bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Divergence of the mRNA targets for the Ssb proteins of bacteriophages T4 and RB69
Authors: Borjac-Natour Jamilah M , Petrov Vasiliy M , Karam Jim D 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe single-strand binding (Ssb) protein of phage T4 (T4 gp32, product of gene 32) is a mRNA-specific autogenous translational repressor, in addition to being a sequence-independent ssDNA-binding protein that participates in phage DNA replication, repair and recombination. It is not clear how this physiologically essential protein distinguishes between specific RNA and nonspecific nucleic acid targets. Here, we present phylogenetic evidence suggesting that ssDNA and specific RNA bind the same gp32 domain and that plasticity of this domain underlies its ability to configure certain RNA structures for specific binding. We have cloned and characterized gene 32 of phage RB69, a relative of T4 We observed that RB69 gp32 and T4 gp32 have nearly identical ssDNA binding domains, but diverge in their C-terminal domains. In T4 gp32, it is known that the C-terminal domain interacts with the ssDNA-binding domain and with other phage-induced proteins. In translation assays, we show that RB69 gp32 is, like T4 gp32, an autogenous translational repressor. We also show that the natural mRNA targets (translational operators) for the 2 proteins are diverged in sequence from each other and yet can be repressed by either gp32. Results of chemical and RNase sensitivity assays indicate that the gp32 mRNA targets from the 2 related phages have similar structures, but differ in their patterns of contact with the 2 repressors. These and other observations suggest that a range of gp32-RNA binding specificities may evolve in nature due to plasticity of the protein-nucleic acid interaction and its response to modulation by the C-terminal domain of this translational repressor.
Expression analysis of three isoforms of hyaluronan synthase and hyaluronidase in the synovium of knees in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Yoshida Mamoru , Sai Shigaku , Marumo Keishi , Tanaka Takaaki , Itano Naoki , Kimata Koji , Fujii Katsuyuki 
Published: September 2004

AbstractHyaluronan is a major molecule in joint fluid and plays a crucial role in joint motion and the maintenance of joint homeostasis. The concentration and average molecular weight of hyaluronan in the joint fluids are reduced in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we analyzed the message expression of three isoforms of hyaluronan synthase and hyaluronidase from knee synovium, using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Synovia were obtained from 17 patients with osteoarthritis, 14 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and 20 healthy control donors. The message expression of hyaluronan synthase-1 and -2 in the synovium of both types of arthritis was significantly less than in the control synovium, whereas that of hyaluronidase-2 in the synovium of both arthritides was significantly greater than in the control synovium. The decreased expression of the messages for hyaluronan synthase-1 and -2 and/or the increased expression of the message for hyaluronidase-2 may be reflected in the reduced concentration and decreased average molecular weight of hyaluronan in the joint fluids of patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Genetic polymorphism in the manganese superoxide dismutase gene, antioxidant intake, and breast cancer risk: results from the Shanghai Breast Cancer Study
Authors: Cai Qiuyin , Shu Xiao-Ou , Wen Wanqing , Cheng Jia-Rong , Dai Qi , Gao Yu-Tang , Zheng Wei 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Introduction
It has been suggested that oxidative stress and mitochondrial DNA damage play important roles in breast cancer carcinogenesis. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is a major enzyme that is responsible for the detoxification of reactive oxygen species in the mitochondria. A T → C substitution in the MnSOD gene results in a Val → Ala change at the -9 position of the mitochondrial targeting sequence (Val-9Ala), which alters the protein secondary structure and thus affects transport of MnSOD into the mitochondria.

Methods
We evaluated this genetic polymorphism in association with breast cancer risk using data from the Shanghai Breast Cancer Study, a population-based case–control study conducted in urban Shanghai from 1996 to 1998. The MnSOD Val-9Ala polymorphism was examined in 1125 breast cancer cases and 1197 age-frequency-matched control individual.

Results
Breast cancer risk was slightly elevated in women with Ala/Ala genotype (odds ratio [OR] 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7–2.3), particularly among premenopausal women (OR 1.8, 95% CI 0.9–3.7), as compared with those with Val/Val genotype. The increased risk with the Ala/Ala genotype was stronger among premenopausal women with a higher body mass index (OR 2.5, 95% CI 0.9–7.0) and more years of menstruation (OR 2.6, 95% CI 0.8–8.0). The risk among premenopausal women was further increased twofold to threefold among those with a low intake of fruits, vegetables, vitamin supplements, selenium, or antioxidant vitamins, including carotenes and vitamins A, C, and E. However, the frequency of the Ala allele was low (14%) in the study population, and most of the ORs provided above were not statistically significant.

Conclusion
The present study provides some evidence that genetic polymorphism in the MnSOD gene may be associated with increased risk of breast cancer among Chinese women with high levels of oxidative stress or low intake of antioxidants. Studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm the findings.
Birthweight, parental age, birth order and breast cancer risk in African-American and white women: a population-based case–control study
Authors: Hodgson M Elizabeth , Newman Beth , Millikan Robert C 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Introduction
Much recent work has focused on hypotheses that very early life exposures influence adult cancer risk. For breast cancer it has been hypothesized that high in utero estrogen exposure may increase risk.

Methods
We used data from the Carolina Breast Cancer Study, a population-based case–control study of incident breast cancer in North Carolina, to examine associations for three possible surrogates of high prenatal estrogen exposure: weight at birth, maternal age, and birth order. We also examined paternal age. Birthweight analyses were conducted for white and African-American women born in North Carolina on or after 1949 (196 cases, 167 controls). Maternal age was analyzed for US born participants younger than 49 years of age (280 cases, 236 controls).

Results
There was a weak inverse association between birthweight in the highest tertile and breast cancer overall (odds ratio [OR] 0.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.4–1.2), although associations differed by race (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.2–1.0, and OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.5–2.1 for African-American and white women, respectively). For maternal age there was an approximately threefold increase in risk in women whose mothers were older than 22 years of age, relative to 19–22 years of age, when the women were born. After adjustment for maternal age, older paternal age increased risk in the oldest and youngest age categories (relative to 23–27 years of age at the woman's birth: OR 1.6, 95% CI 0.8–3.1 for age 15–22 years; OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.7–2.2 for age 28–34 years; and OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.7–3.2 for age 35–56 years). There was no association with older paternal age for white women alone. After adjustment for maternal age (265 cases, 224 controls), a birth order of fifth or higher relative to first had an inverse association with breast cancer for women younger than 49 years old (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.3–1.3).

Conclusion
Although the CIs are wide, these results lend support to the possibility that the prenatal period is important for subsequent breast cancer risk, but they do not support the estrogen hypothesis as a unifying theory for the influence of this period.
Over-expression of lysophosphatidic acid receptor-2 in human invasive ductal carcinoma
Authors: Kitayama Joji , Shida Dai , Sako Akihiro , Ishikawa Makoto , Hama Kotaro , Aoki Junken , Arai Hiroyuki , Nagawa Hirokazu 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Introduction
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive phospholipid with diverse effects on various cells. It interacts with at least three G-protein-coupled transmembrane receptors, namely LPA1, LPA2 and LPA3, whose expression in various tumours has not been fully characterized. In the present study we characterized the expression profile of LPA receptors in human breast cancer tissue and assessed the possible roles of each receptor.

Methods
The relative expression levels of each receptor's mRNA against β-actin mRNA was examined in surgically resected invasive ductal carcinomas and normal gland tissue using real-time RT-PCR. LPA2 expression was also examined immunohistochemically using a rat anti-LPA2 monoclonal antibody.

Results
In 25 cases normal and cancer tissue contained LPA1 mRNA at similar levels, whereas the expression level of LPA2 mRNA was significantly increased in cancer tissue as compared with its normal counterpart (3479.0 ± 426.6 versus 1287.3 ± 466.8; P < 0.05). LPA3 was weakly expressed in both cancer and normal gland tissue. In 48 (57%) out of 84 cases, enhanced expression of LPA2 protein was confirmed in carcinoma cells as compared with normal mammary epithelium by immunohistochemistry. Over-expression of LPA2 was detected in 17 (45%) out of 38 premenopausal women, as compared with 31 (67%) out of 46 postmenopausal women, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
These findings suggest that upregulation of LPA2 may play a role in carcinogenesis, particularly in postmenopausal breast cancer.
Early management after self-poisoning with an organophosphorus or carbamate pesticide – a treatment protocol for junior doctors
Authors: Eddleston Michael , Dawson Andrew , Karalliedde Lakshman , Dissanayake Wasantha , Hittarage Ariyasena , Azher Shifa , Buckley Nick A 
Published: September 2004

AbstractSevere organophosphorus or carbamate pesticide poisoning is an important clinical problem in many countries of the world. Unfortunately, little clinical research has been performed and little evidence exists with which to determine best therapy. A cohort study of acute pesticide poisoned patients was established in Sri Lanka during 2002; so far, more than 2000 pesticide poisoned patients have been treated. A protocol for the early management of severely ill, unconscious organophosphorus/carbamate-poisoned patients was developed for use by newly qualified doctors. It concentrates on the early stabilisation of patients and the individualised administration of atropine. We present it here as a guide for junior doctors in rural parts of the developing world who see the majority of such patients and as a working model around which to base research to improve patient outcome. Improved management of pesticide poisoning will result in a reduced number of suicides globally.
The routine use of pediatric airway exchange catheter after extubation of adult patients who have undergone maxillofacial or major neck surgery: a clinical observational study
Authors: Dosemeci Levent , Yilmaz Murat , Yegin Arif , Cengiz Melike , Ramazanoglu Atilla 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Introduction
We conducted the present study to determine the usefulness of routinely inserting a pediatric airway exchange catheter (PAEC) before tracheal extubation of adult patients who had undergone maxillofacial or major neck surgery and have risk factors for difficult reintubation.

Methods
A prospective, observational and clinical study was performed in the 25-bed general intensive care unit of a university hospital. Thirty-six adult patients who underwent maxillofacial or major neck surgery and had risk factors for difficult reintubation were extubated after insertion of the PAEC.

Results
Four of 36 (11.1%) patients required emergency reintubation after 2, 4, 6 and 18 hours after tracheal extubation, respectively. Reintubation of these patients, which was thought to be nearly impossible by direct laryngoscopy, was easily achieved over the PAEC.

Conclusion
The PAEC can be a life-saving device during reintubation of patients with risk factors for difficult reintubation such as laryngeo-pharyngeal oedema due to surgical manipulation or airway obstruction resulting from haematoma and anatomic changes. We therefore suggest the routine use of the PAEC in patients undergoing major maxillofacial or major neck surgery.
Intercompartmental fluid volume shifts during cardiopulmonary bypass measured by A-mode ultrasonography
Authors: Schumacher Jan , Eichler Wolfgang , Heringlake Matthias , Sievers Hans-Hinrich , Klotz Karl-Friedrich 
Published: September 2004

To investigate the time course of fluid extravasation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), we measured the peripheral tissue thickness (TT) by A-mode ultra-sound in 34 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. TT of the forehead was determined by a handheld A-mode ultrasound device and 10 MHz Transducer at nine defined intervals, from the night before surgery until the first postoperative day. Mean calculated loss of 1700±40 mL (SEM) water during the fasting period resulted in a significant reduction of TT by 0.28±0.03 mm. From induction to start of CPB, rehydration with 1000 mL of fluid was performed and TT increased to baseline. After 60 min of extracorporal circulation, forehead TT increased significantly by 0.75±0.08 mm and remained unchanged until the end of surgery when the measured fluid gain was 1580±138 mL. At discharge from ICU, negative fluid regimen resulted in a balance of -127±146 mL whereas TT declined significantly to + 0.16±0.09 mm compared to baseline. Dehydration due to fasting and the marked interstitial fluid extravasation during CPB could be detected by the changes of the peripheral TT. We conclude that parts of the fluid load during CPB are shifted from the intravascular compartment to the interstitial space in a time-dependent manner.
External validation of compliance to perfusion quality indicators
Authors: Dickinson Timothy , Riley Jeffrey , Zabetakis Paul M 
Published: September 2004

Purpose: There exists a significant gap between the expected and delivered level of quality received in America’s hospitals. As a result, clinical outcomes of critical services such as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery have received unparalleled scrutiny. Medical information technology companies like Solucient and insurance carriers such as Blue Cross of California have identified and published a list of hospitals that demonstrate superior quality and patient outcomes for CABG procedures. These ‘benchmark’ programs serve as a reminder that closing the quality gap is possible. Unfortunately, none of these rankings (report cards) provide programs that fail to achieve benchmark status with detailed information on the processes or methods necessary to improve performance. Method: After identifying hospitals within the Fresenius Medical Care Extracorporeal Alliance (FMCEA) system that were judged as top performers (benchmark programs) by either Solucient (‘100 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals’, Evanston, IL 60201) or Blue Cross of California (‘Centers of Expertise’, Newbury Park, CA 91320), 12 months of continuous collection of CPB-related quality indicator data were analyzed for compliance to the FMCEA evidence-based Quality Indicator Program (QIP). A comparison of compliance to the FMCEA CPB indicators was made between the benchmark FMCEA hospitals and the FMCEA peer group hospitals. Results: Seven CPB process indicators were compared: 1) lowest sustained mean arterial pressure, 2) lowest sustained cardiac index, 3) lowest sustained mixed venous oxygen saturation, 4) lowest sustained hematocrit, 5) lowest activated clotting time, 6) highest sustained arterial blood temperature and 7) average sodium bicarbonate administered. Analysis of hospitals in the FMCEA system designated by Blue Cross of California as ‘Centers of Expertise’ revealed statistically significantly greater compliance ( p<0.05) in all but one CPB indicator. Hospitals in the FMCEA system designated by Solucient’s ‘100 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals’ listing revealed statistically significantly greater compliance to all but three CPB quality indicators. Conclusions: Successful compliance with the majority of FMCEA CPB process indicators correlates with external recognition from two report card systems demonstrating superior hospital performance. Analysis of compliance to process indicators may provide useful guidelines to improve the standard of care in CABG surgery in many hospitals.
Ex vivo evaluation of a new neonatal/infant oxygenator: comparison of the Terumo CAPIOX® Baby RX with Dideco Lilliput 1 and Polystan Safe Micro in the piglet model
Authors: Dubois J , Jamaer L , Mees U , Pauwels J-L , Briers F , Lehaen J , Hendrikx M 
Published: September 2004

Objective: A newly developed neonatal and infant oxygenator with a nonheparin biocompatible polymer coating, low priming volume (43 mL), high oxygen transfer, wide operating range (<1.5 L/min) and low pressure drop represents a promising solution for cardiac surgery in neonates and infants. We compared the new CAPIOX® Baby RX, Terumo (BRX) with two commonly used neonatal oxygenators: Dideco Lilliput 1 (DL1) and Polystan Safe Micro (PSM) in a piglet model. Methods: Fifteen piglets (5.6±1.3 kg) were placed on standardized cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for 6 hours using one of the three oxygenators ( n = 5 in each group). After 120 min, the system was cooled to 25°C for 60 min and then returned to normothermia. Arterial and venous blood gas data and temperature were recorded continuously by a CDI500 System (Terumo). Pressure drop, FiO2 and gas flow were recorded. Blood samples were taken before CBP, after 10 min, before and after cooling, and at the end. Total blood counts, thrombin-antithrombin complex and plasma-free haemoglobin (PfHb) were measured. Results: All oxygenators showed acceptable performance for the duration of CPB. The BRX had lower mean gas flow (0.33±0.05 L/min) and FiO2 (0.43± 0.02%) throughout CPB than the DL1 (1.14±0.25 L/min, p = 0.006 and 0.60±0.02%, p = 0.009, respectively) or the PSM (1.47±0.87 L/min and 0.54±0.08%, p = ns). Pressure drop in the BRX group ranged from 12 to 22 mmHg. This was significantly lower than in the DL1 group (39-65 mmHg, p = 0.005). In the PSM group, values ranged between 24 and 33 mmHg (p = ns). The increase in PfHb at six hours was significantly lower in the BRX (11.3±4.2 ng/dL) versus the DL1 (42.2±6.1 ng/dL, p = 0.004) and the PSM (56.7±15.5 ng/dL, p = 0.045). Conclusions: The BRX is as safe as the DL1 and the PSM, with superior performance in pressure drop, efficient blood gas management and lower haemolysis. The BRX exhibited the lowest prime, hold-up volume and breakthrough time.
A novel extracorporeal kidney perfusion system: a concept model
Authors: Szajer Michael , Shah Gaurang , Kittur Dilip , Searles Bruce , Li Lu , Bruch David , Darling Edward 
Published: September 2004

The number of patients awaiting kidney transplantation has more than doubled in the past decade while the number of available donor organs has seen only a modest increase, leading to a critical shortage of organs. In response to this extreme shortage, the criteria for accepting organs have been modified to include marginal donors such as non-heart beating donors (NHBD). In these kidneys, determining viability is important for success of transplantation. Therefore, a study was undertaken to develop a system that would allow the extra-corporeal assessment of function and compatibility of the donor organ before the patient is exposed to the risks associated with surgery. Following bilateral nephrectomy, the kidneys of 10 pigs (~30 kg) were connected to a commercially available hypothermic pulsatile kidney perfusion apparatus. This system was modified to allow for normothermic pulsatile renal perfusion using the potential recipient’s blood, via vascular access. These kidneys were perfused with the animal’s blood for a minimum of two hours while various parameters were monitored. Perfusion pressures were kept between 60 and 90 mmHg, which correlated to flows between 70 and 150 mL/min. A decrease in perfusion pressure with a concomitant rise in flow over the two-hour period served as a good predictor of a viable and compatible graft. The modified kidney preservation system allows the normothermic, pulsatile extracorporeal perfusion of donor kidneys with the ability to monitor resistance to flow and urine production. This model also allows observation of the kidney for signs of hyperacute rejection. Further research needs to be conducted in order to determine if the system represents a methodology to increase the pool of available donor organs.
Modulatory effect of Morus indica against two-stage skin carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice: possible mechanism by inhibiting aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase
Authors: Prasad Lakshmi , Khan Tajdar H , Sehrawat Anuradha , Sultana Sarwat 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
The modulatory effect of the methanolic extract of Morus indica on 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) induced oxidative stress and 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene induced and croton oil (0.5% per mouse/0.2 mL acetone, v/v) promoted skin tumourigenesis in Swiss albino mice was studied. The efficacy of the M. indica extract was also evaluated in-vitro by studying the inhibition of the activity and level of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, cytochrome P450, DNA sugar damage in calf thymus DNA and Fe++/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation in microsomes of mice. Significant increases in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (P &lt; 0.001) and a concomitant decrease (P &lt; 0.001) in the cutaneous malondialdehyde level were observed at three doses of plant extract (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mg kg−1). Application of M. indica 1 h before each application of croton oil showed inhibitory effects on tumour promotion in terms of a reduction in the number of tumours/mouse and percentage of mice with tumours. It was also accompanied by an extension of the tumour latency period. TPA, which resulted in a rapid and transient stimulation of mouse epidermal ornithine decarboxylase activity (P &lt; 0.001), was inhibited dose dependently by pre-treatment with M. indica extract (P &lt; 0.001). The results suggest that M. indica extract may be useful as a therapeutic agent for cancer control as it blocks or suppresses events associated with chemical carcinogenesis.