bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of Sox3 throughout the developing central nervous system is dependent on the combined action of discrete, evolutionarily conserved regulatory elements
Authors: Brunelli Silvia , Silva Casey Elena , Bell Donald , Harland Richard , Lovell‐Badge Robin
Published: May 2003

Summary: SOX3 is one of the earliest neural markers in vertebrates and is thought to play a role in specifying neuronal fate. To investigate the regulation of Sox3 expression we identified cis‐regulatory regions in the Sox3 promoter that direct tissue‐specific heterologous marker gene expression in transgenic mice. Our results show that an 8.3 kb fragment, comprising 3 kb upstream and 3 kb downstream of the Sox3 transcriptional unit, is sufficient in a lacZ reporter construct to reproduce most aspects of Sox3 expression during CNS development from headfold to midgestation stages. The apparently uniform expression of Sox3 in the neural tube depends, however, on the combined action of distinct regulatory modules within this 8.3 kb region. Each of these gives expression in a subdomain of the complete expression pattern. These are restricted along both the rostral‐caudal and dorso‐ventral axes and can be quite specific, one element giving expression largely confined to V2 interneuron precursors. We also find that at least some of the regulatory sequences are able to drive expression of the transgene in the CNS Xenopus laevis embryos in a manner that reflects the endogenous Sox3 expression pattern. These results imply that the underlying mechanism regulating early CNS patterning is conserved, despite several substantial differences in neurogenesis between mammals and amphibians. genesis 36:12–24, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Targeted disruption of the heat shock transcription factor (hsf)‐2 gene results in increased embryonic lethality, neuronal defects, and reduced spermatogenesis
Authors: Wang Guanghu , Zhang Jing , Moskophidis Demetrius , Mivechi Nahid F.
Published: May 2003

Summary: Heat shock transcription factors (Hsfs) are major transactivators of heat shock protein (Hsp) genes in the response to stress stimuli, but are also thought to be involved in embryonic development and spermatogenesis. Among the three known mammalian Hsfs, Hsf1 is recognized as the most effective transactivator of Hsps in response to thermal challenge, but the role of Hsf2 in regulation of genes under normal or increased stress conditions in vivo remains elusive. To study its physiological function in vivo, we generated mice deficient in hsf2 by gene targeting. We report here that hsf2−/− mice exhibit multiple phenotypes, including an increased prenatal lethality occurring between mid‐gestation to birth, with fetal death probably due to central nervous system defects including collapse of the lateral ventricles and ventricular hemorrhages. Approximately 30% of hsf2−/− animals surviving to adulthood exhibited brain abnormalities characterized by marked dilation of the third and lateral ventricles. In addition, disruption of hsf2 resulted in reduced female fertility; however, despite ubiquitous expression in the testes and markedly reduced testis size and sperm count, only a small reduction in fertility was apparent in hsf2−/− male mice. Immunoblotting and gene expression microarray analysis of hsf2−/− embryos did not reveal reduced Hsp expression levels, indicating that the defects observed in hsf2−/− embryos may not result from disruption of Hsp expression. These findings suggest that hsf2 has a major function in controlling expression of genes important for embryonic development and maintenance of sperm production. genesis 36:48–61, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measurement of transmittance and permittivity of dielectric materials using dispersive Fourier transform spectroscopy
Authors: Afsar Mohammed N. , Wang Yong , Moonshiram Anusha
Published: May 2003

Transmittance and permittivity of several dielectric materials such as plexiglas, acrylic, and polypropylene were measured using dispersive Fourier transform spectroscopy (DFTS). The measured results showed that the transmittance of plexiglas and acrylic specimens decreases with the increase of frequency in the range of 50–380 GHz. Accurate spectra of complex permittivity and loss tangent of these specimens in this frequency range are also given. Very good agreement was seen in the overlapped frequency range between the measured data and the published data, measured using other techniques such as the W‐band spectrometer with backward wave oscillator and the free‐space measurement. This technique can be used for measurements of various dielectric materials, provided that flat specimens are available. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 38: 27–30, 2003
Computer‐aided optimization of broadband nonlinear RF/microwave circuits by evolutionary algorithms coupled with neural models
Authors: Borghi Carlo Angelo , Fabbri Massimo , Lipparini Alessandro , Mastri Franco , Rizzoli Vittorio
Published: May 2003

The paper discusses the generation of a family of neural models for spiral inductors and MIM capacitors, and their use in broadband nonlinear circuit optimization by evolutionary algorithms. It is shown that the resulting optimization process is fast and well behaved, and can achieve the same circuit performance produced by a design approach based on lumped passive components. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 38: 46–52, 2003
New interpretation of progression bands observed in infrared spectra of nylon‐m/n
Authors: Yoshioka Yayoi , Tashiro Kohji , Ramesh Chellaswami
Published: May 2003

A series of progression bands observed in the infrared spectra of nylon‐m/n and their model compounds have been interpreted in a new manner on the basis of simply coupled oscillator models of zigzag alkyl chains. Nylon‐m/n possesses the methylene sequences of (CH2)m and (CH2)n−2, and so the effective models of m and n − 2 coupled oscillators, respectively, had previously been assumed for the methylene rocking–twisting mode, for example. However, the spectral patterns of progression bands predicted by this previously proposed model have been found to be inconsistent with those observed for many kinds of nylon samples with various m and n values. It is rather reasonable to assume that the effective numbers of oscillators should be m − 2 and n − 4 for the methylene rocking, twisting, and wagging modes of the (CH2)m and (CH2)n−2 sequences, respectively. In other words, the infrared progression bands observed for methylene local modes of nylon‐m/n may be interpreted reasonably with the data of n‐alkane molecules with the chemical formulae CH3(CH2)m−2CH3 and CH3(CH2)n−4CH3. For the CC stretching modes, the equivalent n‐alkanes are CH3(CH2)m−1CH3 and CH3(CH2)n−3CH3, respectively. In the simply coupled oscillator model, the vibrational mode of one methylene group is represented by an oscillator, for example. Our new concept is to isolate the terminal oscillator adjacent to the amide group from the other oscillators in the inner parts of the methylene zigzag sequence. This corresponds to a physical situation in which the methylene group adjacent to the amide group shows a different vibrational behavior of larger amplitude than those of the inner methylene sequence, as supported by broad‐line NMR data and molecular dynamics calculations reported in the literature. Another possibility is a difference in the electron structure of the methylene unit adjacent to the amide group from that of the inner methylene sequence, resulting in a difference in the force constant and giving a vibrational decoupling between these two types of methylene units. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1294–1307, 2003
Prediction and estimation of solvent diffusivities in polyacrylate and polymethacrylates
Authors: Yamaguchi Takeo , Wang Bao‐Guo , Matsuda Eriya , Suzuki Shigejiro , Nakao Shin‐Ichi
Published: May 2003

The relationship between polymer side‐chain length and the hole free volume that is effective for solvent diffusion was investigated for polyacrylates and polymethacrylates on the basis of free‐volume theory. Measurements of a polymer's viscoelasticity and solvent diffusivity provided experimental evidence for polymer segment mobility, and the results indicated that hole free volume in a linear polymer increases with hydrocarbon side‐chain length. Because the molecular mechanisms of polymer viscoelasticity and diffusivity are identical, the free‐volume parameters obtained for polyacrylates and polymethacrylates by measuring the polymer viscoelastic‐temperature dependence can reliably be used in predicting the solvent diffusion coefficient. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1393–1400, 2003
Construct validity of newly developed quality of life assessment instrument for child and adolescent cancer patients in Taiwan
Authors: Yeh Chao‐Hsing , Hung Li‐Chen
Published: May 2003

The purpose of this study was to test the convergent, discriminant, and clinical validity of the Quality of Life in Childhood Cancer (QOLCC) instrument for measuring the quality of life of Taiwanese children who suffer from cancer. In total, 160 patients were recruited for the study, including 105 male and 55 female. Overall, QOLCC consisted of generic measure and disease‐specific domains to assess the Quality of Life (QOL) for children treated for cancer. The QOLCC is a symptom or problem‐based questionnaire with the conceptual framework that health‐related problems can be solved from both a biomedical perspective (e.g. changing the patient's medical treatment can enhance the QOL) and from a biobehavioral perspective (e.g. problem solving on a daily basis). This QOLCC, which can be administered in 15 min, is the first documented measure of the QOL administered directly to Taiwanese Children. It demonstrates acceptable psychometric properties. Application of the QOLCC to Taiwanese children with cancer produced encouraging results, validation from a larger independent parent population is still necessary. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibacterial efﬁcacy of Rumex nepalensis Spreng. roots
Authors: Ghosh Lopamudra , Gayen Jiaur Rahaman , Sinha Sanghamitra , Pal Sanchayita , Pal M. , Saha B. P.
Published: May 2003

The antibacterial property of Rumex nepalensis Spreng. was evaluated against some strains of bacteria. The methanol extract of the roots (tested at 200–1000 µg/disc) showed signiﬁcant concentration‐dependent antibacterial activity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepatoprotective phenolic constituents of Rhodiola sachalinensis on tacrine‐induced cytotoxicity in Hep G2 cells
Authors: Song Eun‐Kyung , Kim Jung‐Hwan , Kim Jung‐Sik , Cho Hyun , Nan Ji‐Xing , Sohn Dong‐Hwan , Ko Gun‐Il , Oh Hyuncheol , Kim Youn‐Chul
Published: May 2003

Two hepatoprotective phenolic compounds, kaempferol (2) and salidroside (4), were isolated from the roots of Rhodiola sachalinensis together with two inactive compounds cinnamyl alcohol (1) and daucosterol (3) based on the hepatoprotective activity against tacrine‐induced cytotoxicity in human liver‐derived Hep G2 cells. The EC50 values of compounds 2 and 4 were 33.5 and 51.3 µm, respectively. Silybin as a positive control showed an EC50 value of 68.4 µm. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects of mustard leaf (Brassica juncea)
Authors: Young Kim Hyun , Yokozawa Takako , Ju Cho Eun , Sik Cheigh Hong , Sue Choi Jae , Young Chung Hae
Published: May 2003

To investigate the antioxidant activity of mustard leaf (Brassica juncea), we prepared four fractions (CH2Cl2, EtOAc, BuOH and H2O fractions) and examined their radical scavenging activities in vitro and in vivo. Based on the in vitro results of spin trapping and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical, we carried out an in vivo study with the BuOH fraction to investigate its effect on oxidative stress in rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes. We found that in comparison with untreated diabetic control rats, oral administration of the BuOH fraction (100 or 200 mg/kg body weight/day for 10 days) induced a signiﬁcant decrease in serum glucose and glycosylated protein, which is glycosylated with hemoglobin as an indicator of oxidative stress. Moreover, administration of the BuOH fraction also effectively reduced the serum superoxide and nitrite/nitrate levels. Furthermore, the levels of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances in serum and liver were also signiﬁcantly lower than in the control group. These results indicate that the BuOH fraction of mustard leaf controls glucose metabolism and reduces lipid peroxidation as well as the level of oxygen radicals, ameliorating the damage caused by oxidative stress in diabetes. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carpobrotus edulis methanol extract inhibits the MDR efﬂux pumps, enhances killing of phagocytosed S. aureus and promotes immune modulation
Authors: Ordway Diane , Hohmann Judit , Viveiros Miguel , Viveiros Antonio , Molnar Joseph , Leandro Clara , Arroz Maria Jorge , Gracio Maria Amelia , Amaral Leonard
Published: May 2003

Although alkaloids from the family Aizoaceae have anticancer activity, species of this family have received little attention. Because these alkaloids also exhibit properties normally associated with compounds that have activity at the level of the plasma membrane, a methanol extract of Carpobrotus edulis, a common plant found along the Portuguese coast, was studied for properties normally associated with plasma membrane active compounds. The results of this study show that the extract is non‐toxic at concentrations that inhibit a verapamil sensitive efﬂux pump of L5178 mouse T cell lymphoma cell line thereby rendering these multi‐drug resistant cells susceptible to anticancer drugs. These non‐toxic concentrations also prime THP‐1 human monocyte‐derived macrophages to kill ingested Staphylococcus aureus and to promote the release of lymphokines associated with cellular immune functions. The extract also induces the proliferation of THP‐1 cells within 1 day of exposure to quantities normally associated with phytohaemagglutinin. The potential role of the compound(s) isolated from this plant in cancer biology is intriguing and is currently under investigation. It is supposed that the resistance modiﬁer and immunomodulatory effect of this plant extract can be exploited in the experimental chemotherapy of cancer and bacterial or viral infections. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmaceutic interaction between digoxin and Cremophor RH40
Authors: Tayrouz Yorki , Ding Reinhard , Burhenne Jürgen , Riedel Klaus‐Dieter , Weiss Johanna , Hoppe‐Tichy Torsten , Haefeli Walter Emil , Mikus Gerd
Published: May 2003

Background

The pharmacokinetics of digoxin is modulated by the efflux pump P‐glycoprotein. Cremophor EL (BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Ludwigshafen, Germany) (polyoxyl 35 castor oil), a castor oil derivative used to improve the solubilization of drugs and vitamins, has been shown to inhibit this membrane transporter in vitro and in vivo. So far, no study in humans has evaluated the effect of Cremophor RH40 (BASF Aktiengesellschaft) (polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil) on P‐glycoprotein.

Methods

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study in 12 healthy individuals was performed with a single oral dose of 0.5 mg digoxin in a hard gelatin capsule in combination with multiple doses of oral Cremophor RH40 (600 mg 3 times daily) or placebo. A digitized electrocardiogram with 12 standard leads was recorded to assess the pharmacodynamics of digoxin.

Results

Cremophor RH40 delayed and enhanced the absorption of digoxin in the first 5 hours after dosing. During Cremophor RH40 administration, digoxin lag time was significantly prolonged compared with placebo (0.53 ± 0.25 hour versus 0.36 ± 0.19 hour, P = .04). The peak concentration of digoxin increased by 22%, from 2.21 ± 0.94 ng/mL to 2.69 ± 1.28 ng/mL (P = .06). Similarly, the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from 0 to 5 hours significantly increased by 22% (5.23 ± 1.63 h · ng/mL versus 4.30 ± 1.12 h · ng/mL, P = .03). Digoxin did not cause a clinically significant change in the dynamic parameters during both periods.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a pharmacokinetic and pharmaceutic interaction between the emulgent Cremophor RH40 and digoxin, caused by P‐glycoprotein inhibition and prolongation of the dissolution time of digoxin tablets by Cremophor RH40, respectively. Our in vivo study in humans supports the validity of in vitro observations on P‐glycoprotein.

Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2003) 73, 397–405; doi: 10.1016/S0009‐9236(03)00059‐6
The social determinants of youth gambling in South Australian adolescents
Authors: Delfabbro Paul , Thrupp Letitia
Published: May 2003

Recent Australian studies (Moore, S.M., and Ohtsuka, K. (1997). Journal of Gambling Studies, 13, 207–236) have revealed a strong youth interest in gambling in Australia, as reflected in current participatation levels, future intentions and attitudes. Implicit in much of this attitudinal research is that youth gambling is strongly influenced by the familial, social and cultural norms to which young people are exposed. In this paper, we investigate the hypothesis that gambling can be understood in terms of variations in economic socialization, namely, the way in which children learn about money, risk, and saving. A school survey of 505 adolescents (aged 15–17 years) showed that over 60% of adolescents were gambling annually and that 3.5% scored in the problematic range on the DSM‐IV‐J (Fisher, S.E. (1999). Addiction Research, 7, 509–538). More frequent gambling was associated with parental and peer gambling and pro‐gambling attitudes, but unrelated to adolescents’ attitudes towards economic concepts. Nevertheless, in partial support of the hypotheses, adolescents whose parents taught them about keeping to a budget, saving money, and maintaining their finances were less likely to express an interest in future gambling.
Leaving high school: the influence and consequences for psychological well‐being and career‐related confidence
Authors: Creed Peter A. , Muller Juanita , Patton Wendy
Published: May 2003

This paper examines the well‐being and career decision‐making self‐efficacy (CDMSE) of adolescents before and after leaving school, and tests for the changes in these variables as a result of leaving school. While at high school, 309 students were assessed on levels of school achievement, well‐being (psychological distress, self‐esteem, life satisfaction) and CDMSE. Nine months after leaving school, 168 of these students completed the above surveys and measures of their access to the latent (e.g. social contact, time structure) and manifest (i.e. financial) benefits of employment, and work commitment. At T2, 21% were full‐time students, 35% were full‐time students who were also working part‐time, 22% were employed in full‐time jobs, and 21% were in the labour market but not employed full‐time. These groupings were differentiated at T2 on aspects of well‐being, self‐efficacy, and access to the latent and manifest benefits of work, and at T1 on aspects of well‐being and confidence. Leaving school improved well‐being and confidence for some. One group was disadvantaged by having poorer well‐being while at school, which predisposed them to disadvantage in the labour market. Results are discussed in relation to models of well‐being and drift/social causation.
Risk taking and coping strategies among Israeli adolescents
Authors: Ben‐Zur Hasida , Reshef‐Kfir Yifat
Published: May 2003

The research sample consisted of 140 Israeli 10th‐ and 11th‐graders who completed questionnaires about risk‐taking behaviours and coping strategies. The study assessed the associations between risk behaviours and perceptions of benefit and risk in these behaviours as measured by a questionnaire based on the Risk Involvement and Perception Scale (Siegel, A. W., Cousins, J. H., Rubovits, P., Parsons, J. T., Lavery, B., Crowley, C. L. (1994). Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 2, 89–98); and the associations between risk measures and problem‐focused, support and avoidance coping strategies as assessed by the COPE scale (Carver, C. S., Scheier, M., Weintraub, J. K. (1989). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 56, 267–283). The data were analysed using correlations and multiple regressions. The main results showed that high involvement in risk behaviour was positively related to the perception of benefit in risk behaviour, but perception of risk was not related to involvement in risk behaviour. Most significantly, the use of avoidance coping strategies was related to high involvement in risk behaviours. The results suggest that perception of benefit and the use of avoidance coping strategies may constitute significant factors in the decision to take risks, with implications for intervention programs aimed at adolescents.
l‐2‐Hydroxyglutaric acid inhibits mitochondrial creatine kinase activity from cerebellum of developing rats
Authors: da Silva Cleide G. , Bueno Ana Rúbia F. , Schuck Patrı́cia F. , Leipnitz Guilhian , Ribeiro César A.J. , Wannmacher Clóvis M.D. , Wyse Angela T.S. , Wajner Moacir
Published: May 2003

l‐2‐Hydroxyglutaric acid (LGA) is the biochemical hallmark of patients affected by the neurometabolic disorder known as l‐2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria (LHGA). Although this disorder is predominantly characterized by severe neurological findings and pronounced cerebellum atrophy, the neurotoxic mechanisms of brain injury are virtually unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of LGA, at 0.25–5 mM concentrations, on total creatine kinase (tCK) activity from cerebellum, cerebral cortex, cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle homogenates of 30‐day‐old Wistar rats. CK activity was measured also in the cytosolic (Cy‐CK) and mitochondrial (Mi‐CK) fractions from cerebellum. We verified that tCK activity was significantly inhibited by LGA in the cerebellum, but not in cerebral cortex, cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle. Furthermore, CK activity from the mitochondrial fraction was inhibited by LGA, whereas that from the cytosolic fraction of cerebellum was not affected by the acid. Kinetic studies revealed that the inhibitory effect of LGA on Mi‐CK was non‐competitive in relation to phosphocreatine. Finally, we verified that the inhibitory effect of LGA on tCK was fully prevented by pre‐incubation of the homogenates with reduced glutathione (GSH), suggesting that this inhibition is possibly mediated by oxidation of essential thiol groups of the enzyme. Considering the importance of creatine kinase activity for energy homeostasis, our results suggest that the selective inhibition of this enzyme activity by increased levels of LGA could be possibly related to the cerebellar degeneration characteristically found in patients affected by l‐2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria.
Autonomic function in elderly patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Zi M. , Wisniacki N. , Delaney J. , Donnellan C. , Lye M.
Published: May 2003

Aims:

Autonomic function (AF) is attenuated by heart failure (HF). Reports have been based on studies of young patients with systolic heart failure (SHF). However, HF is a disease of older patients who are more likely to have diastolic heart failure (DHF). We investigated whether age alters AF in elderly HF patients and whether the haemodynamic type of HF influences AF.

Method and results:

Thirty‐six elderly HF (Framingham criteria) patients (11 with SHF, 25 with DHF) and 21 matched healthy subjects underwent simple bedside AF tests. Compared with the reference values for healthy adults, the mean E:I ratios and the median 30:15 ratios standing were all essentially normal. The median 30:15 ratios tilt and the mean Valsalva ratios were all significantly below the reference value (P for all cases ≪0.050). Comparing three groups, there were no significant differences for mean E:I ratio (P=0.111), 30:15 tilt (P=0.619) and 30:15 standing (P=0.167), whereas there were significant differences for the mean Valsalva ratios (P=0.001). The mean Valsalva ratio of the SHF patients was significantly lower than that for the DHF patients (P<0.001) which in turn was significantly lower than the result of the healthy subjects (P<0.001).

Conclusion:

There is an age‐related impairment in AF with further impairment occurring in patients with HF. However, the severity of autonomic dysfunction is less in patients with DHF compared with patients with SHF.
Impact of atrial fibrillation on mortality in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: van den Berg Maarten P. , van Gelder Isabelle C. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J.
Published: May 2003

Chronic heart failure and atrial fibrillation often occur together. The aim of the study is to review the available literature on the impact of atrial fibrillation on mortality in patients with heart failure. Using MEDLINE six full papers were identified. In the studies with severe heart failure atrial fibrillation did not emerge as an independent predictor of mortality beyond standard clinical variables. In contrast, atrial fibrillation was associated with increased mortality in case of mild‐to‐moderate heart failure.
Effectiveness of dentine bonding agents against cariogenic bacteria in vitro: a comparison of two methods
Authors: Schmidlin O. A. , Zehnder M. , Schmidlin P. R.
Published: May 2003

Data obtained from studies on the antimicrobial properties of bonding agents are the subject of controversy, probably because of methodological differences. This study compared two commonly used in vitro methods, the disc agar diffusion test and the well agar diffusion test. Agar plates were seeded with Streptococcus sobrinus, Lactobacillus gasseri, or Actinomyces naeslundii. For the well diffusion test, wells cut out of the agar were filled with the test material, and for the disc method, discs impregnated with the test material were applied to the agar; the discs and wells were both 9 mm in diameter. After incubation, measurements of the zones of inhibition showed little agreement between the two methods when bonding agents were tested; the mean differences (± sdiff) in the zones of inhibition between the methods were 0.7 ± 3.4 mm (P = 0.40, one sample t‐test against zero), 4.9 ± 4.4 mm (P = 0.97), and 0.8 ± 4.3 mm (P = 0.47) for S. sobrinus, L. gasseri, and A. naeslundii, respectively. Mean differences were less contrasting when chlorhexidine and pure components were tested (P < 0.05 for S. sobrinus and L. gasseri). These results indicate the need for a gold standard method to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of bonding agents.
PCR method is essential for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in oral cavity samples
Authors: Eguchi J. , Ishihara K. , Watanabe A. , Fukumoto Y. , Okuda K.
Published: May 2003

Tuberculosis is a re‐emerging infectious disease, and infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been increasing in immunocompromised hosts, including elderly persons. M. tuberculosis‐infected persons may receive dental treatment. To evaluate the risk of M. tuberculosis infection in dental clinics, we examined the detection rates of M. tuberculosis in sample of mixed saliva, dental plaque, extracted teeth, caries lesions, and denture plaque by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The detection rates by PCR in samples from mixed saliva, dental plaque, caries lesions and denture plaque obtained from tuberculosis patients were 98.0%, 92.0%, 89.0%, and 100%, respectively. The detection rates by the culture method were 17.3%, 2.0%, 0%, and 0%, respectively. M. tuberculosis also was detected from the nontuberculous mycobacteria‐infected group. Strains of Actinomyces naeslundii, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum inhibited the growth of clinical strains of M. tuberculosis, but strains of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans did not. The present study concludes that the PCR method is essential for detecting M. tuberculosis in oral samples.
Periodontal pathogens in subgingival plaque of HIV‐positive subjects with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Patel M , Coogan M. , Galpin J. S.
Published: May 2003

Many putative periodontal pathogens associated with periodontal disease in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients also occur in non‐HIV‐infected individuals. This study examined the prevalence of eight periodontal pathogens in HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative patients with chronic periodontitis using the 16s RNA polymerase chain reaction technique. The results showed a significant prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola among HIV‐negative patients compared to HIV‐positive patients. Sixty percent of the patients in both groups were colonized by five to six species. Odds ratio analysis revealed a statistically significant positive association between three of the 28 possible combinations in the HIV‐positive group. They included Prevotella nigrescens/Campylobacter rectus, P. nigrescens/P. gingivalis and P. nigrescens/T. denticola. Although the prevalence of periodontal pathogens is similar in both the groups, the combination of certain periodontal pathogens may be responsible for chronic periodontitis seen in HIV‐infected adults.
Growth responses of Arabidopsis DNA repair mutants to solar irradiation
Authors: Britt Anne , Fiscus Edwin L.
Published: May 2003

UV‐B radiation damages a variety of cellular components. A plant's ability to resist the effects of UV is a product of its ability to reduce exposure (through the optimization of growth pattern and the production of UV absorbing pigments) and its ability to repair or replace damaged molecules. The expression of these UV resistance mechanisms is sensitive to the quantity and quality of ambient light. In the present study the significance of DNA repair as a UV resistance mechanism in Arabidopsis was investigated by comparing the effects of solar UV on the growth of a variety of repair‐proficient and ‐deficient Arabidopsis lines grown under natural light, focusing on the effects of UV on the growth of well‐established plants. It was found that solar UV had an inhibitory effect on the growth of wild‐type plants, and that this effect is enhanced in repair‐defective lines. Plants defective in the cyclobutane dimer photolyase are most sensitive to the effects of UV‐B on plant height and rosette diameter growth, indicating that, at least in this Arabidopsis ecotype and at this stage of growth, this enzyme plays an important role in UV resistance. A mutant defective in nucleotide excision repair (NER), a non‐specific repair pathway, also displayed a significant, though lesser, sensitivity to solar UV‐B, suggesting that either the transcription‐coupled repair of UV‐induced dimers, or the repair of some other UV‐induced lesion, is also important for optimal growth. The relatively mild enhancement of UV sensitivity in repair‐defective Arabidopsis stands in dramatic contrast to the immediate, severe, and ultimately lethal effects of sunlight on repair‐defective (XP) humans.
The relationship between serum trace element changes and visual function in heavy smokers
Authors: Uz Efkan , Sahin Semsettin , Hepsen Ibrahim F. , Var Ahmet , Sogut Sadik , Akyol Omer
Published: May 2003

Purpose:  The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate serum manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels and visual functions including visual acuity, colour vision, pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEPs), and contrast sensitivity in heavy smokers and to compare these with the equivalent levels and functions in non‐smokers.

Methods:  Data were recorded in 24 healthy, chronic and heavy cigarette smokers and 16 healthy, non‐smoking control subjects. Serum Zn, Cu and Mn concentrations in all subjects were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Results:  Both study and control subjects had normal visual acuity and colour vision. Pattern visual evoked potentials were normal in all study and control subjects. Contrast sensitivity was significantly reduced in heavy smokers compared to non‐smokers (p < 0.023), despite the fact that central vision and PVEP responses were not affected. Mean serum Mn and Zn levels were significantly lower in smokers than in non‐smokers (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.005, respectively).

Conclusions:  Reduced contrast sensitivity values associated with low levels of serum Mn and Zn, which function as cofactors of superoxide dismutase in erythrocyte and other nucleated cells, suggest a possible role of trace elements in smoking‐induced early retinal toxicity.
Ultrasonically measured horizontal eye muscle thickness in thyroid associated orbitopathy: cross‐sectional and longitudinal aspects in a Danish series
Authors: Fledelius Hans C. , Zimmermann‐Belsing Tina , Feldt‐Rasmussen Ulla
Published: May 2003

Purpose:  To analyse horizontal extraocular muscle findings by ultrasound and exophthalmometry in a tertiary endocrinology centre series of patients with thyroid associated orbitopathy (TAO).

Methods:  The 90 thyroid patients included underwent ultrasonic measurement of horizontal eye muscle thickness by a B‐scan based technique carried out in addition to their general ophthalmic evaluation. As an indicator of mainly advanced TAO, longterm prednisone or cyclosporine A was given to many of the patients, and drug‐resistant visual loss indicated decompression surgery in four of the 90 patients. Thirty‐four patients underwent repeated muscle recordings over 15–49 months; this allowed for cross‐sectional analysis and the outlining of longitudinal trends.

Results and Conclusions:  (A) Although marginally overlapping, all four muscle groups were significantly thicker in the study group than in normal control subjects. The mean of the sum of all four muscles was 16.8 mm (range 13.6–21.7 mm) in the control group versus 22.6 mm (range 15.5–36.4 mm) in the thyroid group. (B) Using the clinical NOSPECS grading, more advanced eye involvement was found to generally result in a higher exophthalmometric measurement of protrusion and eye muscle thickness. However, slender rectus muscles and/or normal exophthalmometric values might occur even in advanced orbitopathy. (C) Over a period of 2–4 years, only a few of 34 patients with satisfactory serial ultrasonic measurements returned to their premorbid ophthalmic status. Typically, the extraocular muscles kept their abnormal size after having become clinically quiescent (fibrotic). (D) We found no safe indication regarding disease stage, active or late, from the ultrasonic appearance of the muscle tissue. (E) Discrepancies between various normative eye muscle studies are discussed with regard to computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Searching for schizophrenia in ancient Greek and Roman literature: a systematic review
Authors: Evans K. , McGrath J. , Milns R.
Published: May 2003

Objective: The aim of this study was to systematically examine ancient Roman and Greek texts to identify descriptions of schizophrenia and related disorders.

Method: Material from Greek and Roman literature dating from the 5th Century BC to the beginning of the 2nd Century AD was systematically reviewed for symptoms of mental illness. DSM IV criteria were applied in order to identify material related to schizophrenia and related disorders.

Results: The general public had an awareness of psychotic disorders, because the symptoms were described in works of fiction and in historical accounts of malingering. There were isolated instances of text related to psychotic symptoms in the residents of ancient Rome and Greece, but no written material describing a condition that would meet modern diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia.

Conclusion: In contrast to many other psychiatric disorders that are represented in ancient Greek and Roman literature, there were no descriptions of individuals with schizophrenia in the material assessed in this review.
Cost‐effectiveness of the HIT programme in patients with schizophrenia and persistent auditory hallucinations
Authors: Stant A. D. , TenVergert E. M. , Groen H. , Jenner J. A. , Nienhuis F. J. , van de Willige G. , Wiersma D.
Published: May 2003

Objective: To examine the cost‐effectiveness of Hallucination focused Integrative Treatment (HIT) in patients with schizophrenia and a history of persistent auditory hallucinations.

Method: Costs, in and outside the health care sector, and outcomes were registered prospectively during a period of 18 months for patients who received the HIT programme and for patients in the care as usual (CAU) condition. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used as main outcome measure in the cost‐effectiveness analysis. Bootstrap analyses provided additional information on the skewly distributed costs.

Results: Mean costs per patient in the HIT group ($18 237) were lower than the mean costs per patient in the CAU group ($21 436). Results of the PANSS were slightly in favour of the HIT group.

Conclusion: There appears to be no significant cost‐effectiveness advantage of the HIT programme over CAU. Additional analyses indicated that future application of the HIT programme will, in most cases, lead to a reduction of (non) medical costs.
Regulation of apoptosis by ubiquitination
Authors: Lee Justine C. , Peter Marcus E.
Published: May 2003

Summary:  Cell elimination through apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is an evolutionarily conserved central tenet of biology from embryological development to immune homeostasis. While many of the apoptotic signaling pathways have been elucidated, the relationship between ubiquitin and apoptosis is only beginning to be defined. In the past decade, many reports of polyubiquitin conjugation of key pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic molecules have characterized ubiquitin as an essential regulatory modification targeting proteins for proteasomal degradation. However, recent work relating monoubiquitination and nonclassical polyubiquitin conjugation to apoptotic molecules has added an additional level of diversity to the role of ubiquitin in apoptotic regulation beyond degradation. This review focuses on the direct effects of ubiquitination on apoptosis‐signaling molecules.
Caspase‐activation pathways in apoptosis and immunity
Authors: Creagh Emma M. , Conroy Helen , Martin Seamus J.
Published: May 2003

Summary:  Members of the caspase family of cysteine proteases have been firmly established to play key roles in signal transduction cascades that culminate in apoptosis (programmed cell death). Caspases are normally expressed as inactive precursor enzymes (zymogens) that become activated during apoptosis and proceed to dismantle the cell from within. To date, three major apoptosis‐associated pathways to caspase activation have been elucidated. Certain caspases, such as caspase‐1, also occupy important positions in signaling pathways associated with immune responses to microbial pathogens. In this situation, caspase activation is associated with the maturation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐18, and not apoptosis per se. Here, we discuss the current understanding of how caspases are activated during apoptosis and inflammation and the roles these proteases play in either context.
Death and Baxes: mechanisms of lymphotrophic cytokines
Authors: Khaled Annette R. , Durum Scott K.
Published: May 2003

Summary:  In this review, we briefly cover the critical requirements for interleukin‐7 (IL‐7) in thymocyte development and peripheral T‐cell homeostasis. Part of the IL‐7 effect is antiapoptotic or ‘trophic’ and we have studied the intracellular pathways involved in lymphocyte survival and death regulated by this cytokine. We review the evidence for a role of the JAK signal transducers and activators of transcription protein (STAT) pathway and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)–AKT pathways in survival. The death pathway following IL‐7 withdrawal is discussed in terms of the balance of BCL‐2 vs. BAX and other death proteins and the role of metabolic disturbances involving glucose metabolism and intracellular pH. The IL‐7 survival and death pathways in lymphocytes may be representative of many trophic factors in different cell types; yet we conclude that much of the mechanism remains to be discovered.
Use of Expression Constructs to Dissect the Functional Domains of the CHS/Beige Protein: Identification of Multiple Phenotypes
Authors: Ward Diane McVey , Shiflett Shelly L. , Huynh Dinh , Vaughn Michael B , Prestwich Glenn , Kaplan Jerry
Published: May 2003

The Chediak–Higashi Syndrome (CHS) and the orthologous murine disorder beige are characterized at the cellular level by the presence of giant lysosomes. The CHS1/Beige protein is a 3787 amino acid protein of unknown function. To determine functional domains of the CHS1/Beige protein, we generated truncated constructs of the gene/protein. These truncated proteins were transiently expressed in Cos‐7 or HeLa cells and their effect on membrane trafficking was examined. Beige is apparently a cytosolic protein, as are most transiently expressed truncated Beige constructs. Expression of the Beige construct FM (amino acids 1–2037) in wild‐type cells led to enlarged lysosomes. Similarly, expression of a 5.5‐kb region (amino acids 2035–3787) of the carboxyl terminal of Beige (22B) also resulted in enlarged lysosomes. Expression of FM solely affected lysosome size, whereas expression of 22B led to alterations in lysosome size, changes in the Golgi and eventually cell death. The two constructs could be used to further dissect phenotypes resulting from loss of the Beige protein. CHS or beige j fibroblasts show an absence of nuclear staining using a monoclonal antibody directed against phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5) P2]. Transformation of beige j fibroblasts with a YAC containing the full‐length Beige gene resulted in the normalization of lysosome size and nuclear PtdIns(4,5)P2 staining. Expression of the carboxyl dominant negative construct 22B led to loss of nuclear PtdIns(4,5)P2 staining. Expression of the FM dominant negative clone did not alter nuclear PtdIns(4,5) P2 localization. These results suggest that the Beige protein interacts with at least two different partners and that the Beige protein affects cellular events, such as nuclear PtdIns(4,5)P2 localization, in addition to lysosome size.
Unconventional Motoring: An Overview of the Kin C and Kin I Kinesins
Authors: Ovechkina Yulia , Wordeman Linda
Published: May 2003

All kinesins share a conserved core motor domain implying a common mechanism for generating force from ATP hydrolysis. How is it then that kinesins exhibit such divergent activities: motility, microtubule cross‐linking and microtubule depolymerization? Although conventional motile kinesins have served as the paradigm for understanding kinesin function, the unconventional kinesins exploit variations on the motile theme to perform unexpected tasks. This review summarizes the biological functions and examines the possible molecular mechanisms of Kin C and Kin I unconventional kinesins. We also discuss the possible differences between the microtubule destabilization models proposed for Kar3 and Kin I kinesins.
Comparison of radiographic and MRI features of a root‐diverging odontogenic myxoma, with discussion of the differential diagnosis of lesions likely to move roots
Authors: Hisatomi M , Asaumi J , Konouchi H , Yanagi Y , Matsuzaki H , Kishi K
Published: May 2003

Lesions that can produce divergence of the roots of teeth in the mandible include odontogenic cysts (odontogenic keratocysts, lateral periodontal cysts and radicular cysts), ameloblastomas, odontogenic myxomas, central giant cell granulomas, adenomatoid odontogenic tumors and aneurismal bone cysts, and other tumors. Moreover most benign jaw lesions can do this occasionally. However, when lesions – which show interradicular tear‐shaped radiolucencies – are small it is often difficult to interpret them radiographically, because they do not show characteristic radiographic features. We describe a comparison of radiographic and magnetic resonance (MR) features of a root‐diverging odontogenic myxoma, with discussion of the differential diagnosis of lesions likely to move roots. In addition, we discuss radiographic and MR features of possible lesions, which show similar radiographic findings to odontogenic myxoma.
Potentially malignant oral lesions in Northern Ireland: size (extent) matters
Authors: Napier SS , Cowan CG , Gregg TA , Stevenson M , Lamey P‐J , Toner PG
Published: May 2003

OBJECTIVES: We examined clinical parameters of patients from Northern Ireland with potentially malignant lesions (PML) to determine association with development of intraoral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

DESIGN: retrospective, cross‐sectional, population‐based, clinically validated, laboratory‐verified.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All patients who had more than one incisional oral mucosal biopsy diagnosed from 1975–1991 were abstracted from a database of all PML and SCC and their clinical records and biopsies reviewed. Patients were excluded if there was prior/synchronous SCC or radiotherapy, frictional keratosis or lichen planus, missing clinical records/biopsy material or follow‐up of < 24 months. From the 50 suitable patients, gender, age, smoking status, site, clinical appearance and extent of lesion(s), treatment and year of diagnosis were recorded. Patients who developed SCC from PML were compared with those who did not.

RESULTS: Squamous cell carcinoma occurred significantly more often in patients with single rather than multiple PML, those with ‘non‐homogenous’ PML and in patients diagnosed prior to 1980. In Cox's survival analysis, only the clinical extent was predictive of SCC.

CONCLUSIONS: Of all the features considered in our series, size (extent) was the most important clinical factor in determining the risk of future SCC in PML, particularly when several adjacent anatomical sites were affected.
Long‐term results of octreotide‐therapy in severe dumping syndrome
Authors: Vecht J. , Lamers C. B. H. W. , Masclee A. A. M.
Published: May 2003

OBJECTIVE

Little is known about the long‐term results of octreotide therapy in dumping syndrome. We report the results of an open study including 20 patients with severe dumping symptoms after gastric surgery treated with octreotide between 1987 and 1997 at the Leiden University Medical Centre.

DESIGN

Patient selection was based on (1) the results of a dumping provocation test and (2) symptoms that were refractory to other therapeutic measures. At regular intervals the presence of dumping symptoms was evaluated together with measurement of body weight and faecal fat excretion.

RESULTS

Mean follow‐up was 37 ± 9 months (range 1–107 months). Doses of octreotide ranged from 25 to 200 μg/day. Initial relief of symptoms was achieved in all subjects, but after three months of therapy symptom relief persisted in 80% of patients. Mean body weight increased by 2.4 ± 1.2 kg despite a significant increase in faecal fat excretion from 10 ± 2 g/24 h to 24 ± 3 g/24 h. Reasons for discontinuation of therapy were diminished efficacy in the longer term in 4 patients and side‐effects in 7 patients. Biliary complications were encountered in 3 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Self‐administration of octreotide proves an effective symptomatic treatment of severe dumping, even on the long‐term. Its use is frequently limited by the occurrence of side‐effects.