bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drowning in Finland: “external cause” and “injury” codes
Authors: Lunetta P , Penttilä A , Sajantila A
Published: December 2002

Background:TheInternational Classification of Diseases(ICD) external codes (E codes) for drowning assist in determining the primary event leading to drowning, but do not alone allow the precise determination of the overall drowning rates.

Aims:To analyze the sensitivity of the ICD E codes for drowning. To describe the pattern and trend of drowning deaths that are classified with E codes other than for drowning.

Setting:Finland, 1969–2000.

Methods:Mortality files of Statistics Finland were searched electronically using the injury codes (I codes) and E codes for drowning. Cross analysis of I and E coded drownings was performed to determine the rate and pattern of drowning cases classified with E codes other than for drowning. Time trends were calculated using the Poisson regression model.

Results:Of 13 705 drowning deaths, 644 (4.7%) were not identified with the E codes for drowning. The great majority (n=547, 84.9%) of these cases were traffic accidents resulting in drowning. No significant time trends were found even after the introduction, in 1996, of the ICD 10th revision.

Conclusions:In Finland, underestimation of overall drowning rates using the E code alone is less pronounced than in countries where similar studies have been performed. The relatively high rate of transport accidents resulting in drowning indicates a specific target for preventive countermeasures.
ON THE SCATTERING THEORY OF MASSLESS NELSON MODELS
Authors: GÉRARD C.
Published: December 2002

We study the scattering theory for a class of non-relativistic quantum field theory models describing a confined non-relativistic atom interacting with a massless relativistic bosonic field. We construct invariant spaces [Formula: see text] which are defined in terms of propagation properties for large times and which consist of states containing a finite number of bosons in the region {|x| ≥ ct} for t → ±∞. We show the existence of asymptotic fields and we prove that the associated asymptotic CCR representations preserve the spaces [Formula: see text] and induce on these spaces representations of Fock type. For these induced representations, we prove the property of geometric asymptotic completeness, which gives a characterization of the vacuum states in terms of propagation properties. Finally we show that a positive commutator estimate imply the asymptotic completeness property, i.e. the fact that the vacuum states of the induced representations coincide with the bound states of the Hamiltonian.
BARYON AND LEPTON NUMBER VIOLATION WITH SCALAR BILINEARS
Authors: KLAPDOR-KLEINGROTHAUS H. V. , MA ERNEST , SARKAR UTPAL
Published: December 2002

We consider all possible scalar bilinears, which couple to two fermions of the standard model. The various baryon and lepton number violating couplings allowed by these exotic scalars are studied. We then discuss which are constrained by limits on proton decay (to a lepton and a meson as well as to three leptons), neutron–antineutron oscillations, and neutrinoless double beta decay.
Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Augments and 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Inhibitors Limit CD40 and CD40L Expression in Human Vascular Cells
Authors: Schönbeck Uwe , Gerdes Norbert , Varo Nerea , Reynolds Rebecca S. , Horton Daniel B. , Bavendiek Udo , Robbie Linda , Ganz Peter , Kinlay Scott , Libby Peter
Published: December 2002

Background—

Although CD40 signaling participates in atherosclerosis, links between lipid risk factors and this inflammatory pathway remain obscure. Cardiovascular risk reduction by 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) may involve actions beyond lipid lowering, including reduced inflammation. Therefore, this study analyzed whether oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) induces CD40/CD40L expression on cells implicated in atherogenesis and whether statins affect their expression in vitro as well as the expression of soluble CD40L (sCD40L) in vivo.

Methods and Results—

Treatment of human vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells and mononuclear phagocytes with oxLDL augmented the basal expression of CD40 and CD40L mRNA and protein. In contrast, cerivastatin, atorvastatin, or simvastatin concentration-dependently diminished the constitutive as well as oxLDL- or cytokine-induced expression of the receptor/ligand dyad, an effect reversed by mevalonate. Patients treated with statins had diminished sCD40L plasma levels compared with untreated control patients (8.3±3.1 ng/mL [n=11] versus 13.1±2.5 ng/mL [n=16],
P
<0.05), supporting the clinical relevance of the in vitro observations. Platelet-enriched plasma of mice deficient in CD40L showed markedly delayed fibrin clot formation, suggesting a role for the ligand in blood coagulation and supporting the hypothesis that statin-mediated reduction in CD40/CD40L expression might limit thrombosis.

Conclusions—

OxLDL may promote expression of CD40 and CD40L in human atheroma. Statins may limit the expression of the CD40 receptor/ligand dyad in two ways, directly as well as through diminished lipoprotein levels. Thus, reduced CD40 signaling may account for some of the statins’ antiinflammatory action.
Modulation of Growth Factor/Cytokine Synthesis and Signaling by 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3: Implications in Cell Growth and Differentiation
Authors: Gurlek Alper , Pittelkow Mark R. , Kumar Rajiv
Published: December 2002

Distinct from its classic functions in the regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism as a systemic hormone, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3] is involved in the local control and regulation of cellular growth and differentiation in various tissues, including epidermis (keratinocytes) and bone (osteoblasts and osteoclasts). In this review, the impact of 1α,25(OH)2D3 on growth factor/cytokine synthesis and signaling is discussed, particularly as it pertains to bone cells and keratinocytes. 1α,25(OH)2D3 not only regulates growth factor/cytokine synthesis but may also alter growth factor signaling. Recently discovered examples for such interactions are the interactions between the vitamin D receptor and the mothers against decapentaplegic-related proteins that function downstream of TGFβ receptors. Inhibitory effects of 1α,25(OH)2D3 on keratinocytes through TGFβ activation and IL-1α, IL-6, and IL-8 suppression may provide a rationale for its beneficial effects in the treatment of hyperproliferative skin disorders, whereas stimulatory effects through the epidermal growth factor-related family members and platelet-derived growth factor may be operative in its beneficial effects in skin atrophy and wound healing. Modulation of cytokines and growth factors by 1α,25(OH)2D3 during bone remodeling plays an important role in the coupling of osteoblastic bone formation with osteoclastic resorption to maintain bone mass.
Formation of delusional ideation in adolescents hearing voices: A prospective study
Authors: Escher Sandra , Romme Marius , Buiks Alex , Delespaul Philippe , van Os Jim
Published: December 2002

Previous work suggests that auditory hallucinations in children and adolescents occur frequently in the absence of psychotic illness, although a number of such children go on to develop more severe psychotic symptomatology and need for care. We examined prospectively what factors are associated with formation of delusions in adolescents who are hearing voices. Eighty adolescents (mean age 12.9 years, SD = 3.1) who reported hearing voices were examined at baseline and followed‐up three times over a period of 3 years. Fifty percent were receiving professional care, but 50% were not in need of care. Baseline measurement of voice appraisals, attributions, psychopathology, global functioning, dissociation, stressful life events, coping mechanisms, and receipt of professional care were used as predictors of delusion formation, measured as a score of 6 or greater on the extended BPRS items: “suspiciousness,” “unusual thought content” and “grandiosity.” Thirteen children (16%) displayed evidence of delusional ideation over at least one of the three follow‐up periods, of which seven (9%) de novo. Adjusting for presence of baseline delusional ideation, delusion formation over the follow‐up period was associated with baseline voice appraisals and attributions such as tone of the voice (hazard ratio voice “variably friendly and hostile” compared to “always friendly”: HR = 6.8, 95% CI: 1.1, 41.0), perceived location of the voice (outside vs. inside head: HR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.0, 8.7), and whether the voice resembled that of a parent (HR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.0, 12.0); baseline BPRS anxiety/depression (HR = 6.4, 95% CI: 1.9, 21.4), baseline BPRS disorganization (HR = 5.0, 95% CI: 0.98, 26.1) and the baseline amount of reported recent stressful life events (HR continuous life events score: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0, 3.3). In addition, in older children, the perceived influence of the voices on emotions and behavior was strongly associated with delusion formation (HR = 5.1, 95% CI: 1.0, 25.9). Delusion formation in children hearing voices may be responsive to triggering events and facilitated by feelings of anxiety/depression. The results also highlight the role of attributions associated with external sources, authority figures, perceived influence or “power” over the person, as well as emotional appraisal processes and cognitive disorganization. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical characteristics of adolescents later hospitalized for schizophrenia
Authors: Weiser Mark , Knobler Haim Y. , Noy Shlomo , Kaplan Zeev
Published: December 2002

Intellectual and behavioral abnormalities, non‐psychotic psychiatric disorders, and drug abuse are sometimes present in adolescents who later develop schizophrenia. We followed a population‐based cohort of adolescents with baseline assessments of intellectual and behavioral functioning, non‐psychotic psychiatric disorders and drug abuse, and ascertained future hospitalization for schizophrenia. Results of the medical and mental health assessments on 16‐ to 17‐year‐old male adolescents screened by the Israeli Draft Board, were cross‐linked with the National Psychiatric Hospitalization Case Registry, which contains data on all psychiatric hospitalizations in the country. Male adolescents who were later hospitalized for schizophrenia had significantly poorer test scores on all measures in comparison with adolescents not reported to the Psychiatric Registry, the magnitude of the differences was 0.3–0.5 standard deviation (SD). Adolescents (1.03%) of assigned a non‐psychotic psychiatric diagnosis, compared to of the adolescents without any psychiatric diagnosis (0.23%), were later hospitalized for schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia (26.8%), compared to only 7.4% in the general population of adolescents, had been assigned a non‐psychotic psychiatric diagnosis in adolescence (overall OR = 4.5, 95% CI = 3.6–5.6), ranging from OR = 21.5, (<2 >95% CI = 12.6–36.6) for schizophrenia‐spectrum personality disorders to OR = 3.6 (<2 >95% CI = 2.1–6.2) for neurosis. The prevalence of self‐reported drug abuse was higher in adolescents later hospitalized for schizophrenia (12.4%), compared to the prevalence of drug abuse in adolescents not later hospitalized (5.9%); adjusted RR = 2.033, 95% CI = 1.322–3.126. These results reflect the relatively common finding of impaired intellectual and behavioral functioning, the presence of non‐psychotic psychiatric disorders, and drug abuse, in adolescents later hospitalized for schizophrenia, together with the relatively low power of these disorders in predicting schizophrenia. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
De Vries BBA, Breedveld GJ, Deelen WH, Breunning MH, Niermeijer MF, Heutink P. 2002. Another family with nonspecific X‐linked mental retardation (MRX78) maps to Xp11.4‐p11.23. Am J Med Genet 111:443–445
Authors: de Vries Bert B.A. , Breedveld Guido J. , Deelen Wouter H. , Breuning Martijn H. , Niermeijer Martinus F. , Heutink Peter
Published: December 2002

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in American Journal of Medical Genetics (2002) 111(4) 443–445.
Vulnerability to schizophrenia: Relevance of patients' subjective experience for empirical and clinical work
Authors: Bovet Pierre , Gamma Franziska
Published: December 2002

Efforts are being made by clinicians and researchers to accurately delineate phenotypic traits of individuals at enhanced risk of schizophrenia. This issue is important for a better understanding of the etiopathogenic mechanisms of the disease and for the building up of programs of primary prevention. We suggest that disturbances of subjective experience, although difficult to operationalize, are an important—but until now neglected—core component of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. We advocate the development of valid and reliable instruments in order to allow the assessment of basic symptoms and disturbances of Self‐experience. Delineation of vulnerability to schizophrenia cannot rely solely on neuropsychological and neurophysiological data, as prevention programs will be performed mainly by clinicians. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Schizophrenia: Two‐faced meaning of vulnerability
Authors: Azorin Jean‐Michel , Naudin Jean
Published: December 2002

The authors stress the current two‐faced meaning of vulnerability that conveys both an objective and a subjective direction of sense, leading to a naturalistic model as well as a humanistic one. These models are heirs of both the Kraepelinian and Bleulerian conceptions of schizophrenia. Coping strategies and resilience are core concepts of the humanistic model. Research on these protective factors may be of major importance in the current debate on prevention in schizophrenia. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
What does the Edinburgh high‐risk study tell us about schizophrenia?
Authors: Johnstone Eve C. , Lawrie Stephen M. , Cosway Richard
Published: December 2002

The Edinburgh High Risk Study concerns 162 young people aged 16 to 25 at ascertainment who have at least two close relatives with schizophrenia. They are compared with two control groups (1) of age‐matched well subjects and (2) of age‐matched subjects with first schizophrenic episodes. The interim results show that schizophrenia has developed in 10 high‐risk subjects and no controls and that all categories of psychopathology are more marked in the high‐risk subjects. Psychopathology shows no relationships with measures of genetic liability. Neuropsychological measures are most impaired in the individuals with first‐episode schizophrenia, with high‐risk subjects performing better and well controls better still. The greater the genetic liability of the high‐risk subjects, the poorer the neuropsychological performance. Neuropsychological impairments occurred in more high‐risk subjects than are expected to develop schizophrenia. Structural brain scans show significant differences between those with first‐episode schizophrenia, high‐risk subjects, and well controls. Brain structure is related to genetic liability in that high‐risk subjects with higher genetic liability have smaller right and left prefrontal lobes and smaller right and left thalami. In those high‐risk subjects with two scans, there was a significantly greater reduction in temporal lobe size in those with psychotic symptoms than in those without. It is suggested that in high‐risk subjects, the change from vulnerability to psychosis may be preceded by reduction in size and deteriorating function of the temporal lobe. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spectrum of dolichospondylic dysplasia: Two new patients with distinctive findings
Authors: Elliott Alison M. , Graham John M. , Curry Cynthia J.R. , Pal Tuya , Rimoin David L. , Lachman Ralph S.
Published: December 2002

Dolichospondylic dysplasia (DD) is a rare skeletal dysplasia primarily characterized by tall vertebral bodies and disproportionate short stature. Radiographic manifestations include tall vertebral bodies and gracile bones of the hands. Patients usually have eye and ear findings in addition to borderline mental retardation; however, tall vertebral bodies and slender tubular bones are also seen in the 3‐M syndrome. Patients with the 3‐M syndrome have a characteristic face with a triangular shape, frontal bossing, a flattened malar region, full eyebrows, a short nose with a bulbous tip, upturned nares, and full lips. We present two unrelated patients who share a distinct phenotype and have tall vertebral bodies, overtubulation of long bones, and short tubular bones of the hands and feet. We discuss the overlapping and distinguishing features between DD and the 3‐M syndrome. Patient 1 was a 13‐year‐old female, and patient 2 was an unrelated adult female. These patients had normocephaly and short stature. They shared a common phenotype consisting of mild malar hypoplasia, a narrowed nasal body with a fleshy tip, full lips, and normal intelligence. In addition, they showed mild hand and foot abnormalities. These two patients lack many of the typical clinical features of both DD and the 3‐M syndrome. They share a common phenotype and likely represent a distinct disorder. The spectrum of disorders with tall vertebral bodies as a key feature may include different entities that may be further defined with the characterization of the molecular defect(s). © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stable dicentric duplication‐deficiency chromosome 14 resulting from crossing‐over within a maternal paracentric inversion
Authors: Lefort Geneviève , Blanchet Patricia , Belgrade Nabia , Rivier François , Chaze Anne Marie , Sarda Pierre , Demaille Jacques , Pellestor Franck
Published: December 2002

We report on the extremely rare occurrence of a stable dicentric duplication‐deletion chromosome 14 in a viable offspring with multiple malformations and developmental delay. This abnormality was derived from a maternal paracentric inversion in the long arm of chromosome 14. Both classical and molecular cytogenetic techniques were used to perform the chromosomal investigation of this structural abnormality. The immunofluorescent labeling of centromeric proteins shows only one functional centromere on the rearranged chromosome 14. The present observation confirms that paracentric inversions may lead to stable recombinant chromosomes. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conceptualization of vulnerability models for schizophrenia: Historical aspects
Authors: Berner Peter
Published: December 2002

The conceptualization of vulnerability started around the middle of the 19th century with the emergence of the theories of degeneration that attributed mental disorders to a hereditarily transmitted predisposition reducing the individual psychological resistance. This condition was considered to be the basis of all “endogenous psychoses” whose different types were considered to be caused by additional pathoplastic influences. During the first half of the 20th century the idea of degeneration was abandoned and affective and schizophrenic disorders were conceived as different genetically caused diseases. Further research indicated that the propensity to develop a schizophrenic disorder may sometimes be caused by acquired etiological factors. In both cases it has been observed that this predisposition manifests itself as an overt illness only under the impact of environmental stress. This enhanced attempts to investigate more precisely the different factors implicated in the genesis of the “vulnerability” for schizophrenia and to determine more precisely the conditions that precipitate the clinical manifestation of disorders diagnosed as schizophrenic. In this perspective several vulnerability models for schizophrenia as well as for its subsyndromes have been proposed. Despite these efforts, the question whether schizophrenic disorders are caused by a specific predisposition or are only dimensions of an “unitary psychosis” has not yet been definitively resolved. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chance findings and chance replication in a study of recurrent depression?
Authors: Ewald Henrik , Damm Als Thomas
Published: December 2002

No asbtract
Desmosterolosis presenting with multiple congenital anomalies and profound developmental delay
Authors: Andersson Hans C. , Kratz Lisa , Kelley Richard
Published: December 2002

Desmosterol (cholesta‐5,24‐dien‐3β‐ol) is a minor sterol that forms as an intermediate in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway when the 24‐unsaturated sterol bond is reduced as the last step rather than earlier in the conversion of lanosterol to cholesterol. In 1998, FitzPatrick et al. reported a premature infant who died shortly after birth and had marked tissue elevations of desmosterol and a strikingly abnormal phenotype. We describe here the first living patient with desmosterolosis and show biochemical evidence in plasma and cultured lymphoblasts for an autosomal recessive deficiency of 24‐dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR24). The infant has severe microcephaly, agenesis of the corpus callosum, downslanting palpebral fissures, micrognathia, submucous cleft palate, clubfoot, and a persistent patent ductus arteriosus. Plasma sterol quantification in the patient at age 2 years demonstrated a normal cholesterol level, but a 100‐fold increased level of desmosterol (60 mcg/ml; nl 0.5 ± 0.3 mcg/ml (SD)) suggesting deficient activity of 24‐dehydrocholesterol (desmosterol) reductase (DHCR24). Both parents had mildly increased levels of desmosterol in plasma (mother: 1.4 mcg/ml; father: 1.8 mcg/ml), consistent with heterozygosity for DHCR24 deficiency. Analysis of sterol metabolism in cultured transformed lymphoblasts showed a 100‐fold increased level of desmosterol and a moderately decreased level of cholesterol in the patient's cells and a 10‐fold elevation of desmosterol in the mother's cells. At the age of 3.5 years, the patient stands but does not walk, uses a 5‐word vocabulary, and lacks any major medical problems. This unique patient broadens the spectrum of inborn errors of cholesterol biosynthesis and suggests additional candidate clinical phenotypes associated with abnormal cholesterol metabolism. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Western lowland gorilla diet and resource availability: New evidence, cross‐site comparisons, and reflections on indirect sampling methods
Authors: Doran Diane M. , McNeilage Alastair , Greer David , Bocian Carolyn , Mehlman Patrick , Shah Natasha
Published: December 2002

We describe the resource availability and diet of western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) from a new study site in the Central African Republic and Republic of Congo based on 3 years of study. The results, based on 715 fecal samples and 617 days of feeding trails, were similar to those reported from three other sites, in spite of differences in herb and fruit availability. Staple foods (consumed year‐round) included high‐quality herbs (Haumania), swamp herbs (when present), and a minimal diversity of fruit. A variety of fruits (average of 3.5 species per day and 10 per month) were selectively consumed; gorillas ignored some common fruits and incorporated rare fruits to a degree higher than predicted based on availability. During periods of fruit abundance, fruit constituted most of the diet. When succulent fruits were unavailable, gorillas used low‐quality herbs (i.e., low‐protein), bark, and more fibrous fruits as fallback foods. Fibrous fruit species, such as Duboscia macrocarpa and Klainedoxa gabonensis, were particularly important to gorillas at Mondika and other sites as fallbacks. The densities of these two species are similar across sites for which data are available, in spite of major differences in forest structure, suggesting they may be key species in determining gorilla density. No sex difference in diet was detected. Such little variation in western lowland gorilla diet across sites and between sexes was unexpected and may partly reflect limitations of indirect sampling. Am. J. Primatol. 58:91–116, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Frontal lobe atrophy due to a mutation in the cholesterol binding protein HE1/NPC2
Authors: Klünemann Hans H. , Elleder Milan , Kaminski Wolfgang E. , Snow Karen , Peyser Janis M. , O'Brien John F. , Munoz David , Schmitz Gerd , Klein Helmfried E. , Pendlebury William W.
Published: December 2002

This is the first description of slowly progressive Niemann–Pick disease type C (NPC) without the typical lysosomal storage in bone marrow and viscera in two descendants of a group of 17th century French‐Canadians. The index patient was a married 43‐year‐old woman with onset of dementia in her thirties, later followed by the development of ataxia and athetoid movements. Her autopsy disclosed frontal lobe atrophy, neurolysosomal storage with oligolamellar inclusion and tau‐positive neurofibrillary tangles. Of the 119 family members screened, only a married 42‐year‐old sister displayed symptoms of a dementia. Both women displayed vertical supranuclear ophthalmoplegia; expressive aphasia; concrete, stimulus‐bound, perseverative behavior; and impaired conceptualization and planning. Cultured fibroblasts showed decreased cholesterol esterification and positive filipin staining, but no mutation was detected in coding or promoter regions of the NPC1 gene using conformation sensitive gel electrophoresis and sequencing. Sequencing showed a homozygous gene mutation that is predicted to result in an amino acid substitution, V39M, in the cholesterol binding protein HE1 (NPC2). Adult‐onset NPC2 with lysosomal storage virtually restricted to neurons represents a novel phenotypic and genotypic variant with diffuse cognitive impairment and focal frontal involvement described for the first time. Ann Neurol 2002;52:000–000
Selective neurodegeneration in murine mucopolysaccharidosis VII is progressive and reversible
Authors: Heuer Gregory G. , Passini Marco A. , Jiang Kanli , Parente Michael K. , Lee Virginia M.‐Y. , Trojanowski John Q. , Wolfe John H.
Published: December 2002

The mucopolysaccharidoses are caused by inherited deficiencies of lysosomal enzymes involved in the degradative pathway of glycosaminoglycans. Lysosomal storage leads to cellular and organ dysfunction, including mental retardation. Storage lesions are found throughout the diseased brain, but little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie brain dysfunction. In the mouse model of mucopolysaccharidosis VII, we found that specific regions of the brain are vulnerable to neurodegeneration, characterized by the presence of ubiquitin inclusions, neurofilament inclusions, and reactive astrogliosis. The pathological lesions were found predominantly in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, and they increased progressively with age. Treatment with a recombinant viral vector to correct the enzymatic defect quantitatively reversed the neurodegenerative lesions in targeted regions to normal levels.
Diet and Parkinson's disease: A potential role of dairy products in men
Authors: Chen Honglei , Zhang Shumin M. , Hernán Miguel A. , Willett Walter C. , Ascherio Alberto
Published: December 2002

Diet may play a causative role in Parkinson's disease (PD), but potential associations between diet and PD risk rarely have been assessed in prospective studies. We investigated associations between food intakes and PD risk in two large prospective cohorts in which 210 incident PD cases in men and 184 in women were documented. A positive association was found between dairy intake and PD risk in men (relative risk [RR] comparing extreme categories, 1.8; p trend = 0.004), but not in women (RR, 1.1; p trend = 0.9). No other food groups were associated with PD risk in either men or women. Further analyses among men showed significant positive associations with PD risk for intakes of several dairy foods as well as dairy calcium (RR, 1.5; p trend = 0.02), dairy vitamin D (RR, 1.6; p trend = 0.004), dairy protein (RR, 1.6; p trend = 0.01), and lactose (RR, 1.8; p trend = 0.002), but not dairy fat (RR, 1.1; p trend = 0.4). Intakes of calcium, vitamin D, and protein from other dietary or supplemental sources were not related to PD risk in men. Our results suggest that higher intake of dairy products may increase the risk of PD in men; however, this finding needs further evaluation, and the underlying active components need to be identified.
Congenital hypomyelinating neuropathy, central dysmyelination, and Waardenburg–Hirschsprung disease: Phenotypes linked by SOX10 mutation
Authors: Inoue Ken , Shilo Konstantin , Boerkoel Cornelius F. , Crowe Carol , Sawady Joram , Lupski James R. , Agamanolis Dimitri P.
Published: December 2002

A unique phenotype of Waardenburg–Hirschsprung disease (WS4) accompanied by peripheral neuropathy and central dysmyelination has been recognized recently in association with SOX10 mutations. We report an infant boy with lethal congenital hypomyelinating neuropathy and WS4 who had a heterozygous SOX10 mutation (Q250X). Histopathological studies showed an absence of peripheral nerve myelin despite normal numbers of Schwann cells and profound dysmyelination in the central nervous system. These observations suggest that some SOX10 mutations such as Q250X may allow Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes to proliferate but interfere with further differentiation to form myelin. In contrast with the SOX10 loss‐of‐function mutations causing only WS4, mutations associated with both peripheral and central dysmyelination may affect pathology through a dominant‐negative mechanism.
Association of chromosome 10 losses and negative prognosis in oligoastrocytomas
Authors: Bissola Lorena , Eoli Marica , Pollo Bianca , Merciai Bianca Maria , Silvani Antonio , Salsano Ettore , Maccagnano Carmelo , Bruzzone Maria Grazia , Fuhrman Conti Anna Maria , Solero Carlo Lazzaro , Giombini Sergio , Broggi Giovanni , Boiardi Amerigo , Finocchiaro Gaetano
Published: December 2002

Oligoastrocytomas are mixed gliomas harboring different genetic alterations and with heterogeneous clinical evolution. We have looked for correlations between genetic losses and clinical evolution in 34 oligoastrocytomas. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) with different microsatellite markers was studied on chromosomes 1p, 10q, 17p, and 19q. LOH on 1p was found in 44% of the tumors, on 10q in 24%, on 17p in 18%, and on 19q in 38%. LOH on 1p and 19q was combined in 29% of the patients. LOH on 1p was associated with significantly longer overall survival (p = 0.0092) and LOH on 10q with shorter overall survival (p = 0.0206). The observation that LOH on 10q predicts a short survival in oligoastrocytomas is novel and provides further evidence that genetic analysis may help to predict the clinical evolution of different gliomas, giving a more rationale basis to therapeutic options.
Structural layout of the suburbs of Roman Butrint, southern Albania: results from a gradiometer and resistivity survey
Authors: Hounslow Mark W. , Chroston P. Neil
Published: December 2002

Butrint, a World Heritage Site in southern Albania, encompasses 3000 years of Mediterranean history from the Hellenistic Greeks to the Venetians. In Roman times a suburb of Butrint spread out across the marsh plain to the south of the city, where approximately 20 ha have been surveyed with a fluxgate gradiometer, and 4 ha with a ground resistivity meter. The magnetic anomalies show that the line of the aqueduct into the centre of Butrint is evident for part of this area, but the aqueduct signature becomes progressively less distinct on approaching the Vivari Channel, probably owing to deeper burial. A complex of confused, short‐wavelength anomalies, but with some linear elements covers about 3 ha and is associated with exposed building remains. The abrupt termination of these anomalies to the west may be associated with the former Roman water front. Isolated smaller areas of magnetic anomalies up to 0.5 ha in the area surveyed, show buildings and associated ditches away from the main complex. The resistivity survey allows some detailed constraints on the position of buildings in the densely occupied area. Analysis of the orientation of linear anomalies indicates there are two co‐genetic sets of magnetic and resistivity linear anomalies. A strong NW–SE and weaker NE–SW set, which parallel the aqueduct and the alignment of standing walls. This set appears to indicate a regular building alignment across the whole site, which is reflected in the orientation of the few current standing walls on the site. This set may post‐date the building of the aqueduct, because these reflect the latest standing remains on the site. A second stronger set of E–W and (subsidiary) N–S linear anomalies may signify either an early system of streets, or perhaps an agricultural‐based ditch system developed prior to the buildings on the site. This second set may pre‐date the building of the aqueduct in the first century BC, when Butrint became a Roman colony. An alternative interpretation suggests part of the suburbs street plan may be based on a non‐conventional triangular network of roadways, the design of which may have been emulated in the construction of the medieval Triangular Castle. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meaningful patterns of activity amongst the long‐term inner city unemployed: a qualitative study
Authors: Ball Myfanwy , Orford Jim
Published: December 2002

A number of studies have sought to establish the social psychological factors involved in the maintenance of active lifestyles during long‐term unemployment. The aim of this study was to describe and account for the development and maintenance of different patterns of activity, with reference to their perceived meaningfulness. This was undertaken with a sample of Birmingham's inner city, long‐term unemployed population recruited from three inner city Jobcentres, including men and women, and White, Asian and African Caribbean participants (N = 24). Interviews were conducted using a semi‐structured interview guide. Using the qualitative software program, NUD.IST, the data were analysed according to the principles of the grounded theory approach. Activities were characterized as: domestic; educational; work‐like; socializing; and none. A model of meaningful activity in the context of formal unemployment was developed. The main components of the model were: features of formal employment that inhibited participants' engagement in it; the requirements for personal meaningful activity (challenging activity, effort and commitment, and being valued by others); the consequences of meaningful activity (opportunities for self‐determination and self‐development, and achievement, competence, and confidence) and consolidating factors (social comparison, self‐appraisal, religious and political beliefs, and social support). Theories of unemployment of Jahoda, Warr, and Fryer are considered in the light of the present findings. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐esteem, stigma and community participation amongst people with learning difficulties living in the community
Authors: Abraham Charles , Gregory Nicky , Wolf Lisa , Pemberton Richard
Published: December 2002

A cross‐sectional study examined the relationship between self‐esteem, community participation, age, perceived stigma and social support amongst a sample of 50 people with mild to moderate learning difficulties attending two day centres. Respondent‐paced, structured interviews following ethical and assessment guidelines were used to gather data. Retest interviews were conducted with 20% of the sample 3 months subsequently and only those measures with good test–retest reliability were used to test hypotheses. The results showed fairly high levels of community participation and self‐esteem. Self‐esteem was negatively correlated with stigma and a sub‐group with high concerns regarding meeting strangers was identified. In accordance with studies of non‐disabled samples, self‐esteem was positively associated with age. Social support was comparable to, or higher than, that observed in non‐disabled samples. High social support was observed for staff going out with respondents and for practical help from liked persons and friends. Community participation appeared to be related to higher self‐esteem in older participants but lower self‐esteem in younger participants. Implications for future research and practice are discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic use of a collagen‐based vascular closure device immediately after cardiac catheterization procedures in 1,317 consecutive patients
Authors: Eggebrecht Holger , Haude Michael , Woertgen Uta , Schmermund Axel , Birgelen Clemens von , Naber Christoph , Baumgart Dietrich , Kaiser Christoph , Oldenburg Olaf , Bartel Thomas , Kroeger Knut , Erbel Raimund
Published: December 2002

Despite recent advances in interventional cardiology, vascular access complications continue to be a significant problem. Conventional manual compression of the femoral access site is associated with prolonged immobilization and significant patient discomfort. We investigated the performance of a collagen‐based closure device applied immediately after catheterization and its complication rate in 1,317 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac catheterization or coronary angioplasty. Patients undergoing coronary angioplasty (n = 644) received more heparin than patients with diagnostic cardiac catheterization (n = 673; 9,675 ± 1,144 IU vs. 6,419 ± 2,211 IU; P < 0.0001). Deployment success rates of the closure device were comparable for patients undergoing diagnostic vs. interventional procedures (95.8% vs. 96.7%; P = 0.46). Complete hemostasis immediately after deployment of the device was achieved in > 90% of all patients, but was lower in the interventional group (93.7% vs. 90.6%; P = 0.05). Major complications including any vascular surgery, major bleeding requiring transfusion, retroperitoneal hematoma, thrombosis or loss of distal pulses, groin infections, significant groin hematoma, and death were observed in 0.53% of all patients, with no differences between diagnostic or interventional patients (0.62% vs. 0.45%; P = 0.953). Subgroup analysis revealed female gender as a predictor of access site complications. Systematic sealing of femoral access sites after both diagnostic and interventional procedures allows for immediate sheath removal with reliable hemostasis. The use of a collagen‐based closure device is associated with a low rate of clinically significant complications. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;57:486–495. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support in critical patients needing coronary interventions with stents
Authors: Suárez de Lezo José , Pan Manuel , Medina Alfonso , Pavlovic Djordje , Romero Miguel , Segura José , Ruiz Martin , Ojeda Soledad , Muñoz Juan , Rodriguez Marcos
Published: December 2002

Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (CPS) has proven to be a technique of value in high‐risk coronary patients undergoing percutaneous balloon angioplasty. Since May 1994, we have combined the use of CPS and coronary stent revascularization in 92 patients. In 68 of them, the CPS was used as a prophylactic procedure (group 1); in the remaining 24, the CPS was used as an emergency procedure to stabilize and even resuscitate patients with acute myocardial infarction and circulatory collapse, in order to attempt urgent percutaneous coronary stent treatment (group 2). Primary success was achieved in 66 patients from group 1 (97%). One patient died and another had a myocardial infarction. After 28 ± 19 months of follow‐up, 20 patients (30%) from group 1 had a major adverse cardiac event. The remaining 46 patients (68%) are alive, with persistent clinical benefit. In group 2, reperfusion and stent treatment was always achieved. However, 14 patients had an in‐hospital death. Five patients from group 2 had a major adverse event at follow‐up (47 ± 20 months). Nine patients (38%) remain at present in functional class I–II. Percutaneous CPS provides safe conditions to accomplish stent coronary revascularization in high‐risk patients and those with acute myocardial infarction and failing heart. Long‐term follow‐up of survivors shows persistent benefit in most patients. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;57:467–475. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of antioxidant probucol for preventing stent restenosis
Authors: Kim Moo Hyun , Cha Kwang Soo , Han Jin‐Yeong , Kim Hye Jin , Kim Jong Seong
Published: December 2002

Probucol is a lipid‐lowering drug that has an antioxidant effect. The authors sought to investigate the effect of probucol on stent restenosis after the usual 3‐day pretreatment protocol. From March 1999 to August 2000, 78 patients (mean age, 56 ± 8; 49 male) with coronary artery disease who underwent coronary stenting were enrolled. After a diagnostic angiography was done, each eligible patient was randomized to either the probucol or the control group. Following the procedure, ticlopidine was administered for 1 month; aspirin and probucol continuously. Angiographic follow‐up was done in 81% (57/70) and angiographic restenosis was not different between the two groups (21% vs. 24%; P = 0.81). In conclusion, antioxidant probucol did not show a beneficial effect on stent restenosis with 3 days of premedication protocol. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;57:424–428. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibition using eptifibatide with primary coronary stenting for acute myocardial infarction: A 30‐day follow‐up study
Authors: Kaul Upendra , Gupta Ripen K. , Haridas Kottaram K. , Ramesh Saligrama S. , Sethi Kamal K. , Singh Balbir , Agarwal Rajiv , Yadave Ram D. , Ghose Tapan , Sapra Rakesh R. , Bajaj Rajiv , Shahi Madhukar , Bhagwat Ajit , Kumar Pramod , Mathews Omen P. , Soni Pratik K.
Published: December 2002

The results of primary coronary stenting for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have been reported to improve significantly with the concomitant administration of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor abciximab. There are, however, no data available with the use of eptifibatide, a more cost‐effective, small‐molecule GP IIb/IIIa blocker with a shorter half‐life. In a prospective multicenter feasibility and efficacy study, we assigned 55 consecutive patients with AMI being taken up for primary stenting to receive eptifibatide just before the procedure (two boluses of 180 μg/kg 10 min apart and a 24‐hr infusion of 2 μg/kg/min). Clinical outcomes were evaluated at 30 days after the procedure. The angiographic patency of the vessel with TIMI flow rates, TIMI myocardial perfusion (TMP) grade, and corrected TIMI frame counts were assessed at the end of procedure and before hospital discharge. At 30 days, the primary endpoint, a composite of death, myocardial infarction, and urgent target vessel revascularization (TVR) was seen in 12.7% of patients. The TIMI 3 and TMP grade 3 flow, which was seen in 93% and 86% of patient, respectively, at the end of the procedure, declined to 86% and 78%, respectively (P < 0.05) before hospital discharge. Corrected TIMI frame counts also decreased from 25.7 ± 7.2 to 22.9 ± 6.8 (P < 0.05). There were five (9.1%) instances of subacute thrombosis (SAT) presenting as AMI, needing urgent TVR in all, within 3–5 days of the primary procedure. No excessive bleeding complication, directly attributable to the use of eptifibatide, was observed. The study was terminated prematurely because of an unacceptable SAT rate. Administration of eptifibatide along with primary stenting for AMI is associated with a high TIMI 3 and TMP grade 3 flow acutely. However, these flows decline significantly before hospital discharge and lead to a high rate of SAT. The dosage and duration of infusion of eptifibatide in this setting needs further evaluation. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;57:497–503. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Suture‐mediated closure of antegrade femoral arteriotomy following infrainguinal intervention
Authors: Khosla Sandeep , Kunjummen Binu , Guerrero Mayra , Manda Ravi , Razminia Mansoor , Ahmed Aziz
Published: December 2002

Antegrade femoral arterial access has been less commonly adopted for infrainguinal intervention due to increased risk of retroperitoneal hemorrhage secondary to noncompressibility of arteriotomy site. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of suture‐mediated closure of antegrade femoral arteriotomy using the Closer device. Twelve consecutive patients undergoing infrainguinal intervention (females, 5; mean body weight, 69 ± 16 kg; limb threatening ischemia, 50%) underwent repair of the antegrade femoral arteriotomy immediately postprocedure using the Closer. Indications for antegrade access were excessive iliac tortuosity (6/12), long femoral artery occlusion (5/12), and bilateral aortoiliac bifurcation stents (1/12). The acute procedural success (immediate hemostasis without need for manual compression) was 100%. The mean time to ambulation was 3.9 ± 1.5 hr and the procedure‐related length of stay was 18 ± 5.5 hr. In conclusion, repair of antegrade arterial puncture is safe and effective following infrainguinal intervention. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;57:504–507. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long balloon angioplasty with focal stenting for the treatment of diffuse coronary artery disease
Authors: Prieto Alejandro R. , Przybysz Aaron , Fischell Tim A.
Published: December 2002

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of treating long coronary lesions (> 30 mm) with either a 40 or a 60 mm long Scimed Cobra balloon followed by focal (contingency) stenting of areas with suboptimal results. Diffuse lesion length is a morphological characteristic associated with a poorer clinical outcome after balloon angioplasty with or without stenting. Patients were enrolled in a prospective randomized fashion to have initial PTCA with either a 40 or a 60 mm long balloon followed by focal stenting in areas with suboptimal results. The MACE rate at 6‐month follow‐up was collected from all patients and was the primary endpoint of the study. A total of 41 patients were enrolled into the study. The acute procedural success rate was 97.5% with a 6‐month MACE rate of 9.8%. The use of long balloons with contingency stenting is a highly effective strategy for the treatment of diffuse coronary lesions. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;57:437–443. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative study of aging in the mouse olfactory bulb
Authors: Mirich Jennifer M. , Williams Nathaniel C. , Berlau Daniel J. , Brunjes Peter C.
Published: December 2002

Gene knockout technologies have been used to elevate the mouse as a model species. However, little work has examined age and strain differences in the mouse olfactory system. The present study compared the olfactory bulbs of mature (6 month) and aged (24 month) males of BALB/cBy, C57BL/6J, and DBA/2 strains. Volumes of the glomerular (GLM), external plexiform (EPL), and mitral/granule cell (MIG) layers varied little from strain to strain. Volume measurements increased with age even when corrected for body weight differences. Two nonoverlapping interneuron populations were examined with immunohistochemistry. Staining for the calcium binding protein calretinin varied little between strains, but age‐related increases in staining were seen in EPL of C57BL/6J mice. Typical patterns of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity were observed in all subjects except for old DBA/2 mice, which evidenced considerable staining in submitral areas. Age‐related increases were observed in BALB/cBy and DBA/2 mice but not in the C57BL/6J strain. Glial fibrillary acidic protein staining was similar in old BALB/cBy and DBA/2 mice, with astrocytes in all layers of the bulb, but more concentrated in the MIG. However, C57BL/6J tissue revealed very large astrocytes relatively evenly distributed in all layers. Cell proliferation dropped dramatically with age. Labeled cells could still be observed along the lateral ventricles, but very few were observed within the rostral migratory stream or subventricular zone. Although TUNEL labeling revealed many apoptotic figures in the granule cell layer of young subjects, almost no staining was seen in aged mice. J. Comp. Neurol. 454:361–372, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.