julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Preoperative Chemotherapy and Surgical Technique in the Treatment of Hepatoblastoma - A Report from the German Cooperative Liver Tumour Studies HB 89 and HB 94
2002-08-01

The median follow-up of the survivors was 72 months (range 24 - 132 months). 98/141 (78 %) patients were alive and 31/141 (22 %) died. 12/141 (8.5 %) children had no surgical treatment. A complete resection of the primary tumour was achieved in 107/129 (83 %) cases. Forty-eight children were primary resected and eighty-one children were operated on after initial chemotherapy. In 36 cases, an atypical tumour resection, in 90 cases an anatomical liver resection, was performed. Three children were transplanted. There was no perioperative death. 14/48 (30 %) children with primary tumour resection had microscopical or macroscopical residual tumour in the liver. Despite the larger number of advanced HB in the primary chemotherapy group, an incomplete tumour resection was performed in only 15/78 (19 %) cases after liver resection (p < 0.044). 14/36 (38 %) cases with atypical tumour resection and only 16/90 (18 %) cases with anatomical liver resection had residual tumours in the liver (p < 0.019). These results underline the necessity for preoperative chemotherapy in all HB, which was accepted in the following study HB 99. Atypical tumour resection should be avoided because of the higher rate of incomplete tumour resections and local relapse compared to the group with anatomical tumour resection.
Caspase-8 and Apaf-1-independent Caspase-9 Activation in Sendai Virus-infected Cells
2002-08-01

Apoptotic cell death is of central importance in the pathogenesis of viral infections. Activation of a cascade of cysteine proteases, i.e. caspases, plays a key role in the effector phase of virus-induced apoptosis. However, little is known about pathways leading to the activation of initiator caspases in virus-infected host cells. Recently, we have shown that Sendai virus (SeV) infection triggers apoptotic cell death by activation of the effector caspase-3 and initiator caspase-8. We now investigated mechanisms leading to the activation of another initiator caspase, caspase-9. Unexpectedly we found that caspase-9 cleavage is not dependent on the presence of active caspases-3 or -8. Furthermore, the presence of caspase-9 in mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells was a prerequisite for Sendai virus-induced apoptotic cell death. Caspase-9 activation occurred without the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and was not dependent on the presence of Apaf-1 or reactive oxygen intermediates. Our results therefore suggest an alternative mechanism for caspase-9 activation in virally infected cells beside the well characterized pathways via death receptors or mitochondrial cytochrome c release.
Identification of complex composition, strong strain diversity and directional selection in local Pseudomonas stutzeri populations from marine sediment and soils
2002-08-01

Summary Members of Pseudomonas stutzeri have been isolated world‐wide from various habitats including aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The global population has a clonal structure, is of exceptionally high genetic diversity and has been grouped into eight genomovars. We have analysed four local populations ( n = 89–125) from three geographically separated habitats (two from a marine sediment and two from different soils) by random amplified polymorphic DNA–polymerase chain reaction (RAPD‐PCR), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the rpoB gene and 16S rDNA sequences in order to quantify the influence of evolutionary forces on closely related groups of proliferating cells in situ . All populations consisted of a complex structure of genomic subgroups with variable numbers of members. The analyses revealed that the two populations from marine sediment were rather similar. At least three of the populations were influenced by migrational input as concluded from the presence of members from different genomovars. All populations showed very high strain diversity suggesting strong influence of mutability. Neutrality tests indicated that two or possibly three of the populations were shaped by directional selection. Thus, the local populations of P. stutzeri reflect already the high genetic diversity of the global population and are influenced, to different extents, by migration, mutation and directional selection.
Intravenous Regional Anesthesia (Bier's Block) for Botulinum Toxin Therapy of Palmar Hyperhidrosis is Safe and Effective
2002-08-01

IVRA safely and effectively alleviates the pain associated with BTX-A treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. Quantitative analysis with the corneometer showed that BTX-A significantly reduces sweat production. We conclude that IVRA is a suitable method for providing pain relief in the treatment of patients with palmar hyperhidrosis.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Properties of Non-Symmetrical Benzo-Annulated Porphyrazines and Their Metal Complexes
2002-08-01

New highly stable benzo-fused m-trifluoromethylphenyl porphyrazines and their complexes with Mg and In were synthesized by cross-condensation of phthalonitrile and bis(m-trifluoromethylphenyl)fumaronitrile. Their 1H and 13C NMR spectra were recorded and described. The Q- and B-bands in the UV/Vis spectra of the metal complexes show the characteristic splitting upon consecutive benzo-annulation. The strong variation of spectral features upon benzo-fusing and metallation/demetallation, as well as the good solubility of the metal complexes in organic solvents, make these materials potentially valuable for optical applications including nonlinear optics. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2002)
Steroids and Terpenoids from Ajuga relicta
2002-08-01

From the acetone extract of Ajuga relicta P. H. Davis, four steroids, two being new ones, (24S)-24-ethylcholesta-5,25-diene-11α-hydroxy-1-one (1) and (24S)-24-ethylcholesta-5,25- diene-7α-hydroxy-3-one (2), two known triterpenoids and two known diterpenoids were isolated in addition to a monoterpene and an iridoid. The structures were characterized by spectral methods including UV, IR, 1 H, 13 C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
Four novel splice variants of sulfonylurea receptor 1
2002-08-01

ATP-sensitive K + (K ATP ) channels are composed of pore-forming Kir6.x subunits and regulatory sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) subunits. SURs are ATP-binding cassette proteins with two nucleotide-binding folds (NBFs) and binding sites for sulfonylureas, like glibenclamide, and for channel openers. Here we report the identification and functional characterization of four novel splice forms of guinea pig SUR1. Three splice forms originate from alternative splicing of the region coding for NBF1 and lack exons 17 (SUR1Δ17), 19 (SUR1Δ19), or both (SUR1Δ17Δ19). The fourth (SUR1C) is a COOH-terminal SUR1-fragment formed by exons 31–39 containing the last two transmembrane segments and the COOH terminus of SUR1. RT-PCR analysis showed that these splice forms are expressed in several tissues with strong expression of SUR1C in cardiomyocytes. Confocal microscopy using enhanced green fluorescent protein-tagged SUR or Kir6.x did not provide any evidence for involvement of these splice forms in the mitochondrial K ATP channel. Only SUR1 and SUR1Δ17 showed high-affinity binding of glibenclamide ( K d ≈ 2 nM in the presence of 1 mM ATP) and formed functional K ATP channels upon coexpression with Kir6.2.
Effects of RRR-Î±-Tocopherol on Leukocyte Expression of HSP72 in Response to Exhaustive Treadmill Exercise
2002-08-01

Previous research revealed an increased expression of HSP72 in leukocytes after vigorous endurance exercise. We questioned whether more intensive but shorter exercise also induces leukocyte HSP72 synthesis. To delineate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in exercise-related HSP72 induction, we additionally examined the effect of RRR-alpha-tocopherol (alpha-toc) on HSP72 expression using a double-blind placebo (P) controlled cross-over design. After supplementation with alpha-toc (500 I.U. daily) or P for 8 days, 9 male subjects performed a combined exhaustive treadmill protocol (total duration 29.4 +/- 2.0 min). HSP72 was assessed on mRNA (RT-PCR) and protein levels (flow cytometry). HSP72 mRNA rose 3 h after exercise only in the P group, but individual differences (alpha-toc - P) did not reveal significant treatment effects. A moderate but significant rise of HSP72 protein occurred in granulocytes up to 48 h after exercise. Three hours post-exercise, granulocyte HSP72 protein was lower when subjects received alpha-toc, but this effect vanished 24 and 48 h post-exercise. Exhaustive treadmill exercise augments HSP72 mRNA in leukocytes and induced a moderate but prolonged response of granulocyte HSP72 protein. These exercise effects are lower when compared to earlier findings obtained after vigorous endurance exercise. ROS seem to be involved, but do not play the major role in the induction of granulocyte HSP72 synthesis after exhaustive exercise.
Facies and paleogeography of the Tertiary of the Lower Rhine Basin - sedimentary versus climatic control
2002-08-01

Abstract Based on recent studies, the impact of global sea-level and climate change on the paleogeographic and sedimentary evolution of the Tertiary of the Lower Rhine Basin is analysed. It is shown that major changes in global climate and sea-level, such as the high-stand during the Middle Miocene climate optimum, the extreme low-stands near the base of the Tortonian and within the Messinian, are clearly reflected in the sedimentary succession. Continental climate curves, as reconstructed from Tertiary macrofloras of the Lower Rhine Basin, can be correlated with the marine, long-term isotope record. As shown by the analyses, a warm and humid climate with mean annual temperatures above 13 ° C and mean annual precipitation not below 1000 mm, persisted throughout the Late Miocene to Early Pliocene. Continental, high-resolution, climate data show that Late Miocene alternations of lignites and elastics are rather caused by tectonic and sedimentary processes (such as the repeated migration of the river system) than by major climate changes.
4-1BB ligand – just another costimulating molecule?
2002-08-01

Initially, scientific interest in the 4-1BB/4-1BB Ligand system focused on the role of the 4-1BB (CD137) receptor in the costimulation of T cells. More recently, evidence is accumulating that 4-1BBL is more than "just" the ligand for a costimulatory molecule. In this review we discuss the functional properties of 4-1BB Ligand such as its preference for CD8 positive T cells and the differences to costimulation via the B7/CD28 system. Furthermore, the available data regarding its ability to transduce signals bidirectionally, i.e. also back into the ligand bearing cell, its release as a soluble form following shedding from the cell surface, and its role in the interaction of tumor cells with the immune system are reviewed.
ART-123 Asahi Kasei.
2002-08-01

Asahi Kasei is developing a recombinant thrombomodulin (ART-123), a human protein with both thrombin inhibiting and protein C stimulating activities, for the potential treatment of thromboembolism and blood clotting disorders, such as disseminated intravascular thromboembolism [169907]. By September 2000, it had entered phase III trials [383525]. A patent, US-05916874, claiming a method for treating liver injury and whose composition comprises a thrombomodulin, was published in 1999 by the company.
Peptide analysis, stability studies, and structural modeling explain contradictory peptide motifs and unique properties of the NOD mouse MHC class II molecule H2-Ag7
2002-08-01

The MHC class II molecule H2-Ag7 is the chief genetic determinant in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus of the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. Poor peptide binding ability, as well aspresentation of a unique subset of peptides by this molecule was suggested to promote autoimmunity in this strain. However, several laboratories have presented results in favor of an H2-Ag7 molecule that can avidly bind many different peptides. The crystal structures of H2-Ag7 in complex with two different peptides did not completely resolve this issue. To analyze the peptide binding capacity and the motif requirements of H2-Ag7, we eluted natural ligands from purified H2-Ag7 molecules isolated from the H2-Ag7-transfected M12-C3 cells. A low peptide yield dominated by a few peptide ligands was found. Pool sequencing and alignment of individual ligands on the basis of molecular modeling revealed a peptide-binding motif with basic/aliphatic/small hydrophilic amino acids at relative position 1 (p1), aliphatic amino acids at p4, Ala at p6, and acidic amino acids and Ser/Gly at p9, as well as acidic residues at p10/11. Though weak, the binding of individual ligands, as well as the importance of an acidic C-terminal residue was confirmed by peptide binding studies to isolated H2-Ag7 molecules. Furthermore, the H2-Ag7 molecule incompletely dissociated into its constituent chains in SDS-electrophoresis under nonreducing conditions. This provides additional evidence of its weak affinity for peptides, which probably arises from the combination of β56His/β57Ser/β78Ala and other unique H2-Ag7 residues in contact with the antigenic peptide. These results allow a better understanding of the role of this molecule in the development of autoimmunity and the identification of epitopes relevant to diabetes.
The effect of whole‐body tilt on sound lateralization
2002-08-01

Abstract The effect of passive whole‐body tilt in the frontal plane on the lateralization of dichotic sound was investigated in human subjects. Pure‐tone pulses (1 kHz, 100 ms duration) with various interaural time differences were presented via headphones while the subject was in an upright position or tilted 45° or 90° to the left or right. Subjects made two‐alternative forced‐choice (left/right) judgements on the intracranial sound image. During body tilt, the auditory median plane of the head, computed from the resulting psychometric functions, was always shifted to the upward ear, indicating a shift of the auditory percept to the downward ear, that is, in the direction of gravitational linear acceleration. The mean maximum magnitude of the auditory shift obtained with 90° body tilt was 25 μs. On the one hand, these findings suggest a certain influence of the otolith information about body position relative to the direction of gravity on the representation of auditory space. However, in partial contradiction to previous work, which had assumed existence of a significant ‘audiogravic illusion’, the very slight magnitude of the present effect rather reflects the excellent stability in the neural processing of auditory spatial cues in humans. Thus, it might be misleading to use the term ‘illusion’ for this quite marginal effect.
Total Gastrectomy Severely Alters the Central Regulation of Food Intake in Rats
2002-08-01

The early postprandial activation of NTS neurons after total gastrectomy in rats may correspond to early satiety reported by patients, while the sustained activation of NTS neurons after a meal could contribute to a reduced daily calorie intake. These data suggest that a disturbed central regulation of food intake might contribute to early satiety, reduced food intake, and weight loss after total gastrectomy.
The Palaeogene flora of Hochstetten‐Dhaun (Nahe‐area, Rhineland‐Palatinate, SW‐Germany)
2002-08-01

Abstract A flora from the Palaeogene of Hochstetten‐Dhaun (Nahe‐area, Rhineland‐Palatinate, SW‐Germany) is described. Leaf remains of the intermediate Fagaceae species Eotrigonobalanus furcinervis ( Rossmaessler ) Walther &amp; Kvaček represent the dominant element. Moreover, Equisetum sp., Tetraclinis salicornioides ( Unger ) Kvaček , Daphnogene cinnamomifolia ( Brongniart ) Unger forma lanceolata sensu Kvaček &amp; Walther , Daphnogene cinnamomifolia ( Brongniart ) Unger forma cinnamomifolia sensu Kvaček &amp; Walther , Daphnogene sp., cf. Quercus sp. vel Castaneophyllum sp., Eotrigonobalanus furcinervis ( Rossmaessler ) Walther &amp; Kvaček , cf. subsp. haselbachensis Kvaček &amp; Walther , cf. Trigonobalanopsis rhamnoides ( Rossmaessler ) Kvaček &amp; Walther , and Populus cf. germanica ( Menzel ) Walther occur in this flora. In addition, three leaf‐morphotypes are characterized and several undeterminable leaf remains are listed. We interpret the source vegetation as a mixed mesophytic forest. Based on the composition and overall morphological and physiognomical character, we conclude that the flora is of lowermost Oligocene age.
Morbidity in electroconvulsive therapy
2002-08-01

EDITOR: The recently published paper by Tecoult and Nathan [1] reviewed 75 patients during 612 electroconvulsive therapies (ECTs) and described complications in 68% of the patients. The authors concluded that ECT, contrary to the prevailing opinion, is not a low-risk procedure. Our department has a long experience with ECT, and we have never encountered as many complications as reported by Tecoult and Nathan. Furthermore, the published data on complications, e.g. in the American Psychiatric Association's recent Task Force Report [2], differ substantially. The reason for the high complication rate becomes evident by reading the methods. Only five of 75 patients received the muscle relaxant succinylcholine! Patients had to be restrained by nursing staff during the convulsion. This explains the high number of traumatic complications. Most likely it is also related to the high number of confused and agitated patients since muscle contractions during ECT raise the serum lactate concentration, which has been shown to be related to post-ECT agitation [3]. In addition, insufficient muscle relaxation will increase the intragastric pressure, explaining the high number of respiratory complications due to aspiration. The authors also admit that at least two patients did not have an empty stomach, which is not a problem specific to ECT but due to insufficient patient information and surveillance. One patient even suffered laryngospasm due to chewing gum that was not discovered and removed before anaesthesia. The authors seem to have taken great care to analyse the complications and side-effects and concluded that - contrary to recent publications - ECT is not a low-risk procedure. We disagree with the generality of this conclusion. To perform ECT without sufficient muscle relaxation is an outdated, obsolete procedure [2]. The paper may serve to emphasize these medical and ethical issues. However, the presented results must not be compared with recent publications on complications rates during ECT with muscle relaxation since 1970 and should not be used to discredit ECT, which is still the most efficient treatment for severe depression. B. Wild G. W. Eschweiler M. Bartels Department of Psychiatry; Tübingen University; Tübingen, Germany
Accessibility Studies of Sol-Gel Processed Phosphane-Substituted Iridium(I) Complexes in the Interphase
2002-08-01

The synthesis of the T-silyl functionalized, and therefore sol-gel processable, Vaska complex [IrCl(CO){(C6H5)2PC6H4(CH2)4Si(OMe)3}2] [4(T0)] succeeded by reaction of [Ir(μ-Cl)(COE)2]2 (COE = cyclooctene; 1) with the phosphane (C6H5)2PC6H4(CH2)4Si(OMe)3 [3(T0)] in the presence of carbon monoxide. Subsequently, 4(T0) was co-polycondensed with five equivalents of (MeO)3Si(CH2)3C6H4(CH2)3Si(OMe)3 {5[Ph(1,4-C3T0)2]} to give the polysiloxane-bound complex X1. For accessibility studies of the reactive centers, X1 was reacted in the interphase systems gas/solid and liquid/solid with HCl, Cl2, CH3I (13CH3I), Cl2HCCHCl2, SO2, O2, and NCC≡CCN, in the course of which the xerogels X2−X7 were formed. With the exception of the reversible species X5 (SO2) and X6 (O2) the reactions proceeded quantitatively. The composition of the polymers and the structures of the reactive centers were elucidated by means of multinuclear solid-state NMR (13C, 29Si, 31P), IR, EDX, and EXAFS spectroscopy.
Intravenous Regional Anesthesia (Bierʼs Block) for Botulinum Toxin Therapy of Palmar Hyperhidrosis is Safe and Effective
2002-08-01

BACKGROUND Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has been shown to be highly effective in reducing palmar hyperhidrosis. Since palmar injections is a painful procedure, the use of an anesthesia method is recommended. OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) for painless treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis with BTX-A compared to topical application of a local anesthetic agent. METHODS Thirty patients with palmar hyperhidrosis were treated with BTX-A injections, using a total dose of 100 U BTX-A for each hand. One palm was pretreated with a topical application of local anesthetizing cream (EMLA cream), while the other palm was anesthetized with IVRA. Sweat secretion was visualized with Minor's test and quantified by corneometer analysis before and after BTX-A therapy. RESULTS BTX-A therapy was significantly less painful in palms anesthetized with IVRA than in palms pretreated with EMLA cream (P < 0.0001, paired Wilcoxon rank test). Two weeks after the BTX-A injections, corneometer measurements showed that spontaneous sweat production had declined significantly, from 115 ± 16.25 (left hand) and 114 ± 17.58 (right hand) before therapy to 81.5 ± 27.33 (left hand) and 74 ± 28.08 (right hand) after therapy (P < 0.001, paired t test). CONCLUSION IVRA safely and effectively alleviates the pain associated with BTX-A treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. Quantitative analysis with the corneometer showed that BTX-A significantly reduces sweat production. We conclude that IVRA is a suitable method for providing pain relief in the treatment of patients with palmar hyperhidrosis.
Synchronized business cycles in East Asia : fluctuations in the yen/dollar exchange rate and China's stabilizing role
2002-08-01

August 2002 &lt;p&gt; Since the early 1980s, the smaller East Asian economies have experienced a synchronized business cycle. Before the Asian crisis of 1997-98, they pegged their exchange rates to the US dollar. Post crisis, we show that they have resumed dollar pegging on a high frequency, i.e., day-to-day, basis, with indications of a possible return to pegging at lower frequencies as well. The joint exchange rate stabilization of their currencies against the dollar reduces payments risk and strengthens trade linkages in the region. However, it has also made East Asian economies more sensitive to fluctuations in the yen/dollar exchange rate. Sudden yen depreciation slows regional economic growth, and yen appreciation accelerates it. Against this, China’s macroeconomic and exchange rate policies have been a critically important stabilizing influence. Because Japan’s own economic slump can also be linked to the fluctuating yen/dollar exchange rate, and any deep depreciation of the yen would be economically disastrous for the whole East Asian region, we conclude that East Asia is a natural dollar zone that Japan should consider joining. &lt;p&gt; Working Papers Index