bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An improved DNA‐based test for detection of the codon 616 mutation in the alpha cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase gene that causes progressive retinal atrophy in the Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Authors: Petersen‐Jones Simon M. , Entz David D.
Published: March 2003

The aim of the study was to develop an improved test to detect the codon 616 gene mutation in the alpha cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase gene that causes progressive retinal atrophy in the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. We studied 10 control dogs of known genotype at codon 616 of the alpha cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase gene and 80 Cardigan Welsh Corgis of unknown genotype. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) utilizing a mismatched primer was designed so that it introduced a HinfI restriction enzyme digestion site into the PCR product only if the normal gene sequence was present, the restriction site was not introduced if the codon 616 mutation was present. An additional HinfI site present in the amplified section from both normal and mutant alleles acted as a positive control for restriction enzyme digestion. The PCR reliably amplified a portion of the alpha cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase gene spanning the codon 616 mutation site. Restriction enzyme digestion with HinfI and analysis on a suitable agarose gel reliably ascertained the genotype of the control dogs and was used to identify the genotype of a further 80 test dogs. An improved DNA‐based test for detection of the codon 616 mutation in the alpha cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase gene that causes progressive retinal atrophy in the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has been designed. This overcomes potential problems that could be associated with allele‐specific PCR tests such as that used previously in a diagnostic test for this gene mutation.
Examination of the rat eye at the early stage of development with osmium tetroxide staining
Authors: Inagaki Satoru , Kotani Tadao
Published: March 2003

This communication describes the benefit of osmium tetroxide (OsO4) staining on the examination of the eye during the early stage of organogenesis of rat embryos. The embryos were obtained by laparotomy on embryonic day 12 (ED 12) and were stained with OsO4 for examination of the ocular tissues with a binocular stereo‐microscope, light microscope and scanning electron microscope. At the binocular stereo‐microscopic level, the invaginated lens placode, lens pit and optic cup were clearly distinguished. The osmium‐stained lens placode and the optic cup were light brown and dark brown in color, respectively. Light microscopic examination revealed that OsO4 postfixation could provide superior paraffin‐embedded embryonic sections. Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed the lens pit as a round opening between the lateral nasal prominence and maxillary prominence. Thus, a rapid technique by which the ocular tissues of rat embryos can be examined under a binocular stereo‐microscope was developed. This OsO4 staining method will provide a useful tool for research on organogenesis and ocular development.
Soft anatomy, diffuse homoplasy, and the relationships of lizards and snakes
Authors: Lee Michael S.
Published: March 2003

Most previous phylogenetic analyses of squamates (‘lizards’ and snakes) employing large character sets have focused on osteology. Soft anatomical traits bearing on this problem have usually been considered in small subsets. Here, a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of squamate soft anatomy is attempted. 126 informative characters are assessed for 23 squamate lineages, representing snakes, amphisbaenians, dibamids, and all the traditionally recognized ‘families’ of lizards. The traditionally recognized groupings Iguania, Scleroglossa, Gekkota, Scincomorpha, Anguimorpha and Varanoidea are corroborated in this analysis. More controversial taxa are resolved as follows. Xantusiids, amphisbaenians and dibamids cluster with gekkotans, and snakes are strongly allied with anguimorphs in general, and varanids in particular. Nearly all these clades are congruent with those found in a recent comprehensive osteological analysis; the strong support for snake‐varanid relationships found in both studies is particularly notable. This congruence is surprising given that previous studies of soft anatomy tended to give differing and often heterodox results. These previous results can be attributed to overrepresentation of misleading characters in small isolated data sets. Such misleading signals are minimized when data sets are combined. For instance, the snake‐varanid clade is contradicted by many characters, and analyses of particular organ systems therefore give differing results. However, characters that are incongruent with the snake‐varanid clade also disagree with each other (diffuse homoplasy), rather than forming coherent support for some particular alternative clade (concerted homoplasy). In a combined analysis these incongruent but diffuse characters cancel each other out to leave a very strong (and orthodox) phylogenetic signal. These results underscore the view that the raw amount of homoplasy — as revealed by consistency and retention indices — is not the only determinant of phylogenetic signal; the distribution of that homoplasy is also important. Thus, questioning a phylogenetic hypothesis (e.g. the snake‐varanid clade) by identifying numerous conflicting characters is insufficient — the structure of the conflicting characters should be assessed in a rigorous phylogenetic analysis.
The phylogenetic interrelationships of the higher taxa of apterygote hexapods
Authors: Bitsch Colette , Jacques Bitsch
Published: March 2003

The phylogeny of the basal hexapods, the so‐called apterygote insects, was studied using parsimony analysis procedures. Most analyses took into account 47 characters mainly based on external morphology, and 19 taxa including 14 apterygote representatives, 3 pterygotes and also 2 distantly related myriapods were used as outgroups. The binary and multistate characters are discussed in detail and treated as unordered and equally weighted. Other analyses were performed using a second data set in which 28 characters, based on internal anatomy and already used in a previous work (Bitsch & Bitsch 1998), were added to the first data set. This second matrix was restricted to 12 terminal taxa, the same as those of our previous work. The results of the different analyses are generally congruent. They strongly support the monophyly of several orders (Protura, Collembola, Archaeognatha) and of two groupings (Ectognatha, Dicondylia). Three other assemblages (Ellipura, Diplura, Entognatha) appear as parsimonious phylogenetic hypotheses, but they are never supported by the cladistical analyses and are based on a very small number of autapomorphies; so, the monophyly of each of them is not firmly established. Archaeognatha appears as the sister group of the Dicondylia. The three unresolved representatives of the Zygentoma are found as the sister group of the Pterygota. The results are discussed in the light of current concepts in hexapod phylogeny.
Discovery of sympatric cryptic species within Gekko hokouensis (Gekkonidae: Squamata) from the Okinawa Islands, Japan, by use of allozyme data
Authors: Toda Mamoru , Hikida Tsutomu , Ota Hidetoshi
Published: March 2003

An electrophoretic survey of samples of the gekkonid lizard, Gekko hokouensis, from the East Asian islands demonstrated that two genetically divergent, but morphologically almost identical, entities occur on five islands of the Okinawa Group, Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. These entities, while sharing all of the external character states diagnostic of G. hokouensis, exhibited fixed allele differences at six to eight out of 30 loci examined and great overall genetic distances [Nei’s (1978)D = 0.489–0.654]. On Kumejima and Tonakijima Islands of the Okinawa Group, the two entities were collected together from identical microhabitats. These results indicate that the two entities represent separate biological species. Genetic comparisons of these two cryptic species from the Okinawa Group with ‘G. hokouensis’ from other island groups revealed that one occurs broadly in the insular region of East Asia, whereas the other is restricted to the Okinawa Group. Implications of the present findings for the morphological evolution of ‘G. hokouensis’ are also discussed.
Differentiation at a microgeographical scale within two species of ground beetle,Carabus auronitensandC. nemoralis(Coleoptera, Carabidae): a geometrical morphometric approach
Authors: Alibert Paul , Moureau Benoit , Dommergues Jean‐Louis , David Bruno
Published: March 2003

New morphometric methods, the geometrical morphometrics, offer promising perspectives to appraise morphological variation among organisms and open up, to a large extent, the field of morphometrics for the study of systematics and evolution. Until now, however, few studies have explored the potential of these methods at a microgeographical scale. In the present work, we applied them to quantify morphological (size and shape) differentiation among populations of two forest species of ground beetles:Carabus auronitensandC. nemoralis. We found a significant shape variation among sites, as well as among sexes, for both species. Additionally, forC. auronitens, we found significant positive correlations in both sexes between morphological (shape) and geographical distances between populations. In contrast, significant size differences were found between sexes, but not between sites. We conclude that geometrical morphometric methods provide valuable tools for the study of morphological variation among populations and therefore offer, on the whole, interesting perspectives for the study of biodiversity patterns.
The role of Asia in the origin and diversification of hystricognathous rodents
Authors: Marivaux Laurent , Vianey‐Liaud Monique , Welcomme Jean‐Loup , Jaeger Jean‐Jacques
Published: March 2003

In the absence of a comprehensive pre‐Oligocene fossil record, the origin and early evolution of hystricognathous rodents have long been the subject of much uncertainty. Baluchimyinae (Rodentia) were initially interpreted as a subfamily of the ctenodactyloid Chappatimyidae (sciurognathous), a group considered to be endemic to the Indian subcontinent and to be closely related to hystricognathous rodents. A newly discovered early Oligocene hystricognathous rodent,Bugtimys zafarullahigen. n. et sp. n., described herein, from the Bugti Hills (Balochistan, Pakistan) sheds new light on the higher level taxonomy of the previously described Baluchimyinae. As a contribution to the phylogenetic debates regarding the origin of Hystricognathi, we present a cladistic assessment of the dental evidence for the Palaeogene hystricognathous rodent cladogenesis. Our phylogenetic results consistently support the monophyly of the Hystricognathiformes clade (including Tsaganomyidae plus Hystricognathi) of which baluchimyine rodents are clearly members. There is, however, no support for the monophyly of a baluchimyine clade. Nonetheless, ‘baluchimyines’ are for the moment reinterpreted as Hystricognathiincertae sedis. Hystricognathous rodents appear to be well diversified at least since the early Oligocene, both in Africa and South America (phiomorphs and caviomorphs, respectively), and also now in south Asia. Furthermore, our phylogenetic results support close relationships between early hystricognathous and Asian ‘ctenodactyloid’ rodents, which clearly points to an Asian origin for Hystricognathi. In this phylogenetic framework, ‘baluchimyines’ and tsaganomyids are representatives of an initial phase of diversification of hystricognathous rodents in Asia. Oligocene phiomorphs and caviomorphs (sister groups) seem therefore to share a common ‘Asian’ hystricognathous ancestor. This reinforces the possibility that the early dispersal of hystricognathous rodents to South America was not from Africa but from Asia.
Phylogenetic analysis based on the morphology of viviparous freshwater clams of the family Sphaeriidae (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Veneroida)
Authors: Korniushin Alexei V. , Glaubrecht Matthias
Published: March 2003

The cosmopolitan viviparous bivalves of the family Sphaeriidae (fingernail clams) comprise not only some of the smallest freshwater molluscs, but also an abundant and ecologically important group that often dominates benthic communities of springs, ponds and swamps. The origin from marine ancestors and their subsequent evolution in limnic environments, in particular the development of distinct reproductive modes including complex parental care repertoires, are largely unresolved. This paper presents the results of a phylogenetic analysis of 69 morphological characters from 57 taxa (54 representing sphaeriids throughout the distribution area plus three outgroups). The heuristic search resulted in 753 most‐parsimonious trees of length 154 [consistency index (CI) = 0.682, retention index (RI) = 0.906, rescaled consistency index (RC) = 0.618]. OnlyPisidiumof the three traditionally regarded constituent genera is supported as a monophyletic group;SphaeriumandMusculiumin their traditional deliminations are found to be paraphyletic. Instead, the analysis supports a clade comprising all species ofMusculiumplusPisidiumas suggested by previous morphology‐based classifications. However, the shortest tree alternatively supporting aSphaerium + Musculiumclade suggested by molecular data is only one step longer. Some clades that correspond to the subgeneric divisions of the three traditionally recognized sphaeriid genera are supported. Exclusion is suggested of the taxon Euperidae (EuperaandByssodonta, both with ovo‐viviparous species) from the true Sphaeriidae that then comprises all species with eu‐viviparous reproductive mode, i.e. brooding and nourishing their embryos in specialized brood pouches in the gills. The implications for the reconstruction of the evolutionary history of Sphaeriidae and the availability of existing taxonomic names for the systematization suggested by the present analysis are discussed.
Genetic differentiation and biogeography in southern European populations of the genus Scardinius (Pisces, Cyprinidae) based on allozyme data
Authors: Ketmaier Valerio , Bianco Pier Giorgio , Cobolli Marina , De Matthaeis Elvira
Published: March 2003

Levels of genetic differentiation and variability were assessed in several populations and species belonging to the primary freshwater fish genus Scardinius by means of electrophoretic analyses of 28 enzymatic loci. We studied one population of S. acarnanicus and one of S. graecus, both endemic to Greece, seven populations of S. erythrophthalmus from Greece, Slovenia, northern and central Italy, and the single extant population of S. scardafa, a species endemic to central Italy. Patterns of genetic relationships placed the Greek species basal in the neighbour‐joining (NJ) and maximum parsimony (MP) trees, S. scardafa and S. erythrophthalmus are sister species. Based on the molecular clock, the split between S. acarnanicus and S. graecus occurred around 4.3 Myr ago and the split between (S. acarnanicus, S. graecus) and (S. scardafa, S. erythrophthalmus) around 3.5 Myr ago, both after the Messinian lacustrine ‘Lago Mare’ phase of the Mediterranean. The separation between S. scardafa and S. erythrophthalmus was more recent (0.5 Myr ago) and was probably the result of confluences between adjacent river basins during the Pleistocene. Within S. erythrophthalmus, the Greek population showed a certain degree of genetic differentiation, whereas northern and central Italian populations were nearly indistinguishable. These findings demonstrate the impact of the artificial introduction of this species into central Italy, leading to the near extinction of the endemic S. scardafa.
Does an HIV clinical trial information booklet improve patient knowledge and understanding of HIV clinical trials?
Authors: Ives NJ , Troop M , Waters A , Davies S , Higgs C , Easterbrook PJ
Published: March 2003

Objectives To evaluate the impact of an information booklet on HIV clinical trials, Clinical Trials in HIV and AIDS: Information For People Who Are Thinking About Joining a Trial, in addition to the standard trial information (SI) on patients' knowledge; understanding and attitudes about clinical trials; and to investigate patients' motivations and reasons for enrolling or not enrolling in a clinical trial.

Methods Fifty HIV‐1 positive patients who attended the HIV clinic at a west London hospital were randomized to receive either SI alone (n = 27) or SI and a 16 page information booklet explaining the principles and procedures of HIV clinical trials (n = 23). A self‐administered questionnaire was used at baseline to assess past experience and attitudes to clinical trials (10 questions), knowledge and understanding of HIV treatments (8 questions) and clinical trials (11 questions). At 2–6 months after randomization, a second interviewer‐administered questionnaire addressed the patient's assessment of the usefulness and comprehensiveness of the information provided by the SI and information booklet, whether or not the patient had enrolled in a clinical trial and reasons for enrolling/not enrolling, knowledge of specific aspects of the trial protocol the patient was eligible to join (13 questions) and general knowledge of clinical trial procedures (repeat of 11 baseline questions). Changes in the attitudes and scores on knowledge and understanding of clinical trials were compared for the two groups.

Results In both groups, patient knowledge of clinical trial procedures improved significantly over the study period. The median score increased from 30 at baseline to 35/44 at follow‐up (SI only) vs. 24–31/44 (SI plus booklet), but this did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, knowledge of the specific trial protocol was poor [median score 13/25, interquartile range (IQR) 8–14], and there was no difference in the scores for the two groups. The prime motivations for joining a clinical trial were to benefit personal health and to gain access to new treatments. Potential side‐effects were the main concern of prospective trial participants.

Conclusions This small trial shows that, while the patients' general knowledge and understanding of clinical trials improved over time, this was not improved by the information booklet and recollection of the details of the relevant trial protocol remained poor.
Adherence to HIV treatment: results from a 1‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Martini M , D'Elia S , Paoletti F , Cargnel A , Adriani B , Carosi G , Mazzotta F , Di Pietro M , Filippini P , Nasta P , Cipriani S , Parazzini F , Agnoletto V
Published: March 2003

Summary We evaluated adherence to HIV treatments every 4 months during one year in 63 HIV‐infected subjects using combination therapies including a protease inhibitor. A total of 18 subjects reported a high level of adherence, 14 in two evaluations, and eight a low level of adherence in all the three evaluations. The remaining 23 subjects (36.5%) reported different levels of adherence to treatment in the three evaluations. These findings suggest that the level of adherence to treatment changes markedly for each patient over time.
The major Cu,Zn SOD of the phytopathogen Claviceps purpurea is not essential for pathogenicity
Authors: Moore Sabine , De Vries Onno M. H. , Tudzynski Paul
Published: March 2003

summary

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of the biotrophic pathogen Claviceps purpurea, which causes the ergot disease on a wide range of host grasses, were examined in axenic and pathogenic cultures. Almost all SOD activity in axenic culture originated from a single Cu,Zn SOD; a substantial part of this activity could be separated from lyophilized intact mycelia by gentle washing, indicating that this protein is at least partially secreted. The corresponding gene (cpsod1) was cloned and characterized; like other fungal Cu,Zn SOD genes, it groups with the extracellular mammalian Cu,Zn SODs in a phylogenetic tree. Northern analyses showed that cpsod1 is strongly induced by copper and weakly induced by iron; superoxide generated by paraquat, or xanthine and xanthine oxidase, as well as hydrogen peroxide, had no effect on gene expression under axenic conditions. Analysis of the deletion mutant Δcpsod1 showed that, although growth in axenic culture was generally slower, sensitivity to paraquat was not increased in comparison to the wild‐type. Pathogenicity assays showed that this gene is not essential for parasitic growth in rye; no further soluble SOD activity is induced in the mutant.
Reproductive cloning and human health: an ethical, international, and nursing perspective
Authors: Sanchez‐Sweatman L. R.
Published: March 2003

Human reproductive cloning came to the public’s attention when Dolly, a sheep, was cloned in Scotland in 1997. This news quickly spread around the world causing both excitement at the possibilities that cloning techniques could offer, as well as apprehension about the ethical, social and legal implications should human reproductive cloning become possible. Many international organizations, such as the World Health Organization, the International Council of Nurses, and governments were concerned about the impact of human reproductive cloning on human health, dignity and human rights. To this end, many institutions have drafted resolutions, protocols and position statements outlining their concerns. This paper will outline some of the major ethical issues surrounding human reproductive cloning, the position of various international organizations and governments, and specifically the position of the International Council of Nurses.
International nursing faculty exchange model: a Chile–USA case
Authors: Lange I. , Ailinger R. L.
Published: March 2003

International faculty‐exchange programmes can be cost‐effective methods for faculty development and enhanced student learning. Despite the increasing interest in international nursing exchanges, the literature on faculty exchanges is limited. This article examines a case study of a successful international nursing faculty‐exchange programme between a university in Chile and one in the United States of America (USA), based on a model for international faculty exchange. The model includes the components of pre‐exchange planning, academic activities, socio‐cultural events and evaluation of outcomes. Communication is at the centre of the model and ideally should be continuous, bilateral, flexible and technological. Examples from the case study illustrate teaching strategies and ongoing education of faculty. The article concludes with suggestions for successful international nursing faculty exchanges.
Contraception in Jordan: a cultural and religious perspective
Authors: Kridli S. Al‐Oballi , Libbus K.
Published: March 2003

This report provides a content analysis of studies conducted with Jordanian women on contraception. Factors such as pressure to have children, number and gender of children, location of residence, influence of religion, level of education, age, employment status, source of contraceptive services and method of contraception are discussed. Non‐demographic factors, such as social and psychosocial, were found to be only briefly investigated and discussed in the literature. Nursing implications discussed are conducting educational programmes, encouraging the participation of significant others and religious leaders, and using appropriate terminology when discussing contraception with Jordanian women.
Individualized nursing care: an empirically generated definition
Authors: Radwin L. E. , Alster K.
Published: March 2003

Individualization is considered a particularly important feature of nursing care by nurses, patients and their families, and by health care administrators. Descriptions in the literature suggest that individualized care requires some background knowledge of the patient, which nurses use to devise care plans that treat each patient as unique. However, few research‐based descriptions of individualized care exist. The purpose of this article was to offer a definition of individualized nursing care synthesized from research findings. Descriptions of nursing care individualization emerged from two previously conducted grounded theory studies of nursing practice. Data relevant to the concept were retrieved from each study. These data were compared and contrasted in order to identify and describe individualized care from the perspectives of nurses and patients. The analysis resulted in a definition of individualized nursing care that makes explicit the characteristics of such care, thus providing a framework for designing and evaluating nursing care that recognizes patients as unique persons.
Patient involvement in education for enhanced quality of care
Authors: Le Var R. M. H.
Published: March 2003

Government policies in the UK are promoting health care practitioners working in partnership with patients and clients as an important constituent of quality in health care delivery. However, for practitioners to work in this way requires experience of such partnerships in the educational preparation. The involvement of patients and clients (i.e. service users) and their carers in the curriculum has been encouraged and supported in England since the early 1990s. From 1998, the comprehensive involvement in all phases of programme provision has been a requirement, ensuring that service users have a real ‘voice’ in influencing the direction of programmes. Examples of good practice are provided, demonstrating a range of approaches in the different stages of the educational process. Issues to be considered for successful implementation are included. Benefits to education and patient/client care are identified on the basis of literature and recent experience. They are strongly associated with enhanced quality of care. The article argues for a need to continue to broaden implementation for the major benefits of influencing the attitudes and approaches of students, and empowering users, with the end result of enhancing the quality of care. A strategic approach is needed to make user involvement an effective and workable reality. The need for systematic evaluation of the outcomes and for publications is highlighted. The principle of service user involvement in educational preparation is deemed to be equally relevant in other countries.
Connecting to Internet
Authors: Sparks Susan
Published: March 2003

Usenet is yet another way to network around the world and initiate a discussion on the topics of your choice.
Teaching About HIV/AIDS: The Lessons Learned
Authors: Wyness M. Anne , Goldstone Irene
Published: March 2003

To learn and teach about HIV/AIDS is to enter complex and senstitive territory that at times may be personally challenging.5 In the vast literature on HIV infection and nursing two main themes recur: nurses' lack of understanding, negative attitudes and anxieties related to HIV/AIDS and the need for education to change such attitudes and enhance nurses' knowledge and skills.
Realism and nursing
Authors: Hussey Trevor
Published: March 2003

Abstract It is argued that philosophical realism is well suited to serve as a perspective from which to understand nursing, and that it should be considered as an alternative to positivist, interpretivist, hermeneutical and phenomenological approaches. However, existing forms of realism, including theory and entity realism are shown to be faced with serious problems. In response, an alternative form ‘constraint realism’ is outlined, and shown to be apposite for illuminating the rule or convention governed behaviour characteristic of human beings. A brief sketch is offered of its application to the social practice of nursing.
Philosophy of technology and nursing
Authors: Barnard Alan
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis paper outlines the background and significance of philosophy of technology as a focus of inquiry emerging within nursing scholarship and research. The thesis of the paper is that philosophy of technology and nursing is fundamental to discipline development and our role in enhancing health care. It is argued that we must further our responsibility and interest in critiquing current and future health care systems through philosophical inquiry into the experience, meaning and implications of technology. This paper locates nurses as important contributors to the use and integration of health care technology and identifies nursing as a discipline that can provide specific insights into the health experience(s) of individuals, cultures and societies. Nurses are encouraged to undertake further examination of epistemological, ontological and ethical challenges to arise from technology as a focus of philosophical inquiry. The advancement of philosophy of technology and nursing will make a profound contribution to inquiry into the experience of technology, the needs of humanity and the development of appropriate health care.
Nursing and the concept of life: towards an ethics of testimony
Authors: Wynn Francine
Published: March 2003

AbstractThree clinical cases of very ill neonates exemplifying extreme ethical situations for nurses are interpreted through Arendt's concepts of life and natality, and Agamben's critique of bare life. Agamben's notions of form‐of‐life, as the inseparability ofzoe/bios, and testimony are offered as the potential foundation of nursing ethics.
Mono‐branched alkyl lactate as a rheological improver for body and personal care formulations
Authors: GENOVA G. , ZATTA A. , DEIANA L. , MONTESION F.
Published: March 2003

The use of mono‐branched alkyl lactate, in aqueous anionic surfactant mixtures, as a viscosity improver and cold storage stability enhancer in personal care formulations is examined, and compared with the results given by similar mixtures containing cocamide DKA. A detailed evaluation of the results is given.

Cette étude a pour objet les avantages liés à l'utilisation de Lactate d'Alkyle mono‐ramifié, dans des mélanges aqueux de tensioactifs anioniques, par comparaison avec le Cocoamide DEA comme promoteur de viscosité et prolongateur de durée de vie dans des formulations de produits d'hygiène personnelle.

On donne une évaluation détaillée. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998
Potential cosmetic applications of reconstructed epidermis
Authors: Regnier M. , Duval C. , Schmidt R.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

Various models of reconstructed epidermis already provide useful tools for safety and efficacy assessment of cosmetic products. However, the majority of these in vitro models are composed of keratinocytes only. Recently, the introduction of melanocytes into epidermal reconstructs has considerably enlarged their field of application. Depending on the melanocyte donor, the different phototypes (I–VI) as well as the racial specific pigmentation, caucasian, Asiatic or black epidermis can be reproduced in vitro. The reconstructed pigmented epidermis allows the evaluation of modulators of melanogenesis such as the depigmenting agent kojic acid. In contrast to conventional melanocyte cultures, the pigmented reconstructed epidermis is air‐exposed and covered, as in vivo, with a stratum corneum. This allowed us to evaluate the effect of UV‐irradiations on the epidermis and its protection by topically applied sunscreens. The introduction of resident epidermal Langerhans cells into the reconstructed epidermis remained an important challenge. We succeeded by seeding blood derived CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors onto a reconstructing epidermis composed of keratinocytes and melanocytes. The resulting pigmented epidermis shows melanocytes in the basal layer and resident epidermal Langerhans cells suprabasally. As in normal skin, the melanocytes transfer melanin to the neighboring keratinocytes, and the Langerhans cells express major histocompatibility complex class II molecules, CD1a antigen and Birbeck granules. This reconstructed epidermis, comprising for the first time the three major epidermal cell types, has the potential to serve in the near future as a predictive model for immuno‐pharmaco‐toxicological in vitro studies.
A novel ex vivo technique to assess the sand/rub resistance of sunscreen products
Authors: Stokes  , Diffey
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

A novel ex vivo technique has been used to assess the sand/rub resistance of topical sunscreens. The technique is based on transmission spectrometry using excised human epidermis as the substrate. The sun protection factors (SPFs) of 10 sunscreen products were measured prior to, and after agitation with sand. It was found that the different products retained varying amounts of their photoprotection after agitation, ranging from 40 to 85%. This technique provides a less expensive, less time‐consuming and less experimentally problematic alternative to in vivo testing.

Résumé

On utilise une nouvelle technique ex vivo pour évaluer la résistance au sable et au frottement d’écrans solaires topiques. La technique est basée sur la spectrométrie par transmission en utilisant de l’épiderme humain excisé comme substrat. Les indices de protection solaires (IP) de 10 écrans solaires sont mesurés avant et après agitation avec du sable. On observe que les différents produits conservent des taux variables de leur photoprotection, i.e de 40 à 85%. Cette technique offre une alternative moins coûteuse, plus rapide et moins problématique expérimentalement que le contrôle in vivo.
Redefining Type 2 diabetes: ‘Diabesity’ or ‘Obesity Dependent Diabetes Mellitus’?
Authors: Astrup A. , Finer N.
Published: March 2003

Type 2 diabetes is considered by diabetes physicians as a complex and heterogeneous disease with a poorly understood aetiology, apart from the fact that there is a strong genetic propensity that becomes overt when exposed to a typical Western lifestyle. Our clinical targets are now moving from controlling the disease to preventing it. Do we need to await more research on the aetiology and pathophysiology before establishing a preventive strategy? No, the pathophysiology may be poorly understood, but there is now solid evidence that type 2 diabetes is a disease of fatness. New, controlled, clinical trials show that as little as 5% weight loss is sufficient to prevent most obese subjects with impaired glucose tolerance developing type 2 diabetes. Since type 2 diabetes is obesity dependent, and obesity is the main aetiogical cause of type 2 diabetes, we propose the term ‘diabesity’ should be adopted.
Prevention of obesity – is it possible?
Authors: Müller M. J. , Mast M. , Asbeck I. , Langnäse K. , Grund A.
Published: March 2003

Obesity prevention is necessary to address the steady rise in the prevalence of obesity. Although all experts agree that obesity prevention has high priority there is almost no research in this area. There is also no structured framework for obesity prevention. The effectiveness of different intervention strategies is not well documented. Regarding universal prevention little rigorous evaluation has been carried out in larger populations. Obesity prevention has been integrated into community‐wide programmes preventing coronary heart disease. Although effective with respect to reduction in cardiovascular risk factors these programmes did not affect mean body mass index (BMI) of the target populations. Selective prevention directed at high risk individuals (e.g. at children with obese parents) exhibited various degrees of effectiveness. However, at present, definitive statements cannot be made because of the limited number of studies as well as limits in study design. Finally, targeted prevention produced promising results in obese children when compared to no treatment. However, there are only very few long‐term follow‐up data. There is no clear idea about comprehensive interventions studying combinations of different strategies. It is tempting to speculate that predictors of treatment outcome (e.g. psychological and sociodemographic factors) may also serve as barriers to preventive strategies, but this has not yet been investigated. Taken together, obesity prevention should become a high priority research goal. First results of obesity prevention programmes are promising. As well as health promotion and counselling, better school education and social support appear to be promising strategies for future interventions.
The biomechanics of adiposity – structural and functional limitations of obesity and implications for movement
Authors: Hills A. P. , Hennig E. M. , Byrne N. M. , Steele J. R.
Published: March 2003

Obesity is a significant health problem and the incidence of the condition is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Despite significant advances in the knowledge and understanding of the multifactorial nature of the condition, many questions regarding the specific consequences of the disease remain unanswered. For example, there is a dearth of information pertaining to the structural and functional limitations imposed by overweight and obesity. A limited number of studies to date have considered plantar pressures under the feet of obese vs. non‐obese, the influence of foot structure on performance, gait characteristics of obese children and adults, and relationships between obesity and osteoarthritis. A better appreciation of the implications of increased levels of body weight and/or body fat on movement capabilities of the obese would provide an enhanced opportunity to offer more meaningful support in the prevention, treatment and management of the condition.
Hematopoietic Stem‐Cell Transplantation for B‐Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Current Status
Authors: Esteve Jordi , Montserrat Emili
Published: March 2003

Although B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia CLL) is incurable with standard therapies, important progress has been made in the treatment of this disease. New treatment modalities result in a high proportion of complete responses and a longer disease‐free interval, but unfortunately not in a longer survival. Given these facts, as well as the increasing proportion of patients being diagnosed at a younger age, hematopoietic stem‐cell transplants are being frequently offered to individuals with CLL. Candidates to be enrolled in transplant trials can be identified on the basis of a number of reliable prognostic factors. However, the role of transplants in the management of CLL patients has not been established in controlled trials. Therefore, such procedures should still be considered experimental in CLL. In the autologous transplantation setting, the mortality associated with the procedure is usually lower than 10% and the status of the disease at the time of transplantation is the most important factor for survival. However, survival plots do not show a plateau and there is a constant pattern of relapses about 50% at 4 years post‐transplant), suggesting that autotransplants do not cure CLL. Allogeneic transplants result in a transplant‐related mortality ranging from 25% to 50%. In contrast with autologous transplants, however, in most series there is a survival plateau of about 40%; this is probably due, at least in part, to a graft‐vs.‐CLL effect. As with autologous transplants, the absence of minimal residual disease after transplantation is associated with a longer disease‐free interval. The use of nonmyeloablative regimens in allogeneic transplants is appealing, because they could contribute to a decrease in the transplant‐related mortality and to an increase in the age limit of transplantable patients. Hopefully, ongoing prospective studies will help to clarify the many issues still pending on the role of transplants in patients suffering from CLL.
Normal and Leukemic CD34‐negative Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Bonnet Dominique
Published: March 2003

Considerable progress has been made in recent years in purifying human and murine hemato‐poietic stem cells. The essential marker identified is the sialomucin CD34, which is expressed on primitive cells and downregulated as they differentiate into more abundant mature cells. CD34 is not unique to stem cells, however, as it is also expressed on clonogenic progenitors and some endothelial cells. Nevertheless, all clinical and experimental protocols are targeted to CD34+ cells enriched by a variety of selection methods. Recent studies in both the murine and human systems have indicated that some stem cells capable of multilineage repopulation do not express detectable levels of cell surface CD34. These studies challenge the dogma that all human repopulating cells are found in the CD34+ subset. However, the precise relationship between CD34− and CD34+ stem cells is still not well understood. In this review, the results on the discovery of the CD34− repopulating cell are summarized and the impacts this discovery may have, both clinically and in our understanding of the organization of the human hematopoietic system, are examined.
Stem Cell Dogmas in the Genomics Era
Authors: Lemischka Ihor
Published: March 2003

Recently, much excitement has been generated by strong suggestions that stem cells isolated from diverse somatic tissues may have a previously unsuspected degree of developmental or differentiation plasticity. For example, a hematopoietic stem cell may be capable of producing mature liver cells, muscle tissue or even neurons. Similarly, central nervous system stem cells or muscle stem cells may be capable of producing mature blood cell populations. These observations have called into question several fundamental dogmas of developmental biology. In addition, these observations offer extraordinary promise in the clinical setting. It is of paramount importance to rigorously assess the suggested plasticity phenomena using precise clonal analysis. In order to explore the plasticity phenomena in more direct ways, it is necessary to develop in vitro systems where such behavior can be recapitulated in a well‐defined setting. Finally, stem cell plasticity will be governed, at least in part, by cell‐autonomous mechanisms: that is, those mediated by the panel of gene products expressed in stem cells. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the complete gene expression profile that defines the stem cell.
STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATIONFOR LEUKEMIAS FOLLOWING MYELODYSPLASTIC SYNDROMESOR SECONDARYTO CYTOTOXIC THERAPY
Authors: Witte Theo de , Oosterveld Margriet , Span Bart , Muus Petra , Schattenberg Anton
Published: March 2003

Two main forms of therapy‐related myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia (t‐MDS/AML) have been recognized. The most frequent type, occurring after treatment with alkylating agents, is characterized by abnormalities of chromosomes 5 and/or 7 and t‐MDS/AML following treatment with topoisomerase II inhibitors and is associated with molecular aberrations of MLL (11q23) and AML‐1 (21q22). Individuals with certain polymorphisms associated with impaired detoxification of cytotoxic agents have an increased risk of developing MDS or AML after treatment of unrelated cancers. Multidrug chemotherapy is less effective for patients with MDS, or AML following MDS, or t‐MDS/AML when compared with primary AML, and results in lower complete remission (CR) rates and lower long‐term survival. Patients with good risk cytogenetic features, such as t(15; 17), t(8; 21) and inversion 16 are an exception as their treatment outcome is comparable with primary AML patients. Patients who attain a polyclonal and/or a cytogenetic CR may be candidates for autologous stem cell transplantation. For the remaining patients, the only curative option is allogeneic stem cell transplantation with stem cells from a histocompatible sibling or an alternative donor. Reduced intensity conditioning regimens may be considered for patients older than 50 years or patients with comorbidities. The advice is to treat patients early after diagnosis and preferably before progression as these patients have the highest chance of a favorable outcome.
Fluorescence urethroscopy following instillation of 5‐aminolevulinic acid: A new procedure for detecting clinical and subclinical HPV lesions of the urethra
Authors: Schneede P , Münch P , Wagner S , Meyer T , Stockfleth E , Hofstetter A
Published: March 2003

Objective

To report early clinical experience with intraurethral instillation of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) for the detection of clinical lesions (condyloma acuminata) and subclinical human papillomavirus (HPV) lesions of the urethra, not visible by conventional endoscopy.

Subjects and setting

Eighty‐four men with clinical diagnosis of condyloma acuminata were examined for urethral HPV lesions at the Department of Urology, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.

Methods

The anogenital areas of the patients were thoroughly examined using a magnifying glass before and after application of 5% acetic acid. Conventional as well as fluorescence urethroscopy were performed 1 h after topical application of 0.1% ALA for 15 min. A sensitive colour charge‐coupled device camera for fluorescence video inspection was used with spectral analysis. Biopsies were taken for histological examination and HPV detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Forty‐three of 84 men attending our clinic for condyloma acuminata had clinical HPV lesions of the urethra. Condylomas of the proximal urethra were found by conventional endoscopy in eight patients. Fluorescence urethroscopy detected additional subclinical lesions in 13 men. All lesions were HPV infections of the urethra confirmed histologically or by PCR. In nine of these subclinical urethra lesions low‐risk HPV types (HPV6, 11, 34) were found. Four lesions were associated with high‐risk types (HPV18, 31, 52, 58).

Conclusions

Fluorescence urethroscopy is a promising diagnostic procedure for detecting subtle clinical and subclinical HPV lesions of the urethra, that are normally not visualized by conventional endoscopy. Generally, urethroscopy is recommended in all cases of externally visible condylomas of the urethra after therapy.
Treatment of widespread cutaneous larva migrans with thiabendazole
Authors: Gourgiotou K , Nicolaidou E , Panagiotopoulos A , Hatziolou E , Katsambas AD
Published: March 2003

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a characteristic eruption that is caused by penetration and migration in the skin of nematode larvae. Both animal and human hookworms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the condition, with Ancylostoma braziliensis and A. caninum being the most common among them. CLM is quite common in tropical areas, but, due to travelling, several cases have also been described in Europe. We present a patient with CLM who presumably contacted the disease during a holiday in Singapore. The patient was treated successfully with oral thiabendazole.
Childhood discoid lupus erythematosus: report of five new cases and review of the literature
Authors: Van Gysel D , De Waard‐van der Spek FB , Oranje AP
Published: March 2003

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is an uncommon disease in childhood. In this paper we present five new cases of childhood DLE. Two of them are identical twin brothers, who developed similar lesions during an interval of 5 years. This is in favour of the hypothesis that both genetic factors and somatic mutations, due to environmental factors, are implicated in the pathogenesis. A review of the English language literature is also presented. In order to have better epidemiological data on this disease, all cases of childhood DLE, including those published in non‐English literature and those not yet published, should be placed together and analysed.
Keratin‐9 gene mutation in a family with epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma
Authors: Amichai B , Karpati M , Goldman B , Peleg L
Published: March 2003

Background Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder of keratinization.

Methods We studied five members of a Jewish family with epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma. Genomic DNA was extracted from leucocytes, and exon 1 of the keratin 9 gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction techniques.

Results The mutation was found in exon 1 of the keratin 9 gene in codon 160.

Conclusions Like most of the other families with clinical features of epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma the mutation is found in exon 1 of the keratin 9 gene.