bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polysomy of chromosome 17 in breast cancer tumors showing an overexpression of ERBB2: a study of 175 cases using fluorescence in situhybridization and immunohistochemistry
Authors: Salido Marta , Tusquets Ignasi , Corominas Josep M , Suarez Marta , Espinet Blanca , Corzo Cristina , Bellet Meritxell , Fabregat Xavier , Serrano Sergi , Solé Francesc 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
Introduction
One of the most common genetic aberrations associated with breast cancer is the amplification and overexpression of the ERBB2 proto-oncogene located at chromosome 17, bands q12-21. The amplification/overexpression occurs in 25 to 30% of all breast cancers. In breast cancer, aneusomy of chromosome 17, either monosomy or polysomy, is frequently observed by conventional cytogenetics and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The aim of this study was to discover whether or not numerical aberrations on chromosome 17 have a correlation to the amplification or overexpression of the ERBB2 gene and to analyze their clinical implications in subgroups showing 2+ or 3+ positive scores by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Methods
We used FISH on a series of 175 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded breast carcinomas to detect ERBB2 amplification, using a dual-probe system for the simultaneous enumeration of the ERBB2 gene and the centromeric region of chromosome 17, as well as using IHC to detect overexpression. We analyzed clinical and pathological variables in a subgroup of patients with 2+ and 3+ IHC scores (147 patients), to describe any differences in clinicopathological characteristics between polysomic and non-polysomic cases with the use of the χ2 test.

Results
We found 13% of cases presenting polysomy, and three cases presented monosomy 17 (2%). According to the status of the ERBB2 gene, instances of polysomy 17 were more frequently observed in non-amplified cases than in FISH-amplified cases, suggesting that the mechanism for ERBB2 amplification is independent of polysomy 17. Polysomy 17 was detected in patients with 2+ and 3+ IHC scores. We found that nodal involvement was more frequent in polysomic than in non-polysomic cases (P = 0.046).

Conclusions
The determination of the copy number of chromosome 17 should be incorporated into the assesment of ERBB2 status. It might also be helpful to differentiate a subgroup of breast cancer patients with polysomy of chromosome 17 and overexpression of ERBB2 protein that probably have genetic and clinical differences.
Minimal instructions improve the performance of laypersons in the use of semiautomatic and automatic external defibrillators
Authors: Beckers Stefan , Fries Michael , Bickenbach Johannes , Derwall Matthias , Kuhlen Ralf , Rossaint Rolf 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
Introduction
There is evidence that use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) by laypersons improves rates of survival from cardiac arrest, but there is no consensus on the optimal content and duration of training for this purpose. In this study we examined the use of semiautomatic or automatic AEDs by laypersons who had received no training (intuitive use) and the effects of minimal general theoretical instructions on their performance.

Methods
In a mock cardiac arrest scenario, 236 first year medical students who had not previously attended any preclinical courses were evaluated in their first study week, before and after receiving prespecified instructions (15 min) once. The primary end-point was the time to first shock for each time point; secondary end-points were correct electrode pad positioning, safety of the procedure and the subjective feelings of the students.

Results
The mean time to shock for both AED types was 81.2 ± 19.2 s (range 45–178 s). Correct pad placement was observed in 85.6% and adequate safety in 94.1%. The time to shock after instruction decreased significantly to 56.8 ± 9.9 s (range 35–95 s; P ≤ 0.01), with correct electrode placement in 92.8% and adequate safety in 97%. The students were significantly quicker at both evaluations using the semiautomatic device than with the automatic AED (first evaluation: 77.5 ± 20.5 s versus 85.2 ± 17 s, P ≤ 0.01; second evaluation: 55 ± 10.3 s versus 59.6 ± 9.6 s, P ≤ 0.01).

Conclusion
Untrained laypersons can use semiautomatic and automatic AEDs sufficiently quickly and without instruction. After one use and minimal instructions, improvements in practical performance were significant. All tested laypersons were able to deliver the first shock in under 1 min.
Fast and systematic genome-wide discovery of conserved regulatory elements using a non-alignment based approach
Authors: Elemento Olivier , Tavazoie Saeed 
Published: January 2005

AbstractWe describe a powerful new approach for discovering globally conserved regulatory elements between two genomes. The method is fast, simple and comprehensive, without requiring alignments. Its application to pairs of yeasts, worms, flies and mammals yields a large number of known and novel putative regulatory elements. Many of these are validated by independent biological observations, have spatial and/or orientation biases, are co-conserved with other elements and show surprising conservation across large phylogenetic distances.
Synthesis and Charaterization of Hexagonal-like Fe3O4 via Glycothermal Route
Authors: Zhang Dongen , Zhang Xiaojun , Ni Xiaomin , Zheng Huagui , Song Jimei 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
Hexagonal-like Fe3O4 nanoparticles were hydrothermally synthesized from iron chloride, using diethylene glycol (DEG)–water mixed solvent as the medium. The as-prepared powders were characterized in detail by conventional techniques such as X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy, and their magnetic properties were evaluated on a vibrating magnetometer.
Self-Assembled Nanowires of Lipid-packaged Halogen-bridged Platinum Complexes Formed by One-pot Oxidation of Pt(en)2 complexes by Au(III) Ions
Authors: Yasui Kei , Kimizuka Nobuo 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
A solution-phase synthesis of lipid-packaged mixed valence platinum complexes is newly developed. Addition of aqueous HAuCl4 or AuBr3 to Pt(en)2[1]2 complex dissolved in dichloromethane affords halogen-bridged linear complexes [Pt(en)2][Pt(en)2X2][1]4 (X = Cl or Br). Formation of self-assembled nanowires was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Structural and Physical Properties of λ-(BEST)2MCl4 (BEST = Bis(ethylenediseleno)tetrathiafulvalene; M = Fe, Ga) and Analogous Magnetic Organic Conductor
Authors: Cui Heng Bo , Otsubo Saika , Okano Yoshinori , Kobayashi Hayao 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
In contrast to λ-(BETS)2MCl4 (M = Fe, Ga) with superconducting (Ga) or π–d coupled antiferromagnetic insulating (Fe) ground states, λ-(BEST)2MCl4 (M = Ga, Fe) are semiconducting at ambient pressure despite of the close similarity of the crystal structures. There exists another triclinic modification of BEST conductor with FeBr4− exhibiting metal-insulator and antiferromagnetic transitions.
Palladium-Catalyzed Elimination Reaction of Acyclic (E)-Allylic Acetates: The Stereochemistry Elucidated by “Syn-Effect”
Authors: Takenaka Hiroyuki , Ukaji Yutaka , Inomata Katsuhiko 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
The stereochemistry of the elimination reaction of acyclic (E)-allylic acetates into the corresponding 1,3-dienes catalyzed by palladium in the presence of a base was investigated. The Z/E ratios of the resulting 1,3-dienes varied with the δ-substituents of the starting allylic acetates. This phenomenon was discussed based on the concept of a “syn-effect,” which is most primarily rationalized by a σ → π* interaction.
Palladium–Platinum Bimetallic Nanoparticle Catalysts Using Dendron Assembly for Selective Hydrogenation of Dienes and Their Application to Thermomorphic System
Authors: Murata Makoto , Tanaka Yuko , Mizugaki Tomoo , Ebitani Kohki , Kaneda Kiyotomi 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
Self-assembly of dendrons allows a new approach for size control of bimetallic Pd–Pt nanoparticles, which affords reusable dendritic nanoreactors for selective hydrogenation of dienes and alkynes to monoenes in thermomorphic systems.
Treatment of hepatitis C in HIV/hepatitis C co-infected patients: what is the evidence?
Authors: Cacoub Patrice 
Published: January 2005

Before the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the vast majority of HIV-infected patients died from AIDS-related diseases. But, amongst those with access to HAART, AIDS is no longer the leading cause of death. Instead, liver disease is fast becoming the commonest cause of death in HIV-infected patients, particularly in those who have a co-infection with hepatitis C (HCV). The four recent comparative trials of peginterferon and ribavirin in HIV/HCV coinfected patients have provided valuable new information about the most appropriate treatment of this difficult group of patients. As with HIV-negative patients, it is clear that peginterferon alpha has advantages over non-pegylated treatment, with superior efficacy, in the form of higher sustained virological responders and comparable safety. Discontinuation rates were higher than reported in HCV mono-infected patients but comparable for most treatment arms. Furthermore, in about half the patients, treatments were not stopped during the first months of treatment because of side effects, but due to non-early virological response.
Adverse Outcomes Associated with Inappropriate Drug Use in Nursing Homes
Authors: Perri Matthew , Menon Ajit M , Deshpande Aparna D , Shinde Shashank B , Jiang Rong , Cooper James W , Cook Christopher L , Griffin Samuel C , Lorys Robyn A 
Published: January 2005

BACKGROUND: Little empirical evidence exists regarding the influence and outcomes of inappropriate medication use among elderly nursing home residents. OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of inappropriate medication use among elderly patients in Georgia nursing homes using the Beers criteria and identify the relationship between inappropriate drug use and the likelihood of an adverse health outcome. METHODS: A cohort design was used to review 1117 patient medical records in 15 Georgia nursing homes with a high risk of polypharmacy. Prevalence of inappropriate medication use among elderly patients, as defined by the Beers criteria, was estimated. The adverse health outcomes of hospitalizations, emergency department visits, or deaths were identified from Medicaid claims data. RESULTS: A total of 519 (46.5%) patients received at least one inappropriate medication and 143 (12.8%) patients experienced at least one adverse health outcome. Logistic regression revealed that the total number of medications taken (OR 1.139, 95% CI 1.105 to 1.173) significantly increased the likelihood of receiving an inappropriate drug, while having a diagnosis of “dementia” (OR 0.748, 95% CI 0.565 to 0.991) decreased the likelihood. Inappropriate medication use increased the likelihood of experiencing at least one adverse health outcome more than twofold (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.61 to 3.40). Propoxyphene use alone was significantly associated with the occurrence of an adverse health outcome (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.54 to 3.71). CONCLUSIONS: Inappropriate drug use was common in our study cohort. Inappropriate use of medication in the elderly, particularly propoxyphene, is associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes.
Thyroid ultrasound compared with World Health Organization 1960 and 1994 palpation criteria for determination of goiter prevalence in regions of mild and severe iodine deficiency
Authors: Zimmermann M , Saad A , Hess S , Torresani T , Chaouki N 
Published: January 2005

Abstract

Objectives
In 1994, WHO/International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders recommended replacing the WHO 1960 four-grade goiter classification with a simplified two-grade system. The effect of this change in criteria on the estimation of goiter prevalence in field studies is unclear. In areas of mild iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) where goiters are small, ultrasound is preferable to palpation to estimate goiter prevalence. However, in areas of moderate to severe IDD, goiter screening by palpation may be an acceptable alternative to thyroid ultrasound. To address these two issues, we compared WHO 1960 and 1994 criteria with thyroid ultrasound for determination of goiter prevalence in areas of mild and severe IDD in Morocco.

Design
A cross-sectional study of 400 six- to 13-year-old children from two mountain villages (Ait M'hamed and Brikcha) in rural Morocco was carried out.

Methods
Urinary iodine concentration (UI), whole blood TSH and serum thyroxine were measured. Thyroid size was graded by inspection and palpation by two examiners using both WHO 1960 and 1994 criteria. Thyroid volume was determined by ultrasound. Variation between examiners and examination methods was assessed. Sensitivity and specificity of the two classification systems compared with ultrasound were calculated.

Results
Median UIs in Ait M'hamed and Brikcha were 183 and 24 microg/l respectively. In Ait M'hamed, using 1960 and 1994 criteria, goiter prevalence was 21 and 26% respectively, compared with 13% by ultrasound. In Brikcha, with 1960 and 1994 criteria, goiter prevalence was 64 and 67% respectively, compared with 64% by ultrasound. Agreement between observers was better with the 1994 criteria than with the 1960 criteria in Ait M'hamed (kappa=0.53 and 0.47 respectively), while in Brikcha observer agreement was similar with the two systems (kappa=0.67). Using either the 1994 or 1960 criteria, agreement with ultrasound was only moderate in Ait M'hamed (kappa=0.41-0.44), but good in Brikcha (kappa=0.55-0.64). Overall, compared with ultrasound, sensitivity increased 3-4% using 1994 criteria, while specificity decreased 4-5%.

Conclusions
The WHO 1994 criteria are simpler to use than the 1960 criteria and provide increased sensitivity with only a small reduction in specificity. Agreement between observers is better with the 1994 criteria than with the 1960 criteria, particularly in areas of mild IDD. Like the 1960 criteria, the 1994 criteria overestimate goiter prevalence in areas of mild IDD, compared with ultrasound. However, the 1994 palpation criteria provide an accurate estimate of goiter prevalence in areas of severe IDD, and may be an acceptable and affordable alternative to thyroid ultrasound in these areas.
Changes in plasma thyroid hormone levels after a single dose of triiodothyronine in premature infants of less than 30 weeks gestational age
Authors: Cools F , van Wassenaer A G , Kok J H , de Vijlder J J 
Published: January 2005

Abstract

Objective
Evaluation of thyroid hormone response to a single administration of triiodothyronine (T3) early postnatally to premature infants of &lt;30 weeks gestational age.

Design
A prospective clinical trial with historical control.

Methods
Ten infants born &lt;28 weeks gestational age and ten infants born between 28 and 30 weeks gestational age were given 0.5 microg/kg T3 intravenously at 12 h after birth. The infants &lt;28 weeks gestational age were also treated with thyroxine (T4; 8 microg/kg, once daily) during the first 6 weeks of life. Premature infants from a previous trial served as a matched historical control group. Analysis of variance for repeated measurements was performed.

Results
For the infants &lt;28-30 weeks gestational age mean plasma T3 concentrations were significantly higher in the T3-treated group (P=0.027) for at least 2 weeks, whereas mean plasma levels of T4, free T4 and TSH were comparable. For the infants &lt;28 weeks gestational age plasma T3 levels were also significantly different after correction for gestational age (P=0.0002), with either comparable or higher values in the T3-treated infants up to 56 days after injection of T3. Mean plasma free T4 levels were lower during the first 3 days and higher or comparable thereafter (P=0.0014), and TSH suppression was more evident in the T3-treated infants (P=0.003)

Conclusion
A single administration of T3 to premature infants &lt;30 weeks gestational age early postnatally results in a sustained increase of plasma T3 levels during the first weeks of life. In infants of 28-30 weeks gestational age this occurs without change in plasma free T4 levels, whereas in infants &lt;28 weeks gestational age a transient decrease of plasma free T4 was present. The increase in plasma T3 is possibly caused by a T3-induced increase of type I deiodinase activity.
High frequency of antithyroid autoantibodies in pregnant women at increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Olivieri A , Valensise H , Magnani F , Medda E , De Angelis S , D'Archivio M , Sorcini M , Carta S , Baccarini S , Romanini C 
Published: January 2005

Abstract

Background
Thyroid autoantibodies (ThyAb) and subclinical hypothyroidism occur more frequently in pregnant women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus than in healthy pregnant women. Few studies have investigated the presence of ThyAb in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and no significant association between diabetes in pregnancy and thyroid function has been reported.

Objective
To assess the thyroid biochemical profile and estimate the prevalence of ThyAb in a group of pregnant women at increased risk of GDM due to family and personal risk factors, and to investigate the relationship between a positive family history of diabetes or thyroid diseases and the eventual presence of ThyAb during pregnancy.

Methods
Oral glucose tolerance, serum ThyAb and thyroid function were evaluated in 181 pregnant women with increased risk for GDM (study group). Seventeen healthy pregnant women without risk factors for GDM and with a normal glucose tolerance were recruited as controls.

Results
The women who developed GDM showed a mean free thyroxine concentration significantly lower than that observed in the healthy pregnant women and in those with impaired gestational glucose tolerance and normal glucose tolerance. Twenty-nine of the 181 women in the study group (16%) were ThyAb positive. However, the risk of being ThyAb positive during pregnancy was three times greater in the women with positive family history of both diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease than in those with no family history of these conditions.

Conclusions
This study showed that women with increased risk of GDM, mostly those with family history of diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease, also have an increased risk of being ThyAb positive during pregnancy. It also highlighted the importance of evaluating thyroid function in pregnant women with impaired glucose tolerance, in view of their increased risk of subclinical hypothyroidism.
Controversies in the evolution of paediatric-adolescent varicocele: clinical, biochemical and histological studies
Authors: Fideleff H L , Boquete H R , Suarez M G , Ruibal G F , Sobrado P G , Azaretsky M , Pujol A B , Sequera A M , Giuseppucci J , Ponzio R 
Published: January 2005

Abstract

Objective
To study hormonal and histological parameters of paediatric-adolescent varicocele in order to know certain aspects of its natural history, in an attempt to find prognostic markers of testicular damage.

Design and Methods
In a prospective cross-sectional study, we evaluated 93 children and adolescents with left unilateral varicocele and 29 healthy males as control group. All of them were classified according to Tanner stage. Scrotal Doppler in both testes and GnRH and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) tests were performed in all subjects. Surgery was performed in 28 patients and homolateral testicular biopsy in 18.

Results
Hormonal measurements of patients with varicocele were compared with a control group for each Tanner stage. Testicular biopsy specimens were analysed by light and electron microscopy. We only observed statistical differences in Tanner III patients in basal FSH (median and range) controls=1.70 (1.10-3.70) IU/l vs varicocele=4.20 (1.00-7.50) IU/l, P&lt;0.05 and in Tanner IV patients in LH post-GnRH: controls=11.0 (7.50-15.0) IU/l vs varicocele=18.0 (5.10-29.0) IU/l, P&lt;0.05 and in testosterone post-hCG: controls=9.50 (7.7-10.0) ng/ml vs varicocele=12.0 (6.2-23.0) ng/ml, P&lt;0.01. No correlation was found between the various clinical grades of varicocele and hormonal measurements for each Tanner stage. No statistically significant differences were found between pre- and post-operative hormonal findings, either in basal levels or in maximal responses. On the other hand, no morphological abnormalities were observed by electron microscopy in germ cells, tubular wall and interstice.

Conclusions
There appears to be no reliable biochemical marker in children and adolescents that may predict impaired testicular function. A significant size discrepancy between both testes, testicular pain and a hyperresponse to GnRH stimulation should continue to be, for the time being, the indications for surgery.
Genomic organization of the 5' region of the human thyroglobulin gene
Authors: Moya C M , Mendive F M , Rivolta C M , Vassart G , Targovnik H M 
Published: January 2005

Abstract

Objective
The purpose of the present work is to establish the intron-exon organization from exon 12 to exon 23 of the human thyroglobulin gene and to construct a physical map of the 5' terminal half of the gene.

Design
Screening of a genomic library and subsequent restriction map, hybridization and sequencing methods have been employed to characterize the recombinant positive phages.

Methods
A human genomic DNA library was screened by in situ hybridization. Southern blotting experiments were performed to characterize the phage inserts. Intron/exon junction sequences were determined by the Taq polymerase-based chain terminator method. Finally, the thyroglobulin gene was mapped using the Gene Bridge 4 radiation hybrid clone panel.

Results
We isolated and characterized four lambda phage clones that include nucleotides 3002 to 4816 of the thyroglobulin mRNA, encompassing exons 12 to 23 of the gene. The exon sizes range between 78 and 219 nucleotides. We found that the GT-AG splicing sequences rule was perfectly respected in all the introns. A total of 7302 intronic bases was analyzed. Hormogenic tyrosine 5 and 1291 are encoded by exons 2 and 18. Also, seven alternative spliced variants are associated with the 5' region. Thyroglobulin gene maps to 5,5 centiRays from the AFMA053XF1 marker, in chromosome 8.

Conclusions
The present study shows that the first 4857 bases of thyroglobulin mRNA are divided into 23 exons and the four phages isolated include 32.6 kb genomic DNA, covering 1815 nucleotides of exonic sequence distributed in 12 exons, from exon 12 to 23.