bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new interactive chemistry‐climate model: 2. Sensitivity of the middle atmosphere to ozone depletion and increase in greenhouse gases and implications for recent stratospheric cooling
Authors: Manzini E. , Steil B. , Brühl C. , Giorgetta M. A. , Krüger K.
Published: July 2003

The sensitivity of the middle atmosphere circulation to ozone depletion and increase in greenhouse gases is assessed by performing multiyear simulations with a chemistry‐climate model. Three simulations with fixed boundary conditions have been carried out: one simulation for the near‐past (1960) and two simulations for the near‐present (1990 and 2000) conditions, including changes in greenhouse gases, in total organic chlorine, and in average sea surface temperatures. Changes in ozone are simulated interactively by the coupled model. It is found that in the stratosphere, ozone decreases, and that in the Antarctic, the ozone hole develops in both the 1990 and the 2000 simulations but not in the 1960 simulation, as observed. The simulated temperature decreases in the stratosphere and mesosphere from the near past to the present, with the largest changes at the stratopause and at the South Pole in the lower stratosphere, in agreement with current knowledge of temperature trends. In the Arctic lower stratosphere, a cooling in March with respect to the 1960 simulation is found only for the 2000 simulation. Wave activity emerging from the troposphere is found to be comparable in the winters of the 1960 and 2000 simulations, suggesting that ozone depletion and greenhouse gases increase contribute to the 2000–1960 March cooling in the Arctic lower stratosphere. These results therefore provide support to the interpretation that the extreme low temperatures observed in March in the last decade can arise from radiative and chemical processes, although other factors cannot be ruled out. The comparison of the 1960 and 2000 simulations shows an increase in downwelling in the mesosphere at the time of cooling in the lower stratosphere (in March in the Arctic; in October in the Antarctic). The mesospheric increase in downwelling can be explained as the response of the gravity waves to the stronger winds associated with the cooling in the lower stratosphere. Planetary waves appear to contribute to the downward shift of the increased downwelling, with a delay of about a month. The increase in dynamical heating associated with the increased downwelling may limit the cooling and the strengthening of the lower stratospheric polar vortex from above, facilitating ozone recovery and providing a negative dynamical feedback. In both the Arctic and Antarctic the cooling from ozone depletion is found to affect the area covered with polar stratospheric clouds in spring, which is substantially increased from the 1960 to the 2000 simulations. In turn, increased amounts of polar stratospheric clouds can facilitate further ozone depletion in the 2000 simulation.
Utilization of the THEMIS visible and infrared imaging data for crater population studies of the Meridiani Planum landing site
Authors: Lane Melissa D. , Christensen Philip R. , Hartmann William K.
Published: July 2003

The Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) acquires both visible and thermal infrared images of the Martian surface. This study shows that the daytime infrared images, as well as the visible images, may be utilized successfully for crater population studies. The THEMIS data bridge the resolution gap between higher‐resolution Mars Orbiter Camera narrow‐angle images and lower‐resolution Viking Orbiter images and THEMIS will provide unprecedented global coverage at 100‐m resolution by the end of the nominal Mars Odyssey mission. The crater‐population data in this work show evidence for the flattening of the mid‐sized (∼63 m < D < 1km) crater density curve due to erosion and/or deposition and the upturn of the smaller‐diameter (<∼90 m‐diameter) crater curve signaling the hiatus of major crater obliteration in Meridiani Planum about 1–10 Ma.
The first coordinated ground‐ and space‐based optical observations of equatorial plasma bubbles
Authors: Kelley Michael C. , Makela Jonathan J. , Paxton Larry J. , Kamalabadi Farzad , Comberiate Joseph M. , Kil Hyosub
Published: July 2003

We report on ionospheric optical emissions detected by the GUVI instrument on the TIMED satellite. As the satellite crosses the equatorial zone the bright Appleton Anomaly region is imaged. Often these bright zones are interrupted by regions slanted from west to east as the equator is approached forming a backwards ‘C’‐shape in the image. To explain this feature we use simultaneous ground‐based observations looking equatorward from Hawaii using the 777.4‐nm emission. We also compare these optical observations to inverted electron density maps, as well as to those made by radar and to numerical simulations of the Rayleigh‐Taylor instability. The characteristic shape is a result of a shear in the eastward plasma flow velocity, which peaks near the F peak at the equator and decreases both above and below that height. The ability to detect these unstable and usually turbulent ionospheric regions from orbit provides a powerful global remote sensing capability for an important space weather process.
Evolution of the multiscale statistical properties of corotating streams from 1 to 95 AU
Authors: Burlaga L. F. , Wang C. , Richardson J. D. , Ness N. F.
Published: July 2003

This paper discusses the multiscale structure of the large‐scale speed fluctuations between 1 and 95 AU during the declining phase of the solar cycle, when corotating streams are dominant structures close to the Sun. A deterministic, multifluid, one‐dimensional MHD model with the WIND data at 1 AU during 1995 as input was used to compute the time series of daily averages of speed, V(ti), with a length on the order of 1 year at R = 5, 10, … 95 AU, from which we calculated various statistical functions describing the solar wind speed. The probability distribution functions (PDFs) of the running speed differences dVn(ti) were calculated at scales τ from 1 to 64 days. The theoretical PDFs at 50 AU have the same qualitative forms as those observed by Voyager 2 (V2) between 46 and 49 AU. The theoretical PDF at a scale of 1 day at 15 AU agrees with the corresponding PDF observed by V2 between 13 and 16 AU. With increasing distance from the Sun, the width of the predicted PDF with τ = 1 decreases and the tail becomes more prominent. The standard deviation of dVn(ti) at various R computed from the model, SD(τ, R), decreases nearly exponentially with increasing R, and it is consistent with the observations of SD(τ, R) made by V2 near 15 and 50 AU. The skewness at a scale of 1 day increases almost linearly with R beyond ≈35 AU, but it shows structure between 5 and 35 AU; it is consistent with the observations of V2 near 15 and 50 AU. The theoretical power spectral density of the speed fluctuations, PSD(f, R), agrees with the observations of V2 near 15 and 50 AU. For frequencies f > 8.5 × 10−7 Hz, PSD(f, R) ∝ f−s(R). The observed and predicted s are ≤−2 beyond 40 AU, consistent with the jump‐ramp structure of V(t) in the distant heliosphere. We predict that the PDF for τ = 1 which will be observed by V2 at 70 AU in 2003 will have a core whose width is only ≈5 km/s and a tail extending up to 60 km/s that represents the major jumps in the speed profile. The predicted PDF at 95 AU is very similar to that at 70 AU. The model predicts that most speed jumps at 15 and 70 AU will have the signature of forward shocks and reverse shocks. The amplitudes of the large and moderate speed jumps diminish as they move from 45 to 95 AU. Some speed jumps move through this region without interacting with other speed jumps. In a few cases, neighboring speed jumps merge between 45 and 95 AU. The structure of the solar wind changes slowly as it moves from 45 to 95 AU.
Development of scatterometer‐derived surface pressures for the Southern Ocean
Authors: Hilburn Kyle A. , Bourassa Mark A. , O'Brien James J.
Published: July 2003

High‐resolution, research‐quality surface pressures are objectively calculated over the Southern Ocean using winds derived from the SeaWinds scatterometer on the QuikSCAT satellite. The pressure fields are validated in comparison to in situ observations. Overall, the scatterometer‐derived surface pressures are a small improvement over the National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) reanalysis, which is used as the objective technique's background field. This improvement is understated primarily because the comparison data undersample storms. Instances are found where the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis misses storms entirely and the scatterometer‐derived pressures are a large improvement (as much as 20 hPa).
HLA DR‐DQ‐encoded genetic determinants of childhood‐onset type 1 diabetes in Finland: An analysis of 622 nuclear families
Authors: Hermann R. , Turpeinen H. , Laine A.P. , Veijola R. , Knip M. , Simell O. , Sipilä I. , Åkerblom H.K. , Ilonen J.
Published: July 2003

Abstract:  The diabetes predisposing effect of HLA genes is defined by a complex interaction of various haplotypes. We analyzed the disease association of HLA DRB1‐DQA1‐DQB1 genotypes in a large nuclear family cohort (n = 622) collected in Finland. Using the affected family based artificial control approach we aimed at characterizing all detectable disease‐specific HLA haplotype and genotype effects. The DRB1*0401‐DQB1*0302 haplotype was the most prevalent disease susceptibility haplotype in the Finnish population followed by (DR3)‐DQA1*05‐DQB1*02 and DRB1*0404‐DQB1*0302. DRB1*0405‐DQB1*0302 conferred the highest disease risk, although this haplotype was very rare. The DRB1*04‐DQB1*0304 was also associated with increased disease risk, an effect detected for the first time in the Finnish population. The following haplotypes showed significant protection from the disease and are listed in decreasing order of the strength of their effect: (DR7)‐DQA1*0201‐DQB1*0303, (DR14)‐DQB1*0503, (DR15)‐DQB1*0602, DRB1*0403‐DQB1*0302, (DR13)‐DQB1*0603, (DR11/12/13)‐DQA1*05‐DQB1*0301, (DR1)‐DQB1*0501. In addition to the DRB1*0401/0404‐DQB1*0302/(DR3)‐DQA1*05‐DQB1*02 genotype and DRB1*04‐DQB1*0302 homozygous genotypes, heterozygous combinations DRB1*0401‐DQB1*0302/(DR13)‐DQB1*0604, ∼/(DR8)‐DQB1*04, ∼/(DR9)‐DQA1*03‐DQB1*0303, ∼/(DR1)‐DQB1*0501 and ∼/(DR7)‐DQA1*0201‐DQB1*02 were also disease‐associated. As a new finding in this population, the (DR3)‐DQA1*05‐DQB1*02 homozygous and (DR3)‐DQA1*05‐DQB1*02/(DR9)‐DQA1*03‐DQB1*0303 heterozygous genotypes conferred disease susceptibility. Similarly, the DRB1*0401‐DQB1*0302/(DR13)‐DQB1*0603 genotype was disease predisposing, implying that DQB*0603‐mediated protection from diabetes is not always dominant. Comparison of our findings with published data from other populations indicates a significant disease‐specific heterogeneity of the (DR8)‐DQB1*04, (DR7)‐DQA1*0201‐DQB1*02 and (DR3)‐DQA1*05‐DQB1*02 haplotypes.
Novel HLA‐Cw*03 allele, Cw*030303, identified by nucleotide sequencing
Authors: Witter K. , Lau M. , Zahn R. , McNicholas A. , Albert E.D.
Published: July 2003

Abstract:  In this paper we report the identification of a new HLA‐ Cw*03 allele in a sample that has been distributed in the International UCLA Terasaki Cell/DNA Exchange. This novel allele officially designed Cw*03033 and renumbered to Cw*030303 (2) found in cell no. 1054 from an Asian Indian donor differs from Cw*030301 by a silent substitution at codon 128, GGG→GGA (nucleotide position 384). This new allelic variant was confirmed by several other laboratories participating in the UCLA Terasaki Cell/DNA Exchange (3).
Evidence of a limited contribution of feto–maternal interactions to trophoblast differentiation along the invasive pathway
Authors: Goffin F. , Munaut C. , Malassiné A. , Evain‐Brion D. , Frankenne F. , Fridman V. , Dubois M. , Uzan S. , Merviel P. , Foidart J‐M.
Published: July 2003

Abstract:  Trophoblast differentiation is a key event in human placental development. During extravillous trophoblast (EVT) differentiation, stem cells from the anchoring villi detach from their basement membrane and proliferate to form aggregates called trophoblast cell columns (TCCs). They subsequently invade the decidua and differentiate into interstitial and endovascular trophoblasts. The influence of the decidua on EVT differentiation is controversial. We therefore compared the pattern of trophoblast differentiation marker expression in viable intrauterine and tubal pregnancies, as decidual cell markers (prolactin [PRL] and insulin‐like growth factor binding Protein‐1 [IGFBP1]) were only expressed in endometrial implantation sites. Extravillous trophoblast differentiation in anchoring villi from uterine and ectopic pregnancies exhibited a comparable phenotypical switch: α6 integrin subunit, E‐cadherin, EGF receptor, Ki 67 and connexin 40 were localized in the proximal part of the TCC, while α5β1 and α1 integrins, c‐erb B2, hPL and HLA‐G were expressed by invasive cytotrophoblasts. The cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors p16 and p57 were mainly detected in invasive cytotrophoblasts some distance from the columns. However, the TCC was markedly longer in tubal pregnancy than in intrauterine pregnancy. These findings suggest that the decidua is not necessary to trigger EVT invasion, but that it is likely to limit the extent of the TCC and to accelerate the onset of EVT migration.
Cold‐ and light‐induced changes of metabolite and antioxidant levels in two high mountain plant species Soldanella alpina and Ranunculus glacialis and a lowland species Pisum sativum
Authors: Streb Peter , Aubert Serge , Gout Elisabeth , Bligny Richard
Published: July 2003

Leaves of the two cold‐acclimated alpine plant species Ranunculus glacialis and Soldanella alpina and, for comparison, of the non‐acclimated lowland species Pisum sativum were illuminated with high light intensity at low temperature. The light‐ and cold‐induced changes of antioxidants and of the major carbon and phosphate metabolites were analysed to examine which metabolic pathways might be limiting in non‐acclimated pea leaves and whether alpine plants are able to circumvent such limitation. During illumination at low temperature pea leaves accumulated high quantities of sucrose, glucose‐6‐phosphate, fructose‐6‐phosphate, mannose‐6‐phosphate and phosphoglycerate (PGA) whereas ATP/ADP‐ratios decreased. Although the PGA content also increased in leaves of R. glacialis the other metabolites did not accumulate and ATP/ADP‐ratios remained fairly constant in either alpine species. These data indicate a inorganic phosphate (Pi)‐limitation in the chloroplasts of pea leaves but not in the alpine species. However, the total phosphate pool and the percentage of free Pi were highest in pea and did not change during illumination in cold. In contrast, free Pi contents declined markedly in R. glacialis leaves, suggesting that Pi is available for metabolism in this species. In S. alpina leaves contents of ascorbate and glutathione doubled in light and cold, while the contents of sugars did not increase. Obviously, S. alpina leaves can use assimilated carbon for ascorbate synthesis, rather than for the synthesis of sugars. A high capacity for ascorbate synthesis might prevent the accumulation of mannose‐6‐phosphate and Pi‐limitation.
A prepubertal and early adolescent bipolar disorder‐I phenotype: review of phenomenology and longitudinal course
Authors: Craney James L , Geller Barbara
Published: July 2003

Objective: Phenomenology, assessment, longitudinal, and psychosocial findings from an ongoing, controlled, prospective study of 93 subjects with a prepubertal and early adolescent bipolar disorder phenotype (PEA‐BP) will be reviewed.

Methods: Unlike adult‐onset bipolar disorder, for which there were over 50 years of systematic investigations, there were a paucity of rigorous data and much controversy and skepticism about the existence and characteristics of prepubertal‐onset mania. With this background, issues to address for investigation of child‐onset mania included the following: (i) What to do about the differentiation of mania from attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). (ii) How to deal with the ubiquity of irritability as a presenting symptom in multiple child psychiatry disorders. (iii) Development of a research instrument to assess prepubertal manifestations of adult mania (i.e. children do not ‘max out’ credit cards or have four marriages). (iv) How to distinguish normal childhood happiness and expansiveness from pathologically impairing elated mood and grandiosity.

Results: To address these issues, a PEA‐BP phenotype was defined as DSM‐IV mania with elated mood and/or grandiosity as one inclusion criterion. This criterion ensured that the diagnosis of mania was not made using only criteria that overlapped with those for ADHD, and that subjects had at least one of the two cardinal symptoms of mania (i.e. elated mood and grandiose behaviors). Subjects were aged 10.9 years (SD = 2.6) and age of onset of the current episode at baseline was 7.3 years (SD = 3.5). Validation of PEA‐BP was shown by reliable assessment, 6‐month stability, and 1‐ and 2‐year diagnostic longitudinal outcome. PEA‐BP resembled the severest form of adult‐onset mania by presenting with a chronic, mixed mania, psychotic, continuously (ultradian) cycling picture.

Conclusion: Counterintuitively, typical 7‐year‐old children with PEA‐BP were more severely ill than typical 27 year olds with adult‐onset mania. Moreover, longitudinal data strongly supported differentiation of PEA‐BP from ADHD.
Hormone replacement therapy and risk of breast cancer: the role of progestins
Authors: Stahlberg Claudia , Pedersen Anette Tønnes , Lynge Elsebeth , Ottesen Bent
Published: July 2003

Epidemiological studies have shown an increased risk of breast cancer associated with the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This notion is mostly based on studies from the USA. During the last decades unopposed estrogen treatment has been used to a lesser extent, whereas the combined estrogen‐progestin treatment regimen is now prescribed worldwide. In the USA the predominant compounds are conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone‐acetate, whereas oestradiol combined with testosterone‐like progestins is commonly used in Europe. These differences are mainly the result of traditions. Recent studies originating from both the USA and Europe suggest that the combined treatment regimens with estrogen and progestin increase the risk of breast cancer beyond the risk following the use of unopposed estrogen. At present it is not known if progestins with different androgenecity influence the risk of breast cancer to a varying degree.

This review focuses on studies published after the latest meta‐analysis in 1997, with special attention given to the type of progestin used and the treatment mode, i.e. cyclical or continuous regimen.
Gender differences in binge‐eating: a population‐based twin study
Authors: Reichborn‐Kjennerud T. , Bulik C. M. , Kendler K. S. , Røysamb E. , Maes H. , Tambs K. , Harris J. R.
Published: July 2003

Objective: To assess whether genetic and environmental effects on liability to binge‐eating (BE) are of equal importance for males and females and whether the same genetic risk factors predispose to BE in the two sexes.

Method: Questionnaire data on 8045 same sex and opposite sex twins, aged 19–31 years, from a population‐based Norwegian registry, was used to estimate the relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors to liability for BE utilizing structural equation modeling.

Results: In the best‐fitting model, the magnitude of genetic and environmental effects on BE was the same for males and females. Heritability was 51%. The correlation between genetic risk factors in men and women was estimated to be +0.57.

Conclusion: Binge‐eating appears to be equally heritable in males and females. Although the majority of the genetic risk factors are shared between the sexes, there may exist gender‐specific genetic effects on liability.
Serum leptin and cholesterol levels in schizophrenic patients with and without suicide attempts
Authors: Atmaca M. , Kuloglu M. , Tezcan E. , Ustundag B.
Published: July 2003

Objective: Previous studies demonstrate a relationship between lipid metabolism and suicide or impulsive–aggressive behaviours. Leptin seems to be related with lipid metabolism. Therefore, the aim was to measure total serum cholesterol and leptin levels in 16 medication‐free schizophrenic patients with and without suicide attempts and in 16 healthy controls.

Method: Subjects were assessed by using Impulsivity Rating (IRS) and Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS).

Results: The patients had lower total cholesterol and leptin levels in serum compared with the controls. Significantly lower total cholesterol and leptin levels were observed in patients who had attempted suicide compared with those who had not. The levels were observed to be low in violent attempters when compared with non‐violent attempters. MOAS and IRS scores were negatively correlated with both cholesterol or leptin levels in patients.

Conclusion: The results indicated that medication‐free schizophrenic patients have statistically significant lower serum cholesterol and leptin levels compared with controls and the difference is obvious in suicide attempters compared with non‐suicide attempters and in violent attempters than non‐violent attempters.
Some new aspects of the pathology, pathogenesis, and aetiology of disseminated lung lesions in slaughter pigs
Authors: LILJEGREN CAMILLA H. , AALBÆK BENT , NIELSEN OLE L. , JENSEN HENRIK E.
Published: July 2003

From 40 pigs rejected for human consumption at slaughter due to an apparent presence of pyemic lung lesions (defined as disseminated processes containing pus and/or necrotic material), the lungs, spleen, liver, and kidneys were subjected to an extended macroscopic examination. Several lung lesions were sampled from each animal for histological and bacteriological examination. Samples from the kidneys and spleens were also subjected to bacteriological examination. At gross level, four groups of lung lesions were identified: 1) disseminated foci with contents of pus and/or necrotic material (n=26); 2) disseminated or multifocally located ecchymoses with a central area of fibroplasia (n=9); 3) non‐pneumonic lesions, i.e., disseminated areas of atelectasis (n=1) or haemorrhagic areas developing due to the process of slaughter (n=1); and 4) suppurative lesions without a disseminated distribution pattern (n=3). Histologically, the disseminated suppurative/necrotic foci were identified as: A) abscesses (n=10); B) necrotic lesions (n=6); and C) ectatic or ectatic‐like bronchioles with contents of pus and necrotic material (n=10). The macroscopic observation of disseminated centres of fibroplasia with peripheral ecchymoses (n=9) was confirmed histopathologically. The livers of five pigs contained multiple areas of chronic interstitial fibrosis related to migration of Ascaris suum larvae (“milk spotted liver”). Such hepatic lesions were significantly (p<0.01) related to the simultaneous occurrence of disseminated pulmonary ecchymoses with a central area of fibroplasia. Generally, all lung lesions of each individual animal contained identical monocultures of bacteria following this pattern: Staphylococcus aureus (abscesses); Actinomyces hyovaginalis (necroses); S. aureus, A. hyovaginalis, and Arcanobacterium pyogenes (ectatic and ectatic‐like bronchioles). Areas with fibrosis were sterile or contained bacteria considered to be a result of contamination. Apart from one kidney, from which S. aureus was cultured, all other organs were sterile. It is concluded that difficulties exist in differentiating pulmonary pyemic lesions from non‐pyemic lesions at the gross level. Thus, it was not possible to distinguish between abscesses/necroses and ectatic bronchioles, the pathogenesis of the latter being uncertain. However, the chronic non‐pyemic lesions related to the migration of A. suum larvae should be identified by the absence of pus/necrosis. S. aureus was predominantly isolated from abscesses, whereas, and most surprisingly, A. hyovaginalis was the dominant bacterium isolated from the pulmonary necroses.
Overexpression of S100A4 is closely related to the aggressiveness of gastric cancer
Authors: CHO YONG GU , NAM SUK WOO , KIM TAE YON , KIM YOUNG SIL , KIM CHANG JAE , PARK JIK YOUNG , LEE JONG HEUN , KIM HONG SUG , LEE JONG WOO , PARK CHO HYUN , SONG YOUNG HWA , LEE SUG HYUNG , YOO NAM JIN , LEE JUNG YOUNG , PARK WON SANG
Published: July 2003

Elevated levels of the calcium‐binding protein S100A4 cause metastasis of benign rat mammary tumor cells. To investigate whether S100A4 plays an important role in the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancers, we examined the gene mutations in the coding regions and expression patterns of the S100A4 in gastric adenocarcinoma in Korea. Moderate to strong expression of S100A4 was found in 53 (68.8%) of the 77 gastric adenocarcinomas, whilst normal gastric epithelium either failed to stain or showed weak staining. Interestingly, S100A4 expression was more frequently observed in gastric cancer patients with advanced gastric cancer (p=0.039), positive lymph node metastasis (p=0.001), and peritoneal dissemination (p=0.022). No gene mutations were found in the analyzed genomic area in 77 gastric adenocarcinomas and 15 gastric cancer cell lines. We found one single nucleotide polymorphism without an amino acid change, A99G, in two cases. These data suggest that the overexpression of S100A4 may be closely related to the aggressiveness of gastric cancer in Korea.
Colonization of hospital water systems by legionellae, mycobacteria and other heterotrophic bacteria potentially hazardous to risk group patients
Authors: KUSNETSOV JAANA , TORVINEN EILA , PEROLA OUTI , NOUSIAINEN TAPIO , KATILA MARJA‐LEENA
Published: July 2003

Occurrences of legionellae and nontuberculous mycobacteria were followed in water systems of a tertiary care hospital where nosocomial infections due to the two genera had been verified. The aim was to examine whether their occurrence in the circulating hot water can be controlled by addition of a heat‐shock unit in the circulation system, and by intensified cleaning of the tap and shower heads. One hot water system examined had an inbuilt heat‐shock system causing a temporary increase of temperature to 80 °C, the other was an ordinary system (60 °C). The heat‐shock unit decreased legionella colony counts in the circulating hot water (mean 35 cfu/l) compared to the ordinary system (mean 3.6×103 cfu/l). Mycobacteria constantly present in the incoming cold water (mean 260 cfu/l) were never isolated from the circulating hot water. Water sampled at peripheral sites such as taps and showers contained higher concentrations of legionellae, mycobacteria, and mesophilic and Gram‐negative heterotrophs than the circulating waters. The shower water samples contained the highest bacterial loads. The results indicate the need to develop more efficient prevention methods than the ones presently used. Prevention of mycobacteria should also be extended to incoming cold water.
Multiple co‐infections (Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, human herpes virus‐6) in blood of chronic fatigue syndrome patients: association with signs and symptoms
Authors: NICOLSON G. L. , GAN R. , HAIER J.
Published: July 2003

Previously we and others found that a majority of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients showed evidence of systemic mycoplasmal infections, and their blood tested positive using a polymerase chain reaction assay for at least one of the four following Mycoplasma species: M. fermentans, M. hominis, M. pneumoniae or M. penetrans. Consistent with previous results, patients in the current study (n=200) showed a high prevalence (overall 52%) of mycoplasmal infections. Using forensic polymerase chain reaction we also examined whether these same patients showed evidence of infections with Chlamydia pneumoniae (overall 7.5% positive) and/or active human herpes virus‐6 (HHV‐6, overall 30.5% positive). Since the presence of one or more infections may predispose patients to other infections, we examined the prevalence of C. pneumoniae and HHV‐6 active infections in mycoplasma‐positive and ‐negative patients. Unexpectedly, we found that the incidence of C. pneumoniae or HHV‐6 was similar in Mycoplasma‐positive and ‐negative patients, and the converse was also found in active HHV‐6‐positive and ‐negative patients. Control subjects (n=100) had low rates of mycoplasmal (6%), active HHV‐6 (9%) or chlamydial (1%) infections, and there were no co‐infections in control subjects. Differences in bacterial and/or viral infections in CFS patients compared to control subjects were significant. Severity and incidence of patients' signs and symptoms were compared within the above groups. Although there was a tendency for patients with multiple infections to have more severe signs and symptoms (p<0.01), the only significant differences found were in the incidence and severity of certain signs and symptoms in patients with multiple co‐infections of any type compared to the other groups (p<0.01). There was no correlation between the type of co‐infection and severity of signs and symptoms. The results indicate that a large subset of CFS patients show evidence of bacterial and/or viral infection(s), and these infections may contribute to the severity of signs and symptoms found in these patients.
Determination of proliferation index in neoplasms using different Ki‐67 equivalent antibodies
Authors: LINDBOE C. F. , VON DER OHE G. , TORP S. H.
Published: July 2003

Paraffin sections from 23 tumours were immunohistochemically stained with the following four Ki‐67 equivalent antibodies: monoclonal MIB‐1 (DAKO), monoclonal MM1 (Novocastra), polyclonal NCL‐Ki‐67p (Novocastra), and polyclonal Rah Ki‐67 (DAKO). Ki‐67 labelling indices were determined by counting in exactly the same area in each case. MIB‐1 showed the highest labelling index in 21 of the 23 cases, and the mean MIB‐1 index was approximately 30% higher than that of the other antibodies. The differences between MM1, NCL‐Ki‐67p and Rah Ki‐67 were small and non‐significant. There was a positive correlation between each of the four antibodies. As these findings may be of importance when the Ki‐67 labelling index is used as a criterion for tumour grading or for clinical prognostication, this necessitate identification of the antibody used in every case.
Influence of endotoxin‐induced acute lung injury on pulmonary innate and adaptive immunity
Authors: HOLUB MICHAL , LAWRENCE DAVID A.
Published: July 2003

Objective. The aim of our study was to analyze pulmonary innate and adaptive immune responses during endotoxemia‐induced acute lung injury (ALI). Experimental design. Female BALB/c mice were challenged by endotoxin given intraperitoneally and followed for 24 h by unrestrained plethysmographic analysis. After this period, the mice were sacrificed by CO2 anesthesia and lung histopathology, pulmonary and serum levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, numbers of lymphocyte subsets in blood and lung, and lung‐derived macrophages (Mφ) were analyzed. Main results. Animals with endotoxemia demonstrated significant depression of tidal volumes indicating respiratory failure compared to control mice. Lung histopathology of endotoxin‐exposed animals revealed alveolar leakage characterizing ALI. Pulmonary levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and interferon (IFN)‐γ in animals with endotoxemia were significantly elevated, whereas serum levels of IL‐6 only were increased. IFN‐γ was strongly expressed by lung‐derived Mφ with high CD11b expression, and this subset significantly increased in the lungs after endotoxin challenge. Additionally, the numbers of lung‐resident CD4+ and total T‐lymphocytes were significantly reduced after challenge. Conclusion. These data suggest that endotoxemia‐induced ALI is associated with exaggerated and sustained pulmonary innate immune responses partly mediated by activated Mφ, whereas adaptive immunity in the lungs is compromised.
Multiple spindle cell lipomas of the tongue: report of a case
Authors: KAKU NAOMI , KASHIMA KENJI , DAA TSUTOMU , NAKAYAMA IWAO , KERAKAWAUCHI HIDEOMI , HASHIMOTO HIROSHI , YOKOYAMA SHIGEO
Published: July 2003

Spindle cell lipoma (SCL) is a relatively uncommon benign lipomatous tumor characterized by a mixture of mature adipocytes and bland spindle cells on a fibromyxoid background. These lipomas usually arise as solitary nodules in the subcutaneous tissue of the posterior neck, shoulder and back in adult men. Multiple SCLs account for 0.5% to 3% of all SCLs. In the literature, there have been 15 cases of intraoral SCL, including 6 cases of SCL in the tongue. We report a case of multiple SCLs on the bilateral margins of the tongue of a 75‐year‐old Japanese man. The tumors were removed surgically, and they exhibited the classic histopathological features of SCL, being well‐circumscribed masses composed of a mixture of adipocytes and fibroblast‐like spindle cells within a fibromyxoid stroma. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the spindle cells were strongly positive for CD 34 and bcl‐2. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of multiple SCLs of the tongue.
Immunohistochemical analysis of Omi/HtrA2 expression in stomach cancer
Authors: LEE SUG HYUNG , LEE JONG WOO , KIM HONG SUG , KIM SU YOUNG , PARK WON SANG , KIM SANG HO , LEE JUNG YOUNG , YOO NAM JIN
Published: July 2003

The serine protease Omi/HtrA2 is released from mitochondria into the cytosol after apoptosis stimuli, inducing apoptosis in a caspase‐independent manner through its protease activity and in a caspase‐dependent manner by neutralizing the inhibition of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) on caspases. Alteration of apoptosis is essential for cancer development, and cancer cell death by radiation and chemotherapy is largely dependent upon apoptosis. Thus, analysis of the expression status of Omi/HtrA2, a regulator of apoptosis, in cancer tissues is needed for an understanding of cancer development. In the current study, we analyzed the expression of Omi/HtrA2 in 60 advanced gastric adenocarcinomas by immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray approach. Immunopositivity (defined as ≥30%) was observed for Omi/HtrA2 in 43 (72%) of the 60 cancers. By contrast, the surface mucous cells and mucous neck cells in the normal gastric mucosa showed no or weak expression of Omi/HtrA2. Taken together, these results suggest that stomach cancer cells in vivo may need Omi/HtrA2 expression for apoptosis, and that Omi/HtrA2 expression might be involved in stomach cancer development.
Incidence of oesophageal necrosis in an autopsy material
Authors: JACOBSEN N. O. , CHRISTIANSEN JENS , KRUSE AKSEL
Published: July 2003

The incidence of oesophageal necrosis was studied in 310 consecutive autopsies of patients more than 2 years old. The oesophagus and upper part of the stomach were excised and formalin‐fixed in all cases suspicious of necrosis. Suspicious areas were taken out for microscopy. The necroses presented as dark coloured or black, punctate, striped or confluent areas, most frequently located in the lower third of the organ and usually stopping abruptly at the cardia. They were distinguished from autolytic changes by the presence of a vital reaction (i.e. fibrin exudation and presence of neutrophils). Necroses were observed in 32 of the 310 patients. In nine patients the necrosis extended into or through the muscularis propria. In 13 patients there was only mucosal necrosis. In the remaining cases the necroses extended into the submucosa. In one patient the necrosis caused fatal bleeding. We believe that oesophageal necrosis is a change which is often overlooked – whether presenting at endoscopy or at autopsy – and that the condition should be taken seriously as a cause of possible bleeding, perforation or septicemia. The cause is not firmly established, but the present as well as earlier works point to acid reflux combined with hypoperfusion as important pathogenetic factors.
Nicotine inhibits palatal fusion and modulates nicotinic receptors and the PI‐3 kinase pathway in medial edge epithelia*
Authors: Kang Pei , Svoboda Kathy K.H.
Published: July 2003

Structured Abstract

Authors –Kang P, Svoboda KKH

Objectives –To analyze the effects of nicotine on palatal fusion inhibitionin vitroand determine if nicotine modulated transforming growth factorβ3 or phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase signaling. A second objective was to determine the localization and regulation of nicotinic receptors in the medial edge epithelia (MEE) during palatal fusion.

Design –Palatal shelves from embryonic day (E) 13.5 mice were cultured in serum free media and treated with 0, 0.06, 0.6, or 6 mM nicotine, nicotinic receptor antagonistα‐bungarotoxin, or the combination of nicotine andα‐bungarotoxin. Tissues harvested at 72 h were analyzed for epithelial‐mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and fusion. MEE samples collected at 20 h were analyzed for phosphorylated Akt‐Ser473, phosphorylated Smad2, and nicotinic receptors.

Results –Nicotine inhibited palatal fusionin vitroin a dose dependent manner. Activated Akt‐Ser473 was greater in control MEE than in nicotine treated tissues; while there was no difference in activated Smad2 between groups. Theα7 subunit of nicotinic receptor was expressed in MEE during palate fusion and increased in nicotine treated tissues. Alpha‐bungarotoxin did not rescue the nicotine treated palates.

Conclusion –Nicotine treatment had no effect on Smad2, but caused a down regulation of the PI‐3 kinase pathway that may have contributed to inhibiting palatal fusionin vitro.
Facial anthropometry of Hong Kong Chinese babies
Authors: Fok T.F. , Hon K.L. , So H.K. , Ng P.C. , Wong E. , Lee A.K.Y , Chang A.
Published: July 2003

Structured Abstract

Authors – Fok TF, Hon KL, So HK, Wong E, Ng PC, Lee AKY, Chang A

Objectives – To provide a database of the craniofacial measurements of Chinese infants born in Hong Kong.

Design – Prospective cross‐sectional study.

Setting and Sample Population – A total of 2371 healthy singleton, born consecutively at the Prince of Wales Hospital and the Union Hospital from June 1998 to June 2000, were included in the study. The range of gestation was 33–42 weeks.

Measurements and Results – Measurements included facial width (FW), facial height (FH), nasal length (NL), nasal width (NW), and length of the philtrum (PhilL). The facial, nasal, nasofacial and nasozygomatic indices were derived. The data show generally higher values for males in the parameters measured. The various indices remained remarkably constant and did not vary significantly between the two genders or with gestation. When compared with previously published data for white people term babies, Chinese babies have similar NW but shorter philtrum length.

Conclusion – The human face appears to grow in a remarkably constant fashion as defined by the various indices of facial proportions. This study establishes the first set of gestational age‐specific standard of such craniofacial parameters for Chinese new‐borns, potentially enabling early syndromal diagnosis. There are significant inter‐racial differences in these craniofacial parameters.
Perceived long‐term prognosis of teeth with orthodontically resorbed roots
Authors: Lee Kook S. , Straja Sorin R. , Tuncay Orhan C.
Published: July 2003

Structured Abstract

Authors – Lee KS, Straja SR, Tuncay OC

Objectives – To investigate the perceived significance of root resorption in the dental community.

Study Design and Sample – Mail out survey questionnaire accompanied by morphed images of 10–50% root resorption. General practitioners, periodontists, prosthodontists and orthodontists were the participants.

Outcome Measures – Correlations between ‘significant’ and ‘detrimental to the longevity of the tooth’. These assessments were conducted within specialty groups and among. Also measured was the source of knowledge upon which practitioner assessments were based.

Results and Conclusions – General practitioners were the most concerned about root resorption. Although most practitioners feel 50% root resorption is significant and detrimental to the longevity of the tooth, extraction followed by prosthetic replacement was not an option. No agreement among practitioners when orthodontic treatment should be terminated; the general practitioners were conservative suggesting termination after 35% root loss. History of trauma, genetic disposition and root morphology are the most cited predisposing factors. Lengthy treatment time concerns general practitioners more than the orthodontists. With the exception of orthodontists, dentists believe excessive force is detrimental to the root, but no one is able to define what excessive force is. Overall, dental school curricula overstate the causes of root resorption. Generally, dental professionals seem to base their opinions on myths and are largely inconsistent in their assessments.
The pre‐natal development and osseous growth of the human cerebellar field
Authors: Lomholt J.F. , Nolting D. , Kjær I. , Hansen B.F. , Stoltze K.
Published: July 2003

Structured Abstract

Authors – Lomholt JF, Nolting D, Hansen BF, Stoltze K, Kjær I

Objectives – To describe the pre‐natal development of the bones that enclose the cerebellum and part of the brain stem (the neuro‐osteological cerebellar field) in the mid‐sagittal plane.

Design – Radiographic, cephalometric and histologic examination of normal pre‐natal human fetuses; 50 normal fetuses, with crown‐rump length of 18–227 mm and approximate gestational age from 6 to 26 weeks.

Results – The cerebellar field expressed extensive growth during development both sagittally and vertically. Because of changes in shape, the field was displaced in an anterio‐caudal direction.

Conclusion – In the present study we recorded normal measurements of size, shape and position of the cerebellar field. These standards can be used as references in skeletal analysis of cases with cranial abnormalities and cerebellar malformations.
Prediction of mesiodistal canine and premolar tooth width in a sample of Peruvian adolescents
Authors: Flores‐Mir C , Bernabé E , Camus C , Carhuayo MA , Major PW
Published: July 2003

Structured Abstract

Authors – Flores‐Mir C, Bernabé E, Camus C, Carhuayo MA, Major PW

Objectives – To compare the predicted tooth width measurements of permanent canine and premolars from Tanaka–Johnston regression equations and Moyers probability tables with the in situ measurements in a sample of Peruvian adolescents.

Design – Cross‐sectional.

Setting and sample population – Trujillo, Peru; 248 dental casts were measured using a sliding caliper with a Vernier scale rounded to 0.1 mm.

Results – Tanaka–Johnston regression equations were not precise, except for the upper arch in the male sample. For females, the Moyers 95th percentile in the upper arch and the 65th percentile in the lower arch predicted the sum precisely. For males, the Moyers 65th percentile for the lower arch predicted the sum precisely, but none of the Moyers percentiles provided precise prediction in the upper arch.

Conclusions – Using tooth width prediction methods from a different racial origin could create an under‐ or overestimation of the actual combined canine and premolar tooth width, although their clinical significance is disputable.
Tissue reaction to orthodontic tooth movement in different bone turnover conditions
Authors: Verna C. , Melsen B.
Published: July 2003

Structured Abstract

Authors – Verna C, Melsen B

Objectives – To study the tissue reaction to orthodontic load in normal, high, and low bone turnover states.

Design – ‘Split mouth’ design performing orthodontic tooth movement in 52, 6‐month‐old male rats with: normal (n = 19), high (n = 16), and low bone turnover (n = 17), the latter two being obtained by induction of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, respectively. Performed at the Department of Orthodontics at Aarhus University.

Experimental Variable – The upper left first molar was moved for 21 days. Bone markers were administered 7 and 2 days before killing. Histological sections were cut at the coronal and apical levels.

Outcome Measure – Alveolar socket area, periodontal ligament width, the relative extension of alveolar wall with erosion surfaces, and the mineralizing surfaces were measured and compared in the three groups.

Results – Alveolar socket, periodontal ligament width, and erosion surface were larger on the treated than on the control side in the three groups. The normal and hypothyroid groups showed a wider periodontal ligament at the bucco‐distal site at the coronal level, while the hyperthyroid group showed a widening which was not spatially oriented. The normal and hyperthyroid groups showed higher erosion at the corono‐mesial site. The mineralizing surfaces were larger on the treated than on the control side in the normal and hypothyroid groups, but not in the hyperthyroid group.

Conclusion – In the hyperthyroid group, the widening of the periodontal ligament was not spatially oriented and the increased erosion was not accompanied by increased formation, as observed in the normal and hypothyroid groups.
An investigation into the role of light during desiccation of three angiosperm resurrection plants
Authors: FARRANT J. M. , VANDER WILLIGEN C. , LOFFELL D. A. , BARTSCH S. , WHITTAKER A.
Published: July 2003

Under water‐limiting conditions excitation energy harnessed by chlorophyll can lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Resurrection plants minimize their formation by preventing the opportunity for light–chlorophyll interaction but also quench them via antioxidants. Poikilochlorohyllous species such as Xerophyta humilis break down chlorophyll to avoid ROS formation. Homoiochlorophyllous types retain chlorophyll. We proposed that leaf folding during drying of Craterostigma wilmsii and Myrothamnus flabellifolius shades chlorophyll to avoid ROS (Farrant, Plant Ecology 151, 29–39, 2000). This was tested by preventing leaf folding during drying in light. As controls, plants were dried without light, and X. humilis was included. Craterostigma wilmsii did not survive drying in light if the leaves were prevented from folding, despite protection from increased anthocyanin and sucrose and elevated antioxidant enzyme activity. Membranes were damaged, electrolyte leakage was elevated and plastoglobuli (evidence of light stress) accumulated in chloroplasts. Restrained leaves of M. flabellifolius survived drying in light. Leaf folding allows less shading, but the extent of chemical protection (anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity) is considerably higher in this species compared with C. wilmsii. Chemical protection appears to be light regulated in M. flabellifolius but not in C. wilmsii. Drying in the dark resulted in loss of viability in the homoiochlorophyllous but not the poikilochlorophyllous species. It is hypothesized that some of the genes required for protection are light regulated in the former.