bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic trans‐peritoneal adrenalectomy: a preliminary report of 14 adrenalectomies
Authors: Walmsley David , McIntyre Robert , Sawers Hilary A. , Shaw James A. M. , Webster John , Krukowski Zygmunt H. , Bevan John S. 
Published: November 2003

OBJECTIVES Laparoscopic adrenalectomy offers the potential benefits of a smaller operation with more rapid hospital discharge, compared to open surgery. Only a few small series have been reported so far. We describe our preliminary experience of 14 adrenalectomies using this new technique. DESIGN Review of all adrenalectomies (with the pre‐operative intention of laparoscopic removal) performed in an endocrine unit whose surgeon already had abdominal laparoscopic experience, particularly with cholecystectomy. PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS Twelve patients (3 with Conn's syndrome, 3 Cushing's syndrome, 1 Cushing's disease, 2 phaeochromocytomas and 3 adrenal incidentalomas) were operated between September 1993 and February 1996. Operating times, operative technique, time from surgery to discharge, outcome and all complications were recorded prospectively. Comparative data were obtained from 14 consecutive open adrenalectomies performed by the same surgeon between February 1989 and February 1995. RESULTS Fourteen glands were removed, two with a cholecystectomy, in 12 operations. Operating time (mean (range) 120 (60–225) min) was reduced with experience. Positioning the patient in the right lateral position facilitated left adrenalectomy. Time to discharge (mean (range)) was 5.3 (1–12) days. There were relatively minor complications in three patients, including two with Cushing's syndrome: a hernia at a port site, intra‐peritoneal/wound haemorrhage and a pressure sore. Time to discharge for open adrenalectomy (mean (range)) was 6.5 (2–11) days and one case was complicated by wound infection. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a practical technique for appropriately trained surgeons who regularly undertake adrenalectomy. The smaller incisions offer potential advantages, particularly for patients with poor tissue quality due to Cushing's syndrome, but tissue haemorrhage may still be a problem in these patients. Time to hospital discharge was similar to that for open surgery.
Loss of heterozygosity studies at the retinoblastoma and breast cancer susceptibility (BRCA2) loci in pituitary, parathyroid, pancreatic and carcinoid tumours
Authors: Pearce S. H. S. , Trump D. , Wooding C. , Sheppard M. N. , Clayton R. N. , Thakker R. V. 
Published: November 2003

OBJECTIVE Allelic deletion of the retinoblastoma (Rb) gene on chromosome 13 has been reported in both pituitary and parathyroid tumours. We have investigated the roles of the Rb and the hereditary breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA2), which lie within 25 cM of each other on chromosome 13q12–14, in the multi‐step aetiology of endocrine tumours. PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS Seventy‐seven endocrine tumours (43 anterior pituitary, 22 parathyroid, 7 carcinoid, and 5 pancreatic islet cell tumours) with paired leucocytes have been examined for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the Rb and BRCA2 loci by using specific oligonucleotide primers for the PCR amplification of microsatellite polymorphisms at three intragenic Rb markers, Rb1.20, Rbi4 and D13S153, and D13S260 which is linked to the BRCA2 locus. RESULTS Seventy‐five of the 77 tumour–leucocyte pairs were informative and LOH was detected in 1 of 16 non‐functioning pituitary tumours, 1 of 8 prolactinomas, 3 of 19 parathyroid adenomas and 1 of 1 parathyroid carcinoma. All the 3 parathyroid adenomas with LOH were associated with aggressive clinical and histopathological features. Allele loss was not detected in any of the 16 somatotrophinomas, 2 corticotrophinomas, 1 gonadotrophinoma, 7 carcinoid tumours (6 bronchial, 1 metastatic intestinal) or 5 pancreatic islet cell tumours that were informative. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that allelic deletions of the 13q12‐14 region occur in some pituitary adenomas and 16% of parathyroid adenomas. The extensive loss, which involves both the Rb gene and the BRCA2 locus, suggests that tumour suppressor genes in this region other than Rb or BRCA2 may be involved in the development and progression of some endocrine tumours.
Reversible primary hypothyroidism with blocking or stimulating type TSH binding inhibitor immunoglobulin following recombinant interferon‐α therapy in patients with pre‐existing thyroid disorders
Authors: Chen Fu‐Qin , Okamura Ken , Sato Kaori , Kuroda Takeo , Mizokami Tetsuya , Fujikawa Megumi , Tsuji Hiroshi , Okamura Seiichi , Fujishima Masatoshi 
Published: November 2003

OBJECTIVE Treatment with recombinant interferon‐α (rIFN‐α) may induce autoimmunity. We have evaluated the effect of rIFN‐α on pre‐existing thyroid disease with special reference to changes in TSH receptor antibody. DESIGN AND PATIENTS Five patients, who had a history of autoimmune thyroid disease diagnosed between 2 and 16 years earlier (three patients had Graves' disease while two had Hashimoto's thyroiditis), were treated with rIFN‐α for chronic hepatitis C. Before, during and after rIFN‐α therapy, we determined thyroid function, antithyroid antibody, thyroid echogenicity and the surface phenotype of the peripheral and intrathyroidal lymphocytes. RESULTS Four of the patients developed overt hypothyroidism after 4–7 months of rIFN‐α therapy, and two of them had a preceding history of low‐uptake thyrotoxicosis. Recovery of thyroid function was observed in all four patients. Strongly positive blocking type TSH receptor antibody was detected and an increase in the percentage of CD19 positive cells in the intrathyroidal lymphocytes was also observed in three of the patients even though the goitre size increased in two of them. One of the patients became thyrotoxic later when stimulating type TSH receptor antibody became positive. Another patient suffered from reversible hypothyroidism although stimulating type TSH receptor antibody remained strongly positive throughout the clinical course. CONCLUSIONS Our data thus indicated a high incidence of an unusual type of reversible hypothyroidism with TSH receptor antibodies in patients with chronic hepatitis C and pre‐existing autoimmune thyroid disease after recombinant interferon‐α therapy through a mechanism involving both the humoral and cellular immune systems.
The effects of salinity on aquatic plant germination and zooplankton hatching from two wetland sediments
Authors: Nielsen Daryl L. , Brock Margaret A. , Crosslé Katharine , Harris Ken , Healey Michael , Jarosinski Irene 
Published: November 2003

Summary1. The effect of increasing salinity on the emergence of zooplankton eggs and the germination of aquatic plant seeds from the sediment of two wetlands was examined. Salinity was found to cause reductions in species richness and abundance of aquatic plants and zooplankton at salinities between 1000 and 5000 mg L−1. Aquatic plants also had an associated decrease in above ground biomass.2. Individual taxa showed different responses to salinity, and four response patterns were identified: (i) increased number of organisms emerging at 1000 mg L−1; (ii) decreased number of organisms emerging above 1000 mg L−1; (iii) decreased number of organisms emerging between 300 and 1000 mg L−1; (iv) no difference in number of organisms emerging across the range of salinities. Response patterns (iii) and (iv) were common to both plants and zooplankton, whereas response patterns (i) and (ii) were only identified for zooplankton.3. Results indicate that there is potential for the increasing salinity in Australian rivers and wetlands to decrease the species richness of aquatic communities resulting in loss of wetland biodiversity.
Effects of the non‐indigenous cladoceran Cercopagis pengoi on the lower food web of Lake Ontario
Authors: Laxson Corey L. , McPhedran Kerry N. , Makarewicz Joseph C. , Telesh Irena V. , Macisaac Hugh J. 
Published: November 2003

Summary1. In North America, the invasive predatory cladoceran Cercopagis pengoi was first detected in Lake Ontario. We explored the impact of Cercopagis on the lower food web of Lake Ontario through assessments of historical and seasonal abundance of the crustacean zooplankton, by conducting feeding experiments on the dominant prey of the invader, and by estimating its food requirements.2. Between 1999 and 2001, a decrease in the abundance of dominant members of the Lake Ontario zooplankton community (Daphnia retrocurva, Bosmina longirostris and Diacyclops thomasi) coincided with an increase in the abundance of Cercopagis. Daphnia retrocurva populations declined despite high fecundity in all 3 years, indicating that food limitation was not responsible. Chlorophyll a concentration generally increased, concomitant with a decline in the herbivorous cladoceran zooplankton in the lake.3. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that Cercopagis fed on small‐bodied species including D. retrocurva and B. longirostris.4. Consumption demand of mid‐summer populations of Cercopagis, estimated from a bioenergetic model of the confamilial Bythotrephes, was sufficient to reduce crustacean abundance, although the degree of expected suppression varied seasonally and interannually.5. Predatory effects exerted by Cercopagis on the Lake Ontario zooplankton, while initially very pronounced, have decreased steadily as the species became established in the lake.
Photosynthetic and growth responses of three freshwater algae to phosphorus limitation and daylength
Authors: Litchman Elena , Steiner Daniel , Bossard Peter 
Published: November 2003

Summary1. Three common species of freshwater phytoplankton, the diatom Nitzschia sp., green alga Sphaerocystis schroeteri and cyanobacterium Phormidium luridum, were grown under contrasting daylengths [18 : 6 h light : dark cycles (LD) versus 6 : 18 h LD] and phosphorus (P) regimes (P‐sufficient versus 1 μm P). The rates of growth and photosynthesis, as well as growth efficiencies and pigment concentrations, were compared among treatments.2. The growth and photosynthetic parameters of the three species depended on both P status and daylength in a species‐specific way. The responses to P limitation depended on daylength and, conversely, the responses to daylength depended on P status.3. Growth rates and the maximum rates of photosynthesis (Pmax) of all species decreased under P limitation under both light regimes. However, the decrease of Pmax because of P limitation was greater under long daylength. The Pmax of the green alga S. schroeteri decreased the most (ca. sixfold) under P limitation compared with the other two species. The photosynthesis saturation parameter Ik also decreased under P limitation; the decline was significant in Nitzschia and Sphaerocystis. P‐limitation significantly increased photoinhibition (β) in Nitzschia and Sphaerocystis, but not in Phormidium. The excess photochemical capacity (the ratio of the maximum photosynthesis rate to the photosynthesis rate at the growth irradiance), characterising the ability to utilise fluctuating light, was significantly lower under P limitation.4. The growth efficiency (growth rate normalised to daylength) declined with increasing daylength in all species. Under short daylength the cyanobacterium Phormidium had the lowest growth efficiency of the three species.5. The cellular chlorophyll a concentration in both Nitzschia and Sphaerocystis was significantly higher under short daylength, but only under P‐sufficient conditions. In Nitzschia, under short daylength, P‐limitation significantly decreased cellular chlorophyll concentration. In contrast, P‐limitation increased cellular chlorophyll concentration in Sphaerocystis, but under long daylength only. The ratio of chlorophyll a to b in the green alga also declined under short daylength and under P‐limited conditions.
Phenotypic plasticity of internode elongation stimulated by deep‐seeding and ethylene in wheat seedlings
Authors: SUGE H. , NISHIZAWA T. , TAKAHASHI H. , TAKEDA K. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTDeep‐seeding and ethylene were found to stimulate extension growth of the first internode of intact wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings in darkness. Seedlings of Hon Mang Mai emerged from much deeper in the soil than the seedlings of the other varieties used and their first internodes elongated to a much greater extent in response to ethylene. Carbon dioxide slowed elongation of the first internode and inhibited ethylene action. Elongation of the first internode due to deep‐seeding and ethylene treatment showed high heritabilities, suggesting a genetic basis underlying those traits.
Novel software for analysis of root gravitropism: comparative response patterns of Arabidopsis wild‐type and axr1 seedlings
Authors: ISHIKAWA H. , EVANS M. L. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTIn an earlier study (Evans, Ishikawa & Estelle 1994, Planta 194, 215–222) we used a video digitizer system to compare the kinetics of auxin action on root elongation in wild‐type seedlings and seedlings of auxin response mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. We have since modified the system software to allow determination of elongation on opposite sides of vertical or gravistimulated roots and to allow continuous measurement of the angle of orientation of sequential subsections of the root during the response. We used this technology to compare the patterns of differential growth that generate curvature in roots of the Columbia ecotype and in the mutants axr1‐3, axr1‐12 and axr2, which show reduced gravitropic responsiveness and reduced sensitivity to inhibition by auxin. The pattern of differential growth during gravitropism differed in roots of wild‐type and axr1 seedlings. In wild‐type roots, initial curvature resulted from differential inhibition of elongation in the distal elongation zone (DEZ). This was followed by an acceleration of elongation along the top side of the DEZ. In roots of axr1‐3, curvature resulted from differential stimulation of elongation whereas in roots of axr1‐12 the response was variable. Roots of axr2 did not exhibit gravitropic curvature. The observation that the pattern of differential growth causing curvature is dramatically altered by a change in sensitivity to auxin is consistent with the classical Cholodny‐Went theory of gravitropism which maintains that differential growth patterns induced by gravistimulation are mediated primarily by gravi‐induced shifts in auxin distribution. The new technology introduced with this report allows automated determination of stimulus response patterns in the small but experimentally popular roots of Arabidopsis.
Source‐sink relations in Lolium perenne L. as reflected by carbohydrate concentrations in leaves and pseudo‐stems during regrowth in a free air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) experiment*
Authors: FISCHER B. U. , FREHNER M. , HEBEISEN T. , ZANETTI S. , STADELMANN F. , LÜSCHER A. , HARTWIG U. A. , HENDREY G. R. , BLUM H. , NÖSBERGER J. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTThe effect of an elevated partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) on carbohydrate concentrations in source leaves and pseudo‐stems (stubble) of Lolium perenne L. (perennial ryegrass) during regrowth was studied in a regularly defoliated grass sward in the field. The free air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) technology enabled natural environmental conditions to be provided. Two levels of nitrogen (N) supply were used to modulate potential plant growth. Carbohydrate concentrations in source leaves were increased at elevated pCO2, particularly at low N supply. Elevated leaf carbohydrate concentrations were related to an increased structural carbon (C) to N ratio and thus reflected an increased C availability together with a N‐dependent sink limitation. Immediately after defoliation, apparent assimilate export rates (differences in the carbohydrate concentrations of young source leaves measured in the evening and on the following morning) showed a greater increase at elevated pCO2 than at ambient pCO2; however, replenishment of carbohydrate reserves was not accelerated. Distinct, treatment‐dependent carbohydrate concentrations in pseudo‐stems suggested an increasing degree of C‐sink limitation from the treatment at ambient pCO2 with high N supply to that at elevated pCO2 with low N supply. During two growing seasons, no evidence of a substantial change in the response of the carbohydrate source in L. perenne to elevated pCO2 was found. Our results support the view that the response of L. perenne to elevated pCO2 is restricted by a C‐sink limitation, which is particularly severe at low N supply.
Antidepressant monotherapy for bipolar type II major depression
Authors: Amsterdam Jay D , Brunswick David J 
Published: November 2003

Objectives:  Bipolar type II (BP II) disorder is thought to be distinct from BP I disorder on genetic and biological grounds, and it is not merely a milder form of the illness. It affects 1.5–2.5% of the US adult population, and is characterized by highly recurrent depressive episodes with a substantial morbidity from alcoholism and non‐affective psychopathology, and a higher suicide rate than either BP I or unipolar depression. Treatment recommendations for BP II depression are based upon concerns over drug‐induced manic‐switch episodes, and suggest using either a mood stabilizer alone or a combination of an SSRI plus a mood stabilizer. Recent evidence, however, indicates that the rate of manic switch episodes may be modest in BP II patients. Recent studies have provided evidence that antidepressant monotherapy may be an effective initial and long‐term treatment for BP II major depression with a low manic‐switch rate.Methods:  In this article, we review the recent literature on BP II disorder, with a focus on the treatment of BP II major depression.Results:  We present a summary of data from recent studies by our group and others indicating that antidepressant monotherapy for BP II depression may be safe and effective with a low manic‐switch rate.Conclusion:  Antidepressant monotherapy may be beneficial for some patients with BP II major depression.
Prophylactic effect of phenytoin in bipolar disorder: a controlled study
Authors: Mishory A , Winokur M , Bersudsky Y 
Published: November 2003

Objective: Phenytoin is an effective anticonvulsant that has not previously been studied prophylactically in bipolar (BP) patients. Thus a study of phenytoin prophylaxis was undertaken and is herein reported.Method: Bipolar patients were studied who had at least one episode per year in the previous 2 years despite ongoing prophylaxis. Patients were stable for a mean of 4 months (range 1–13) before entering the study. Phenytoin or placebo was added to their current therapy in a double‐blind cross‐over design for 6 months in each phase. Thirty observation periods of 6 months each were studied for 23 patients.Results: Three patients had relapse on phenytoin and nine had relapse on placebo. There was a significant prophylactic effect of phenytoin in BP disorder [Cox'sF‐test for comparing survival in two groups:F(6,18) = 3.44, p = 0.02].Conclusions: This study suggests prophylactic effects of add‐on phenytoin in BP illness. However, the number of patients was small and confirmation is necessary.
Frequency of His1069Gln and Gly1267Lys mutations in Polish Wilson's Disease population
Authors: Tarnacka B. , Gromadzka G. , Rodo M. , Mierzejewski P. , Człoonkowska A. 
Published: November 2003

Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive disorder. More than 60 mutations of the Wilson's disease gene have been described so far. We have analysed 148 Polish Wilson's disease patients from 95 families for His1069Gln and Gly1267Lys mutations and correlated this finding with age and clinical form of the disease at presentation. To identify these mutations, single strand conformation polymorphism analysis was performed.In our group there were 94 patients with neurological presentation, 28 with hepatic presentation, whilst 26 were in a pre‐clinical stage of the disease. His1069Gln mutation was present on 171 (57%) of the 296 studied chromosomes, and Gly1267Lys mutation was present on 27 chromosomes (9.1%). Most of our patients were homozygous or heterozygous for His1069Gln mutation (39.9% and 30.4%, respectively); 4% of the patients were homozygous for Gly1267Lys mutation and 5.4% had both of these described mutations on their chromosomes. His1069Gln and Gly1267Lys mutations occurred often in our Wilson's disease patient population but we did not find any relationship between investigated mutations and the clinical form of Wilson's disease or age of first symptoms.
Delayed visual P3 in unilateral thalamic stroke
Authors: Trinka E. , Unterrainer J. , Staffen W. , Löscher N. W. , Ladurner G. 
Published: November 2003

The P3 potential is accepted as a neurophysiological correlate of memory and attention. Delayed latencies were reported in different forms of dementias. Although the generator sites are still under debate, the thalamus may play a crucial role. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of an unilateral thalamic ischaemic infarction on P3 generation.The event‐related P3 component of six patients (2 male, four female; mean age 47 years, range 22–63 years) with unilateral thalamic ischaemic infarction was studied and compared to age‐matched controls (five male, nine female; mean age 45.8 years; range 22–69 years). All patients underwent full clinical examination, CCT, and MRI scan. P3 potentials were recorded with a visual three stimulus discrimination paradigm. The mean P3 latency of the patient group to the target stimulus was delayed (469.7 ms, SD = 36.8) compared with the controls (378.8 ms, SD = 51.5; P < 0.05). The mean P3 latency to the unexpected stimulus was delayed in patients with thalamic infarction compared with controls [477 ms (SD = 46.6) vs. 381.2 ms (SD = 48.5); P < 0.001). Delayed P3 components of the event‐related potential (ERP) were recorded in six patients with unilateral thalamic infarction, suggesting an important role of the thalamus in the generation of the P3 potential.
Accelerated Gene Counting for Haplotype Frequency Estimation
Authors: Thomas Alun 
Published: November 2003

SummaryCurrent implementations of the EM algorithm for estimating haplotype frequencies from genotypes on proximal loci require computational resources that grow asnh2k, where n is the number of individuals genotyped andhis the number of haplotypes possible onkloci. For diallelic locihk= 2k. We present an approach whose computational requirement grows asn2twheretis the largest number of loci at which an individual in the sample is heterozygous. The method is illustrated by haplotype frequency estimation from a sample of 45 individuals genotyped at 26 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the PIK3R1 gene.