bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective Study of the Effect of Post-Brushing Rinsing Behaviour on Dental Caries
Authors: Machiulskiene V. , Richards A. , Nyvad B. , Baelum V.
Published: April 2003

Previous studies have indicated that rinsing the mouth with a beaker of water after toothbrushing may compromise the caries reducing effect of fluoride toothpaste. A 3-year clinical trial of daily supervised brushing with fluoride toothpaste at school was used to test the effect of post-brushing rinsing with water on caries increment. A total of 407 children, mean age 11.8 years, attending three schools in Kaunas, Lithuania were enrolled following informed consent of the children and their parents. Caries was recorded at baseline and annually for 3 years. During the study, children in two schools (A and B) performed daily supervised brushing with a 1,500-ppm fluoride toothpaste. Children in school A rinsed their mouths thoroughly with a beaker of water after toothbrushing whereas children in school B were only permitted to spit out once after brushing. Furthermore, the children in these schools were supplied with toothpaste and toothbrushes for use at home and in school. A third school (C), without daily brushing and without supply of toothpaste, served as control. Compliance with the protocol was consistently better in school B. After 3 years 276 children were available for examination. Three-year DMFS increments, including non-cavitated lesions (mean, 95% CI), were: school A, 6.8 (5.3; 8.3); school B, 6.2 (4.6; 7.8), and school C, 12.4 (10.6; 14.1). Mean increments for schools A and B did not differ significantly but were both significantly lower than those of school C (p< 0.001). It is concluded that post-brushing rinsing with water, under the conditions of this study, does not significantly affect the caries reducing effect of a fluoride toothpaste.
Screening Topical Antipruritics: A Histamine-Induced Itch Human Model
Authors: Zhai Hongbo , Simion F. Anthony , Abrutyn Eric , Koehler Almuth M. , Maibach Howard I.
Published: April 2003

Itch is a subjective symptom; its magnitude (intensity) may be only estimated by the reports of patients or volunteers. We utilized a comparative screening method to identify and quantify the efficacy of topical antipruritics with a histamine-induced itch human model. Ten individuals responsive to histamine-induced itch sensation were enrolled. Both forearms served as test sites. Each test site was treated randomly either by histamine injection only or pretreated with a coded candidate formula for 30 min and then a histamine injection. Itch was experimentally induced in each test site by the intracutaneous injection of 100 µg histamine dihydrochloride dissolved in 1 ml normal saline. Itch magnitude was measured each minute after histamine injection for 20 min with a magnitude visual analogue scale. Itch duration was also recorded. Formulation D significantly (p < 0.05) decreased itch magnitude (within a 20-min test period), from 2.6 ± 2.1 cm (mean ± SD) to 2.2 ± 2.1 cm (mean ± SD) when compared to its vehicle control; it also significantly (p < 0.05) shortened itch duration (15.0 ± 7.4 min; mean ± SD) in comparison with its vehicle control (20.3 ± 7.0 min; mean ± SD). Of all the formulations tested, formulation D was the most effective antipruritic in decreasing histamine-induced itch. This method may act as a simple and robust screening procedure when evaluating potential antipruritics and allow a comparison among products. Until validated with disease-induced itch, e.g., atopic dermatitis, the model should be considered screening in nature.
CD156 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Higuchi Yasunori , Yasui Atsushi , Matsuura Keiko , Yamamoto Shunsuke
Published: April 2003

CD156 (ADAM8) is part of the ADAM family of proteins with the catalytic site consensus sequence of metalloprotease and disintegrins. To examine the role of CD156 in vivo, we generated mutant CD156 (eCD156) transgenic mice expressing the ectodomain of CD156 under the control of the α1-antitrypsin (AT) promoter. One of the transgenic mice designated ATMS2-TG18 expressed a 1.84 kb mRNA which was predicted to be a truncated CD156. The expression of the transgenic CD156 mRNA in ATMS2-TG18 mice was abundant in the liver and slight in kidney. Turpentine oil (TO) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) markedly upregulated the expression. Soluble CD156 (sCD156) was produced constitutively, and increased after the treatment with TO. Casein-induced peritoneal leukocyte infiltration was significantly less extensive in ATMS2-TG18 than non-transgenic mice. The expression of L-selectin in neutrophils (PMN) from peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) was more strongly downregulated in ATMS2-TG18 than non-transgenic mice, suggesting that L-selectin in PMN from ATMS2-TG18 mice was shed by sCD156. In contrast, oxazolone (Ox)-induced contact hypersensitivity reactions (CHR) were more marked in ATMS2-TG18 than non-transgenic mice. The expression of E-selectin mRNA was detected in inflammatory skin sites from ATMS2-TG18, but not non-transgenic mice, suggesting that sCD156 may activate the endothelial cells and lead to the upregulation of E-selectin. These results suggest that CD156 regulates leukocyte infiltration directly or indirectly.
Biological Correlates of Clinical Subgroups of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sjögren Magnus , Wikkelsö Carsten , Östling Svante , Wallin Anders , Blennow Kaj
Published: April 2003

We considered it possible that the differences in clinical symptoms between two suggested subgroups of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), AD type I and AD type II, have biological correlates, for instance different metabolic profiles. Therefore, we performed regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) measurements and investigated the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of the monoamine metabolites homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-HIAA, and HMPG in 15 patients with AD type I, in 36 patients with AD type II, in a control group and in a contrast group consisting of 16 patients with frontotemporal dementia. The results suggest that there are underlying biological correlates of the phenomenological discrepancies between AD type I and AD type II. For instance, a decreased CSF level of HVA (p < 0.001) was specific to AD type I and decreased rCBF (p < 0.05 to <0.001) in three particular regions was specific to AD type II.
Recovery of Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potential: Relationship to Other Neural Disorders in Two Patients with Acute Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Ochi Kentaro , Ohashi Toru
Published: April 2003

We report the recovery of the inferior vestibular neural system disorder by monitoring the vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) in two patients suffering from acute sensorineural hearing loss with vertigo. Patients presented absent VEMP, canal paresis, and severe hearing disorder. After 10 months, the function of the inferior vestibular neural system was recovered in both cases while that of the superior vestibular neural system was recovered in one case and partially recovered in the other. In addition, the hearing sensitivity was only partially recovered in both cases. The recovery of the inferior vestibular neural system was confirmed by our current results. These results suggested that time course of recoveries of the superior and inferior vestibular neural systems, and of the cochlear neural system, were somewhat different in the two cases.
Emphysematous Pyelonephritis Recovered by Ureteral Stenting in a Functionally Solitary Kidney
Authors: Ku Ja Hyeon , Kim Min Eui , Lee Nam Kyu , Park Young Ho
Published: April 2003

A 62-year-old male diabetic presented with emphysematous pyelonephritis and contralateral atrophic kidney. He failed to improve with a supportive management, and we placed a double-J stent instead of performing percutaneous nephrostomy or nephrectomy with marked improvement. We report a case of emphysematous pyelonephritis recovered by ureteral stenting.
The Use of the Tissue Adhesive Enbucrilate (Histoacryl®) in the Treatment of Symptomatic Nephroptosis
Authors: Gyftopoulos Kostis I. , Fokaefs Eleftherios , Barbalias G.A.
Published: April 2003

Purpose: To evaluate the use of the tissue adhesive enbucrilate in the treatment of symptomatic nephroptosis. Materials and Methods: We performed adhesive nephropexy in 9 patients who presented with well-documented symptomatic nephroptosis that was demonstrated with intravenous pyelography and/or radionuclide renogram studies. The ptotic kidney was fixed on the psoas muscle using 0.5 ml of enbucrilate (Histoacryl®). Results: Adhesive nephropexy was successful in all 9 patients. Average operative time was 37 min. Postoperative opioid analgesia duration and hospital stay were limited (mean 2 and 4.4 days, respectively). Most patients returned to normal activity within 2 weeks (mean 14.2 days). Mean follow-up was 25 months and showed postoperatively a good anatomical result in radiographic studies as well as significant pain alleviation (mean 1 vs. 7 preoperatively, on a 10-point scale, p < 0.005 Wilcoxon rank test). Conclusions: The tissue adhesive enbucrilate seems to be a safe, efficient agent to obtain good results in a simple, quick approach in the surgical treatment of symptomatic nephroptosis.
Minimal Transurethral Prostatectomy plus Bladder Neck Incision versus Standard Transurethral Prostatectomy in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Randomised Prospective Study
Authors: Yeni Ercan , Unal Doǧan , Verit Ayhan , Gulum Mehmet
Published: April 2003

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and complications of the combination of minimal transurethral resection of the prostate and bladder neck incision in comparison with those of the standard transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Patients and Methods: Forty patients with prostates of ≤25 ml were randomized to two equal groups (20 cases in each). In group I minimal transurethral resection of the prostate followed by bladder neck incision at the 6 o’clock position and in group II standard TURP were performed. Patients were evaluated in terms of the change in symptom severity, maximal flow rate and sexual function in addition to operating time, length of hospital stay, problems of catheter positioning at the end of the operation and the rate of bladder neck contracture using χ2 and independent t tests. Results: Age, prostate volume postoperative follow-up time, improvement in international prostate symptom score and maximal flow rate, length of hospital stay and erectile dysfunction rates were not statistically different between the 2 groups. Operation time was shorter in group I (p = 0.001). Although the urethral catheter was easily positioned at the end of the operation in group I, it was not possible in group II for 4 patients (p = 0.053). Postoperative retrograde ejaculation for groups I and II were determined in 7 and 16 patients, respectively (p = 0.005). Bladder neck contracture was not found in group I, while it was seen in 2 patients in group II (p = 0.487). Conclusion: The combination of minimal transurethral resection and bladder neck incision in patients with small prostates appears to provide a satisfactory clinical outcome, comparable with standard TURP, while preventing the difficulty of urethral catheter positioning at the end of the operation, decreasing bladder neck contracture and lowering the incidence of retrograde ejaculation.
Changes in Teachers’ Speech during a Working Day with and without Electric Sound Amplification
Authors: Jónsdottir Valdis , Laukkanen Anne-Maria , Vilkman Erkki
Published: April 2003

An increase in fundamental frequency (F₀) and in sound pressure level (SPL) has been reported both after vocal loading tests and after a teacher’s working day. This increase has been found to be greater among teachers with fewer voice complaints. The present study investigated speech changes during a teacher’s working day (a) in ordinary conditions and (b) when using electric sound amplification while teaching. Five Icelandic teachers (mean age 51 years) volunteered as subjects. Classroom speech was recorded with a portable DAT recorder and a head-mounted microphone first in ordinary conditions, and the next week while using electrical sound amplification. Recordings were made during the first and the last lesson of the hardest working day of the week. F₀ and SPL were analyzed. The subjects’ comments were gathered by questionnaire. An increase in F₀ and SPL was found during the working day in both teaching conditions but the change was larger and for F₀ statistically significant when amplification was used. All 5 teachers reported less tiredness of the vocal mechanism when using amplification. The results support the suggestion that a vocal loading-related increase in F₀ and SPL is not merely a sign of vocal fatigue but may even reflect an adequate adaptation to loading. Situational factors cannot be ignored, however.
Magnitude and Variability of Oral Pressure in Tracheoesophageal Speech
Authors: Searl Jeffrey P.
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this study was to compare mean oral pressure (Po) and Po variability: (1) between tracheoesophageal (TE) and laryngeal speakers, and (2) between TE speakers’ voiced and voiceless phonemes. Sixteen TE and 10 laryngeal speakers produced stops and fricatives in a phrase while Po was recorded. The TE group produced greater mean Po and Po variability than the control group. TE speakers did maintain a Po difference between cognate members with greater pressure on voiceless consonants. A number of possible explanations for the findings are reviewed, although clearer delineation of the issue will require further study.
Acoustic and Aerodynamic Measurements of Voice Production after Near-Total Laryngectomy with Epiglottoplasty
Authors: Giovanni Antoine , Guelfucci Bruno , Yu Ping , Robert Danièle , Zanaret Michel
Published: April 2003

Objective voice analysis based on simultaneous aerodynamic and acoustic measurements is not common and there have been no reports dealing specifically with aerodynamic features of laryngeal performance after partial laryngectomy. The present study describes objective voice analysis after near-total laryngectomy using the Tucker technique (NTLT). We performed and compared acoustic and aerodynamic measurements in patients who underwent NTLT (n = 21) and normal controls (n = 10). Acoustic indexes of instability of frequency and intensity (jitter and shimmer) were always higher in patients. Oral airflow and estimated subglottic pressure (ESPG) were significantly greater in patients than in controls (400 vs. 169 cm3/s and 23 vs. 6.2 hPa, respectively). Poor closure of the glottis after surgery leads to a significant increase in glottal leakage in comparison with controls. Higher ESGP values observed in patients are probably related to two factors. The first involves compensation for glottal leakage in order to achieve sufficient air pressure to initiate vibration of the mucosa. The second factor is the poor vibratory quality of the residual mucosa, which may require higher pressure levels than the more compliant normal cord to initiate vibration. Our findings confirm the adverse effects of NTLT on the aerodynamic efficiency of the larynx due to glottal leakage and poor compliance of postoperative mucosa. Aerodynamic measurements could provide the basis for standardized objective evaluation of postoperative voice quality.
The Premenstrual Period and Exacerbations in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Zorgdrager Anneke , De Keyser Jacques
Published: April 2003

The aim of this study was to assess whether an association exists between the premenstrual period and exacerbations of multiple sclerosis (MS). The subjects were 56 premenopausal patients with relapsing MS and a regular menstrual cycle. Data over the previous 2 years were gathered from a structured MS database and a comprehensive questionnaire. 42% had exacerbations starting in the premenstrual phase. Within this group the proportion of premenstrual exacerbations was significantly higher than in the remaining period of the menstrual cycle, and in 45% all exacerbations had started during the premenstrual phase. There was no relationship with the premenstrual syndrome, and there was no protective effect of oral contraceptives. Our results suggest that the premenstrual period triggers exacerbations in a subgroup of females with MS.
Penetration of Titanium Dioxide Microparticles in a Sunscreen Formulation into the Horny Layer and the Follicular Orifice
Authors: Lademann Juergen , Weigmann Hans-Juergen , Rickmeyer Christiane , Barthelmes Hans , Schaefer Hans , Mueller Gerhard , Sterry Wolfram
Published: April 2003

Coated titanium dioxide (TiO2) microparticles are commonly used as UV filter substances in commercial sunscreen products. The penetration of these microparticles into the horny layer and the orifice of the hair follicle was investigated. The distribution of the microparticles in the horny layer was analyzed using the method of tape stripping in combination with spectroscopic measurements. Deeper layers of the stratum corneum were devoid of TiO2 even after repetitive application of sunscreen preparation when analyzing interfollicular areas. Only in the areas of the pilosebaceous orifices could microparticles be identified. The penetration of TiO2 was investigated in histological skin sections. A biopsy was taken from a skin area from which the horny layer had been removed by tape stripping. In isolated areas, a penetration of coated TiO2 into the open part of the follicle was observed. The amount of TiO2 found in a given follicle was less than 1% of the applied total amount of sunscreens. A penetration of microparticles into viable skin tissue could not be detected.
Hyperuricemia Causes Glomerular Hypertrophy in the Rat
Authors: Nakagawa Takahiko , Mazzali Marilda , Kang Duk-Hee , Kanellis John , Watanabe Susumu , Sanchez-Lozada Laura G. , Rodriguez-Iturbe Bernardo , Herrera-Acosta Jaime , Johnson Richard J.
Published: April 2003

Background/Aims: Rats with mild hyperuricemia develop systemic hypertension, interstitial renal disease, afferent arteriolopathy, and increased renin expression [Mazzali et al.: Am J Physiol 2002;6:F991–F997]. We hypothesized that hyperuricemia might also induce glomerular changes. Methods: We reviewed renal biopsies of rats previously made hyperuricemic for 7 weeks with the uricase inhibitor, oxonic acid. Controls included normal rats and oxonic acid-treated rats administered allopurinol, benziodarone, hydrochlorothiazide, or enalapril. Glomeruli were examined for size (computer image analysis) and structure (histology). An additional group of rats were administered oxonic acid or control diet for 6 months. Results: Renal biopsies showed that hyperuricemic rats had a 30% increase in glomerular tuft area (p < 0.01); these changes were prevented by allopurinol and benziodarone. Control of blood pressure with hydrochlorothiazide did not prevent the development of glomerular hypertrophy, whereas enalapril partially reduced the glomerular hypertrophy. Prolonged hyperuricemia was associated with the development of microalbuminuria (p < 0.05) and glomerulosclerosis (22 vs. 10%, p < 0.05) compared to control rats. Conclusions: Hyperuricemic rats develop glomerular hypertrophy that can be prevented in part by ACE inhibitor therapy. Prolonged hyperuricemia is associated with the development of glomerulosclerosis in the rat.
Outcome Analysis of Initial Neonatal Shunts: Does the Valve Make a Difference?
Authors: Robinson Shenandoah , Kaufman Bruce A. , Park T.S.
Published: April 2003

Objective: Ventriculoperitoneal shunts have one of the highest complication rates of all neurosurgical procedures. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with malfunction of shunts placed in infants with neonatal hydrocephalus, with the goal of maximizing long-term shunt survival. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 200 consecutive patients less than 1 year old who underwent primary intracranial shunt placement for hydrocephalus by one of two experienced pediatric neurosurgeons at a single institution. A multivariate analysis was conducted to identify variables that were statistically independent predictors of a shunt malfunction or problem. Results: Adequate data were available for 158 patients, with a mean follow-up of 39.8 months (range 6–99 months). Variables tested for independent prediction of shunt revision included the etiology of the hydrocephalus, gestation period, age at shunt placement, surgeon, ventricular catheter entry site and valve opening pressure. Frontal versus occipital catheter entry site was not associated with a different revision rate. The only significant controllable factor associated with shunt malfunction was the valve opening pressure. The revision rate per year of follow-up was 4 times higher for patients with no valve or a low-pressure valve than for patients with a medium- or high-pressure valve. Conclusions: This retrospective review demonstrated that the valve opening pressure is an important component of the shunt complication rate. A prospective multicenter randomized trial is warranted to further evaluate the conclusions of this study.
Genetic Diversity in the Human Major Histocompatibility Complex: Lessons for Vaccination Approaches to HIV Infection
Authors: Mehra N.K. , Kaur G. , Jaini R.
Published: April 2003

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) harbours genes that have a primary function of regulating immune responsiveness. Our data on the distribution patterns of molecular subtypes of HLA class I and II extended haplotypes in India suggest that: (1) Asian Indians have extreme diversity in the MHC region, with several novel and unique alleles and disease-associated MHC haplotypes (e.g. the autoimmune-favouring A26-B8-DR3 haplotype); (2) there have been selective environmental and microbial pressures in India that directed either the generation of novel alleles through founder effect or the expansion of other alleles due to geophysical or socio-economic barriers, and (3) Asian Indians have a unique repertoire of peptide-presenting molecules to deal with pathogen-derived autoreactive antigens. This level of polymorphism concentrated within the MHC presents a formidable obstacle to the development of peptide-based vaccines, e.g. for AIDS. Further, studies conducted by us and others have provided a genetic basis for the possible predisposition and fast progression of HIV infections in the Indian population. Since there is selective predominance of different HLA alleles and haplotypes in different populations, a dedicated global screening effort is required to develop MHC-based vaccines against infectious diseases.
Genetic Disorders in Haematological Practice in India
Authors: Mohanty D. , Colah R.B. , Gorakshakar A.C. , Nadkarni A.H. , Phanasgaonkar S.P. , Shetty S. , Ghosh K. , Mukherjee M.B.
Published: April 2003

Haemoglobinopathies represent a significant national health burden in India. The distribution of specific disorders varies geographically and by community. Heterozygote frequencies of β-thalassaemia range from 1 to 15%, resulting in an estimated 20 million carriers. HbS is mainly present in tribal and non-caste communities, with carrier prevalences of up to 40%. By comparison, α-thalassaemia carriers are found in both the caste and tribal communities, and can reach a frequency of >90% in the latter case. Community control of haemoglobinopathies relies mainly on out-reach education programmes and genetic counselling, with antenatal diagnosis offered in specific major centres. Only partial data are available on the prevalence of haemophilia, but it has been estimated that there are some 50,000 affected individuals nationwide, with an additional 1,500 new cases born each year. RFLP-based techniques have been established to detect mutations in the factor VIII and IX genes, enabling the limited introduction of carrier detection and antenatal diagnosis.
Intellectual Disability and Cerebral Palsy in a UK Community
Authors: Corry P.C.
Published: April 2003

Objective: The northern English city of Bradford has a population of 370,000. In recent years the Pakistani community has gradually expanded in number, and in 2001 contributed 41.4% of births in the city. There is a very high level of consanguineous marriage in this community, and the main aim of this study was to assess the influence of community endogamy and consanguinity on major disabling childhood diseases. Subjects and Methods: More than 300 children are referred to the Child Development Centre each year. Data on neurodegenerative disorders, microcephaly and cerebral palsy were collated and analysed by community of origin and mode of inheritance. Results and Conclusions: There was a striking variation in the prevalence of many disabling conditions, but in all cases the Pakistani community was over-represented, suggesting a high prevalence of inherited disease. The large numbers of affected children present a challenge, and adequate resources are needed to improve the delivery of counselling, treatment and care to the community. As child health in Pakistan improves, our experience with the UK Pakistani community suggests that the genetic causes of disability and disease in childhood will assume greater importance.
Cervical Ripening with Prostaglandin E1: How an Ambulatory Method Decreases the Hospital Stay in Abortus with Intrauterine Fetal Demise
Authors: Hernandez-Valencia Marcelino
Published: April 2003

Objective: This study was designed to determine whether use of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is justified to improve the known clinical outcome of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) gel, because PGE2 gel preparations are more costly than PGE1 tablets in most countries, and data to support the use of the gel in clinical practice is not conclusive. The aim was to compare the safety and efficacy of PGE1 gel when applied in both an in-hospital or ambulatory setting to oxytocin infusion in those women with unfavorable cervical conditions prior to surgical abortion for either medical or obstetrical indications with intrauterine fetal demise. Surgical dilatation of the unripe cervix may result in cervical injury of uterine perforation which could prolong the hospital stay. Methods: We used PGE1 gel prepared from tablets and administered in the ambulatory form (group 1), the same PGE1 gel administered in the labor room (group 2) and intravenously administered oxytocin in the labor room (group 3) for the induction of abortus in women complicated with intrauterine fetus death and missed abortion. Patients requesting abortion were eligible for inclusion, with >8 and <13 weeks of gestation. Eighty-nine women with unfavorable cervices (Bishop score ≤4) were included in this study. Comparisons between the three groups for such variables were done by ANOVA. Results: The statistical test did reveal significant differences in the cervical changes, doses of PGE1 used and maternal labor stay between the three groups. The difference in effect on cervical ripening was seen following PGE1 application in both of these groups, but no difference was seen with the oxytocin use. Cervical score changed in 100% of both groups with the PGE1 gel and 89.6% of the group with oxytocin use, within 6 days in the latter group. The mean number of days of maternal labor stay were 1.5, 4.6 and 6.2 respectively. There was no difference regarding the effect on clinical characteristics of the women on the final Bishop score. The number, initial and final Bishop score, vaginal bleeding and other complications were not different. Conclusions: Duration of hospital stay may be decreased by applying PGE1 gel in an ambulatory setting when compared to in-hospital PGE1 gel applications or intravenous oxytocin infusion for cervical ripening. Further research is necessary to determine the safety of PGE1 gel application for preabortion cervical ripening prior to surgical abortion.
Effects of Single and Repeated Restraint Stresses on the Expression of β1-Adrenoceptor mRNA in the Rat Hypothalamus and Midbrain
Authors: Zhang Kai , Komori Teruhisa , Miyahara Satoru , Yamamoto Masato , Matsumoto Takuya , Okazaki Yuji
Published: April 2003

We examined the effects of single and repeated restraint stresses on the expression of β1-adrenoceptor mRNA in the rat midbrain and hypothalamus using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). After the rats had been restrained for 4 h (single stress), or for 4 h per day during 2 or 3 consecutive days, the hypothalamus and midbrain were removed immediately and β1-adrenoceptor mRNA levels in these regions were determined by RT-PCR. Single stress significantly decreased the mRNA level in the hypothalamus, but the mRNA level was near control levels after 2 and 3 days of stress. In the midbrain, single stress had no effect on the mRNA level, but 2 days of stress significantly increased it.
Open-Label Evaluation of Venlafaxine Sustained Release in Outpatients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder with Comorbid Major Depression or Dysthymia: Effectiveness, Tolerability and Predictors of Response
Authors: Perugi Giulio , Frare Franco , Toni Cristina , Ruffolo Giuseppe , Torti Carlo
Published: April 2003

In a setting of routine clinical practice, 32 outpatients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depression (MD) (n = 21) or dysthymia (n = 11), according to DSM-IV criteria, were consecutively treated with flexible dosages of sustained-release venlafaxine (SR-VF) for at least 8 weeks. In a 16-week follow-up, SR-VF daily dose could be modified on the basis of the therapeutic response and of the side effect profile. Symptomatological modifications were explored by means of the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A). SR-VF was well tolerated and only 2 patients interrupted the treatment before 24 weeks; the mean final dose ± SD was 135.5 ± 71.8 mg (range 75–225); in 26 (81.2%) patients, a statistically significant response was observed in depressive symptomatology within the first 8 weeks. The mean total score of HAM-D showed a significant reduction during the first 8 weeks of treatment, while the mean total score of HAM-A did not present a significant reduction until week 24. In patients with MD, a statistically significant response was observed after the first 8 weeks, while the reduction of the anxiety scores required more time and, in some cases, did not appear at all. Conversely, in patients with GAD and dysthymia, anxious and depressive symptomatology improved simultaneously. Stepwise multiple regression indicated that the improvement of depression is negatively related to a high score of CGI anxiety severity, and the improvement of anxiety is related to the presence of dysthymia and, to a lesser extent, to a short duration of the illness. Our data confirm the effectiveness and tolerability of SR-VF in mixed anxiety-depressive states. The differential response suggests a pathophysiologic and clinical distinction between GAD with comorbid MD or dysthymia.
Association Analysis of Two Dopamine D2 Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and P300 Event-Related Potential in Depressive Patients
Authors: Chen Tai-Jui , Yu Younger W.-Y. , Chen Jen-Yeu , Wang Ying-Chieh , Chen Ming-Chao , Hong Chen-Jee , Tsai Shih-Jen
Published: April 2003

Previous Western studies have demonstrated an association between the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) TaqI A polymorphism and components of P300 event-related potential. This finding was not replicated in our previous study of a sample of normal young Chinese females, however. In the current study of 105 patients diagnosed with major depression, we have further explored the association between the P300 components, and, the DRD2 TaqI A polymorphism and another functional DRD2 -141Cins/Del polymorphism. The results demonstrate that neither polymorphism is associated with P300 amplitude or latency, even after gender analysis. We suggest that these two DRD2 polymorphisms have no major effects on P300 components for the Chinese population. The association between the DRD2 polymorphism and P300 components may depend on ethnicity, the psychiatric state of the subjects, or the investigative paradigms used.
Establishing Dietary Habits during Childhood for Long-Term Weight Control
Authors: Westenhoefer Joachim
Published: April 2003

Objective: To review psychosocial research with respect to relevance for the development of nutritional education strategies for optimal weight control during childhood and the longer term. Results: Recent decades have witnessed changes in the social context of eating, with a trend away from family meals towards grazing and eating alone. At the same time, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing amongst both children and adults, with even young children deliberately practising weight control measures, ranging from selective food choice to self-induced vomiting. Such behaviour is motivated by unrealistic perceptions of healthy body weight and shape. Successful long-term management of healthy body weight is supported by flexible control of eating behaviour and long-term educational strategies. Children are interested in learning about a wide range of nutrition topics. However, to be effective, nutrition education should be appropriate to the stage of cognitive development according to the age of the child, and be placed in the context of the direct, perceivable and immediate benefits resulting from good nutrition. Conclusion: Educational strategies should focus on consumption of a balanced diet, coupled with provision of a variety of foods, including a range of nutrient-dense ‘healthy’ food and encouraging children to taste unfamiliar dishes. They should provide a stable and predictive pattern of social eating occasions to promote the social meaning and importance of eating, and to enable social learning of food preferences. Educational strategies should provide orientation and reassurance regarding the range of healthy and acceptable body weights and shapes. They should also encourage flexible control of eating behaviour to enable children to maintain their weight within this healthy range.
Determinants of Nutrient Intake among Children and Adolescents: Results from the enKid Study
Authors: Serra-Majem Lluís , Ribas Lourdes , Pérez-Rodrigo Carmen , García-Closas Reina , Peña-Quintana Luis , Aranceta Javier
Published: April 2003

Background: Although adequacy of nutrient intake has been studied considerably in children and adolescents across Europe, the factors associated with nutritional risk have rarely been addressed. This study was developed in order to explore the nutritional intakes of Spanish children and the factors influencing the risk of nutritional inadequacy. Objectives: To evaluate socio-economic and lifestyle variables associated with nutritional adequacy in Spanish children and adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study utilising face-to-face interviews. A random sample of 3,534 individuals aged 2–24 years were interviewed by a team of 43 dieticians in the subjects’ homes. Interviews included two 24-hour recalls (a second 24-hour recall in 25% of the sample) and other questions, including lifestyle. Weight and height were measured in all subjects. Under-reporters (18%) were excluded from the present analysis. An unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with greater nutritional risk. Results: The participation rate was 68%. Twenty percent of males and 50% of females were classified as being at high nutritional risk. Variables associated with increased nutritional risk were: age between 14 and 24 years, being female, low social class, low educational level of the mother, having more than one sibling, smoking, watching TV during meals, sedentary habits at leisure time, infrequent meals and a poor quality breakfast. One dietary factor closely associated with nutritional risk was a failure to consume ready-to-eat cereals. Conclusions: Nutritional risk during infancy and adolescence is associated with socio-economic and educational variables of the family, and some lifestyle factors including physical activity and the quality of the breakfast meal.
Hair Pain (Trichodynia): Frequency and Relationship to Hair Loss and Patient Gender
Authors: Willimann Barbara , Trüeb Ralph M.
Published: April 2003

Background: Patients complaining of hair loss frequently claim that their hair has become painful. Objective and Methods: The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of this phenomenon and its relationship to hair loss. Patients seeking advice for hair loss either spontaneously reported or were questioned about painful sensations of the scalp. Hair loss activity was quantified by a hair pull, daily count and wash test. Telogen percentage was obtained by a hair pluck. The scalp surface was examined by dermatoscopy. Results: Of 403 examined patients, 20% of women and 9% of men reported hair pain, irrespective of the cause and activity of hair loss. A minority presented scalp telangiectasia. This strongly correlated with hair pain. Conclusions: Hair pain (trichodynia) affects a significant proportion of patients complaining of hair loss and may increase the anxiety. The symptom neither allows discrimination of the cause nor correlates with the activity of hair loss. A higher prevalence of female patients might be connected to gender-related differences in pain perception in relation to anxiety. The role of vasoactive neuropeptides in the interaction between the central nervous system and skin reactivity is discussed. In the absence of any correlation with quantitative parameters of hair loss or specific morphologic changes of the scalp, management remains empiric and tailored to the individual.
Effect of Ammonia on in vitro Diaphragmatic Contractility, Fatigue and Recovery
Authors: Shanely R. Andrew , Coast J. Richard
Published: April 2003

Background: Following strenuous exercise, in vivo diaphragmatic strength has been reported to decrease. This decrease has been suggested to result from an increase in metabolic by-products of intense exercise. Objective: We tested the hypothesis that physiological NH3 concentrations adversely affect diaphragmatic contractility, fatigability, and recovery. Methods: Rat diaphragm strips were exposed to one of six experimental conditions (n = 6 per condition): Krebs-Ringer control solution, or the control solution with NH3 added (in mM): 0.11, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, or 14.0. Initial diaphragmatic contractility was assessed with the force-frequency response in the control solution. Following the first force-frequency response, the solution was replaced with one of the six solutions and a second force-frequency response was measured. Strips were then subjected to a short fatigue protocol and contractility was reassessed with a third force-frequency response. A longer fatigue protocol was then administered, followed by a 20-min recovery assessment period. Results: Ammonia significantly (p < 0.05) reduced diaphragmatic contractility, but only at concentrations of 5 mM or greater. Additionally, ammonia did not alter the rate of fatigue. Conclusions: This study suggests that physiological NH3 concentrations do not adversely affect in vitro diaphragmatic contractility, fatigue, or recovery. These data are not consistent with diaphragmatic fatigue associated with exercise induced by arterial concentrations of NH3 seen in humans, although further testing in situ or in vivo is needed.
Expression of von Willebrand Factor by Human Pulmonary Endothelial Cells in vivo1
Authors: Müller Annette M. , Skrzynski Carmen , Skipka Guido , Müller Klaus-Michael
Published: April 2003

Background and Objectives: Whether von Willebrand factor (vWf) is variably expressed by endothelial cells (EC) of the human vascular tree or not is not known. Studies on animals showed that the varying degrees of vWf expression in pulmonary vessels was a reflection of EC heterogeneity. Neither the influence of age or sex nor that of pathophysiological factors such as pulmonary hypertension (PH) on vWf expression has been systematically analysed up to now. However, such information is essential for the design and delivery of site-selective drugs and genes as well as for the analysis of EC culture systems. Methods: The variable degrees of vWf expression in lung tissue specimens from 64 patients (age: 6 weeks to 86 years) with and without PH were studied immunohistochemically and analysed statistically. Results: CD31-specific antibody was used as a control stain for EC. It produced equally strong staining reactions in all pulmonary EC. In contrast, vWf-specific antibody yielded negative or weakly positive staining reactions in capillary EC. The staining intensities increased hand in hand with vessel calibres. Besides, they increased statistically significantly with age and PH. Sex had no influence on vWf expression. Conclusion: These findings show that (1) vWf expression by pulmonary EC is heterogeneous and specific for individual types of vessels, (2) age and PH enhance vWf expression, (3) vWf expression is indicative of altered EC activation but not of EC defects, and (4) elevated plasma levels of vWf correlate positively with raised coagulatory activities in older patients and in patients with PH.
Systemic Application of Growth Hormone for Enhancement of Secondary and Intramembranous Fracture Healing
Authors: Bail Hermann J. , Kolbeck Stefan , Krummrey Gert , Schmidmaier Gerhard , Haas Norbert P. , Raschke Michael J.
Published: April 2003

Hormones are known to influence bone metabolism and cellular mechanisms of fracture healing. Recent technologies in molecular biology offer recombinant production of hormones, which makes them applicable for pharmacological use. To investigate the effect of systemic growth hormone (GH) application experiments were performed in micropig animal models. Systemic daily subcutaneous injection of species-specific recombinant GH was investigated in Yucatan micropigs to evaluate the effect on secondary fracture healing in a standardized gap model (1 cm) and on intramembranous bone formation in distraction osteogenesis (DO). Quantitative computed tomography (qCT), biomechanical testing, measurement of systemic insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels as well as histomorphometric analyses were performed to investigate differences in regenerate formation. Systemic GH administration significantly increased the torsional stability of the regenerate in comparison to the contralateral side in both experiments. qCT showed accelerated fracture bridging in the GH-treated animals in bone defect healing, while in DO histomorphometry elicited larger callus areas in the case of GH application. Systemic IGF-1 levels were significantly increased in both GH-treated groups. These experiments show that the systemic administration of recombinant GH accelerates fracture healing in standardized animal models. Clinical studies have now been initiated in order to prove the safety and the effectiveness of this therapeutical option.
A Randomised, Clinical Trial Comparing the Effectiveness of Hospital and Community-Based Reminder Systems for Increasing Uptake of Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccine in Hospitalised Patients Aged 65 Years and Over
Authors: MacIntyre C.R. , Kainer M.A. , Brown G.V.
Published: April 2003

Hospitalisation represents an opportunity to identify unimmunised people at risk for the complications of influenza and pneumococcal disease. We conducted a randomised controlled trial of two strategies to increase uptake of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines in eligible, hospitalised subjects aged 65 years or more, admitted between May and September 1998 to a Melbourne hospital. Unvaccinated participants were allocated randomly to alert systems for hospital staff or community general practitioners (GPs). Follow-up occurred at 1 and 3 months. The baseline vaccination rates were 70% for influenza (426/606) and 41% (248/606) for pneumococcal disease. For unvaccinated subjects, the hospital alert resulted in 67% uptake compared to 55% following a GP alert for pneumococcal vaccine; and 63% in hospital compared to 53% following a GP alert for influenza vaccine. Although there was a trend toward a higher uptake in hospital, neither of these differences was statistically significant. The majority (75%) of vaccinations following a GP alert occurred within 1 month of discharge. Despite hospital and community-based reminder systems, there are still significant missed opportunities for vaccination. We did not demonstrate significant differences between hospital and GP reminder systems, but there was a trend towards higher uptake with opportunistic vaccination in hospital.
Extensive cytogenetic analysis of a stable dicentric isochromosome 21, idic(21), formed by fusion of the terminal long arms
Authors: Wandall A. , Andersen C. , Østergaard M. , Koch J.
Published: April 2003

The dicentric isochromosome 21 described in this paper was formed by fusion of the terminal parts of the long arms of two chromosomes 21. No interstitial telomeric AGGGTT repeats could be detected at the fusion point, but G-banding, comparative genomic hybridization, and fluorescence in situ hybridization with painting probes for 21qter revealed no loss of other terminal DNA sequences at the fusion point. Thus, only the telomeric repeats seem to have been lost prior to, or as a consequence of, isochromosome formation. Both short arms of the isochromosome were intact with complete NORs, and staining for α-satellite DNA showed that the DNA content of the two centromeres was the same. Antibody staining for the centromeric proteins CENP-C and CENP-E and for topoisomerase IIα and IIβ demonstrated that these proteins were localized predominantly or exclusively at the centromere in the primary constriction. A novel functional in situ assay for topoisomerase activity in vivo similarly demonstrated enzyme activity exclusively at the primary constriction centromere.
Canine 5S rRNA: nucleotide sequence and chromosomal assignment of its gene cluster in four canid species
Authors: Pienkowska A. , Schelling C. , Opiola T. , Rozek M. , Barciszewski J.
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this study was to determine the nucleotide sequence of canine 5S rRNA and use this information to develop a molecular probe to assign the gene locus to chromosomes of the dog and three other related canid species using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The nucleotide sequence of canine liver 5S rRNA is 120 base pairs long and identical to the 5S rRNA nucleotide sequence of all other mammalian species investigated so far. A single 5S rRNA gene cluster was localized pericentromerically on chromosomes of four canid species: dog 4q1.3, red fox 4q1.3, blue fox 3q1.3 and Chinese raccoon dog 8q1.3. Chromosome arms carrying the 5S rRNA gene cluster showed striking similarities in their QFQ banding patterns, suggesting high conservation of these chromosome arms among the four species studied. The chromosomal assignments of 5S rRNA genes are among the first gene mapping results for the blue fox and the Chinese raccoon dog, and are in accordance with published data on comparative chromosome maps from human, dog, red fox, blue fox and raccoon dogs.
Chromosome banding in Amphibia
Authors: Schmid M. , Haaf T. , Steinlein C. , Nanda I. , Mahony M.
Published: April 2003

The mitotic chromosomes of the Australian ground frogs Mixophyes fasciolatus and M. schevilli were analyzed by means of banding techniques and restriction endonuclease digestions. Chromosomal differentiation in these two species occurred exclusively by considerable changes in the amount of telomeric and centromeric heterochromatin, whereas the sizes and locations of interstitial heterochromatic regions, the sizes of all euchromatic segments as well as the positions of centromeres remained nearly identical during karyotype evolution. The major heterochromatic regions in the karyotypes of M. fasciolatus and M. schevilli amount to 30.2% and 20.7%, respectively. They consist of AT base pair-rich repetitive DNA sequences that are brightly labeled by AT-specific fluorochromes and display quenched fluorescence after staining with GC-specific fluorochromes. The heterochromatic regions can be differentiated by treatment of metaphase chromosomes and interphase cell nuclei with various restriction enzymes which either disclose the complete set of C-band patterns in the karyotypes of both species, or else reveal several subsets of these C-bands.