bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selection of Leucaena species for afforestation and amelioration of sodic soils
Authors: Goel V. L. , Behl H. M.
Published: October 2002

Performance of three exotic species of Leucaena (L. diversifolia, L. shannonii and L. leucocephala) and one local selection of L. leucocephala was evaluated on sodic soil sites (pH 8.6–10.5) in order to select promising species for biomass production and reclamation of these soils. There were significant differences among three species with respect to their field survival (47.7–95.5 per cent), growth in terms of stem volume (40.8–118.6 m3 ha−1) and biomass production (24–70 Mg ha−1) after eight years of growth. L. leucocephala was rated as the most promising species irrespective of seed source, followed by L. shannonii. L. diversifolia could not perform well on these hostile soils. A definite improvement in physicochemical properties of soil particularly in surface layers (0–5 cm) was observed after eight years of plantations as compared to the same at uncultivated site. The soil pH and sodium content decreased followed by an increase in organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus content. However, efficiency of different species varied greatly to ameliorate these soils depending on quantity and quality of organic matter lying on the floor. L. leucocephala, irrespective of seed origin, showed greater promise for afforestation of sodic soils because of its potential to produce higher biomass per unit area and greater efficiency to ameliorate fertility status of these soils. The study revealed that matching of species to soil conditions is very important for a successful plantation programme and sustainable development of degraded soil sites. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanisms of shock wave induced endothelial cell injury
Authors: Sondén Anders , Svensson Bengt , Roman Nils , Brismar Bo , Palmblad Jan , Kjellström B. Thomas
Published: October 2002

Background and Objectives

Medical procedures, for example, laser angioplasty and extracorporeal lithotripsy as well as high‐energy trauma expose human tissues to shock waves (SWs) that may cause tissue injury. The mechanisms for this injury, often affecting blood vessel walls, are poorly understood. Here we sought to assess the role of two suggested factors, viz., cavitation or reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A laser driven flyer‐plate model was used to expose human umbilical cord vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers to SWs or to SWs plus cavitation (SWC). Cell injury was quantified with morphometry, trypan blue staining, and release of 51Cr from labeled HUVECs.

Results

HUVECs, exposed to SWs only, could not be distinguished from controls in morphological appearance or ability to exclude trypan blue. Yet, release of 51Cr, indicated a significant cell injury (P < 0.05). HUVEC cultures exposed to SWC, exhibited cell detachment and cell membrane damage detectable with trypan blue. Release of 51Cr was fourfold compared to SW samples (P < 0.01). Signs of cell injury were evident at 15 minutes and did not change over the next 4 hours. No protective effects of ROS scavengers were demonstrated.

Conclusions

Independent of ROS, SWC generated an immediate cell injury, which can explain, for example, vessel wall perturbation described in relation to SW treatments and trauma. Lasers Surg. Med. 31:233–241, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endovenous laser photocoagulation (EVLP) for varicose veins
Authors: Chang Cheng‐Jen , Chua Jun‐Jin
Published: October 2002

Background and Objectives

Untreated varicose veins have significant morbidity and potential mortality. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, improve appearance, and to prevent deterioration. Current therapeutic options include graduated compression stockings, sclerotherapy, ambulatory phlebectomy, surgical ligation, and stripping. Results of laser photocoagulation of vascular anomalies have been encouraging. Applying these concepts of laser–tissue interactions, we developed a new method of treatment for varicose veins of the lower extremities.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

One hundred and forty‐nine patients with 252 varicose greater saphenous veins underwent endovenous laser photocoagulation (EVLP) from January 1996 to January 2000. Subject's age ranged between 23 years 9 months and 80 years 7 months with a mean age of 50 years 8 months. There were 122 females and 27 males. Only patients with primary varicose veins and saphenofemoral reflux documented by Duplex ultrasound were treated. All patients received surgical ligation of the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ). EVLP was performed using the neodymium:yttrium–aluminium–garnet (Nd:YAG) (1,064 nm) laser, delivered with a 600 μm optical fiber. Laser power was set at 10 or 15 W, delivered with a pulse duration of 10 seconds. The outcome was compared before and after EVLP, based on the score of severity of the varicose veins by Hach's classification.

Results

The range of total delivered energy is from 9,200 to 20,100 J. The entire procedure was completed in 95–175 minutes (mean 122.33 minutes) for bilateral procedures, and 65–100 minutes (mean 81.07 minutes) for unilateral procedures. The follow‐up period ranged from 12 to 28 months with a mean of 19 months. One hundred and forty‐one patients with 244 legs involved (96.8%) demonstrated remarkable improvement (P < 0.05). Common early complications of EVLP are: local paraesthesia of the treated area in 92 legs (36.5%), ecchymosis and dyschromia in 58 legs (23.0%), superficial burn injury in 12 legs (4.8%), superficial phlebitis in four legs (1.6%), and localized hematoma in two legs (0.8%) at 3 weeks post‐operatively. The final outcome showed no significant morbidity or mortality. All patients recovered completely.

Conclusions

EVLP is a simple effective treatment modality for varicose veins. This less invasive method can minimize the complications of conventional surgery. Lasers Surg. Med. 31:257–262, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Possible physiological role of H19 RNA
Authors: Ayesh Suhail , Matouk Imad , Schneider Tamar , Ohana Patricia , Laster Morris , Al‐Sharef Wasif , de‐Groot Nathan , Hochberg Abraham
Published: October 2002

The product of the imprinted oncofetal H19 gene is an untranslated RNA of unknown function. With the human cDNA Atlas microarray, we detected differentially expressed genes modulated by the presence of H19 RNA. Many of the genes that are upregulated by H19 RNA are known to contribute to the invasive, migratory, and angiogenic capacities of cells. Moreover, we provided experimental data indicating that whereas H19 RNA did not have any growth advantage for the cells when cultured in 10% fetal calf serum, it did confer an advantage when cells were cultured in serum‐poor medium. This observation can be explained in part by the inability of the H19‐expressing cells to induce the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p57kip2 in response to serum stress. Our results favor the possible role of the H19 gene in promoting cancer progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Abulia: A Delphi survey of British neurologists and psychiatrists
Authors: Vijayaraghavan Lavanya , Krishnamoorthy Ennapadam S. , Brown Richard G. , Trimble Michael R.
Published: October 2002

Abulia is the relatively uncommon yet debilitating lack of spontaneous, goal‐directed behaviour that is seen predominantly with lesions of the basal ganglia and the frontal lobes. We sought to confirm the existence of abulia as an entity recognized by clinicians, to generate a set of items characteristic of the condition, and to see how clinicians differentiate between overlapping disorders. The Delphi technique was used to survey consultant neurologists and psychiatrists at three hospitals in London. The study consisted of two phases: semi‐ structured interviews of a small group of neurologists and psychiatrists, followed by a survey of a larger group of consultants using postal questionnaires. Both neurologists and psychiatrists recognized abulia to be a distinct clinical entity but its status as a syndrome was unclear. Features such as difficulty in initiating and sustaining spontaneous movements and reduction in emotional responsiveness, spontaneous speech, and social interaction were identified as being characteristic of abulia. The information generated by this study may help to develop a working classification for disorders of diminished drive and motivation, and instruments for clinical assessment and decision making. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Systematic review of paramedical therapies for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Deane Katherine H.O. , Ellis‐Hill Caroline , Jones Diana , Whurr Renata , Ben‐Shlomo Yoav , Playford E. Diane , Clarke Carl E.
Published: October 2002

We evaluated the efficacy of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy in Parkinson's disease by synthesizing six Cochrane systematic reviews. All randomised, controlled trials examining the efficacy of a paramedical therapy versus control intervention and all those comparing the efficacy of two forms of active therapy in Parkinson's disease were included. Trials were identified by searching biomedical databases, reference lists, hand searching, and contacting investigators. The main outcome measures were quality of life, speech intelligibility, activities of daily living, and individual measures of motor and speech impairment. We identified 16 physiotherapy randomised controlled trials (399 patients), two occupational therapy trials (84 patients), and five speech and language therapy for dysarthria trials (154 patients). None of these studies examined nonpharmacological swallowing therapy for dysphagia. We were unable to perform meta‐analysis of the results because the trials used heterogeneous therapy methods and outcome measures. The trials also had marked methodological flaws that could have introduced bias. In summary, we failed to find conclusive evidence of benefit for any form of paramedical therapy sufficient to recommend them in routine clinical practice. However, this lack of evidence is not proof of a lack of effect. Further large pragmatic randomised controlled trials are required to determine the effectiveness of paramedical therapies in Parkinson's disease. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Intracortical excitability in the hand motor representation in hand dystonia and blepharospasm
Authors: Sommer Martin , Ruge Diane , Tergau Frithjof , Beuche Wolfgang , Altenmüller Eckart , Paulus Walter
Published: October 2002

We sought to determine the activity of inhibiting and facilitating cortical circuits in areas surrounding a hand muscle motor representation in focal dystonia and in controls. In 15 patients with hand dystonia, 16 patients with blepharospasm, and age‐matched controls, we applied suprathreshold transcranial magnetic stimuli with a figure‐eight coil over the optimal representation of the relaxed abductor digiti minimi muscle of the dominant hand. Additional conditioning stimuli were given through a second figure‐eight coil that was held either above the test coil or 2 cm or 4 cm apart in the anterior, posterior, lateral, or medial direction. We measured intracortical excitability in each of the nine positions of the conditioning coil. Intracortical inhibition was reduced in both patient groups at all conditioning coil positions. With both coils centered, the intracortical facilitation did not differ between patients and controls. After shifting the conditioning coil, the intracortical facilitation tended to be less diminished in patients than in controls, this difference between patients and controls was significant for the anterior, posterior, and medial 4‐cm conditioning coil shift. Our results demonstrate decreased intracortical inhibition in the cortical hand muscle representation not only in patients with hand dystonia, but also in patients with blepharospasm. In addition, our findings in both patient groups show a trend toward a relatively increased intracortical facilitation in surrounding motor areas. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulus evoked potentials: Physiological and therapeutic implications
Authors: Baker Kenneth B. , Montgomery Erwin B. , Rezai Ali R. , Burgess Richard , Lüders Hans O.
Published: October 2002

The effect of subthalamic nucleus (STN) stimulation on cortical electroencephalographic activity was examined in 10 patients with Parkinson's disease and 4 patients with epilepsy. Evoked potentials were created by time‐locking electroencephalography to the onset of electrical stimulation delivered through the lead implanted in the STN of patients who had previously undergone deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. The effect of different patterns of stimulation on the evoked response, including single‐ and paired‐pulse as well as burst stimulation, was explored. Cortical evoked potentials to single pulses were observed with latencies as short as 1 to 2 msec after a single pulse of stimulation, with activity continuing, in some cases, for up to 400 msec. Paired‐pulse experiments revealed refractory periods on the order of 0.5 msec, suggesting that stimulation of axons contributed to the generation of at least some portion of the evoked potential waveform. Evoked potentials were also present in response to 100‐msec bursts of stimulation, with some evidence that the potential was initiated within the burst artifact. The potential implications of the types of responses observed as well as potential applications are discussed. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Secondary nonresponsiveness to new bulk botulinum toxin A (BCB2024)
Authors: Racette Brad A. , Stambuk Mikula , Perlmutter Joel S.
Published: October 2002

We report on a patient with cranio–cervical dystonia injected with the new, lower protein formulation of botulinum toxin A who developed secondary resistance to this toxin. Subsequent injections with botulinum toxin B provided substantial reduction of blepharospasm. This is the first reported case of secondary resistance to the new preparation of botulinum toxin A. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Quantitative1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy and MRI of Parkinson's disease
Authors: O'Neill Joseph , Schuff Norbert , Marks William J. , Feiwell Robert , Aminoff Michael J. , Weiner Michael W.
Published: October 2002

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the substantia nigra, basal ganglia, and cerebral cortex were performed on 10 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and 13 age‐matched, healthy control subjects. Compared to controls, PD patients had approximately 24% lower creatine in the region of the substantia nigra and smaller volumes of the putamen (11%), globus pallidus (16%), and prefrontal cortex (6%; allP< 0.05). No other significant between‐group differences were found in nine regions examined. Thus, quantitative MRI may show regional neurodegenerative changes outside the substantia nigra in PD but PD‐linked extranigral metabolic abnormalities, if they exist, may be difficult to detect with current1H MRS methods. In additional, exploratory tests, volumes of the caudate (r = −0.56), putamen (r = −0.66), and globus pallidus (r = −0.60; allP< 0.05) were negatively correlated with the volume of the substantia nigra pars compacta in controls. In PD these correlations did not hold. Instead, pallidal volume in PD was positively correlated with compacta volume (r = 0.64;P< 0.05). This relationship suggests that basal ganglia volumes may be influenced by dopaminergic innervation from the substantia nigra in normal and PD subjects. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Decreased phasic EMG activity during rapid eye movement sleep in treatment‐naïve Parkinson's disease: Effects of treatment with levodopa and progression of illness
Authors: Garcia‐Borreguero Diego , Caminero Ana B. , de la Llave Yolanda , Larrosa Oscar , Barrio Soledad , Granizo Juan J. , Pareja Juan A.
Published: October 2002

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is frequently associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) and may anticipate its diagnosis by several years. We assessed the presence of motor dyscontrol during REM sleep in treatment‐naïve PD patients and investigated the putative effect of levodopa (L‐dopa) treatment on motor activity. Overnight sleep studies were performed on 15 previously untreated PD patients and 14 controls at baseline, again after a 3‐ to 9‐month treatment period with a low dose of L‐dopa, and 2 to 5 days after treatment discontinuation (in 8 patients). No differences in sleep parameters were observed across groups or treatment conditions. None of the patients met criteria for RBD at baseline, whereas 5 patients were symptomatic at the time of the second sleep study. A quantitative analysis of electromyographic (EMG) activity during REM sleep showed a lower phasic twitching activity in untreated PD than in controls. However, an increase in both phasic twitching and tonic activity was found after treatment with L‐dopa. Discontinuation of treatment resulted in a return to pretreatment values of phasic but not of tonic EMG activity. Thus, the increase in phasic activity seems to depend on the effects of L‐dopa, whereas the increase in tonic EMG activity during REM sleep might be caused by other factors such as the progression of disease. Potential implications for the understanding of the relationship between RBD and PD are discussed. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Quality of life in stiff person syndrome
Authors: Gerschlager Willibald , Schrag Anette , Brown Peter
Published: October 2002

Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare, chronic disorder characterized by painful spasm and stiffness. We investigated the quality of life (QoL) in SPS patients, and identified factors associated with impairment in patients' QoL. Twenty‐four SPS patients (10 men, 14 women; mean age ± S.D., 52.6 ± 9.5 years) completed the medical outcomes study Short Form health survey (SF‐36), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and a questionnaire asking for sociodemographic and clinical details. Extent of the disease was assessed using a distribution of stiffness score. SPS patients showed markedly reduced mean scores for all dimensions of the SF‐36 when compared to norms from the general population of the United Kingdom. QoL scores showed a strong correlation with the extent of the disease. Depression was a common finding; 14 of 24 patients had depressive symptoms as evidenced by the BDI. There was a significant and strong correlation between the BDI score and several SF‐36 subscores. This is the first study to address QoL in patients with SPS. We have shown that SPS has a significant impact on patients' reported QoL. The association between depression and QoL highlights the importance of recognizing and treating depression in SPS. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Electrophysiological evaluation of pharyngeal phase of swallowing in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ertekin Cumhur , Tarlaci Sultan , Aydogdu Ibrahim , Kiylioglu Nefati , Yuceyar Nur , Turman A. Bulent , Secil Yaprak , Esmeli Figen
Published: October 2002

We studied the various physiological aspects of oropharyngeal swallowing in Parkinson's disease (PD). Fifty‐eight patients with PD were investigated by clinical and electrophysiological methods that measured the oropharyngeal phase of swallowing. All patients except 1 had mild to moderate degree of disability score. Dysphagia was demonstrated in 53% of all patients in whom the test of dysphagia limit was abnormal. All PD patients with or without dysphagia displayed the following abnormalities: (1) the triggering of the swallowing reflex was prolonged probably due to inadequate bolus control in the mouth and tongue and/or a specific delay in the execution of the swallowing reflex; (2) the duration of the pharyngeal reflex time was extremely prolonged due to slowness of the sequential muscle movements, especially those of the suprahyoid‐submental muscles; (3) cricopharyngeal muscle of the upper oesophageal sphincter was found to be electrophysiologically normal; and (4) the electrophysiological phenomena in PD patients could not be strongly correlated with the degree of the disability and clinical score of the PD. It was concluded that various motor disorders of PD have considerable influence on oropharyngeal swallowing: hypokinesia, reduced rate of spontaneous swallowing, and the slowness of segmented but coordinated sequential movements rather than any abnormalities in the central pattern generator of the bulbar center. Some compensatory mechanisms in the course of PD may explain the benign nature of swallowing disorder until the terminal stage of the disease. Similarly, the swallowing problems of PD are not only related with the dopamine deficiency; some other nondopaminergic mechanisms may also be involved. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Dopa‐responsive parkinsonism phenotype of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2
Authors: Lu Chin‐Song , Wu Chou Yah‐Huei , Yen Tzu‐Chen , Tsai Chon‐Haw , Chen Rou‐Shayn , Chang Hsiu‐Chen
Published: October 2002

We report on 2 brothers, Patients 1 and 2, who presented with a similar clinical syndrome consisting of resting tumor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and dysarthria at the ages of 40 and 43 years, respectively. An excellent response to levodopa therapy was observed throughout the disease course. No gait or limb ataxia, slow saccades, or decreased tendon reflexes were detected, but unsteadiness of gait with propulsion developed recently in Patient 1 approximately 25 years after disease onset. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated mild atrophy of the pons and cerebellum in Patient 1 and cerebellar atrophy in Patient 2. Expanded CAG repeats, numbering 36, in one allele of the ataxin‐2 gene were identified in Patient 1 only; his brother was not available for this investigation. With [99mTc]TRODAT‐1 single photon emission computed tomography of the brain, a significant bilateral and asymmetrical reduction of striatal dopamine transporters was found in Patient 1 compared to healthy controls. This bilateral reduction of striatal dopamine transporters resembled that observed in a set of controls with Parkinson's disease who had asymmetrical impairment. These results suggest that patients with familial parkinsonism who present with typical Parkinson's disease should be screened for the genetic defect of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2. The presynaptic impairment of nigrostriatal function is very likely to be the reason for levodopa responsiveness. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Generalised dystonia with an abnormal magnetic resonance imaging signal in the basal ganglia: A case of adult‐onset GM1 gangliosidosis
Authors: Campdelacreu Jaume , Muñoz Esteban , Gómez Beatriz , Pujol Teresa , Chabás Amparo , Tolosa Eduardo
Published: October 2002

We describe a 46‐year‐old woman with adult‐onset generalised dystonia and a severe speech disorder with an abnormal magnetic resonance imaging signal in the basal ganglia. A storage disease study demonstrated the presence of a GM1 gangliosidosis. This rare condition should be investigated in cases of generalised dystonia, especially in those cases with other features suggesting symptomatic dystonia. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Systematic evaluation of rating scales for impairment and disability in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ramaker Claudia , Marinus Johan , Stiggelbout Anne Margarethe , van Hilten Bob Johannes
Published: October 2002

We assessed the clinometric characteristics of rating scales used for the evaluation of motor impairment and disability of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), conducting a systematic review of PD rating scales published from 1960 to the present. Thirty studies describing clinometrics of 11 rating scales used for PD were identified. Outcome measures included validity (including factor structure), reliability (internal consistency, inter‐rater, and intrarater) and responsiveness. We traced three impairment scales (Webster, Columbia University Rating Scale [CURS] and Parkinson's Disease Impairment Scale), four disability scales (Schwab and England, Northwestern University Disability Scale [NUDS], Intermediate Scale for Assessment of PD, and Extensive Disability Scale), and four scales evaluating both impairment and disability (New York University, University of California Los Angeles, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS], and Short Parkinson Evaluation Scale). The scales showed large differences in the extent of representation of items related to signs considered responsive to dopaminergic treatment or to those signs that appear late in the disease course and lack responsiveness to treatment. Regardless of the scale, there was a conspicuous lack of consistency concerning inter‐rater reliability of bradykinesia, tremor, and rigidity. Overall disability items displayed moderate to good inter‐rater reliability. The available evidence shows that CURS, NUDS, and UPDRS have moderate to good reliability and validity. In contrast to their widespread clinical use for assessment of impairment and disability in PD, the majority of the rating scales have either not been subjected to an extensive clinometric evaluation or have demonstrated clinometric shortcomings. The CURS, NUDS, and UPDRS are the most evaluated, valid, and reliable scales currently available. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Translation and validation of the standard Chinese version of PDQ‐39: A quality‐of‐life measure for patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Tsang Kin‐Lun , Chi Iris , Ho Shu‐Leong , Lou Vivian Weiqun , Lee Tatia M.C. , Chu Leung‐Wing
Published: October 2002

PDQ‐39 has been widely used in the research and clinical management of Parkinson's disease. It has been translated into and validated in various non‐English languages. We report here on the validity and reliability results for the translated standard Chinese PDQ‐39 questionnaire. Fifty‐four patients were recruited from a movement disorder clinic and two regional patient groups, and data were collected by direct interview. Nineteen patients had the tests repeated 4 weeks later to assess the test–retest and interrater reliability. The standard Chinese version of PDQ‐39 demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.54–0.90) and was comparable to versions in other languages. Further analysis showed good construct validity and test–retest reliability. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Structure, function, and regulation of renal organic anion transporters
Authors: You Guofeng
Published: October 2002

Renal elimination of anionic drugs, xenobiotics, and toxins is necessary for the survival of mammalian species. This process is mediated by vectorial transport from blood to urine through the cooperative functions of specific transporters in the basolateral and apical membranes of the proximal tubule epithelium. The first step of this process is the extraction of organic anions from the peritubular blood plasma into proximal tubule cells largely through the organic anion transporter (OAT) pathway. Therefore, the OAT pathway is one of the major sites for body drug clearance/detoxification. As a result, it is also the site for drug–drug interaction and drug‐induced nephrotoxicity. To maximize therapeutic efficacy and minimize toxicity, the structure‐function relationships of OATs and their regulation must be defined. The recent cloning and identification of OATs have paved the way for such investigations. This review summarizes the available data on the general properties of OATs, focusing in particular on the recent progress made from the author's laboratory as well as from other's, on the molecular characterization of the structure‐function relationships of OATs and their regulatory mechanisms. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 22, No. 6, 602–616, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/med.10019
Sulfotransferases and sulfated oligosaccharides
Authors: Honke Koichi , Taniguchi Naoyuki
Published: October 2002

Structural diversity of the sugar chains attached to proteins and lipids that arises from the variety of combinations of different monosaccharides, different types of linkages, branch formation and secondary modifications, such as sulfation, possesses a large amount of biological information. A number of proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and glycolipids contain sulfated carbohydrates. Their sulfate groups provide a negative charge and play a role in a specific molecular recognition process. The sulfation of oligosaccharides is catalyzed by the Golgi‐associated sulfotransferases. Recent success in molecular cloning of these sulfotransferases has brought a breakthrough in the understanding of biological function of sulfated oligosaccharides in a variety of contexts. Investigations on the relationship of sulfated oligosaccharides to human diseases including hereditary deficiency, cancer, inflammation, and infection may provide hints for curing disastrous diseases. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 22, No. 6, 637–654, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/med.10020
Visco‐elasto‐plastic model for martensitic phase transformation in shape‐memory alloys
Authors: Plecháč Petr , Roubíček Tomáš
Published: October 2002

Evolution of fine structure in martensite undergoing an isothermal process is modelled on a microscopic level by using a positive homogeneous dissipation potential which can reflect a specific energy needed for a phase transformation between different variants of martensite. The model thus naturally incorporates an activation phenomenon. Existence of a weak solution is proved together with convergence of finite‐element approximations. Numerical experiments showing the expected rate‐independent hysteresis response are also presented. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global existence of weak‐type solutions for models of monotone type in the theory of inelastic deformations
Authors: Chełmiński Krzysztof
Published: October 2002

This article introduces the notion of weak‐type solutions for systems of equations from the theory of inelastic deformations, assuming that the considered model is of monotone type (for the definition see [Lecture Notes in Mathematics, 1998, vol. 1682]). For the boundary data associated with the initial‐boundary value problem and satisfying the safe‐load condition the existence of global in time weak‐type solutions is proved assuming that the monotone model is rate‐independent or of gradient type. Moreover, for models possessing an additional regularity property (see Section 5) the existence of global solutions in the sense of measures, defined by Temam in Archives for Rational Mechanics and Analysis, 95: 137, is obtained, too. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complete assignments of the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of five rearranged abietane diterpenoids
Authors: Rodríguez Benjamín
Published: October 2002

An NMR study of five highly functionalized and rearranged abietane diterpenoids is described. In addition to 1D NMR methods, including 1D NOESY spectra, 2D shift‐correlated experiments [1H, 13C‐gHSQC‐1J (C,H) and 1H, 13C‐gHMBC‐nJ (C,H) (n = 2 and 3)] were used for the complete and unambiguous 1H and 13C chemical shift assignments of these substances. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An ENDOR study of oxomolybdenum(V) tris(pyrazolyl)borate complexes; identification of couplings to boron and other heteroatoms
Authors: Farley Robert D. , Hoefer Peter , Maher John P. , McCleverty Jon A. , Murphy Damien M. , Rowlands Christopher C. , Ân Ung Van , Ward Michael D.
Published: October 2002

11B hyperfine and quadrupolar couplings have been observed by the electron magnetic resonance techniques electron nuclear double resonance and hyperfine sublevel correlation spectroscopy for some tris(pyrazolyl)borato‐oxomolybdenum(V) and related nitrosyl complexes including a dinuclear B–B linked complex. The spectra are interpreted according to the electron delocalization onto the ligands, especially the pyrazolylborate. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of gelatinases and their tissue inhibitors in rat corpus luteum during pregnancy and postpartum
Authors: Li Qing‐Lei , Wang Hong‐Mei , Lin Hai‐Yan , Liu Dong‐Lin , Zhang Xuan , Liu Guo‐Yi , Qian Dong , Zhu Cheng
Published: October 2002

Extensive tissue remodeling occurs in the corpus luteum (CL) during both formation and luteolysis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are believed to play pivotal roles in these processes. In the present study, to evaluate the potential roles of matrix degrading proteases in luteal development and regression, we examined gelatinases and TIMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3 mRNA expressions, as well as gelatinase activity in rat CL during pregnancy and postpartum using Northern blot, in situ hybridization, and gelatin zymography, respectively. The results showed that MMP‐2 mRNA was only expressed at the early stages of pregnancy; TIMP‐2 mRNA was highly expressed at the early and late pregnancy and day 1 postpartum, but could not be detected during the mid‐phase of pregnancy; TIMP‐3 mRNA expression was abundant during early pregnancy and peaked at day 7, but was absent from other time points examined. MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 mRNAs in rat CL were below detectable level in the current study. Furthermore, the active MMP‐2 was only present during the early stages of pregnancy, and no MMP‐9 activity was observed in the zymogram. Taken together, our results suggest that MMP‐2 and TIMP‐3 may have functional roles in rat luteal formation, while TIMP‐2 may be implicated in both formation and regression of the pregnant CL. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 63: 273–281, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Growth, development, and gene expression by in vivo‐ and in vitro‐produced day 7 and 16 bovine embryos
Authors: Bertolini Marcelo , Beam Stephen W. , Shim Hosup , Bertolini Luciana R. , Moyer Alice L. , Famula Thomas R. , Anderson Gary B.
Published: October 2002

The effects of the embryo production system on growth and transcription rate of day 7 and 16 bovine embryos were investigated. In vivo‐ (controls) and in vitro‐produced (IVP) embryos were transferred to female recipients on day 7 of development, and were allowed to develop in a synchronous uterine environment to day 16. Embryonic transcripts for insulin‐like growth factors‐1 and ‐2 (IGF‐1 and ‐2), their receptors (IGF‐1r and ‐2r), facilitative glucose transporters‐1 and ‐3 (Glut‐1 and ‐3), and interferon‐τ (IFN‐τ) were determined by real‐time quantitative PCR (TaqMan®); gender diagnosis was performed on day 16 concepti only. On day 7, IVP embryos presented lower mRNA levels than controls (P < 0.05), but these differences were generally reduced on day 16. No IGF‐1 transcripts were detected on day 7, but a low IGF‐1 mRNA level was observed in day 16 embryos. In the IVP group, IFN‐τ mRNA levels were lower on day 7 (P < 0.05), but higher than controls on day 16 (P < 0.05). Control embryos showed a temporal decrease in the relative transcription from day 7 to 16 (P < 0.05), except IGF‐1 mRNA. On day 16, IVP concepti were shorter and displayed smaller embryonic discs (P < 0.05). Female concepti were generally smaller than males, and IGF‐2r mRNA and growth were negatively correlated. The in vitro production of bovine embryos negatively affected the amount of gene expression on day 7 and the rate of development on day 16. Physical traits and transcriptional activity on day 16 were associated with one another, which appeared to be significant for growth and development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 63: 318–328, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vitellogenin precursors in the liver of the oviparous lizard, Podarcis sicula
Authors: Rosanova Patrizia , Romano Maurizio , Marciano Raffaella , Anteo Chiara , Limatola Ermelinda
Published: October 2002

In reptiles, as in the other oviparous vertebrates, vitellogenin (VTG) synthesis is stimulated in the liver by ovarian estrogens. In this article, the presence of VTG precursors was detected in liver subcellular fractions of the oviparous lizard, Podarcis sicula, in the reproductive period. The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and the smooth microsomal fraction (SMF), which includes smooth endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex, were separated by means of two different sucrose gradients. The successful separation was controlled at the electron microscope. The contents of the different compartments were extracted by means of n‐octyl‐β‐D‐glucopiranoside detergent and subjected to SDS–PAGE. Western Blotting with homologous anti/VTG antibody revealed two immunoreactive proteins of about 84 and 70 kDa in the RER, and four proteins of about 180, 150, 60, 50 kDa in the SMF; all these proteins appeared phosphorylated and glycosylated. The differences in the molecular weight of these VTG precursors are discussed. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 63: 349–354, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo measurement of regional oxygenation and imaging of redox status in RIF‐1 murine tumor: Effect of carbogen‐breathing
Authors: Ilangovan Govindasamy , Li Haiquan , Zweier Jay L. , Krishna Murali C. , Mitchell James B. , Kuppusamy Periannan
Published: October 2002

The purpose of this study was to noninvasively monitor tumor oxygenation and redox status during hyperoxygenation treatment, such as carbogen‐breathing, in a murine tumor model using in vivo electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and imaging techniques. The study was performed using implanted lithium phthalocyanine (LiPc) microcrystals as the oximetry probe and 3‐carbamoylproxyl (3‐CP) as the redox probe in RIF‐1 tumors implanted in the upper hind leg of C3H mice. Repetitive measurements of pO2 from the same tumors as a function of tumor growth (8–24 mm in size) showed that the tumors were hypoxic and that the tumor pO2 values were decreasing with tumor growth. Carbogen‐breathing mostly showed an increase in the tumor oxygenation, although there were considerable variations in the magnitude of change among the tumors. The pharmacokinetic studies with 3‐CP showed a significant decrease in the overall tumor reduction status in the carbogen‐breathing mice. Spatially resolved (imaging) pharmacokinetic data over the tumor volume were obtained to visualize the distribution of the redox status within the tumor. The redox images of the tumor in the air‐breathing mice showed significant heterogeneity in the magnitude and spatial distribution of reducing equivalents. On carbogen‐breathing the tissue reduction status decreased considerably, with a concomitant decrease in the heterogeneity of distribution of the redox status. The results suggest that 1) carbogen‐breathing considerably enhances tissue oxygenation and significantly decreases the redox status in RIF‐1 tumor, and 2) changes in the magnitude and distribution of the redox status within the tumor volume during carbogen‐breathing are correlated with the increased tissue oxygenation. Magn Reson Med 48:723–730, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coronary MRA with 3D undersampled projection reconstruction TrueFISP
Authors: Larson Andrew C. , Simonetti Orlando P. , Li Debiao
Published: October 2002

Undersampled projection reconstruction (PR) offers improved imaging efficiency allowing a relative tradeoff between signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) or streak artifact and the number of acquired k‐space views rather than the tradeoff between resolution or aliasing artifact and the number of acquired k‐space lines inherent to Fourier imaging techniques. TrueFISP (true fast imaging with steady state precession) is ideally suited for undersampled PR imaging because of its inherently high SNR. The purpose of this work was to investigate the feasibility of using undersampled three‐dimensional (3D) PR TrueFISP for breathhold coronary artery imaging. Phantom studies and a preliminary in vivo comparison demonstrated the improved spatial resolution of PR over Fourier TrueFISP with the same imaging time. In a 24‐heartbeat coronary imaging scheme, segmented 3D PR TrueFISP provided a 1.0 × 1.0 mm2 isotropic in‐plane voxel size while acquiring between 93 and 153 views per partition. Streak artifacts were present in some images but were not found to impede coronary artery delineation. In conclusion, 3D undersampled PR TrueFISP provides isotropic in‐plane voxel size within a single breathhold and is a promising technique for coronary artery imaging. Magn Reson Med 48:594–601, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Navigator‐gated free‐breathing 3D balanced FFE projection renal MRA: Comparison with contrast‐enhanced breath‐hold 3D MRA in a swine model
Authors: Spuentrup Elmar , Buecker Arno , Meyer Julius , Günther Rolf W. , Stuber Matthias
Published: October 2002

A cardiac‐triggered, free‐breathing, 3D balanced FFE projection renal MR angiography (MRA) technique with a 2D pencil beam aortic labeling pulse for selective aortic spin tagging was developed. For respiratory motion artifact suppression during free breathing, a prospective real‐time navigator was implemented for renal MRA. Images obtained with the new approach were compared with standard contrast‐enhanced (CE) 3D breath‐hold MRA in seven swine. Signal properties and vessel visualization were analyzed. With the presented technique, high‐resolution, high‐contrast renal projection MRA with superior vessel length visualization (including a greater visible number of distal branches of the renal arteries) compared to standard breath‐hold CE‐MRA was obtained. The present results warrant clinical studies in patients with renal artery disease. Magn Reson Med 48:739–743, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spatial assessment of articular cartilage proteoglycans with Gd‐DTPA‐enhanced T1 imaging
Authors: Nieminen Miika T. , Rieppo Jarno , Silvennoinen Johanna , Töyräs Juha , Hakumäki Juhana M. , Hyttinen Mika M. , Helminen Heikki J. , Jurvelin Jukka S.
Published: October 2002

In Gd‐DTPA‐enhanced T1 imaging of articular cartilage, the MRI contrast agent with two negative charges is understood to accumulate in tissue inversely to the negative charge of cartilage glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) of proteoglycans (PGs), and this leads to a decrease in the T1 relaxation time of tissue relative to the charge in tissue. By assuming a constant relaxivity for Gd‐DTPA in cartilage, it has further been hypothesized that the contrast agent concentration in tissue could be estimated from consecutive T1 measurements in the absence or presence of the contrast agent. The spatial sensitivity of the technique was examined at 9.4 T in normal and PG‐depleted bovine patellar cartilage samples. As a reference, spatial PG concentration was assessed with digital densitometry from safranin O‐stained cartilage sections. An excellent linear correlation between spatial optical density (OD) of stained GAGs and T1 with Gd‐DTPA was observed in the control and chondroitinase ABC‐treated cartilage specimens, and the MR parameter accounted for approximately 80% of the variations in GAG concentration within samples. Further, the MR‐resolved Gd‐DTPA concentration proved to be an even better estimate for PGs, with an improved correlation. However, the linear relation between MR parameters and PG concentration did not apply in the deep tissue, where MR measurements overestimated the PG content. While the absolute [Gd‐DTPA] determination may be prone to error due to uncertainty of relaxivity in cartilage, or to other contributing factors such as variations in tissue permeability, the experimental evidence highlights the sensitivity of this technique to reflect spatial changes in cartilage PG concentration in normal and degenerated tissue. Magn Reson Med 48:640–648, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MR angiography using steady‐state free precession
Authors: Foo Thomas K.F. , Ho Vincent B. , Marcos Hani B. , Hood Maureen N. , Choyke Peter L.
Published: October 2002

Contrast‐enhanced MR angiography (CE‐MRA) using steady‐state free precession (SSFP) pulse sequences is described. Using SSFP, vascular structures can be visualized with high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) at a substantial (delay) time after the initial arterial pass of contrast media. The peak blood SSFP signal was diminished by <20% 30 min after the initial administration of 0.2 mmol/kg of Gd‐chelate. The proposed method allows a second opportunity to study arterial or venous structures with high image SNR and high spatial resolution. A mask subtraction scheme using spin echo SSFP‐S(−) acquisition is also described to reduce stationary background signal from the delayed SSFP angiography images. Magn Reson Med 48:699–706, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inflammatory processes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: McGeer P. L. , McGeer E. G.
Published: October 2002

Neuroinflammation is a characteristic of pathologically affected tissue in several neurodegenerative disorders. These changes can be observed in the brainstem and spinal cord of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases and in mouse models of the disease. They include an accumulation of large numbers of activated microglia and astrocytes, as well as small numbers of T cells, mostly adhering to postcapillary venules. Accompanying biochemical alterations include the appearance of numerous molecules characteristic of free‐radical attack, the occurrence of proteins associated with activation of the complement cascade, and a sharp upregulation of the enzyme cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2). Anti‐inflammatory agents may have a role to play in treating ALS. COX‐2 is a particularly attractive target because of its marked increase in ALS spinal cord. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 26: 459–470, 2002
Isolated sarcoid myopathy
Authors: Berger Christian , Sommer Clemens , Meinck Hans‐M.
Published: October 2002

A 75‐year‐old housewife presented with a 5‐year history of slowly progressive, painless limb weakness with wasting particularly of the pretibial muscles and without sensory involvement. She was otherwise healthy, but had a history of mild pulmonary sarcoidosis 20 years earlier. Abnormal laboratory findings included serum calcium (3.2 mmol/L; normal 2.15–2.6 mmol/L) and serum angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE; 38.2 U/L; normal <22.5 U/L). All other laboratory investigations, including antibody studies and diagnostic work‐up for systemic sarcoidosis, were negative. Muscle biopsy revealed noncaseating epitheloid granulomas, multinuclear giant cells, and lymphoplasmacellular infiltration. The patient was started on methylprednisolone and recovered to some extent. These findings represent a rare case of isolated sarcoid myopathy without concurrent systemic sarcoidosis. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 26: 553–556, 2002
Omental graft improves functional recovery of transected peripheral nerve
Authors: Castañeda Francisco , Kinne Rolf K.H.
Published: October 2002

The omentum has several properties that are advantageous for neuronal sprouting and direction. We have therefore analyzed functional recovery following transection of rat sciatic nerve using omental graft to bridge the nerve defect. In group 1, a 25–30‐mm nerve defect was produced and bridged with omental graft, whereas in group 2, an end‐to‐end repair was performed. The sciatic function index (SFI) was assessed at 2‐week intervals until 8 weeks after surgery. Functional recovery was faster in group 1 than in group 2. After 8 weeks, SFI was improved significantly from −100% to −45% (± −4%) in group 1 (P < 0.001) compared to −72% ± −2% in group 2 (n = 10). Histologically, the omental graft contained more newly developed nerve fibers and less scar tissue than the end‐to‐end repair. Thus, omental graft appears to improve directional growth of regenerating axon sprouts and may be a means of treating peripheral nerve injury. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 26: 527–532, 2002