bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics of chronic lung disease without preceding respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants
Authors: Choi Chang Won , Kim Beyong Il , Koh Young Yull , Choi Jung‐Hwan , Choi Jung Yun
Published: February 2005

Abstract 
Background
: Recently, the incidence of atypical presentation of chronic lung disease (CLD) that develops in infants without a history of preceding respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is increasing. Therefore, the clinical characteristics of CLD without RDS in comparison with CLD with RDS were assessed.

Methods:
 Prospective cohort analysis was done from 117 very low‐birthweight infants who were born in Seoul National University Hospital and survived more than 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA).

Results
: Of the 117 infants analyzed, CLD developed in 44 infants (38%). Among these 44 infants, CLD with RDS developed in 27 infants (23%) and CLD without RDS developed in 17 infants (15%). Each type of CLD was subgrouped according to the presence of chorioamnionitis (CA): RDS+CA+ CLD (n = 8) and RDS+CA– CLD (n = 19); and RDS–CA+ CLD (n = 12) and RDS–CA– CLD (n = 5). There were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics between CLD with RDS and CLD without RDS. Chorioamnionitis was significantly more common in CLD without RDS, while patent ductus arteriosus was more common in CLD with RDS. Although the severity of initial respiratory failure was not greater than that of CLD with RDS, CLD without RDS showed a gradually increasing chronic oxygen requirement pattern. Chronic oxygen requirement pattern showed that infants with RDS+CA+CLD required the highest concentrations of oxygen not only initially but also thereafter until the 28th day of life and 36 weeks PMA.

Conclusions
: Although CLD without RDS was still less common than CLD with RDS, it comprised over a third of all cases of CLD in our study. Clinical characteristics and chronic oxygen requirement pattern of CLD without RDS seems to be less severe than those of CLD with RDS. Our data suggest that CLD without RDS may be developed by causes other than initial acute lung injury. Chorioamnionitis may be one of antecedents of CLD without RDS.
Simplified PRISM III score and outcome in the pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: De León Ana Lilia Ponce‐Ponce , Romero‐Gutiérrez Gustavo , Valenzuela Carlos Aldana , González‐Bravo Francisco Ernesto
Published: February 2005

Abstract 
Background
: To evaluate the association of the PRISM III (pediatric risk of mortality) score with the infant outcome in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and to determine if this score could be simplified.

Methods
: A prospective cohort study was carried out with 170 infants who were consecutively admitted to the PICU. The PRISM III score with 17 physiologic variables was performed during the first 8 h of admission to the unit. Statistical analysis was done with logistic regression, odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and receiver operating curve. The Alfa value was set at 0.05.

Results
: There were 42 deaths (24.7%). The two main causes of death were septic shock (28.6%) and head trauma (16.7%). The PRISM III score had a sensitivity of 0.71, and a specificity of 0.64 as a mortality predictor. Out of the 17 physiologic variables only four of them were significant: abnormal pupillary reflexes OR 9.9 (95% CI, 3.5–28.4), acidosis OR 3.1 (95% CI, 2.0–4.9), blood urea nitrogen concentration OR 1.03 (95% CI, 1.01–1.04), and white blood cell count OR 1.02 (95% CI, 1.01–1.03). The whole logistic regression model had a coefficient of determination R2 = 0.219, P < 0.001.

Conclusions
: In this setting, the PRISM III score had good sensitivity and specificity to predict mortality. This score could be simplified using only the four variables that were significant in this study. This modified PRISM III score could reduce the cost of patient care especially in developing countries PICU.
Effects of rapid rewarming on cerebral nitric oxide production and cerebral hemodynamics after hypothermia therapy for kainic acid‐induced seizures in immature rabbits
Authors: Takei Yukito , Sunohara Daisuke , Nishikawa Yasushi , Nagashima Chikako , Tachibana Maki , Takami Takeshi , Miyajima Tasuku , Hoshika Akinori
Published: February 2005

Abstract 
Background
: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether rapid rewarming after hypothermia therapy during seizures alters the endogenous nitric oxide (NO) production in and around hippocampus, cortical cerebral blood flow (cCBF), and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) in immature rabbits.

Methods
: The hypothermic rabbits (rectal temperatures, 33°C) were given kainic acid (KA; 12 mg/kg, i.v; at 0 min), followed by cooling (33°C) for 60 min (at 60 min), then either rewarming (RW; 33–37°C) was started (KA[+]RW[+] group, n = 7) or cooling was continued (KA[+]RW[–] group, n = 7) for another 60 min (at the end 120 min). In the KA(–)RW(+) group (n = 5), 0.5 mL normal saline was given (at time 0 min), followed by cooling (33°C) for 60 min (at 60 min), then rewarming to 37°C was started with observation for another 60 min (at the end 120 min). NO production in and around hippocampus was continuously measured by an NO‐selective electrode, cCBF by laser Doppler flowmetry, cortical electroencephalogram (EEG), rectal and cerebral temperatures, and MABP during the experiment. Comparisons were made of these parameters between the values at 60 min and 120 min after the KA administrations.

Results
: KA administration induced abnormal discharges in both KA(+)RW(+) and KA(+)RW(–) groups at the same degree. The KA(+)RW(+) group had a significant increase in %NO, and significant decreases in %cCBF and MABP after rapid rewarming, compared with before rewarming. In the KA(+)RW(–) group, there were no significant changes in %NO, %cCBF, and MABP between values at 60 and 120 min. These changes after rapid rewarming in the KA(+)RW(+) group were different from those with only elevation in brain temperature from 33 to 37°C without seizures (KA[–]RW[+] group).

Conclusions
: These results suggest that rapid rewarming after hypothermia therapy induces an increase in the NO production in and around hippocampus and the decreases in cCBF and MABP during seizures in immature rabbits.
The colonization incidence of group B streptococcus in pregnant women and their newborns in Istanbul
Authors: Barbaros Ilikkan , Murat Carikci , Mehmet Vural , Ismet Tekirdag Ali , Can Keven , Sukufe Diren , Ismail Çepni , Yildiz Perk
Published: February 2005

Abstracts 
Background
: This study was designed to determine the incidence of group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization in pregnant women and newborns, and to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance during delivery.

Methods
: A total of 300 pregnant women and their newborns were enrolled in this prospective study performed in the maternity ward of Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty and Bakirkoy SSK Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. Samples were collected from pregnant women and their newborns in the delivery room.

Results
: GBS was isolated from 24 women and the colonization rate was found to be 8%. Two newborns were colonized with GBS. None of the isolates were resistant to penicillin, whereas 20% showed resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin.

Conclusion
: Screening and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of GBS during pregnancy show similiar results with other studies performed in different regions of our country.
Expansion of activated eosinophils in infants with severe atopic dermatitis
Authors: Toma Tomoko , Mizuno Kazunori , Okamoto Hiroyuki , Kanegane Chiharu , Ohta Kazuhide , Ikawa Yasuhiro , Miura Masayoshi , Kuroda Mondo , Niida Yo , Koizumi Shoichi , Yachie Akihiro
Published: February 2005

Abstract 
Background
: There is increasing concern in Japan over infants with atopic dermatitis (AD) who present with severe systemic complications, such as hypoproteinemia, electrolyte disturbances, and delayed growth and development. They are often associated with extremely increased numbers of circulating eosinophils. However, the clinical significance of eosinophil expansion has not been thoroughly investigated.

Methods
: This study attempted to determine the significance of eosinophilia and eosinophil activation in infant cases of AD by comparing multiple clinical parameters, indexes of eosinophil activation, and levels of serum cytokines. CD69 expression was determined by flow cytometry. The clinical severity of AD was graded by the severity SCORing of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) method. Patients were classified into two groups, with and without CD69 on eosinophils. Nuclear lobes were evaluated under a microscopy. Serum levels of eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin (EDN), interleukin (IL)‐12, IL‐18, IL‐4, IL‐5 and interferon (IFN)‐γ were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results
: Patients with CD69‐positive eosinophils had significantly higher numbers of eosinophils and platelets, total IgE, and eosinophil nuclear lobes. They also showed growth failure, developmental delay, low serum albumin, and electrolyte disturbances. EDN and IL‐18 levels were significantly increased in this group, but the levels of IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐12 were not significantly different between the two groups. IFN‐γ was not detectable in all patients with AD. Surface expression of CD69 indicates intense systemic allergic inflammation induced in severe cases of AD.

Conclusions
: Evaluation of eosinophil activation and early therapeutic intervention is mandatory for the treatment of severe AD during infancy.
Is premature adrenarche a risk factor for atherogenesis?
Authors: Güven Ayla , Cinaz Peyami , Bideci Aysun
Published: February 2005

Abstract 
Background
: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum lipids and atherosclerosis risk in children with premature adrenarche (PA) in comparison with age‐matched controls.

Methods
: Lipid profile, glucose, insulin, and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 (IGFBP‐1) levels were studied in 24 girls with premature adrenarche and 13 healthy age‐matched controls after overnight fasting.

Results
: The bone age, weight and body mass index were higher in the premature adrenarche group than the control group. Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure of patients were higher than controls. The mean total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), very low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (VLDL‐C), TC/high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) and LDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio, and atherogenic index were significantly higher in the premature adrenarche group compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in the levels of apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a) in both groups. In the premature adrenarche group there were inverse correlations between the levels of IGFBP‐1 and TC/HDL‐C (rho, –0.54; P, 0.011), and LDL‐C/HDL‐C (rho, –0.50; P < 0.05) and atherogenic index (AI; rho, –0.54; P < 0.05). dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels of the patients was negatively correlated with AI and TC/HDL‐C (rho, –0.0503, P < 0.05).

Conclusions
: Girls with premature adrenarche should be investigated for serum lipids, and atherogenic risk criteria should be assessed periodically in the follow up of patients with PA, as PA seems to be a risk factor for future atherosclerosis.
Identification of three novel mutations in Japanese patients with Menkes disease and mutation screening by denaturing high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Watanabe Atsuko , Shimizu Norikazu
Published: February 2005

Abstract 
Background
: Menkes disease is an X‐linked recessive disorder resulting in a connective‐tissue disturbance and profound neurodegeneration in early childhood. The gene for Menkes disease has been isolated and predicted to code for copper transporting ATPase. In this study, a mutation analysis in Japanese patients with Menkes disease was performed, as was a mutation screening by denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC).

Methods
: A mutation analysis on five Japanese patients with Menkes disease was performed using a direct sequencing method and DHPLC.

Results
: Two nonsense mutations, two missense mutations and one splice donor site mutation were found. The DHPLC analysis showed differences in the peaks between the DNA fragments of wild type and heteroduplex (wild type and mutant).

Conclusions
: Three novel mutations (Asp1044Gly, Pro1279Leu and IVS21+1 g to a) were detected. The Asp1044Gly mutation destroys the highly conserved phosphorylation domain in exon 16. The splice site abnormality leads to a skipping of exon 21 coding for part of the seventh transmembrane domain. These two mutations could cause a severe protein dysfunction. Another missense mutation, Pro1279Leu, in exon 20 was found in a patient with a mild type of Menkes disease. It is speculated that this mutation partially maintains the ATP7A function is. A DHPLC analysis could detect these mutations. It is concluded that the best way to make a molecular diagnosis for Menkes disease is to first screen DNA samples for all exons using DHPLC, and thereafter perform direct sequencing for exons which have an abnormal elution profile in order to rapidly detect such mutations.
Ultraviolet radiation and skin aging: roles of reactive oxygen species, inflammation and protease activation, and strategies for prevention of inflammation‐induced matrix degradation – a review
Authors: Pillai S. , Oresajo C. , Hayward J.
Published: February 2005

Synopsis

Inflammation and the resulting accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the intrinsic and photoaging of human skin in vivo. Environmental insults such as ultraviolet (UV) rays from sun, cigarette smoke exposure and pollutants, and the natural process of aging contribute to the generation of free radicals and ROS that stimulate the inflammatory process in the skin. UV irradiation initiates and activates a complex cascade of biochemical reactions in human skin. In short, UV causes depletion of cellular antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase), initiates DNA damage leading to the formation of thymidine dimmers, activates the neuroendocrine system leading to immunosuppression and release of neuroendocrine mediators, and causes increased synthesis and release of pro‐inflammatory mediators from a variety of skin cells. The pro‐inflammatory mediators increase the permeability of capillaries leading to infiltration and activation of neutrophils and other phagocytic cells into the skin. The net result of all these effects is inflammation and free radical generation (both reactive oxygen and nitrogen species). Furthermore, elastsases and other proteases (cathepsin G) released from neutrophils cause further inflammation, and activation of matrix metalloproteases. The inflammation further activates the transcription of various matrixes degrading metalloproteases, leading to abnormal matrix degradation and accumulation of non‐functional matrix components. In addition, the inflammation and ROS cause oxidative damage to cellular proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, which accumulates in the dermal and epidermal compartments, contributing to the aetiology of photoaging. Strategies to prevent photodamage caused by this cascade of reactions initiated by UV include: prevention of UV penetration into skin by physical and chemical sunscreens, prevention/reduction of inflammation using anti‐inflammatory compounds (e.g. cyclooxygenase inhibitors, inhibitors of cytokine generation); scavenging and quenching of ROS by antioxidants; inhibition of neutrophil elastase activity to prevent extracellular matrix damage and activation of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), and inhibition of MMP expression (e.g. by retinoids) and activity (e.g. by natural and synthetic inhibitors).
CGRP Release and c-fos Expression within Trigeminal Nucleus Caudalis of the Rat following Glyceryltrinitrate Infusion
Authors: Offenhauser N , Zinck T , Hoffmann J , Schiemann K , Schuh-Hofer S , Rohde W , Arnold G , Dirnagl U , Jansen-Olesen I , Reuter U
Published: February 2005

Neuropeptide release and the expression of c-fos like immunoreactivity (c-fos LI) within trigeminal nucleus caudalis neurons (TNC) are activation markers of the trigeminal nerve system. Glyceryltrinitrate (GTN) is believed to stimulate the trigeminal nerve system, thereby causing headache. We examined the effects of a 30 min NO-donor infusion on CGRP release in jugular vein blood and c-fos LI within TNC of the rat. GTN (2 and 50 μg/kg/min) or NONOate infusion (25 nmol/kg/min) did not cause any CGRP release during and shortly after infusion, whereas administration of capsaicin resulted in strongly increased CGRP levels. GTN infusion (2 μg/kg/min for 30 min) did not lead to enhanced c-fos LI after 2 h and 4 h, whereas capsaicin infusion caused a time- and dose-dependent expression of c-fos LI within laminae I and II of the TNC. Surprisingly, GTN attenuated capsaicin-induced c-fos expression by 64%. The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NAME (5 and 50 mg/kg) reduced capsaicin-induced c-fos LI dose dependently (reduction by 13% and 59%). We conclude that GTN may lead to headaches by mechanisms independent of CGRP release from trigeminal nerve fibres. GTN doses comparable to those used in humans did not activate or sensitize the trigeminal nerve system. Both GTN and L-NAME reduced capsaicin-induced c-fos LI. This is most likely due to a feedback inhibition of nitric oxide synthases, which indicates that the c-fos response to capsaicin within TNC is mediated by NO dependent mechanisms.
THE EFFECTS OF DECIMALIZATION ON RETURN VOLATILITY COMPONENTS, SERIAL CORRELATION, AND TRADING COSTS
Authors: He Yan , Wu Chunchi
Published: February 2005

We examine the composition of return volatility, serial correlation, and trading costs before and after decimalization on the New York Stock Exchange. We decompose the variance of price changes into components associated with public news, rounding errors, and market‐making frictions. We find that when stocks move from a fractional to a decimal trading system, the variance components due to market‐making frictions and rounding errors decline significantly, whereas the component due to public news remains unchanged. The serial correlation of price changes weakens substantially after decimalization. The uninformed component of bid‐ask spreads decreases significantly whereas the informed component has no significant change.
MARKET STRUCTURE AND TRADING VOLUME
Authors: Anderson Anne‐Marie , Dyl Edward A.
Published: February 2005

Historically, trading volume reported for NASDAQ stocks has been overstated vis‐à‐vis New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) stocks, both because of the dealer's participation in trades as a market maker and because of interdealer trading. Beginning in 1997, the Securities and Exchange Commission changed order‐handling rules and trade‐reporting rules, which may have reduced or eliminated the overstatement of NASDAQ trading. We examine trading volumes of firms changing from NASDAQ to the NYSE since 1997 and document that reported trading volume for NASDAQ stocks continues to be overstated. Moreover, the degree of overstatement is much larger for firms with high trading volume.
Two‐phase appearance of oral epithelial dysplasia resulting from focal proliferation of parabasal cells and apoptosis of prickle cells
Authors: Syafriadi Mei , Cheng Jun , Jen Kai Yu , Ida‐Yonemochi Hiroko , Suzuki Makoto , Saku Takashi
Published: February 2005

Background:  One of the histologic characteristics of epithelial dysplasias of the oral mucosa is droplet‐shaped rete processes resulting from a solid proliferation of basaloid cells. These basaloid cells are suddenly changed into an overlay of parakeratotic cells. However, it is unknown how this characteristic two‐phase appearance is generated.

Methods:  Formalin‐fixed paraffin sections of the oral mucosal specimens with normal, hyperplastic, dysplastic epithelia and squamous cell carcinomas were examined for apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) method and for lymphoid cells by immunohistochemistry.

Results:  Apoptotic cells were only located in the keratinized layer of normal/hyperplastic epithelia. However, in epithelial dysplasias, apoptotic cells were scattered in the middle or even in the lower parts of the epithelial layer with frequent vacuolation changes of epithelial cells. Within the epithelial layer of dysplasias, there were increased number of lymphocytes, which were immunopositive for CD45RO, CD8, and CD57‐ and CD68‐immunopositive (+), S‐100 protein‐positive and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II‐positive monocytic lineages. They increased in number with the severity of dysplastic degrees, and they were often located in the vicinity of apoptotic epithelial cells, but decreased in carcinomas in situ and invasive carcinomas, which contained fewer numbers of apoptotic figures.

Conclusion:  The findings indicate that intraepithelial infiltrations of both cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells are closely related to the apoptotic phenomena of prickle cells, which may result in the characteristic ‘two‐phase appearance’ of epithelial dysplasia.
The differential expression pattern of BMP‐4 between the dentigerous cyst and the odontogenic keratocyst
Authors: Kim Seong‐Gon , Yang Byoung‐Eun , Oh So‐Hee , Min Soo‐Kee , Hong Sam‐Pyo , Choi Je‐Yong
Published: February 2005

Background:  Bone morphogenic protein‐4 (BMP‐4) is widely expressed in oral cavity and involved in tooth morphogenesis, cellular differentiation and proliferation. The purpose of this study was to compare the difference in expression pattern of BMP‐4 in odontogenic keratocysts (OKC) and dentigerous cysts (DC).

Methods:  We evaluated 77 cysts, OKC (n = 34) or DC (n = 43). The average age of patients with OKC was 29.5 ± 14.4 and that of patients with DC was 36.1 ± 19.4. The male to female ratio was 20:14 for OKC and 27:16 for DC. Ten cases of OKC were recurrences. Expression of BMP‐4 was determined by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.

Results:  The intensity scales were (−) for invisible or trace staining, (+) for visible staining, and (++) for dense, strong staining. OKCs exhibited the following staining patterns: the epithelium in 15/34 specimens and the mesenchymal cells in 17/34 specimens showed (++) stain. In contrast, the staining pattern of DC was (−) for epithelium in 37/43 specimens. The mesenchymal cells showed (−) degree staining in 30/43 specimens. The difference between the groups studied was significant (P < 0.001 in epithelium and mesenchymal cells). When recurrent and non‐recurrent OKC were compared BMP‐4 was expressed more intensely in the recurrent cases (P = 0.036 in epithelium). The difference in BMP‐4 expression in mesenchymal cells was not significant. In situ hybridization demonstrated positive mRNA probes to BMP‐4 were localized in epithelium and mesenchymal cells of OKCs and DCs.

Conclusions:  BMP‐4 was expressed more intensely in OKC when compared with DC, and was more intensely expressed in recurrent cases.
Clinico‐pathological features of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity in patients <40 years of age
Authors: Sasaki T. , Moles D. R. , Imai Y. , Speight P. M.
Published: February 2005

Background: Considerable controversy exists in the literature regarding the clinical course of young patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinico‐pathological features of oral SCC among young people.

Methods: From a cohort of 529 patients diagnosed with SCC, 35 (6.6%) were under the age of 40 years. This group was compared to a control group of 110 cases aged over 40 to determine if there were any differences in clinicopathological features between the two groups.

Results: In the young group there were 20 males and 15 females. The site was most frequently the tongue (51.3%), followed by the floor of the mouth, the buccal mucosa, and the upper and lower alveolus and gingiva. The local and regional control rate was 64.8% which was similar to that of older patients in this series.

Conclusions: The prognosis of oral SCC in the young patients does not appear to be different from that of the older population. Univariate analysis showed that clinical stage and the mode of invasion were the most significant prognostic factors in both younger and older patients.
Predictive power of irregular border shapes for malignant melanomas
Authors: Lee Tim K. , Claridge Ela
Published: February 2005

Background/purpose: The Irregularity Index is a measure of border irregularity from pigmented skin lesion images. The measure attempts to quantify the degree of irregularity of the structural indentations and protrusions along a lesion border. A carefully designed study has shown that the parameters derived from the Irregularity Index were highly correlated with expert dermatologists' notion of border shape. This paper investigates the predictive power of these parameters on a set of data with known histological diagnosis.

Methods: A set of 188 pigmented skin lesions (30 malignant melanomas and 158 benign lesions) was selected for the study. Their images were segmented and their border shapes were analysed by the Irregularity Index, producing four border irregularity parameters. The predictive power of these four parameters was estimated by a series of statistical tests.

Results: The mean values of the four border irregularity parameters were significantly different between the melanoma group and the benign lesion group. When using the four parameters to predict its disease status, the leave‐one‐out classification rate was 82.4%, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.77. A malignant melanoma was 8.9 times more likely to have an irregular border than a benign lesion.

Conclusion: This study confirmed that border irregularity is an important clinical feature for the diagnosis of malignant melanoma. It also indicates that the computer‐derived measures based on the Irregularity Index capture to certain extent the kind of irregularity which is exhibited by melanomas.
Cutaneous colorimetric evaluation of serum concentrations of bilirubin in healthy term neonates: a new methodological approach
Authors: Rubegni Pietro , Cevenini Gabriele , Sbano Paolo , Perrone Serafina , Buonocore Giuseppe , Lazzeri Laura , Grazia Vanni Maria , Fimiani Michele
Published: February 2005

Background: In recent years, many non‐invasive instruments have been used to examine the correlation between transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurements and serum concentrations of bilirubin (SB) in newborns with a view to reducing the need for blood samples. However, their exact role has not been univocal. The aim of the present study was to determine whether non‐invasive measurement of skin colour combined with appropriate clinico‐statistical methodology can be used to better quantify SB in the first days of life.

Methods: The study group consisted of 49 healthy term breast‐fed newborns. Skin colour was measured with a Minolta CR‐300 colorimeter and measurements were made in the first 12 h of life, at 48 h and in 13 babies at 96 h. To determine changes in SB from variations in skin colour between birth and 48 h (and also 96 h in 13 cases), a multivariate linear regression model was designed. To test the generalisation power of the regression model, we examined its predictive power for SB a third time (96 h; 13/49 cases) with respect to the previous two times.

Results: The model made it possible to recognise increases in SB accurately with a mean absolute error 0.99 mg/dL with a good generalisation power.

Conclusions: The methodological model proposed here made it possible to accurately recognise increases in SB with respect to an initial value. Provided the methodological protocol is observed, TcB can therefore be used in the screening and follow‐up of neonatal jaundice.
A Regioselective Synthesis of Alkyl 2-(Guanin-9-yl)acetates as PNA Building Blocks from 7-(4-Nitrobenzyl)guanine Derivatives
Authors: Ferenc Györgyi , Forgó Péter , Kele Zoltán , Kovács Lajos
Published: February 2005

Guanine derivatives substituted at N7 with 4-R-benzyl groups (R = H, MeO, NO2) have been evaluated in the regioselective N9-alkylation of guanine. Given the capricious removal of (substituted) benzyl groups from guanine derivatives and pent-4-enoylation of guaninium hydrochloride, an improved alternative approach has been elaborated consisting in the pent-4-enoylation and per-O-acetylation of guanosine (8), 4-nitrobenzylation at N7 followed by N-glycoside hydrolysis (10), N9-alkylation (13) and deprotection with sodium dithionite to afford the peptide nucleic acid building block tert-butyl [N2-(pent-4-enoyl)guanin-9-yl]- acetate (15) in 36% overall yield. This avoids N7 regioisomer formation, solubility problems and any chromatographic purification. A remarkable influence of the O- and/or N2-acyl groups on the stability of N-glycosidic bond and reactivity of 2-amino group was observed. The structure of a pyrimidine by-product 12 arising from the imidazole ring-opening of guaninium salt 4d in alkaline medium has been elucidated by 2D NMR.
LOOP VARIABLES AND THE (FREE) OPEN STRING IN A CURVED BACKGROUND
Authors: SATHIAPALAN B.
Published: February 2005

Using the loop variable formalism as applied to a sigma model in curved target space, we give a systematic method for writing down gauge and generally covariant equations of motion for the modes of the free open string in curved space. The equations are obtained by covariantizing the flat space equation and then demanding gauge invariance, which introduces additional curvature couplings. As an illustration of the procedure, the spin-two case is worked out explicitly.
QCD SUM RULES: INTERCROSSED RELATIONS FOR THE Σ0–Λ MASS SPLITTING
Authors: ÖZPINECI A. , YAKOVLEV S. B. , ZAMIRALOV V. S.
Published: February 2005

New relations between QCD Borel sum rules for masses of Σ0 and Λ hyperons are constructed. It is shown that starting from the sum rule for the Σ0 hyperon mass it is straightforward to obtain the corresponding sum rule for the Λ hyperon mass and vice versa.
NONCOMMUTATIVE SPACETIME EFFECT ON THE SLOW-ROLL PERIOD OF INFLATION
Authors: KIM HUNGSOO , LEE GIL SANG , MYUNG YUN SOO
Published: February 2005

We study how the noncommutative spacetime affects inflation. First we obtain the noncommutative power spectrum of the curvature perturbations produced during inflation in the slow-roll approximation. This is the explicit k-dependent power spectrum up to first order in slow-roll parameters ε1, δ1 including the noncommutative parameter μ. In order to test the role of μ further, we calculate the noncommutative power spectrum using the slow-roll expansion. We find corrections which arise from the change of pivot scale and the slowly varying nature of μ. It turns out that the noncommutative parameter μ could be considered as a zero order slow-roll parameter and the noncommutative spacetime effect provides a negatively large running spectral index.
BAYESIAN INFERENCE, PRIOR INFORMATION ON VOLATILITY, AND OPTION PRICING: A MAXIMUM ENTROPY APPROACH
Authors: VENEGAS-MARTÍNEZ FRANCISCO
Published: February 2005

This paper develops a Bayesian model for pricing derivative securities with prior information on volatility. Prior information is given in terms of expected values of levels and rates of precision: the inverse of variance. We provide several approximate formulas, for valuing European call options, on the basis of asymptotic and polynomial approximations of Bessel functions.
DRAWDOWN MEASURE IN PORTFOLIO OPTIMIZATION
Authors: CHEKHLOV ALEXEI , URYASEV STANISLAV , ZABARANKIN MICHAEL
Published: February 2005

A new one-parameter family of risk measures called Conditional Drawdown (CDD) has been proposed. These measures of risk are functionals of the portfolio drawdown (underwater) curve considered in active portfolio management. For some value of the tolerance parameter α, in the case of a single sample path, drawdown functional is defined as the mean of the worst (1 - α) * 100% drawdowns. The CDD measure generalizes the notion of the drawdown functional to a multi-scenario case and can be considered as a generalization of deviation measure to a dynamic case. The CDD measure includes the Maximal Drawdown and Average Drawdown as its limiting cases. Mathematical properties of the CDD measure have been studied and efficient optimization techniques for CDD computation and solving asset-allocation problems with a CDD measure have been developed. The CDD family of risk functionals is similar to Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR), which is also called Mean Shortfall, Mean Excess Loss, or Tail Value-at-Risk. Some recommendations on how to select the optimal risk functionals for getting practically stable portfolios have been provided. A real-life asset-allocation problem has been solved using the proposed measures. For this particular example, the optimal portfolios for cases of Maximal Drawdown, Average Drawdown, and several intermediate cases between these two have been found.
OROGRAPHIC PRECIPITATION
Authors: Roe Gerard H.
Published: February 2005

▪ Abstract  The influence of surface orography on patterns of precipitation gives rise to some of the most pronounced climate gradients on Earth, and plays a fundamental role in the interaction between the atmosphere and the rest of the Earth System on a wide variety of time scales. The physical mechanisms involved comprise a rich set of interactions encompassing fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and micron-scale cloud processes, as well as being dependent on the larger-scale patterns of the atmospheric general circulation. Investigations into orographic precipitation have pursued three parallel tracks of inquiry: observations, theory, and modeling. Significant advances have been made in each over the last few decades, and these are summarized and synthesized here. While many aspects of the basic mechanisms responsible for orographic precipitation have been understood, important issues remain unresolved. The sheer number of contributing processes, together with their convoluted interactions, make the quantitative prediction of precipitation in complex terrain a very hard task. However, while prediction of precipitation amounts for any given event may be difficult, various lines of evidence suggest that the patterns of orgraphic precipitation, even on scales of a few kilometers, are much more robust.
p38 MAPK/HSP25 signaling mediates cadmium-induced contraction of mesangial cells and renal glomeruli
Authors: Hirano Sahoko , Sun Xiankui , DeGuzman Cheryl A. , Ransom Richard F. , McLeish Kenneth R. , Smoyer William E. , Shelden Eric A. , Welsh Michael J. , Benndorf Rainer
Published: February 2005

The environmental pollutant cadmium affects human health, with the kidney being a primary target. In addition to proximal tubules, glomeruli and their contractile mesangial cells have also been identified as targets of cadmium nephrotoxicity. Glomerular contraction is thought to contribute to reduced glomerular filtration, a characteristic of cadmium nephrotoxicity. Because p38 MAPK/HSP25 signaling has been implicated in smooth muscle contraction, we examined its role in cadmium-induced contraction of mesangial cells. We report that exposure of mesangial cells to cadmium resulted in 1) cell contraction, 2) activation of MAP kinases, 3) increased HSP25 phosphorylation coincident with p38 MAP kinase activation, 4) sequential phosphorylation of the two phosphorylation sites of mouse HSP25 with Ser15 being phosphorylated before Ser86, 5) reduction of oligomeric size of HSP25, and 6) association of HSP25 with microfilaments. Exposure of isolated rat glomeruli to cadmium also resulted in contraction and increased HSP25 phosphorylation. The cadmium-induced responses were inhibited by the specific p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB-203580, and cadmium-induced phosphorylation of HSP25 was inhibited by expression of a dominant-negative p38 MAP kinase mutant. These findings tentatively suggest that cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity results, in part, from glomerular contraction due to p38 MAP kinase/HSP25 signaling-dependent contraction of mesangial cells. With regard to the cellular action of HSP25, these data support a change in paradigm: in addition to its well-established cytoprotective function, HSP25 may also be involved in processes that ultimately lead to adverse effects, as is observed in the response of mesangial cells to cadmium.
NAD(P)H oxidase and uncoupled nitric oxide synthase are major sources of glomerular superoxide in rats with experimental diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Satoh Minoru , Fujimoto Sohachi , Haruna Yoshisuke , Arakawa Sayaka , Horike Hideyuki , Komai Norio , Sasaki Tamaki , Tsujioka Katsuhiko , Makino Hirofumi , Kashihara Naoki
Published: February 2005

Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in diabetes may be a common pathway linking diverse pathogenic mechanisms of diabetic vascular complications, including nephropathy. Assessment of the oxidative stress production pathway is therefore important for the prediction and prevention of diabetic complications. However, ROS production mechanisms remain unclear in diabetic glomeruli. To identify the source and determine the mechanisms of ROS production in the diabetic kidney, diabetes was induced with streptozotocin in rats. After 6 wk, glomerular ROS production had increased in the streptozotocin rat kidney, as assessed by dihydroethidium-derived chemiluminescence. ROS production was increased by the addition of NADH or l-arginine and was partially reduced by the addition of diphenylene iodonium or NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, identifying NAD(P)H oxidase and nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) as ROS sources. The mRNA and protein expression of endothelial NOS (eNOS), as measured by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting, increased significantly (mRNA level, 1.3-fold; protein level, 1.8-fold). However, the dimeric form of eNOS was decreased in diabetic glomeruli, as measured by low-temperature SDS-PAGE. Production of renal ROS and NO by uncoupled NOS was imaged by confocal laser microscopy after renal perfusion of 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (a ROS marker) and diaminorhodamine-4M AM (a NO marker) with l-arginine. Accelerated ROS production and diminished bioavailable NO caused by NOS uncoupling were noted in the diabetic kidney. Administration of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), a cofactor for eNOS, reversed the decreased dimeric form of eNOS and glomerular NO production. Our results indicate that NAD(P)H oxidase and uncoupling of eNOS contribute to glomerular ROS production, mediated by the loss of BH4availability. These mechanisms are potential key targets for therapeutic interventions.
Expression of uncoupling protein 1 in skeletal muscle decreases muscle energy efficiency and affects thermoregulation and substrate oxidation
Authors: Klaus Susanne , Rudolph Bettina , Dohrmann Cord , Wehr Roland
Published: February 2005

Skeletal muscle uncoupling by ectopic expression of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) has been shown to result in a lean phenotype in mice characterized by increased energy expenditure (EE), resistance to diet-induced obesity, and improved glucose tolerance. Here, we investigated in detail the effect of ectopic UCP1 expression in skeletal muscle on thermoregulation and energy homeostasis in HSA-mUCP1 transgenic mice. Thermoneutrality was determined to be ∼30°C for both wild-type (WT) and transgenic mice. EE, body temperature (Tb), activity, and respiratory quotient (RQ) were then measured over 24 h at ambient temperatures (Ta) of 30, 22, and 5°C. HSA-mUCP1 transgenic mice showed increased activity-related EE and heat loss but similar basal metabolic rate compared with WT. Tbat resting periods was progressively decreased with declining Tain HSA-mUCP1 transgenic mice but not in WT. Compared with WT littermates, the transgenic HSA-mUCP1 mice displayed increased RQ levels during night time, indicative of increased overall glucose oxidation, and failed to decrease their RQ levels with declining Ta. Thus increased EE caused by skeletal muscle uncoupling is clearly due to a decreased muscle energy efficiency during activity combined with increased glucose oxidation and a compromised thermoregulation associated with increased overall heat loss. At Tas below thermoneutrality, this puts increasing energy demands on the animals, whereas at thermoneutrality most differences in energy metabolism are not apparent any more.
Reframing Accountability
Authors: Hamel Fred L. , Merz Carol
Published: February 2005

This article describes one school of education’s efforts to navigate a state-level mandate requiring that candidates for teacher certification demonstrate “positive impact on student learning.” It explains ongoing efforts to make sense of the requirement, to measure its congruence with program philosophy, and to develop a response. The article reports on informal fact finding we did to determine how other institutions in our state were responding to the mandate, and it describes our attempts to demonstrate “positive impact” for accreditation purposes. In addition, the article raises dilemmas we face in the process. How do we negotiate conflicting definitions of impact and of student learning? What is adequate growth for diverse preservice teachers in terms of teaching for understanding? How do we position ourselves and our program in relation to powerful, controversial state demands?
Comparative outcome of nonmyeloablative and myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for patients older than 50 years of age
Authors: Alyea Edwin P. , Kim Haesook T. , Ho Vincent , Cutler Corey , Gribben John , DeAngelo Daniel J. , Lee Stephanie J. , Windawi Sarah , Ritz Jerome , Stone Richard M. , Antin Joseph H. , Soiffer Robert J.
Published: February 2005

Nonmyeloablative stem cell transplantation (NST) is increasingly used in older patients. The impact of the shift from myeloablative transplantation to NST on relapse, transplant complications, and outcome has yet to be fully examined. We performed a retrospective analysis of 152 patients older than 50 years undergoing NST or myeloablative transplantation. Seventy-one patients received nonmyeloablative conditioning, fludarabine (30 mg/m2/d × 4) and intravenous busulfan (0.8 mg/kg/d × 4); 81 patients received myeloablative conditioning, primarily cyclophosphamide and total body irradiation. NST patients were more likely to have unrelated donors (58% versus 36%; P = .009), a prior transplant (25% versus 4%; P = < .0001), and active disease at transplantation (85% versus 59%; P = < .001). Despite the adverse characteristics, overall survival was improved in the NST group at 1 year (51% versus 39%) and 2 years (39% versus 29%; P = .056). There was no difference in progression-free survival (2 years, 27% versus 25%; P = .24). The incidence of grade 2 to 4 graft-versus-host disease was similar (28% versus 27%). The nonrelapse mortality rate was lower for NST patients (32% versus 50%; P = .01), but the relapse rate was higher (46% versus 30%; P = .052). Our experience suggests that, in patients over age 50, NST with fludarabine and low-dose busulfan leads to an overall outcome at least as good as that following myeloablative therapy. (Blood. 2005;105:1810-1814)
NK-cell reconstitution after haploidentical hematopoietic stem-cell transplantations: immaturity of NK cells and inhibitory effect of NKG2A override GvL effect
Authors: Nguyen Stephanie , Dhedin Nathalie , Vernant Jean-Paul , Kuentz Mathieu , Jijakli Ahmad Al , Rouas-Freiss Nathalie , Carosella Edgardo D. , Boudifa Ali , Debré Patrice , Vieillard Vincent
Published: February 2005

Natural killer (NK) cell alloreactivity is reported to mediate strong GvL (graft versus leukemia) effect in patients after haploidentical stem-cell transplantation (SCT) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Because subsequent immune reconstitution remains a major concern, we studied NK-cell recovery in 10 patients with AML who received haplomismatched SC transplants, among whom no GvL effect was observed, despite the mismatched immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) ligand in the GvH direction for 8 of 10 patients. NK cells generated after SCT exhibited an immature phenotype: the cytotoxic CD3-CD56dim subset was small, expression of KIRs and NKp30 was reduced, while CD94/NKG2A expression was increased. This phenotype was associated to in vitro lower levels of cytotoxicity against a K562 cell line and against primary mismatched AML blasts than donor samples. This impaired lysis was correlated with CD94/NKG2A expression in NK cells. Blockading CD94/NKG2A restored lysis against the AML blasts, which all expressed HLA-E, the ligand for CD94/NKG2A. Our present study allows a better understanding of the NK-cell differentiation after SCT. These results revealed that the NK cells generated after haplomismatched SCT are blocked at an immature state characterized by specific phenotypic features and impaired functioning, having potential impact for immune responsiveness and transplantation outcome.
The progressive nature of Wallerian degeneration in wild-type and slow Wallerian degeneration (WldS) nerves
Authors: Beirowski Bogdan , Adalbert Robert , Wagner Diana , Grumme Daniela S , Addicks Klaus , Ribchester Richard R , Coleman Michael P
Published: February 2005

Background

The progressive nature of Wallerian degeneration has long been controversial. Conflicting reports that distal stumps of injured axons degenerate anterogradely, retrogradely, or simultaneously are based on statistical observations at discontinuous locations within the nerve, without observing any single axon at two distant points. As axon degeneration is asynchronous, there are clear advantages to longitudinal studies of individual degenerating axons. We recently validated the study of Wallerian degeneration using yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) in a small, representative population of axons, which greatly improves longitudinal imaging. Here, we apply this method to study the progressive nature of Wallerian degeneration in both wild-type and slow Wallerian degeneration (WldS) mutant mice.

Results

In wild-type nerves, we directly observed partially fragmented axons (average 5.3%) among a majority of fully intact or degenerated axons 37–42 h after transection and 40–44 h after crush injury. Axons exist in this state only transiently, probably for less than one hour. Surprisingly, axons degenerated anterogradely after transection but retrogradely after a crush, but in both cases a sharp boundary separated intact and fragmented regions of individual axons, indicating that Wallerian degeneration progresses as a wave sequentially affecting adjacent regions of the axon. In contrast, most or all WldS axons were partially fragmented 15–25 days after nerve lesion, WldS axons degenerated anterogradely independent of lesion type, and signs of degeneration increased gradually along the nerve instead of abruptly. Furthermore, the first signs of degeneration were short constrictions, not complete breaks.

Conclusions

We conclude that Wallerian degeneration progresses rapidly along individual wild-type axons after a heterogeneous latent phase. The speed of progression and its ability to travel in either direction challenges earlier models in which clearance of trophic or regulatory factors by axonal transport triggers degeneration. WldS axons, once they finally degenerate, do so by a fundamentally different mechanism, indicated by differences in the rate, direction and abruptness of progression, and by different early morphological signs of degeneration. These observations suggest that WldS axons undergo a slow anterograde decay as axonal components are gradually depleted, and do not simply follow the degeneration pathway of wild-type axons at a slower rate.