julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Interventional study in 1,232 young German children to prevent the development of melanocytic nevi failed to change sun exposure and sun protective behavior
2005-01-01

Sunscreens have been proposed as protective measures to inhibit the development of melanocytic nevi in childhood and to decrease the long term risk for cutaneous melanoma development. Our present study investigates the influence of sunscreen use and education on the number of incident melanocytic nevi. A total of 1,812 children in 78 public nursery schools in 2 German cities were randomized to 3 study arms: (i) parents were informed on study purpose and sun protection measures only at an initial educational meeting; (ii) parents received educational material 3 times yearly; and (iii) education and 800 ml free broad spectrum sunscreens with sun protection factor 25 provided on a yearly basis. Final assessment after 3 years follow-up included 1,232 children (68%). Changes of sun protection habits including sunscreen use were sparse, without any differences attributable to the intervention efforts. As a consequence, there were no significant differences between the 3 study arms for the main outcome measure, the number of incident melanocytic nevi. Analysis of the sunscreen use in the entire cohort irrespective of our study arms did not show any impact on incident nevus numbers in bivariate or multivariate analysis. In conclusion, intervention with educational letters and free sunscreens seemingly had no additional effect on sun-protection for German children. High prevalence of sunscreen use at study commencement, social desirability, and inadequate application of sunscreens might have partially covered their effect.
Glycan side chains on naturally presented MHC class II ligands
2005-01-01

Abstract The molecular characterization of unknown naturally presented major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II glycopeptides carrying complex glycans has so far not been achieved, reflecting the different fragmentation characteristics of sugars and peptides in mass spectrometric analysis. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DR‐bound peptides were isolated by affinity purification, separated via high performance liquid chromatography and analyzed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. We were able to identify two naturally processed MHC class II ligands, CD53 122–136 and CD53 121–136 , carrying complex N ‐linked glycan side chains by a combination of in‐source and collision‐induced fragmentation on a quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometer. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.
Hydrothermal alteration effects in geochemistry and Sr, Nd, Pb, and O isotopes of magmas from the Los Azufres geothermal field (Mexico): A statistical approach
2005-01-01

We present new major and trace elements and Sr, Nd, Pb, and O isotopic data on basaltic andesite to rhyolitic volcanic rocks from surface outcrops as well as drill wells from the Los Azufres geothermal field (LAGF). With a total installed capacity for electricity production of about 100 MW, LAGF is the second most important geothermal field in Mexico. Hydrothermal alteration has affected most subsurface (drill well) rocks, ranging from partial to complete alteration. The alteration mineralogy with increasing depth (and temperature) is: argillitization/silicification, zeolite/calcite formation, sericitization/chloritization, chloritization/epidotization. The Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic ratios from the LAGF show the following ranges: for surface rocks (87Sr/86Sr)i ≈ 0.70344-0.7048; (143Nd/144Nd)i ≈ 0.512745-0.512908; 206Pb/204Pb ≈ 18.695-18.725; 207Pb/204Pb ≈ 15.585-15.612; 208Pb/204Pb ≈ 38.406-38.522; whereas for drill well rocks (87Sr/86Sr)i ≈ 0.70374-0.70462; (143Nd/144Nd)i ≈ 0.512675-0.512862; 206Pb/204Pb ≈ 18.643-18.770; 207Pb/204Pb ≈ 15.590-15.621; 208Pb/204Pb ≈ 38.390-38.595. An objective statistical methodology, based on F-ratio and Student-t tests, used for the comparison of chemistry of surface fresh rocks (from the LAGF and the surrounding area), to that of shallow (<1000 m depth) drill well altered rocks reveals that hydrothermal alteration causes a loss of total alkalis in most rock types. High-field strength elements such as Zr, TiO2, and P2O5, generally considered as immobile elements, also show significant hydrothermal alteration-related changes. Finally, Pb isotopic ratios of drill well altered rocks significantly decrease and 143Nd/144Nd significantly increase with increasing SiO2. Such a trend of decreasing Pb isotopic ratios and increasing 143Nd/144Nd is also observed for hydrothermally-altered rhyolites as compared to fresh rhyolites.
Total Synthesis of Cryptophycin 3
2005-01-01

Abstract The depsipeptide cryptophycin 3 ( 5 ) and the cryptophycin analogue 43 were prepared from the corresponding four subunits. The tripeptide analogue 34 was acquired from the starting amino ester 33 , which contains fragments D and C. After extension at the carboxyl function by esterification with the hydroxy ester 10 , the seco compounds 37 and 42 were obtained. Ring closure was achieved by macrolactamization in the presence of TBTU as condensing agent. This work features a streamlined synthesis of the hydroxy ester 10 , a short synthesis of the amino acid 14 by enantioselective alkylation of the glycinimine 21 , and the use of the Fmoc protecting group for the amino functions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
CDNA-microarray analysis as a research tool for expression profiling in human peripheral blood following exercise.
2005-01-01

Exhausting endurance exercise has strong effects on the immune system. Changes have been shown in the cellular composition of peripheral blood and in gene expression within those cells. In this study, custom-made cDNA microarrays focused on inflammation were used to analyze gene expression blood cells obtained from eight half-marathon runners before (t0), immediately after (t1) and 24 hours after exercise (t2). The microarrays that were used contained 384 different cDNAs spotted in triplicate. Differentially-regulated gene expression was analyzed using a simple rule-based clustering. Comparing t1 vs. t0, and t2 vs. t0, 36 and 21 sequences respectively, showed a consistent pattern of changes in all eight athletes. Taken together, the pattern of these modified genes can be viewed as a "gene expression fingerprint" for each time point in response to a half marathon. The known and novel genes identified here represent targets for further molecular characterization of the complex reaction of the body to an exhaustive challenge. These data suggest that gene expression fingerprints can serve as a powerful research tool to design novel strategies for diagnosis and treatment of exercise related injury and stress.
Final Height in Children with Medulloblastoma Treated with Growth Hormone
2005-01-01

&lt;i&gt;Background:&lt;/i&gt; Medulloblastoma is the most frequent primary solid central nervous system tumour in children. The 5-year survival rate is at present at about 60%. Height in general is severely compromised in survivors. The present study is an extension of the investigation by the author’s group of the effect of exogenous growth hormone (GH) among medulloblastoma patients. &lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt; A total of 113 patients with medulloblastoma (out of 682 cases documented in KIGS, Pfizer International Growth Database) were treated with GH till final height was achieved. At the start of GH therapy (median dose 0.18 mg/kg/week), patients were 8.9 years old and had a median height SDS of –1.6. &lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt; After 6.8 years of GH, final height SDS was –1.9, reflecting an overall loss in height of 0.3 SDS. This contrasted with an age-matched group of patients with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency (iGHD, n = 1,986), whose gain in height was 1.6 SDS on the same dose. The index of responsiveness averaged –0.9 during the first prepubertal year and –2.0 during total pubertal growth, thus indicating a major impairment in responsiveness to GH as compared to iGHD. Height at GH start, which correlated positively with the age at disease onset, was found to be the major determinant of final height. &lt;i&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/i&gt; Our findings show that attempts to improve the height outcome in medulloblastoma must involve earlier recognition and treatment with higher-than-replacement doses of GH; additionally, modifications in cancer treatment programs need to be considered, such as lowering the dose of craniospinal irradiation or avoiding it as far as possible.
Diminished Production of Proinflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
2005-01-01

Cerebral inflammation as well as systemic immunological alterations have been reported in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We examined the production of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6, interleukin-12, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α in whole blood cell cultures of AD patients and age-matched controls. The production of all measured cytokines after mitogen stimulation is significantly decreased in the AD group compared to controls. The results reflect an attenuated secretory activity of monocytes/macrophages, but also of T-helper cells. The data sustain the assumption that a systemic, possibly age-related alteration of immune mechanisms may play a pathogenetic role in the development of AD.
The value of quantitative ultrasound tissue characterization of the cervix and rapid fetal fibronectin in predicting preterm delivery
2005-01-01

Combined use of rapid fFN and cervical gray value analysis improves the diagnostic efficiency and allows identification of women at risk for preterm delivery and in need for further prophylactic/therapeutic intervention.
Reaction of tellurium tetraiodide with 2,3‐dihydro‐1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene
2005-01-01

Abstract 2,3‐Dihydro‐1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene 1 (Carb, R 1 = i Pr, R 2 = Me) reacts with TeI 4 to give the carbene adduct CarbTeI 2 ( 3 ). The crystal structure of 3 consists of T‐shaped monomeric fragments linked by weak Te. I interactions to form infinite helical chains. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 16:316–319, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/hc.20090
Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma: An Often Misdiagnosed, Locally Aggressive Growing Skin Tumor
2005-01-01

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) belongs to the spectrum of locally aggressive adnexal carcinomas and most commonly occurs in the head and neck region. Recently it has been proposed that MAC is an apocrine tumor. It is characterized by slow, but locally aggressive growth with infiltration of subcutaneous fat tissue, muscles, perichondrium, periosteum, or perineurium. As a result, surgical treatment often leads to ablation defects, which are many times the size of the clinical lesion. In 1982, Goldstein and colleagues first reported MAC to be a distinct histologic entity characterized by a combination of keratinous cysts in the upper dermis, islands and strands of small basaloid, benign-appearing keratinocytes or squamous cells in the deeper dermis within a dense desmoplastic stroma, and areas of ductular differentiation. The authors report the case of a 78-year-old woman in whom a diagnosis of MAC was made when a tumor on the right cheek recurred for the second time. Previous histopathologic diagnoses were squamous cell carcinoma and desmoplastic trichoepithelioma. Local recurrences of the tumor occurred, despite histographic surgery because in hematoxylin and eosin stains, small islands of the deceptively benign-appearing small basaloid cells of MAC were not recognized as tumor cells. The reported case demonstrates the difficulties in diagnosing MAC and indicates that MAC should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of slowly growing tumors in the head and neck region. If MAC is diagnosed too late, it can be inoperable because of its infiltrative growth.
Validity and reliability study of three tinnitus self-assessment scales: loudness, annoyance and change
2005-01-01

The test-retest reliability was 0.72 for tinnitus loudness and 0.62 for tinnitus annoyance. Calculations showed that all three scales correlated positively with validated complex scales and thus we considered convergent validity to be adequate.
Determination of affinity constants of locked nucleic acid (LNA) and DNA duplex formation using label free sensor technology
2005-01-01

Locked nucleic acid (LNA) is a nucleic acid analogue containing 2'-O,4'-C-methylene-beta-D-ribofuranosyl nucleotides, which have a bicyclic furanose unit locked in a RNA mimicking sugar conformation. Oligonucleotides containing LNA monomers show an enhanced thermal stability and robustness against nuclease mediated cleavage. Therefore special tailored LNA is a versatile tool for gene array analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. The higher melting temperatures result from a higher affinity between the LNA and its complementary base. This was verified by the determination of the affinity constants of the duplex formation of 3 oligonucleotides: DNA, L-DNA, in which all thymidines are substituted by LNA, and a fully modified LNA, to their complementary DNA strand. Affinity constants were calculated to be 1.5 x 10(9), 4.0 x 10(9) and >10(12) L mol(-1). This was done using the label free and time resolved sensing technology reflectometric interference spectroscopy (RIfS), in an assay format similar to a titration called binding inhibition assay.
Ternary and quaternary fission
2005-01-01

cascade of buckling events takes place, resulting in a complex pattern.At the final stage the top view of the drop is shown in the corresponding inset in Figure 1.A sessile drop which dries would at first appear as a simple problem.However our experiments reveal that a combination of several processes take place during the drying process and that, depending on the experimental conditions, different morpholo gies can be observed at the drying end.These are strongly related to the different modes of the buckling instability which take place in an elastic shell.This leads to various shapes that exhibit axisymmetric or non-axisymmetric distortions.These phenomena are also related to a large variety of industrial applications including the formation of coatings.Such investigations may also help to solve a variety of problems in film, membrane or bio-interface mechanics.
Feedback Memetic Algorithms for Modeling Gene Regulatory Networks
2005-01-01

In this paper we address the problem of finding gene regulatory networks from experimental DNA microarray data. We focus on the evaluation of the performance of memetic algorithms on the inference problem. These algorithms are used to evolve an underlying quantitative mathematical model. The dynamics of the regulatory system are modeled with two commonly used approaches, namely linear weight matrices and S-systems. Due to the complexity of the inference problem, some researchers suggested evolutionary algorithms for this purpose. We introduce memetic enhancements to this optimization process to infer the parameters of sparsely connected nonlinear systems from the observed data. Due to the limited number of available data, the inferring problem is underdetermined and ambiguous. Further on, the problem often is multimodal and therefore appropriate optimization strategies become necessary. We propose a memetic method, which separates the overall inference problem into two subproblems to find the correct network: first, the search for a valid topology, and secondly, the optimization of the parameters of the mathematical model. The performance and the properties of the proposed methods are evaluated and compared to standard algorithms found in the literature.
EFFECTS OF P-GLYCOPROTEIN MODULATION ON THE CHEMOTHERAPY OF XENOTRANSPLANTED HUMAN HEPATOBLASTOMA
2005-01-01

Multidrug resistance (MDR) contributes to limited treatment results in human hepatoblastoma (HB). The MDR1 gene and its product P-glycoprotein (P-gP) has been identified as important factor in this development. In other tumors, P-gP modulation leads to a restored chemosensitivity of the cells. The aim of this study was to analyze the P-gP-modulating effects of PSC 833, a cyclosporine derivate, and verapamil on the chemotherapy of HB in vivo. HB from 2 patients were transplanted subcutaneously into nude mice NMRI (nu/nu). Animals were divided into 7 groups: Group 1 (Control); Group 2 (CDDP); Group 3 (DOXO); Group 4 (DOXO + verapamil); Group 5 (DOXO + PSC 833); Group 6 (CDDP + verapamil); and Group 7 (CDDP + PSC 833). If DOXO was administered (regardless of the combination), the dose was two times 60 mg/m2. If CDDP was administered, the dose was two times 27 mg/m2. When the chemosensitizers were administered, the doses for PSC 833 and for verapamil were four times 5 mg/kg body-weight. In the combined treatment groups the chemosensitizers were given ten minutes prior to CDDP and DOXO. Tumor volume developments and a-fetoprotein (AFP) alterations were assessed. Relative expression levels of the MDR1 gene after treatment were determined using a semiquantitative rT-PCR approach. In a mixed HB, both chemosensitizers combined with DOXO or CDDP produced a significant reduction of tumor growth (p = .0001-.00063) and AFP levels (p = .0006-.0128) compared to tumors treated with DOXO or CDDP only. Treatment results were identical to those in a less differentiated pure embryonal HB, but only in one case (DOXO + PSC 833, p = .031) significant. The chemosensitizers had no influence on the MDR1 gene expression. MDR1 modulators improve the efficiency of DOXO and CDDP treatment in xenotransplanted HB. They do not induce a further increase of drug resistance in the tumors. The data provide evidence that chemosensitizers might improve treatment results in patients with advanced or relapsed HB.
Influence of Compacted Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Colloidal Silicon Dioxide on Tableting Properties of Pharmaceutical Excipients
2005-01-01

The effect of noncompacted and compacted hydrophilic as well as hydrophobic colloidal silicon dioxide (CSD) on tableting properties of three different pharmaceutical excipients used for direct compression, namely, Avicel PH 101, Starch 1500, and Tablettose 80, was investigated. Binary powder mixtures containing 0.5% CSD and 99.5% excipient were compressed on an instrumented single-punch tablet press, and the radial tensile strength/compaction load profiles were examined. The Ryshkewitch-Duckworth relationship shows that the influence of CSD on tablet strength was dependent on the hydrophobic and hydrophilic nature of the CSD and on the compaction characteristics of the excipients. Tablets from each excipient with and without CSDs were subjected to different levels of relative humidity at 20 degrees C for 7 days. The sorption isotherms and the radial tensile strengths of the tablets after the storage period showed that neither hydrophilic nor hydrophobic CSD influenced the tablet properties of Avicel PH 101, Starch 1500, and Tablettose 80. Moreover, ternary powder mixtures containing magnesium stearate as a third component were compressed in order to study the influence of CSD on the deleterious effect of magnesium stearate on the interparticle bonding. The radial tensile strength/compaction load profiles and the residual and ejection forces of tablets made from ternary mixtures showed that CSD eliminated the negative effect of magnesium stearate on interparticle bonding while maintaining the lubrication action, in a manner that was affected by its hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity and by the particle deformation properties of the excipient upon compression.
IARC monographs program on carcinogenicity of combined hormonal contraceptives and menopausal therapy
2005-01-01

The World Health Organization International Agency for Research and Cancer (IARC), in June 2005, has classified combination hormone contraception and menopausal therapy as carcinogenic in humans. The IARC's distinction is to identify potential carcinogens associated with nutrition, environment and pharmaceutical products. They do not produce risk-benefit analyses for any country or population. Their conclusions are highly controversial in that no proof is presented for a causal relation of estrogens with reproductive cancer, be it plausibility according to mechanisms of action or experimental evidence in the animal model. Equating natural compounds like estradiol with defined carcinogens like asbestos, tobacco smoke as well as indispensable drugs such as aspirin and tamoxifen is of no substantial clinical relevance. Thus, there are no new reasons to change current management principles with combination hormone contraception and therapy.
THE TAXONOMIC STATUS OF STAHLECKERIA IMPOTENS (THERAPSIDA, DICYNODONTIA): REDESCRIPTION AND DISCUSSION OF ITS PHYLOGENETIC POSITION
2005-01-01

The cranial and postcranial materials of the holotype and paratype of the recently described Stahleckeria impotens Lucas from the Middle Triassic of Brazil is redescribed. These specimens are compared to juveniles and adults of S. potens Huene. The available data indicate that the materials of S. impotens represent merely juvenile or immature specimens of S. potens. Stahleckeria impotens is thus considered a junior subjective synonym of S. potens. The materials share important characteristics with other derived tuskless kannemeyeriiforms, such as Angonisaurus, Ischigualastia and Jachaleria. A lectotype is designated for S. potens.
The Organization of the Inner Retina in a Pure-Rod Deep-Sea Fish
2005-01-01

The pure rod retina of a deep-sea eel species was used as a model system for the study of the differentiation of horizontal, bipolar, amacrine and ganglion cells. We wanted to test the hypothesis that the functional organization of the inner retina is less complex than in species with duplex, rod- and cone-containing retinae. We used immunocytochemistry, backfilling ganglion cells with fluorescent dextranes and microinjection of Lucifer Yellow, to visualize the micromorphology of the various cell types in a confocal microscope. The pure rod retina contains a single type of horizontal cell. The inner plexiform layer is 10–15 μm thick and shows three main sublayers. Bipolar terminals are found in all sublayers, but the majority are found in the inner sublamina b (PKC-immunoreactive cells, that in fish with duplex retinae receive a mixed rod-cone input). The neurochemical diversity of amacrine cells in terms of immunoreactivity does not differ from other teleosts; this similarity includes the pattern of dendritic stratification and ramification as revealed by microinjection. Ten different types of ganglion cells are distinguished based on the sizes of their perikaryon and dendritic field, and the stratification pattern in the inner plexiform layer. This is similar to the situation in catfish with retinae containing a single type of cone in addition to a majority of rods. In this respect, the differences between pure rod retinae and duplex retinae containing a single cone type were less obvious than hypothesized. In the deep-sea eel, the density of dendritic ramification in amacrine and ganglion cells was strongly reduced. This may be functionally related to the fact that vision in the deep sea environment relies exclusively on bioluminescence and is represented by burst-like emissions of point sources. This requires a mode of retinal signal processing that is less complex than in duplex retinae and involves a lower density of dendritic branching and synapses.