bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Speaking Rate on Temporal Patterns of English
Authors: Smith Bruce L. 
Published: April 2003

Abstract
Individual subjects have been found to show considerable variation in the extent to which they manifest certain temporal patterns of English in their speech. Because at least some differences across speakers appear to be related to the fact that some subjects typically talk faster/slower than others, the present investigation examined variability in temporal patterns by having subjects produce target stimuli in sentences spoken at normal and fast rates. The results from these manipulations of speaking rate generally supported previous findings related to temporal patterns as a function of ‘natural’ variations in rate of speech. That is, there was considerable variability among the 15 subjects in the normal speaking rate condition in the extent to which temporal parameters such as final-syllable vowel lengthening occurred. In addition, there was substantial variation in these parameters in the fast speaking rate condition, and some systematic changes in certain patterns also occurred as a function of the rate change. For example, vowel lengthening preceding voiced obstruents tended to decrease when subjects spoke at a fast versus a normal rate, whereas phrase-final vowel lengthening was typically greater when they spoke at a faster rate.
Unexpected Expansive Paranasal Sinus Mucormycosis
Authors: Larsen Kristian , Buchwald Christian von , Ellefsen Bjarki , Francis Dorthe 
Published: April 2003

Mucormycosis infection of the paranasal sinuses is a very rare but serious condition. Patients are usually immunocompromised by systemic disease. We report an unexpected case of expansive paranasal sinus mucormycosis in an immunocompetent European treated successfully with surgical debridement and intravenous amphotericin B. The pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of paranasal sinus mucormycosis is discussed.
Is Ultrasound Examination Sufficient in the Evaluation of Patients with Internal Carotid Artery Severe Stenosis or Occlusion?
Authors: Paciaroni Maurizio , Caso Valeria , Cardaioli Gabriela , Corea Francesco , Milia Paolo , Venti Michele , Hamam Mohammed , Pelliccioli Gian Piero , Parnetti Lucilla , Gallai Virgilio 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background and Purpose:</i> Carotid endarterectomy (CE) has been shown to be beneficial in patients with symptomatic high-grade internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. Some authors have suggested that when ultrasound shows a stenosis 70–99%, CE can be performed without further imaging study. However, ultrasound findings that suggest an ICA occlusion, not confirmed by angiography but which instead show a near-occlusion usually benefit from CE. The objectives of this study are: (1) to evaluate how angiography-obtained information on intracranial arteries affects the treatment decision in patients with 70–99% ICA stenosis, and (2) to evaluate when a symptomatic ICA occlusion shown by ultrasound could actually be a patent artery and therefore benefit from CE. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> We prospectively collected the cerebral angiograms of 133 consecutive patients with TIA or non-disabling stroke due to large artery disease where ultrasound suggested a stenosis ≧70% or occlusion of symptomatic ICA; we calculated the frequency of intracranial vascular malformations and intracranial artery disease (IAD) located in the infraclinoid or supraclinoid portion of the ICA, and in the anterior or middle cerebral artery. <i>Results:</i> Ultrasound showed 31 ICA occlusions and 102 ICA with 70–99% stenosis. All the patients with an ICA stenosis 70–99% on ultrasound examination had the degree of stenosis confirmed by angiography. Two out of 31 patients did not have a complete occlusion but angiography showed a near-occlusion and consequently they underwent CE. Sixty-five (62.5%) out of 104 patients with patent ICA had IAD (mild 26.9%, moderate 21.2%, and severe 14.4%). Five patients (4.8%) had intracranial vascular malformations (4 aneurysms and 1 arteriovenous malformation). One patient had disabling stroke during angiography. Seven patients (6.7%) did not undergo CE after angiography (1 patient had an aneurysm >10 mm, 1 patient had a very tight stenosis of the basilar artery, 5 patients had intracranial stenosis more severe than the extracranial stenosis). <i>Conclusions:</i> In patients that on the basis of ultrasound examination can benefit from CE, information on intracranial arteries is necessary. Moreover, complete occlusion cannot be detected with certainty only by ultrasound examination.
Effect of Different Doses of Vitamin E on the Incidence of Malformations in Pregnant Diabetic Rats
Authors: Viana Marta , Castro Mario , Barbas Coral , Herrera Emilio , Bonet Bartolome 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background/Aims:</i> Previously we have shown that administration of 150 mg of vitamin E (α-tocopherol) per day to rats having diabetes decreases the rate of embryo malformations and increases their maturation and size. The present study was addressed to determine the effects of different doses of vitamin E upon these parameters. <i>Methods:</i> Female rats were made diabetic (D) with streptozotocin, and from day 0 of gestation they were treated daily with 25 (D+25), 50 (D+50), 100 (D+100), 150 (D+150), and 500 (D+500) mg of vitamin E administered orally and were compared with control (C) animals. <i>Results:</i> On day 11.5 of gestation, crown-rump length, somite number, and protein and DNA levels were lower in D than in C embryos. Crown-rump length and somite number increased with 100 mg or higher doses of vitamin E, although the values observed in C embryos were not reached. The proportions of reabsorption and malformations were 24.7 and 50%, respectively, in D rats, and in the rats supplemented with vitamin E they decreased to 22.7 and 19% in D+25, 16.4 and 21.3% in D+50, 16.2 and 12% in D+100, 12.9 and 13.9% in D+150, and to 43.9 and 10.8% in D+500 rats, whereas the values were 6.8 and 4.9% in C animals. <i>Conclusions:</i> Administration of vitamin E to D rats decreases the rate of embryo malformations, dependent on the dose administered. However, high doses have a negative effect in the conceptus, as shown by the increased rate of reabsorptions in the D+500 group.
Deep Brain Stimulation for Dystonia
Authors: Coubes Philippe , Vayssiere Nathalie , El Fertit Hassan , Hemm Simone , Cif Laura , Kienlen Jacques , Bonafe Alain , Frerebeau Philippe 
Published: April 2003

Stimulation electrodes are implanted under general anesthesia, without intra-operative electrophysiology or clinical testing, based only on stereotactic MRI and direct anatomical localization of the postero-ventro-basal GPi. We retrospectively analyzed the surgical procedure that has been designed and implemented in our center, using the Leksell G frame, for initiating deep brain stimulation in 65 dystonic patients. We report the surgical technique and the hardware and software complications. We recommend immediate postoperative stereotactic MRI under general anesthesia as a prerequisite to check the reliability of MR acquisition (magnet stability) and the exact localization of each electrode. This technique allowed us to reduce the duration of the operation to 4 h, including general anesthesia, frame fixation, MRI acquisition, implantation of two electrodes under radioscopic control, immediate postoperative stereotactic MRI and frame removal. Surgery-related morbidity was very low with a 0% hemorrhage rate and three delayed unilateral infections re-operated 6 months later. Hardware and software complications were rare. The advances in 3D-MR imaging permit the electrode implantation for deep brain stimulation without resorting to intraoperative localization techniques, which is especially helpful in children and for treating dystonia. The maximum follow-up period is 58 months (first case: November 1996). GPi stimulation has proven to be an effective treatment for most dystonic syndromes with particular efficacy in the disease due to the DYT1 mutation.
Comparative Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics of Clonazepam following Intravenous, Intramuscular and Oral Administration to Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Crevoisier C. , Delisle M.C. , Joseph I. , Foletti G. 
Published: April 2003

The objective was to assess the single-dose pharmacokinetics of clonazepam following i.m., p.o. and i.v. administration. In an open-label, three-way crossover study, 12 healthy volunteers were randomized to receive a single dose of 2 mg clonazepam either by the i.m., p.o. or i.v. route. Serial blood samples were collected up to 120 h after drug administration. Plasma concentrations of clonazepam were determined by electron-capture gas-liquid chromatography. The absorption rates of clonazepam after i.m. and p.o. administration of clonazepam were significantly different from each other, as reflected by the respective mean values of maximum plasma concentration (C<sub>max</sub> 11.0 vs. 14.9 ng·ml<sup>–1</sup>) and time to reach maximum concentration (t<sub>max</sub> 3.1 vs. 1.7 h). Secondary plasma peaks of clonazepam were observed in 9 volunteers after i.m. injection (C<sub>max</sub> 9.9 ng·ml<sup>–1</sup>; t<sub>max</sub> 10.4 h). A comparison of the area under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUC) shows that the i.m. route is equivalent to the oral route (AUC<sub>0–∞</sub> 620 vs. 561 ng·h·ml<sup>–1</sup>). Clonazepam was almost completely absorbed after i.m. and p.o. administration, as shown by the mean absolute bioavailability of 93 and 90%, respectively. No significant differences existed between the elimination half-lives (i.v. 38.0 h; i.m. 43.6 h; p.o. 39.0 h). The average clearance and volume of distribution (V<sub>Z</sub>) were 55 ml·min<sup>–1</sup> and 180 liters, respectively. In conclusion, the observed differences in C<sub>max</sub> and t<sub>max</sub> after i.m. and p.o. administration were consistent with a slower absorption rate of clonazepam after i.m. injection. The systemic exposure to clonazepam was not affected by the route of extravascular administration. Statistical evaluation of these kinetic data showed differences in the absorption rate, so that clonazepam given by the i.m. route is not bioequivalent to the oral route. On the basis of the results of this study, we would recommend the same i.m. and p.o. dose in epileptic patients, but therapeutic response would be expected to be less predictable and to occur later in the case of i.m. administration.
Surgical Treatment and Follow-Up of Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst
Authors: Ayed Adel K. , Alshawaf Emad 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To report our experience of surgical procedures in the management of hydatid cysts of the lung and to assess the effect of postoperative chemotherapy. <i>Subjects and Methods:</i> In a longitudinal cohort study, 64 consecutive patients who presented with hydatid cysts of the lung from 1994 to 1998 were included. The main measures were: characteristics on presentation, operative techniques, postoperative morbidity, and the outcome of treatment. The mean age was 28 years (range 4–65 years). The most common symptoms were cough, chest pain, fever, and hemoptysis. Chest radiographs and computed tomograms were the main method of diagnosis. Pulmonary cystotomy and capitonnage were performed in 46 patients. Pulmonary resection was needed in 8 of 64 patients. Simultaneous combined resection of hydatid cysts through thoracotomy with transdiaphragmatic removal of liver cysts was performed in one stage in 13 patients. <i>Results: </i>Chest radiographs and CT scans showed a smoothly outlined spherical opacity in 45 patients. Other radiographic findings included ill-defined shadow (in 8 patients), pleural effusion (7 patients), air fluid level (3 patients), and hydropneumothorax in a single patient. There were 8 (12.5%) cases of immediate postoperative complications. These occurred mostly in patients who had cysts larger than 10 cm (p = 0.003). Thirty-four patients were treated by a 3-month course of albendazole chemotherapy. Four patients (6%) had recurrences of the disease during the follow-up period. These recurrences occurred in patients with large cysts >10 cm (p = 0.001). <i>Conclusion:</i> Conservative surgical methods are the preferred surgical techniques. Postoperative chemotherapy with albendazole for 3 months is recommended.
No Evidence of IFN-γ Increase in the Serum of HIV-Positive and Healthy Subjects after Subcutaneous Injection of a Non-Fermented <i>Viscum album</i> L. Extract
Authors: Stoss Matthias , Gorter Robert W. 
Published: April 2003

Iscador<sup>®</sup>, an aqueous extract of <i>Viscum album</i> L., has been used for more than 80 years as an anticancer drug. Due to its immunomodulatory potential, since the onset of the AIDS epidemic it has also been applied in the treatment of HIV-positive and AIDS patients in the form of the preparation <i>V. album</i> QuFrF (VaQuFrF; Labor Hiscia, Arlesheim, Switzerland). In in vitro investigations, incubation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with <i>V. album</i> L. extracts resulted in stimulation of lymphocyte activity with increased gene expression and release of various cytokines and also of interferon gamma (IFN-γ). In the latent phase, HIV positives exhibit only slightly elevated IFN-γ concentrations in serum in comparison with HIV negatives, but in the acute phase of AIDS, there is an increase in levels of IFN-γ. As the assay of cytokine levels in serum is a simple method of measuring immune system reactions, the aim of this trial was to determine whether increases in serum IFN-γ levels in HIV positives and HIV negatives can be detected using this method after repeated injections of VaQuFrF. Five healthy subjects and 13 HIV-positive patients were investigated. IFN-γ concentrations in serum were assayed using an ELISA test kit (ELISA test; ENDOGEN, Cambridge, Mass., USA). No drug-related elevation of serum IFN-γ was observed at any time point during the trial. It can thus be concluded that this method is not suitable for direct investigation of the immunomodulatory effects of VaQuFrF in vivo.
Effects of Multiple Virus Coinfections on Disease Progression in HIV-Positive Patients
Authors: Shieh Biehuoy , Chang Ming-Jen , Ko Wen-Chien , Chen Eng-Jun , Wu Jaw-Ching , Lee Chia-Fang , Chang Ting-Tsung , Li Ching 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> Since virus infections in AIDS patients are mostly inevitable and as they frequently cause disease deterioration and therapeutic failures, a comprehensive investigation was made of the influence of the coinfections of 9 well-known viruses on disease progression in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV). <i>Methods:</i> A cross-sectional study of 62 HIV-positive patients was conducted to correlate the prevalence rates for the 9 viruses with the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and CD4 cell counts of the patients. <i>Results:</i> The rates of HIV-positive patients infected with the 9 viruses are significantly higher than those of the control groups. Furthermore, almost one third of the patients in the studied group was coinfected with transfusion-transmitted virus (TTV) and manifested significantly higher ALT levels (p = 0.020), and these were raised further if coinfection with TTV and human hepatitis C virus had occurred (p = 0.010). By analyzing CD4 cell counts, the only significant effect on AIDS progression which could be detected was coinfection with human herpesvirus 8. <i>Conclusion:</i> This result confirmed that immune-suppressed persons are more vulnerable to common virus infections. Unlike hepatitis B or C virus, TTV seems to accelerate the progression of chronic hepatitis in HIV-infected patients.
Antithrombotic thrombocytes: ectopic expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator in platelets
Authors: Kufrin Dubravka , Eslin Don E. , Bdeir Khalil , Murciano Juan-Carlos , Kuo Alice , Kowalska M. Anna , Degen Jay L. , Sachais Bruce S. , Cines Douglas B. , Poncz Mortimer 
Published: April 2003

Abstract
Arterial occlusive disorders are a leading cause of human morbidity. We hypothesized that ectopic expression of fibrinolytic proteins in platelets could be used to favorably alter the hemostatic balance at sites of thrombosis. To test our hypothesis, we directed murine urokinase-type plasminogen activator transgene expression to platelets using a platelet factor 4 promoter. Urokinase was selectively expressed and stored in the platelets of these mice. These transgenic mice had altered platelet biology and a bleeding diathesis similar to that seen in patients with Quebec platelet disorder, affirming the role of ectopic urokinase expression as the etiology of this inherited disease. These mice were resistant to the development of occlusive carotid artery thrombosis in the absence of systemic fibrinolysis and displayed rapid resolution of pulmonary emboli. Moreover, transfusion of urokinase-expressing platelets into wild-type mice prevented formation of occlusive arterial thrombi. These studies show the feasibility of delivering fibrinolytic agents to sites of incipient thrombus formation through selective storage in platelets and offer a new strategy to prevent thrombosis and hemorrhage.
Patterns of Chemotherapy Use for Women With Ovarian Cancer: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Cress Rosemary D. , O’Malley Cynthia D. , Leiserowitz Gary S. , Campleman Sharon L. 
Published: April 2003

Purpose: To evaluate adherence to published recommendations for chemotherapy for ovarian cancer patients in the general community and to identify factors associated with its use. Patients and Methods: The study population consisted of 2,150 women residing in Northern California with a first diagnosis of primary epithelial ovarian cancer between January 1994 and December 1996. Patients were identified through the California Cancer Registry and their physicians were surveyed to supplement registry treatment information. Results: Almost 89% of women younger than 75 years with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage III or IV tumors received chemotherapy, with levels of treatment highest for women diagnosed at stage III. Patients 75 years of age and older were significantly less likely than younger women to receive chemotherapy (58.2% v 86.1%; P = .001) regardless of stage at diagnosis. Approximately 20% of patients younger than 55 years with early-stage (stage IC and II) cancer received no chemotherapy. Treatment in an American College of Surgeons hospital and treatment by a gynecologic oncologist increased the likelihood of receiving chemotherapy. Hospitalization for comorbid illness, race/ethnicity, census-based measures of socioeconomic status, and size or teaching status of hospital were all unrelated to probability of treatment after adjustment for other factors. Reasons reported most frequently by physicians for no treatment were lack of clinical indication and patient refusal. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that, despite scientific evidence and published guidelines that advocate chemotherapy for most women with ovarian cancer, some groups of women did not receive optimum treatment.
Antiproliferative Action of Calcitonin on Lactotrophs of the Rat Anterior Pituitary Gland: Evidence for the Involvement of Transforming Growth Factor β1 in Calcitonin Action
Authors: Wang Yong Qing , Yuan Ren , Sun Ya-Ping , Lee Tae-Jin , Shah Girish V. 
Published: April 2003

Calcitonin-like pituitary peptide, which is synthesized and secreted by gonadotrophs of the rat anterior pituitary (AP) gland, is a potent inhibitor of prolactin biosynthesis and lactotroph cell proliferation. Because TGF-β1 is an autocrine inhibitor of lactotroph cell proliferation, we investigated a possibility that calcitonin (CT) interacts with TGF-β1 to inhibit lactotroph cell proliferation.The actions of CT on GGH3 cell proliferation were examined in the absence or presence of anti-TGF-β1 serum. Subsequent experiments tested the effects of CT on TGF-β1 mRNA abundance as well as TGF-β1 synthesis. The studies also tested whether the stimulatory action of CT on TGF-β1 mRNA expression involves stabilization of TGF-β1 mRNA. Finally, the experiments investigated in vivo actions of CT on TGF-β1 synthesis in the AP gland. This was accomplished by studying the changes induced by iv administered CT in TGF-β1-immunopositive cell populations of adult female rat AP glands.The results have shown that the inhibitory action of CT on proliferation of GGH3 cells was attenuated by rabbit anti-TGF-β1 serum. Moreover, CT stimulated TGF-β1 mRNA expression, as well as TGF-β1 synthesis, in a dose-dependent fashion. Stimulatory action of CT on TGF-β1 expression may be posttranscriptional, because it significantly increased TGF-β1 mRNA stability. When administered in vivo, CT significantly increased TGF-β1-immunopositive cell populations of adult female rat AP gland. Colocalization studies for prolactin and TGF-β1 suggest that CT increased TGF-β1 synthesis in lactotrophs, and possibly in nonlactotroph cell populations. These results suggest that antiproliferative action of CT on lactotrophs may, at least in part, be mediated by CT-induced TGF-β1 expression.
Porphyrin Supramolecules for Artificial Photosynthesis and Molecular Photonic/Electronic Materials
Authors: Kobuke Yoshiaki , Ogawa Kazuya 
Published: April 2003

Abstract
Porphyrin supramolecules were constructed by ligand coordination to central metal ions, hydrogen bonding, or chelate complexation to external metal ions. meso-N-Methyl-2-imidazolyl-substituted porphyrin afforded a special pair model and a light-harvesting antenna mimic by complementary coordination of imidazolyl to Zn and Mg, respectively. Characteristic splits of the Soret band in absorption spectra and large upfield shifts of imidazolyl and pyrrolic β protons in the 1H NMR spectra suggested the close proximity of two porphyrin π–π planes. Such upfield shifts in the 1H NMR spectra were also observed for coordination organization of 2,5-dihydroxyphenyl-substituted porphyrinatoMg. As an example of organization by hydrogen bonding, the supramolecular assembly between imidazolyl substituents afforded stacks of porphyrins with antenna function in solution and gave rise to the formation of stable antenna liposome without any lipid components such as lecitin. Mono- and bis(8-hydroxy-5-quinolyl) substituted porphyrins were coordinated with Ga(III) to afford tris(oxinato) chelate and poly(oxinato) chelate, respectively. The fluorescence intensity of each Ga complex was increased significantly compared with that of each starting monomer. At the same time, efficient excitation energy transfer among three porphyrins has been observed to realize the light-harvesting function. Novel bipyridylene-bridged bisporphyrin was synthesized by a nickel(0)-mediated homocoupling reaction of bromopyridyl-porphyrinatoZn. Spatial geometries of two porphyrins were regulated by reversible complexation of the bipyridyl part with PdCl2. Bis(imidazolylporphyrinatoZn), which was directly linked at meso-position, afforded a giant linear multi-porphyrin array by successive links of complementary coordination of imidazolyl to zinc having molecular weight of 105 at a distribution maximum corresponding to 80 bisporphyrin units and at the molecular length of 110 nm. On the other hand, the polyporphyrin can be dissociated to bisporphyrin unit and scrambled with monomeric imidazolylporphyrinatoZn in the presence of MeOH or pyridine to produce oligomers terminated by the monomeric porphyrin. This reorganization process could apply to the systems generating efficient photocurrents and large third-order optical nonlinearity.