bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotional processing in psychopathic personality
Authors: Habel Ute , Kühn Egbert , Salloum Jasmin B. , Devos Helmut , Schneider Frank
Published: October 2002

Emotional‐processing deficits may be one of the characteristic features of impaired affect in individuals with psychopathy. These include shallowness and profound lack of remorse or empathy. Performances on standardized emotion discrimination tasks and mood induction tasks were compared between 17 patients with antisocial personality disorder (DSM‐IV) and 17 nonpsychopaths. Subjects with psychopathic personality demonstrated poorer performance on emotion‐discrimination tasks compared with controls. However, higher scores on factor “emotional detachment” of the Psychopathy Checklist (PCL‐R) were associated with better discrimination ability. Subjective ratings were comparable between groups during mood induction. Although the findings support the hypothesis of a significant association between impaired emotional processing and psychopathy, they also suggest a relationship between emotional discrimination and the core personality features of psychopathy. Aggr. Behav. 28:394–400, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute promyelocytic leukemia developing in untreated essential thrombocythemia
Authors: Sato Naoaki , Furukawa Tatsuo , Masuko Masayoshi , Hashimoto Shigeo , Takahashi Hidenobu , Baba Miyako , Inano Koichi , Suzuki Noriatsu , Toba Ken , Fuse Ichiro , Aizawa Yoshifusa
Published: October 2002

We describe a patient with untreated essential thrombocythemia (ET) who developed microgranular variant of acute promyelocytic leukemia, 9 years after the initial diagnosis of ET. He achieved complete remission (CR) but relapsed 11 months later. After achieving the second CR, he received peripheral stem cell transplantation from his HLA complete‐matched sibling. Five months after the transplantation, he relapsed again with meningeal infiltration of leukemic cells. In this paper, we review cases of promyelocytic transformation of myeloproliferative diseases (MPD) other than chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). To our knowledge, this is the first case of promyelocytic transformation of Philadelphia chromosome negative untreated ET, in whom both t(15;17) and PML‐RARα fusion were proven. Am. J. Hematol. 71:114–116, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tensile destruction test as an estimation of partial proteolysis in fibrin clots
Authors: Saldívar Enrique , Orje Jennifer N. , Ruggeri Zaverio M.
Published: October 2002

We report a technique devised to evaluate the effects of partial proteolysis on the mechanical characteristics of acellular non‐cross‐linked fibrin clots. The destruction technique applies coaxial tension on mechanically preconditioned cylindrical molded clots and measures the number of mechanical failures vs the total number of samples at a given load (2, 3, and 4 grams force). We used different plasmin concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.08 U/mL) in the bathing medium to cause partial proteolysis. We monitored the fibrinolysis process by measuring the amount of protein released in the bathing medium. Our results showed no difference in the creep function in all the groups studied. We compare our technique with compaction, a commonly used mechanical technique that compresses the sample by centrifugation, and found that our technique is capable of detecting minor changes of fibrinolysis (the results of the least square fit for the destruction test at 2 grams force, as a function of plasmin concentration, has a coefficient of determination of R2 = 0.55), while compaction did not show a statistically significant difference in the same conditions, suggesting that each individual fibrin fiber bears load only under tension. Our findings suggest that when the fibers are cleaved their capacity to withstand stress is seriously challenged; thus, in principle, tensile destruction test can detect a minimal degree of proteolysis. Am. J. Hematol. 71:119–127, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Autosomal recessive alobar holoprosencephaly with essentially normal faces
Authors: Barr Mason , Cohen M. Michael
Published: October 2002

Holoprosencephaly is associated with a diagnostic face approximately 80% of the time. We report three siblings with alobar holoprosencephaly and essentially normal faces. A similar family was reported by Khan et al. [1970: Dev Med Child Neurol 12:71–76]. Alobar holoprosencephaly with essentially normal faces has also been observed in infants of diabetic mothers [Barr et al., 1983: J Pediatr 102:565–568]. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diploid/tetraploid/t(1;6) mosaicism in a 17‐year‐old female with hypomelanosis of Ito, multiple congenital anomalies, and body asymmetry
Authors: Leonard N.J. , Tomkins D.J.
Published: October 2002

Many types of chromosome mosaicism have been identified in cases of hypomelanosis of Ito, often in association with chromosome instability; however, there have been very few cases with diploid–tetraploid mosaicism described in the literature. We present a patient with a tetraploid mosaicism: a 17‐year‐old girl who has hypomelanosis of Ito in association with diploid/tetraploid/t(1;6) mosaicism. She had multiple congenital anomalies of omphalocele, exstrophy of bladder, duodenal web, and imperforate anus. These features have not been described previously in diploid–tetraploid mosaicism. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Osteofibrous dysplasia: Two affected male sibs and an unrelated girl with bilateral involvement
Authors: Hunter Alasdair G.W. , Jarvis James
Published: October 2002

Osteofibrous dysplasia (OFD) is a tumor‐like bone lesion that occurs most often in the tibia, presenting as a painless swelling or anterior bowing. Radiographs show a well‐circumscribed intracortical lucency, or multiple lucencies separated by sclerotic borders, associated with a diaphyseal expansion. The histogenesis of OFD and its possible relationships to fibrous dysplasia and to adamantinoma have been the subject of significant discussion and investigation. We have been unable to find any reports of familial OFD, and have found only two references to bilateral involvement. In this article, we report both bilateral and familial involvement, and suggest that more thorough investigation of patients and their families may uncover similar cases, and perhaps support a genetic component to the etiology of this condition. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A second patient with MCA/MR syndrome with multiple circumferential skin creases
Authors: Leonard N.J.
Published: October 2002

Symmetrical congenital circumferential skin creases are a rare feature described in only a few conditions. We report a case of a 29‐month‐old boy with symmetrical circumferential skin creases on arms, legs, and digits, and other features reminiscent of the single case reported by Cohen et al. [1993: Clin Dysmorphol 2:39–46] and reviewed by Elliott et al. [1996: Am J Med Genet 62:23–25]. The key features also include epicanthic folds, microphthalmia, microcornea, microcephaly, small, low‐set posteriorly angulated ears with thick overfolded helices, cleft palate, and moderate–severe psychomotor developmental delay. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic substructure in South African Bantu‐speakers: Evidence from autosomal DNA and Y‐chromosome studies
Authors: Lane A.B. , Soodyall H. , Arndt S. , Ratshikhopha M.E. , Jonker E. , Freeman C. , Young L. , Morar B. , Toffie L.
Published: October 2002

The extent of genetic differentiation between seven South African Bantu‐speaking groups (Zulu, Xhosa, Tsonga/Shangaan, Southern Sotho, Pedi, Tswana, and Venda) was assessed from coancestry coefficients (FST) estimated from autosomal serogenetic, DNA, and Y‐chromosome DNA haplotypes. The overall FST obtained from the autosomal data was 0.002, and that from the Y chromosome data was 0.014. The genetic relationships between groups examined were inferred from their cluster affinities in phylogenetic trees constructed from the genetic distances between them. Both autosomal and Y‐chromosome DNA studies reveal that 6 of the 7 South African Bantu‐speaking groups cluster according to their linguistic groupings, the exception being the Tsonga, who do not cluster with other Nguni language speakers, but rather with the Venda who live close to them. This suggests that the invading Shangaan‐speakers, whose Nguni language was adopted by the Tsonga, did not have a major effect on the Tsonga gene pool, and that gene flow from the Venda into the Tsonga may have been considerable. Genetic distances were found to correlate with geographic distances between the regions where each group's apparent population density is the highest. Linguistic distances were also found to correlate with genetic distances, but linguistic and geographic distances showed no correlation. Together, these results suggest that linguistic and some genetic differentiation took place before the groups (or their forerunners) reached their present‐day locations, and that further genetic change occurred after their arrival. Am J Phys Anthropol 119:175–185, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Age estimation from the auricular surface of the ilium: A revised method
Authors: Buckberry J.L. , Chamberlain A.T.
Published: October 2002

A revised method for estimating adult age at death using the auricular surface of the ilium has been developed. It is based on the existing auricular surface aging method of Lovejoy et al. ([1985] Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 68:15–28), but the revised technique is easier to apply, and has low levels of inter‐ and intraobserver error. The new method records age‐related stages for different features of the auricular surface, which are then combined to provide a composite score from which an estimate of age at death is obtained. Blind tests of the method were carried out on a known‐age skeletal collection from Christ Church, Spitalfields, London. These tests showed that the dispersion of age at death for a given morphological stage was large, particularly after the first decade of adult life. Statistical analysis showed that the age‐related changes in auricular surface are not significantly different for males and females. The scores from the revised method have a slightly higher correlation with age than do the Suchey‐Brooks pubic symphysis stages. Considering the higher survival rates of the auricular surface compared with the pubic symphysis, this method promises to be useful for biological anthropology and forensic science. Am J Phys Anthropol 119:231–239, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A PLP splicing abnormality is associated with an unusual presentation of PMD
Authors: Hobson Grace M. , Huang Zhong , Sperle Karen , Stabley Deborah L. , Marks Harold G. , Cambi Franca
Published: October 2002

We report that a deletion of 19 base pairs (bp) in intron 3 of the proteolipid protein (PLP/DM20) gene causes a neurological disease characterized by mild developmental delay, followed by progressive decline of acquired motor and cognitive milestones. The clinical features are associated with mild delay in myelination demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging studies and with ongoing demyelination and axonal loss demonstrated by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We demonstrate that the purine‐rich 19bp element regulates PLP‐specific splice site selection in transient transfections of chimeric constructs into cultured oligodendrocytes. Runs of 4 and 5 Gs centered in the 19bp element are critical for efficient PLP‐specific splicing. The intronic element is sequence specific in oligodendrocytes and is not a repressor of PLP‐specific splicing in nonglial cells. These data support the conclusion that deletion of the 19bp purine‐rich region in PLP intron 3 causes a reduction in PLP message and protein, which affects myelin stability and axonal integrity.
Crystallization behavior of PA‐6 clay nanocomposite hybrid
Authors: Devaux Eric , Bourbigot Serge , Achari Ahmida El
Published: October 2002

Polyamide‐6 (PA‐6)/clay (modified montmorillonite) hybrid was synthesized by melt blending at high shear stress. 27Al‐NMR of solid state shows that the clay is not modified after melt blending. Using wide‐line 1H‐NMR and TEM, it is demonstrated that the nanocomposite exhibits mainly an exfoliated structure. It is shown that the modified montmorillonite induces the crystallization of PA‐6 predominantly in γ‐form. The presence of clay in PA‐6 increases the polymer crystallization temperature, and decreases its melting point. These phenomena show that a certain number of interactions develop near the reinforcing material, and that the latter plays a particular role of nucleating agent. However, the crystallization is not spherulitic and the assumption of macromolecular orientation in the vicinity of the clay is demonstrated by the observations carried out in DSC and AFM. These particular properties of orientation will have a particular importance on the mechanical behavior of the nanocomposite material. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2416–2423, 2002
Ecological issue of polymer flame retardancy
Authors: Zaikov G. E. , Lomakin S. M.
Published: October 2002

The use of polymer flame retardants has an important role in saving lives. The main flame retardant systems for polymers currently in use are based on halogenated, phosphorous, nitrogen, and inorganic compounds. All of these flame retardant systems basically inhibit or even suppress the combustion process by chemical or physical action in the gas or condensed phase. Conventional flame retardants, such as halogenated, phosphorous, or metallic additives, have a number of negative attributes. An ecological issue of the application of conventional flame retardants demands the search of new polymer flame retardant systems. Among the new trends of flame retardancy are intumescent systems, polymer nanocomposites, preceramic additives, low‐melting glasses, different types of char formers, and polymer morphology modification processing. The brief explanations on the three major types of flame retardant systems (intumescent systems, polymer nanocomposites, and polymer organic char formers) are the subject of this overview. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2449–2462, 2002
Studies on the blends of CO2 copolymer. IV. Natural rubber/poly(propylene carbonate) systems
Authors: Pang Hao , Liao Bing , Huang Yuhui , Cong Guangmin
Published: October 2002

The blends of a carbon dioxide copolymer, poly(propylene carbonate)(PPC) with natural rubber (NR), were prepared and their mechanical properties and morphology were studied. The optimum formulation blend was obtained by orthogonal experiments. The tensile strength of the blend containing 30 phr PPC was 18.9 MPa, with an elongation at break of 755%. The factors such as PPC and dicumyl peroxide content, PPC molecular weight, sulfur content, curing time, and curing temperature responsible for controlling the mechanical properties were discussed. Transverse electron micrographs showed a two‐phase structure for this blend. Gel content data revealed that PPC was crosslinked. The phase stability of PPC in the blend improved because of the interpenetrating new work structure. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2140–2144, 2002
Cure kinetics for the ultraviolet cationic polymerization of cycloliphatic and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA) epoxy systems with sulfonium salt using an auto catalytic model
Authors: Abadie M. J. M. , Chia N. K. , Boey F.
Published: October 2002

This paper investigates the cure kinetics for the ultraviolet (UV) cationic polymerization for both a cycloaliphatic and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA) epoxy system, using the photoinitiator triarylsulfonium hexafluoroantimonate salt. Using an autocatalytic kinetic cure model, the reaction rate values for both cycloaliphatic and DGEBA epoxy systems were determined for different photoinitiator amount (wt %) added, and at different UV exposure temperatures. The value for the cycloaliphatic epoxy increased significantly with addition of the sulfonium salt, reaching a limiting maximum after 2%. The value for the DGEBA epoxy system also increased, to a limiting maximum after 3%. Addition of the sulfonium salt significantly lowered the activation energy for the cycloaliphatic epoxy at all levels of addition, with the reduction proportional to the amount of salt added. In contrast, the sulfonium salt did not have a major effect on the DEGBA until the addition of at least 3% of the salt. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1587–1591, 2002
Dehydration of light oil by pervaporation using poly(vinyl alcohol)–poly(acrylic acid‐co‐maleic acid) membranes
Authors: Vauclair C. , Schaetzel P. , Nobrega R. , Habert C.
Published: October 2002

A new blended membrane was prepared and tested by pervaporation of light oil, a mixture of five alcohols plus water. The blended membrane was synthesized by blending poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(acrylic acid‐co‐maleic acid) sodium salt in the presence of sulfuric acid to dope the reaction. We tested several membranes in order to choose the adequate composition to have the best permselectivity. The PVA(60)–PAA‐co‐maleic acid(40) membrane was selected as it was found to be highly selective. Sorption experiments were performed using binary and ternary water–alcohol solutions. The influence of temperature and feed composition on the selectivity and flux in pervaporation was investigated for two different binary mixtures (water/ethanol, water/isobutanol) and one ternary system (water/ethanol/isobutanol). This membrane presents good permselective properties, high water flux, and good selectivity and can even be used for high‐water activities The performances of this new membrane were compared to those obtained with the PVA(90)–PAA(10) membrane synthesized recently: The fluxes observed for the water–ethanol separation were of the same order of magnitude but the selectivity was found to be much higher. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1709–1716, 2002
Moisture retention and antibacterial activity of modified chitosan by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Qin Caiqin , Du Yumin , Xiao Ling , Liu Yi , Yu Huaguang
Published: October 2002

A series of chitosans with various molecular weights from 1.2 × 103 to 30.0 × 104 were prepared by oxidative degradation with H2O2 and characterized by IR, 13C‐NMR, and gel permeation chromatography. Their carboxylic contents increased with a decrease in molecular weight (Mw). The moisture‐absorption and moisture‐retention capacities of resulting chitosans were dependent on both the molecular weight and the degree of deacetylation (DD). Microcalorimetry was first used to study the kinetics of action of the chitosans on a strain of Staphylococcus aureus at pH 7. The antibacterial activity of the water‐soluble chitosan against S. aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi was evaluated by the conventional agar plate method at pH 7. The water‐soluble product with Mw of 0.45 × 104 from initial chitosan of DD of 90% showed high moisture‐absorption and moisture‐retention capacities, and <2% concentration can completely inhibit the growth of these bacteria. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1724–1730, 2002
Cellulose acetate and sulfonated polysulfone blend ultrafiltration membranes. I. Preparation and characterization
Authors: Malaisamy R. , Mahendran R. , Mohan D. , Rajendran M. , Mohan V.
Published: October 2002

Modification of polymeric membrane materials by incorporation of hydrophilicity results in membranes with low fouling behavior and high flux. Hence, Polysulfone was functionalized by sulfonation and ultrafiltration membranes were prepared based on sulfonated polysulfone and cellulose acetate in various blend compositions. Polyethyleneglycol 600 was employed as a nonsolvent additive in various concentrations to the casting solution to improve the ultrafiltration performance of the resulting membranes. The total polymer concentration, cellulose acetate, and sulfonated polysulfone polymer blend composition, additive concentration, and its compatibility with polymer blends were optimized. The membranes prepared were characterized in terms of compaction, pure water flux, membrane resistance, and water content. The compaction takes place within 3–4 h for all the membranes. The pure water flux is determined largely by the composition of sulfonated polysulfone and concentration of additive. Membrane resistance is inversely proportional to pure water flux, and water content is proportional to pure water flux for all the membranes. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1749–1761, 2002
Characterization of air plasma‐treated polymer surfaces by ESCA and contact angle measurements for optimization of surface stability and cell growth
Authors: Johansson Bo‐Lennart , Larsson Anders , Ocklind Anette , Öhrlund Åke
Published: October 2002

A radiofrequency air plasma has been used to incorporate new functionalities at the surface of cycloolefin polymers (Zeonex® and Topas®), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), styrene–acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), and polystyrene (PS). The main goals with the plasma treatment of the different plastics were to hydrophilize the surfaces and to provide good cell culture properties. Surfaces treated at high RF power/gas flow ratios (50 to 100 W/sccm) became highly hydrophilic (water contact angles of about 5 degrees) and stable towards washing in 70% (v/v) ethanol. Those treated at lower power/gas flow ratios (3 to 10 W/sccm) were less hydrophilic and not wash‐stable. Cell growth properties of HeLa cervix carcinoma cells as good as on commercial tissue‐culture polystyrene could be obtained for Zeonex, SAN, and PS, treated at relatively low RF power/gas flow ratios. However, no untreated plastics were suitable for culturing these cells. XPS spectra features show that ester, ether/alcohol, and ester/carboxyl groups are formed during the plasma treatments of the different plastics. Measurable amounts of carboxylic acid carbon after plasma treatment were only observed for PS and Topas. Furthermore, at high RF power/gas flow ratios fluorine, aluminium and silicon were incorporated in all investigated plastics surfaces due to ablation–deposition processes in the reaction chamber. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2618–2625, 2002
Eu3+complex/polyimide nanocomposites: Improvement in mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Bian Li‐Juan , Qian Xue‐Feng , Yin Jie , Zhu Zi‐Kang , Lu Qing‐Hua
Published: October 2002

A series of Eu3+‐doped polyimide nanocomposites were successfully prepared via the solution process. X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetric analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopic analysis, universal testing, and ellipsometry were used to characterize the nanocomposites. TEM results indicated that rare earth particles were homogeneously dispersed in the polyimide matrix with a size of about 20 nm. The introduction of the rare earth complex led to an increase in the glass transition temperature, thermal stability, size stability, and a marked increase in the tensile strength and storage modulus. The addition of the rare earth complex also increased the refractive index of the nanocomposites. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2707–2712, 2002
Long‐term outcome in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Minden Kirsten , Niewerth Martina , Listing Joachim , Biedermann Thomas , Bollow Matthias , Schöntube, Monika , Zink Angela
Published: October 2002

Objective

To describe the long‐term outcome of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods

All patients with JIA referred to a pediatric rheumatology center between 1978 and 1988 were identified and invited to undergo an assessment. Patients with JIA from a population‐based cohort from East Berlin were included. The outcome assessment considered changes in body function and structure (e.g., mortality, joint abnormalities, disease activity), activities at the individual level (Health Assessment Questionnaire), and participation in society (e.g., mobility, educational and vocational background).

Results

Of 260 eligible patients, 215 (83%) were evaluated. Subtypes of JIA at disease onset included oligoarthritis (40%), polyarthritis (14%), systemic arthritis (14%), psoriatic arthritis (1%), enthesitis‐related arthritis (15%), and other arthritis (16%). Followup was conducted after a median of 16.5 years. No deaths occurred in this cohort. At followup, approximately half of the patients had active disease and/or changes in body structures to a variable extent. Approximately one‐third of patients rated themselves as being functionally limited. Patients demonstrated good social integration: few mobility problems were reported, and the educational achievements of patients were higher and their rate of unemployment was lower compared with the age‐matched population. No significant differences in outcome were found between the population‐based and the referral‐based cohorts.

Conclusion

Even though approximately half of the JIA patients had more or less distinctive changes in body function and/or structure after a disease duration of >15 years, fewer than 10% were severely disabled or handicapped. Because JIA often persists into adulthood, long‐term followup and care are necessary.
Mutation screening of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor gene: Positive association of a functional polymorphism of macrophage migration inhibitory factor with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Donn Rachelle , Alourfi Zaynab , De Benedetti Fabrizio , Meazza Cristina , Zeggini Eleftheria , Lunt Mark , Stevens Adam , Shelley Emma , Lamb Rebecca ,   the British Paediatric Rheumatology Study Group, Ollier William E. R. , Thomson Wendy , Ray David
Published: October 2002

Objective

To determine if polymorphisms of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene are associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods

Denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography was used to screen the MIF gene in 32 UK Caucasian controls and 88 UK Caucasian JIA patients. Ninety‐two healthy UK Caucasian controls were then genotyped for each of the polymorphic positions identified. A panel of 526 UK Caucasian JIA patients and 259 UK Caucasian controls were subsequently genotyped for a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identified in the 5′‐flanking region of the gene, using SNaPshot ddNTP primer extension and capillary electrophoresis. The functional significance of this polymorphism was also studied using luciferase‐based reporter gene assays in human T lymphoblast and epithelial cell lines.

Results

A tetranucleotide repeat CATT(5–7) beginning at nucleotide position −794 and 3 SNPs at positions −173 (G to C), +254 (T to C), and +656 (C to G) of the MIF gene were identified. No JIA‐specific mutations were found. Allele and genotype frequencies differed significantly between the controls and the JIA patients for the MIF‐173 polymorphism. Individuals possessing a MIF‐173*C allele had an increased risk of JIA (34.8% versus 21.6%) (odds ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.4–2.7; P = 0.0002). Furthermore, the MIF‐173* G and C variants resulted in altered expression of MIF in a cell type–specific manner. Serum levels of MIF were also significantly higher in individuals who carried a MIF‐173*C allele (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

The −173‐MIF*C allele confers increased risk of susceptibility to JIA. Our data suggest a cell type–specific regulation of MIF, which may be central to understanding its role in inflammation.
Effect of oral glucosamine on cartilage and meniscus in normal and chymopapain‐injected knees of young rabbits
Authors: Oegema Theodore R. , Deloria Laurel B. , Sandy John D. , Hart David A.
Published: October 2002

Objective

To determine if oral glucosamine (GlcN) improves joint biology after acute damage by a protease.

Methods

The effect of 8 weeks of dietary GlcN (20 or 100 mg/kg/day) on knee joint cartilage was evaluated in 2.2‐kg male NZW rabbits with and without damage introduced by intraarticular injection of chymopapain (CP). Cartilage was evaluated histologically and scored according to the Mankin scale. Analyses of total hydroxyproline and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) contents and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis of selected genes were performed.

Results

After 8 weeks, there was no effect of GlcN on the GAG content of normal cartilage. Both levels of GlcN treatment significantly increased the sulfated GAG content in the cartilage of the medial femoral condyle in damaged and contralateral knees, but did not change the collagen content. In CP‐injected knees, there was still some loss of surface proteoglycan (PG) that was not completely corrected by dietary GlcN. Even after 8 weeks, levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) detected by RT‐PCR showed changes indicative of damage and repair, such as elevated type II collagen mRNA, and these levels were not influenced by GlcN treatment. Meniscal GAG content was increased in the contralateral knee of rabbits receiving high‐dose GlcN, but was decreased in those receiving no GlcN or low‐dose GlcN. Neither diet nor treatment affected the meniscal collagen content.

Conclusion

These results suggest that oral GlcN treatment might be useful in a situation where GlcN is limiting, such as where there is a rapid replacement of cartilage PG.
Pharmacokinetics and dose proportionality of oral moxidectin in beagle dogs
Authors: Vanapalli Sreenivasa R. , Hung Ya‐Ping , Fleckenstein Lawrence , Dzimianski Michael T. , McCall John W.
Published: October 2002

Purpose. To study the pharmacokinetics and dose proportionality of moxidectin in beagle dogs experimentally infected with the filarial parasite Brugia pahangi, and to evaluate and compare the results obtained from population pharmacokinetic analysis and individual compartmental analysis. Method. Thirty‐six infected dogs were selected and randomly allocated into six treatment groups of six dogs each. Doses of 250 or 1000μg/kg were given orally. The plasma drug concentration–time data were analyzed by population compartmental and individual compartmental methods. Results. The best pharmacokinetic model was a two‐compartment model with first‐order absorption. According to the results obtained from population compartmental analysis, moxidectin is a low clearance drug with a relatively high volume of distribution, resulting in a mean terminal half‐life of 458 h. Absorption was rapid with a mean absorption half‐life of 0.6 h and Tmax of 2.75 h. Significant weight effect was found on Vc. These results were compared with results obtained from individual compartmental approach. A statistically significant (p<0.01) gender difference in T1/2β was observed with the 250 μg/kg dose, and a trend was observed with a greater T1/2β in females at the 1000μg/kg dose. No gender effect on other pharmacokinetic parameters was found. Conclusions. A pronounced distribution phase was observed and there was a significant weight effect on Vc. Dose proportionality of moxidectin was assessed by comparing the AUC (0‐last determination) values for 250 and 1000μg/kg. The pharmacokinetics are independent of dose over this dose range. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A domain‐specific risk‐attitude scale: measuring risk perceptions and risk behaviors
Authors: Weber Elke U. , Blais Ann‐Renée , Betz Nancy E.
Published: October 2002

We present a psychometric scale that assesses risk taking in five content domains: financial decisions (separately for investing versus gambling), health/safety, recreational, ethical, and social decisions. Respondents rate the likelihood that they would engage in domain‐specific risky activities (Part I). An optional Part II assesses respondents' perceptions of the magnitude of the risks and expected benefits of the activities judged in Part I. The scale's construct validity and consistency is evaluated for a sample of American undergraduate students. As expected, respondents' degree of risk taking was highly domain‐specific, i.e. not consistently risk‐averse or consistently risk‐seeking across all content domains. Women appeared to be more risk‐averse in all domains except social risk. A regression of risk taking (likelihood of engaging in the risky activity) on expected benefits and perceived risks suggests that gender and content domain differences in apparent risk taking are associated with differences in the perception of the activities' benefits and risk, rather than with differences in attitude towards perceived risk. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Defining the actions of transforming growth factor beta in reproduction
Authors: Ingman Wendy V. , Robertson Sarah A.
Published: October 2002

Members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) family are pleiotropic cytokines with key roles in tissue morphogenesis and growth. TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 are abundant in mammalian reproductive tissues, where development and cyclic remodelling continue in post‐natal and adult life. Potential roles for TGFβ have been identified in gonad and secondary sex organ development, spermatogenesis and ovarian function, immunoregulation of pregnancy, embryo implantation and placental development. However, better tools must now be employed to map more precisely essential functions and the regulatory networks governing their activity. Gene ablation and transgenic models are expected to provide novel insights into distinct physiological activities for each TGFβ isoform in normal reproductive function and reproductive pathologies. It is also necessary to consider the mechanisms controlling TGFβ activation from latent precursor forms, and receptor and binding protein expression. Smad intracellular signalling circuitry and modulation by environmental stimuli through cross‐talk with other signal transduction pathways will further constrain TGFβ action. This review examines existing evidence for TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 regulation of male and female reproductive biology, and highlights prospects for future research. BioEssays 24:904–914, 2002. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Noninvasive measurement of dissolved oxygen in shake flasks
Authors: Tolosa Leah , Kostov Yordan , Harms Peter , Rao Govind
Published: October 2002

Shake flasks are ubiquitous in cell culture and fermentation. However, conventional devices for measuring oxygen concentrations are impractical in these systems. Thus, there is no definitive information on the oxygen supply of growing cells. Here we report the noninvasive, nonintrusive monitoring of dissolved oxygen (DO) in shake flasks using a low‐cost optical sensor. The oxygen‐sensitive element is a thin, luminescent patch affixed to the inside bottom of the flask. The sensitivity and accuracy of this device is maximal up to 60% DO, within the range that is critical to cell culture applications. By measuring actual oxygen levels every 1 or 5 min throughout the course of yeast and E. coli fermentations, we found that a modest increase in shaker speed and a decrease in culture volume slowed the onset of oxygen limitation and reduced its duration. This is the first time that in situ oxygen limitation is reported in shake flasks. The same data is unattainable with a Clark type electrode because the presence of the intrusive probe itself changes the actual conditions. Available fiber optic oxygen sensors require cumbersome external connections and recalibration when autoclaved. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 80: 594–597, 2002.
Anatomy online: Presentation of a detailed WWW atlas of human gross anatomy—reference for medical education
Authors: Jastrow Holger , Vollrath Lutz
Published: October 2002

We present an online anatomy atlas based on the Visible Human Project (VHP) of the US National Library of Medicine. The objective is to provide original unlabeled as well as labeled sections of the human body of high quality and resolution on the Internet, for use in basic and continuing medical education. For a representative overview of the body, 370 axial sections were selected from the male and female data base of the VHP with special regard to regions of clinical interest. Each section is accompanied by its corresponding computer tomography (CT) image and, if available, magnetic resonance images (MRI) for quick and easy comparison of morphologic and radiologic structures. The sections can be studied unlabeled or labeled according to the current Terminologia Anatomica. A linked vocabulary with more than 850 terms explains the labeling. Animations of the sections as well as of CT and MR images allow for further visualization of the topographic relationships of anatomical structures. The responses to the project indicate that students and physicians regard the Internet Atlas of Human Gross Anatomy as a most useful aid for learning and reviewing anatomical details. The atlas is accessible on: http://www.uni‐mainz.de/FB/Medizin/Anatomie/workshop/vishuman/Eready.html. Clin. Anat. 15:402–408, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Domestic violence and child protection: issues in safety planning
Authors: Waugh Fran , Bonner Michelle
Published: October 2002

There is strong evidence for the link between domestic violence and child abuse. Agencies' policies regarding domestic violence and child protection are critical in determining the dimensions of practitioner intervention, including safety planning for women and children. This paper explores the issues identified in research around safety planning where there are domestic violence and child protection concerns which was conducted with practitioners in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, in 2001. In particular, the paper focuses on three of the factors that influence practitioner intervention with women and children. These are: definitional understandings of domestic violence and child abuse; child protection legislative changes, including mandatory reporting and domestic violence as a child‐at‐risk category; and the NSW child protection statutory authority's response to domestic violence. The interplay between these factors results in complexities of practice for practitioners as they attempt to maximize women's strengths and minimize risks to children's safety. The resultant inconsistent response to domestic violence and child protection by government and non‐ government agencies suggests the need for domestic violence interagency guidelines. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intravascular ultrasound and quantitative coronary angiography assessment of late in‐stent restenosis: In vivo human correlation and methodological implications
Authors: Prati Francesco , Pawlowski Tomasz , Sommariva Luigi , Labellarte Antonella , Manzoli Alessandro , Boccanelli Alessandro , Motolese MD Mario
Published: October 2002

Quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) is routinely used for assessment of strategies aimed at reducing in‐stent restenosis. Yet QCA enables only the measurement of luminal variation of stented segments and, unlike intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), provides only an indirect estimation of late in‐stent neointimal formation, which has a key role in the process of in‐stent restenosis. The aims of the present study were to correlate the IVUS measurement of in‐stent intimal hyperplasia (IH) with QCA indexes of restenosis, to find out whether QCA is an adequate surrogate of IVUS, and, using either QCA and IVUS data, to define the sample sizes needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of strategies to reduce in‐stent restenosis. The database of the European Imaging Laboratory was used to screen 154 stents implanted between 1997 and 2001 and studied by IVUS at 6 ± 1 months of follow‐up. All cases underwent serial QCA assessment (preintervention, postintervention, and follow‐up). Only 131 cases with single stent implantation in native coronary arteries were included in the study. Stent restenosis, defined as percent diameter stenosis (DS) > 50%, was present at QCA in 69 out of 131 cases (53%). Linear regression analyses were performed to correlate the amount of IH, calculated by IVUS as the average of all cross‐section areas (CSA; mean % IH CSA) and QCA indexes of restenosis (late loss and % DS). A positive significant correlation was found between IVUS mean % IH CSA and QCA % DS (r = 0.74; P < 0.0001) and between IVUS mean % IH CSA and QCA late loss (r = 0.72; P < 0.0001). Based on IVUS measurements of mean % IH CSA, a total sample size of 74 stents would be required in a two‐arm comparison to have 0.80 power to detect at 0.05 significant level a 30% difference between two compared groups. Alternatively, adopting the QCA late loss, 230 stents would be required. QCA measurements of late in‐stent restenosis are well correlated with IVUS calculation of in‐stent neointimal formation. IVUS assessment of IH allows smaller sample sizes than QCA to document significant reductions of in‐stent restenosis. Therefore, the use of IVUS should be encouraged in comparison studies aimed at revealing significant neointimal differences in small sample size populations. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;57:155–160. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hyperparathyroidism and subsequent cancer risk in Denmark
Authors: Pickard Amy L. , Gridley Gloria , Mellemkjæ Lene , Johansen Christoffer , Kofoed‐Enevoldsen Allan , Cantor Kenneth P. , Brinton Louise A.
Published: October 2002

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence that hyperparathyroidism (HPT), a condition that leads to elevated serum calcium levels, is associated with endocrine and other malignancies, suggesting a possible causal link between HPT and carcinoma.

METHODS

To investigate the relation of HPT to subsequent cancer risk, the authors conducted a record‐linkage study among 2425 patients who were diagnosed with HPT in Danish hospitals. Patients were identified in hospital discharge records, and records were then linked with the Danish National Cancer Registry for the years 1977–1993 to identify cancer incidence. To estimate cancer risk, standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were computed.

RESULTS

After excluding patients who were diagnosed in the first year of follow‐up, a total of 219 malignancies were observed, resulting in an SIR of 1.25 (95% confidence interval [95%CI], 1.1–1.4). Cancer risk among women was higher than among men. Among those with primary (idiopathic) HPT, hematopoetic malignancies were elevated significantly (SIR, 1.88; 95%CI, 1.0–3.2; based on 13 patients), with the excess derived primarily from 4 observed patients with multiple myeloma. Patients with secondary HPT had an insignificantly increased risk of overall cancers. Patients who were diagnosed with other or unspecified types of HPT had significant increases in carcinoma of the urinary tract (SIR, 2.71; 95%CI, 1.2–5.3; based on 8 patients) and carcinoma of the thyroid gland (SIR, 21.19; 95%CI, 4.3–61.9; based on 3 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

Future studies should monitor whether specific endocrine alterations associated with HPT may affect the long‐term risk of hematopoetic, thyroid, and urinary tract carcinomas. Cancer 2002;95:1611–7. Published 2002 by the American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10846
Chemoarchitecture of GABAergic neurons in the ferret superior colliculus
Authors: Behan Mary , Steinhacker Kate , Jeffrey‐Borger Susan , Meredith M. Alex
Published: October 2002

γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons are thought to play a key role both in visual processing and in the complex sensory‐motor transformations that take place in the mammalian superior colliculus. To understand the organization of GABAergic neurons in the ferret superior colliculus, we applied antisera to several markers of GABAergic function, including GABA, two isoforms of its synthetic enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD‐65 and GAD‐67), and the GABA transporter, GAT‐1. We also applied antisera to several calcium binding proteins (calbindin [CB], calretinin [CR], and parvalbumin [PV]) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS), chemical markers that colocalize with GABA in some areas of the central nervous system. The distribution of GABAergic neurons in the ferret is similar to that of other mammalian species. GABAergic neurons in the ferret superior colliculus were small, morphologically diverse, and widely distributed throughout all layers of the colliculus. As has been shown in other mammalian species, neurons expressing PV, CB, CR, and NOS were differentially distributed in layers and patches throughout the ferret colliculus. None of these markers, however, showed a distribution that mirrored that of GABAergic neurons. Furthermore, few GABAergic neurons colocalized these neurochemical markers. Only 14% of GABAergic neurons in the superficial layers and 18% of neurons in the deeper layers colocalized PV, 14% of GABAergic neurons in the superficial layers and 10% in the deeper layers colocalized CB, and only 1% of GABAergic neurons in both the superficial and deep layers colocalized nitric oxide synthase. Thus, the arrangement of GABAergic neurons in the ferret superior colliculus is broadly distributed and is distinct from other recognized organizational patterns in the superior colliculus. J. Comp. Neurol. 452:334–359, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new look at calretinin‐immunoreactive amacrine cell types in the monkey retina
Authors: Kolb Helga , Zhang Li , Dekorver Laura , Cuenca Nicolas
Published: October 2002

We have examined amacrine cells that are calretinin‐immunoreactive (‐IR) in the macaque monkey retina with the aim of classifying them into morphological and functional subtypes. There are calretinin‐IR cells in the fovea and throughout the retina. Their highest density is reached at 1.0 mm from the foveal pit (10,500 cells/mm2) and falls to 2,600/mm2 by 10 mm of eccentricity. Nearest‐neighbor statistics for the calretinin‐IR cell body distribution indicate a nonregular pattern, with a regularity index of 1.4–1.6. There is an increase or “bump” of cell density 3.5–4.0 mm from the foveal pit, corresponding to the rod photoreceptor density peak. Based on morphological differences, there appear to be three types of amacrine cell that are calretinin‐IR. To determine the types, we doubly immunolabeled retinas, from fovea to periphery, for calretinin‐IR in combination with other calcium binding proteins and inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitters. Labeling with parvalbumin and calretinin antibodies indicated that 70% of the amacrine cells were solely calretinin‐IR, and 30% contained parvalbumin‐IR as well. In the same way, 70% of the calretinin‐IR amacrine cells colocalized calbindin, but 30% were only calretinin‐IR. Among the calretinin/calbindin‐colocalized cells, there were small‐field and wide‐field types. Double labeling with antibodies to calretinin and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and to calretinin and glycine revealed the majority to be glycine‐IR, but some were GABA‐IR. The glycine‐IR population consists mainly of AII amacrine cell types, but clearly another non‐AII type is involved. The non‐AII glycine‐IR population resembles a small‐ to medium‐field diffuse type. The calretinin‐IR wide‐field type is GABAergic and corresponds to an A19 type. The central, rod‐free, fovea contains the calretinin‐IR, non‐AII glycine‐IR type and the calretinin‐IR, GABAergic type only. To learn more concerning the circuitry of the calretinin/glycine‐IR, non‐AII amacrine cell type in isolation from AII amacrine cells, we concentrated on the rod‐free fovea, where AII amacrine cells are absent. We performed a serial section electron microscopy (EM) study on four calretinin‐IR cells. They were involved with cone pathway circuitry. They got input from ON and OFF midget bipolar cells, reciprocated synapses to these bipolar cells, and provided synapses to ON‐center ganglion cells. Thus we have obtained new information on a cone pathway amacrine cell of the central monkey fovea that is involved in the midget system. J. Comp. Neurol. 453:168–184, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.