bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal diagnosis of de novo terminal deletion of chromosome 7q
Authors: Chen Chih‐Ping , Chern Schu‐Rern , Chang Tung‐Yao , Tzen Chin‐Yuan , Lee Chen‐Chi , Chen Wen‐Lin , Lee Meng‐Shan , Wang Wayseen
Published: May 2003

Objectives

To present the prenatal diagnosis and perinatal findings of a de novo terminal deletion of chromosome 7q.

Case

Amniocentesis was performed at 21‐weeks gestation owing to a positive result of maternal serum multiple‐marker screening. The 30‐year‐old woman, gravida 2, para 1, had a maternal serum multiple‐marker screening test at 18‐weeks gestation. The risk of Down syndrome was 1/11 calculated from the gestational age, maternal age, a maternal serum α‐fetoprotein level of 1.026 multiples of the median (MOM), and a maternal serum free β‐human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) level of 8.678 MoM. Cytogenetic analysis of the cultured amniotic fluid cells revealed a de novo terminal deletion of 7q, 46,XX,del(7)(q35). Ultrasonography showed intrauterine growth restriction, microcephaly, and tetralogy of Fallot. The pregnancy was terminated subsequently. Grossly, the placenta was normal. On autopsy, the proband additionally manifested a prominent forehead, hypertelorism, epicanthus, upslanting palpebral fissures, a flat and broad nasal bridge, micrognathia, large low‐set ears, overriding toes, and a normal brain. Radiography demonstrated a normal spine. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis demonstrated a 7q terminal deletion. Genetic marker analysis showed a maternally derived terminal deletion of chromosome 7(q35–qter).

Conclusion

Fetuses with a de novo 7q terminal deletion may be associated with a markedly elevated maternal serum hCG level and abnormal sonographic findings of intrauterine growth restriction, microcephaly, and congenital heart defects in the second trimester. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphological and cytogenetic analysis of intact oocytes and blocked zygotes
Authors: Benkhalifa M. , Kahraman S. , Caserta D. , Domez E. , Qumsiyeh M. B.
Published: May 2003

We examined cytological and cytogenetic parameters of 1076 oocytes and 385 zygotes that failed to develop post in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Out of 1076 oocytes, 894 (83%) arrested oocytes showed a first polar body and were thus assumed arrested at metaphase II while the remainder showed no polar body. In the group of oocytes with a polar body, 20.5% had an abnormal karyotype. Cytologically, premature sperm chromosome condensation was noted in 28.3% of uncleaved oocytes. This high PCC can be explained by the different grades of oocyte maturity from one center to another. Oocytes from older women showed no increased aneuploidy but did show increased premature chromosome condensation.

Analysis by classical technique of 220 uncleaved zygotes showed 91 with highly condensed chromosomes, 53 with asynchrony of condensation, 31 with pulverized chromosomes, and 45 arrested at the first somatic metaphase. Out of 385 arrested zygotes, 165 were explored by in situ hybridization. FISH using a set of 7 chromosome‐specific probes showed aneuploidy in the chromosomes analyzed (13, 16, 18, 21, 22, X, Y) in 21.8% of blocked zygotes (19–25% depending on morphology). Extrapolating to other chromosomes, we expect that a vast majority of blocked zygotes and oocytes probably carry chromosome abnormalities. These data demonstrate the contributions of chromosome disorder in early embryo development blocking and implantation failure. Certainly, the issue of cytoplasm and nuclear immaturity and their relation to each other and to chromosome abnormalities provides a fertile area for future investigation in ART. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of expressed sequence tags preferentially expressed in human placentas by in silico subtraction
Authors: Miner David , Rajkovic Aleksandar
Published: May 2003

Objectives

To identify expressed sequence tag (EST) clusters preferentially expressed in placentas.

Methods

The National Center for Biotechnology's online UniGene database contains 14 placenta libraries. In silico (computer‐based) subtraction compared placenta libraries against the remaining libraries to identify transcripts preferentially expressed in placentas. For known genes, placental expression or their use in prenatal diagnosis was then explored online using LocusLink and PubMed.

Results

Placentas preferentially expressed 475 EST clusters. Of these, 18 EST clusters with no known function were expressed exclusively in placentas. Of the remaining 457 EST clusters, 90 showed preferential placental expression by ≥25 times. Of these 90, literature searches on the 45 EST clusters with known functions showed 44 linked to placental physiology or proposed as markers for prenatal diagnosis [i.e. β‐hCG, pregnancy‐specific glycoproteins, human placental lactogens, pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A)]. Selected genes with known function in pregnancy but whose preferential placental expression fell below the factor of 25 threshold were also identified.

Conclusion

In silico subtraction identified 44 previously studied genes involved in placental physiology as well as 63 EST clusters preferentially expressed in placental tissue, which may serve as targets for future studies seeking novel markers for prenatal diagnosis or to better understand placental genetics. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Down syndrome serum screening results to predict low birthweight
Authors: Huang T. , Alberman E. , Watt H. C. , Wald N. J.
Published: May 2003

Objective

To investigate the use of prenatal maternal serum screening results for Down syndrome, for the prediction of low (<2500 g) and very low (<1500 g) birthweight.

Design

Record linkage of maternal serum screening results with the corresponding birth records.

Participants

42 259 women whose pregnancies had been screened for the risk of Down syndrome.

Setting

Three East London maternity units, between February 1989 and August 1998.

Results

Estimates were made of the effectiveness of single markers only for the prediction of low birthweight, and of multiple markers together with mother's weight and smoking habit. As reported previously, high levels of the single markers alpha‐fetoprotein and total human chorionic gonadotrophin, inhibin A, and low levels of unconjugated oestriol were associated with low birthweight. However, the best prediction was obtained when multiple serum markers comprising alpha‐fetoprotein, unconjugated oestriol, and inhibin A were used in combination together with mother's weight and adjustment for smoking habit. For a false‐positive rate of 5%, this combination predicted 23% of low birthweight and 39% of very low birthweight babies, possibly the best method of prediction to date.

Conclusion

Prediction of low birthweight derived from Down syndrome screening could be used, for little extra cost, to advise on place of delivery or to select candidates for randomised clinical trials of low birthweight prevention. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Model for the pressure‐dependent permeation of small molecules through a polymer membrane
Authors: Burlakov V. M. , Nörenberg H. , Briggs G. A. D. , Tsukahara Y.
Published: May 2003

The pressure‐dependent permeation of heavy noble gases through oriented polypropylene (OPP) is explained with a phenomenological model based on the hopping‐like migration of particles over a network of trapping sites with random site energies. The main mechanism behind the pressure dependence of the permeation is related to a decrease in the average activation energy of diffusion upon the gas sorption. This decrease is achieved because of a saturation of the deep traps, which reduces the mass transport to a network of shallow traps. In this way, fast‐diffusion channels with lower activation energy are created. The model is suitable for the description of the transient permeation of a gas through a polymer, as illustrated for the permeation of noble gases through an OPP membrane. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1308–1315, 2003
Protrusion and deformation of an elastic particle at an advancing front interface
Authors: Montiel Raúl , Alexander‐Katz Roberto
Published: May 2003

The response of an elastic particle to an extensional field close to an advancing liquid–gas interface in a capillary was examined both from an experimental and theoretical viewpoint. Experimental evidence is given on both the protrusion and deformation of an elastic particle at an advancing front interface. To interpret our experimental results, we followed and extended Hoffman's approach to the case of deformable particles. A hybrid approach was followed where the height of the bump was calculated theoretically as an equilibrium between capillary and drag forces for a given deformation of the particle, whereas the latter was supplied by an independent experimental measurement. For an elastic particle, the height of the bump goes through a maximum and further on decay almost linearly when plotted against the dimensionless parameter introduced by Hoffman. The difference between the theoretical prediction and the experimental data is discussed in relation to the asymmetry of the bump profiles observed in the experiment that could be responsible for a larger contribution of capillary forces from those calculated. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1362–1374, 2003
Drawing of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fibers in the presence of supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Garcia‐Leiner Manuel , Song John , Lesser Alan J.
Published: May 2003

The drawing behavior of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fibers in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) is compared to that in air at different temperatures. The temperature substantially influences the drawing properties in air, whereas in scCO2, a constant draw stress and tensile strength are observed. Differential scanning calorimetry shows an apparent development of a hexagonal phase along with a significant increase in the crystallinity of air‐drawn samples with increasing temperature. The existence of this phase is not confirmed by wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, which instead shows that air‐drawn samples crystallize in an internally constrained manner. In contrast, scCO2 allows crystals to grow without constraints through a possible crystal–crystal transformation, increasing the processing temperature to 110 °C. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1375–1383, 2003
Crystalline structure and thermal behavior of nylon‐10,14
Authors: Li Yongjin , Yan Deyue , Zhang Guosheng
Published: May 2003

The structure and morphology of a novel polyamide, nylon‐10,14, and its lamellar crystals from dilute solution were examined by transmission electron microscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD). Both the electron‐diffraction pattern and WAXD data demonstrated that nylon‐10,14 adopts the structure of a triclinic lattice similar to that of the traditional nylon‐66 but with a corresponding increase of the c parameter to 3.23 nm. In addition, the thermal behavior of melt‐crystallized nylon‐10,14 was investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The glass‐transition temperature of nylon‐10,14 determined by the DMA data was 46.6°C. DSC indicated that the multiple melting behavior of isothermally crystallized nylon‐10,14 probably results from the melt and recrystallization mechanism. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1422–1427, 2003
An interactive process model of psychosocial support needs for women living with breast cancer
Authors: Marlow Beth , Cartmill Tania , Cieplucha Holly , Lowrie Sarah
Published: May 2003

Psychosocial support is acknowledged as an important aspect of the care and recovery process for women diagnosed with breast cancer. To develop an understanding of support needs, a series of focus groups were conducted with a total of 80 Australian women living with breast cancer. The psychosocial needs identified in discussion were summarised into four main categories, Organisation of Care, Sense of Control, Validation of Experience and Feeling of Reassurance. From these themes an interactive model of psychosocial support needs was developed. As a process model it demonstrates that the provision of effective support is, necessarily, an integrated, not a piecemeal, process. The categories of support are broad, and are made more inclusive through interactions with each other, providing room to accommodate individual needs and styles of adjustment. The model is not esoteric or complicated – it is an accessible overview of the process for both client and helper. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Research interests in the field of behavioral, psychosocial, and policy cancer research
Authors: Nehl Eric J. , Blanchard Chris M. , Stafford Jeremy S. , Ainsworth Stuart , Baker Frank
Published: May 2003

The growth of research in behavioral, psychosocial, and policy aspects of cancer is quite evident through examination of the literature. Although it is necessary to recognize the importance of past achievements in these areas, it is equally essential to identify the current interests and future areas that will form a new research agenda. The present study is the first attempt to shed light on these issues by surveying a group of behavioral, psychosocial and policy researchers from 1997 (n=714) and 2002 (n=1102). Questions were posed that dealt with current and future research interests. Results indicate a stable core of research interests in the field, as well as changing trends in interest that may affect the direction of future research. Prevention and detection, psychosocial issues, and quality of life were clearly the most recognized research interests. Emerging areas of research interest seem to be special populations and health care delivery. Examination of these findings may help with research planning, funding allocation, management, beginning researcher education, and practice. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical evaluation of Acalypha ointment in the treatment of superﬁcial fungal skin diseases
Authors: Oyelami O. A. , Onayemi O. , Oladimeji F. A. , Ogundaini A. O. , Olugbade T. A. , Onawunmi G. O.
Published: May 2003

In an open non‐comparative study to evaluate the efﬁcacy and safety of Acalypha wilkesiana ointment in superﬁcial fungal skin diseases, 32 Nigerian patients with clinical and mycological evidence of superﬁcial mycoses were recruited. Twelve patients defaulted and were lost to follow up, while one patient withdrew because of intolerable excoriation at the site of the lesion. Of the 19 patients that completed the trial, clinical cure was achieved in 73.3% of the patients. The ointment was very efﬁcacious in the treatment of Tinea pedis, Pityriasis versicolor and Candida intetrigo where the cure rate was 100% in each condition. It is recommended that Acalypha ointment can be used for the treatment of these superﬁcial mycoses. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiviral potency of mistletoe (Viscum album ssp. album) extracts against human parainﬂuenza virus type 2 in Vero cells
Authors: Karagöz Ali , Önay Evren , Arda Nazlı , Kuru Avni
Published: May 2003

Various extracts from the leaves of mistletoe (Viscum album L. ssp. album) were investigated for their antiviral activity on human parainﬂuenza virus type 2 (HPIV‐2) growth in Vero cells. Plant extracts were prepared using distilled water, 50% ethanol, petroleum ether, chloroform and acetone. The 50% effective dose (ED50) of aqueous extract for HPIV‐2 replication was 0.53 ± 0.12 µg/mL, and the antiviral index (AI), which was based on the ratio of the 50% inhibitory concentration (CD50) for host cell viability to the ED50 for parainﬂuenza virus replication, was 10.05. The aqueous extract was found to be the most selective inhibitor. Furthermore, the aqueous extract at a concentration of 1 µg/mL was found to inhibit HPIV‐2 replication and the virus production was suppressed to more than 99% without any toxic effect on host cells. The chloroform extract was also found to be moderately active. In an effort to further analyse the mechanism of antiviral activity, the effectiveness of the aqueous extract on different steps of virus replication was examined. The antiviral activity could neither be attributed to the direct inactivation of the HPIV‐2 nor to the inhibition of adsorption to Vero cells. The active aqueous extract has shown a dose‐dependent antiviral activity on virus replication. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening of 25 compounds isolated from Phyllanthus species for anti‐human hepatitis B virus in vitro
Authors: Huang Ray‐Ling , Huang Yu‐Ling , Ou Jun‐Chih , Chen Chien‐Chih , Hsu Feng‐Lin , Chang Chungming
Published: May 2003

Using an HBV‐producing cell line and inhibition of the expression of the HBsAg and HBeAg as antiviral indicators, a study was conducted on 25 compounds isolated from four Phyllanthus (Euphorbiaceae) plants, including P. amarus Schum. & Thonn., P. multiﬂorus Willd., P. tenellus Roxb. and P. virgatus Forst. f.. It was found that niranthin (1), nirtetralin (3), hinokinin (5) and geraniin (13) at the non‐cytotoxic concentration of 50 µm, suppressed effectively both HBsAg and HBeAg expression, with the highest inhibition at 74.3%, 45.3%; 69.6%, 33.9%; 68.1%, 52.3%; 32.1%, 46.6%, respectively. Of these, niranthin (1) showed the best anti‐HBsAg activity, while the most potent anti‐HBeAg activity was observed with hinokinin (5). Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pilot study on the clinical effects of dietary supplementation With Enzogenol®, a flavonoid extract of pine bark and vitamin C
Authors: Shand Brett , Strey Chris , Scott Russell , Morrison Zarnia , Gieseg Steven
Published: May 2003

Flavonoids are naturally occurring plant compounds with established in vitro antioxidant properties and potential cardioprotective effects. We carried out a 12‐week pilot study on the effects of dietary supplementation with an extract of bioﬂavonoids prepared from the bark of Pinus radiata trees [Enzogenol®] containing added vitamin C. Data was collected from 24 healthy subjects aged between 55–75 years at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks and included, routine biochemical and haematological indices, and anthropometric, blood pressure, forearm blood ﬂow and haemorheological measurements. Enzogenol® supplementation at a dosage of 480 mg/day of pine bark extract and 240 mg/day vitamin C did not result in changes in any biochemical or haematological indice and was associated with a signiﬁcant reduction in the means of body weight, percentage body fat, systolic blood pressure and plasma viscosity. Basal and hyperaemic blood ﬂow in forearm resistance vessels measured by plethysmography increased signiﬁcantly during the study. The ﬁndings of this pilot study indicate that dietary supplementation with Enzogenol® is safe and well tolerated and is associated with a number of beneﬁcial effects on a range of established cardiovascular risk factors. These changes need to be validated by a placebo‐controlled study but are consistent with other studies that have reported beneﬁcial clinical effects following supplementation with bioﬂavonoids. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibitory effect of Adonis amurensis components on tube‐like formation of human umbilical venous cells
Authors: You Young‐Jae , Kim Yong , Nam Nguyen‐Hai , Ahn Byung‐Zun
Published: May 2003

Antiangiogenic activity‐guided fractionation and isolation carried out on the methanol extract of Adonis amurensis led to the identiﬁcation of three compounds, namely cymarin, cymarol, and cymarilic acid. Amongst the three compounds, cymarilic acid was isolated from this plant for the ﬁrst time. This compound showed no signiﬁcant cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines but was found to be strongly inhibitory toward tube formation induced by human umbilical venous endothelial (HUVE) cells. Cymarin and cymarol exhibited potent cytotoxicity against a human solid tumor cell line A549 (human lung carcinoma), while being inactive on murine leukemic cells (L1210). Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptogenic activity of a novel withanolide‐free aqueous fraction from the roots of Withania somnifera Dun. (Part II)
Authors: Singh B. , Chandan B. K. , Gupta D. K.
Published: May 2003

In the Indian traditional system of medicine Withania somnifera Dun. is widely regarded as the Indian Ginseng. A new withanolide‐free hydrosoluble fraction was isolated from the roots of Withania somnifera Dun. and was evaluated for putative antistress activity against a battery of tests to delineate the activity of this fraction. The latter fraction exhibited signiﬁcant antistress activity in a dose‐related manner (Singh et al., 2001) and was further studied against chemical and physical induced stress in rats and mice. The extract of Withania somnifera root (a commercial preparation available locally) was also used to compare the results. A preliminary acute toxicity study in mice showed a good margin of safety with a high therapeutic index. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibitory activity on lipid peroxidation of extracts from marine brown alga
Authors: Mori Jun , Matsunaga Takayuki , Takahashi Satoshi , Hasegawa Chika , Saito Haruo
Published: May 2003

Several extracts from marine brown alga Sargassum micracanthum (Kuetzing) Endlicher were screened for their inhibitory activity on lipid peroxidation. In an in vitro study, methanol extract (Sm‐M), chloroform/ methanol (3:1) extract and ethyl acetate fraction of Sm‐M inhibited lipid peroxidation in rat liver homo‐genates. The IC50 values were 0.70, 0.70 and 0.37 µg/mL, respectively. These inhibitions were stronger than vitamine C and E. These extracts showed reductive activity on DPPH, the IC50 values were 34, 37 and 11 µg/mL, respectively. In an in vivo study, Sm‐M had the effect on CCl4 induced liver injury in rats and Sm‐M (120–1200 mg/kg, p.o.) lowered dose‐dependently the level of lipid peroxidation in liver. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reporter gene assays and their applications to bioassays of natural products
Authors: New D. C. , Miller‐Martini D. M. , Wong Y. H.
Published: May 2003

Medicinal plants represent precious resources from which bioactive compounds can be isolated and developed into invaluable therapeutic agents. With the advent of modern drug discovery technologies such as combinatorial chemistry and high‐throughput drug screening platforms, there is an increasing interest in utilizing medicinal plants as a source of drug leads. A wide spectrum of bioassays can be employed for the detection of bioactivity in extracts, fractions, as well as puriﬁed compounds of herbal origin. Amongst the different types of bioassays, reporter gene assays are highly versatile and reliable. The present review provides an overview of the most popular reporter genes in terms of their basic methodology, capacities and limitations. The different types of intracellular and extracellular reporter gene products and their potential applications in bioassays of natural products are also discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytotoxic constituents of Brachistus stramoniifolius
Authors: Fang Liqiong , Chai Hee‐Byung , Castillo Juan J. , Soejarto Djaja D. , Farnsworth Norman R. , Cordell Geoffrey A. , Pezzuto John M. , Kinghorn A. Douglas
Published: May 2003

Phytochemical investigation of Brachistus stramoniifolius (Kunth) Miers (formerly Witheringia stramoniifolia Kunth) (Solanaceae) was initiated following primary biological screening and in view of the absence of prior phytochemical studies conducted on this species. Fractionation of an ethyl acetate extract from the roots of the plant, guided by in vitro cytotoxic activity using cultured KB (human nasopharyngeal carcinoma) cells, led to the isolation of three known compounds of the 13,14‐seco‐16,24‐cyclosteroid type, physalins B (1), F (2) and H (3). Their structures were characterized by comparison of their physical and spectral data to published values, with 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments being performed to assure unambiguous resonance assignments. Biological evaluation of these three compounds against a panel of human and murine cancer cell lines demonstrated their broad cytotoxic activity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uterine artery embolization in a 10‐week cervical pregnancy with coexisting fibroids
Authors: Has R. , Balci N.C. , İbrahimoğlu L. , Rozanes İ , Topuz S.
Published: May 2003

A 36‐year‐old woman, gravid 3, para 1, abortus 1, was admitted to our department at 10 weeks and 4 days of gestation with the diagnosis of cervical pregnancy and multiple uterine fibroids. After admission she underwent angiographic embolization of bilateral uterine arteries followed by intraamniotic 70‐mg methotrexate injection. Despite being given a second dose of methotrexate injection 1 week later, the gestational sac did not resolve spontaneously, thus vacuum evacuation and curettage of the cervical canal was required on the 15th day of embolization. The patient was discharged in good condition. She had no complaints by post‐operative at month 11, except amenorrhea. Her uterine fibroids markedly decreased in size after the procedure. As a result, embolization of uterine arteries provided surgical evacuation of cervical pregnancy with minimal hemorrhage, and the patient's potential fertility was preserved, but a long‐term amenorrhea was observed.
A longitudinal study of amniotic fluid index in normal pregnancy in Nigerian women
Authors: Chama C.M , Bobzom D.N , Mai M.A
Published: May 2003

Objective: To establish normal reference values of amniotic fluid index by week of gestation for normal pregnancies in our population. Method: A longitudinal prospective assessment of amniotic fluid index in healthy pregnant women carrying singleton pregnancies. The subjects were recruited at 20 or 22 weeks of gestation and concluded at 40 or 42 weeks of gestation. The numeral data were analyzed on an IBM personal system 2 computer with statistical and graphical packages. Result: from a mean of 17.18 cm at 20 weeks gestation, the amniotic fluid index rose progressively to a peak of 20.39 cm at 26 weeks gestation. It then gradually declined to a mean of 8.37 cm at 42 weeks gestation. Conclusion: Gestational age specific values of amniotic fluid index should be used and the 5th and 95th percentiles taken as lower and upper limits of normal, respectively.
Active management of labor: is it suitable for a developing country?
Authors: Chanrachakul B , Herabutya Y , Panburana P
Published: May 2003

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of active management of labor in the setting of a developing country. Methods: This historical cohort study compared the labor characteristics and outcome of all anti‐HIV positive nulliparous pregnant women (n=96), who delivered between January 1991 and March 1999, treated with traditional labor management to all anti‐HIV negative nulliparous pregnant women (n=1856), who delivered in 1998, treated with active management of labor in the tertiary center of a developing country. The year 1998 was chosen by using the total cesarean section rate of nulliparous patients from 1991 to 1998 to find the mean, then selected the year with cesarean section rate nearest to the mean as a control. Data were analyzed by the chi‐square and t‐tests. Results: The length of labor was significantly shortened in the active management group (6.3±3.3 h vs. 8.9±6 h, P<0.001). A significantly greater proportion of the traditional management group had prolonged labor (29.3% vs. 4.9%, P<0.001). However, the cesarean section rate was not different between the two groups (active vs. traditional=17% vs. 14.6%, P=0.7) with dystocia as a major indication in both groups. Maternal and fetal complications were not different. Conclusion: The active management of labor shortened the duration of labor and reduced prolonged labor; however, it did not decrease the cesarean section rate.
A biogenic-silica δ18O record of climatic change during the last glacial–interglacial transition in southwestern Alaska
Authors: Hu Feng Sheng , Shemesh Aldo
Published: May 2003

Despite growing evidence for environmental oscillations during the last glacial–interglacial transition from high latitude, terrestrial sites of the North Pacific rim, oxygen-isotopic records of these oscillations remain sparse. The lack of data is due partially to the paucity of lakes that contain carbonate sediment suitable for oxygen-isotopic analysis. We report here the first record of oxygen-isotopic composition in diatom silica (δ18OSi) from a lake in that region. δ18OSi increases gradually from 19.0 to 23.5‰ between 12,340 and 11,000 14C yr B.P., reflecting marked climatic warming at the end of the last glaciation. Around 11,000 14C yr B.P., δ18OSi decreases by 1.7‰, suggesting a temperature decrease of 3.5–8.9 °C at the onset of the Younger Dryas (YD) in southwestern Alaska. Climatic recovery began ca. 10,740 14C yr B.P., as inferred from the increase of δ18OSi to a maximum of 23.9‰ near the end of the YD. Our data reveal that a YD climatic reversal in southwestern coastal areas of Alaska occurred, but the YD climate did not return to full-glacial conditions.
Ultrastructure of post‐fertilization development in the red alga Scinaia articulata (Galaxauraceae, Nemaliales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Delivopoulos Stylianos G.
Published: May 2003

Abstract The ultrastructure of the carposporophyte and carposporogenesis is described for the red alga Scinaia articulata Setch. After fertilization, the trichogyne disappears, and the pericarp develops to form a thick protective tissue that surrounds the carposporophyte. The hypogynous cell cuts off both one‐celled and two‐celled sterile branches. Patches of chromatin are frequently observed in evaginations of the nuclear envelope, which appear to produce vesicles in the cytoplasm of the cell of the sterile branch. Large gonimoblast lobes extend from the carpogonium and cleave to form gonimoblast initials. Subsequently, a fusion cell is formed from fusions of the carpogonium, the hypogynous cell and the basal cell of the carpogonial branch. The mature carposporophyte comprises the fusion cell that is connected to the sterile branch cells, gonimoblast cells and carpospores and is surrounded by extensive mucilage. Young carpospores possess a large nucleus and proplastids with a peripheral thylakoid, but they have few dictyosomes and starch granules and are indistinguishable from gonimoblast cells. Subsequently, dictyosomes are formed, which produce vesicles with an electron‐dense granule, which indicates an initiation of wall deposition. Thylakoid formation coincides with incipient starch granule deposition. The nuclear envelope produces fibrous vacuoles and concentric membrane bodies. Carpospores are interconnected by pit connections with two cap layers. Dictyosome activity increases, resulting in the production of vesicles, which either continue to deposit wall material or coalesce to form fibrous vacuoles. The final stage of carposporogenesis is characterized by the massive production of cored vesicles from curved dictyosomes. Mature carpospores are uninucleate and contain fully developed chloroplasts, numerous cored vesicles, numerous starch granules and fibrous vacuoles. The mature carpospore is surrounded by a wall layer and a separating layer, but a carposporangial wall is lacking.
Neurohumoral prediction of left‐ventricular morphologic response to β‐blockade with metoprolol in chronic left‐ventricular systolic heart failure
Authors: Groenning Bjoern A. , Nilsson Jens C. , Hildebrandt Per R. , Kjaer Andreas , Fritz‐Hansen Thomas , Larsson Henrik B.W. , Sondergaard Lars
Published: May 2003

Background:

In order to tailor therapy in heart failure, a solution might be to develop sensitive and reliable markers that can predict response in individual patients or monitor effectiveness of therapy.

Aims:

To evaluate neurohumoral factors as markers for left‐ventricular (LV) antiremodelling from metoprolol treatment in patients with chronic LV systolic heart failure.

Methods:

Forty‐one subjects randomised to placebo or metoprolol were studied with magnetic resonance imaging and blood samples to measure LV dimensions and ejection fraction, epinephrine, norepinephrine, plasma renin activity, aldosterone, atrial (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptides, arginine–vasopressin and endothelin‐1 at baseline, 5 weeks and 6 months after randomisation.

Results:

Baseline ANP was identified as sole independent marker for changes in LV end‐diastolic (ΔLVEDVI: r=−0.70, P=0.002), and end‐systolic (ΔLVESVI: r=−0.53, P=0.03) volumes during metoprolol treatment. Change in ANP during the study was an independent marker for ΔLVEDVI: r=0.66, P=0.004, and ΔLVESVI: r=0.69, P=0.002 in the entire metoprolol group, but at the individual patient level, results were less clear.

Conclusion:

The pre‐treatment plasma level of ANP may be a predictor of LV antiremodelling from treatment with metoprolol in patients with chronic heart failure. However, the potential for individual neurohumoral monitoring of the effects on LV dimensions during β‐blockade appears limited.
Thyronin treatment in adult and pediatric heart surgery: clinical experience and review of the literature
Authors: Carrel Thierry , Eckstein Friedrich , Englberger Lars , Mury Raymond , Mohacsi Paul
Published: May 2003

Thyroid hormone has multiple direct and indirect effects on the heart and the vasculature. Many signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction are manifest by the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, many cardiovascular diseases are adversely affected by the concomitant presence of either hyper‐ or hypothyroidism: it is still being debated whether these alterations are the consequence of increased cardiac workload alone or are due to the intrinsic properties of thyroid hormone. There are three potential mechanisms by which thyroid hormone might exert a cardiovascular action: (1) direct effects at the cellular level (inotropic and chronotropic effect); (2) interaction with the sympathetic nervous system; and (3) alteration of the peripheral circulation through changes in preload, afterload and energy metabolism. We treated 54 adult and seven pediatric patients suffering from severe low cardiac output in different clinical conditions with a mean bolus dosage of 2±1.5 μg h−1 of T3, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.4±0.3 μg h−1 for a mean duration of 48±12 h. In 45 patients, stabilization of the hemodynamic situation with a decrease in inotropic support requirement was observed; however, in 11 patients no beneficial effects were observed. From this experience we suggest that T3 treatment may improve hemodynamics in a substantial proportion of cardiac and cardiosurgical patients in whom more conventional treatment is unsuccessful.
Using ensemble forecasts to predict the size of forecast changes, with application to weather swap value at risk
Authors: Jewson Stephen , Ziehmann Christine
Published: May 2003

We show that the standard deviation of the distribution from which changes in the ensemble mean are drawn can be predicted using the ensemble spread. Such a forecast has direct application for companies that trade weather swaps and need to evaluate their risk. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Identification of three new DRB1 alleles, DRB1*0107, *0425 and *13012 and confirmation of DRB4*01033
Authors: Voorter C.E.M. , Hepkema B.G. , Lems S.P.M. , Van Den Berg‐Loonen E.M.
Published: May 2003

Abstract:  The characterization of three novel DRB1 alleles is described, DRB1*0107, DRB1*0425 and DRB1*13012 as well as confirmation of DRB4*01033. Two alleles, DRB1*0107 and *0425, showed amino acid differences with previously identified HLA molecules. In DRB1*0107, the glutamine at position 10 was substituted by a glutamic acid. DRB1*0425 showed one amino acid difference with DRB1*0418 (I to F) at position 67, and five amino acid differences with DRB1*04011 at positions 67 (L to F), 70 (Q to D), 71 (K to R), 74 (A to L) and 86 (G to V). The alleles DRB1*13012 and DRB4*01033 had protein sequences identical to DRB1*13011 and DRB4*01031/01032, respectively. Nucleotide differences were present at position 306 for DRB1*13012 and at position 321 for DRB4*01033.
IgG reactive to CTL‐directed epitopes of self‐antigens is either lacking or unbalanced in atopic dermatitis patients
Authors: Kawamoto N. , Yamada A. , Ohkouchi S. , Maeda T. , Tanaka S. , Hashimoto T. , Saijo Y. , Saijo S. , Nukiwa T. , Shichijo S. , Aizawa H. , Itoh K.
Published: May 2003

Abstract:  We previously demonstrated that CTL‐directed epitopes derived from non‐mutated self‐antigens elicit a type‐I allergy in the majority of healthy donors (HD) as did the presence of IgE and IgG reactive to these peptides in the sera of the donors. We investigated in this study whether Igs reactive to eight types of CTL‐directed peptides were elevated in the sera of 40 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Total IgE levels in the sera of AD patients were significantly higher than those of HD, however, no significant differences between the AD patients and the HD were observed in either the serum levels or the positive rates of IgE reactive to seven of the eight peptides. Total IgG levels were not different from each other, however, IgG reactive to the two peptides with no sequence similarity to other species and one peptide that had similarity to DNA helicase II of enterobacteria were not detectable in the sera of the AD patients. Although IgG reactive to the remaining five peptides, which had sequence similarity to other species, were detectable in both the AD patients and the HD, ratios of peptide‐specific IgG1/IgG2 were mostly lower in the AD patients than in the HD. These results indicate that IgG reactive to CTL‐directed epitopes of self‐antigens is either lacking or unbalanced in AD patients. This information may provide new insight into the immune‐mechanisms of elevated auto‐reactivity of AD patients.
Distribution of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans serotypes and Porphyromonas gingivalis in Japanese adults
Authors: Yoshida Y. , Suzuki N. , Nakano Y. , Shibuya K. , Ogawa Y. , Koga T.
Published: May 2003

Strains of the bacterium Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans found in the human oral cavity are divided into five serotypes, a, b, c, d, and e. In this study, A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes and Porphyromonas gingivalis were isolated from 656 subgingival sites in systemically healthy Japanese adults. A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected in 19.5% of 328 Japanese subjects, while 27.1% of subjects were positive for P. gingivalis. Of 75 A. actinomycetemcomitans‐positive sites, only one serotype was detected in 39 sites (52.0%). The numbers of sites in which two different serotypes and three different serotypes were detected were 18 (25.0%) and 7 (9.3%), respectively. A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype c was detected more frequently in sites that were positive for both P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans (76.9%) than in sites that were P. gingivalis‐negative and A. actinomycetemcomitans‐positive (33.9%). In addition, serotype c was detected much more frequently than the other serotypes (<16%) in sites that were positive for both P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans. These findings suggest that the characteristics of serotype c may differ from those of the other serotypes. This report is the first to use PCR to describe the distribution of A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes in humans and to examine the association between the distribution of A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes and the presence of P. gingivalis.
Prostaglandin E2 downregulates interleukin‐12 production through EP4 receptors in human monocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and interferon‐γ
Authors: Iwasaki K. , Noguchi K. , Endo H. , Kondo H. , Ishikawa I.
Published: May 2003

In the present study, we examined the effect of prostaglandin (PG) E2 on interleukin (IL) ‐12 production in monocytes stimulated with a combination of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and interferon‐γ (A. actinomycetemcomitans‐LPS/IFN‐γ). Indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, enhanced IL‐12 production, but inhibited PGE2 generation in A. actinomycetemcomitans‐LPS/IFN‐γ‐stimulated monocytes. Exogenous PGE2 inhibited IL‐12 release in the cells. EP2, EP3 and EP4 receptor mRNA expression was detected in monocytes by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. 11‐deoxy‐PGE1 (an EP2/EP4 agonist) inhibited IL‐12 production in A. actinomycetemcomitans‐LPS/IFN‐γ‐challenged monocytes, whereas butaprost (an EP2 agonist) or ONO‐AP‐324 (an EP3 agonist) had no effect on IL‐12 production. Dibutyryl cAMP, a cAMP analogue, and forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator, mimicked depression of IL‐12 production by PGE2. From these results, we suggest that PGE2 inhibits IL‐12 production via EP4 receptors by cAMP‐dependent pathways in A. actinomycetemcomitans‐LPS/IFN‐γ‐challenged monocytes.
Mutans streptococci strains prevalence before and after cavity preparation during Atraumatic Restorative Treatment
Authors: Toi C. S. , Bönecker M. , Cleaton‐Jones P. E.
Published: May 2003

Critics argue that all carious dentine is not removed from the hand‐prepared cavity during the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) procedure, and that the caries process is soon resumed. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of ART in removing carious tissue, by investigating the numbers of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli, with emphasis on the prevalence of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus strains before, and after ART treatment of dental caries. Two microbiology samples were collected. The first sample was removed from the centre of the carious lesion at the enamel–dentine junction, and the second was collected from the centre of the hard cavity wall above the pulp, after the soft infected dentine had been manually removed. A total of 71 mutans streptococci isolates from 31 children and 40 carious teeth were subcultured, biochemically characterised and genotyped by the arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP‐PCR). Results showed a significant decrease in TVC (P<0.0001), mutans streptococci (P < 0.0001) and lactobacilli (P = 0.0002) after cavity preparation. AP‐PCR identified S. mutans strains that were undetectable during biotyping, and divided clinical isolates into two main clusters. In all, 63% (45/71) of isolates from the carious lesions comprised S. mutans strains. After cavity preparation, this was reduced to 35% (25/71), of which 30% (21/71) were S. mutans and the remaining 6% (4/71) S. sobrinus strains. The number of mutans streptococci strains was below detectable levels in 19 of the prepared cavities. The significant decrease in bacteria after manual cavity preparation demonstrates the reliability of a standardized ART technique, yet the presence of S. mutans strains shows that the effectiveness of the ART procedure can vary during treatment and between dental practitioners.
Classification of oral streptococci by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis with direct activity stain for glycosyltransferases
Authors: Ando T. , Tsumori H. , Shimamura A. , Sato Y. , Mukasa H.
Published: May 2003

Thirty eight strains of oral streptococci were divided into six types by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) followed by glycosyltransferase (GLT) activity stain: Type 1, Streptococcus mutans; Type 2, Streptococcus rattus; Type 3, Streptococcus sobrinus and Streptococcus downei; Type 4, Streptococcus cricetus; Type 5, Streptococcus salivarius; and Type 6, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus oralis and Streptococcus gordonii. In Types 1, 2 and 5, two glucosyltransferases synthesizing water‐insoluble (GTF‐I) and water‐soluble glucans (GTF‐S) and a fructosyltransferase (FTF) were detected. In Types 3 and 4, GTF‐I and two GTF‐Ss were detected. Only one GTF‐S was detected in Type 6. The 2‐DE patterns for these six types were clearly distinguished from each other based on the kind, number and location of GLTs in gel.
The IgG antibody profile to various antigen regions of hepatitis C virus differs in oral fluid and serum of patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Matičič M. , Poljak M. , Seme K. , Skalerič U.
Published: May 2003

Matičič M, Poljak M, Seme K, Skalerič U. The IgG antibody profile to various antigen regions of hepatitis C virus differs in oral fluid and serum of patients with chronic hepatitis C.
 
Oral Microbiol Immunol 2003: 18: 176–182. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2003.

Antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be detected not only in serum but also in oral fluid. The aim of the study was to determine IgG antibody reactivity directed to six antigen regions of HCV in oral fluid and to evaluate the significance of the antibody pattern in oral fluid compared to serum. Oral fluid and serum samples of 32 HCV viremic patients were collected to detect antibodies to six antigen regions incorporated as antigen bands into modified commercial updated third generation line immuno‐assay. Compared to serum, a significantly lower cumulative antibody response and reactivity to five HCV antigens was found in oral fluid. The significantly highest prevalence of oral fluid reactivity was recorded with antigen C1 (78%), whereas in serum the most significantly frequent reactivity was detected with antigen NS3 (100%). The absence of antibody reactivity with antigen E2 was similar in both body fluids. The discrepancy in antibody pattern to HCV antigens between oral fluid and serum indicates the possible existence of local viral replication, viral mutants, viral inhibitors in oral cavity and, most probably, leakage of the muco‐vascular barrier.
Purification and characterization of chloroplastic NADP‐isocitrate dehydrogenase from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Martínez‐Rivas José M. , Vega José M.
Published: May 2003

Chloroplastic NADP‐isocitrate dehydrogenase isoenzyme (NADP‐IDH2; EC 1.1.1.42) from the eukaryotic microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by a procedure which included affinity chromatography on Red‐Sepharose as the key step. The 70‐kDa isoenzyme was found to be a dimer formed by 40‐kDa subunits. Antibodies raised against a recombinant tobacco cytosolic NADP‐IDH cross‐reacted strongly with the cytosolic NADP‐IDH1 and weakly with the NADP‐IDH2 isoenzyme from this alga. NADPH and GTP were found to inhibit both isoenzymes, whereas intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, glycolysis or reductive pentose phosphate cycle had no significant effect. The simultaneous presence of isocitrate and Mn2+ protected NADP‐IDH2 against thermal inactivation or inhibition by reagents specific for arginine or lysine.
Isolation of senescence‐related cDNAs from flag leaves of field grown barley plants
Authors: Scharrenberg Christian , Falk Jon , Quast Sabine , Haussühl Kirsten , Humbeck Klaus , Krupinska Karin
Published: May 2003

Senescence of barley flag leaves has been studied under field conditions. Progression of senescence was monitored by the decrease in photosystem II efficiency (measured as Fv/Fm) and chlorophyll content of the flag leaves. To identify genes upregulated during natural senescence of barley leaves, a cDNA library prepared from RNA of senescent flag leaves collected in the field, was differentially screened, and three cDNA clones were isolated. Enhanced expression of the corresponding genes was studied either in barley leaves of different developmental stages or in barley leaves induced to senesce by darkness. While transcripts represented by the cDNA clones HvSF6 and HvSF42 accumulated during senescence of flag leaves as well as during dark‐induced senescence of attached primary foliage leaves, the transcript of HvSF2 accumulated exclusively during natural senescence. Based on sequence homologies the cDNA clone HvSF2 encodes the first senescence‐related glycosyltransferase. The sequence of the cDNA clone HvSF42 is highly homologous to cysteine protease sequences. The protein encoded by the cDNA HvSF6 resembles the wheat geminivirus repA binding protein GRAB2.