bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and correlates of late‐life depression compared between urban and rural populations in Korea
Authors: Kim Jae‐Min , Shin Il‐Seon , Yoon Jin‐Sang , Stewart Robert
Published: October 2002

Background

The aetiology of late‐life depression has received relatively little research in developing countries. Urban and rural populations have rarely been sampled in the same study.

Objectives

To investigate demographic factors associated with depression and depressive symptoms in an urban and rural sample of older Korean people.

Methods

A community survey of residents aged 65 or over was conducted in an urban and a rural area within Kwangju, South Korea. The Korean Form of the Geriatric Depression Scale (KGDS) was administered. Associations with demographic, socio‐economic factors and cognitive function (MMSE) were investigated for depression categorised according to a previously validated cut‐off.

Results

The sample comprised 485 urban‐dwelling and 649 rural‐dwelling participants. No difference was found between urban and rural samples for prevalence rates of depression. However associations with independent variables varied between the areas. In the urban sample, increased age, low education, manual occupation and current rented accommodation were independently associated with depression. Only low education was associated with depression in the rural sample. The interaction with sample area was strongest for age (p < 0.01) and persisted after further adjustment for cognitive function.

Conclusions

Adverse socio‐economic status was strongly associated with depression and appeared to operate across the life‐course. While no evidence was found for urban–rural differences in prevalence rates of depression, factors associated with depression differed between these populations. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk of mortality for dementia in a developing country: the Yoruba in Nigeria
Authors: Perkins Anthony J. , Hui Siu L. , Ogunniyi Adesola , Gureje Oyewusi , Baiyewu Olusegun , Unverzagt Frederick W. , Gao Sujuan , Hall Kathleen S. , Musick Beverly S. , Hendrie Hugh C.
Published: October 2002

Background

Limited data exist on the impact of dementia in developing nations, including its association with mortality.

Objective

The purpose of this paper is to assess the relationship between dementia and five‐year mortality on a community dwelling elderly Yoruba population in the developing country of Nigeria and to compare those results with those from an elderly African–American community in Indianapolis.

Methods

A two‐phase design was used to ascertain dementia status in two sites. In the first phase, the Community Screening Instrument for Dementia (CSI‐D) was administered. In the second phase, subjects were sampled for the clinical assessment according to their CSI‐D performance category. Proportional hazards regression was used to assess the relationship between mortality and cognitive status at both sites after adjusting for demographics and chronic disease conditions.

Results

For the entire screened population, poor and intermediate performance on the CSI‐D is associated with increased mortality at both sites; however the effect of CSI‐D performance did not significantly differ between the two sites. For the clinically assessed sample, dementia was significantly associated with increased mortality at both sites (Ibadan RR = 2.83, Indianapolis RR = 2.05), but the effect was not significantly different across the two sites.

Conclusion

Dementia resulted in an increased risk of mortality for Yoruba of a magnitude similar to African–Americans suggesting that the impact of dementia on mortality risk may be similar for developing and developed countries. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of palatal prosthodontic intervention on communication performance of patients' maxillectomy defects: A multilevel outcome study
Authors: Sullivan Marsha , Gaebler Carol , Beukelman David , Mahanna Gordon , Marshall Julie , Lydiatt Daniel , Lydiatt William M.
Published: October 2002

Background

Obturators have been developed for surgical defects caused by cancer of the maxillary sinus and alveolar ridge. Outcome research is necessary to develop evidence‐based practice guidelines.

Methods

Thirty‐two consecutively treated maxillectomy patients seen in the Facial Prosthetics Clinic at UNMC from 1994 through 1996 had their defects obturated for 1 month when speech intelligibility, speaking rate, nasality, and communication effectiveness were measured.

Results

With the obturator removed, mean speech intelligibility was 61%, speaking rate was 138 words per minute, and nasality was rated as 5.8 on a 0–7 point scale. With the obturator inserted, mean speech intelligibility was 94%, speaking rate was 164 words per minute, and nasality was rated as 1.6. The mean self‐perception of communication effectiveness was 75% of what it was before the diagnosis of cancer.

Conclusions

Obturation is an effective intervention for defects of the maxillary sinus and alveolar ridge on speech performance. Variations in effectiveness were noted based on site of defect and patient satisfaction with the intervention. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 24: 530–538, 2002
The addition of mood and anxiety domains to the University of Washington quality of life scale
Authors: Rogers Simon N. , Gwanne Suzanne , Lowe Derek , Humphris Gerry , Yueh Beven , Weymuller Ernest A.
Published: October 2002

Background

There are numerous head and neck specific quality of life questionnaires, each having its own merits and disadvantages. The University of Washington questionnaire has been widely used and is notable by the inclusion of a shoulder dysfunction domain, domain importance ratings, and patient free text. It is short, simple to process, and provides clinically relevant information. However, it has lacked any psychological dimension of quality of life. The aim of this study was to report the inclusion of two psychological domains (mood, anxiety) to the most recent refinement of the questionnaire (version 3).

Method

A cross‐sectional survey was performed in April 2000. Questionnaires were sent to 183 patients alive and disease free after surgery for oral and oro‐pharyngeal malignancy. Replies were received from 145 patients (79% response rate).

Results

The new domains (mood and anxiety) correlated significantly with the emotional functioning domains from the EORTC C30 and with the pain and appearance domains of UW‐QOL. There were also significant correlations between the “global quality of life” item and the two new domains. Mood (p = .005) and anxiety (p < .001) scores were associated with patient age but with no other clinicodemographic variable.

Conclusion

The addition of mood and anxiety domains makes the UW‐QOL version 4 a single broad measure suitable for effective health‐related quality of life evaluation in the routine clinical setting. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 24: 521–529, 2002
Assessment of the future resources and needs for hospitalization in Hong Kong SAR
Authors: Yip Paul S. F. , Law C. K.
Published: October 2002

Objectives:

To study the ‘compression of morbidity’ theory in the Hong Kong SAR by analysing the age and gender‐specific hospitalization rates and the expected length of stay per patient for the period 1996–2000. ‘Compression of morbidity’ refers to the hypothesis that medical progress will reduce the duration of morbidity during life more significantly than increasing morbidity by extending life.

Design:

This is a retrospective study based on hospital admissions data from the Hospital Authority of Hong Kong which covers 93% of the patient population.

Setting:

Age and gender‐specific hospitalization rates, expected length of stay and hospitalization needs for each specific age group in Hong Kong from 1996 to 2000, are estimated.

Main results:

There is no empirical support for compression theory; and there is no significant change in the hospital admission rates for the period 1996–2000. The total number of patient days is expected to increase by 80% because of the ageing effect alone. It is projected that the geriatric service will account for more than 60% of the hospital patient days utilization in 2029. The elderly dependency ratio will increase and the social burden for the next generation will be increased, as the working populations size continues to decrease due to low fertility in the Hong Kong SAR.

Conclusion:

The health care burden on the government is large and increasing. It is therefore essential to make plans to deal with the ageing population, which is predicted to be at its highest in 2020. The rising effect of public expectations on hospital services exerts further pressure on demand. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of interception losses in a broadleaved native forest and aPseudotsuga menziesii(Douglas fir) plantation in the Andes Mountains of southern Chile
Authors: Iroumé A. , Huber A.
Published: October 2002

For a 26 month period, between 1 February 1998 and 31 March 2000, total precipitation, throughfall, stemflow and interception losses were measured for two different forest covers, one a managed broadleaved native forest and the other aPseudotsuga menziesii(Mirb.) Franco (Douglas fir) plantation. Regressions between throughfall and stemflow and total precipitation (P) for individual storms and forest covers were computed and also for values of interception losses (expressed as a percentage ofP) andPfor each forest cover and period of development of the forest vegetation. Results obtained demonstrate the importance of forest canopies in rainfall distribution processes and for the availability of water resources. Also, that these forests generate particular interception patterns not strongly associated with the variation in crown cover throughout the year. These patterns are more closely related to the characteristics of rainfall and meteorological conditions during the growing and dormant periods. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using geographical information systems and aerial photographs to determine water levels during floods
Authors: Puech Christian , Raclot Damien
Published: October 2002

To map water levels related to large floods, we propose using geographical information systems to manage the vast amount of information extracted from aerial photographs. Our approach is divided into three parts: (1) segmentation of the flood plain into sectors with acceptable mean water depth, based on geographical limits and size criteria; (2) determination of minimum and maximum depths for each sector, based on the potential emergence of natural objects (vegetation, dikes, etc.); (3) improvement of water depth assessment, using all observed hydraulic connections between sectors (cracked dikes, flows, etc.). This advance is made possible by solving a constraint system linking the different estimated water levels. This method was applied to the November 1994 flood involving the Hérault River (France), using aerial photographs taken 10 h after the flood peak. Results indicate an accurate estimation of water levels, and illustrate the lateral dynamic behaviour of the flood (1 m of difference in levels between centre and edges of plain), and the impact of dikes on water levels. These results were obtained without using either general hydraulic equations or local head loss coefficients. The great quantity of fuzzy information made up for its poor quality. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of roughness distribution on evaporation processes over non‐homogeneous sand surfaces: a wind tunnel investigation
Authors: Sugita Fumi , Kishii Tokuo
Published: October 2002

A series of wind tunnel experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of surface roughness distribution on evaporation processes. In particular, the relationship between non‐homogeneous roughness distribution parameters and effective roughness parameters, which are often required to estimate the evaporation rate over a heterogeneous area, were examined closely. A number of sand ridges having various distributions were placed perpendicular to the main wind direction on a 3 m long lysimeter (1 m in width and 0·6 m in depth) filled with fine sand. The groundwater table in the lysimeter was maintained at a constant level ranging from 0·1 to 0·55 m below the surface. The lysimeter was fitted to the wind tunnel, in which incoming airflow was controlled to have a constant velocity, temperature, and humidity. An internal boundary layer was formed on the sand surface and the mean profiles of wind velocity, humidity, and temperature were observed within this layer. In total, 99 profiles over 33 different surfaces were obtained. The roughness parameters for each surface were evaluated by fitting the mean profile equations to the observed profiles. The following effects of roughness distribution on evaporation and the effective roughness parameters were found. (1) An increase in standard deviation of the roughness distribution, which is the variation in obstacle intervals, caused an increase in the evaporation rate when the average roughness spacing was constant and relatively large. (2) The interrelationships among effective roughness zm, zv, and zh can be described by the same function that describes that of homogeneous surfaces. (3) Evaporation from rough surfaces was more sensitive to the depth of groundwater than that from the smooth surface within our experimental conditions, because the rough surfaces allow soil water over a broader range of depth to reach the surface. The first two results suggest that the effective roughness parameters are a function of the average and perturbation of roughness distribution on the surface and that the effective zv and zh values can be estimated from effective zm value. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity of land surface processes to frozen soil permeability and surface water storage
Authors: Takata Kumiko
Published: October 2002

The sensitivity of land surface processes to frozen soil permeability and surface water storage is examined, using a one‐dimensional land surface model that can be implemented in a climate model. The atmospheric conditions are specified at three stations in frozen ground regions of Russia. Soil moisture has its maximum in spring and minimum in summer, which corresponds with the observations. By taking the frozen soil permeability into consideration, both the wet zone above the thaw front in spring and the water uptake towards the freezing front in winter can be reproduced by the model. The surface depression storage increases the soil moisture in spring by holding snowmelt water and in summer after rainfall, which induces changes in the annual heat and water budget. The annual evaporation is reduced by the frozen soil permeability and it is enhanced by the surface storage. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvement of TOPLATS‐based discharge predictions through assimilation of ERS‐based remotely sensed soil moisture values
Authors: Pauwels Valentijn R. N. , Hoeben Rudi , Verhoest Niko E. C. , De Troch François P. , Troch Peter A.
Published: October 2002

In this paper, we investigate the possibility to improve discharge predictions from a lumped hydrological model through assimilation of remotely sensed soil moisture values. Therefore, an algorithm to estimate surface soil moisture values through active microwave remote sensing is developed, bypassing the need to collectin situground parameters. The algorithm to estimate soil moisture by use of radar data combines a physically based and an empirical back‐scatter model. This method estimates effective soil roughness parameters, and good estimates of surface soil moisture are provided for bare soils. These remotely sensed soil moisture values over bare soils are then assimilated into a hydrological model using the statistical correction method. The results suggest that it is possible to determine soil moisture values over bare soils from remote sensing observations without the need to collect ground truth data, and that there is potential to improve model‐based discharge predictions through assimilation of these remotely sensed soil moisture values. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of preferential flow and groundwater discharge to Shingobee Lake, Minnesota, USA
Authors: Kishel Hans F. , Gerla Philip J.
Published: October 2002

Small‐scale heterogeneities and large changes in hydraulic gradient over short distances can create preferential groundwater flow paths that discharge to lakes. A 170 m2 grid within an area of springs and seeps along the shore of Shingobee Lake, Minnesota, was intensively instrumented to characterize groundwater‐lake interaction within underlying organic‐rich soil and sandy glacial sediments. Seepage meters in the lake and piezometer nests, installed at depths of 0·5 and 1·0 m below the ground surface and lakebed, were used to estimate groundwater flow. Statistical analysis of hydraulic conductivity estimated from slug tests indicated a range from 21 to 4·8 × 10−3 m day−1 and small spatial correlation. Although hydraulic gradients are overall upward and toward the lake, surface water that flows onto an area about 2 m onshore results in downward flow and localized recharge. Most flow occurred within 3 m of the shore through more permeable pathways. Seepage meter and Darcy law estimates of groundwater discharge agreed well within error limits. In the small area examined, discharge decreases irregularly with distance into the lake, indicating that sediment heterogeneity plays an important role in the distribution of groundwater discharge. Temperature gradients showed some relationship to discharge, but neither temperature profiles nor specific electrical conductance could provide a more convenient method to map groundwater–lake interaction. These results suggest that site‐specific data may be needed to evaluate local water budget and to protect the water quality and quantity of discharge‐dominated lakes. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simplified modelling of areal average infiltration at the hillslope scale
Authors: Corradini Corrado , Govindaraju Rao S. , Morbidelli Renato
Published: October 2002

Two models for estimating expected areal‐average infiltration rate, Ī, at the hillslope scale are presented. The first relies upon the condition of a negligible infiltration of surface water running downslope (run‐on process) into a previous heterogeneous soil. It is an adapted version of an earlier semi‐analytical model. The second incorporates the run‐on process and is based on a lumped approach that uses an effective saturated hydraulic conductivity. This latter was parameterized in terms of the main characteristics of rainfall and soil. Both the models were tested by comparison with the results carried out by Monte‐Carlo simulations over different soil types. It was found that the first model simulated Ī with maximum errors in magnitude typically less than 10%. The second model provided similar errors in the total volume of overland flow, and the rising limb of the hydrograph experienced a distortion. Lastly, satisfactory results were obtained by comparing the model without run‐on with an empirical approach particularly accurate for fine‐textured soils. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential gene expression in breast cancer cell lines and stroma–tumor differences in microdissected breast cancer biopsies revealed by display array analysis
Authors: Mellick Albert S. , Day Chris J. , Weinstein Stephen R. , Griffiths Lyn R. , Morrison Nigel A.
Published: October 2002

To examine gene‐expression patterning in late‐stage breast cancer biopsies, we used a microdissection technique to separate tumor from the surrounding breast tissue or stroma. A DD‐PCR protocol was then used to amplify expressed products, which were resolved using PAGE and used as probe to hybridize with representative human arrays and cDNA libraries. The probe derived from the tumor–stroma comparison was hybridized with a gene array and an arrayed cDNA library derived from a GCT of bone; 21 known genes or expressed sequence tags were detected, of which 17 showed differential expression. These included factors associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (vimentin), the cargo selection protein (TIP47) and the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3). Northern blot analysis was used to confirm those genes also expressed by representative breast cancer cell lines. Notably, 6 genes of unknown function were restricted to tumor while the majority of stroma‐associated genes were known. When applied to transformed breast cancer cell lines (MDA‐MB‐435 and T47D) that are known to have different metastatic potential, DD array analysis revealed a further 20 genes; 17 of these genes showed differential expression. Use of microdissection and the DD‐PCR array protocol allowed us to identify factors whose localized expression within the breast may play a role in abnormal breast development or breast carcinogenesis. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of PTEN expression on the outcome of hepatitis C virus‐positive cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma patients: Possible relationship with COX II and inducible nitric oxide synthase
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Atiqur , Kyriazanos Ioannis D. , Ono Takashi , Yamanoi Akira , Kohno Hitoshi , Tsuchiya Mikako , Nagasue Naofumi
Published: October 2002

PTEN, a novel tumor suppressor, functions as a regulator of both cell cycle progression and apoptosis. PTEN gene is frequently mutated or deleted in several malignancies including human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The clinical significance and prognostic value of PTEN expression in HCC or in the surrounding non‐cancerous parenchyma remain obscure. Using immunohistochemistry, we analyzed the PTEN protein expression in 46 tissue sections collected from surgically resected hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐positive cirrhotic HCC patients. Although the surrounding normal liver tissue was strongly expressing PTEN in 42 cases (91.3%), the immunostaining intensity was low in 29 (63.1%) and high in 17 (36.9%) of the HCCs. Additionally a significant positive correlation was identified between low PTEN expression in the HCC and increased expression of iNOS and COX II in the surrounding liver. The overall survival was significantly longer for the HCC‐patients with high PTEN expression than patients with low PTEN expression. Univariate analysis revealed PTEN expression as an independent prognostic factor for patients survival. By Western blot analysis we also found that the Akt/PKB signaling, which is negatively regulated by PTEN, was upregulated in the HCCs in comparison to its expression in the surrounding liver tissue. These results demonstrate that downregulation of PTEN in the tumor is an important step in HCV‐positive cirrhotic hepatocarcinogenesis and might result in concomitant upregulation of iNOS and COX II in the surrounding liver in favor of tumor promotion. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Peripheral lymph node stromal cells can promote growth and tumorigenicity of breast carcinoma cells through the release of IGF‐I and EGF
Authors: LeBedis Christina , Chen Keguan , Fallavollita Lucia , Boutros Tarek , Brodt Pnina
Published: October 2002

The regional lymph nodes draining primary breast carcinomas are generally the first site to be invaded by disseminating tumor cells. The extent of lymph node involvement remains the most reliable indicator for staging and prognosis of breast cancer. We have investigated host–tumor interactions between breast carcinoma cells and the lymph node stroma, which may control the outcome of lymph node infiltration. In a previous study, we identified integrin‐mediated cell adhesion as a correlate of the metastatic potential of human and rat carcinoma cells. Our present objective was to determine whether lymphatic stromal cells can affect cancer cell growth through the elaboration of growth‐modulating factors. Two lymphatic stromal cell lines, ST‐A4 and ST‐B12, were established from normal rat lymph node stromal cell cultures. SFM conditioned by these cells increased the proliferation of human (Hs578T and MCF‐7) and rat (TMT‐081) breast carcinoma cells by up to 7‐fold and augmented their ability to form colonies in semisolid agar by up to 41‐fold. This effect was specific as normal, diploid human breast epithelial cells (Hs578Bst), a nontumorigenic, immortalized human breast epithelial cell line (MCF‐10A) and a nonmetastatic rat mammary carcinoma cell line (MT‐W9B) had either no or reduced responses. RT‐PCR analysis revealed that both lymph node stromal cell lines expressed mRNA transcripts for multiple growth factors, including IGF‐I, EGF, HGF and PDGF‐α, and produced detectable levels of IGF‐I, EGF and PDGF‐α, as assessed by Western blotting. Antibody‐mediated depletion assays identified IGF‐I and EGF as the major mitogenic factors in the CM. The identification of these cells raises the possibility that the lymph node microenvironment may contribute actively to the process of cancer cell dissemination. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is the daunting challenge of irrigation achievable?
Authors: Plusquellec Herve
Published: October 2002

The projections of food and water demand for 2025, which conclude that irrigated areas should increase by 15 to 22%, assume that the productivity of present irrigation should also increase at unprecedented rates. This paper discusses some of the reasons why the contribution of irrigated agriculture to food and fiber production has continued to increase despite the lower level of investments for developing new irrigable areas and the focus on rehabilitation of existing schemes. The shortages of food production projected for the 1990s have been averted because of the explosive exploitation of groundwater and the many‐fold increase in water‐saving application techniques over the last three decades. However, overexploitation of aquifers and an associated decline in water quality have been occurring in many parts of the developing and developed world, particularly in the semiarid regions. This paper suggests that no further complacency in addressing the long due issue of the poor management practices of the large irrigation systems is acceptable. The failures to understand the links between the technical improvements of the large surface irrigation schemes and required reforms may exacerbate the problem of water scarcity and threaten food security in the future. Development of reliable irrigation in surface systems is crucial to realizing the challenge of irrigation. The magnitude of investments and capacity building in human resources to achieve this goal is likely underestimated. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interaction of fibrinogen with surfaces of end‐group‐modified polyurethanes: A surface‐specific sum‐frequency‐generation vibrational spectroscopy study
Authors: Chen Zhan , Ward Robert , Tian Yuan , Malizia Fedrica , Gracias David H. , Shen Y. R. , Somorjai Gabor A.
Published: October 2002

Fibrinogen adsorption on polyurethanes with different surface‐modifying end groups (SMEs) has been studied with sum‐frequency‐generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG). The results show very different protein adsorption properties for different SMEs on the same backbone polymer. Fibrinogen binds weakly on the hydrophilic backbone of a poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS)‐modified polyurethane surface but leaves the hydrophobic PDMS part untouched. On sulfonate end‐group‐modified (SO) polyurethane surfaces, fibrinogen adsorbs well. However, on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)‐modified surfaces, it adsorbs poorly. The protein‐resistant character of PEO is probably due to steric repulsion. This work demonstrates the utility of SFG in the study of protein adsorption on polymeric biomaterials at the molecular level and the ability of SMEs to mediate protein adsorption. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 62: 254–264, 2002
Activation of caspase 3 during shear stress‐induced neutrophil apoptosis on biomaterials
Authors: Shive Matthew S. , Brodbeck William G. , Anderson James M.
Published: October 2002

Within the complex environment of an implanted cardiovascular device comprised of dynamic flow and foreign materials, phagocytic neutrophils may be ineffective in combating infection due to cellular responses to shear stress. This may be explained, in part, by our recent reports of apoptosis of biomaterial‐adherent leukocytes induced through exposure to shear stress. Here we utilize a rotating disk system to generate physiologically relevant shear stress levels (0–18 dynes/cm2) at the surface of a polyetherurethane urea (PEUU) and investigate neutrophil intracellular pathways involved in shear‐induced apoptosis. In situ detection of activated caspases, the enzymatic mediators of the apoptosis cascade, showed qualitatively that these proteases participate in shear‐induced apoptosis and are activated in a shear‐dependent manner. The involvement of caspase 3 was confirmed through immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting of extracted neutrophil proteins. Comparative studies with neutrophils adherent under static conditions demonstrated time‐dependent activation of caspases in TNF‐α/cycloheximide‐induced apoptosis, for which caspase‐3 also was implicated. These findings are the first steps toward elucidation of the mechanisms behind the inappropriate induction of apoptosis by adhesion to biomaterials, which may contribute to the development and persistence of device‐related infections. ©2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 62: 163–168, 2002
Thermal property and processability of elastomeric polymer alloy composed of segmented polyurethane and phospholipid polymer
Authors: Ogawa Ryo , Iwasaki Yasuhiko , Ishihara Kazuhiko
Published: October 2002

To develop a thermoplastic elastomer with high blood compatibility, a 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer was blended with the segmented polyurethane (SPU) for preparing the polymer alloy. A tensile strength measurement was carried out to evaluate its mechanical strength. The mechanical strength of the SPU/MPC polymer alloy is the same as that of the original SPU and sufficient for use in medical applications. The thermal properties of the polymer alloy were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The DSC curves indicated that the MPC polymer blended into the SPU did not affect the hard segment domain of the SPU. The SPU/MPC polymer alloy can be processed by heat treatment at 150°C. Even after heat treatment, the SPU/MPC polymer alloy showed good mechanical properties, and MPC units were observed on the surface. Protein adsorption from human plasma was observed to evaluate the blood compatibility of the polymer alloy. The SPU/MPC polymer alloy suppressed protein adsorption on the surface before and after the heat treatment. Based on these results, it is concluded that the SPU/MPC polymer alloy has an excellent potential for application in various medical devices. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 62: 214–221, 2002
Synchronised therapy and high‐dose cyclophosphamide in proliferative lupus nephritis
Authors: Danieli Maria Giovanna , Palmieri Carla , Salvi Aldo , Refe Maria Cristina , Strusi Anna Stella , Danieli Giovanni
Published: October 2002

The aim of this open study was to compare the outcomes and side effects of plasmapheresis (PP) in patients with proliferative lupus nephritis treated with cyclophosphamide (Cyc) boluses. The study involved 28 consecutive patients. All of the patients met the ACR modified criteria for SLE and underwent a qualifying renal biopsy. In group I, patients were treated with synchronised therapy (PP, 50 ml/kg, followed by pulse Cyc, 750 mg/m2, repeated monthly for 6 months), whereas in group II, they were given only intermittent Cyc boluses (at the same dosage). The data were collected in the patients' records according to a standardised protocol. Patients were followed‐up for a mean of 4 years. The disease‐free survival was analysed using Kaplan‐Meier estimated survival curves ([S(t)]). At the end of the 6‐month treatment period, a statistically significant number of patients in group I (75%) was in complete remission in comparison to group II (31%) (P< 0.02), whereas at long‐term follow‐up, these percentages were similar (41% vs. 50%,P= n.s.). The main functional and immunological parameters showed a normalisation in both groups. The risk of a poor renal outcome significantly correlated with high serum creatinine levels at the onset of nephritis (P< 0.05). We documented a higher rate of infectious complications in group I. This study reports that synchronised therapy is useful in inducing a faster remission in patients with proliferative lupus nephritis. However, it is not superior to conventional therapy at long term follow‐up analysis. Positive results should be reinforced by a long‐term maintenance therapy. J. Clin. Apheresis 17:72–77, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development‐dependent disappearance of caspase‐3 in skeletal muscle is post‐transcriptionally regulated
Authors: Ruest Louis‐Bruno , Khalyfa Abdelnaby , Wang Eugenia
Published: October 2002

Caspase‐3, a major player in apoptosis, engages apoptosis‐activated cells into an irreversible pathway leading to cell death. In this article, we report that caspase‐3 protein is absent from rat and mouse adult skeletal muscles, despite the abundant presence of its mRNA. During skeletal muscle development, caspase‐3 protein is present in neonatal animals, but its expression gradually decreases, and disappears completely by 1 month of age, when there is still abundant caspase‐3 mRNA. This discordance between caspase‐3 message and protein expression is unique to skeletal muscle, as in all other analyzed tissues the protein presence correlates with the presence of the mRNA. The only circumstance in which caspase‐3 protein appears in adults is in regenerating muscles; once regeneration is complete, however, it again becomes undetectable in repaired muscles. We conclude that caspase‐3 protein in skeletal muscle is uniquely regulated at the post‐transcriptional level, unseen in other tissues such as brain, heart, lung, kidney, thymus, spleen, liver, or testis. The post‐transcriptional regulation of caspase‐3 might serve as a fail‐safe mechanism to avoid accidental cell death. J. Cell. Biochem. 86: 21–28, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence implicating a mid‐region sequence of IGFBP‐3 in its specific IGF‐independent actions
Authors: Hollowood A.D. , Stewart C.E.H. , Perks C.M. , Pell J.M. , Lai T. , Alderson D. , Holly J.M.P.
Published: October 2002

Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3) is one of six high affinity‐binding proteins that share a common function in regulating the bioavailability of the insulin‐like growth factors. The six binding proteins have highly conserved C‐ and N‐terminals that are essential to this function. Additionally, they all have specific functions on cellular homeostasis independent to the regulation of the insulin‐like growth factors. It has previously been shown that insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐3 can accentuate UV‐induced apoptosis in a human carcinoma cell line. Using the KYSE 190 oesophageal carcinoma cell line we have demonstrated that a 15 amino acid (aa) peptide that lies within the mid‐region of the protein can mimic the effect of the intact protein. This region contains the serine residues Ser111 and Ser113. Using two protocols, we modified these serine residues and have shown that both phosphorylation and derivatization of IGFBP‐3 can negate the accentuation of UV‐induced cell death. These three independent pieces of evidence support the hypothesis that the variable mid‐region is responsible for the specific pro‐apoptotic functions of IGFBP‐3, and suggest that phosphorylation may provide a mechanism for regulation of this action. J. Cell. Biochem. 86: 583–589, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of exogenous stress on the tissue‐cultured mouse lens epithelial cells
Authors: Bagchi Mihir , Katar Malkhan , Maisel H.
Published: October 2002

The effects of heat, oxidative and osmotic stress on heat shock proteins (HSP‐70(I), HSC‐70, and HSP‐40 of tissue cultured mouse lens epithelial cells (αTN‐4) were investigated. The effect of stress on the heat shock transcription factor (HSF‐1), and a nuclear matrix protein (NM‐60) of αTN‐4 cells was also examined. Cells were exposed to heat (45°C), oxidative stress (50 mM H202) and osmotic (600 mM medium) shock for 30 min, and then allowed to recover for 18 h in physiological medium. Control cells were maintained at 37°C in an isosmolar medium. Cellular proteins were isolated and fractionated by SDS–PAGE. Western blot was used to determine the levels of HSP and nuclear proteins. Heat stressed cells were also examined, by immunofluorescence, for the specific localization of NM‐60 and HSF‐1. The results revealed that both NM‐60 and HSF‐I were present in specific locations in normal and heat‐stressed cell nuclei. Nuclei isolated immediately after stress showed localization of fluorescence near the nuclear membrane. When heat stressed cells were allowed to recuperate at 37°C, most of the fluorescence were relocated in discrete areas of the nucleus. These experiments showed that αTN‐4 cells responded to stress by overexpression of HSP‐70(I) and HSP‐40. This increase was not present immediately after the end of the stress period, but clearly evident at 18 h of recovery in physiological medium. Immunofluorescent data suggest that heat stress induced the localization of NM‐60 and HSF‐1 near the nuclear membrane. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ab initioprediction of helical segments in polypeptides
Authors: Klepeis J. L. , Floudas C. A.
Published: October 2002

Anab initiomethod has been developed to predict helix formation for polypeptides. The approach relies on the systematic analysis of overlapping oligopeptides to determine the helical propensity for individual residues. Detailed atomistic level modeling, including entropic contributions, and solvation/ionization energies calculated through the solution of the Poisson–Boltzmann equation, is utilized. The calculation of probabilities for helix formation is based on the generation of ensembles of low energy conformers. The approach, which is easily amenable to parallelization, is shown to perform very well for several benchmark polypeptide systems, including the bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, the immunoglobulin binding domain of protein G, the chymotrypsin inhibitor 2, the R69 N‐terminal domain of phage 434 repressor, and the wheat germ agglutinin. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 23: 245–266, 2002
Conformational analysis: A new approach by means of chemometrics
Authors: Bruni Aline Thaís , Leite Vitor B. P. , Ferreira Márcia M. C.
Published: October 2002

In conformational analysis, the systematic search method completely maps the space but suffers from the combinatorial explosion problem because the number of conformations increases exponentially with the number of free rotation angles. This study introduces a new methodology of conformational analysis that controls the combinatorial explosion. It is based on a dimensional reduction of the system through the use of principal component analysis. The results are exactly the same as those obtained for the complete search but, in this case, the number of conformations increases only quadratically with the number of free rotation angles. The method is applied to a series of three drugs: omeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole—benzimidazoles that suppress gastric‐acid secretion by means of H+, K+‐ATPase enzyme inhibition. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 23: 222–236, 2002
Determination of the effective dielectric constant from the accurate solution of the Poisson equation
Authors: Vasilyev Vladislav
Published: October 2002

Constant dielectric (CD) and distance‐dependent dielectric (DDD) functions are the most popular and widespread in the Molecular Mechanics simulations of large molecular systems. In this article, we present a simple procedure to derive an effective dielectric constant, εout,eff, for these two methods based on numerical solutions of the Poisson equation. It was found that because of the very approximate nature of the CD and DDD models there is no universal εout,eff, which will work equally well for all molecular systems. For example, different MD trajectories of the same molecule can produce different optimal εout,effs. The DDD function was found to yield better agreement with the numerical solutions of the Poisson equation than a CD model does. The reason is that a DDD function gives a better description of the electrostatic interactions at short distances between the atoms. Another interesting finding of this study is that under certain conditions εout,eff can take negative values for a system of two atoms at a limited distance range. However, in principle, there is nothing to prevent the εout,eff from taking negative values for specific conformations of some molecules. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 23: 1254–1265, 2002
Viabilty of atomistic potentials for thermodynamic properties of carbon dioxide at low temperatures
Authors: Kuznetsova Tatyana , Kvamme Bjørn
Published: October 2002

Investigation into volumetric and energetic properties of several atomistic models mimicking carbon dioxide geometry and quadrupole momentum covered the liquid–vapor coexistence curve. Thermodynamic integration over a polynomial and an exponential‐polynomial path was used to calculate free energy. Computational results showed that model using GROMOS Lennard–Jones parameters was unsuitable for bulk CO2 simulations. On the other hand, model with potential fitted to reproduce only correct density–pressure relationship in the supercritical region proved to yield correct enthalpy of vaporization and free energy of liquid CO2 in the low‐temperature region. Except for molar volume at the upper part of the vapor–liquid equilibrium line, the bulk properties of exp‐6‐1 parametrization of ab initio CO2 potential were in a close agreement with the experimental results. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 1772–1781, 2001
Using action research to facilitate change in child protection services
Authors: Seymour F.W. , Davies E.
Published: October 2002

We have been involved over several years in the planning and development of services for child abuse investigation and therapy, including the development of multiagency (“child advocacy”) centers and education for Court programs. Our roles have been in research, program evaluation, group facilitation, advocacy, and planning. The approach taken was that of “action research.” This approach allows for the collaboration of researchers, service providers, and clients in the analysis of a social problem and/or related social services. It also allows for the multiple roles demanded of the researcher in facilitation of change. In contrast to action research, the more common approaches of scientific inquiry and program evaluation assume a one‐way influence of science on practice, which may partially account for the low rates of utilization of research knowledge and low participation in research by practitioners. Action research is described, and contrasted with other approaches. Advantages and problems in action research are illustrated by reference to the child protection projects we are currently involved in. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tachykinins and tachykinin receptors in bone
Authors: Goto Tetsuya , Tanaka Teruo
Published: October 2002

Tachykinins are neuropeptides that are widely distributed in the body and function as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. Five tachykinin subtypes: substance P (SP), neurokinin A, neurokinin B, neuropeptide K, and neuropeptide γ; and three receptor subtypes: neurokinin‐1, ‐2, and ‐3 receptors, have been identified. SP was the first peptide of the tachykinin family to be identified. It is considered to be an important neuropeptide, and to function in the nervous system and intestine. However, recent advances in the analysis of SP receptors, particularly neurokinin‐1 receptors (NK1‐Rs) that have high affinity for SP, have demonstrated that NK1‐Rs are distributed not only in neurons and immune cells, but also in other peripheral cells, including bone cells. This article reviews the current understanding of the distribution of SP and other tachykinins in bone, and the function of tachykinins, through neurokinin receptors. The distribution of tachykinin‐immunoreactive axons and neurokinin receptors suggests that tachykinins may directly modulate bone metabolism through neurokinin receptors. Microsc. Res. Tech. 58:91–97, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of nerve growth factor in the olfactory system
Authors: Miwa Takaki , Moriizumi Tetsuji , Horikawa Isao , Uramoto Naoki , Ishimaru Tadashi , Nishimura Toshiro , Furukawa Mitsuru
Published: October 2002

Olfactory neurons are unique in the mammalian nervous system because of their capacity to regenerate in adult animals. It has been shown that olfactory receptor cells located in the olfactory epithelium are replaced on a continuous basis and in response to injury throughout the life span of most species. NGF, which is one of the neurotrophic factors, is present in many areas of the central and peripheral nervous system. It has been shown that NGF in the olfactory bulb plays a role in the survival of cholinergic neurons in the horizontal limb of the diagonal band (HDB). Recent studies of NGF in the olfactory bulb suggest that it is involved in the development, maintenance, and regeneration of olfactory receptor cells. In this study, we review reports examining the relationship between NGF in the olfactory bulb and neuronal regeneration and development in the mammalian olfactory systems. Low‐ and high‐affinity NGF receptor immunoreactivity is markedly expressed during regeneration and at different stages of development in the mouse olfactory system. This level of immunoreactivity is no longer present after completion of regeneration and at maturation. Other findings indicate that NGF injected into the olfactory bulb is transported retrogradely to the olfactory epithelium. It has also been shown that continuous anti‐NGF antibody injection into the olfactory bulb causes degeneration and olfactory dysfunction. Administration of NGF directory into nasal cavity results in an increase in the expression of olfactory marker protein within the olfactory epithelium in axotomized rats. These findings suggested that the presence of NGF in the olfactory bulb plays an essential role in regeneration, maintenance, and development in the olfactory system of mammals. Microsc. Res. Tech. 58:197–203, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A facile preparation of (2,4,6‐14C)‐cyanuric acid under solvent‐free conditions
Authors: Patil S. P. , Padmanabhan D.
Published: October 2002

(2,4,6‐14C)‐Cyanuric acid was prepared from 14C‐urea by the heterocyclization of the latter in the presence of ammonium chloride. This procedure involves solvent‐free fusing of the reactants in a vacuum sealed glass tube. The product was purified by ion‐exchange column chromatography using Sephadex SE C‐25. A radiochemical yield of 60.5% was obtained based on 14C‐urea and the product had a specific activity of 19.06 mCi/mmol. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.