bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of short‐term calcium hydroxide treatment on dentin bond strengths to composite resin
Authors: Windley William , Ritter André , Trope Martin
Published: December 2004

Abstract  – The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) treatment on the bond strengths to dentin of a resin‐based composite material. Two distinct dental adhesives, Prime & Bond (P&B) NT and Single Bond (SB) were used. One hundred and twenty‐seven bovine incisors were mounted in acrylic, ground flat to expose middle dentin, polished to 600‐grit, and randomly assigned to 10 groups: (i) 0 days, no Ca(OH)2, P&B NT; (ii) 7 days, no Ca(OH)2, P&B NT; (iii) 7 days, Ca(OH)2, P&B NT; (iv) 30 days, no Ca(OH)2, P&B NT; (v) 30 days, Ca(OH)2, P&B NT; (vi) 0 days, no Ca(OH)2, SB; (vii) 7 days, no Ca(OH)2, SB; (viii) 7 days, Ca(OH)2, SB; (ix) 30 days, no Ca(OH)2, SB; (x) 30 days, Ca(OH)2, SB. All specimens were stored in an incubator at 37°C. Specimens were then retrieved and the dentin surface was rinsed with air/water spray from a triple syringe. Dentin was etched with 37% phosphoric acid (PA) for 15 s, rinsed, blot dried, and coated with adhesive according to manufacturer's instructions. The adhesive was light cured for 10 s, and Filtek Z250 was applied to the surface with a #5 gelatin capsule and light cured for 160 s. Shear bond strengths were measured for each specimen in an Instron unit at a cross‐head speed of 0.5 mm min−1. The data were subjected to anova and Duncan post‐hoc tests. Mean shear bond strengths for P&B NT ranged from 8.02 to 11.79 MPa. There was no significant difference between P&B NT groups treated with or without Ca(OH)2 at any time interval. Mean shear bond strengths for SB ranged from 14.70 to 19.54 MPa. No significant difference was found between SB groups treated with or without Ca(OH)2 at 7 days. At 30 days, SB with Ca(OH)2 was significantly higher than SB without Ca(OH)2. Short‐term Ca(OH)2 treatment had no detrimental effect on dentin bond strengths to the ethanol or acetone‐based adhesive resin systems tested.
Human papillomavirus‐negative ileostomal chronic papillomatous dermatitis
Authors: Williams Christy M. , Wieland Ulrike , Rodning Charles B. , Horenstein Marcelo G.
Published: December 2004

Background:  Papillomatous stoma‐related skin lesions may result from irritant reactions or infection with epidermodysplasia verruciformis human papillomavirus (HPV) types.

Methods:   We report upon a papillomatous lesion at the ileostoma of a 63‐year‐old male with familial adenomatous polyposis and colorectal adenocarcinoma. We thoroughly tested the lesion for HPV using immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction analyses.

Results:   The lesion was a fleshy, multilobulated, and verrucous plaque, with hyperkeratosis, hypergranulosis, acanthosis and marked papillomatosis. The clinical and light microscopic features were suggestive of a condyloma. However, no HPV was detected.

Conclusions:  We suggest that the lesion most likely represents chronic papillomatous dermatitis, a reaction to mechanical and/or chemical irritation usually associated with urostomies and only rarely observed with ileostomies. This case highlights the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of an unusual cutaneous morbidity associated with ileostomies.
Growth factor receptor profile of CD34+ cells in normal bone marrow, cord blood and mobilized peripheral blood
Authors: De Waele M. , Renmans W. , Asosingh K. , Vander Gucht K. , Van Riet I.
Published: December 2004

Growth factors regulate the proliferation and differentiation of hemopoietic cells. Their effect on hemopoietic precursors differs according to the ontogenic source of the cells. Cord blood and mobilized blood CD34+ cells have a higher sensitivity for growth factors than bone marrow CD34+ cells. This could be due to a higher expression of growth factor receptors. Therefore, we examined the expression of receptors for stem cell factor (SCF), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐3, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) and IL‐7 on the CD34+ cells of cord blood, mobilized peripheral blood and bone marrow. The receptors were detected with monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry. The majority of the CD34+ cells in bone marrow clearly expressed SCFR; they showed a moderate positivity for IL‐3Rα and a weak staining for G‐CSFR and IL‐6 Rα. Less than 10% of the cells were IL‐7R positive. Cord blood CD34+ cells showed a higher expression of SCFR and a lower positivity for G‐CSFR and IL‐6Rα. Mobilized blood CD34+ cells showed a lower expression of SCFR and G‐CSFR, and a higher positivity for IL‐3Rα. This was not solely due to the presence of more myeloid precursors in mobilized blood, as the growth factor receptor profile did not correspond to that of early or late myeloid CD34+ precursors in normal bone marrow. Changes induced by the mobilization procedure occurred as well. In conclusion, the higher sensitivity for growth factors of hemopoietic precursors in cord blood and mobilized blood cannot be explained by a general increase of the growth factor receptor expression on the CD34+ cells.
Successful treatment of systemic amyloidosis with hepatic involvement and factor X deficiency by high dose melphalan chemotherapy and autologous stem cell reinfusion
Authors: Breems Dimitri A. , Sonneveld Pieter , de Man Rob A. , Leebeek Frank W. G.
Published: December 2004

Systemic amyloidosis with hepatic involvement is a rare disorder, which is characterized by the deposits of amyloid fibrils in the liver. The prognosis is poor and the median survival is 13 months. Bleeding problems resulting from coagulopathy frequently complicates systemic amyloidosis. We present two patients with a severe factor X deficiency and hepatomegaly as the presenting abnormalities of systemic amyloidosis. One of the patients was treated with high dose melphalan chemotherapy and autologous stem cell reinfusion, resulting in a normalization of the liver enzyme tests and the factor X level. The diagnosis and treatment of systemic amyloidosis with hepatic involvement and the management of the multifactorial coagulopathy in these cases is discussed.
Establishment and characterization of normal and initiated hamster tracheal epithelial cell system
Authors: Potdar P. D. , Bhisey A. N.
Published: December 2004

Abstract. The development and characterization of normal hamster tracheal epithelial (HTE) cell system and its initiated subline is described in the present study. Normal HTE cells grew in a monolayer, had a stable diploid karyotype, were anchorage dependent and non‐tumorigenic. The presence of desmosomal attachments and keratin filaments confirmed the epithelial nature of these cells. An initiated subline DTC8 was isolated after treatment of HTE cells with a suboptimal dose of 9,10‐dimethyl‐1,2‐benz[a]anthracene (DMBA). These DTC8 cells grew in a monolayer, had a higher growth rate and saturation density, were weakly anchorage independent and non‐tumorigenic. Treatment of DTC8 cells with 100 ng 12‐O‐tetradecanoyl phorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA), resulted in transformation of these cells which then showed anchorage independent growth on semisolid agar and formed tumours in 85% animals. As DTC8 cells showed heterogeneity in chromosome number, they were further cloned by the limiting dilution method using gamma‐irradiated hamster embryonic fibroblasts as a feeder layer. The clone H71, isolated among these clones had all the properties of initiated cells.
The need for dynamic methods for measuring cell cycle perturbations: a study in radiation‐treated lymphoblastoid cell lines of varying p53 status
Authors: Gilchrist R. , Lomax M. E. , Camplejohn R. S.
Published: December 2004

Abstract. Reports on the p53‐related cell cycle and apoptotic responses of EBV‐transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines to DNA damage have led to some confusion. This may be due to differences in the nature of the specific p53 mutations under examination, but it can also be partly attributed to methodological and analytical problems (e.g. the inappropriate use of static DNA histograms for cell cycle analysis). Taking seven lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from both normal individuals and Li‐Fraumeni Syndrome/Li‐Fraumeni‐Like (LFS/LFL) patients of differing p53 status, we completed a detailed study of radiation‐induced cell cycle perturbations. Using BrdUrd pulse labelling and flow cytometry it was found that, regardless of p53 status, the cells did not arrest in G1 despite all of the lines showing p53 upregulation 3 hours postirradiation. The irradiated cells did, however, show a general slowing both in S‐phase entry from G1 and in movement through S‐phase. These facts would not have been apparent from the analysis of static DNA histograms. The problems with the use of static methods to assess changes in the dynamics of cell cycle progression apply not only to studies involving EBV‐transformed cell lines, but also to a wide range of investigations into the molecular control of cell proliferation.
Correlation between cholesterol esterification, MDR1 gene expression and rate of cell proliferation in CEM and MOLT4 cell lines
Authors: Batetta B. , Pani A. , Putzolu M. , Sanna F. , Bonatesta R. , Piras S. , Spano O. , Mulas M. F. , Dessí S.
Published: December 2004

Abstract. A positive correlation between cholesterol esterification and growth rate potential was previously found in our laboratory during the growth of CEM and MOLT4 lymphoblastic cells. In the current study, we investigated whether the rates of cholesterol esters synthesis correlate with changes of acyl‐CoAcholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) mRNA levels and of other genes implied in cholesterol biosynthesis and uptake, such as 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA (HMGCoA) reductase and low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor. The results showed that the more rapid growing CEM cells had lower levels of expression of HMGCoA‐reductase and LDL receptors compared to MOLT4. By contrast, ACAT mRNA levels were higher in CEM cells, further supporting the concept of a possible involvement of cholesterol esters in the regulation of cell growth and division. In this study, high levels of cholesterol esterification and of expression of ACAT gene were also associated with a markedly increased expression of multidrug resistance (MDR1) gene, suggesting that MDR1 activity might contribute to regulate the rate of cell growth and division by modulating intracellular cholesterol ester levels.
Octaploid Meth‐A cells are established from a highly polyploidized cell population
Authors: Fujikawa‐Yamamoto Kohzaburo , Yamagishi Hiroko , Miyagoshi Minoru
Published: December 2004

Abstract.  Tetraploid Meth‐A cells were polyploidized by demecolcin, an inhibitor of spindle fibre formation in M phase, and then released from the drug 1, 2, 3 and 4 days after the addition. Octaploid cells were successfully established from cell populations including hexadecaploid cells produced by 2, 3 and 4 days of exposure to demecolcin. One‐day‐treated cells were polyploidized octaploid cells, but they returned to tetraploid cells. All of the octaploid Meth‐A cells showed essentially the same features. The octaploid Meth‐A cells had eight homologous chromosomes and double the DNA content of the parent tetraploid cells. The doubling time of octaploid Meth‐A cells was 30.2 h, somewhat longer than the 28.3 and 24.0 h of tetraploid and diploid cells, respectively. The fractions of cells in the G1, S and G2/M phases were essentially the same in diploid, tetraploid and octaploid Meth‐A cells. The cell volume of octaploid Meth‐A cells was about two times that of the tetraploid cells. It was concluded that octaploid Meth‐A cells were established from transient hexadecaploid cells produced by the polyploidization of tetraploid cells that had been established from diploid cells.
Prevalence of squamous abnormalities in women with a recent smear without endocervical cells is lower as compared to women with smears with endocervical cells
Authors: Siebers A. G. , De Leeuw H. , Verbeek A. L. M. , Hanselaar A. G. J. M.
Published: December 2004

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence rate ratio of squamous lesions in women with recent smears without endocervical component (ECC−) versus women having a smear with ECC+ and to estimate the true prevalence of these lesions in women with ECC− smears by addition of short‐term follow‐up results of negative ECC− smears. Results of initial smears in a 3‐year period, as well as follow‐up results of negative ECC− smears in the same period were retrieved. Women were categorized into two groups: having ECC− and ECC+ smears. The data were analysed for three outcome parameters, ASCUS or higher (ASCUS+), LSIL or higher (LSIL+) and HSIL or higher (HSIL+). Squamous abnormalities occurred far less frequently in women with initial ECC− than with ECC+ smears. Prevalence rate ratio (PRR) was 0.27 for ASCUS+, 0.39 for LSIL+ and 0.36 for HSIL+. Addition of follow‐up results of negative ECC− smears, as a correction for false‐negative ECC− smears, results in PRRs which are still significantly lower than 1, and most marked in subset HSIL+ (PRR = 0.60). We conclude that the true prevalence of squamous lesions in women with recent ECC− smears is significantly lower as compared with ECC+ smears. These findings lent support to the decision to abolish the repeat of ECC− smears in the Dutch population screening programme.
Hormone receptor status in breast cancer – a comparison between surgical specimens and fine needle aspiration biopsies
Authors: Löfgren L. , Skoog L. , von Schoultz E. , Tani E. , Isaksson E. , Fernstad R. , Carlström K. , von Schoultz B.
Published: December 2004

The present study was performed to evaluate the immunocytochemical analysis (ICA) of oestrogen (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies from primary breast cancers as compared with the established enzyme immunoassays (ER‐EIA and PR‐EIA) based on cytosol homogenates from the corresponding resected tumour specimens. A total of 967 primary breast cancers were assessed for ER and PR content by both methods. Correlations between EIA and ICA expressed as percentage of tumour cells with a positive staining were highly significant (P < 0.001) for ER and PR. Staining intensity yielded only limited additional information. The concordance between the two techniques was about 80%. Evaluation of biological parameters by FNA may be useful to decide the optimal treatment for breast cancer patients.
Neighbourhood affects a plant’s risk of herbivory and subsequent success
Authors: KARBAN RICHARD
Published: December 2004

1. It is generally assumed that growing in proximity to sources of nectar will benefit plants by attracting predators and parasites that reduce herbivore loads.

2. This paper documents patterns of hornworm Manduca quinquemaculata abundance on wild tobacco plants Nicotiana attenuata. Observations suggested that several plant traits were associated with hornworm eggs and larvae.

3. Hornworms were more likely to be found on large tobacco plants.

4. Hornworms were more likely to be found on tobacco plants with flowering Eriastrum densifolium neighbours.

5. Experimental removal of neighbouring Eriastrum densifolium flowers or whole plants reduced hornworm damage to tobacco plants in neighbourhoods with E. densifolium. The effects of these manipulations were not found to increase reproductive success of neighbouring tobacco plants, although tobacco reproduction was reduced where M. quinquemaculata was abundant.

6. These results suggest that close proximity to nectar resources could decrease plant fitness.
Abundance–range size relationships of macrolepidoptera in Britain: the effects of taxonomy and life history variables
Authors: QUINN RACHEL , GASTON KEVIN , BLACKBURN TIM , EVERSHAM BRIAN
Published: December 2004

1. A positive relationship between the local abundances and regional distributions of species in an assemblage has been observed for a wide variety of taxa, but its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.

2. Taxonomically controlled analyses of a group of the British macrolepidoptera (moths) find a strong, abundance–range size relationship.

3. Degree of polyphagy and habitat generalism explain significant within‐taxon variation in both range size and abundance, with polyphages and habitat generalists having larger ranges and greater local abundances than specialists.

4. Taxa that feed in niches considered to be associated with a high diversity of parasitoids have significantly smaller range sizes than other taxa.

5. With the possible exception of body size, none of the life history variables examined explain significant variation around the range size–abundance relationship.
Asymmetric competition between larvae of the blowflies Calliphora vicina and Lucilia sericata in carrion
Authors: SMITH K. E. , WALL R.
Published: December 2004

1. The relative abundance of the blowflies Calliphora vicina (R.‐D.) and Lucilia sericata (Meigen) in carrion was considered in relation to inter‐ and intraspecific larval competition and the distribution of adults between habitat types.

2. In mixed and pure laboratory cultures of L. sericata and C. vicina the mortality of both species increased and adult size declined as the initial larval number was increased. However, for L. sericata at initial numbers greater than ten larvae/g of liver, the effects of competition on adult size and mortality were greater in the mixed cultures than in the pure cultures. In contrast, for C. vicina at numbers greater than ten larvae/g of liver, the effects of competition on adult size and mortality were greater in the pure cultures than in the mixed cultures.

3. The laboratory data suggest therefore that for L. sericata the effects of interspecific competition with C. vicina on size and mortality were greater than the effects of intraspecific competition in a pure culture at the same initial number. Notably, however, the intensity of interspecific competition was not sufficiently asymmetric to allow C. vicina to exclude L. sericata even at the highest numbers examined.

4. In the field, higher numbers of adult L. sericata emerged from the carcasses of laboratory mice placed in open pasture than in woodland or hedgerow sites. In contrast, higher numbers of C. vicina emerged from carcasses placed in woodland and hedgerow sites.

5. Trapping showed that in the field adult L. sericata were relatively more abundant in open pasture than in woodland and hedgerow sites, while C. vicina were more abundant in woodland and hedgerow sites than in open pasture.

6. It is concluded that the low numbers of L. sericata that emerge from carrion relative to the numbers of C. vicina may, in part, be the result of asymmetric interspecific competition, but that the uneven distribution of adults of the two species among habitat types also plays a major role in shaping the blowfly community in carrion.
Phenotypic plasticity in hoverflies: the relationship between colour pattern and season in Episyrphus balteatus and other Syrphidae
Authors: HOLLOWAY GRAHAM , MARRIOTT CLIFF , CROCKER
Published: December 2004

1. The abdominal colour patterns of some multivoltine species of hoverfly are phenotypically plastic and change through the flying season.

2. It was predicted how the abdominal colour pattern of one species, Episyrphus balteatus, should change in the field with season based on a hypothesis that the pattern influences the thermoregulatory capabilities of the animal. The colour patterns were quantified using image analysis. The observed changes in the colour pattern through the year supported the thermoregulation hypothesis.

3. A further three Metasyrphus species were analysed similarly to allow a comparative study of the forms of the plasticities of the above four species and four Eristalis species from a previous study.

4. Whilst it was clear that the abdominal colour patterns of many of the species were plastic, it was also apparent that not all species used the same developmental pathway to control the seasonal colour pattern changes. This suggests convergent evolution towards a general type of plasticity and that abdominal colour pattern plasticity in hoverflies is functional.
Parasitism and ant protection alter the survival of the lycaenid Hemiargus isola
Authors: Weeks Jennifer A.
Published: December 2004

Abstract. 1. Although the majority of lycaenid–ant associations is facultative, few studies have documented the protection benefits provided by ants to lycaenids that are tended facultatively (Pierce & Easteal, 1986; Peterson, 1993).

2. Larvae of Hemiargus isola (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) feeding on Dalea albiflora are tended facultatively by several species of ant. In 1999 and 2000, the levels of parasitism and the identities of attendant ants were determined for larvae of H. isola. In addition, the presence of ants was manipulated experimentally to determine the efficacy of protection provided by attendant ants to H. isola.

3. Lycaenids were parasitised by a braconid wasp, Cotesia cyaniridis (Riley), and a tachinid fly, Aplomya theclarum (Scudder). In 1999 and 2000, 62 and 65% of larvae were parasitised; the percentage of the population parasitised did not differ significantly between years. In both 1999 and 2000, parasitism by the braconid wasp C. cyaniridis accounted for > 99% of all parasitism events.

4. Four species of ant, Crematogaster sp., Dorymyrmex sp., Forelius sp., and Formica sp., were associated with 88–99% of the tended lycaenids collected in both 1999 and 2000. For both years, there was a single, numerically dominant species associated with >80% of the tended larvae collected, but the identity of this numerically dominant ant differed between years.

5. Experimental exclusion of ants from D. albiflora plants resulted in 78% larval mortality as a result of parasitism, nearly twice that of larvae that were tended by ants on unmanipulated plants.
Movement of two grassland butterflies in the same habitat network: the role of adult resources and size of the study area
Authors: Schneider Christine , Dover John , Fry Gary L. A.
Published: December 2004

Abstract.1.  Movement patterns of two butterfly species (meadow brownManiola jurtinaL. and scarce copperLycaenae virgaureaeL.) were studied in a 172 ha area within a landscape with a high percentage of suitable habitats for mark–release–recapture experiments.

2.  Adult resource density, but not patch size or larval food plant abundance, influenced the numbers and the fractions of residents, emigrants, and immigrants.

3.  Differences between species were observed in movement frequency and maximum distances moved but not in mean distances moved.

4.  The scarce copper showed much greater movement ability than expected from the results of published studies. This is believed to be a result of the comparatively large size of the study area and the high cover of suitable habitat (>50%).

5.  The mean and maximum distances travelled by butterflies reflected differences in the size of the study area.
Geographical variation in egg cold hardiness: a study on the adaptation strategies of the migratory locust Locusta migratoria L.
Authors: Jing Xiao‐Hong , Kang Le
Published: December 2004

Abstract. 1. For many species of insect, cold hardiness is an important trait that enables a population to develop in the next season and to extend its range. To elucidate the role of cold hardiness of the migratory locust Locusta migratoria L. in its outbreak and distribution areas, egg cold hardiness was examined in locusts derived from four locations from latitude 18°23′N to latitude 41°10′N in eastern China.

2. The supercooling points of eggs from different geographic populations did not differ significantly for the first development stage, with an average ± SE of −24.5 ± 0.51 °C, or for the second stage, −22.06 ± 0.68 °C, however there was a significant difference for the embryonic development phase among the four geographical populations. The egg supercooling point increased gradually from neonatal egg to old egg; eggs prior to hatching always had a much higher supercooling point.

3. Comparisons of the cold hardiness of four populations were carried out by validating the close correlation between latitude and the effects of cold on hatching, low lethal temperature (Ltemp50), and low lethal time (Ltime50). There were significant differences among the four populations; the northern population was more cold hardy than the southern population, and the two mid‐latitude populations were intermediately cold hardy.

4. The cold hardiness of all populations was enhanced to various degrees by short‐term cold acclimation at 0 °C and 5 °C. For most populations, a 2‐day acclimation period seemed to be optimal.
Ecological interactions among ants in the genus Linepithema, their phorid parasitoids, and ant competitors
Authors: Orr Matthew R. , Dahlsten Donald L. , Benson Woodruff W.
Published: December 2004

Abstract. 1. Many ant species abandon foraging and retreat underground when parasitoids in the dipteran family Phoridae are present. Although the influence of phorids on ant foraging is well documented, their influence on interspecific competition is less studied. This study examined whether phorids influenced the competitive ability of host ants in the genus Linepithema at two sites in Brazil.

2. The phorid Pseudacteon lontrae attacked Linepithema piliferum at one site, while the phorid Pseudacteon pusillus attacked an unknown Linepithema (Linepithema sp.) at the other site. Phorid parasitoids of Linepithema were far more common than phorids of other ant species.

3. Despite a high abundance of phorids, it was difficult to conclude that they influenced competition. Captures in pitfall traps indicated that host Linepithema were most active during times of day when phorids were inactive.

4. Camponotus rufipes and Brachymyrmex sp., the most common competitors of Linepithema sp. (60% of all interactions), dominated Linepithema sp. during the day regardless of phorids. Remaining ant species could not be evaluated individually because they interacted with Linepithema sp. infrequently.

5. Ectatomma brunneum was the most common competitor of L. piliferum (58% of all interactions). The high abundance of phorids at this site made it impossible to evaluate interactions between E. brunneum and L. piliferum in the absence of phorids.

6. Phorids seldom influenced exploitative competition by causing host Linepithema to abandon the bait when no ant competitors were present.
Electropyhsiological assessment of the afferent sensory pathway in cardiac arrest survivors
Authors: Bauer E. , Funk G.‐C. , Gendo A. , Kramer L. , Zauner C. , Sterz F. , Schneider B. , Madl C.
Published: December 2004

Background Hypoxic‐ischaemic brain damage in cardiac arrest survivors is global, but postmortem histology could identify parts of the brain that are selectively vulnerable to ischaemia, comprising the thalamus and cortex. We hypothesized that hypoxic‐ischaemic brain damage increases along the afferent sensory pathway with a stepwise decrease of detectable somatosensory evoked potential peaks.

Methods Somatosensory evoked potentials were recorded within 72 h after cardiac arrest in 305 comatose patients after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We measured the short latency SEP peaks N9, P15, N20, P25 (reflecting the peripheral‐thalamo‐cortical pathway) and the long latency SEP peaks N35 and N70 (reflecting complex cortico–cortical interactions). Patients with a Cerebral Performance Category score > 2 at 1 year were defined as patients with hypoxic‐ischaemic brain damage.

Results Patients with hypoxic‐ischaemic brain damage (n = 232) showed a statistically significant decrease of detectable peaks (P < 0·05) along the thalamo‐cortical afferent pathway: N13, P15, N20, P25 and N70 peaks were detectable in 99%, 63%, 59%, 55% and 44% patients, respectively. In patients without hypoxic‐ischaemic brain damage (n = 73) the N13, P15, N20, P25 peaks were detectable in all, and the N35 and N70 peaks in 98%. Furthermore, in patients with hypoxic‐ischaemic brain damage and detectable SEP peaks, P15, N20, P25, N35 and N70, peak latencies were prolonged (P < 0·05) and N20 and N70 amplitudes were decreased (P < 0·05) compared with patients without hypoxic‐ischaemic brain damage.

Conclusion Extent of hypoxic‐ischaemic brain damage in cardiac arrest survivors increases along the afferent sensory pathway, with pronounced vulnerability of thalamic and cortical brain regions.
Homocysteine‐lowering treatment with folic acid plus vitamin B6 lowers urinary albumin excretion but not plasma markers of endothelial function or C‐reactive protein: further analysis of secondary end‐points of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Vermeulen E. G. J. , Rauwerda J. A. , Van Den Berg M. , De Jong S. C. , Schalkwijk C. , Twisk J. W. R. , Stehouwer C. D. A.
Published: December 2004

Background Hyperhomocysteinaemia is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and is thought to induce its effects through causing endothelial dysfunction. We studied the effect of homocysteine‐lowering treatment with folic acid plus vitamin B6 on urinary and plasma markers of endothelial function, and on plasma C‐reactive protein, a marker of chronic inflammation.

Design We performed a placebo‐controlled 2‐year trial among 158 healthy siblings of patients with premature atherosclerotic disease to determine the effect of daily folic acid (5 mg) plus vitamin B6 (250 mg) treatment as compared with placebo medication (n = 80) on markers of endothelial function (urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio and plasma concentrations of soluble E‐selectin, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, von Willebrand factor, tissue‐type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1) and inflammation (C‐reactive protein). Outcome variables were assessed at baseline and after 1 and 2 years of treatment.

Results Fasting homocysteine concentrations (µmol L−1) at baseline and after treatment were 14·7 ± 8·2 and 7·4 ± 1·9 in the vitamin and 14·7 ± 8·8 and 12·0 ± 5·4 for the placebo group, respectively. Vitamin treatment was associated with a decreased urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio at follow up [regression coefficient (β) –0·20 mg mmol−1 (CI: −0·43–0·03); P = 0·09]. After adjustment for age, sex, baseline concentrations of postmethionine total homocysteine plus the baseline albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio, the β was –0·23 mg mmol−1 (CI: –0·43 to –0·02; P = 0·03), which amounts to a decrease of approximately 20%. There was no apparent effect of vitamin treatment on the other markers.

Conclusions Homocysteine‐lowering vitamin treatment in healthy siblings of patients with premature atherosclerotic disease is associated with a decreased urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio, but not with other markers of endothelial dysfunction, or in plasma C‐reactive protein. The clinical significance of these findings remains to be determined.
Body mass index is the main risk factor for arterial hypertension in young subjects without major comorbidity
Authors: Lukas Arno , Kumbein Friedrich , Temml Christian , Mayer Bernd , Oberbauer Rainer
Published: December 2004

Background Analytical statistics revealed a variety of risk factors for hypertension, but the complex interplay between different factors remains to be determined by more powerful statistical techniques.

Methods Analytical as well as new, explorative statistical methods such as natural segmentation (k‐means) and predictive modelling algorithms (C4·5) were used to classify the interactions of the individual risk factors for arterial hypertension in a large cohort of subjects. Fifty‐five attributes (subject base, sociodemographic, medical history, laboratory data) were obtained from each of the 3547 participants of a community‐based health survey. The study subjects, mean age of 41 years, were free of major comorbidity.

Results Twenty‐five percent of the subjects had at least stage 1 hypertension. No clear linear dependency of risk factors with the diagnosis hypertension could be derived by the analytical statistics. In particular, the mutual amplification of different risk factors towards hypertension could not be revealed by these techniques. Explorative analytics however, uncovered body mass index (BMI) as the main single risk factor associated with hypertension. High predictive accuracy was achieved when combinations of certain risk factors including male gender and age were used.

Conclusions In summary, the survey of risk factors for hypertension using explorative analytics yielded high increases for the correct prediction of arterial hypertension. In this cohort, BMI was the single strongest parameter associated with arterial hypertension.
Endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitors and renal perfusion in patients with heart failure
Authors: Kielstein J. T. , Bode‐Böger S. M. , Klein G. , Graf S. , Haller H. , Fliser D.
Published: December 2004

Background Patients with heart failure are characterized by impaired nitric oxide‐dependent endothelial vasodilation and, in addition, by reduced renal perfusion.

Design We assessed blood concentrations of the endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) as well as renal haemodynamics to compare normotensive patients with mild heart failure (n = 12, seven males, 70 ± 1 years, 72·0 ± 2·7 kg, 92 ± 2 mmHg, NYHA I/II) and healthy subjects matched with respect to gender, age and body weight (n = 12, seven males, 69 ± 2 years, 72·7 ± 2·5 kg, 88 ± 2 mmHg).

Results Plasma ADMA concentration and renovascular resistance (RVR) were significantly higher (P < 0·01) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) significantly lower (P < 0·01) in the patients with heart failure (ADMA 4·18 ± 0·42 µmol L−1, RVR 159 ± 12 mmHg mL−1 min−1, ERPF 381 ± 26 mL min−1 1·73 m−2) as compared with the healthy controls (ADMA 2·38 ± 0·11 µmol L−1, RVR 117 ± 8 mmHg mL−1 min−1, ERPF 496 ± 19 mL min−1 1·73 m−2). In contrast, plasma concentrations of l‐arginine, homocysteine, symmetric dimethylarginine (i.e. the biologically inactive stereoisomer of ADMA) and plasma renin activity were not significantly different in both groups studied. In the multiple regression analysis, only plasma ADMA concentrations independently predicted reduced ERPF (r = −0·57; P < 0·003).

Conclusions In normotensive patients with heart failure plasma ADMA concentrations are markedly increased and related to reduced renal perfusion. Thus accumulation of this endogenous nitric oxide inhibitor may play a role in renal pathology in these patients.
Tumor vascularity and tryptase‐positive mast cells correlate with a poor prognosis in melanoma
Authors: Ribatti D. , Ennas M. G. , Vacca A. , Ferreli F. , Nico B. , Orru S. , Sirigu P.
Published: December 2004

See commentary on page 361.

Background The importance of angiogenesis in melanoma has been controversial and is not homogeneous. Mast cell density (MCD) is highly correlated with the extent of both normal and pathological angiogenesis, such as that in chronic inflammatory diseases and tumours.

Methods We evaluated the prognostic significance of tumour microvascular density (MVD) and MCD in 25 advanced melanoma patients after resection and a 4–5‐year follow up: 48% of the patients were alive and free of metastases (good prognostic subgroup); 16% had developed regional nodal metastases (intermediate prognostic subgroup); and 36% had died (poor prognostic subgroup). Tissues samples were investigated immunohistochemically to count microvessels and mast cells with an antifactor VIII and an antitryptase antibody, respectively.

Results Immunohistological staining showed a higher number of microvessels and mast cells in melanoma lesions of poor prognosis as compared with intermediate prognosis and with good prognosis, respectively.

Conclusions These data agree with those showing a close relationship between MCD and angiogenesis during tumour progression and demonstrate, for the first time, a prognostic significance of MCD in human melanoma.
Postprandial triglycerides in response to high fat: role of dietary carbohydrate
Authors: Kriketos A. D. , Sam W. , Schubert T. , Maclean E. , Campbell L. V.
Published: December 2004

Background The postprandial triglyceride response following a meal high in fat (HFM) has been related to atherogenesis and insulin resistance. We examined the influence of dietary carbohydrate and the accompanying insulin secretory response on the postprandial triglyceride response following a HFM.

Materials and design High‐fat meals of equal fat content (fat 80 g) containing either 20 g (low) or 100 g (high) of carbohydrate (HFM‐LC and HFM‐HC, respectively), and therefore not isocaloric (4250 kJ of HFM‐LC and 5450 kJ of HFM‐HC), were consumed by seven (four male, three female) normolipidaemic subjects (aged 32·9 ± 3·7 years, BMI 24·7 ± 1·8 kg m−2). Blood and indirect calorimetry data were collected at 0–4 h.

Results HFM‐HC produced a significant rise in plasma glucose (Δ0·54 ± 0·23 mmol L−1, P = 0·05) at 2 h, while a HFM‐LC elicited no mean change from baseline. Following a HFM‐LC, the plasma insulin incremental area under the curve (AUC) was significantly lower (31·3 ± 6·7 vs. 83·2 ± 11·9 mU l−1 h−1, P < 0·0003) and the postprandial triglyceride response AUC was significantly greater (1·66 ± 0·36 vs. 1·24 ± 0·31 mmol L−1 h−1, P < 0·006) compared with a HFM‐HC. Plasma free fatty acids were suppressed by 44% (P = 0·04) and 66% (P < 0·0001) at 1 h following HFM‐LC and HFM‐HC, respectively, compared with baseline. There were no significant differences between the meals in energy expenditure, substrate oxidation rates, or respiratory quotient responses.

Conclusions By design, the HFMs were not isocaloric but the presence of carbohydrate in a HFM invoked an insulin response that significantly reduced the 4 h postprandial triglyceride response even in healthy, normolipidaemic subjects. This phenomenon may have clinical implications, particularly in relation to insulin sensitivity.
Investigation into the fractal scaling of the structure and strength of soil aggregates
Authors: HALLETT  , BIRD  , DEXTER  , SEVILLE
Published: December 2004

The hierarchical nature of soil structure is examined by measuring the physical properties of a range of aggregate sizes obtained using repetitive fracture. Fractals are used to assess the change with aggregate size of the specific volume, the proportion of pre‐existing cracks which link to form the aggregate failure surface, and the aggregate failure stress. The pore size distribution, evaluated using mercury porosimetry and the application of the box counting algorithm to thin sections and thick sections, is also used to obtain a fractal dimension, D. Our results show that D depends upon the measurement approach for mass fractal scaling. This finding may limit the application of fractals to predict the scaling behaviour of soil physical properties.
Computer literacy and attitudes among students in 16 European dental schools: current aspects, regional differences and future trends
Authors: Mattheos N. , Nattestad A. , Schittek M. , Attström R.
Published: December 2004

A questionnaire survey was carried out to investigate the competence and attitude of dental students towards computers. The current study presents the findings deriving from 590 questionnaires collected from 16 European dental schools from 9 countries between October 1998 and October 1999. The results suggest that 60% of students use computers for their education, while 72% have access to the Internet. The overall figures, however, disguise major differences between the various universities. Students in Northern and Western Europe seem to rely mostly on university facilities to access the Internet. The same however, is not true for students in Greece and Spain, who appear to depend on home computers. Less than half the students have been exposed to some form of computer literacy education in their universities, with the great majority acquiring their competence in other ways. The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills of the average dental student, within this limited sample of dental schools, do not facilitate full use of new media available. In addition, if the observed regional differences are valid, there may be an educational and political problem that could intensify inequalities among professionals in the future. To minimize this potential problem, closer cooperation between academic institutions, with sharing of resources and expertise, is recommended.
Serial monitoring of immunological parameters following human hand transplant
Authors: Zheng Xiao‐Fei , Pei Guo‐Xian , Qiu Yu‐Rong , Zhu Li‐Jun , Gu Li‐Qiang
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Background:  Although early successes have been achieved in human hand transplant, the changes of immunological parameters in the recipients and their relations to clinical events were not yet known.

Methods:  In two patients undergoing hand transplantation, we prospectively determined lymphocyte subsets using flow cytometry as well as the serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and interferon (IFN)‐γ using enzyme linked immunosorbent assays during the first 6 months after transplantation.

Results:  The decreases in CD, CD, CD T cell, the activated T cell (CD/CD, CD/HLA‐DR+) as well as IL‐2, IFN‐γ and corresponding significant peak in IL‐10 in human hand transplant during the first post‐transplant week were observed. Then these parameters recovered to the pre‐transplant level except for an even higher level of CD T cell. The low CD/CD ratio was been maintained constantly. After 7 wk, IL‐2, IFN‐γ, and IL‐10 decreased to be maintained at a low or undetectable level except for slight increase in IL‐10 at post‐transplant month 5. There are no significant variation in TNF‐α early after transplant. After 3 months, IL‐10 was not detected again.

Conclusion:  The immunosuppressive agents had significantly effects on the immunological status in human hand transplant recipients. These profiles of immunological parameters would be useful data for the future immunomonitoring in human hand transplant recipients.
Internal hernia of the small bowel after right‐lobe live donor liver transplantation
Authors: Liu Chi‐Leung , Lo Chung‐Mau , Chan See‐Ching , Fan Sheung‐Tat , Wong John
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Internal hernia of small bowel is an uncommon but potentially fatal complication of liver transplantation. We report on four patients in whom internal hernia of small bowel occurred after right‐lobe live donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Three patients had small bowel herniation with volvulus around the Roux‐en‐Y loop whereas the other patient had herniation through the mesenteric window of transverse mesocolon after hepaticojejunostomy for biliary reconstruction. Based on clinical and radiologic findings, early diagnosis was made in all cases. All patients survived following surgical reduction of the hernia and closure of the mesenteric defect without bowel resection. Transplant surgeons should be aware of this serious complication so that early diagnosis and appropriate operative intervention can be made. The complication can be avoided with duct‐to‐duct biliary reconstruction or meticulous closure of all mesenteric defects with non‐absorbable suture materials after hepaticojejunostomy in patients undergoing right‐lobe LDLT.
Serum cholestasis markers as predictors of early outcome after liver transplantation
Authors: Ben‐Ari Ziv , Weiss‐Schmilovitz Hemda , Sulkes Jaqueline , Brown Marius , Bar‐Nathan Nathan , Shaharabani Ezra , Yussim Alexander , Shapira Zaki , Tur‐Kaspa Ran , Mor Eytan
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Background:  Early cholestasis is not uncommon after liver transplantation and usually signifies graft dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine if serum synthetic and cholestatic parameters measured at various time points after transplantation can predict early patient outcome, and graft function.

Methods:  The charts of 92 patients who underwent 95 liver transplantations at Rabin Medical Center between 1991 and 2000 were reviewed. Findings on liver function tests and levels of serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) on days 2, 10, 30, and 90 after transplantation were measured in order to predict early (6 months) patient outcome (mortality and sepsis) and initial poor functioning graft. Pearson correlation, χ2 test, and Student's t‐test were performed for univariate analysis, and logistic regression for multivariate analysis.

Results:  Univariate analysis. Serum bilirubin ≥10 mg/dL and international normalized ratio (INR) >1.6 on days 10, 30, and 90, and high serum ALP and low albumin levels on days 30 and 90 were risk factors for 6‐month mortality; serum bilirubin ≥10 mg/dL on days 10, 30, and 90, high serum ALP, high GGT, and low serum albumin, on days 30 and 90, and INR ≥1.6 on day 10 were risk factors for sepsis; high serum alanine aminotransferase, INR >1.6, and bilirubin ≥10 mg/dL on days 2 and 10 were risk factors for poor graft function. The 6‐month mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with serum bilirubin ≥10 mg/dL on day 10 than in patients with values of <10 mg/dL (29.4% vs. 4.0%, p = 0.004). Patients who had sepsis had high mean serum ALP levels on day 30 than patients who did not (364.5 ± 229.9 U/L vs. 70.8 ± 125.6 U/L, p = 0.005). Multivariate analysis. Significant predictors of 6‐month mortality were serum bilirubin ≥10 mg/dL [odds ratio (OR) 9.05, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.6–49.6] and INR >1.6 (OR 9.11, CI 1.5–54.8) on day 10; significant predictors were high serum ALP level on day 30 (OR 1.005, 1.001–1.01) and high GGT level on day 90 (OR 1.005, CI 1.001–1.01). None of the variables were able to predict initial poor graft functioning.

Conclusion:  Several serum cholestasis markers may serve as predictors of early outcome of liver transplantation. The strongest correlation was found between serum bilirubin ≥10 mg/dL on day 10 and early death, sepsis, and poor graft function. Early intervention in patients found to be at high risk may ameliorate the high morbidity and mortality associated with early cholestasis.
Fidelity of targeting to chloroplasts is not affected by removal of the phosphorylation site from the transit peptide
Authors: Nakrieko Kerry‐Ann , Mould Ruth M. , Smith Alison G.
Published: December 2004

Phosphorylation of the transit peptide of several chloroplast‐targeted proteins enables the binding of 14‐3‐3 proteins. The complex that forms, together with Hsp70, has been demonstrated to be an intermediate in the chloroplast protein import pathway in vitro[May, T. & Soll, J. (2000) Plant Cell12, 53–63]. In this paper we report that mutagenesis (in order to remove the phosphorylation site) of the transit peptide of the small subunit of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase did not affect its ability to target green fluorescent protein to chloroplasts in vivo. We also found no mistargeting to other organelles such as mitochondria. Similar alterations to the transit peptides of histidyl‐ or cysteinyl‐tRNA synthetase, which are dual‐targeted to chloroplasts and mitochondria, had no effect on their ability to target green fluorescent protein in vivo. Thus, phosphorylation of the transit peptide is not responsible for the specificity of chloroplast import.