratio = 2; 95% CI [1.1–4]). The extraabdominal morbidity (EAM) was 18.4% (107/582). Both chronic pulmonary disease (p = 0.008; odds‐ratio = 2.9; 95% CI [1.4–6]; p = 0.008) and cirrhosis (odds‐ratio = 12; 95% CI [1.2–120]) proved to be significant risk factors for EAM. Weight control prior to surgery, routine administration of prophylactic preoperative antibiotics, and preoperative optimization of the respiratory status of patients with chronic pulmonary disease could decrease the postoperative mortality and morbidity associated with ESR for diverticulitis.
Living Donor Liver Transplantation with Special Reference to ABO‐incompatible Grafts and Small‐for‐size Grafts
Authors: Shimazu Motohide , Kitajima Masaki 
Published: July 2004

AbstractLiving donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has developed on the basis of increased safety of conventional liver surgery and the need for expanding donor sources, especially in children. Indications for LDLT were soon extended to adult patients in Japan, where cadaveric donation was limited. The right liver is now routinely transplanted to adults to avoid small‐for‐size graft syndrome, even though the right liver graft has the disadvantages of less remaining donor liver and the question of donor safety. Assessing the suitable size or quality of the graft, as well as of the remnant donor liver, is one of the most important problems in adult LDLT. Although several tactics have been proposed to manage the small‐for‐size syndrome, their efficacy remains a question. We suggest that small‐for‐size syndrome is preventable by engaging in careful donor selection or using effective agents for hepatic microcirculatory disturbance control. Sometimes for LDLT only ABO‐incompatible grafts are available from relatives, but they must be transplanted despite the expected poor outcome in adults and older children. To overcome the problems in this situation, we developed a novel protocol including intraportal infusion therapy with methylprednisolone, prostaglandin E1, and gabexate mesylate. Two adult patients undergoing ABO‐ incompatible LDLT have now survived 53 and 35 months after transplantation with good liver function. However, the other two patients suffered thrombotic microangiopathy postoperatively and died owing to cerebral hemorrhage or multiple organ failure, respectively. Further investigation is needed to improve the outcome of liver transplantation across the ABO blood group barrier.
Cantlie’s Plane in Major Variations of the Primary Portal Vein Ramification at the Porta Hepatis: Cutting Experiment using Cadaveric Livers
Authors: Ko Saiho , Murakami Gen , Kanamura Tetsuhiro , Sato Toshio J. , Nakajima Yoshiyuki 
Published: July 2004

AbstractMajor variations of the primary portal vein ramifications at the porta hepatis, such as trifurcation or an anterior sectorial trunk originating from the left portal vein (L+A pattern), seem to be relatively common morphologic features, with an incidence of 10% to 30%. However, it has not been clearly demonstrated whether the usual landmarks of Cantlie’s line and the middle hepatic vein (MHV) are reliable indicators of the border between the right and left liver when these variations are present. We searched for any discrepancies between the actual left/right territorial border of the intrahepatic portal vein and the usual position of Cantlie’s line or the MHV course using 30 fixed cadaveric livers with major variations including hilar trifurcation and the L+A pattern. In most livers (63.3%) the usual transection plane for left/right hepatectomy was occupied by Couinaud’s segment VIII (S8), and the territory of the right portal vein extended to the left of Cantlie’s plane. The MHV course did not correspond with the actual border between the right and left liver. Significant rightward shift of the MHV occurred in 76.9% of livers. The severity of the discrepancy seemed to depend on the distance between the origins of the anterior and posterior sectorial trunks along the main portal vein. In conclusion, variations of the primary portal ramifications alter the segmental configurations of the liver. Our results evoke doubt over the reliability of Cantlie’s line and the MHV course as landmarks for major hepatectomy when such variations are present.
Unpolymerized nuclear actin is involved in the activation of CSF‐1 gene transcription
Authors: Song Zhaoxia , Zeng Xianlu , Wang Min , Liu Wenguang , Huang Baiqu , Hao Shui 
Published: July 2004

AbstractNuclear actin is a nuclear component in many kinds of eukaryotic cells but its function is still not clear. In this study, we overexpressed actin in nuclei and found that it promoted transcription of the CSF‐1 gene, both exogenous and endogenous, approximately two‐fold. Cytochalasin B did not affect this function of nuclear actin. Our results suggest that nuclear actin plays a role in regulating CSF‐1 gene transcription, and this role does not depend on actin polymerization.
Cytotoxicity of tamoxifen in normal and tumoral cell lines and its ability to induce cellular transformation in vitro
Authors: Petinari Leandro , Kohn Luciana Konecny , De Carvalho João Ernesto , Genari Selma Candelária 
Published: July 2004

AbstractTamoxifen (TAM) is a non‐steroidal anti‐estrogen used to treat patients with estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer and as a chemopreventive agent against breast cancer in high risk pre‐ and post‐menopausal women. However, recent studies have shown that tamoxifen causes endometrial and hepatic cancer. In this study, we examined the effects of tamoxifen (5, 10, 25 and 50 μM) on the growth and proliferation of nine tumoral cell lines (UACC62, MCF‐7, NCI‐460, K‐562, OVCAR‐03, PC‐03, HT‐29, 786‐0, NCI‐ADR) and non‐tumoral cell lines (3T3, V79, MDCK, VERO). Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (V79) were the most sensitive lineage to tamoxifen, with 21.6% of the cells showing apoptosis at 50 μM TAM. Microscopic analysis showed that, the cellular transformation caused by TAM in V79 cells was similar to that seen with 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene, thus indicating the carcinogenicity of TAM.
Altered cyclic expression of epithelial Na+ channel subunits and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in mouse endometrium by a low sodium diet
Authors: Tsang Lai Ling , Chan Ling Nga , Chan Hsiao Chang 
Published: July 2004

AbstractEpithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance (CFTR) have been shown to exhibit cyclic expression patterns in the uterus and demonstrated to play important roles in regulating uterine fluid absorption and secretion. The present study investigated the effect of a low Na+ diet on the cyclic expression of uterine ENaC subunits and CFTR in mice. Ten to 12 weeks old ICR mice with synchronized estrus cycle were fed with a low sodium diet for at least 2 weeks and the mRNA level of these ion channels was examined by semi‐quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Functional channel activities in primary cultures of endometrial epithelia were assessed by the short‐circuit current (Isc) technique. The characteristic cyclic expression of ENaC subunits throughout the estrus cycle remained unchanged but their expression levels towards the diestrus stage were drastically elevated. The cyclic expression pattern of CFTR was disrupted with suppressed expression throughout the cycle. Isc measurements showed that treatment of cultured endometrial epithelial cells with aldosterone, the major hormone expected to be elevated during the low sodium diet, resulted in prominent increase in ENaC channel activity. The altered cyclic expression of uterine ENaC and CFTR by a low sodium diet suggests that these ion channels may be affected by elevated circulating aldosterone, which may disrupt reproductive events in the uterus.
The state of the art in German IR
Authors: Holden Gerard 
Published: July 2004

Gunther Hellmann, Klaus Dieter Wolf, and Michael Zürn (eds.), Die neuen Internationalen
Beziehungen. Forschungsstand und Perspektiven in Deutschland (Baden-Baden: Nomos
Verlagsgesellschaft, 2003), pp. 614.The intensification in recent years of interest in the history and sociology of IR (as a discipline) has been manifested in a growing number of publications dealing with aspects of different IR communities. The appearance of a weighty and semi-official volume summarising the state of the art in German IR is therefore a noteworthy development, and one that merits attention beyond the German-speaking world where it will find its main audience. I refer to this volume as ‘semi-official’ because it has been published under the auspices of the Section for International Politics of the German Political Science Association (Deutsche Vereinigung für Politische Wissenschaft, DVPW). The book does not attempt to speak for IR scholars in Austria or Switzerland and so represents a national rather than a linguistic community, though not all the contributors teach at universities in Germany.