bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional and Cognitive Status in Elderly Subjects Living in Service Flats, and the Effect of Nutrition Education on Personnel
Authors: Irving Gerd Faxén , Olsson Boel Andrén , Cederholm Tommy
Published: April 2003

Background: There is limited knowledge about the nutritional and cognitive status in elderly and chronically ill subjects living in sheltered housing. Objective: To perform a 6-month follow-up study in order to investigate (1) nutritional status and its relationship to cognitive function in elderly people living in service flats, and (2) the effect of a 9-hour educational program given to personnel working in the service flats. Methods: Of 93 eligible subjects, 28 agreed to participate (age 81 ± 7 years, 75% women). Body mass index (BMI), triceps skin fold (TSF), arm muscle circumference (AMC), appetite, Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), serum albumin, serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and Mini Mental Test (MMT) were assessed on two occasions with a 6-month interval. The staff of the service flats answered a questionnaire before and 6 months after an educational program. Results: At the start, BMI, TSF and AMC were within the normal ranges, e.g. BMI 26.6 ± 3.1 for men and 25.6 ± 3.2 for women. Three subjects were suspected to be malnourished and 2 were malnourished according to SGA. Among 20 randomly selected subjects who chose not to participate in the investigation, age, sex, BMI, weight loss and appetite were not significantly different from those values in participants. However, none of the latter had a BMI <20 compared to 10% in non-participants. The MMT results suggested cognitive dysfunction in 41% of the subjects. On the first test occasion, MMT correlated with BMI (r = 0.43, p < 0.03), weight loss (r = 0.4, p < 0.05) and age (r = –0.38, p < 0.05). The ability of the personnel to suggest suitable nutrition for fictitious patient cases appeared to have improved after the educational program. At the 6-month follow-up, the BMI in men rose to 27.0 ± 3.4 (p < 0.05), while other anthropometric measurements remained unchanged. Serum IGF-1 lay within the normal range, as did serum albumin which, however, rose from 39.1 ± 2.9 to 41.2 ± 3.5 g/l (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Fifteen to twenty percent of the individuals studied in the service flats displayed definite or possible signs of malnutrition. Cognitive function correlated with BMI, weight loss and age. The educational program appeared to increase the nutritional knowledge in personnel working in the service flats. At the 6-month follow-up, the nutritional status of the residents had not deteriorated.
Effect of Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy on Circulation in the Elderly
Authors: Shimamoto Chikao , Hirata Ichiro , Katsu Ken-ichi
Published: April 2003

Background: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in the elderly is increasingly becoming more common, despite the possibility that a minimal load on the circulation can cause serious complications such as shock and cardiac arrest. Objective: The effects of endoscopy on the heart and the possibility of predicting circulatory accidents were studied using natriuretic peptide levels. Methods: The patients were randomly chosen according to their age and divided into an elderly group (over 60 years of age, 64 patients) and a young group (under 30 years of age, 20 patients). The patients in the elderly group were further subdivided into two groups based on the presence or absence of circulatory complications (46 patients with circulatory complications and 18 without complications). The load on the heart was evaluated by measuring human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP) and human brain natriuretic peptide (hBNP) which are secreted by the myocardial cells in response to cardiac load. Specimens were obtained before and after endoscopy. Results: The hANP level was significantly higher after endoscopy in the elderly group, regardless of the presence or absence of circulatory complications. No significant difference was observed in the hBNP level. No significant increase in hANP or hBNP levels was observed after endoscopy in the young group. Conclusions: These observations suggest an increased atrial load during endoscopy in the elderly. The increase in pulse rate during endoscopy is one possible cause of atrial load. Therefore, the risk of circulatory system damage must be recognized when endoscopy is performed in the elderly. The measurement of plasma hANP and hBNP levels may provide effective indices for evaluating cardiac load during endoscopy.
Aging, Antiaging, Ontogenesis and Periods of Age Development
Authors: Frolkis V.V.
Published: April 2003

An internally contradictory character of individual development may suggest a new periodization of the latter. Etagenesis is an age-associated development of an organism from the zygote to death. Ontogenesis is the period of realization of the genetic program of the organism’s development under effects of exogenic factors, the period of growth and shaping of its main structure and functions, and the period of formation of its reproductive function. Mesogenesis is the period of the relatively stable state which is characterized by changing the balance between the processes of aging and antiaging, i.e. the vitauct. Gerontogenesis is the period during which destructive processes of aging prevail over antiaging processes. No strict borderlines between the above periods exist.
Frequency and Classification of Cerebral Infarctions in Nursing Homes over a 17-Year Period in Shimane Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Seno H. , Ishino H. , Inagaki T. , Iijima M.
Published: April 2003

Background: Several recent epidemiological investigations have shown that the rate of vascular dementia (VD) has decreased and the rate of senile dementia of the Alzheimer type has increased in Japan. In our previous neuropathological examination, such a trend but no significant differences were shown in nursing home residents in Shimane Prefecture, Japan. Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify whether or not the frequency of cerebral infarctions (CI) and the ratio of CI [large infarction type (LI) and small multiple infarction (MI)] types changed between the first half of this study and the second half, corresponding to the decreasing trend of the rate of VD. Methods: Three hundred and ten aged nursing home residents (146 men and 164 women) were evaluated neuropathologically in Shimane prefecture, Japan. All subjects died between 1976 and 1992. The average age ± standard deviation at death was 79.1 ± 8.7 years for men, 83.4 ± 7.8 for women, and 81.4 ± 8.5 overall. They were placed into the first or second study group and compared. Results: (1) The incidence of hypertension (HT) decreased significantly from the first half of the study to the second half in both men and women. (2) The frequencies of CI and CI with HT were not significantly different between the first and second half (both men and women). (3) There was a decreasing trend in the ratio of LI to MI from the first to the second period in men. Conclusion: There may be no effect of the incidence of HT on CI frequency and some effects on CI types. The incidence of CI in total lifespan (both men and women) has not changed in our study. The recent decreasing trend in LI in men may have contributed to the decreasing tendency in the prevalence of vascular dementia.
Evolutionary Theories of Aging
Authors: Le Bourg E. , Beugnon G.
Published: April 2003

Background: Keller and Genoud [Gerontology 1999;45: 336–338] consider that a previous article of Le Bourg [Gerontology 1998;44:345–348] is an inappropriate criticism of evolutionary theories of aging and offer a refutation of this article. Objective: We answer that the article was not devoted to the criticism of evolutionary theories of aging but, rather, to the sometimes fast tackling of these theories on what is observed in the wild. Furthermore, we answer to the specific points contained in the Keller and Genoud’s article (longevity of ants, reproduction in mammals, and the case of the human species). Conclusion: The debate about evolutionary theories of aging is not closed: it would be an error to try to do it before a consensus has been reached.
From the Present to the Future
Authors: Salthouse Timothy A.
Published: April 2003

Recent research on aging and memory is admirably reviewed in the article by Luszcz and Bryan. In particular, they clearly describe the major theoretical perspectives proposed to account for the relations between age and memory at the current time. This commentary focuses on several issues that seem likely to emerge as important themes in future research in this area, such as construct validity and multivariate analytical procedures.
Acute Confusional States in Patients Undergoing Hip Surgery
Authors: Duppils Gill Sörensen , Wikblad Karin
Published: April 2003

Background: There is general agreement that acute confusional state (ACS) is common among elderly patients admitted to hospital, although exact figures are difficult to obtain. The objective of the current study was to investigate the onset of ACS during hospital stay and to isolate possible predisposing, facilitating and precipitating factors associated with the onset of ACS. Methods: Non-confused patients, ≥65 years of age, undergoing orthopedic hip surgery, were consecutively included in the study (n = 225). Of these, 149 patients were operated on because of acute hip fracture and 76 underwent elective hip-replacement surgery. ACS was diagnosed by the DSM-IV criteria for delirium. Structured observations of ACS onset were performed every 2nd to every 4th hour during the patients’ entire hospital stay. A protocol was used to document the observations on sleep, activities, well being and behavior. The Mini-Mental State Examination was used to measure cognitive functioning. Results: Of 225 patients 20% were diagnosed with ACS. The incidence of ACS was 24.3% in the group of hip-fractured patients and 11.7% in the hip-replacement surgery patients. The onset of ACS was postoperative (mean 24 ± 21 h after surgery) in all but 8 patients. The duration of ACS among recovered patients was generally less than 48 h (mean 42 ± 43 h). Predisposing factors were older age, cognitive impairment and pre-existing cerebrovascular or other brain diseases. Facilitating factors related to ACS were associated with communication and social isolation, e.g. impaired hearing and sight, reticence and passivity. One precipitating factor, besides surgery, may be the use of psychopharmacological drugs. Conclusion: The incidence of ACS was 20% among hip surgery patients. Older age and social isolation were factors associated with ACS. Increased attention and interaction with older patients could be of value in avoiding ACS during hospitalization.
Ups and Downs of Aging Studies in vitro: The Crooked Path of Science
Authors: Macieira-Coelho A.
Published: April 2003

Different approaches using cell culture techniques to study the biology of aging are critically described. Most of the studies concerned the relationship between cell division potential and aging. The growth potential of cells is fundamental for aging of the organism, since it relates to phenomena such as the regeneration of tissues, wound healing, the immune response, and stem cell renewal. Unfortunately many experiments were misinterpreted disregarding the physiology of the mammalian organism. The terminal postmitotic cell, on which most research has been concentrated, seems irrelevant for aging of the organism. Nevertheless, some experiments yielded important contributions to the understanding of the biology of cell division. Future research should ascertain such interesting suggestions as the terminal differentiation hypothesis of the human fibroblast life cycle. It is important to elucidate the significance of the increased number of postmitotic cells in pathological processes. A neglected area should be further explored: the relationships between structural modifications of the cell, decreased probability of activating energy barriers, and decline of the division potential.
Barium Enema in Frail Elderly Patients
Authors: Segal Refael , Khahil Auni , Leibovitz Arthur , Gil Israel , Annuar Mustafa , Habot Beno
Published: April 2003

Background: Barium enema (BE) examinations for the investigation of suspected colonic disease are often unsuccessful in elderly patients. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success rate of BE in hospitalized frail elderly patients. Methods: Four hundred and seventy-two elderly patients hospitalized for different reasons underwent BE examinations. The medical charts and radiological reports were retrospectively reviewed. Results: One hundred and ninety-two (41%) BE examinations were considered inadequate; mostly (32%) because of inappropriate preparation. Sixty-seven patients (14%) were not cooperative and could not retain the contrast material, and in 25 patients (5%), the examination failed due to both these reasons. The characteristics associated with unsuccessful BE examination were the mean number of medical problems (p < 0.001), the mean number of scheduled medications (p < 0.05) and in particular the long-term use of laxatives (p < 0.01) or antiparkinsonian drugs (p < 0.01). Of great significance in predicting an inadequate BE were the patient’s functional status (p < 0.001) and the presence of dementia (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The high percentage of unsuccessful BEs in the frail elderly suggests that clinicians should carefully consider the need for that examination in these patients. We suggest that only in patients where there is a clear suspicion of a bleeding or obstructing tumor should a BE examination be performed, and even in these cases, colonoscopy or CT may be preferable as the initial examination in the frail elderly.
Effects of Endurance Training on Selected Parameters of Immune Function in Elderly Women
Authors: Fahlman M. , Boardley D. , Flynn M.G. , Braun W.A. , Lambert C.P. , Bouillon L.E.
Published: April 2003

Background: Immune function decreases with age, rendering the elderly more susceptible to infection and tumor development. In addition, intense exercise has been shown to decrease immune function in some populations. Few studies have examined the effects of exercise on immune function in the elderly and, to our knowledge, no studies have examined the effects of exercise on a population of active, but nonexercising elderly. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 10-week endurance training program on selected parameters of immune function in active elderly women. Methods: A total of 29 healthy, active women, aged 70–87, were randomly assigned to either an exercise (76 ± 5 years, n = 15) or control (77 ± 6 years, n = 14) group. The exercise group walked 3 days/week at 70% heart rate reserve (HRR). The duration on day 1 was 20 min and it was increased by 5 min each day until subjects were walking for 50 min (week 3). It remained at 50 min for the duration of the study, while controls maintained normal activity. Blood samples were obtained from both groups at rest, and from the exercise group after 20 min of walking at 70% HRR and after 2 h of recovery. Blood samples were collected prior to endurance training and again after 10 weeks of endurance training. Results: There was a significant decrease in 1-mile walk times as well as heart rate at completion of the walk in the exercise group. Natural cell-mediated cytotoxicity (NCMC) was significantly higher post-exercise, compared to pre-exercise both before and after training. After training it remained significantly elevated 2 h post-exercise. The resting NCMC was significantly decreased in controls at week 10 but not in the exercise group. Conclusion: Ten weeks of endurance training resulted in a significant decrease in both the 1-mile walk time and the post-walk heart rate in the exercisers but not the controls, without resulting in either an acute or chronic suppression of immune function. Further, endurance training may lead to an attenuation of the decrease in cellular immune measures which occurs during the winter, since the control group experienced a decrease in NCMC and the exercisers did not.
The Effect of Anti-Platelet Aggregation to Prevent Pressure Ulcer Development: A Retrospective Study of 132 Elderly Patients
Authors: Matsuyama Narihisa , Takano Kikuo , Miura Akinori , Yamamoto Takatsugu , Mashiko Takaomi , Ohotani Hideki
Published: April 2003

Background: As the number of bedridden elderly patients increases, prevention of pressure ulcers is becoming a more important issue. However, an approach to this problem using medication has not been considered sufficiently in the clinical context. Objective: To test the hypothesis that anti-platelet aggregation therapy administered to the elderly patients may be helpful in preventing pressure ulcer formation, the medical records of 132 bedridden elderly patients were analyzed. In addition, the propensity of platelets to aggregate was also measured in some of the bedridden patients. Methods: Patients were divided into two groups, with pressure ulcers (group P, 52 patients) and without (group N, 80 patients). Subsequently, six factors defining the clinical characteristics age and gender, underlying disease, cause of being bedridden, level of consciousness, mobility and activity as defined on the Braden scale, and frequency of anti-platelet aggregation medication were investigated in groups P and N. In addition, physical findings (three factors): body mass index, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate were investigated in both groups. Furthermore, laboratory data (seven factors): total protein (TP), albumin, total cholesterol, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), platelets, and platelet aggregation were compared between two groups. Results: There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups with the exception of the frequency of anti-platelet aggregation medication (23.1% of group P vs. 40.0% of group N, χ2 = 4.06, p < 0.05). There was also no significant difference in physical findings except a difference between systolic and diastolic BP (48.4 mm Hg in group P vs. 57.1 mm Hg in group N, p < 0.01). Values of TP, albumin, Hb, and Hct in both groups were lower than the normal range, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. The platelet count was significantly greater in group P than in group N after lying supine (p < 0.03), and platelet aggregation in group P was significantly higher compared with group N (p < 0.03). Conclusions: Although our hypothesis must be tested by a randomized prospective trial, these results indicate that increased platelet aggregation is possibly associated with the development of pressure ulcers; therefore anti-platelet aggregation therapy may prevent their occurrence in bedridden elderly patients.
Früherkennung fetaler Wachstumsretardierung durch Bestimmung des plazentaren Isoferritins
Authors: Auerbach L. , Rosen A.C. , Hafner E. , Vàclavik I. , Obwegeser R. , Asseryanis E. , Rosen H.R. , Moroz C.
Published: April 2003

Fragestellung: Die Immunreaktion mütterlicher Lymphozyten gegen den Embryo wird für die fetale Wachstumsretardierung mitverantwortlich gemacht. Die Sekretion von plazentarem Isoferritin (PLF) während der Schwangerschaft kann diese Immunreaktion verringern. In dieser multizentrischen Studie soll die Bestimmung von PLF zur Früherkennung einer Wachstumsretardierung untersucht werden. Methodik: Die PLF-Konzentrationen im Serum wurden bei 402 schwangeren Frauen zwischen der 12. und der 16. Schwangerschaftswoche mit Enzym-Immunoassay bestimmt und mit dem Geburtsgewicht, der Perzentile des Geburtsgewichtes und mit dem Gestationsalter verglichen. Ergebnisse: Frauen mit gemäss dem Gestationsalter untergewichtigen Neugeborenen (d.h. auf oder unter der 10. Perzentile des Geburtsgewichtes) wiesen im Vergleich zu Frauen mit normalgewichtigen Kindern (19,9 E/ml, n = 295) signifikant niedrigere (11,4 E/ml, n = 107) Serum-PLF-Konzentrationen auf (p < 0,004). Schlussfolgerung: Die Bestimmung der PLF-Konzentration im Serum während der ersten Hälfte der Schwangerschaft kann ein wichtiger zusätzlicher Parameter sein, um fetale Wachstumsretardierungen frühzeitig zu erkennen.
Plazebokontrollierte DHEA-Substitution beim älteren Mann
Authors: Reiter Werner J. , Pycha A.
Published: April 2003

Wir haben eine plazebokontrollierte prospektive Untersuchung über die Dihydroepiandrosteron-(DHEA-)Substitution bei älteren Männern mit erektiler Dysfunktion durchgeführt. Fünfzig Männer wurden in zwei Gruppen zu je 25 Patienten randomisiert und mit 50 mg DHEA oder einem Plazebo therapiert. Der Erfolg der Substitution wurde mit dem Internationalen Index für Erektile Funktion, einem international validierten Fragebogen, evaluiert. Es konnte eine deutliche Verbesserung der erektilen Dysfunktion nach DHEA-Substitution nachgewiesen werden. Unsere Daten zeigen die Ergebnisse einer kleinen Pilotstudie, die aber aufgrund der positiven Ergebnisse als Grundlage für zukünftige Studien dienen könnte.
Die Zukunft der deutschen Sprache in der Wissenschaft
Authors: Beller Fritz K.
Published: April 2003

Nicht die deutsche Sprache an sich, sondern die deutsche Sprache als Wissenschaftssprache wird gegenwärtig von der englischen Sprache abgelöst. Dies trifft die deutschsprachigen Wissenschaftler hart, weil die deutsche Sprache einmal ihre Sprache war. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit werden für diese Entwicklung einige erklärende Gründe aufgeführt. Das Vorherrschen der englischen Sprache als Wissenschaftssprache betrifft auch andere Kulturvölker in gleichem Masse und bedeutet deshalb keinen Verlust an Kultur. Man darf vermuten, dass dies in anderen deutschsprachigen Ländern wie in Österreich und in der Schweiz ähnlich gesehen wird. Der Impact factor hat in weitem Masse zu dieser Entwicklung beigetragen, nicht zuletzt deshalb, weil er vor allem für Arbeiten, die in angloamerikanischen Zeitschriften erscheinen, vergeben wird. Das kann nur bedeuten, dass das Schicksal und die Zukunft junger deutscher, österreichischer und schweizerischer Wissenschaftler von nicht deutschsprachigen Gremien abhängig wird. Der Autor hält dies für eine viel schwerwiegendere Entwicklung als den Verlust der Sprache als Kultursprache. Man kann als Folge dieser Entwicklung vermuten, dass den deutschen Fachzeitschriften keine andere Möglichkeit bleiben wird, als sich umzuorientieren. Wenn sie für die Verbreitung von Daten nicht mehr benötigt werden, können sie nur als Organe für die Fortbildung weiter bestehen. Der Bedarf wird aber erst klar werden, wenn die ärztliche Fortbildung zur Pflicht erklärt wird. Sich für die ärztliche Fortbildung einzusetzen, hat in akademischen Zirkeln erst seit kurzem Interesse gefunden. Es wird deshalb empfohlen, für Fortbildungsarbeiten eine dem Impact factor gleichwertige Beurteilung zu entwickeln, um jüngere Kollegen zum Schreiben derartiger Arbeiten anzuregen. Schon heute ist in einem amerikanischen Curriculum vitae eine Rubrik «Fortbildungsarbeiten» vorgesehen. Bis deutschsprachige Fortbildungsarbeiten in ausreichendem Masse zur Verfügung stehen, wird empfohlen, dass sich Zeitschriftenherausgeber in breiterem Masse englischsprachiger Unterlagen bedienen. Da eine Zeitschrift auch bei grossen Abonnentenzahlen der Werbung der Industrie bedarf, kann dies, muss aber nicht, zu einem Interessenkonflikt zwischen Inserenten und Ärzten führen. Es ist aber abzusehen, dass die Anzahl der Zeitschriften zwangsläufig abnehmen wird.
Geburtstraumatische Fussheberpareseinfolge einer pelvinen Nervenschädigung
Authors: Rageth J.Ch. , Saurenmann E. , Waespe W.
Published: April 2003

Wir berichten über 2 Frauen mit einer wenig bekannten neurologischen Komplikation: periphere Nervenschädigung nach einer erschwerten Geburt. Nach Vakuum- und Forzepsextraktion bzw. einer sekundären Sectio wegen Geburtsstillstand auf Beckenmitte klagten beide Patientinnen postpartal über eine einseitige Extensionsparese des Fusses und der Zehen. Die Symptomatik wurde auf eine Schädigung des Truncus lumbosacralis zurückgeführt, der den Plexus lumbalis und Plexus sacralis verbindet und Nervenfasern der Wurzeln L4 und L5 enthält. Dieser Truncus führt über die Linea terminalis des Beckens hinweg und kann durch den Kopf des Neugeborenen geschädigt werden, was zum Bild der Peronaeusparese führen kann. Die Prognose war bei beiden Patientinnen gut. Bei künftigen Schwangerschaften wären Schnittentbindungen indiziert.
Platelet Collagen Receptors: A New Target for Inhibition?
Authors: Clemetson Kenneth J.
Published: April 2003

Collagen is a major component of extracellular matrix and a wide variety of types exist. Cells recognise collagen in different ways depending on sequence and structure. They can recognise predominantly primary sequence, they may require triple-helical structure or they can require fibrillar structures. Since collagens are major constituents of the subendothelium that determine the thrombogenicity of the injured or pathological vessel wall, a major role is induction of platelet activation and aggregation as the start of repair processes. Platelets have at least two direct and one indirect (via von Willebrand factor) receptors for collagen, and collagen has specific recognition motifs for these receptors. These receptors and recognition motifs are under intensive investigation in the search for possible methods to control platelet activation in vivo. A wide range of proteins has been identified and, in part, characterised from both haematophageous insects and invertebrates but also from snake venoms that inhibit platelet activation by collagen or induce platelet activation via collagen receptors on platelets. These will provide model systems to test the effect of inhibition of specific collagen-platelet receptor interactions for both effectiveness as well as for side effects and should provide assay systems for the development of small molecule inhibitors. Since platelet inhibitors for long-term prophylaxis of cardiovascular diseases are still in clinical trials there are many unanswered questions about long-term effects both positive and negative. The major problem which still has to be definitively solved about these alternative approaches to inhibition of platelet activation is whether they will show advantages in terms of dose-response curves while offering decreased risks of bleeding problems. Preliminary studies would seem to suggest that this is indeed the case.
When Solo Activity Is Not Privileged: Participation and Internalization Models of Development
Authors: Matusov Eugene
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this paper is to examine the notion of internalization which mainly stemmed from Vygotsky’s work and to provide a critique of this concept as being favorably biased toward specific sociocultural practices common in industrial societies. These practices involve global networks of alienated and decontextualized activities overemphasizing the value of people’s independent solo activity and de-emphasizing the social nature of solo activities. The internalization model of cultural development, emphasizing transformation of social functions into individual skills, leads to a chain of mutually related dualisms between oppositional abstractions such as the social and the individual, the external and the internal, and the environment and the organism. Attempts to bridge these dualistic gaps seem problematic because these dual abstractions mutually constitute each other and are, thus, inseparable from the beginning. An alternative model, the participation model of cultural development (Lave and Wenger, 1991; Rogoff, 1990), which has recently emerged in different areas of the social sciences, seems helpful in overcoming such dualism inherent in the internalization model. The participation model considers individual cultural development as a validated process of transformation of individual participation in sociocultural activity. Transformation of participation involves assuming changed responsibility for the activity, redefining membership in a community of practice, and changing the sociocultural practice itself. In this paper, I argue that the participation model may be a more helpful conceptual tool for analyzing development in diverse sociocultural practices where participants’ solo activities are not necessarily privileged and emphasized. Unlike the internalization model, the participation model seems to be able to address development equally well in both decontextualized and situated sociocultural practices. It also generates exploration of new questions.
A Social-Pragmatic Account of the Development of Planned Discourse
Authors: Levy Elena T.
Published: April 2003

This article presents a social-pragmatic account of the emergence of planned discourse in development. The central claim is that planned discourse is a product of interactive emergence, arising in development from the creation of discourse themes, and that these in turn are dependent on language, especially on the linguistic subsystem of cohesion. I propose that the emergence of discourse themes relies on children’s use and elaboration, in spontaneous speech, of cohesive terms that are at first borrowed from adult sources. The extrasentential processes proposed to account for the development of discourse themes are parallel to those that have been proposed at an intrasentential level. The persistent influence of adult discourse patterns is illustrated with examples from a young child’s spontaneous crib talk, especially from culturally packaged sources such as nursery rhymes, story books, and fairy tales.
An Adenine Trimer Precedes a C/G Polymorphism in the 3′-Amplimer Region of the Human Platelet Glycoprotein IIIa Intron 6 CT Repeat
Authors: Denomme G.A.
Published: April 2003

Restriction enzyme and short tandem repeat polymorphisms are often used to link a particular allele with an inheritable disease-related gene in the absence of the information regarding the DNA mutation or defect. Polymorphic markers within the gene in question are particularly useful and can provide sufficient information for genetic counselling to potential carriers of the disease. Using a published method for the CT repeat in intron 6 of the GP3A gene, it was found that a single nucleotide deletion in the published genomic GP3A sequence in the region of the antisense amplimer and a C/G nucleotide polymorphism (allele frequencies, G = 0.883, C = 0.117) immediately adjacent to the deletion were responsible for the lack of PCR amplification. The absence of amplification has important implications for the assignment of a particular CT repeat to a given allele and for the population frequencies of the various CT repeats.
Genetic Relationships among Japanese, Northern Han, Hui, Uygur, Kazakh, Greek, Saudi Arabian, and Italian Populations Based on Allelic Frequencies at Four VNTR (D1S80, D4S43, COL2A1, D17S5) and One STR (ACTBP2) Loci
Authors: Katsuyama Yoshihiko , Inoko Hidetoshi , Imanishi Tadashi , Mizuki Nobuhisa , Gojobori Takashi , Ota Masao
Published: April 2003

The genetic polymorphism at four variable number of tandem repeats (D1S80, D4S43, COL2A1, D17S5) and one short tandem repeat (ACTBP2) loci was assessed by polymerase chain reaction analysis of genomic DNA obtained from blood samples of eight human populations (Japanese, Northern Han, Hui, Uygur, Kazakh, Saudi Arabian, Greek, Italian). Allele frequencies at all loci were in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for each population. With the exception of ACTBP2, the allelic distribution patterns for these loci revealed a marked genetic divergence among the eight populations. A dendrogram constructed by the neighbor-joining method based on the allele frequencies of the five loci suggested that the five Asian populations (Japanese, Northern Han, Hui, Uygur, and Kazakh) formed one cluster, whereas the two European populations and one West Asian population (Italian, Greek, and Saudi Arabian) formed another. The genetic relationship among these populations may have been greatly influenced by admixture as a result of the migration of individuals along the Silk Road throughout history.
Transferrin Variants as Markers of Migrations and Admixture between Populations in the Baltic Sea Region
Authors: Beckman L. , Sikström C. , Mikelsaar A.-V. , Krumina A. , Ambrasiene D. , Kučinskas V. , Beckman G.
Published: April 2003

Transferrin (TF) types were examined by isoelectric focusing in an attempt to elucidate migrations and admixture between populations in the Baltic Sea region. A highly significant heterogeneity between populations was found with respect to TF*C subtypes as well as the rare TF variants B2, B0-1 and DCHI. With the exception for Estonia, increased frequencies of the TF*C3 allele were observed east of the Baltic Sea. The island of Gotland in the middle of the Baltic Sea also showed a high TF*C3 frequency indicating an eastern influence. The TF*DCHI allele, a marker of eastern (Finno-Ugric) influence, was found in Finland and Estonia and on the island of Gotland, but not in mainland Sweden and in the Baltic peoples (Latvians and Lithuanians). These results indicate the presence of a Finno-Ugric, most likely Estonian or Livonian, genetic influence in the Gotland population.
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency and Homozygous Sickle Cell Disease in Congo
Authors: Bouanga Jean Claude , Mouélé René , Préhu Claude , Wajcman Henri , Feingold Josué , Galactéros Frédéric
Published: April 2003

G6PD genotypes were determined in Brazzaville (Congo) on 188 HbSS patients (109 females, 79 males) and 210 controls (115 females and 95 males) with HbAA. DNA samples were analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The frequencies of G6PD B, A+ and A– alleles were 56.9, 20.8 and, 22.2% in the patients versus 56.3, 21.2 and, 22.5% in the controls, respectively. The prevalence of G6PD genotypes in HbSS did not differ (p > 0.05) from that found in the controls. Prevalence of G6PD deficiency did not change when patients were stratified by age, suggesting that there is no advantage of the association of G6PD deficiency with HbSS. Red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were not modified by the G6PD genotypes, while Hb level was lower in HbSS with G6PD A–. Our study suggests that in Congo, G6PD deficiency does not offer any biological advantage to sicklers.
DNA Analysis of the Fragile X Syndrome in an at Risk Pediatric Population in Croatia: Simple Clinical Preselection Criteria Can Considerably Improve the Cost-Effectiveness of Fragile X Screening Studies
Authors: Hećimović Silva , Barišić Ingeborg , Pavelić Krešimir
Published: April 2003

Advances in understanding the molecular basis of the fragile X syndrome, the most common cause of inherited mental retardation, have elicited new prospects for population-based studies identifying affected individuals and fragile X families, thus contributing in prevention of the disease. In comparison with numerous fragile X screening studies where unselected groups of individuals with mental retardation, developmental delay, learning disability or autistic-like behaviour had been observed, we performed fragile X analysis on clinically preselected indivuduals. The group we studied consisted of 108 children with mental retardation of unknown cause or positive family history who had at least one physical and/or behavioural characteristic often observed among fragile X individuals. A relative high frequency of the fragile X positive cases (13% overall, 17.3% in males) was detected, suggesting that simple preselection criteria can considerably increase the proportion of fragile X-positive cases, and therefore, improve the cost-effectiveness of fragile X testing. Retrospective clinical analysis using a simplified six-item fragile X checklist confirmed that scoring criteria can be used to additionally preselect individuals at risk. Our results also indicate that this syndrome is underdiagnosed in Croatia and that a further effort must be made to detect unrecognised cases.
Analysis of Three Suggested Psoriasis Susceptibility Loci in a Large Swedish Set of Families: Confirmation of Linkage to Chromosome 6p (HLA Region), and to 17q, but not to 4q
Authors: Enlund Fredrik , Samuelsson Lena , Enerbäck Charlotta , Inerot Annica , Wahlström Jan , Yhr Maria , Torinsson Åsa , Martinsson Tommy , Swanbeck Gunnar
Published: April 2003

Psoriasis is known to be a heterogeneous disease with so far three reported major psoriasis susceptibility loci on chromosome 4q, 6p and 17q. In this study we investigated three reported gene locations by nonparametric and parametric linkage analysis in a large family set consisting of 104 families (153 sib pairs) from Sweden. We could confirm linkage to chromosome 6p. A maximum heterogeneous lod score of 2.78 was reached at locus D6S276 (α = 0.60). Allelic association studies within the HLA region indicated linkage disequilibrium at locus TNFβ with a significant p value of 0.0009. Furthermore, we obtained weak evidence of linkage to the locus on chromosome 17q while no evidence of linkage could be found to the chromosome 4q region.
Human NDUFB9 Gene: Genomic Organization and a Possible Candidate Gene Associated with Deafness Disorder Mapped to Chromosome 8q13
Authors: Lin Xin , Wells Dan E. , Kimberling William J. , Kumar Shrawan
Published: April 2003

Human NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 1β-subcomplex, 9 (NDUFB9) is a nuclear encoded mitochondrial protein with the respiratory electron transport chain. It has been physically mapped to a 1-Mb deletion at chromosome 8q13 which also contains the gene for branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome. BOR syndrome is characterized by branchial and renal abnormalities with hearing impairment. Since several hereditary deafness disorders have been associated with mitochondrial mutations, NDUFB9 was considered a candidate gene for BOR syndrome. Recently, EYA1 gene has been identified in the region which underlies the BOR syndrome but majority of BOR families did not show mutations in the EYA1 gene. Here we have determined the genomic structure of the NDUFB9 gene, including the nucleotide sequence, organization and the boundaries of the four coding exons. PCR primers were designed from the adjacent intron sequences that allow amplification of the four exons that encode the complete open reading frame. To identify whether mutations in NDUFB9 are involved in causing the BOR syndrome, we screened 9 BOR families which did not show mutations in the EYA1 gene by heteroduplex analysis; however, no mutations were found.
Testing Mode of Inheritance of a Candidate Mutation at a Quantitative Trait Locus
Authors: Rabinowitz Daniel , Zanchi Anne , Schaumberg Debra , Krolewski Andrzej
Published: April 2003

Here is presented an approach to testing whether the effect of a candidate gene on a quantitative trait is dominant and for testing whether the effect is recessive. The approach uses parental genotype information in nuclear families to adjust for bias due to population admixture. The approach is applicable regardless of the nature of the sampling. The results of an application of the methods to a candidate mutation for diabetic nephropathy are used for illustration.
Linkage Analysis for Diseases with Variable Age of Onset
Authors: Siegmund Kimberly D. , Todorov Alexandre A.
Published: April 2003

We present a method for the multivariate linkage analysis of the age of onset of a disease. The approach allows the incorporation of covariates for the study of gene by environment interactions. It is applicable to general pedigrees. The likelihood of the data is expressed as a function of the number of alleles identical by descent at a marker, the censored ages of onset and disease status, and environmental exposures. In a simulation study, we compare the power to detect linkage under different sampling schemes for either a dominant or recessive trait when approximately 10% of individuals are gene carriers. The majority of the linkage information from a sample of randomly selected sib pairs was retained when the analyses were limited to sibships with one sibling having early-onset disease (<59 years old). Incorporating parental phenotypes could improve the power to detect the gene. When the sample consists of affected sib pairs (ASPs) having variable age of onset, the likelihood ratio (LR) test had higher power than the means (t2) test for detecting a locus with a large genetic relative risk (Rg = 20). However, the power of the two tests was similar when ASPs are selected so that the proband has an early onset of disease. Lastly, the LR test had more power than the t2 test to detect linkage in the presence of gene by environment interactions.
Haptoglobin 1F Allele Frequency Is High among Indigenous Populations in the State of Durango, Mexico
Authors: Delanghe J. , Langlois M. , Alvarado Esquivel C. , De Haene H. , De Buyzere M.
Published: April 2003

We studied haptoglobin polymorphism in Mexican populations with high Indian ancestry living in isolated and urban areas in the state of Durango. Analysis with respect to the HP*1F and HP*1S allelic subtypes by isoelectric focusing showed unusually high HP*1F allele frequencies among urban (0.370) and isolated Mexican Indians (0.383). Comparison with other population studies demonstrated a geographical cline of the HP*1F allele increasing in the same direction of the HP*1 allele, while HP*1S frequency does not show racial differences.
House Dust Mite Allergen Characterisation: Implications for T-Cell Responses and Immunotherapy
Authors: Thomas W.  R. , Smith W. , Hales B.  J.
Published: April 2003

T cells are central regulators and mediators of allergic sensitisation and disease. The house dust mite allergens are a biochemically diverse group of proteins which are present in extracts and the environment in a wide range of concentrations. Here the importance of ascertaining the contribution of the different allergens to Th2 lymphokine production and the development of allergy is discussed as well as the effect of allelic polymorphisms and inter-species sequence diversity on T-cell activation. The imbalances in allergen concentrations in commercial extracts, the sequence variations from allergens in the environment and the poor discrimination of allergy due to different mite species points to areas of improvement and the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies and reagents.
Possible Role of Nitric Oxide in IgE-Mediated Allergic Cutaneous Reaction in Mice
Authors: Musoh Keiichi , Nakamura Nobuaki , Ueda Yoshifumi , Inagaki Naoki , Nagai Hiroichi
Published: April 2003

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in the development of allergic cutaneous reactions in mice was investigated. A biphasic cutaneous reaction composed of an immediate-phase edema and a late-phase edema was evoked by epicutaneous application of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene on the ear of mice passively sensitized with mouse anti-dinitrophenol monoclonal IgE. Two NO synthase inhibitors, L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and NG-monomethyl-L-arginine, significantly inhibited both phases of the IgE-mediated biphasic cutaneous reaction. Simultaneous treatment with L-arginine attenuated the inhibitory effect of L-NAME. An NO donor, 3-morpholinosydononimine-N-ethylcarbamide, caused a potent edematous reaction in the mouse ear. Furthermore, L-NAME inhibited the cutaneous reactions caused by both interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, putative mediators of the late-phase edema in the biphasic cutaneous reaction. These results indicate that a gaseous mediator, NO, participates, at least in part, in the development of ear edema in the IgE-mediated biphasic cutaneous reaction in mice.
Inhibition of Tumor Cell Growth by Murine Splenic Adherent Cells Stimulated with IFN-γ
Authors: Kato Hiroshi , Horino Atsuko , Sakurai Shingou , Ushijima Hiroshi , Komuro Katsutoshi , Uchida Tetsuya
Published: April 2003

We have previously reported that the growth of lymphocytes and tumor cells with lymphocyte lineage was strongly inhibited by a part of cloned macrophage hybridomas. This growth inhibition was accomplished by cell-to-cell contact and found to be attributed to lipid-like molecule(s) in a macrophage hybridoma cell membrane fraction. Instead of macrophage hybridomas, in the present study we utilized splenic adherent cells (SACs) that had been stimulated with IFN-γ to see whether they inhibited tumor cell growth or not. The results demonstrated that IFN-γ-stimulated but not unstimulated SACs showed a significant growth inhibition of BW-5147 tumor cells. This growth inhibition was not mainly mediated by prostaglandin E2 secreted from macrophages, since the inhibition was not reduced in the presence of indomethacin. Furthermore, as was reported previously in the case of macrophage hybridomas, the inhibitory activity resides in a lipid fraction of IFN-γ-stimulated SAC membrane.
Differential Production of Chemokines and Their Role in Neutrophil Infiltration in Rat: Allergic Inflammation
Authors: Nakagawa Hideo , Ando Yoko , Takano Katsuhiko , Sunada Yoko
Published: April 2003

Background: Recently we demonstrated that activated rat macrophages produced neutrophil chemotactic factors (chemokines) including cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-1, CINC-2α, CINC-2β, CINC-3/rat macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 and rat MIP-1α (rMIP-1α). Methods: In the present study, by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay specific for each chemokine, we determined the levels of the chemokines in the pouch fluid (inflammatory site) of the fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled ovalbumin (FITC-OVA)-induced allergic inflammation in rats. Effects of anti-chemokine antibodies on neutrophil chemotaxis were determined in vivo and in vitro. Results: CINC-1 was the major chemokine which rapidly increased after challenge with FITC-OVA, whereas CINC-3 was a minor one, and CINC-2, CINC-3 and rMIP-1α increased slowly with a lag time of about 2 h. Anti-CINC-1/CINC-2 antibodies, which inhibited all the CINCs, suppressed both neutrophil infiltration in vivo and neutrophil chemotactic activity of the 8-hour pouch fluid in vitro, whereas anti-rMIP-1α antibody slightly suppressed the chemotaxis in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion: Our results suggest that CINCs, especially CINC-1 and CINC-2, play an important role in the infiltration of neutrophils into the inflammatory site of FITC-OVA-induced allergic inflammation in rats.
Role of T Cells in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Herz Udo , Bunikowski Rita , Renz Harald
Published: April 2003

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronically relapsing inflammatory skin disease. Influx of activated T cells into the skin lesions represents a hallmark in AD. Recent results indicate a dynamic T-cell-derived cytokine production in AD. In addition to the well-known TH-2 component, chronic lesions and late-phase allergic responses are characterized by an TH-1/TH-0 cytokine pattern. Although there is no doubt that aeroallergens can contribute to the elicitation of acute- and late-phase allergic responses in AD, their role in the immunopathogenesis is controversally discussed. Recent attention has been given to the long-known phenomenon of persistent colonization of AD skin with S. aureus and the potential role of S. aureus-derived superantigens. Evidence from several in vitro and in vivo studies suggests that such bacterial superantigens have the potency to trigger chronic T-cell-mediated skin inflammation. Although these data are certainly suggestive, further clinical studies are required to elucidate the role of bacterial superantigens in initiation, maintenance and, especially, chronicity of skin inflammation.