bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) is a positive regulator of outer root sheath keratinocyte proliferation
Authors: Cui Zhi‐hong , Yang Tian , Gao Qiang‐guo , Wang Yun 
Published: July 2004

AbstractUrokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), a serine proteinase, is important in the development and epidermal wound healing, and seems to play a regulatory role in the proliferation of mouse epidermal keratinocytes (KC). In the present study, we found detectable uPA expression in outer root sheath (ORS) KC in the early anagen phase in mouse vibrissa follicles, but not in the late anagen or in the telogen and categen phases. uPA was also detected in ORS KC cultured from neonatal mice vibrissa. Specific exogenous inhibitors of uPA, amiloride and uPA antibody, significantly reduced the proliferation of ORS KC. Thus uPA is consistently elevated in the hyperproliferative hair follicle KC, and inhibition of the enzyme decreases hair follicle KC proliferation. We deduce that uPA is a very important mediator of the hair follicle cycle because its activity correlates with ORS KC proliferation.
Thiamin status during the third trimester of pregnancy and its influence on thiamin concentrations in transition and mature breast milk
Authors: Ortega Rosa M. , Martínez Rosa M. , Andrés Pedro , Marín-Arias Lilliam , López-Sobaler Ana M. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThiamin deficiency remains an important public health problem in some populations. The aim of the present investigation was to study thiamin status during the third trimester of pregnancy and its influence on the concentration of this vitamin in transition (days 13–14 of lactation) and mature breast milk (day 40 of lactation) in a group of Spanish women. The pregnancies and lactation periods of fifty-one healthy women 18–35 (mean 26·7 (sd 3·7)) years old were monitored. Vitamin intake during the third trimester was determined by recording the consumption of foods over 5 d and of the quantities provided by dietary supplements. Thiamin status during this stage of pregnancy was determined by measuring the activation coefficient of erythrocyte transketolase (α-ETK). Milk thiamin content was estimated (in 41% of the subjects) by oxidizing thiamin to thiocrome and measuring fluorescence. Subjects with thiamin intakes above that recommended (group H) had more satisfactory serum α-ETK coefficients (1·01 (sd 0·19)) than did those with lower intakes (group L) (1·21 (sd 0·30); P>0·05). Mature milk thiamin concentrations were significantly higher in group H subjects (0·59 (sd 0·44) μmol/l) than group L subjects (0·25 (sd 0·07) μmol/l). Subjects with α-ETK coefficients >1·25 in the third trimester had significantly lower mature milk thiamin concentration (0·31 (sd 0·10) μmol/l) than did subjects with more satisfactory α-ETK levels at this time (0·55 (sd 0·42) μmol/l; P>0·05). The thiamin status of women can be improved since 25·5% of subjects took less than that recommended and 13·7% showed signs of severe deficiency (α-ETK >1·25). The influence of maternal thiamin intake on α-ETK coefficients and on mature breast milk thiamin concentration is confirmed.
Dietary secoisolariciresinol diglucoside and its oligomers with 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaric acid decrease vitamin E levels in rats
Authors: Frank Jan , Eliasson Christina , Leroy-Nivard Diane , Budek Alicja , Lundh Torbjörn , Vessby Bengt , Åman Per , Kamal-Eldin Afaf 
Published: July 2004

AbstractSecoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) is an important dietary lignan that is found at very high levels in flaxseed (1–4%, w/w). Flaxseed lignans have received much research interest in recent years because of reported phyto-oestrogenic, anticarcinogenic, and anti-atherogenic effects. Previously, flaxseed feeding has been shown to decrease vitamin E concentrations in rats despite the antioxidant potential of SDGin vitro. Sesamin, a sesame lignan, on the other hand has been shown to increase vitamin E concentrations in rats. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of dietary SDG and its oligomers on vitamin E and cholesterol concentrations in rats. SDG was extracted from defatted flaxseed flour with a dioxane–ethanol mixture and purified by silica column chromatography. The major oligomers with 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaric acid, containing a high ratio of SDG top−coumaric and ferulic acid glucosides, were purified from the extracts by reversed-phase liquid chromatography. When fed to rats at 0·1% in the diet for 27%, both SDG and its oligomers had no effect on animal performance but caused an increase in liver cholesterol and a 2-fold reduction in the levels of α- and γ-tocopherols in rat plasma and liver. It is notable that a phenolic antioxidant, such as SDG, causes a vitamin E-lowering effect in rats. This cannot be explained at present, but warrants further investigations with respect to the magnitude, mechanism, and significance of the observed effect for human nutrition.
γ-Tocopherol as a possible marker for nutrition-related risk: results from four National Diet and Nutrition Surveys in Britain
Authors: Bates C. J. , Mishra G. D. , Prentice A. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractRelationships between vitamin E status (α and γ-tocopherol and their ratio in plasma), anthropometric and biochemical indices, and food and nutrient intakes, were studied in four British National Diet and Nutrition Surveys: children aged 1·5–4·5 years, young people aged 4·0–18·0 years, adults 19·0–64·0 years and adults aged ≥65·0 years. γ-Tocopherol:α-tocopherol ratio declined with age. In older women γ-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol:α-tocopherol ratios were directly related to indices of obesity. In young men α- and γ-tocopherols were directly correlated with obesity, but γ-tocopherol:α-tocopherol ratio was not. For young people and toddlers, fewer obesity indices were available and relationships were weaker. Other fat- and water-soluble vitamin indices correlated directly with α-tocopherol and inversely with γ-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol:α-tocopherol ratio. Whereas α-tocopherol correlated directly with ‘healthy’ nutrient choices (such as intrinsic sugars, dietary fibre, vitamins and potassium) and inversely with ‘unhealthy’ choices (extrinsic sugars and monounsaturated fats, i.e. avoidance of polyunsaturated fat), γ-tocopherol and the γ-tocopherol:α-tocopherol ratio related inversely with ‘healthy’ choices. Food groups had analogous relationships; thus, α-tocopherol related directly to use of polyunsaturated fats, fresh fruits and fruit juices, and inversely to non-polyunsaturated fats and extrinsic sugar. The reverse was true for γ-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol:α-tocopherol ratio. Although the mechanisms underlying these relationships are obscure, the γ-tocopherol:α-tocopherol ratio may reveal poor dietary choices, status predictors and a propensity for obesity in later life, especially in women.
Phylloquinone (vitamin K1) intakes and food sources in 18–64-year-old Irish adults
Authors: Duggan Paula , Cashman Kevin D. , Flynn Albert , Bolton-Smith Caroline , Kiely Máiréad 
Published: July 2004

AbstractDietary vitamin K1(phylloquinone) levels that are sufficient to maintain normal blood coagulation may be sub-optimal for bone, and habitual low dietary intakes of vitamin K may have an adverse effect on bone health. The objective of the present study was to measure the intake and adequacy of phylloquinone intake and the contribution of foods to phylloquinone intake in a nationally representative sample of Irish adults. The North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey database was used, which contains data collected using a 7 d food diary in a randomly selected sample of Irish adults aged 18–64 years (n1379; 662 men and 717 women). Phylloquinone intakes were estimated using recently compiled food composition data for phylloquinone. The mean daily intake of phylloquinone from food sources was 79 (sd 44) μg. Intakes were significantly higher (P>0·001) in men than in women at levels of 84 and 75quest;μgsol;d. The main contributors to phylloquinone intakes were vegetables (48%), particularly green vegetables (26%). Potatoes (including chipped and fried potatoes), dairy products and fat spreads contributed 10% each and meat contributed 8%. In men, social class and smoking status influenced phylloquinone intakes. Of the population, 52% had phylloquinone intakes below 1 μg/kg body weight and only 17% of men and 27% of women met the US adequate intakes of 120 and 90 μg/d, respectively. The present study shows that habitual phylloquinone intakes in Irish adults are low, which may have implications for bone health.
Modeling interactome: scale-free or geometric?
Authors: Pržulj N. , Corneil D. G. , Jurisica I. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Motivation: Networks have been used to model many real-world phenomena to better understand the phenomena and to guide experiments in order to predict their behavior. Since incorrect models lead to incorrect predictions, it is vital to have as accurate a model as possible. As a result, new techniques and models for analyzing and modeling real-world networks have recently been introduced.
Results: One example of large and complex networks involves protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks. We analyze PPI networks of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster using a newly introduced measure of local network structure as well as the standardly used measures of global network structure. We examine the fit of four different network models, including Erdös-Rényi, scale-free and geometric random network models, to these PPI networks with respect to the measures of local and global network structure. We demonstrate that the currently accepted scale-free model of PPI networks fails to fit the data in several respects and show that a random geometric model provides a much more accurate model of the PPI data. We hypothesize that only the noise in these networks is scale-free.
Conclusions: We systematically evaluate how well-different network models fit the PPI networks. We show that the structure of PPI networks is better modeled by a geometric random graph than by a scale-free model.
Supplementary information: Supplementary information is available at http://www.cs.utoronto.ca/~juris/data/ppiGRG04/
DNAFSMiner: a web-based software toolbox to recognize two types of functional sites in DNA sequences
Authors: Liu Huiqing , Han Hao , Li Jinyan , Wong Limsoon 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Summary: DNAFSMiner (DNA Functional Sites Miner) is a web-based software toolbox to recognize functional sites in nucleic acid sequences. Currently in this toolbox, we provide two software: TIS Miner and Poly(A) Signal Miner. The TIS Miner can be used to predict translation initiation sites in vertebrate DNA/mRNA/cDNA sequences, and the Poly(A) Signal Miner can be used to predict polyadenylation [poly(A)] signals in human DNA sequences. The prediction results are better than those by literature methods on two benchmark applications. This good performance is mainly attributable to our unique learning method. DNAFSMiner is available free of charge for academic and non-profit organizations.
Availability: http://research.i2r.a-star.edu.sg/DNAFSMiner/
Contact: huiqing@i2r.a-star.edu.sg
The Baumgartner-Weiß-Schindler test for the detection of differentially expressed genes in replicated microarray experiments
Authors: Neuhäuser Markus , Senske Roswitha 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Motivation: An important application of microarray experiments is to identify differentially expressed genes. Because microarray data are often not distributed according to a normal distribution nonparametric methods were suggested for their statistical analysis. Here, the Baumgartner-Weiß-Schindler test, a novel and powerful test based on ranks, is investigated and compared with the parametric t-test as well as with two other nonparametric tests (Wilcoxon rank sum test, Fisher-Pitman permutation test) recently recommended for the analysis of gene expression data.
Results: Simulation studies show that an exact permutation test based on the Baumgartner-Weiß-Schindler statistic B is preferable to the other three tests. It is less conservative than the Wilcoxon test and more powerful, in particular in case of asymmetric or heavily tailed distributions. When the underlying distribution is symmetric the differences in power between the tests are relatively small. Thus, the Baumgartner-Weiß-Schindler is recommended for the usual situation that the underlying distribution is a priori unknown.
Availability: SAS code available on request from the authors.
Discovery of meaningful associations in genomic data using partial correlation coefficients
Authors: de la Fuente Alberto , Bing Nan , Hoeschele Ina , Mendes Pedro 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Motivation: A major challenge of systems biology is to infer biochemical interactions from large-scale observations, such as transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics. We propose to use a partial correlation analysis to construct approximate Undirected Dependency Graphs from such large-scale biochemical data. This approach enables a distinction between direct and indirect interactions of biochemical compounds, thereby inferring the underlying network topology.
Results: The method is first thoroughly evaluated with a large set of simulated data. Results indicate that the approach has good statistical power and a low False Discovery Rate even in the presence of noise in the data. We then applied the method to an existing data set of yeast gene expression. Several small gene networks were inferred and found to contain genes known to be collectively involved in particular biochemical processes. In some of these networks there are also uncharacterized ORFs present, which lead to hypotheses about their functions.
Availability: Programs running in MS-Windows and Linux for applying zeroth, first, second and third order partial correlation analysis can be downloaded at: http://mendes.vbi.vt.edu/tiki-index.php?page=Software
Supplementary information: Supplementary information can be found at: URL to be decided
Quantifying reproducibility for differential proteomics: noise analysis for protein liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry of human serum
Authors: Anderle Markus , Roy Sushmita , Lin Hua , Becker Christopher , Joho Keith 
Published: July 2004

Abstract
Summary: Using replicated human serum samples, we applied an error model for proteomic differential expression profiling for a high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) platform. The detailed noise analysis presented here uses an experimental design that separates variance caused by sample preparation from variance due to analytical equipment. An analytic approach based on a two-component error model was applied, and in combination with an existing data driven technique that utilizes local sample averaging, we characterized and quantified the noise variance as a function of mean peak intensity. The results indicate that for processed LC-MS data a constant coefficient of variation is dominant for high intensities, whereas a model for low intensities explains Poisson-like variations. This result leads to a quadratic variance model which is used for the estimation of sample preparation noise present in LC-MS data.
Pallidotomy: A Comparison of Responders and Nonresponders
Authors: Van Horn Gage , Hassenbusch Samuel J. , Zouridakis George , Mullani Nizar A. , Wilde Mark C. , Papanicolaou Andrew C. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
We reviewed a prospective series of 32 unilateral, large-volume, microelectrode-guided posteroventral pallidotomies to determine the differences between responsive and nonresponsive patients.

METHODS
Our patients underwent extensive pre- and postoperative evaluations. One year postoperatively, we correlated the outcomes of 25 patients with their histories, physical findings, neuropsychological assessments, and lesion characteristics to further understand the indications, limitations, and pitfalls of unilateral pallidotomy. Our group judged responsiveness by comparing the preoperative total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale off-state scores with those obtained 1 year postoperatively. A score indicating greater than 20% improvement at 1-year follow-up was rated a good outcome; improvement of greater than 40% was rated an excellent outcome.

RESULTS
Although most patients sustained long-term benefits, some demonstrated little or no improvement. Patient and lesion factors influenced outcome. Younger age (&lt;60 yr), tremor, unilateral predominance, l-dopa responsiveness, motor fluctuations with dyskinesia, and good lesion placement predicted a good response to unilateral pallidotomy. Advanced age (&gt;70 yr), absence of tremor, increased duration of disease, reduced responsiveness to l-dopa, frontal behavioral changes, prominent apraxic phenomena, and improper lesion placement predicted a poor response.

CONCLUSION
Unilateral, large-volume pallidotomy with precise lesion control provides long-lasting benefits for carefully selected patients.
Quantitative and Qualitative Outcome Measures after Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation to Treat Disabling Tremors
Authors: Obwegeser Alois A. , Uitti Ryan J. , Witte Robert J. , Lucas John A. , Turk Margaret F. , Wharen Robert E. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
We studied outcome measures after unilateral and bilateral thalamic stimulation to treat disabling tremor resulting from essential tremor and Parkinson's disease. The surgical technique, qualitative and quantitative tremor assessments, stimulation parameters, locations of active electrodes, complications, and side effects are described and analyzed.

METHODS
Forty-one patients with essential tremor or Parkinson's disease underwent implantation of 56 thalamic stimulators. Preoperative qualitative and quantitative tremor measurements were compared with those obtained after unilateral and bilateral surgery, with activated and deactivated stimulators. Stimulation parameters and stimulation-related side effects were recorded, and outcome measures were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS
Qualitative measurements demonstrated significant improvement of contralateral upper-limb (P &lt; 0.001), lower-limb (P &lt; 0.01), and midline (P &lt; 0.001) tremors after unilateral surgery. Ipsilateral arm tremor also improved (P &lt; 0.01). No differences were observed with the Purdue pegboard task. Quantitative accelerometer measurements were correlated with qualitative assessments and confirmed improvements in contralateral resting (P &lt; 0.001) and postural (P &lt; 0.01) tremors and ipsilateral postural tremor (P &lt; 0.05). Activities of daily living improved after unilateral surgery (P &lt; 0.001) and additionally after bilateral surgery (P &lt; 0.05). Adjustments of the pulse generator were required more frequently for tremor control than for amelioration of side effects. Bilateral thalamic stimulation caused more dysarthria and dysequilibrium than did unilateral stimulation. Stimulation-related side effects were reversible for all patients. Stimulation parameters did not change significantly with time. A significantly lower voltage and greater pulse width were used for patients with bilateral implants.

CONCLUSION
Unilateral thalamic stimulation and bilateral thalamic stimulation are safe and effective procedures that produce qualitative and quantitative improvements in resting, postural, and kinetic tremor. Thalamic stimulation-related side effects are mild and reversible.
Secretory Meningiomas: Clinical and Immunohistochemical Observations
Authors: Buhl Ralf , Hugo Heinz-Hermann , Mihajlovic Zoran , Maximilian Mehdorn H. 
Published: July 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Secretory meningiomas are a rare histological subtype of these benign intracranial tumors. Few reports have been published regarding their tendency to develop peritumoral edema.

METHODS
Between July 1994 and February 1999, 11 patients with secretory meningiomas underwent operations in the Department of Neurosurgery, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany. The clinical notes and radiological data (computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging scans) were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the expression of carcinoembryonic antigen and epithelial membrane antigen as well as progesterone and estrogen receptors.

RESULTS
Secretory meningiomas were found in 11 (5%) of 214 patients with intracranial meningiomas who were operated on in that period. All 11 patients were women. These patients' mean age was 65 years (range, 51–87 yr). The localization of these tumors was at the convexity in seven patients, at the sphenoid ridge in two patients, and in the olfactory groove and petroclival region in one patient each. Two meningiomas had no edema surrounding them, two meningiomas had a small amount of edema, two had moderate edema, and five had severe edema. No recurrences were observed during the mean follow-up period of 26 months (range, 8–65 mo). Immunohistochemically, all tumors contained pseudopsammoma bodies and reacted with epithelial membrane antigen and carcinoembryonic antigen. The MIB-1 antibody staining index showed a mean of 2% (range, 0–7%).

CONCLUSION
Secretory meningiomas are rare tumors, and they are mainly localized at the frontal convexity and the sphenoid ridge. They are surrounded by more edema than usual. The preponderance of female patients with this presentation is striking. The expression of carcinoembryonic antigen and epithelial membrane antigen is a characteristic feature of secretory meningiomas. These meningiomas are also positive for progesterone receptors, which has been shown to be a good prognostic factor.
Nuances of Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm Microsurgery
Authors: Chyatte Douglas , Porterfield Rebecca 
Published: July 2004

Abstract

Middle cerebral artery aneurysms, a common source of subarachnoid hemorrhage, occur predominantly at the main bifurcation of the middle cerebral artery. Microsurgical clipping is the most effective treatment of these aneurysms because of their peripheral location, wide necks, and straightforward surgical anatomy. Despite the moderate technical requirements of this type of surgery, patients with ruptured aneurysms often have poor outcomes because of the high incidence of intracerebral hematomas. Although several different surgical approaches can be used, we favor a lateral-to-medial transsylvian approach for most aneurysms. This description of our surgical technique stresses minimizing retraction to avoid injury to the brain and preparing broad-based middle cerebral artery aneurysms for clipping. Management of outcomes when using these techniques also is presented.
Transorbital Keyhole Approach to Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms
Authors: Steiger Hans- J. , Schmid-Elsaesser Robert , Stummer Walter , Uhl Eberhard 
Published: July 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The transorbital keyhole approach to anterior communicating artery aneurysms was developed as a minimally invasive method for safe control of the anterior communicating artery complex. This approach does not necessitate resection of the gyrus rectus.

METHODS
The technique is described in detail. The transorbital keyhole approach provides more ventral access than the supraorbital approaches, and the anterior communicating artery complex can be controlled by splitting the basal aspect of the interhemispheric fissure.

RESULTS
Since late 1998, the authors have used the transorbital keyhole approach routinely. During the initial experience with 33 patients, the only observed complication specific to this approach was transient diplopia in one patient. At follow-up examinations 2 to 15 months after surgery, the cosmetic results were favorable as compared with those of standard pterional craniotomy.

CONCLUSION
We have designed a small, custom-tailored approach to the anterior communicating artery complex for routine use. The small orbitocranial approach is a step toward the ideal of purely extra-axial safe control of anterior communicating artery aneurysms. The orbitocranial keyhole approach seems to be substantially better than the craniotomy, although it requires additional effort and time.