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Benhidjeb T, Wilhelm T, Harlaar J, Kleinrensink GJ, Schneider TAJ, Stark M. Reply to: doi:10.1007/s00464-009-0677-y: Re: Natural orifice surgery on thyroid gland—totally transoral video-assisted thyroidectomy (TOVAT)—report of first experimental results of a new surgical method (2009 (23):1119–1120). Surg Endosc 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s00464-009-0685-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Fischer B, Stark M, Kühnast C, Trautner C. Einstellungen zu Unfallprävention unter Studierenden: Eine Online-Umfrage. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2009. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1239251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Kokturk N, Sabag M, Stark M, Grief J, Fireman E. High extracellular induced sputum haem oxygenase-1 in sarcoidosis and chronic beryllium disease. Eur J Clin Invest 2009; 39:584-90. [PMID: 19453654 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2009.02137.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcoidosis and chronic beryllium disease (CBD) are inflammatory conditions in which oxidative stress state may be crucial for disease outcome. This study compares haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) extracellular activity for the first time in patients with sarcoidosis or CBD and in healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS Induced sputum was recovered using a standard protocol. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) were performed by conventional methods. T lymphocyte subsets (CD4 and CD8) were measured by flow activated cell shorter (FACS). The HO-1 and nitrite levels were measured by a bilirubin-biliverdin reductase-dependent reaction and Greiss reaction respectively. Ferritin and iron levels were measured by enzymatic reaction and chemiluminometric immunoassay respectively. RESULTS The mean percentage of lymphocytes was significantly higher in the 36 sarcoid patients compared with that in the 17 controls (P=0.001). The mean CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly higher in the sarcoid and the 10 CBD patients compared to that in controls (P=0.000 and 0.002 respectively), as was the mean HO-1 activity (P=0.045 and 0.041 respectively). The HO-1 activity did not differ with the sarcoidosis stage. The HO-1 level and PFT parameters were negatively correlated. The differences in mean nitrite, ferritin and iron levels were non-significant between the three groups. The HO-1 and ferritin levels were correlated (P=0.008). CONCLUSIONS We succeeded in non-invasively measuring the activity of HO-1 from cells of airways in spite of its being an intracellular enzyme. The HO-1 levels in sarcoidosis and CBD were abnormally elevated.
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Stark M, Zubareb J, Jacovovitz R, Schwartz Y, Lerman Y, Grinberg N, Fireman E. HO-1 and VEGF gene expressions are time dependant during exposure to welding fumes. Cytokine 2009; 46:290-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2009.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2008] [Revised: 01/14/2009] [Accepted: 02/14/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Benhidjeb T, Wilhelm T, Harlaar J, Kleinrensink GJ, Schneider TAJ, Stark M. Natural orifice surgery on thyroid gland: totally transoral video-assisted thyroidectomy (TOVAT): report of first experimental results of a new surgical method. Surg Endosc 2009; 23:1119-20. [PMID: 19263151 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-009-0347-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2008] [Revised: 11/18/2008] [Accepted: 01/08/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neck surgery is one of the newest fields of application of minimally invasive surgery. The technique of minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) developed by Miccoli [1] is the method that has so far become most widespread. Limiting factors of this method include the bothersome 20-mm cervical incision and consequently the specimen size to remove. Several papers describing an access outside the front neck region have been published. Such approaches are via the chest, axillary, a combined axillary bilateral breast, or a bilateral axillary breast approach [2-5]. The development of cervical scarless thyroid surgery is a great step toward better cosmetic outcomes. However, these techniques just moved the scars from the front neck region to the axilla or the chest where they are still visible. And the mentioned minimally invasive accesses as well as the conventional approaches to the thyroid gland do not respect the anatomically given surgical planes. This may result in complaints by the patients, e.g., scar development and swallowing disorders. Furthermore, the extracervical approaches do not comply with the use of the term "minimally invasive," because they are associated with an extensive dissection of the chest and neck region, thus being rather maximally invasive for the patients. The main goal of this project was the introduction of a technique of thyroid resection that fulfills the following criteria: (i. Respecting surgical planes and minimizing surgical trauma in thyroidectomy, ii. The access itself should be close to the thyroid gland to achieve a minimally invasive procedure, iii. Achieving an optimal cosmetic result may only be obtained by performing a scarless operation, iv. This optimal cosmetic result with scarless surgery should be achieved with minimal trauma, v. The minimally invasive character of this approach and the optimal cosmetic result may not be reached at the expense of patient's safety.). The technique that meets all of these criteria is the transoral access because the distance between the sublingual place and the thyroid gland is short, thus avoiding extensive dissection maneuvers. Furthermore, the mouth mucosa can be sutured without difficulties and repairs itself without leaving any visible scars. Feasibility of the transoral access has been recently demonstrated by a member of our group in a porcine model by using a modified axilloscope [6]. However, the described technique is a hybrid one because an additional medial access (3.5-mm incision) 15-mm below the larynx was necessary for the insertion of a fixation forceps through a trocar. The main goal of our project was the investigation and introduction of a technique of totally endoscopic thyroid resection that is minimally invasive and safe for the patient and at the same time cosmetically optimal (scarless). METHODS For this purpose, a total of five human cadavers were used. In three cadavers, safety and reproducibility to reach and resect the thyroid gland was assessed according to a defined road map. At the end of the procedure, the cadavers were dissected to evaluate all defined anatomical key structures regarding possible injuries and also allow an evaluation of the surgery performed. The TOVAT itself was performed on two more human cadavers with the help of one 5-mm and two 3-mm trocars that were introduced through the mouth floor and the vestibulum of the mouth subplatysmal. A working space was created by insufflating CO(2) at a pressure of 4-6 mmHg ("air dissection"). Surgical dissection of the further working space was realized with 3-mm bipolar scissors. The procedure consists of the following steps: (i. Patient in supine position and nasotracheal intubation, ii. 5-mm small incision between the carunculae sublinguales, iii. Penetration through the mouth floor along the superficial fascia colli with a blunt instrument, iv. Insertion of a 5-mm trocar, v. Blunt dissection subplatysmal by CO(2) insufflation ("air dissection"), vi. CO(2) insufflation (4-6 mmHg) and creation of a working space, vii. Insertion of two 3-mm trocars in the vestibulum oris on the right and left side, viii. Separation of the platysma from the strap muscles approximately at level of the larynx, extending up to the suprasternal notch. Laterally, this dissection can be continued up to the medial border of the sternocleidomastoid muscles, ix. Division of the linea alba coli and exposure of the strap muscles, x. Separation of the strap muscles from the thyroid gland, xi. Isthmus transection and blunt dissection of the thyroid gland from the trachea, xii. Dissection and division of the upper pole arteries and medial thyroid vein closely to the gland, xiii. Division of branches of the inferior thyroid artery closely to the gland, xiv. If necessary, preparation of the retro-thyroidal area, including visualization of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, xv. Thyroid resection from cranial to caudal and transoral removal of the specimen through the 5-mm midline incision. If the gland is too large, the midline incision can be extended longitudinally, xvi. All three incisions are closed with absorbable sutures.) RESULTS Description of landmarks of surgical steps and dissection of defined anatomic structures could be achieved. The subplatysmal space could be reached without any major problems within a short time. Anatomical dissection showed intact muscles and vascular structures. One-side subtotal thyroid resection could be successfully performed without any additional skin incision in 60 minutes. CONCLUSIONS The minimally invasive aspect and the scarless character of TOVAT form the rationale for the preclinical investigation of this method in human cadavers. We could succeed in defining objective parameters, which describe the procedure in details and also allow an evaluation of the surgery performed. Access and feasibility of TOVAT could be demonstrated. The next step will be its application in living pigs before it may be applied in humans. To our knowledge of the literature, this is the first report on NOS application in thyroid surgery and also the first totally and scarless performed video-assisted thyroidectomy.
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Clifton V, Osei-Kumah A, Hodyl N, Scott N, Stark M. 036. SEX SPECIFIC FUNCTION OF THE HUMAN PLACENTA: IMPLICATIONS FOR FETAL GROWTH AND SURVIVAL. Reprod Fertil Dev 2009. [DOI: 10.1071/srb09abs036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta plays a central role in the development of the fetus by modulating the supply of nutrients and oxygen throughout pregnancy. We have identified that the placenta adapts to the presence of a maternal pathophysiology in a sexually dimorphic manner which results in differences in fetal growth. We have reported that the female fetus reduces her growth in response to chronic maternal asthma which ensures her survival in the presence of an acute asthma exacerbation. Conversely the male fetus continues to grow normally in the presence of maternal asthma but this is associated with a poor outcome in the presence of an acute exacerbation. We propose that the sexually dimorphic response of the fetus is derived from differences in placental adaptation to a pathophysiological condition. In the presence of a female fetus and maternal asthma, we have observed global gene changes in the placenta accompanied by significant alterations in microRNA expression. Downstream of these alterations we have observed differences in protein expression especially in relation to placental cytokines and the glucocorticoid receptor. In the presence of a male fetus there are fewer changes in global placental gene and microRNA expression, and we have observed no alterations in expression of placental cytokines or the glucocorticoid receptor. These differential adaptations ensure increased survival of the female fetus and continued growth of the male fetus in adverse conditions.
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Antranikian G, Ruepp A, Gordon PMK, Ballschmiter M, Zibat A, Stark M, Sensen CW, Frishman D, Liebl W, Klenk HP. Rapid access to genes of biotechnologically useful enzymes by partial genome sequencing: the thermoalkaliphile Anaerobranca gottschalkii. J Mol Microbiol Biotechnol 2008; 16:81-90. [PMID: 18957864 DOI: 10.1159/000142896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaerobranca gottschalkii strain LBS3 T is an extremophile living at high temperature (up to 65 degrees C) and in alkaline environments (up to pH 10.5). An assembly of 696 DNA contigs representing about 96% of the 2.26-Mbp genome of A. gottschalkii has been generated with a low-sequence-coverage shotgun-sequencing strategy. The chosen sequencing strategy provided rapid and economical access to genes encoding key enzymes of the mono- and polysaccharide metabolism, without dilution of spare resources for extensive sequencing of genes lacking potential economical value. Five of these amylolytic enzymes of considerable commercial interest for biotechnological applications have been expressed and characterized in more detail after identification of their genes in the partial genome sequence: type I pullulanase, cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase), two alpha-amylases (AmyA and AmyB), and an alpha-1,4-glucan-branching enzyme.
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Witzel K, Benhidjeb T, Bärlehner E, Stark M, Draf W. Stand und Stellenwert der video-assistierten Schilddrüsenchirurgie. Laryngorhinootologie 2008; 87:623-7; discussion 628. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-995630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Müller F, Schwarz J, Stark M, Ulrich U. Allgemeine Gynäkologie. Endoskopische Chirurgie durch natürliche Körperöffnungen (NOTES - Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery). Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2008. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1038653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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Stark M. HEALTHpact plans for small employer: physician's role. MEDICINE AND HEALTH, RHODE ISLAND 2007; 90:365-366. [PMID: 18092490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
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Benhidjeb T, Witzel K, Bärlehner E, Stark M. [The natural orifice surgery concept. Vision and rationale for a paradigm shift]. Chirurg 2007; 78:537-42. [PMID: 17492263 DOI: 10.1007/s00104-007-1346-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the 20th Century, laparoscopic surgery achieved high standards and significantly reduced morbidity. In order to make surgery simpler and safer, a new concept, natural orifice surgery (NOS), has recently been introduced. The approach to the abdominal cavity may be transoral-transgastric, transvaginal-transdouglas or transanal-transrectal. This article describes the logic behind this approach and the expected challenges. METHODS In order to realize this goal, we founded the first European based working group on NOS. This group concentrates on the development of transdouglas procedures in women by using the transdouglas endoscopic device (TED). This is a wide, multi-channel instrument, which will enable surgery to be performed via a single entry. RESULTS Simulation of various intra-abdominal operations, such as staging, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, myomectomy und ovarectomy, using TED has already been carried out. Practical studies are planned in the near future. CONCLUSION The feasibility of NOS has been demonstrated in various experimental studies. We believe that this technique will create a spectrum of innovative and high quality operations and will improve patient safety.
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Stark M, Puig-Butille JA, Walker G, Badenas C, Malvehy J, Hayward N, Puig S. Mutation of the tumour suppressor p33ING1b is rare in melanoma. Br J Dermatol 2006; 155:94-9. [PMID: 16792758 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2006.07274.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The p33ING1b gene is involved in the p53-dependent response to DNA damage following exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and has recently been reported to be mutated in 20% of melanoma tumours. OBJECTIVES We sought to assess the p33ING1b mutation rate in our large panels of fresh melanomas and melanoma cell lines. METHODS We screened 83 primary melanomas and 55 melanoma cell lines for mutations in p33ING1b by single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis and by direct sequencing. RESULTS In contrast to previous reports, we found no somatic p33ING1b mutations in our panel of melanomas. We found that some of the discrepancy between our results and previously published studies may be due to inadvertent amplification of the ING1 pseudogene (INGX), and/or contamination of some samples with murine Ing1. CONCLUSIONS p33ING1b mutations in melanoma are rare. We have highlighted the importance of allele-specific primer design to avoid pseudogene amplification, and also the necessity to confirm the genetic identity and species of origin of individual cell lines. Further studies are needed to clarify the possible role of p33ING1b in melanoma tumorigenesis.
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Packer L, Pavey S, Boyle G, Ayub A, Stark M, Pollock P, Rizos H, Hayward N. Gene expression profiling identifies potential downstream effectors of p14ARF in melanoma. Melanoma Res 2006. [DOI: 10.1097/00008390-200609001-00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Theilen U, Stark M, Kalima P, Watt A. Spinal abscess with spinal cord compression following late onset neonatal sepsis. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2006; 91:F362. [PMID: 16923933 PMCID: PMC2672837 DOI: 10.1136/adc.2006.098517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Jamitzky F, Stark M, Bunk W, Heckl WM, Stark RW. Chaos in dynamic atomic force microscopy. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2006; 17:S213-S220. [PMID: 21727417 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/17/7/s19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) the highly nonlinear tip-sample interaction gives rise to a complicated dynamics of the microcantilever. Apart from the well-known bistability under typical imaging conditions the system exhibits a complex dynamics at small average tip-sample distances, which are typical operation conditions for mechanical dynamic nanomanipulation. In order to investigate the dynamics at small average tip sample gaps experimental time series data are analysed employing nonlinear analysis tools and spectral analysis. The correlation dimension is computed together with a bifurcation diagram. By using statistical correlation measures such as the Kullback-Leibler distance, cross-correlation and mutual information the dataset can be segmented into different regimes. The analysis reveals period-3, period-2 and period-4 behaviour, as well as a weakly chaotic regime.
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Zuidervaart W, van Nieuwpoort F, Stark M, Dijkman R, Packer L, Borgstein AM, Pavey S, van der Velden P, Out C, Jager MJ, Hayward NK, Gruis NA. Activation of the MAPK pathway is a common event in uveal melanomas although it rarely occurs through mutation of BRAF or RAS. Br J Cancer 2005; 92:2032-8. [PMID: 15928660 PMCID: PMC2361800 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6602598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to cutaneous melanoma, there is no evidence that BRAF mutations are involved in the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in uveal melanoma, although there is increasing evidence that this pathway is activated frequently in the latter tumours. In this study, we performed mutation analysis of the RAS and BRAF genes in a panel of 11 uveal melanoma cell lines and 19 primary uveal melanoma tumours. In addition, Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on downstream members of the MAPK pathway in order to assess the contribution of each of these components. No mutations were found in any of the three RAS gene family members and only one cell line carried a BRAF mutation (V599E). Despite this, mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK), ERK and ELK were constitutively activated in all samples. These data suggest that activation of the MAPK pathway is commonly involved in the development of uveal melanoma, but occurs through a mechanism different to that of cutaneous melanoma.
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Rabus R, Ruepp A, Frickey T, Rattei T, Fartmann B, Stark M, Bauer M, Zibat A, Lombardot T, Becker I, Amann J, Gellner K, Teeling H, Leuschner WD, Glöckner FO, Lupas AN, Amann R, Klenk HP. The genome of Desulfotalea psychrophila, a sulfate-reducing bacterium from permanently cold Arctic sediments. Environ Microbiol 2004; 6:887-902. [PMID: 15305914 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2004.00665.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Desulfotalea psychrophila is a marine sulfate-reducing delta-proteobacterium that is able to grow at in situ temperatures below 0 degrees C. As abundant members of the microbial community in permanently cold marine sediments, D. psychrophila-like bacteria contribute to the global cycles of carbon and sulfur. Here, we describe the genome sequence of D. psychrophila strain LSv54, which consists of a 3 523 383 bp circular chromosome with 3118 predicted genes and two plasmids of 121 586 bp and 14 663 bp. Analysis of the genome gave insight into the metabolic properties of the organism, e.g. the presence of TRAP-T systems as a major route for the uptake of C(4)-dicarboxylates, the unexpected presence of genes from the TCA cycle, a TAT secretion system, the lack of a beta-oxidation complex and typical Desulfovibrio cytochromes, such as c(553), c(3) and ncc. D. psychrophila encodes more than 30 two-component regulatory systems, including a new Ntr subcluster of hybrid kinases, nine putative cold shock proteins and nine potentially cold shock-inducible proteins. A comparison of D. psychrophila's genome features with those of the only other published genome from a sulfate reducer, the hyperthermophilic archaeon Archaeoglobus fulgidus, revealed many striking differences, but only a few shared features.
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Heininger AD, Will BE, Krueger WA, Kottler BM, Unertl KE, Stark M. Erregerdetektion und -identifikation bei einem Hirnabszess durch molekulargenetische Methoden. Anaesthesist 2004; 53:830-5. [PMID: 15278195 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-004-0729-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Brain abscesses are life-threatening and detection and identification of the causative pathogens are crucial for substantiating the diagnosis and for selecting the optimal antibiotic regimen. In approximately 20% of the patients microbiological cultures of abscess material remain sterile. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) provides a methodological alternative, but data about the use of broad spectrum PCR assays to detect the causative pathogens in brain abscesses are rare. We report on the case of a 65-years-old patient with a brain abscess caused by Fusobacterium spp., which was only diagnosed by broad spectrum PCR. To our knowledge this is the second report about a brain abscess, where Fusobacterium spp. was identified only by broad spectrum PCR and subsequent DNA sequencing.
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Vajdic C, Kricker A, Duffy DL, Aitken JF, Stark M, ter Huurne JAC, Martin NG, Armstrong BK, Hayward NK. Ocular melanoma is not associated with CDKN2A or MC1R variants--a population-based study. Melanoma Res 2003; 13:409-13. [PMID: 12883368 DOI: 10.1097/00008390-200308000-00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Germline variants in the melanocortin 1 receptor gene (MC1R) and the p16 gene (CDKN2A) are associated with an increased risk of cutaneous melanoma. The frequency of these germline variants was examined in a population-based, incident series of 62 ocular melanoma cases and ethnicity-matched population controls. In both cases and controls, 59% of individuals carried at least one MC1R variant and there were no significant differences in the frequency of any of the five most common variants of MC1R. We also found no significant differences between cases and controls in the frequency of any of the four most common variants of CDKN2A, and no melanoma case carried a deleterious germline CDKN2A mutation. Our findings argue against an important predisposing effect of the MC1R and CDKN2A genes for ocular melanoma.
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El-Bastawissi A, McAfee T, Zbikowski SM, Hollis J, Stark M, Wassum K, Clark N, Barwinski R, Broughton E. The uninsured and Medicaid Oregon tobacco user experience in a real world, phone based cessation programme. Tob Control 2003; 12:45-51. [PMID: 12612361 PMCID: PMC1759092 DOI: 10.1136/tc.12.1.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the experience of uninsured and Medicaid Oregon tobacco users who registered in Free & Clear (F&C), a telephone based cessation programme including five scheduled outbound calls. DESIGN AND SETTING Using a retrospective cohort design, 1334 (423 uninsured, 806 Medicaid, and 105 commercially insured) Oregon tobacco users who registered in F&C between 18 November 1998 and 28 February 2000 were identified and followed for 12 months post-registration; 648 (48.6%) were successfully contacted at 12 months. Information was collected from the F&C database. Unconditional logistic regression, adjusted for race and education, was used. RESULTS The seven day quit rate at 12 months, assuming non-respondents were smokers, was 14.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 13.0 to 16.9). This rate was significantly higher among commercially insured participants (v Medicaid but not uninsured) and among participants who completed > or = 5 calls (v < 5 calls). The quit rate for those contacted at 12 months was 30.6% (95% CI 27.0% to 34.3%) and varied, however not significantly, by insurance and number of calls. After adjustment, respondents who completed > or = 5 calls were 60% more likely to quit tobacco (odds ratio (OR) 1.6, 95% CI 0.9 to 3.1), and uninsured respondents who completed > or = 5 calls were 70% more likely to quit tobacco (OR 1.7, 95% CI 0.9 to 3.5), relative to those who completed < 5 calls, but the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS The quit rates are similar to those reported in efficacy trials. The observed variation in quitting tobacco for respondents by number of calls completed and by insurance merits further investigation concentrating on increasing compliance with the call schedule, particularly for the uninsured.
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Lang SH, Stark M, Collins A, Paul AB, Stower MJ, Maitland NJ. Experimental prostate epithelial morphogenesis in response to stroma and three-dimensional matrigel culture. CELL GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION : THE MOLECULAR BIOLOGY JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH 2001; 12:631-40. [PMID: 11751458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
To reproduce the structural and functional differentiation of human prostatic acini in vivo, prostatic epithelial and stromal cells derived from human primary cultures were cocultured in Matrigel. In the absence of stroma and serum, epithelial spheroids composed of solid masses of stratified and cuboidal cells formed. Outer cells of the spheroid expressed cytokeratins 1, 5, 10, and 14, whereas the inner cells expressed cytokeratin 18. The addition of 2% serum induced formation of a lumen surrounded by a layer of one or two cuboidal and columnar epithelial cells. The further addition of stromal cultures, dihydrotestosterone, and estrogen induced polarization of the epithelium and increased spheroid-forming efficiency. Epithelium expressed either cytokeratin 18 alone or additionally cytokeratins 1, 5, 14, and 10. All spheroid epithelium expressed prostate-specific antigen and prostate-specific membrane antigen. Androgen receptor was only detected in the presence of stroma, serum, and hormones. Thus, development of a functional and morphologically correct prostate gland in vitro is dependent on extracellular matrix, steroid hormones, and factors from stromal cells and serum.
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Stark M, Möller C, Müller DJ, Guckenberger R. From images to interactions: high-resolution phase imaging in tapping-mode atomic force microscopy. Biophys J 2001; 80:3009-18. [PMID: 11371473 PMCID: PMC1301484 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3495(01)76266-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In tapping-mode atomic force microscopy, the phase shift between excitation and response of the cantilever is used as a material-dependent signal complementary to topography. The localization of information in the phase signal is demonstrated with 1.4-nm lateral resolution on purple membrane of Halobacterium salinarum in buffer solution. In a first-order approximation, the phase signal is found to correlate with modulations of the tip oscillation amplitude, induced by topography. Extending the analysis to contributions of the tip-sample interaction area as a second-order approximation, a method is proposed to extract information about the interaction from the phase signal for surfaces with a roughness in the order of the tip radius.
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Welch J, Millar D, Goldman A, Heenan P, Stark M, Eldon M, Clark S, Martin NG, Hayward NK. Lack of genetic and epigenetic changes in CDKN2A in melanocytic nevi. J Invest Dermatol 2001; 117:383-4. [PMID: 11511321 DOI: 10.1046/j.0022-202x.2001.01391.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Lang SH, Sharrard RM, Stark M, Villette JM, Maitland NJ. Prostate epithelial cell lines form spheroids with evidence of glandular differentiation in three-dimensional Matrigel cultures. Br J Cancer 2001; 85:590-9. [PMID: 11506501 PMCID: PMC2364090 DOI: 10.1054/bjoc.2001.1967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Normal (PNT2-C2) and metastatic (PC-3) prostate cell lines were grown in Matrigel to observe the effects on morphology and phenotype in comparison to monolayer culture. In monolayer cultures, PNT2-C2 showed typical round/cuboidal epithelial morphology, with tight cell associations, whereas in Matrigel they formed smooth spheroids, tightly packed with cells. In both monolayer and Matrigel, PNT2-C2 had a differentiated luminal epithelial phenotype with high expression of cytokeratin 8, prostate specific antigen (PSA), prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), E-cadherin and desmoglein. In contrast, PC-3 cells possessed an epithelial/mesenchyme morphology in monolayer with loose cell to cell contact and pseudopodial extensions. Immunohistochemical phenotyping indicated the cells were undifferentiated, expressing high levels of vimentin, beta1 integrin, CD44 and low expression of cytokeratin 8. In Matrigel they formed smooth and irregular spheroids, which had a lumen surrounded by a single cell layer. Matrigel also influenced the expression of PSA, PSMA and CD44. These results indicate that Matrigel culture can induce morphological differentiation of prostate cancer cells which initially had a basal phenotype.
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