bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marrow transplantation for Fanconi anaemia: conditioning with reduced doses of cyclophosphamide without radiation
Authors: Flowers Mary E. D. , Zanis Jose , Pasquini Ricardo , Deeg H. Joachim , Ribeiro Raul , Longton Gary , Medeiros Carlos R. , Doney Kristine , Sanders Jean , Bryant Eileen , Hansen John , Sullivan Keith M. , Appelbaum Frederick , Thomas E. Donnall , Storb Rainer
Published: October 2003

Nine patients with Fanconi anaemia (FA) were conditioned for HLA‐identical sibling bone marrow transplant (BMT) with reduced dose of cyclophosphamide (Cy) without radiation or antithymocyte globulin (ATG). The total dose of Cy was 140 mg/kg (n=2) or 120 mg/kg (n=7). The median patient age was 8 years (range 4–19). Graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis was with methotrexate and cyclosporine (n=8) or cyclosporine alone (n=1). All patients had sustained engraftment and two developed grade ≥II acute GVHD. Cy toxicity included grade ≥2 mucositis seen in all evaluable patients and haemorrhagic cystitis in two patients. The Kaplan‐Meier survival estimate is 89% with a median follow‐up of 285 d (range 56–528).

For the purpose of comparison, this report also reviews and updates long‐term follow‐up data on 32 previously reported FA patients conditioned with 140–200 mg Cy/kg without radiation.

The lowest dose of Cy (without radiation or ATG) after which HLA‐identical sibling marrow transplant can be successfully performed in FA patients has yet to be determined, but it appears that uniform and sustained engraftment can be achieved with a Cy dose of as low as 120 mg/kg.
Molecular cloning of the breakpoint of t(11;22)(q23;q11) chromosome translocation in an adult acute myelomonocytic leukaemia
Authors: Marukawa Osamu , Akao Yukihiro , Inazawa Johji , Ariyama Takeshi , Abe Tatsuo , Naoe Tomoki , Tanimoto Mitsune , Saito Hidehiko , Otsuki Yoshinori , Tsujimoto Yoshihide
Published: October 2003

Southern blot analysis with a cDNA probe of MLL indicated that the breakpoint is in a BamHI 8.3 kb fragment which carries the exon 5–11 of MLL gene in DNA from an adult acute myelomonocytic leukaemia with a t(11;22)(q23;q11) translocation. The structural analysis of the rearranged MLL locus demonstrated that the breakpoint is localized between exon 8 and 9 of MLL locus. The normal counterpart fused to the MLL locus was proved to be derived from chromosome 22q11(AF‐22) by somatic cell hybrids analysis and FISH. By FISH, AF‐22 locus was localized to the region more centromeric to the BCR gene.
Progesterone increases airway eosinophilia and hyper‐responsiveness in a murine model of allergic asthma
Authors: Hellings P. W. , Vandekerckhove P. , Claeys R. , Billen J. , Kasran A. , Ceuppens J. L.
Published: October 2003

Background
Sex hormones might affect the severity and evolution of bronchial asthma. From existing literature, there exists, however, no convincing evidence for either exacerbation or improvement of allergic symptoms by progesterone.

Objective
This study was aimed to explore the effect of exogenously administered progesterone in a mouse model of allergic asthma.

Methods
BALB/c mice were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) by intraperitoneal injections with OVA followed by chronic inhalation of nebulized OVA or physiologic saline (Sal). Medroxyprogesterone acetate or placebo was instilled daily into the oesophagus before and during the inhalatory OVA challenge phase.

Results
Progesterone worsened allergic airway inflammation in OVA‐challenged mice, as evidenced by enhanced bronchial responsiveness to inhaled metacholine and increased bronchial eosinophilia. Elevated airway eosinophilia corresponded with higher bronchial and systemic IL‐5 levels in the progesterone group. The ratio of IL‐4/IFN‐γ levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and numbers of eosinophil colony‐forming units in the bone marrow were also elevated in the latter group. Progesterone, however, did not influence allergen‐specific IgE production, nor did it affect bronchial responses in Sal‐challenged mice.

Conclusion
Our data show that exogenously administered progesterone aggravates the phenotype of eosinophilic airway inflammation in mice by enhancing systemic IL‐5 production. Progesterone also increases bronchial hyper‐reactivity.
Primary sensitization to sweet bell pepper pollen in greenhouse workers with occupational allergy
Authors: Vermeulen A. M. , Groenewoud G. C. M. , De Jong N. W. , De Groot H. , Gerth van Wijk R. , Van Toorenenbergen A. W.
Published: October 2003

Background
In a previous investigation, a high prevalence of allergy to sweet bell pepper pollen was found among exposed horticulture workers. Allergy to plant‐derived food is often the consequence of primary sensitization to common pollen allergens.

Objective
We therefore investigated the cross‐reactivity between sweet bell pepper pollen and pollen from grass, birch or mugwort.

Method
We selected 10 sera from greenhouse workers who had, besides specific IgE against sweet bell pepper pollen, also IgE to grass, birch or mugwort pollen. Cross‐reactivity was tested by the inhibition of IgE binding to solid‐phase coupled sweet bell pepper pollen extract. The 10 sera were also analysed for IgE binding to sweet bell pepper pollen by immunoblotting.

Results
With these sera, no or small inhibition of IgE binding to sweet bell pepper pollen extract was observed with grass, birch and mugwort pollen. With immunoblotting, major IgE‐binding structures were seen at 14, 29 and 69 kDa in sweet bell pepper pollen extract.

Conclusion
The results of our study demonstrate that sweet bell pepper pollen contains allergens that have no or limited cross‐reactivity with common pollen allergens. With sera from the 10 patients tested, sensitization to sweet bell pepper pollen was not the consequence of primary sensitization to common pollen allergens.
Regulation of procollagen I (α1) by interleukin‐4 in human bronchial fibroblasts: a possible role in airway remodelling in asthma
Authors: Bergeron C. , Pagé N. , Joubert P. , Barbeau B. , Hamid Q. , Chakir J.
Published: October 2003

BackgroundIn bronchial mucosa, T cells are in close association with fibroblasts. This cell contact raises the possibility of cross‐talk between the two cell types through cytokines, such as interleukin‐4 (IL‐4).

ObjectiveWe postulated that IL‐4 may modulate collagen synthesis and degradation in the fibroblasts of asthmatics.

MethodsBronchial fibroblasts from asthmatics (BAF) and normal controls (BNF) were stimulated with IL‐4. Procollagen I gene expression and protein production were measured by real‐time PCR, RT‐PCR, and radioimmunoassay. The effect of IL‐4 on the regulation of procollagen I (α1) promoter was studied through transient cell transfections. The implication of Sp1 and AP‐1 in regulating IL‐4‐induced procollagen I (α1) production was determined. The effect of IL‐4 on metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐2 (TIMP‐2) production and gene expression was evaluated.

ResultsFollowing IL‐4 stimulation, there was a significant increase in the expression of mRNA of procollagen I (α1) by human bronchial fibroblasts of asthmatics and controls. IL‐4 has a dose–response effect on mRNA, with a maximal effect at 5 ng/mL, as determined by real‐time PCR. The maximal increase in procollagen I (α1) was observed at 6 h after IL‐4 stimulation in both BNF and BAF. BAFs have a greater increase in the procollagen I (α1)/β2microglobulin ratio after 6 h of IL‐4 stimulation (4.1×10−2±0.03 to 20.8×10−2±0.1) compared with BNF (2.9×10−2±0.006 to 9.2×10−2±0.08) (P=0.001). In transient transfection experiments, IL‐4 increased promoter activity by threefold in BAF and BNF. Sp1 was up‐regulated after IL‐4 stimulation and AP‐1 was down‐regulated as shown by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. IL‐4 decreased MMP‐2 protein and mRNA levels, and did not alter TIMP‐2 production.

ConclusionsIL‐4 positively regulates procollagen I (α1) transcription by direct promoter activation and increases the TIMP‐2/MMP‐2 ratio, thereby supporting the profibrotic effect of this cytokine. Thus, this study emphasizes that IL‐4 may be considered as a link between inflammation and collagen deposition observed in asthmatic airways.
Sputum eosinophilia in cough‐variant asthma as a predictor of the subsequent development of classic asthma
Authors: Kim C. K. , Kim J. T. , Kang H. , Yoo Y. , Koh Y. Y.
Published: October 2003

Background
A significant proportion of patients diagnosed with cough‐variant asthma eventually manifest classic asthma signs, such as wheezing and dyspnoea. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the percentage of eosinophils and/or concentration of eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) in sputum induced from patients with cough‐variant asthma can predict the development of classic asthma.

Methods
Sixty‐two children with cough‐variant asthma were prospectively studied for 4 years. At the initiation of the study, sputum was induced with hypertonic saline, and the sputum samples were analysed for total and differential cell counts, and for ECP. Each subject was checked clinically at least every 3 months, and details of classic asthma signs experienced during the intervening periods were taken.

Results
Twenty‐four (47.1%) of the 51 subjects available for follow‐up developed signs of classic asthma, while 27 did not. The only significant difference in the sputum parameters between these two groups was a higher percentage of sputum eosinophils in subjects who developed classic asthma. A significant association was found between sputum eosinophil percentage and classic asthma development, but not between the concentration of sputum ECP and classic asthma development.

Conclusion
Sputum eosinophilia in cough‐variant asthma may be a correlate of the later development of classic asthma. This suggests that sputum differential cell counts may be useful in the clinical management of patients with cough‐variant asthma, as they may enable the prediction of the subsequent classic asthma development.
Effectiveness of nursing interventions in people with personality disorders
Authors: Woods Phil , Richards David
Published: October 2003

Background. Nurses usually provide care for people with personality disorders on a day‐to‐day basis. Consequently, it is important to establish how effective nursing interventions are for those with personality disorders, both in terms of general management and more specific therapeutic approaches. These are also issues of current political and professional debate. The crucial question, however, for planners, providers and commissioners of services is, What research evidence is there about effectiveness? There is also a need to determine what further research is necessary to evaluate programmes for managing or modifying behaviours.

Aim. The aim of this paper is to report on a systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of nursing interventions in people with personality disorders, whether delivered by nurses alone or in combination with other health care professionals.

Method. The review was conducted according to the United Kingdom National Health Service Centre for Reviews and Dissemination guidelines. Literature was identified from electronic database searching, footnote chasing, hand searching of journals and contact with authors of studies. Narrative synthesis was undertaken in relation to study design, participants, and type of intervention.

Findings. Eighteen separate studies were included in the review: four randomized controlled trials, four non‐randomized controlled trials, seven before‐and‐after studies and three case studies.

Conclusions. There is a weak evidence‐base for what constitutes effective nursing intervention with people with personality disorders. There is stronger evidence from mixed disciplines intervention studies than from nursing only intervention studies. Studies of interventions based on psychological approaches show greater improvements in outcomes than nursing management studies.
Are the measures used to calculate BMI accurate and valid for the use in older people?
Authors: Kirk S.F.L. , Hawke T. , Sandford S. , Wilks Z. , Lawrenson S.
Published: October 2003

Body mass index (BMI) is widely accepted as the ‘gold standard’ for determining whether a patient is underweight or overweight. However, its use and accuracy is dependent on obtaining accurate measures of height and weight. Physiological changes, equipment variability and observer error leads to height being a measure fraught with inaccuracy. This has led to the development of other measures to calculate height, including demi‐span and knee height. But how much more accurate are these alternatives? The aim of this pilot study was to compare three anthropometric methods for measuring height in older people standing height, demi‐span and knee height.

Seventeen subjects from a residential home in Leeds were chosen for the study, based on their ability to comply with the study protocol. Each subject was measured using a portable stadiometer for standing height, which was then adjusted for knee height, and a tape measure for demi‐span. All measurements were taken by the same researcher (TH). Measurements for demi‐span and knee height were converted using standard reference equations (for demi‐span: Bassey, 1986; for knee height: Chumlea, 1985). Data were analysed using SPSS. The Bland–Altman (1986) method for assessing agreement between two methods of measurements was carried out on the data.

Data were obtained on 15 of the 17 subjects, as two subjects were unable to be weighed. Statistical analysis revealed that the lines of agreement between the three methods varied by up to 10 cm from the average or expected figure. In other words, there was up to 10 cm difference in height when calculated by the three different methods. In over half of the 17 subjects, an accurate measurement of standing height was difficult to obtain, because of difficulties encountered by the subjects in standing fully upright through frailty or spinal deformity. Problems were also encountered with demi‐span and knee height measurements, as some subjects had poor movement in their arms and were unable to stretch their arms out fully and 11 of 17 subjects were unable to get themselves into the correct position for measuring knee height.

Although only conducted on a small sample of older people, the findings of this study highlight the difficulties in obtaining accurate height measurements for calculating BMI. While the literature suggests that demi‐span and knee height are reliable alternative methods for estimating stature, this was not the case in this study and may therefore also be a problem in clinical practice. Coupled with problems in the use of BMI in older people, the utility of performing such measures is debatable.
From tissue to cellular ultrastructure: closing the gap between micro‐ and nanostructural imaging
Authors: Biel S. S. , Kawaschinski K. , Wittern K.‐P. , Hintze U. , Wepf R.
Published: October 2003

Structural investigation of tissue biopsies requires the coupling of optimal structural sample preservation with detailed information collected at the light and electron microscopic level. Unfortunately, although cryo‐immobilization by high‐pressure freezing provides the best structural preservation, it is used routinely only for electron microscopic (EM) investigations, whereas for light microscopy chemical fixation protocols have been established. These chemically invasive fixation protocols have the drawback of introducing unpredictable fixation artefacts. Therefore, comparative histopathological (i.e. light microscopic) and ultrastructural (i.e. EM) results are usually obtained from parallel samples that have not been prepared identically and never by examining exactly the same features in exactly the same, optimally preserved sample. Finally, finding an area of interest for EM investigation within a complex tissue is like searching for a needle in a haystack. To overcome these handicaps, we modified the well‐established freeze‐substitution technique (FS) to allow us to investigate resin‐embedded cryo‐immobilized tissue by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) prior to EM examination. Thus (1) selected cells throughout the whole tissue block can be depicted by CLSM and subsequently (2) selectively prepared by targeted sectioning for follow‐up investigation of the identical structure by transmission electron microscopy. This is facilitated by the addition of specific fluorescent dyes during the first FS exchange step. Selective binding properties of various dyes to different cellular structures allow a direct histological description of the tissue at the light microscope level. After embedding and preparation of a blockface, the specimen can first be examined by CLSM. For areas of interest, the depth in the resin block is determined followed by removal of the tissue lying above. Then, the cell layer can be cut into a series of ultrathin sections and examined by EM for determination of the subcellular and nanostructural organization.
High‐pressure freezing in the study of animal pathogens
Authors: Monaghan P. , Cook H. , Hawes P. , Simpson J. , Tomley F.
Published: October 2003

High‐pressure freezing is applicable to both morphological and immunocytochemical studies. We are investigating the morphogenesis of foot‐and‐mouth disease virus and African swine fever virus by the use of high‐pressure freezing of infected cells. Foot‐and‐mouth disease virus particles are not detected in sections of conventionally immersion‐fixed infected cells, but when the cells are prepared by high‐pressure freezing, newly formed virions are readily seen throughout the cell. We report two methods for high‐pressure freezing of virally infected cells: first, two sapphire discs frozen ‘face to face’ with a narrow spacer to prevent cell damage and, second, a fibrous filter substrate that can be easily cut into discs to fit into the freezing planchettes. Cells readily adhere to the fibres in vitro, and the complete disc can be rapidly transferred to the planchettes for freezing. Immunolabelling studies of the microneme proteins of the parasite Eimeria tenella indicate that high‐pressure freezing followed by freeze‐substitution in acetone with uranyl acetate allows high‐sensitivity immunolabelling for these proteins.
Cryoimmobilization and three‐dimensional visualization of C. elegans ultrastructure
Authors: Müller‐Reichert T. , Hohenberg H. , O'Toole E. T. , Mcdonald K.
Published: October 2003

Caenorhabditis elegans is one of the most important genetic systems used in current biological research. Increasingly, these genetics‐based research projects are including ultrastructural analyses in their attempts to understand the molecular basis for cell function. Here, we present and review state‐of‐the‐art methods for both ultrastructural analysis and immunogold localization in C. elegans. For the initial cryofixation, high‐pressure freezing is the method of choice, and in this article we describe two different strategies to prepare these nematode worms for rapid freezing. The first method takes advantage of transparent, porous cellulose capillary tubes to contain the worms, and the second packs the worms in E. coli and/or yeast paste prior to freezing. The latter method facilitates embedding of C. elegans in a thin layer of resin so individual worms can be staged, selected and precisely orientated for serial sectioning followed by immunolabelling or electron tomography.
Examination of Bcl‐2, Bcl‐X and bax protein expression in psoriasis
Authors: Koçak Mukadder , Bozdoǧan Önder , Erkek Emel , Atasoy Pínar , Birol Ahu
Published: October 2003

Background  Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by epidermal hyperplasia and greatly accelerated epidermal turnover. The blockage of normal apoptotic process in the epidermis is one of the factors implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Objective  The purpose of the present study was to elucidate whether bcl‐family proteins are significantly involved in the hypothetical antiapoptotic cascade in lesional psoriatic epidermis.

Methods  Twenty‐six lesional biopsy samples of 26 patients with psoriasis and five control specimens from normal skin were studied by immunohistochemical method for the differential expression of pro‐apoptotic bax and antiapoptotic bcl‐2 and bcl‐x proteins.

Results  Compared with the normal epidermis, bcl‐2 expression was significantly reduced, whereas bax and bcl‐x were significantly overexpressed in the psoriatic epidermis. The localization of bcl‐2/bax/bcl‐x proteins in the psoriatic epidermis did not show a significant deviation from that in the normal epidermis.

Conclusion  These findings indicate a discordant expression of bcl‐2 and bax/bcl‐x in psoriatic epidermis. Increased bcl‐x expression might contribute to the antiapoptotic response in psoriatic keratinocytes. The presence of strong bax expression with a concomitant decrease in bcl‐2 expression suggests either a functional defect in bax protein or an inherent/acquired resistance to bax‐mediated apoptosis in psoriatic keratinocytes.
Prevalence of Behçet's disease in Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Azizlerli Gülsevim , Akdağ Köse Afet , Sarıca Rıfkiye , Gül Ahmet , Tutkun İlknur Tuğal , Kulaç Mustafa , Tunç Recep , Urgancıoğlu Meri , Dişçi Rian
Published: October 2003

Background  The prevalence of Behçet's disease (BD) is much higher in countries along the ancient Silk Route, extending from Japan to Mediterranean countries including Turkey, than in northern Europe and the USA. Three previous epidemiologic surveys have been carried out in different regions of Turkey.

Patients and methods  This study investigated the cross‐sectional prevalence of BD in individuals aged > 12 years in Istanbul, Turkey, in two stages. The first stage aimed to identify individuals with recurrent oral ulcers (ROUs) by visiting them in their homes, and the second stage aimed to further examine those with ROUs for the presence of other BD‐related manifestations under hospital conditions. The sample size was determined to be 24,000 with an expected BD prevalence rate of 1/1000 and a sampling error of 4/10,000, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 6–14/10,000. The number of individuals to be screened in each district was determined in proportion to the population of all districts in Istanbul.

Results  The standard questionnaire was applied to a total of 23,986 individuals at their homes. A history of ROU was recorded in 2289 individuals (9.5%), and a previous diagnosis of BD was recorded in 47. The diagnosis of ROU was confirmed in 700, and the diagnosis of BD was established in 101 according to the International Study Group criteria. The prevalence rate of BD was estimated as 42/10,000 (95% CI, 34–51/10,000) in Istanbul, Turkey.

Conclusions  This survey conducted in Istanbul, the largest cosmopolitan city in Turkey with immigrants from all over the country, has a larger sample size than other previous studies, and therefore the reported prevalence rate of BD has a more acceptable confidence interval. This study aids in the estimation of the prevalence of BD in Turkey, and supports previous findings that Turkey has the highest prevalence rate of the disease in the world.
Tinea corporis in human immunodeficiency virus‐positive patients: case report and assessment of oral therapy
Authors: Burkhart Craig N. , Chang Howard , Gottwald Lorie
Published: October 2003

Dermatophytosis in immunocompromised hosts is more varied and often more severe than in immunocompetent hosts. Early recognition and treatment with systemic therapy are important in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive patients in order to prevent severe infection. Potential drug resistance can occur due to chronic usage of systemic azole therapy in such patients, or the existence of atypical fungi. Although warnings have been made of possible drug interactions between certain antifungals and antiretroviral medications, only one combination has shown a clinically significant interaction. A case treated aggressively with oral terbinafine at the onset is presented.

Background  Dermatophytosis in immunocompromised hosts is more varied and often more severe than in immunocompetent hosts. Early recognition and treatment with systemic therapy are important in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive patients in order to prevent severe infection.

Objective  To analyze potential therapies for dermatophyte infections in immunocompromised patients and risk of drug resistance and interactions with antiretroviral medications.

Methods  Literature search based on MEDLINE (1966–March 2003) and additional references obtained from cross‐referencing retrieved articles. All information deemed relevant by the reviewers was included. A case study was employed to exemplify the usage of this information in patient care.

Results  Although warnings have been made of possible drug interactions between certain antifungals and antiretroviral medications, only one combination has shown a clinically significant interaction.

Conclusions  When considering drug interactions and side‐effects, there are no clinically significant reasons to avoid any oral antifungal for dermatophytosis in the HIV‐positive patient.
Vitiligo in the Nigerian African: a study of 351 patients in Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Onunu Abel N. , Kubeyinje Emmanuel P.
Published: October 2003

Background  There is a paucity of reports on vitiligo in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Aim  To define the clinical and epidemiologic pattern of vitiligo in the Nigerian African.

Methods  We examined all new cases of vitiligo seen in the Dermatology Unit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) over a 14‐year period: January 1985 to December 1998.

Results  Three hundred and fifty‐one patients with vitiligo, representing 3.2% of new dermatologic cases, were enrolled. The study group was made up of 153 males and 198 females, giving a sex ratio of 1 : 1.3. The peak incidence of vitiligo was in the second and third decades of life, and the most common form of presentation was the localized focal type (77%), followed by the segmental type (12.5%) and the generalized form (10.5%). Common sites affected were the limbs (32%), trunk (23.8%), face (18.2%), head and neck (9.1%), and the mucous membranes (7.4%). There was a positive family history of vitiligo in 18% of subjects and 3.4% had systemic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus (1.7%), anemia (0.8%), hyperthyroidism (0.6%), and leukemia (0.3%).

Conclusions  Vitiligo on darkly pigmented skin is often a very striking disease. Our findings show that the pattern of vitiligo is similar to that reported from other parts of the world. The high level of social stigmatization is due to confusion with leprosy.
Calcipotriol versus coal tar: a prospective randomized study in stable plaque psoriasis
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Kaur Inderjeet , Kumar Bhushan
Published: October 2003

Background  Topical therapies are the first line of treatment for patients with stable plaque psoriasis (SPP) affecting a limited body surface area. Very few trials comparing newer agents, such as 0.005% topical calcipotriol, with conventional modes of therapy, such as coal tar ointment, have been reported.

Methods  A prospective, right–left randomized, investigator‐blinded study with a 12‐week treatment period and an 8‐week follow‐up period was performed. Thirty‐six patients with nearly bilaterally symmetrical SPP lesions on the limbs were instructed to apply 5% coal tar ointment overnight on one side once daily and 0.005% calcipotriol ointment on the other side twice a day. All patients were advised to expose both sides to the sun for 2 h every day. Psoriatic lesions and progress during treatment were evaluated using the severity (0–3) scale of erythema, scaling and induration (ESI score). Evaluation was carried out every 2 weeks during the treatment period and monthly during follow‐up. At the end of 12 weeks, patients with > 75% reduction in the ESI score were considered to be markedly improved, those with 51–75% reduction to be moderately improved, those with 26–50% reduction to be minimally improved and those with < 25% to be non‐responders. Self‐assessment by the patients regarding the efficacy and acceptability of the two modalities was on a five‐point scale. Serum calcium, serum phosphate, total and differential serum proteins, 24‐h urinary calcium and phosphate were monitored both at baseline and after completion of therapy.

Results  Thirty of the 36 recruited patients completed the study. The difference in clinical response between the two sides was statistically significant at 4, 6 and 8 weeks, with the percentage reduction in ESI score with calcipotriol being 65.7 ± 12.2% compared with 45.8 ± 16.6% with coal tar at 8 weeks (P < 0.01, t = 6.4). However, the difference in clinical response at 10 and 12 weeks between the two sides was not significant, with a mean reduction of 71.9 ± 13.3% in ESI score on the calcipotriol‐treated side compared with 69.4 ± 15.4% with coal tar ointment (P > 0.05). In the follow‐up period of 8 weeks, recurrence of lesions was noted in 10% of patients treated with calcipotriol compared with 16.7% in those treated with coal tar after an average period of 6 ± 1.2 and 5 ± 1.3 weeks, respectively (P > 0.05).

Conclusions  It was found that 0.005% calcipotriol ointment produced a faster initial response and had better cosmetic acceptability in patients, although after a long period of treatment, i.e. 12 weeks, 5% coal tar ointment had comparable efficacy. There was no statistically significant difference in the relapse rates between the two modalities.
Probing plasma clearance of the thrombin–antithrombin complex with a monoclonal antibody against the putative serpin–enzyme complex receptor‐binding site
Authors: Long George L. , Kjellberg Margareta , Villoutreix Bruno O. , Stenflo Johan
Published: October 2003

A high‐affinity monoclonal antibody (M27), raised against the human thrombin–antithrombin complex, has been identified and characterized. The epitope recognized by M27 was located to the linear sequence FIREVP (residues 411–416), located in the C‐terminal cleavage peptide of antithrombin. This region overlaps, by two residues, the putative binding site of antithrombin for the serpin–enzyme complex receptor. Studies in rats and with HepG2 cells in culture indicated that the Fab fragment of M27 does not block binding and uptake of the thrombin–antithrombin complex, suggesting that this region does not play a major role in the recognition and clearance of the thrombin–antithrombin complex. M27 blocked the ability of antithrombin to inhibit thrombin as well as antithrombin cleavage, both in the presence and absence of heparin.
PKCδ‐dependent cleavage and nuclear translocation of annexin A1 by phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate
Authors: Kim Yoon S. , Ko Jesang , Kim In S. , Jang Sung‐Wuk , Sung Ho J. , Lee Hye J. , Lee Si Y. , Kim Youngho , Na Doe S.
Published: October 2003

Annexin A1 (ANX‐1), a calcium‐dependent, phospholipid binding protein, is known to be involved in diverse cellular processes, including regulation of cell growth and differentiation, apoptosis, and inflammation. The mitogen phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) induces expression and phosphorylation of ANX‐1. However, the roles of ANX‐1 in PMA‐induced signal transduction is unknown. Here, we study the cellular localization of ANX‐1 in the PMA‐induced signal transduction process. We have found that PMA induces the cleavage of ANX‐1 in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells, and that the cleaved form of ANX‐1 translocates to the nucleus. The PMA‐induced nuclear translocation of ANX‐1 was inhibited by the protein kinase C (PKC)δ‐specific inhibitor rottlerin, indicating that PKCδ plays a role in nuclear translocation of the cleaved ANX‐1. We propose a novel mechanism of PMA‐induced translocation of ANX‐1 to the nucleus that may participate in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation.
Extrinsic proteins of photosystem II
Authors: Ohta Hisataka , Suzuki Takehiro , Ueno Masaji , Okumura Akinori , Yoshihara Shizue , Shen Jian‐Ren , Enami Isao
Published: October 2003

The oxygen‐evolving photosystem II (PS II) complex of red algae contains four extrinsic proteins of 12 kDa, 20 kDa, 33 kDa and cyt c‐550, among which the 20 kDa protein is unique in that it is not found in other organisms. We cloned the gene for the 20‐kDa protein from a red alga Cyanidium caldarium. The gene consists of a leader sequence which can be divided into two parts: one for transfer across the plastid envelope and the other for transfer into thylakoid lumen, indicating that the gene is encoded by the nuclear genome. The sequence of the mature 20‐kDa protein has low but significant homology with the extrinsic 17‐kDa (PsbQ) protein of PS II from green algae Volvox Carteri and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, as well as the PsbQ protein of higher plants and PsbQ‐like protein from cyanobacteria. Cross‐reconstitution experiments with combinations of the extrinsic proteins and PS IIs from the red alga Cy. caldarium and green alga Ch. reinhardtii showed that the extrinsic 20‐kDa protein was functional in place of the green algal 17‐kDa protein on binding to the green algal PS II and restoration of oxygen evolution. From these results, we conclude that the 20‐kDa protein is the ancestral form of the extrinsic 17‐kDa protein in green algal and higher plant PS IIs. This provides an important clue to the evolution of the oxygen‐evolving complex from prokaryotic cyanobacteria to eukaryotic higher plants. The gene coding for the extrinsic 20‐kDa protein was named psbQ′ (prime).
Structure–activity relation for synthetic phenoxazone drugs
Authors: Veselkov Alexei N. , Maleev Vladimir Ya. , Glibin Evgenie N. , Karawajew Leonid , Davies David B.
Published: October 2003

The structure–activity relations of a series of synthetic phenoxazone drugs with aminoalkyl side chains of variable length and different terminal groups were investigated by examining their biological activity and DNA complexation affinity. Biological activity was determined from their ability to induce apoptosis and cell cycle perturbations (activation of cell cycle checkpoints) using the human malignant MOLT‐3 cell line. The thermodynamic parameters of drug–DNA complexation were determined by differential scanning calorimetry. By comparing the activities of compounds with different terminal groups (amino, dimethylamino and diethylamino), we found that the existence of a terminal dimethylamino group in the alkylamino side chain is an important factor for anti‐tumour activity. Minor modifications in the dimethylaminoalkyl side chain (e.g. elongation by one methylene group) led to notable changes in both the anti‐tumour activity and DNA‐binding properties of the drug, providing unambiguous evidence of a marked structure–activity relation.
Competition between Australian native and introduced grasses along a nutrient gradient
Authors: GROVES R. H. , AUSTIN M. P. , KAYE P. E.
Published: October 2003

Abstract  Seven grass species were grown in monocultures and in multispecies mixtures along a gradient of total nutrient levels that ranged from 1/64 to 16× the normal level of nutrient solution. The seven grasses represented three ecological groups: (i) three perennial species native to Australia (Themeda triandra, Poa labillardieri and Danthonia carphoides); (ii) two introduced annuals (Vulpia bromoides and Hordeum leporinum); and (iii) two introduced perennials (Lolium perenne and Dactylis glomerata). We hypothesized that the native grasses would prove less competitive when grown at increased nutrient levels than those introduced from Europe. Results supported the hypothesis. The native species were unable to compete in mixtures even at the lowest nutrient level, where T. triandra was the most productive species in monoculture. Lolium perenne and Dactylis glomerata dominated mixtures at intermediate nutrient levels. The responses of the annual introduced grasses differed in that Vulpia bromoides showed an optimum at intermediate nutrient levels in both monoculture and in mixtures, whereas Hordeum leporinum dominated at the highest nutrient levels in mixture but was suppressed by V. bromoides, L. perenne and D. glomerata at intermediate levels. The results are discussed in terms of predicting species responses in mixtures from their performance in monocultures as well as in terms of previous observations on the sequential changes in botanical composition of south‐eastern Australian grasslands after 150 years of continuous grazing by sheep.
The ‘standardized search’: An improved way to conduct bird surveys
Authors: WATSON DAVID M.
Published: October 2003

AbstractBird surveys are among the most widely used biodiversity inventories and serve as the basis for an increasing proportion of pure and applied ecological research. It is rarely possible to conduct exhaustive censuses of all individuals present at a particular site, so stopping rules are routinely used to determine when sampling should finish. Most bird survey methods use (implicit) effort‐based stopping rules, either fixed times, fixed sampling areas (quadrats) or both, to standardize samples of different sites. If between‐site variation is high, however, a fixed sampling effort will generate samples of variable completeness with samples from smaller, less complex sites being more representative and complete than samples from larger, more complex sites. More importantly, quadrat‐based methods shift the scope of the overall study from bird occurrence in sites to bird occurrence in quadrats within sites, diminishing the impact of the research given that results cannot be extrapolated to relevant biological and management scales. Here I advocate an alternative means of conducting bird surveys, whereby the entire site is sampled and a results‐based stopping rule is used to ensure sample completeness is uniform across all sites. For example, a researcher may decide to continue sampling each site until two or fewer previously unencountered species are recorded in a 40‐min period. Samples of different sites will vary in both area and duration but will all be equivalently accurate estimates of species richness. This approach allows the avifauna of entire sites (whether territories, woodland remnants or catchments) to be sampled and compared directly, generating results and implications at the appropriate scale. In addition to yielding reliable measures of species richness, data collected this way can be used to calculate estimates of sample completeness and species incidence, two valuable metrics for ecological studies. This paper includes detailed worked examples of how to conduct a ‘standardized search’ and calculate sample completeness and species incidence estimates. I encourage further research on bird survey methods, and suggest that most current methods are insufficient, inconsistent and unreliable.
Long‐Term Complication Rates in Ventricular, Single Lead VDD, and Dual Chamber Pacing
Authors: WIEGAND UWE K.H. , BODE FRANK , BONNEMEIER HENDRIK , EBERHARD FRANK , SCHLEI MONIKA , PETERS WERNER
Published: October 2003

A higher incidence of pacemaker related complications has been reported in DDD systems as compared to VVI devices. The implantation of single lead VDD pacemakers might reduce the complication rate of physiological pacing in patients with AV block. In a retrospective study, the data records of 1,214 consecutive patients with pacemaker implantation for AV block between 1990 and 2001 (VVI 36.5%, DDD 32.9%, VDD 30.6%) were analyzed. Complications requiring surgical interventions were compared during a follow‐up period of 64 ± 31 months. Operation and fluoroscopic times were longer in DDD pacemaker implantation compared to VDD and VVI devices:

58 ± 23

versus

39 ± 10

and
37 ± 13  minutes   (P < 0.001), 9.2 ± 5.2
versus

4.1 ± 2.4

and

3.5 ± 2.3  minutes
, respectively. Differences remained significant after correction for covariates. In a multivariate Cox regression model, the corrected complication hazard of a DDD pacemaker implantation was increased by 3.9 (1.4–11.3) compared to VVI and increased by 2.3 (1.1–4.5) compared to VDD pacing. Higher complication rates in DDD pacing were mainly due to a higher incidence of early reoperation for atrial lead dysfunction, whereas the long‐term complication rate was not different from VDD or VVI pacing. Early and long‐term complication rates did not differ between VDD and VVI pacemaker systems. In conclusion, operation time and complication rates of physiological pacing are reduced by VDD pacemaker implantation achieving values comparable to VVI pacing. Thus, single lead VDD pacing can be recommended for patients with AV block. (PACE 2003; 26:1961–1969)
Impaired Longitudinal Conduction in Crista Terminalis is Necessary for Sustenance of Experimental Atrial Flutter
Authors: KOBAYASHI TAKAO , KIMURA MASAOMI , OWADA SHINGEN , ASHIKAGA KEIICHI , SASAKI SHINGO , HIGUMA TAKUMI , IWASA ATSUSHI , KAMATA YOSHIMASA , MOTOMURA SHIGERU , OKUMURA KEN
Published: October 2003

Sustained atrial flutter (AFL) can be induced by creating a lesion between the vena cava in dogs. In previous studies on this model, the crista terminalis (CT) was often injured, and thus, role of CT in sustained reentry was not well understood. We hypothesized that impaired longitudinal conduction in CT is necessary for sustained AFL. In 16 anesthetized, open‐chest dogs, linear radiofrequency ablation of the intercaval region was performed without interrupting CT. Intra‐atrial conduction times (IAT) along CT were measured using a plaque electrode (25 × 35 mm) containing 30 bipolar electrodes before and after additional ablation of CT (group A, n = 10) or the pectinate muscle (PM) region (group B, n = 6). In group A, IAT along CT was 27 ± 5 ms at baseline and was increased to 43 ± 3 ms after ablation of CT (P < 0.001). In group B, IAT along CT was 28 ± 4 ms at baseline and 27 ± 3 ms after ablation of PM (P = NS). Sustained AFL lasting >20 minutes was induced in 10/10 dogs in group A only after additional ablation of CT, and in 0/6 dogs in group B (P < 0.001). The cycle lengths of AFL after ablation of the intercaval region and additional ablation of CT were 119 ± 14 and 140 ± 14 ms, respectively (P < 0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between the cycle length of AFL and IAT along CT (r2= 0.63, P < 0.001). These results indicate that longitudinal conduction property in CT and not in PM strongly affects sustenance of AFL in this model. (PACE 2003; 26:2008–2015)
Electrical Alternans In Long QT Syndrome Resembling a Brugada Syndrome Pattern
Authors: SCHULZE‐BAHR ERIC , ZOELCH KARL‐ALBERT , ECKARDT LARS , HAVERKAMP WILHELM , BREITHARDT GÜNTER , BORGGREFE MARTIN
Published: October 2003

Isolated T wave alternans (repolarization alternans) is frequently associated with long QT syndrome. However, electrical alternans involving the P wave, QRS complex, ST segment (depolarization alternans), and the T wave is a rare finding. This report describes a 62‐year‐old women with long QT syndrome and an electrical alternans occurring after previous syncope. Alternating QRS complexes showed a prolonged PR interval, a Brugada syndrome resembling pattern of the QRS complexes (elevation and downslope of the ST segments), and a T wave alternans. A genetic basis for the long QT syndrome has been ruled out by sequencing of all coding areas of the LQT genes. Potential mechanisms for the electrical alternans are discussed. (PACE 2003; 26:2033–2035)
Endocardial Defibrillation Lead Extraction:
Authors: MARRAZZO NATALE , UGOLOTTI UGO , VILLANI GIOVANNI QUINTO , GROPPI FRANCA , CASTELLINI PATRIZIA , CAPUCCI ALESSANDRO
Published: October 2003

Spurious discharges due to late insulation break in an IS‐1 pacing/sensing connector prompted ICD lead removal in 65‐year‐old man. The tip of the lead was easily freed and pulled back into the SVC by the superior approach. After that, the lead became trapped. The distal part of the lead was caught and easily withdrawn by inferior approach. Superior venous angiography showed extravascular location of the entrapped part of the lead due to the unintentional percutaneous puncture of the innominate vein after piercing the subclavian vein. It may be desirable to use contrast venography before intervention of extraction to ensure venous patency and lead location. (PACE 2003; 26:2036–2038)
Transatrial Dual Chamber Biventricular Pacemaker‐Defibrillator Placement in a Patient with SVC Obstruction
Authors: PUA BRADLEY B. , SAUNDERS PAUL C. , LAPIETRA ANGELO , COLVIN STEPHEN B. , COLLINS JACK , GROSSI EUGENE A.
Published: October 2003

A patient with severe congestive heart failure and obstruction of the superior vena cava required biventricular pacing and ICD therapy. Via right minithoracotomy, a transatrial approach for lead placement was successfully utilized to provide cardiac resynchronization and ICD placement. This technique for pacing lead placement is reviewed and its application for biventricular pacemaker‐defibrillator placement is reported. (PACE 2003; 26:2045–2047)
Ciliated band structure in planktotrophic and lecithotrophic larvae of Heliocidaris species (Echinodermata: Echinoidea): a demonstration of conservation and change
Authors: Byrne M. , Emlet R. B. , Cerra A.
Published: October 2003

The evolution of lecithotrophic (non‐feeding) development in sea urchins is associated with reduction or loss of structures found in the planktotrophic (feeding) echinopluteus larvae. Reductions or losses of larval feeding structures include pluteal arms, their supporting skeleton and the ciliated band that borders them. The barrel‐shaped lecithotrophic larva of Heliocidaris erythrogramma has, at its posterior end, two or three ciliated band segments comprised of densely packed, elongate cilia. These cilia may be expressions of the epaulettes that would have been present in an ancestral larval form, represented today by the feeding echinopluteus of H. tuberculata. We compared the development and cellular organization of the larval ciliary structures of both Heliocidaris species to assess whether the ciliary bands of H. erythrogramma are expressions of the feeding ciliated band or epaulettes of an echinopluteus. Epaulette development in feeding larvae of H. tuberculata involves separation of specific parts of the ciliated band from the rest of the feeding ciliated band, hyperplastic addition of ciliated cells and hypertrophic growth of the cilia. Like epaulettes, the ciliated bands of H. erythrogramma are composed of long spindle‐shaped cells arranged in a cup‐shaped collection that bulges into the blastocoel; and these cells have elongated cilia. In their developmental origin and topological arrangement however, the ciliated bands of H. erythrogramma correspond more closely with parts of the pluteal feeding ciliated band than with epaulettes. The larvae of this echinoid appear to develop epaulette‐like bands from parts of the original (but reduced) feeding ciliated band. The evolution of development in H. erythrogramma has thus involved both conservation and change in echinopluteal ciliary structures.