bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward a community‐oriented action research framework for spirituality: Community psychological and theological perspectives
Authors: Dokecki Paul R. , Newbrough J.R. , O'Gorman Robert T.
Published: August 2002

Spirituality, once an old and honorable religious term for the “exploration into what is involved in becoming human” (McFague, 1997, p. 10), is ubiquitous in contemporary culture, albeit highly diverse and ambiguous in its usage. In our active interchange involving two community psychologists and a theologian—carried on in the spirit of Lewinian action research and pastoral theology's method of congregational studies— we have returned to that earlier tradition. We are developing a framework for spirituality encompassing human development and community development as two sides of the same coin. The framework provides a community‐oriented theoretical account of the dynamics of spirituality and a foundation for action research on the interrelationship of spirituality and community. We begin by describing the context for the development of the framework—the St. Robert project, a participant–observer action research and consultation project ongoing for more than ten years in a Roman Catholic parish. We then present the framework's elements and conclude by outlining an ongoing empirical inquiry at St. Robert into the nature of spirituality, which has implications for the field's address to the spiritual dimensions of personal and community experience, especially psychological sense of community. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Separation of isopropanol from aqueous solution by salting‐out extraction
Authors: Zhigang Tang , Rongqi Zhou , Zhanting Duan
Published: August 2002

A novel salting‐out extraction process has been developed to separate isopropanol from aqueous solution. Potassium carbonate was experimentally shown to be effective in modifying the liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) of an isopropanol/water/hexane system in favour of the solvent extraction of isopropanol from an aqueous solution with hexane, particularly at suitable salt concentrations. Potassium carbonate enlarged the area of the two‐phase region. This effect essentially increased the distribution coefficient of isopropanol between hexane and water and increased the separation factor for isopropanol vs water, which is an important consideration in designing a solvent extraction process. The effects of potassium carbonate concentration, temperature and pH on the LLE were studied. Finally, a ϕ30 mm × 1200 mm reciprocating plate column (RPC) was tested to separate isopropanol from an aqueous solution. When isopropanol in an aqueous solution with composition of isopropanol/water = 1:0.95 (wt/wt) was extracted by hexane assisted with 30% (wt%) potassium carbonate aqueous solution, the alcohol–water ratio increased to 11:1 in the extract.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Post‐traumatic high‐flow priapism: Management by superselective transcatheter autologous clot embolization and duplex sonography–guided compression
Authors: Sancak Tanzer , Conkbayır Isık
Published: August 2002

High‐flow priapism is caused by uncontrolled arterial inflow into the penis, often from direct arterial trauma. We report a case of arterial or high‐flow priapism that was treated with a combination of selective transcatheter autologous clot embolization and duplex sonography–guided compression therapy. Sonography showed a pulsatile, anechoic area at the base of the penis inside the left corpus cavernosum after blunt perineal trauma, and color Doppler examination revealed an arteriosinusoidal fistula. Autologous clot embolization was only partially successful, and 3 sessions of ultrasound‐guided compression therapy were necessary to achieve complete thrombus formation in the fistulous tract, which became isoechoic a day after compression therapy. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 29:349–353, 2001.
Adrenomedullin and the integrative physiology of fluid and electrolyte balance
Authors: Taylor Meghan M. , Samson Willis K.
Published: August 2002

Adrenomedullin (AM) is hypothesized to be a physiologically relevant regulator in fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. AM acts within the central nervous system to inhibit both water and salt intake. The peptide has direct actions in the hypothalamus to decrease vasopressin secretion and in the pituitary gland to inhibit ACTH release. AM decreases production and release of aldosterone from the adrenal glands and acts directly in the kidneys to increase renal blood flow and cause diuresis and natriuresis. Whether or not these complementary actions in brain, pituitary, adrenal gland, and kidney reflect coordinated regulatory mechanisms is currently unknown. Development of molecular tools to determine the physiologic role of endogenous AM will greatly enhance our understanding of AM and its regulation of fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. Microsc. Res. Tech. 57:105–109, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nervous system–derived chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans regulate growth cone morphology and inhibit neurite outgrowth: A light, epifluorescence, and electron microscopy study
Authors: Snow Diane M. , Mullins Nathan , Hynds Dianna L.
Published: August 2002

Proteoglycans influence aging and plasticity in the nervous system. Particularly prominent are the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), which are generally inhibitory to neurite outgrowth. During development, CSPGs facilitate normal guidance, but following nervous system injury and in diseases of aging (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), they block successful regeneration, and are associated with axon devoid regions and degenerating nerve cells. Whereas previous studies used non‐nervous system sources of CSPGs, this study analyzed the morphology and behavior of sensory (dorsal root ganglia) neurons, and a human nerve cell model (SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells) as they contacted nervous system–derived CSPGs, using a variety of microscopy techniques. The results of these qualitative analyses show that growth cones of both nerve cell types contact CSPGs via actin‐based filopodia, sample the CSPGs repeatedly without collapse, and alter their trajectory to avoid nervous system–derived CSPGs. Turning and branching are correlated with increased filopodial sampling, and are common to both neurons and Schwann cells. We show that CSPG expression by rat CNS astrocytes in culture is correlated with sensory neuron avoidance. Further, we show for the first time the ultrastructure of sensory growth cones at a CSPG‐laminin border and reveal details of growth cone and neurite organization at this choice point. This type of detailed analysis of the response of growth cones to nervous system–derived CSPGs may lead to an understanding of CSPG function following injury and in diseases of aging, where CSPGs are likely to contribute to aberrant neurite outgrowth, failed or reduced synaptic connectivity, and/or ineffective plasticity. Microsc. Res. Tech. 54:273–286, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthases in experimental models of denervation and reinnervation
Authors: Tews Dominique S.
Published: August 2002

Nitric oxide (NO) is a short‐living free molecule synthesized by three different isoforms of nitric oxide synthases (NOS)—neuronal NOS, endothelial NOS, and inducible NOS—associated with neuromuscular transmission, muscle contractility, mitochondrial respiration, and carbohydrate metabolism in skeletal muscle. Neuronal NOS is constitutively expressed at the muscle fiber sarcolemma linked to the dystrophin‐glycoprotein complex and concentrated at the neuromuscular endplate. There is increasing evidence that altered expression of neuronal NOS plays a role in muscle fiber damage in neuromuscular diseases such as dystrophinopathies and denervating disorders. Although there have been some previous conflicting results on the neuronal NOS expression pattern in denervated muscle fibers, it is now well established that denervation is associated with a down‐regulation and disappearance of sarcolemmal neuronal NOS at synaptic/extrasynaptic or both sites. As NO has been shown to induce collapse and growth arrest on neuronal growth cones, down‐regulation of sarcolemmal neuronal NOS may contribute to axonal regeneration and attraction to muscle fibers aiming at the formation of new motor endplates providing reinnervation and reconstitution of NOS expression. As NO serves as a retrograde messenger, it may trigger structural downstream events responsible for neuromuscular synaptogenesis and preventing polyneural innervation. Nevertheless, decreased NO production in denervation reduces the cytoprotective scavenger function of NO for superoxide anions promoting oxidative stress that is likely to be involved in muscle fiber damage and death. However, the multifaced role of NOS and NO under physiological and pathological conditions remains poorly understood on the basis of the current knowledge. Microsc. Res. Tech. 55:181–186, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetics of mammalian sex determination: Some unloved exceptions
Authors: Mittwoch Ursula
Published: August 2002

The genetics of sex determination is a child of the twentieth century, which overturned the previously held view that sex was determined by the environment. The last quarter of the century witnessed an active search for sex‐determining genes in mammals. Although successful, the modus operandi of these genes remained unknown, and the relationship between the sex‐determining systems of mammals and other vertebrates remained enigmatic. To overcome these problems, scientists in the 21st century should heed William Bateson’s counsel to treasure exceptions, for they point the way to progress. One exception to conventional concepts of sex determination is the bilaterally asymmetrical distribution of ovaries and testes in true hermaphroditism. Ovaries favour the left side in humans and the right side in mice. Observations suggesting that a reversal of asymmetry may occur with increasing organ size may point to a possible explanation. A reevaluation is also required regarding the beginning of sex differentiation, in view of mounting evidence of a sex difference in growth rates of early embryos. Another question to be settled is whether the function of SRY is confined to the fetal gonad. The recent demonstration that Sry induces cell proliferation in the fetal mouse gonad (Schmahl et al., 2000) further emphasizes the importance of differential growth in sex determination and differentiation. It is suggested that SRY represents an additional growth‐promoting gene sequestered by mammals to enable the XY embryo to undergo male sex differentiation in the female hormonal environment of the uterus. An increased awareness of the relationship between growth and gonadal differentiation should lead to a better understanding of sex determination in mammals and an ability to relate the function of sex‐determining genes to the effects of environmental factors. J. Exp. Zool. 290:484–489, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alloimmune memory is absent in the Red Sea hydrocoral Millepora dichotoma
Authors: Frank Uri , Rinkevich Baruch
Published: August 2002

When two allogeneic colonies of the Red Sea hydrocoral Millepora dichotoma (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) come into tissue contact, one of the genotypes is usually overgrown by the other. The directionality and pace of this alloresponse are thought to be genetically determined. We established tissue contacts between allogeneic colonies in situ in order to elucidate a possible memory component in this response. First‐set interactions were established from all possible pairwise combinations between three colonies in eight replicates per combination. Interactions were followed up for 8 weeks. Thereafter, interacting pairs were detached and either regrafted near the original contact area to form second‐set assays or challenged by third party grafts. Additional delayed first‐set assays was also established. Overgrowth of delayed first‐set, second‐set, and third‐party grafts was followed again for 8 weeks. The mean overgrowths recorded in the second set of the interactions were indistinguishable from the first sets in all three colony combinations. A specific alloimmune memory has not been found in this cnidarian system as opposed to other cases within the phylum. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 291:25–29, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Connected (g, f)‐factors
Authors: Ellingham M. N. , Nam Yunsun , Voss Heinz‐Jürgen
Published: August 2002

In this paper we study connected (g, f)‐factors. We describe an algorithm to connect together an arbitrary spanning subgraph of a graph, without increasing the vertex degrees too much; if the algorithm fails we obtain information regarding the structure of the graph. As a consequence we give sufficient conditions for a graph to have a connected (g, f)‐factor, in terms of the number of components obtained when we delete a set of vertices. As corollaries we can derive results of Win [S. Win, Graphs Combin 5 (1989), 201–205], Xu et al. [B. Xu, Z. Liu, and T. Tokuda, Graphs Combin 14 (1998), 393–395] and Ellingham and Zha [M. N. Ellingham and Xiaoya Zha, J Graph Theory 33 (2000), 125–137]. We show that a graph has a connected [a, b]‐factor (b>a ≥ 2) if the graph is tough enough; when b ≥ a + 2, toughness at least $(a-1) + {a\over b-2}$ suffices. We also show that highly edge‐connected graphs have spanning trees of relatively low degree; in particular, an m‐edge‐connected graph G has a spanning tree T such that degT (υ) ≤ 2 + ⌈ degG(υ)/m⌉ for each vertex υ. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Graph Theory 39: 62–75, 2002
Magnetic resonance imaging in patients with pancreatitis: Evaluation of signal intensity and enhancement changes
Authors: Sica Gregory T. , Miller Frank H. , Rodriguez Germaine , McTavish Jeffrey , Banks Peter A.
Published: August 2002

Purpose

To evaluate the utility of unenhanced and enhanced T1‐weighted fat‐suppressed (T1‐FS) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting pancreatitis.

Materials and Methods

1.5‐T MRI was performed in 25 patients with acute and 23 patients with chronic pancreatitis and in 20 control subjects without known pancreatic disease. T1‐FS spin‐echo and contrast‐enhanced arterial‐predominant (DYN1) and portal‐predominant (DYN2) fast multiplanar spoiled gradient‐echo (FMPSPGR) sequences were evaluated. These three sets of images were evaluated both subjectively for decreased or heterogeneous signal intensity (rating scale, 0–3) and objectively (region of interest (ROI)) in the head, body, and tail of the pancreas, in each patient.

Results

Good correlation between subjective assessment and objective data was demonstrated. The T1‐FS sequence showed an abnormality with greater frequency (T1‐FS > DYN1, 81/144 scores; T1‐FS = DYN1, 63/144 scores; T1‐FS < DYN1, 0/144 scores) and magnitude (average subjective score, 2.48 vs. 1.74; P < 0.0003) than that of the contrast‐enhanced FMPSPGR (decreased or heterogeneous enhancement). The overall sensitivity and specificity of MRI was 92% and 50%, respectively. On the basis of signal intensity and enhancement, MRI was not able to differentiate acute from chronic pancreatitis.

Conclusion

MRI was highly sensitive for disease detection, particularly using the T1‐FS sequence, but using the sequences described, was not able to differentiate acute from chronic pancreatitis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;15:275–284. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methodology of brain perfusion imaging
Authors: Barbier Emmanuel L. , Lamalle Laurent , Décorps Michel
Published: August 2002

Numerous techniques have been proposed in the last 15 years to measure various perfusion‐related parameters in the brain. In particular, two approaches have proven extremely successful: injection of paramagnetic contrast agents for measuring cerebral blood volumes (CBV) and arterial spin labeling (ASL) for measuring cerebral blood flows (CBF). This review presents the methodology of the different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in use for CBV and CBF measurements and briefly discusses their limitations and potentials. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:496–520. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Critical role of spatial resolution in dynamic contrast‐enhanced breast MRI
Authors: Furman‐Haran Edna , Grobgeld Dov , Kelcz Frederick , Degani Hadassa
Published: August 2002

The spatial resolution of three‐dimensional (3D) gradient‐echo T1‐weighted images, from 40 women with 25 malignant and 23 benign lesions, was purposely degraded to determine the role of spatial resolution in recording, analysis, and diagnosis of dynamic contrast‐enhanced breast MRI. Images were recorded and analyzed at pixel resolution according to the 3TP method (Degani et al., Nat Med 1997;3:780–782). Reduction in spatial resolution degraded the appearance of foci with fast wash‐in and fast washout dynamics. This resulted in an increase in false‐negative diagnoses. The sensitivity for differentiating between malignant and benign lesions, using threshold criteria defined by the 3TP analysis, of 76% decreased to 60% and 24% for a 2‐ and 4‐fold reduction in spatial resolution, respectively, without affecting significantly the high specificity (96–100%). In order to minimize false‐negative diagnoses of contrast‐enhanced breast MRI and maintain high specificity, it is essential to record and analyze the dynamic behavior at high spatial resolution. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:862–867. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical evaluation of aortic diseases using nonenhanced MRA with ECG‐triggered 3D half‐Fourier FSE
Authors: Urata Joji , Miyazaki Mitsue , Wada Hirofumi , Nakaura Takeshi , Yamashita Yasuyuki , Takahashi Mutsumasa
Published: August 2002

The efficacy of the nonenhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) technique known as fresh‐blood imaging (FBI), using electrocardiograph (ECG)‐triggered 3D half‐Fourier fast spin‐echo (FSE), was evaluated for the detection and characterization of aortic diseases. Seventy‐five consecutive patients with aortic disease underwent the FBI examination on a 1.5‐T clinical imager. The results showed that the FBI technique permits clear visualization of aortic diseases, and the vessel branches and their relationship, which provides valuable information. Therefore, the nonenhanced FBI technique is appropriate to use for screening purposes. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;14:113–120. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gas‐phase binding of non‐covalent protein complexes between bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor and its target enzymes studied by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Nesatyy Victor J.
Published: August 2002

The potential of electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS) to detect non‐covalent protein complexes has been demonstrated repeteadly. However, questions about correlation of the solution and gas‐phase structures of these complexes still produce vigorous scientific discussion. Here, we demonstrate the evaluation of the gas‐phase binding of non‐covalent protein complexes formed between bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) and its target enzymes over a wide range of dissociation constants. Non‐covalent protein complexes were detected by ESI‐MS. The abundance of the complex ions in the mass spectra is less than expected from the values of the dissociation constants of the complexes in solution. Collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and a collision model for ion activation were used to evaluate the binding of non‐covalent complexes in the gas phase. The internal energy required to induce dissociation was calculated for three collision gases (Ne, Ar, Kr) over a wide range of collision gas pressures and energies using an electrospray ionization source. The order of binding energies of the gas‐phase ions for non‐covalent protein complexes formed by the ESI source and assessed using CAD‐MS/MS appears to differ from that of the solution complexes. The implication is that solution structure of these complexes was not preserved in the gas phase. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Persistence of parvovirus B19 DNA in synovium of patients with haemophilic arthritis
Authors: Zakrzewska K. , Azzi A. , De Biasi E. , Radossi P. , De Santis R. , Davoli P.G. , Tagariello G.
Published: August 2002

A progressive arthropathy develops commonly in haemophiliacs and its pathogenesis is not fully understood. Human parvovirus B19 has been associated with several diseases including acute and chronic arthropathy and some studies suggest its implication in chronic inflammatory diseases of the joints such as rheumatoid arthritis. In haemophiliacs parvovirus B19 infection occurs very frequently because of its transmission with plasma derivatives. In order to assess a role of B19 virus in haemophilic arthritis, synovial tissue samples from patients with haemophilia with arthritis and from patients, nonhaemophiliacs, with arthrosis or with joint trauma were examined for B19 DNA by nested PCR. In addition, the prevalence of antibody to parvovirus B19 NS1 protein as a possible serological marker of persistent B19 infection was tested and the association of the outcome of parvovirus infection with genetic diversity of B19 P6 promoter sequences was investigated. B19 DNA was detected in the synovial tissue of 31% of haemophiliacs with progressive arthropathy and of 5% of control patients. Fourteen out of 17 patients (82%) with haemophilic arthritis and with B19 DNA in their synovial membranes had IgG antibodies against the nonstructural protein NS1 of parvovirus B19. On the other hand, 19% of patients with haemophilia with B19 PCR negative synovial tissue and 21% of controls showed anti‐NS1 antibodies. The P6 promoter presented specific sites of point mutations shared frequently by isolates from patients with haemophilia and arthritis. These results indicate that B19 DNA can persist in the synovial membranes of patients with haemophilic arthritis significantly more frequently in comparison to control individuals with arthrosis or joint trauma and show a correlation between anti‐ NS1 antibody presence and B19 DNA persistence in the synovial tissue. J. Med. Virol. 65:402–407, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular epidemiology of rotaviral infection in South Indian children with acute diarrhea from 1995–1996 to 1998–1999
Authors: Kang Gagandeep , Green Jonathan , Gallimore Christopher I. , Brown David W.G.
Published: August 2002

The distribution of VP7 (G‐) and VP4 (P‐) genotypes among 126 rotavirus strains from South Indian children, < 5 years of age and with acute diarrhoea, presenting to a single hospital during the months to November and December, from 1995 to 1998, was studied. Multiplex hemi‐nested G‐ and P‐typing polymerase chain reactions determined 101 (80%) G types and 78 (61%) P types, respectively. In order of frequency, the commonest G types were G1, G4, G2, G9, G3, and G8, and P types were P1B[4], P1A[8], and P2A[6] and the most common G:P combinations were G1:P1A[8], G1:P1B[4], G2P1B[4] and G4:P1A[8]. G1, G2, and G4 types were seen in all years. The single G3 isolate was seen in 1998. The single G8 isolate and the 5 G9 isolates were seen in 1997, after a period of heavy rain. Sequence analysis showed that the G8 isolate was related most closely to the bovine strain A5, and the G9 strains were distinct from the nonpathogenic Indian isolate 116E and similar to G9s isolated in Mysore and the United Kingdom described previously. J. Med. Virol. 67:101–105, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
AMP deaminase in rat brain: Localization in neurons and ependymal cells
Authors: Knecht Kerstin , Wiesmüller Karl‐Heinz , Gnau Volker , Jung Günther , Meyermann Richard , Todd Kathryn G. , Hamprecht Bernd
Published: August 2002

The purine nucleotide cycle enzyme AMP deaminase (AMPD) catalyzes the irreversible hydrolytic deamination of AMP. The physiological function of the purine nucleotide cycle in the brain is unknown. In situ hybridization and immunocytochemical studies were performed to identify the regional and cellular expression of AMPD in rat brain with the goal of elucidating the neural function of the purine nucleotide cycle. AMPD messenger RNA was detected in ventricular ependymal cells and cells of the choroid plexus and in neurons of distinct brain areas. Although only low antibody titers were obtained by immunization with the purified sheep brain AMPD, immunization of mice with synthetic lipopeptide vaccines containing oligopeptides derived from a known partial complementary DNA sequence of the enzyme yielded an antiserum suitable for immunocytochemistry. Immunostaining of cells in culture showed that neurons but not astroglial cells express appreciable amounts of the enzyme. Results of immunocytochemical staining performed on rat brain slices were in accord with the localization of AMPD messenger RNA, thus confirming the expression of AMPD in neurons of the brain stem, hippocampus, cerebellar nuclei and mesencephalic nuclei, as well as in ventricular ependymal cells and their cilia. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibition reveals differences in signalling pathways activated by neurotrophin‐3 and other growth‐stimulating conditions of adult mouse dorsal root ganglia neurons
Authors: Wiklund Peter , Ekström Per A.R. , Edström Anders
Published: August 2002

PD98059 blocks mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) by inhibiting its activator, MAP kinase kinase (MEK). We have previously found that PD98059 only transiently inhibits spontaneous axonal outgrowth from adult mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG) explants, whereas it causes sustained inhibition of nerve growth factor (NGF)‐stimulated growth. Surprisingly, the present results showed that outgrowth stimulation by neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3), interacting with another neuronal subgroup, was markedly enhanced by PD98059 and also by U0126, another inhibitor of MAPK activation. In contrast, the effects of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which stimulates still another subgroup of DRG neurons, was opposed by PD98059. Axonal outgrowth in vitro can also be strongly increased by a prior axotomy in vivo. The increased outgrowth in preaxotomized explants was effectively inhibited by the presence of PD98059. Immunocytochemistry based on whole‐mount labelling revealed the presence of neuronal MAPK, which was found to be activated by NGF, NT‐3, and GDNF in separate axonal populations and by a prior axotomy in a majority of growing axons. The results suggest that there are important differences in the NGF and NT‐3 signalling pathways, which may involve positive and negative control mechanisms by MAPK activation, respectively. Other findings indicate that GDNF exerts its growth effects by activation of MAPK and that expression of the conditioning effect in vitro in preaxotomized preparations also requires activation of MAPK. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DNA microarray analysis of the contused spinal cord: Effect of NMDA receptor inhibition
Authors: Nesic O. , Svrakic N.M. , Xu G‐Y. , McAdoo D. , Westlund K. N. , Hulsebosch C. E. , Ye Zeiming , Galante A. , Soteropoulos P. , Tolias P. , Young W. , Hart R.P. , Perez‐Polo J.R.
Published: August 2002

Spinal cord injury (SCI)‐induced neurodegeneration leads to irreversible and devastating motor and sensory dysfunction. Post‐traumatic outcomes are determined by events occurring during the first 24 hours after SCI. An increase in extracellular glutamate concentration to neurotoxic levels is one of the earliest events after SCI. We used Affymetrix DNA oligonucleotide microarrays (with 1,322 DNA probes) analysis to measure gene expression in order to test the hypothesis that SCI‐induced N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation triggers significant postinjury transcriptional changes. Here we report that SCI, 1 hour after trauma, induced change in mRNA levels of 165 genes and expression sequence tags (ESTs). SCI affected mRNA levels of those genes that regulate predominantly transcription factors, inflammation, cell survival, and membrane excitability. We also report that NMDA receptor inhibition (with ‐(+)‐5‐methyl‐10,11‐dihydro‐5H‐dibenzo[a,d]‐cyclohepten‐5,10‐imine hydrogen maleate [MK‐801]) reversed the effect of SCI on about 50% of the SCI‐affected mRNAs. Especially interesting is the finding that NMDA receptor activation participates in the up‐regulation of inflammatory factors. Therefore, SCI‐induced NMDA receptor activation is one of the dominant, early signals after trauma that leads to changes in mRNA levels of a number of genes relevant to recovery processes. The majority of MK‐801 effects on the SCI‐induced mRNA changes reported here are novel. Additionally, we found that the MK‐801 treatment also changed the mRNA levels of 168 genes and ESTs that had not been affected by SCI alone, and that some of their gene products could have harmful effects on SCI outcome. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ginsenoside Rb1 and Rg1 improve spatial learning and increase hippocampal synaptophysin level in mice
Authors: Mook‐Jung Inhee , Hong Hyun‐Seok , Boo Jung Hyun , Lee Kang Hee , Yun Sung Hwan , Cheong Mi Young , Joo Insoo , Huh Kyoon , Jung Min Whan
Published: August 2002

We investigated the cognition enhancing effects of ginsenoside Rb1 and Rg1. Mice were trained in a Morris water maze following injection (i.p.) of Rb1 (1 mg/kg) or Rg1 (1 mg/kg) for 4 days. Both Rb1‐ and Rg1‐injected mice showed enhanced spatial learning compared to control animals. The hippocampus, but not the frontal cortex, of treated mice contained higher density of a synaptic marker protein, synaptophysin, compared to control mice. Electrophysiological recordings in hippocampal slices revealed that Rb1 or Rg1 injection did not change the magnitude of paired‐pulse facilitation or long‐term potentiation. Our results suggest that Rb1 and Rg1 enhance spatial learning ability by increasing hippocampal synaptic density without changing plasticity of individual synapses. J. Neurosci. Res. 63:509–515, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diminished frequency of interleukin‐10‐secreting, T‐cell receptor peptide‐reactive T cells in multiple sclerosis patients might allow expansion of activated memory T cells bearing the cognate BV gene
Authors: Vandenbark Arthur A. , Finn Tom , Barnes David , Culbertson Nicole , Chou Yuan K. , Hicks Kevin , Bakke Antony , Mass Michele , Whitham Ruth , Offner Halina , Bourdette Dennis
Published: August 2002

T cells responsive to T‐cell receptor (TCR) determinants may regulate pathogenic Th1 responses in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) through interleukin (IL)‐10‐dependent bystander suppression. In this study, innate IL‐10‐ and interferon (IFN)‐γ‐secreting T cells responsive to TCR peptides were quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of MS patients and healthy controls (HC) using the ELISPOT assay. Most HC had vigorous IL‐10 but low IFN‐γ frequencies to BV5S2 and BV6S1 peptides. In contrast, MS patients had significantly lower IL‐10 frequency responses to the TCR peptides but normal responses to concanavalin A. Patients undergoing TCR‐peptide vaccination had moderate responses that fluctuated in concert with vaccination. In an MS patient and HC, expression of BV6S1 by activated memory T cells was inversely associated with the presence of IL‐10‐secreting BV6S1‐reactive T cells. These results suggest that MS patients have diminished frequencies of innate TCR‐reactive T cells that may allow oligoclonal expansion of activated autoreactive Th1 effector cells expressing cognate V genes. J. Neurosci. Res. 66:171–176, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interannual variation in end‐of‐summer snowlines of the Southern Alps of New Zealand, and relationships with Southern Hemisphere atmospheric circulation and sea surface temperature patterns
Authors: Clare G. R. , Fitzharris B.B. , Chinn T. J. H. , Salinger M. J.
Published: August 2002

The end‐of‐summer snowline (EOSS) on 47 glaciers distributed throughout the Southern Alps of New Zealand is related to changes in Southern Hemisphere atmospheric circulation and sea surface temperature patterns over a 23 year period. The EOSS provides an index of the glacier mass balance, as high (low) EOSS elevations relative to the steady‐state mean equilibrium line altitude (ELAm) indicate a negative (positive) glacier mass balance. Southern Hemisphere atmospheric circulation and sea surface temperature anomaly maps are produced for the accumulation season (April–October) and ablation season (November–March) for both composite high and low EOSS years.

There is a high correlation between the EOSS for individual glaciers and the mean EOSS for the Southern Alps (EOSSAlps). The highest EOSSAlps occurred in 1978, 1990, 1998, and 1999; the lowest EOSSAlps occurred in 1983, 1992, 1993, and 1995. High (low) EOSSAlps values are associated with anomalous northerly (southerly) airflows and weaker (stronger) westerly airflows over the Southern Alps. These patterns are associated with positive (negative) 700 hPa geopotential anomalies to the southeast of New Zealand, a weaker (stronger) subtropical jet, and negative (positive) 700 hPa height anomalies over the southeast Pacific Ocean. High (low) EOSSAlps values are also associated with warm (cool) sea surface temperature anomalies near New Zealand and cool (warm) sea surface temperature anomalies in the eastern equatorial region of the Pacific Ocean. Copyright © 2002 Royal Meteorological Society
Reliability of Raman micro‐spectroscopy in analysing ancient ceramics: the case of ancient Vietnamese porcelain and celadon glazes
Authors: Liem N. Q. , Thanh N. T. , Colomban Ph.
Published: August 2002

Non‐destructive Raman spectroscopy has been used to study ancient ceramics. On the basis of spectral features characteristic to the microstructures, the composition and technological processing of ceramics in ancient times could be quantitatively determined. Ceramics are heterogeneous materials composed of grains of different phases, coated by different glazes containing various pigments. The question of reliability and representation of the Raman spectra recorded from the surface of glaze or on a section of shard is discussed. As an illustration, ancient (13–14th centuries) Vietnamese (proto)porcelains made at Ha Lan (Nam Ðinh) were studied with particular attention to the analysis of the SiO4‐based glassy network: Spectral components of the Si–O stretching mode are analysed in terms of isolated (Q0), more or less associated (Q1, Q2, Q3) or fully‐bonded (Q4) SiO4 tetrahedra. The results show the facility and reliability of Raman spectroscopy as a non‐destructive technique suitable for discrimination between ancient ceramics and modern copies. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large bowel lymphoma: An analysis of prognostic factors and therapy in 53 patients
Authors: Avilés Agustin , Neri Natividad , Huerta‐Guzmán Judith
Published: August 2002

Background and Objectives

We performed a retrospective analysis to assess the influence of different prognostic factors, including the International Prognostic Index (IPI), that can predict the outcome in patients with primary large bowel lymphoma (Stage IE) treated with combined therapy (surgery followed by chemotherapy).

Methods

All patients were treated with radical surgery followed by six cycles of combined chemotherapy: CHOP‐Bleo (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicine, vincristine, prednisone, and bleomycin) or variants (epirubicin instead of doxorubicin). In all cases, an multivariate analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors (if any), including IPI, that can influence outcome.

Results

According to the IPI, event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival were 85% and 87%, respectively, in patients with low and low–intermediate clinical risk that was not statistically significant when compared to patients at high and high–intermediate clinical risk: 69% and 76% (P = 2). Multivariate analysis failed to demonstrate the influence of multiple prognostic factors that were analyzed.

Conclusions

Combined therapy appears to be an excellent therapeutic approach in this group of patients with prolonged EFS and survival, and without late toxicity. However, no prognostic factors, including IPI, could be identified to define the best therapy, probably because the number of patients, even in large series, is limited. Multicentric studies are necessary to identify prognostic factors to define therapy and outcome in this rare clinical presentation of malignant lymphoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2002;80:111–115. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐temperature kinetics of some Si‐ and Cl‐containing ceramic precursors
Authors: Kunz A. , Roth P.
Published: August 2002

This article summarizes our recent experimental investigations of high‐temperature kinetics of Si‐ and Cl‐containing precursor molecules relevant to chemical vapor synthesis and ceramic processing. Reaction systems using SiCl4 and SiHCl3 highly diluted in argon, which were studied in a shock tube using the combination of thermal pyrolysis and laser flash photolysis methods, are described. In situ concentrations of the atomic species Si, Cl, and H were measured simultaneously using the atomic resonance absorption spectroscopy. The measured properties were sensitive to a limited number of elementary reactions, which could be analyzed in terms of rate coefficients. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 33: 741–754, 2001
Er:YAG laser skin resurfacing using repetitive long‐pulse exposure and cryogen spray cooling: I. Histological study*
Authors: Majaron Boris , Kelly Kristen M. , Park Hyle B. , Verkruysse Wim , Nelson J. Stuart
Published: August 2002

Background and Objective

To evaluate histologically the characteristics of repetitive Er:YAG laser exposure of skin in combination with cryogen spray cooling (CSC), and its potential as a method of laser skin resurfacing.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Rat skin was irradiated in vivo with sequences of 10 Er:YAG laser pulses (repetition rate 20 Hz, pulse duration 150 or 550 μs, single‐pulse fluence 1.3–5.2 J/cm2). In some examples, CSC was applied to reduce epidermal injury. Histologic evaluation was performed 1 hour, 1 day, 5 days, and 4 weeks post‐irradiation.

Results

A sequence of ten 550‐μs pulses with fluences around 2 J/cm2 resulted in acute dermal collagen coagulation to a depth of approximately 250 μm, without complete epidermal ablation. CSC improved epidermal preservation, but also diminished the coagulation depth. Four weeks after irradiation, neo‐collagen formation was observed to depths in excess of 100 μm.

Conclusions

Dermal collagen coagulation and neo‐collagen formation to depths similar to those observed after CO2 laser resurfacing can be achieved without complete ablation of the epidermis by rapidly stacking long Er:YAG laser pulses. Application of CSC does not offer significant epidermal protection for a given dermal coagulation depth. Lasers Surg. Med. 28:121–130, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Design of optical biosensor using polymeric waveguides integrated with an MSM photodetector
Authors: Borges Ben‐Hur V. , de Barros Luiz Eugenio M. , Flamino Reinaldo S.
Published: August 2002

A detailed design of a new optical biosensor using polymeric waveguides intended for blood glucose concentration measurements is presented. The device is based on a vertically stacked two‐waveguide ARROW structure integrated with an MSM photodetector, simplifying fabrication and avoiding posttuning of sensor parameters. Simulated results obtained for this device represent a significant improvement in performance when compared to conventional Mach–Zehnder sensors. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 31: 33–37, 2001.
Isolated extramedullary relapse in acute myeloid leukemia: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Ginsberg Jill P. , Orudjev Elmar , Bunin Nancy , Felix Carolyn A. , Lange Beverly J.
Published: August 2002

Background

Little is known about the characteristics and outcome of children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) experiencing an isolated extramedullary relapse (IEMR).

Procedure

The tumor registry of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified 215 patients with AML diagnosed between 1970 and 2000, of which 16 (7.4%) experienced IEMR. Patient‐ and disease‐related features and outcome of patients with IEMR and other patients with AML were compared.

Results

IEMR occurred a median of 4.5 months (1.5–74 months) from diagnosis. Male to female ratio was 4.3:1 in patients with IEMR and 1.1:1 in the other patients with AML (P = 0.048). Median age at diagnosis and median presenting WBC were not significantly different in patients with and without IEMR. Patients with IEMR were more likely to have extramedullary disease (EMD) at diagnosis (31 vs. 4.5%) (P = .002) and FAB M4 or M5 morphology (P = .0001). Leukemic cells in 7 of 13 patients (54%) had t(11q23), inversion 16 or t(8;21) with IEMR compared to 21 of 93 other patients (23%) (P = 0.166). Six of 16 (37.5%) patients survive a median of 4.5 years (range 1.5–15 years) after IEMR and there are 13 survivors (23%) of 57 patients after marrow or combined relapse (P = 0.56). One survivor of IEMR received local irradiation and continued on maintenance therapy while the other five received chemotherapy, irradiation, and allogeneic marrow transplant in second or third remission.

Conclusions

Patients with isolated EMR are typically young males with monoblastic or myeloblastic leukemia who present with EMD at diagnosis. Marrow transplant following chemotherapy and local radiotherapy offer the potential for long‐term survival. Med Pediatr Oncol 2002;38:387–390. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Symptomatic hypoglycemia in children receiving oral purine analogues for treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Ziino Ottavio , Russo Delia , Orlando Maria Antonietta , Benigno Vincenzo , Locatelli Franco , Aricò Maurizio
Published: August 2002

Background

Antimetabolite‐based continuation therapy is commonly used for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and hypoglycemia after prolonged fasting has been recently reported. We have found that spontaneous, symptomatic hypoglycemia (SH) may also occur in such patients.

Procedure

Between 1995 and 1999, patients treated according to the AIEOP‐ALL‐95 study received BFM‐type intensive chemotherapy; mercaptopurine (6‐MP) was given (60 mg/m2/days, orally for 14 days) during the second part of induction and during consolidation therapy (25 mg/m2/day, orally for 8 weeks); thioguanine (6‐TG) was given during reinduction therapy with protocol II (60 mg/m2/day, orally for 14 days); continuation therapy consisted of a combination of 6‐MP (50 mg/m2/day orally) and methotrexate (MTX, 20 mg/m2/weekly, i.m.). We reviewed the charts of all patients treated for childhood ALL at our two centers. This was done to assess the incidence and the characteristics of all episodes of SH: sweating, pallor, nausea, abdominal pain with or without transient alterations of alertness, in the presence of blood glucose level of under 60 mg/dl.

Results

Six of 86 patients (6.9%) developed 18 episodes of SH. Five were male, none was older than 5 years, and four were only 3 years old. SH episodes occurred during consolidation (n = 2), reinduction (n = 7), and continuation (n = 9) phases.

Conclusions

SH is a rare complication associated with administration of the purine analogues, mercaptopurine and thioguanine to children with reduced fat storage and young age. Med Pediatr Oncol 2002;39:32–34. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical and social factors that affect the time to diagnosis of Mexican children with cancer
Authors: Fajardo‐Gutiérrez Arturo , Sandoval‐Mex Aidé María , Mejía‐Aranguré Juan Manuel , Rendón‐Macías Mario Enrique , Martínez‐García María del Carmen
Published: August 2002

Background

There are few studies on the factors that influence the time to diagnosis (TD) in childhood cancer. The object of the present study was to determine the influence of some clinical and social factors associated to TD in children with cancer seen at Mexico City (MC) hospitals.

Procedure

A retrospective study was performed. A total of 4,940 clinical records of children with cancer were reviewed. Cases of cancer were grouped, according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer. The median (med) TD was calculated for each group (type) of cancer. The association between delayed TD (longer than 1 month) and type, age at diagnosis, parental educational level, medical institution, and place of residence was analyzed, for which the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained.

Results

Leukemias had the shortest TD (med = 1 month), while Hodgkin disease (HD) and retinoblastoma had the longest TD (med = 5 months). The highest risk for delayed TD was in children with HD (OR = 7.0; 95% CI 5.3–9.3), in the 10–14 age group (OR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.4–2.3), with low maternal educational level (OR = 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–2.1), in the population with no access to social security (OR = 1.3; 95% CI 1.1–1.4), and whose place of residence is far from MC (OR = 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–2.1).

Conclusions

In Mexican children with cancer, age at diagnosis, and societal characteristics are important factors affecting timely diagnosis. Med Pediatr Oncol 2002;39:25–31. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Restoration of motion‐related signal loss and line‐shape deterioration of proton MR spectra using the residual water as intrinsic reference
Authors: Helms Gunther , Piringer Andreas
Published: August 2002

A postprocessing method to restore motion‐related signal loss and line‐shape deterioration in single‐volume proton MR spectroscopy (MRS) is presented. Each acquisition is corrected by its phase offset and frequency shift, extracted from the residual water signal prior to averaging. Requirements are good gradient selection and selective suppression of CSF in residual water. Stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) spectra (TE = 30 ms) were analyzed using the LCModel program to study gains in metabolite signal and spectral quality in five brain regions. Increases of total N‐acetyl‐aspartate concentrations of up to 5% were observed. The method may be beneficial for clinical examinations of less compliant subjects and for dynamic spectroscopy. Magn Reson Med 46:395‐400, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subtle involvement of the sympathetic nervous system in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Oey P. Liam , Vos Pieter E. , Wieneke George H. , Wokke John H.J. , Blankestijn Peter J. , Karemaker John M.
Published: August 2002

The literature on the involvement of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is conflicting. We therefore investigated several aspects of autonomic function, namely muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), blood pressure, cardiac function (electrocardiogram; ECG), and respiration in 16 patients with sporadic ALS and in 12 age‐matched healthy volunteers, both at rest and during sympathoexcitatory stimulation. We measured MSNA by provoking venous pooling during short‐lasting lower body negative pressure (LBNP) and during the cold pressor test (CPT). To assess the vagal (baroreflex) control of heart rate (HR), we measured spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). To assess the involvement of the ANS beyond the cardiovascular system, we measured the sympathetic skin response (SSR). The stand‐up test showed that none of the subjects had orthostatic intolerance. In comparison with the control group, the ALS patients had an increased HR and a decreased BRS at rest, and a reduced MSNA response to LBNP. The CPT response was normal and the total MSNA at rest did not differ significantly from that of controls. The latencies of the palmar and plantar SSR were prolonged, and in 3 ALS patients there was no plantar SSR. The results indicate that the sympathetic nervous system shows subtle abnormalities in ALS, predominantly sympathetic overactivity. They also point to the involvement of the preganglionic sympathetic column as the cause of the higher sympathetic activity and the absence of SSR. The higher sympathetic activity is postulated to be due to changes in modulation of the sympathetic system, whereas the absence of the SSR is probably caused by disruption of the reflex pathway. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 25: 000–000, 2002