bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observations on the histochemistry and ultrastructure of the epidermis of the tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus (Sphenodontida, Lepidosauria, Reptilia): A contribution to an understanding of the lepidosaurian epidermal generation and the evolutionary origin of the squamate shedding complex
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo , Maderson Paul F.A.
Published: March 2003

Histochemical and TEM analysis of the epidermis of Sphenodon punctatus confirms previous histological studies showing that skin‐shedding in this relic species involves the periodic production and loss of epidermal generations, as has been well documented in the related Squamata. The generations are basically similar to those that have been described in the latter, and their formation involves a cyclic alternation between β‐ and α‐keratogenesis. The six differences from the previously described squamate condition revealed by this study include: 1) the absence of a well‐defined shedding complex; 2) the persistence of plasma membranes throughout the mature β‐layer, including the oberhautchen; 3) the concomitant presence of lipogenic lamellar bodies and PAS‐positive mucous granules in most presumptive α‐keratinizing cells; 4) the presence of the secreted contents of these organelles in the intercellular domains of the three derived tissues, the homologues of the squamate mesos, α‐, and lacunar cells; 5) the paucity of lamellated lipid deposits in such domains; 6) the presence of keratohyalin‐like granules (KHLG) in the presumptive lacunar, clear, and oberhautchen cells. In toto, the absence of many of the precisely definable, different pathways of cytogenesis discernible during squamate epidermal generation production might be interpreted as primitive for lepidosaurs. However, when the evolutionary significance of each of the six differences listed is evaluated separately, it becomes clear that the epidermis of S. punctatus possesses primitive amniote, shared and derived lepidosaurian, and some unique characters. This evaluation further elucidates the concept of a lepidosaurian epidermal generation as a derived manifestation of the sauropsid synapomorphy of vertical alternation of keratin synthesis and shows that further study of keratinocyte differentiation in the tuatara may contribute to our understanding of the origin and evolution of β‐keratinization in sauropsid amniotes. J. Morphol. 256:111–133, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dentition and tooth replacement pattern in Chalcides (Squamata; Scincidae)
Authors: Delgado Sidney , Davit‐Beal Tiphaine , Sire Jean‐Yves
Published: March 2003

This study was undertaken as a prerequisite to investigations on tooth differentiation in a squamate, the Canarian scincid Chalcides. Our main goal was to determine whether the pattern of tooth replacement, known to be regular in lizards, could be helpful to predict accurately any stage of tooth development. A growth series of 20 laboratory‐reared specimens, aged from 0.5 month after birth to about 6 years, was used. The dentition (functional and replacement teeth) was studied from radiographs of jaw quadrants. The number of tooth positions, the tooth number in relation to age and to seasons, and the size of the replacement teeth were recorded. In Chalcides, a single row of pleurodont functional teeth lies at the labial margin of the dentary, premaxillary, and maxillary. Whatever the age of the specimens, 16 tooth positions were recorded, on average, in each quadrant, suggesting that positions are maintained throughout life. Replacement teeth were numerous whatever the age and season, while the number of functional teeth was subject to variation. Symmetry of tooth development was evaluated by comparing teeth two by two from the opposite side in the four jaw quadrants of several specimens. Although the relative size of some replacement teeth fitted perfectly, the symmetry criterion was not reliable to predict the developmental stage of the opposite tooth, whether the pair of teeth compared was left–right or upper–lower. The best fit was found when comparing the size of successive replacement teeth from the front to the back of the jaw. Every replacement tooth that is 40–80% of its definitive size is followed, in the next position on the arcade, by a tooth that is, on average, 20% less developed. Considering teeth in alternate positions (even and odd series), each replacement tooth was a little more developed than the previous, more anterior, one (0.5–20% when the teeth are from 10–40% of their final size). The latter pattern showed that tooth replacement occurred in alternate positions from back to front, forming more or less regular rows (i.e., “Zahnreihen”). In Chalcides, the developmental stage of a replacement tooth in a position p can be accurately predicted provided the developmental stage of the replacement tooth in position p‐1 or, to a lesser degree, in position p‐2 is known. This finding will be particularly helpful when starting our structural and ultrastructural studies of tooth differentiation in this lizard. J. Morphol. 256:146–159, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variation in enterovirus receptor genes
Authors: Karttunen Åse , Pöyry Tuija , Vaarala Outi , Ilonen Jorma , Hovi Tapani , Roivainen Merja , Hyypiä Timo
Published: March 2003

The increased incidence of a enterovirus infections observed in patients with type 1 diabetes preceding the development of the clinical disease could be partially explained by variation in the genes coding for enterovirus receptors. We carried out sequence analysis of the most common enterovirus receptor molecules in 21 diabetic children and 20 healthy adults. DNA was isolated from the leukocytes, and gene regions known to code for virus‐recognizing domains in major enterovirus receptors were amplified and sequenced. Heterozygous single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), Ala 67 (GCG) → Thr (ACG), was detected in the poliovirus receptor gene in four individuals in the diabetes group, but not in the control group. However, serological studies could not confirm that this substitution would convey different susceptibility to poliovirus infection. A heterozygous SNP, Lys 29 (AAG) → Met (ATG), was found in the intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) (receptor for rhinoviruses and some coxsackie A viruses) in one individual in both groups. A silent SNP in the α2 integrin subunit gene (echovirus 1 receptor) was frequently found in both groups, a silent heterozygotic SNP in coxsackievirus‐adenovirus receptor (coxsackie B virus receptor) gene was seen in one individual in the diabetes group, whereas no variation was found in the DAF (echovirus receptor) and β3 integrin subunit sequences (receptor for coxsackievirus A9) studied. In conclusion, both synonymous and nonsynonymous sequence variability of genes coding for enterovirus and rhinovirus receptors was shown to occur, but no pattern directly specific for type 1 diabetes was found. J. Med. Virol. 70:99–108, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular and serological aspects of HBsAg‐negative hepatitis B virus infections in North America
Authors: Hsia C.C. , Scudamore C.H. , Di Bisceglie A.M. , Tabor E.
Published: March 2003

A few hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are characterized by the presence of HBV DNA in serum or liver tissue, or both, in the absence of detectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in serum. However, such infections have rarely been described previously in North American patients. In the present study, 31 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients from the United States and Canada who had no detectable HBsAg in their serum were studied. In these 31 HBsAg‐negative HCC patients, HBV DNA was detected in HCC and/or in adjacent nontumorous liver tissue using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 5/9 (56%) patients from the United States and in 12/22 (55%) from Canada. The 17 HBV DNA‐positive/HBsAg‐negative patients from the United States and Canada included 9 without any serological markers for HBV and 8 with detectable antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen. In these patients, HBV genotype C was the most prevalent genotype (11/17; 64%). HBV genotypes have not been previously reported in HCC patients from North America. Replicative intermediate forms of HBV (covalently closed circular HBV DNA) were detected in 2/17 (12%) HBV DNA‐positive/HBsAg‐negative patients, indicating that at least two of these patients had actively replicating HBV infections. The use of tests to detect HBV DNA permitted the identification of HBV infections in HBsAg‐negative HCC patients from North America. Among these patients, those with antibody to hepatitis C virus (HCV) would otherwise have been designated “HCV‐associated HCCs” based on serological tests alone. These findings provide a new perspective on determining the possible viral etiologies of HCCs in North America. J. Med. Virol. 70: 20–26, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of GBV‐C infection among dental personnel
Authors: Roy Kirsty M. , Bagg Jeremy , Kennedy Catherine , Cameron Sheila , Simmonds Peter , Lycett Carol , Hunter Iain , Taylor Margie
Published: March 2003

Healthcare workers who carry out exposure‐prone procedures are theoretically at increased risk of acquiring blood‐borne virus infections. GB virus C (GBV‐C) is a recently described blood‐borne virus that is related distantly to hepatitis C virus. The occupational risk of GBV‐C infection to healthcare workers is unknown. This study collected detailed occupational and personal risk data in parallel with a blood specimen, to establish the prevalence and determinants of GBV‐C infection among dental healthcare workers. The presence of GBV‐C antibodies was detected using commercially available ELISA; GBV‐C RNA was detected by nested PCR using primers from the conserved 5′ noncoding region. The overall prevalence of GBV‐C antibodies among the study population was 11.1% (98/880, 95% confidence interval [CI], 9.1–13.4%) and 4.6% were positive for GBV‐C RNA (46/879, 95% CI, 2.5–5.1%), resulting in a cumulative prevalence of 15.7%. These figures are similar to those described in other populations. There was no significant difference in lifetime exposure to GBV‐C between dentists (17.7%) and dental nurses/hygienists (14.3%). Significantly more dental nurses/hygienists aged 16–30 years had been exposed to GBV‐C compared to dentists of the same age (χ2 = 13.75; P < 0.001). Conversely, significantly more dentists 46 years or older had evidence of exposure to GBV‐C compared to dental nurses/hygienists (χ2 = 6.79; P = 0.009). The high prevalence of GBV‐C infection did not seem to be related to past parenteral exposure, and the data suggest that sexual transmission, rather than occupational transmission, was a more important route for GBV‐C infection among this population. J. Med. Virol. 70:150–155, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of a unique BK virus variant in the CNS of a patient with AIDS
Authors: Jørgensen Gunn Eli Kimo , Hammarin Anna‐Lena , Bratt Gøran , Grandien Monica , Flægstad Trond , Johnsen John Inge
Published: March 2003

Human polyomavirus BK (BKV; GenBank or EMBL or DDBJ accession no. NC001538) is often reactivated in immunosuppressed patients. Reactivation has been associated primarily with excretion of the virus in the urine, and there have been few reports of renal and/or neurological disease caused by BKV in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Polymerase chain reaction, Southern blotting, and sequencing were used to detect and identify the noncoding control region (NCCR) of BKV in different tissues in an AIDS patient with meningoencephalitis, retinitis, and nephritis. An undescribed reorganized NCCR variant of the virus, completely different from the variants detected in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) and urine, was identified in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and CNS tissues. These results suggest that rearrangements in the NCCR of the virus have resulted in a BKV variant, which is better adapted to the host cell machinery of the cells in CNS tissue. The rearranged variant (BKV CNS) might have been involved in the initiation and/or development of the pathological lesions observed in the CNS‐related tissues of this patient. J. Med. Virol. 70: 14–19, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative evaluation of measles virus‐specific RT‐PCR methods through an international collaborative study
Authors: Afzal M.A. , Osterhaus A.D.M.E. , Cosby S.L. , Jin L. , Beeler J. , Takeuchi K. , Kawashima H.
Published: March 2003

Comparison of RT‐PCR assays established in house at various places revealed that laboratories could differ in sensitivity by as much as 1,000‐fold in terms of the ability to detect measles virus sequences in clinical samples. The study indicates that PCR findings, positive or negative, are questionable if they are not supported by the associated data demonstrating the overall sensitivity of the assay applied. Measles virus‐specific RT‐PCR‐based assays need to be validated using standard virus preparation or nucleic acid‐based target templates. A correlation between real‐time quantitative PCR and the conventional PCR for measles virus is highly desirable. J. Med. Virol. 70:171–176, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of the lipid peroxidation product acrolein on tau phosphorylation in neural cells
Authors: Gómez‐Ramos Alberto , Díaz‐Nido Javier , Smith Mark A. , Perry George , Avila Jesús
Published: March 2003

A hallmark of several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and tauopathies, is the hyperphosphorylation of the microtubule‐associated protein tau. Tau phosphorylation by proline‐directed and non‐proline‐directed protein kinases has been tested using antibodies PHF1 and 12E8, respectively. The effect of the lipid peroxidation product acrolein on these modes of phosphorylation has been assayed. We have found that acrolein, a peroxidation product from arachidonic acid, increases the phosphorylation of tau at the site recognized by PHF‐1 both in human neuroblastoma cells and in primary cultures of mouse embryo cortical neurons. Whereas the basal phosphorylation of tau protein at the PHF1 site seems to be largely mediated by glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (which is also activated in response to Aβ peptide), the acrolein‐induced tau hyperphosphorylation at the same site is also due to p38 stress‐activated kinase. These results support the view that oxidative stress and subsequent formation of lipid peroxidation products may contribute to tau protein phosphorylation in Alzheimer's disease and tauopathies. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High level of amyloid precursor protein expression in neurite‐promoting olfactory ensheathing glia (OEG) and OEG‐derived cell lines
Authors: Moreno‐Flores M. Teresa , Lim Filip , Martín‐Bermejo M. Jesús , Díaz‐Nido Javier , Ávila Jesús , Wandosell Francisco
Published: March 2003

During all the life of a mammal, olfactory ensheathing glia (OEG) permit the entry and navigation of olfactory neuron axons from peripheral to central nervous system (CNS) territory. This physiological characteristic of OEG has been successfully used for promotion of axonal regeneration after CNS injury in animal models. However, cellular and molecular properties responsible for OEG regenerative ability remain to be unveiled. Two approaches may be followed: to carry out genomic or proteomic analysis to detect secreted and/or membrane bound molecules or to examine the expression of molecules previously described as neuritogenic. This is the case of amyloid precursor protein (APP), a neurite‐promoting molecule. We have studied the expression of APP by OEG and OEG‐derived clonal lines, immortalised with the large T antigen of SV40 (TEG lines). OEG express high levels of APP in vivo and in culture. TEG lines maintained high expression of APP. Western blot analysis showed the presence of high molecular weight forms of APP in OEG, corresponding probably to glycosylated forms and/or to higher expression of the full length APPs. The main APP isoforms present in OEG cultures were APP770 and 751. L‐APP isoforms without the exon 15, which are those corresponding with proteoglycan forms, are predominant in glial cells. Our data showed that OEG had three times as much L‐APP as astrocytes, which may correlate with OEG neuritogenic capacity. In conclusion APP, a neurite‐promoting molecule, is produced by OEG. Its nexin activity, dependent on the Kunitz family of serine protease inhibitors (KPI) domain and/or in combination with its glycosylation level might contribute with other factors to the ability of these cells to foster axonal elongation. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paracetamol effectively reduces prostaglandin E2 synthesis in brain macrophages by inhibiting enzymatic activity of cyclooxygenase but not phospholipase and prostaglandin E synthase
Authors: Greco Anita , Ajmone‐Cat Maria Antonietta , Nicolini Alessia , Sciulli Maria Gina , Minghetti Luisa
Published: March 2003

Epidemiological studies indicate that nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are neuroprotective, although the mechanisms underlying their beneficial effect remain largely unknown. Given their well‐known adverse effects, which of the NSAIDs is the best for neurodegenerative disease management remains a matter of debate. Paracetamol is a widely used analgesic/antipyretic drug with low peripheral adverse effects, possibly related to its weak activity as inhibitor of peripheral cyclooxygenase (COX), the main target of NSAIDs. As microglia play an important role in CNS inflammation and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, we investigate the effect of paracetamol on rat microglial cultures. Although less potent than other NSAIDs, (indomethacin ≃ NS‐398 > flurbiprofen ≃ piroxicam > paracetamol ≃ acetylsalicylic acid), paracetamol completely inhibited the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated microglia, when used at concentrations comparable to therapeutic doses. The drug did not affect the expression of the enzymes involved in PGE2 synthesis, i.e., COX‐1, COX‐2, and microsomal PGE synthase, or the release of the precursor arachidonic acid (AA). Paracetamol inhibited the conversion of exogenous AA, but not PGH2, into PGE2 indicating that the target of the drug is COX activity. Consistently, paracetamol inhibited with similar IC50 the synthesis of PGF2α and thromboxane B2, two other COX metabolites. Finally, none of the NSAIDs affected the productions of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factorα, two inflammatory mediators released by activated microglia. As paracetamol was reported to inhibit PG synthesis in peripheral macrophages with an IC50 at least three orders of magnitude higher than in microglia, we suggest that this drug represents a good tool for treating brain inflammation without compromising peripheral PG synthesis. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variations in spare electron transport chain capacity: The answer to an old riddle?
Authors: Fern Robert
Published: March 2003

Several neurological diseases involve focal injury of specific brain structures. Poisons of the electron transport chain complexes (ETCC) can also produce selective injury of brain structures when given systemically and have been implicated in the development of neurological disease. Why ETCC poisons damage particular brain regions is unclear. Calculations of the relative ETCC expression level to glucose utilization rate (GUR) ratio from published observations here reveal that a low ETCC/GUR ratio predisposes a brain structure to injury by a poison of that complex. While GUR can rise with increased neuronal activity, ETCC expression is fixed in the short term. A high ETCC/GUR therefore represents surplus ETCC capacity, allowing for increased ATP generation with short‐term increases in demand. A low ETCC/GUR indicates the opposite and will lead to energy failure when the specific ETCC is poisoned. These observations may explain why cyanide, a specific ETCC (IV) inhibitor, can produce selective injury of white matter, which has the lowest ETCC (IV)/GUR found in the brain. They are also consistent with the selective damage of the striatum produced by poisons such as rotenone, a form of injury implicated in Parkinson's disease. The striatum has a low ETCC (I)/GUR ratio, whereas rotenone is a selective ETCC (I) inhibitor. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modelling the southern extent of the last Icelandic ice‐sheet
Authors: Bingham Robert G. , Hulton Nicholas R. J. , Dugmore Andrew J.
Published: March 2003

A three‐dimensional, time‐dependent numerical ice‐sheet model is used to investigate the southern extent of the last Icelandic ice‐sheet since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ca. 20 000 14C yr BP). Ice development over southern Iceland is forced using a linear relationship between mass balance and altitude based on observations over Sólheimajökull, a southern outlet glacier of the Mýrdalsjökull ice‐cap. A continentality factor is introduced that raises inland equilibrium‐line altitudes (ELAs) and also slackens the mass‐balance/altitude gradient driving the model. With this calibration the present‐day ice distribution can be reconstructed. Growth from ice‐free to total ice cover is assessed and the sensitivity of ice extent to ELA change is shown to be non‐linear. The model indicates that an ELA lowering of 500 m, consistent with a ca. 5°C temperature depression for southern Iceland at the LGM, would enable glacier ice to cover the whole land surface within the modelled area and inundate any putative ecological refugia. Modelling with a 300 m ELA depression, consistent with previous reconstructions of Younger Dryas (YD, 10 000–11 000 14C yr BP) ice extent, indicates that the principal outcrops of the Sólheimar ignimbrite were glaciated at this time, suggesting that an origin during this stadial (and a correlation with North Atlantic Ash Zone I / Vedde Ash) is problematic. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiproxy Devensian Late‐glacial and Holocene environmental records at an Atlantic coastal site in Shetland
Authors: Whittington Graeme , Buckland Paul , Edwards Kevin. J. , Greenwood Malcolm , Hall Adrian M. , Robinson Marie
Published: March 2003

Marine erosion at Clettnadal, West Burra island off the west coast of Shetland, caused the drainage of a small water body at Clettnadal, exposing deposits of Late Devensian and Holocene age. Pollen, diatom and invertebrate analyses have provided variable records of environmental change during stratigraphical event GI‐1. Event GS‐1 is revealed by the non‐pollen evidence, especially by Coleoptera, by sediment stratigraphy, and by radiocarbon dating. In contrast, the pollen evidence indicates that an arctic tundra flora, in which dwarf shrubs were prominent, persisted throughout the Late‐glacial. The Holocene brought colonisation by tree birch, but by ca. 9000 14C yr BP the taxon had almost disappeared. This contrasts strongly with other Holocene pollen records for Shetland where both Betula and Corylus avellana‐type survived longer—at some sites, for example, until ca. 2900 yr BP. The extreme westerly and exposed coastal situation of Clettnadal appears to be responsible both for a muted Late‐glacial response in the pollen record of terrestrial vegetation and for the early replacement of woodland by a maritime grassland. The results provoke questions concerning biological stability at times of marked climatic change. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature‐dependent Raman and infrared spectra of nucleosides. III—deoxycytidine
Authors: Li J. , Lee S. A. , Anderson A. , Lettress L. , Griffey R. H. , Mohan V.
Published: March 2003

Raman and infrared spectra were recorded for crystalline deoxycytidine samples at 300, 200, 100 and 10 K. Data were taken over the spectral range 20–4000 cm−1. The wavenumbers of most vibrational modes were found to increase as the temperature was lowered. A number of peaks split into multiplets at low temperature. A new mode, observed at 375 cm−1, is a marker band for 2′‐deoxyribose in cytosine‐containing nucleic acids. Evidence is presented supporting the assignment of marker bands associated with the C3′‐endo and C2′‐endo puckers of deoxyribose. No clear indication was found of any structural phase transitions in this temperature range. Several hydrogen‐stretching modes were found to involve hydrogen bonding. Plausible assignments of all the main features observed are suggested. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adsorption and hydrogenation of benzene at platinum electrode surfaces probed by confocal Raman microscopy
Authors: Yao Jian‐Lin , Ren Bin , Liu Guo‐Kun , Wu De‐Yin , Gu Ren‐Ao , Tian Zhong‐Qun
Published: March 2003

The electrochemical adsorption and hydrogenation of benzene on a roughened Pt electrode were studied by confocal Raman microscopy. Some forbidden vibrational bands of benzene were detected owing to the lowering of the symmetry upon adsorption. The results infer that benzene is adsorbed on the Pt surface in a flat orientation by its ring. By comparison, its adsorption was carried out on an ultrathin Pt film‐coated Au electrode exhibiting higher SERS activity. It has been shown that benzene reacts with the adsorbed hydrogen, then is hydrogenated to cyclohexane on the Pt surface at negative potentials in acidic solution. This preliminary study provides evidence to support the fact that even weak adsorbates on pure transition metals can be studied by SERS spectroscopy. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibrational study of the superionic–protonic phase transition of (Cs)0.26(Rb)0.74H(SO4)0.89(SeO4)0.11
Authors: Kamoun S. , Gargouri M.
Published: March 2003

Raman spectra (10–1300 cm−1) of polycrystalline samples of (Cs)0.26(Rb)0.74H(SO4)0.89(SeO4)0.11 were studied from 300 to 413 K. The νA–OH and νA–O (A = Se, S) bands were fitted by a Lorentzian function. The simulation of the νA–OH band allowed us to follow its evolution as a function of temperature. Above 383 K, the mixed compound exhibits a superionic phase transition. The activation energy which was determined from the plot of Δν1/2 versus temperature for the νA–OH band has the same order of magnitude as that determined from conductivity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Postoperative taste and smell deficit after upper gastrointestinal cancer surgery—an unreported complication
Authors: Harris Adrian M. , Griffin S. Michael
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

Patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal cancer surgery were noted to suffer loss of taste and/or smell, a previously unreported problem. Our aim was to investigate the extent of this phenomenon, quantify recovery time, and identify potentially associated factors.

Methods

In this retrospective study, a postal questionnaire was sent to all patients still alive after oesophagectomy or gastrectomy, with a minimum 1‐year follow‐up and no clinical or radiological evidence of recurrence. Data were analysed for prevalence of deficit in relation to operation, age, sex, respiratory complications, and disease stage.

Results

A total of 109/119 (92%) patients completed the questionnaire: 50 gastrectomies and 69 oesophagectomies. Ten patients were excluded with prior sensory deficit. Overall, 45/99 patients (45%) suffered deficit (M:F = 1.6:1). No association was found with type of surgery: deficits for subtotal gastrectomy, total gastrectomy, and oesophagectomy were 44, 46 and 46% respectively (χ2 = 0.355, 2 df P > 0.5). No other parameter was associated, and full recovery occurred in 30 patients (67%) within a mean of 6 months.

Conclusions

Loss of taste and smell occurs in nearly one‐half of all cases after upper gastrointestinal surgery. The pathophysiology is unknown, but it resolves in most patients within 6–12 months. This complication should be discussed as part of informed consent for patients undergoing oesophagogastric cancer surgery. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;82:147–150. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combined loss of expression of O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase and hMLH1 accelerates progression of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Matsukura Shiroh , Miyazaki Kohji , Yakushiji Hiroyuki , Ogawa Akiomi , Chen Yongxin , Sekiguchi Mutsuo
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) and human Mut L homologue 1 (hMLH1) are proteins that play an important role in DNA repair. No reports have yet described whether deficient MGMT and hMLH1 expression correlates with tumor progression and the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Using immunohistochemical analysis, we evaluated the expression status of MGMT and hMLH1 protein in 60 paraffin‐embedded samples from consecutive patients with curatively resected HCC.

Results

The lack of expression of both MGMT and hMLH1 in HCCs (n = 7) correlated with advanced pTNM stage (P = 0.039), as compared with HCCs expressing both proteins (n = 25). The absence of both MGMT and hMLH1 was a significant indicator of malignant potential. The expression status of both MGMT and hMLH1 was a predictive factor for overall survival in patients with HCC (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

HCC lacking both MGMT and hMLH1 is correlated with an advanced stage and a poor prognosis. The expression status of both repair proteins is a predictive prognostic marker in patients with HCC after surgical resection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;82:194–200. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid reaction of sulfide with hydrogen peroxide and formation of different final products by freezing compared to those in solution
Authors: Takenaka Norimichi , Furuya Satoshi , Sato Keiichi , Bandow Hiroshi , Maeda Yasuaki , Furukawa Yoshinori
Published: March 2003

The reaction of sulfide with hydrogen peroxide in an aqueous solution at pH 9 produces thiosulfate, sulfite, and an unknown sulfur compound as intermediates, and, finally, all sulfides convert to sulfate (Chen and Gupta, Environ Lett 1973, 4, 187–200; Yokosuka et al., Nihon Kagaku Kaishi 1975, 11, 1901–1909; Hoffmann, Environ Sci Technol 1977, 11, 61–66; Ràbai et al., J Phys Chem 1992, 96, 5414–5419). This reaction was found to be accelerated by freezing. The decomposition rate of sulfide by H2O2 in freezing at −15°C was about 5 times faster than the maximum decomposition rate in solution at 25°C. The decomposition of sulfide by freezing obeys zero‐order kinetics, and the rate coefficient was 11.9 mol dm−3 min−1 at a freezing rate of 0.83 cm3 min−1. Zero‐order kinetics is one of the characteristics of freezing rate‐controlled reactions. Thiosulfate, sulfite, and an unknown sulfur compound were also observed as intermediates in the reaction by freezing. The decomposition of thiosulfate obeys first‐order kinetics, and the rate coefficient was 0.0496 min−1 at −15°C. The rate coefficient in freezing at −15°C is about 47 times faster than that in solution at 25°C. Sulfide, thiosulfate, and sulfite were consumed after 90 min. However, the unknown sulfur compound was not oxidized and was preserved in ice for a long time even in the presence of an excess of hydrogen peroxide. The concentration of an unknown sulfur compound in the frozen sample can be changed by changing the concentration of H2O2 and the pH of the solution. Freezing could be used for rapid preparation and preservation of unstable substances in solution. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 35: 198–205, 2003
Cancer “photo‐chemoprevention” with pulsed dye laser and celecoxib
Authors: Wang Zhi , Fuentes Cesar F. , Shapshay Stanley M.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

Our previous study demonstrated the efficacy of pulsed dye laser (PDL) in inhibiting cancer growth. This study is to determine the synergic effect of PDL and Celecoxib, when they are combined for treatment of oral cancer.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Fifteen mice were inoculated with oral cell carcinoma and divided into three groups of five each (30 seeding sites/group): (1) control (no treatment), (2) PDL only, and (3) treatment with combined PDL and Celecoxib (1,500 ppm). The number and volume of tumors were counted and measured for 21 days.

Results

The combined treatment developed tumor at the slowest rate. On day 21, the average tumor volumes were (1) 483.6 mm3 (control), (2) 312.1 mm3 (PDL only), and (3) 151.4 mm3 (combined treatment).

Conclusions

A synergic effect was found in the combined treatment group. This study provides the first evidence of the efficacy of a new strategy for the treatment of oral cancer, namely, cancer “photo‐chemoprevention.” Lasers Surg. Med. 32:180–184, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preliminary biocompatibility experiment of polymer films for laser‐assisted tissue welding
Authors: Sorg Brian S. , Welch Ashley J.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a polymer film for liquid solder strength reinforcement on the short term healing of a wound closed by laser‐tissue soldering.

Materials and Methods

Full thickness incisions created on the dorsum of Sprague–Dawley rats were closed by laser‐tissue soldering: albumin solder with Indocyanine Green (ICG) dye was inserted between the incision edges and photothermally coagulated with a diode laser. A poly(DL‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymer film was implanted subcutaneously in the bottom of the incision (controls had no film). Specimens were harvested at 0, 3, 7, and 14 days for breaking strength testing and histological analysis.

Results

Breaking strengths of the controls at 0 and 14 days were statistically stronger than the specimens with the implanted films (t‐test, P < 0.05). A slight difficulty in apposing the wound edges due to the film presence may have contributed to the low acute strengths. Interference with the wound contraction process by the films possibly contributed to the lower breaking strength at 14 days. Wound histology indicated a mild foreign body reaction to the polymer film material.

Conclusions

The polymer film was well tolerated by the tissue, and the tissue response to the material was consistent with that seen in the literature. The breaking strength differences between control and film‐implanted specimens at 0 and 14 days were probably the result of mechanical complications (tissue apposition and wound contraction) due to the presence of the film, and not due to the film material itself. The use of polymer film patches for liquid solder reinforcement and breaking strength enhancement may have certain application specific issues that need to be addressed. Strategies to account for these issues require further research. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:215–223, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A nonstandard density theorem for weak topologies on Banach and Bochner spaces
Authors: Vanderputten Laurent
Published: March 2003

We prove a nonstandard density result. It asserts that if a particular formula is true for functions in a set K of linear continuous functions between Banach spaces E and D, then it remains valid for functions that are limits, in the uniform convergence topology on a given class ℳ︁ of subsets of E, of nets of vectors in K. We then apply this result to various class ℳ︁ and setsK in the context of E‐valued Bochner integrable functions defined on a finite measure space.
Positive set‐operators of low complexity
Authors: Tzouvaras Athanossios
Published: March 2003

The powerset operator, 𝒫, is compared with other operators of similar type and logical complexity. Namely we examine positive operators whose defining formula has a canonical form containing at most a string of universal quantifiers. We call them ∀‐operators. The question we address in this paper is: How is the class of ∀‐operators generated ? It is shown that every positive ∀‐operator Γ such that Γ(∅︁) ≠ ∅︁, is finitely generated from 𝒫, the identity operator Id, constant operators and certain trivial ones by composition, ∪ and ∩. This extends results of [3] concerning bounded positive operators.
The axiom of choice holds iff maximal closed filters exist
Authors: Herrlich Horst
Published: March 2003

It is shown that in ZF set theory the axiom of choice holds iff every non empty topological space has a maximal closed filter.
Addition‐Fragmentation Chain Transfer Involving Dimers of α‐Methylvinyl Monomers Studied by ESR Spectroscopy: Competition between Fragmentation and Bimolecular Termination
Authors: Zetterlund Per B. , Yamazoe Hirotomo , Yamada Bunichiro
Published: March 2003

Detection of the adduct radical by ESR spectroscopy and after‐effect ESR measurements of the adduct radical concentrations in the photosensitized polymerization of styrene (St) in the presence of dimers of α‐methylstyrene (MSD) and methyl methacrylate have revealed that the dominant mechanism of adduct radical loss changes from bimolecular termination to fragmentation as the temperature is increased beyond 90 °C for St/MSD.

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Formation of Silica/Poly(p‐dioxanone) Microspheres by Surface‐Initiated Polymerization
Authors: Yoon Kuk Ro , Koh Young‐Joo , Choi Insung S.
Published: March 2003

A polymeric film of a biodegradable poly(p‐dioxanone) was grown from 490 nm silica particles by monolayer formation via self‐assembly of hydroxy‐terminated triethoxysilane and subsequent surface‐initiated ring‐opening polymerization of p‐dioxanone. The resulting silica/poly(p‐dioxanone) hybrid particles were characterized by means of 1H NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy.

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Ultimately Specific 1,4‐cis Polymerization of 1,3‐Butadiene with a Novel Gadolinium Catalyst
Authors: Kaita Shojiro , Hou Zhaomin , Nishiura Masayoshi , Doi Yoshiharu , Kurazumi Junko , Horiuchi Akira C. , Wakatsuki Yasuo
Published: March 2003

Novel complexes [(C5Me5)2Ln][B(C6F5)4] (Ln = Pr, Nd, or Gd) were prepared, which in combination with iBu3Al efficiently induce highly 1,4‐cis‐specific polymerization of butadiene. The activity of the Gd complex/iBu3Al system is high enough to exhibit good catalytic activity even at low temperature. Polymerization at −78 °C gave polybutadiene with nearly perfect 1,4‐cis microstructure (>99.9%) with sharp molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn = 1.45) and in reasonable yield.

ORTEP drawing of 2b. Selected bond distances (Å): Pr‐F1 = 2.549(2), Pr‐F19 = 2.625(2).

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ORTEP drawing of 2b. Selected bond distances (Å): Pr‐F1 = 2.549(2), Pr‐F19 = 2.625(2).
Hepatocyte growth factor, transforming growth factor α, and their receptors as combined markers of prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Daveau Maryvonne , Scotte Michel , François Arnaud , Coulouarn Cédric , Ros Gilles , Tallet Yveline , Hiron Martine , Hellot Marie‐France , Salier Jean‐Philippe
Published: March 2003

A change in the balance between proliferation and apoptosis in the course of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and progression has been suspected. We wanted to identify related genes whose mRNA levels could provide markers of severity and prognosis after resection. The extent of cell apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation was measured with a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated deoxyuridine 5‐triphosphate–biotin nick‐end labeling assay, and the Ki‐67 index was determined in paired tumor and cirrhotic tissue samples from patients who had undergone HCC resection after diagnosis of hepatitis C–related or alcoholism‐related cirrhosis. These patients included two groups with highly versus poorly differentiated tumor cells, and the latter was split into two subgroups of those with versus without early recurrence. The mRNA levels for various apoptosis‐related or proliferation‐related genes and those for the growth factor/receptor systems were measured by quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction in paired tumor and cirrhotic liver samples from every patient, and some of the corresponding proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry. In all instances, protein expression was highly heterogeneous within groups and similar between groups. In contrast, some differences in mRNA level between tumor and cirrhotic tissues were quite informative. Low levels of hepatocyte growth factor and transforming growth factor α mRNAs were found concomitantly in highly differentiated tumors, whereas overexpression of mRNAs for the cognate receptors c‐met and epidermal growth factor receptor were found in poorly differentiated tumors and primarily in patients with early tumor recurrence. These results argue for growth factor–dependent HCC development and provide novel and combined prognosis markers after HCC surgery. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primary orthostatic tremor associated with a persistent cerebrospinal fluid monoclonal IgG band
Authors: Trip S. Anand , Wroe Stephen J.
Published: March 2003

Primary orthostatic tremor is of unknown aetiology and is believed to be a distinct entity rather than a subtype of essential tremor. We describe the first patient with a typical phenotype of primary orthostatic tremor who has a persistent isolated monoclonal immunoglobulin G band in the cerebrospinal fluid. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Late delayed postradiation spinal myoclonus or psychogenic movement disorder?
Authors: Löscher Wolfgang N. , Trinka Eugen
Published: March 2003

We describe a patient with intermittent, at times rhythmic trunk flexion movements. Neurophysiological assessment excluded a psychogenic movement disorder. The segmental spinal myoclonus occurred 6 years after radiation therapy of the brain and entire spinal cord, and we suggest this patient to be the first case of a late‐delayed sequela of spinal cord irradiation presenting as segmental spinal myoclonus. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Parkinsonism associated with Addison's disease
Authors: Wali Gurusidheshwar M.
Published: March 2003

We describe a 35‐year‐old woman who developed parkinsonism in association with Addison's disease. The parkinsonism disappeared following treatment for Addison's disease without the use of antiparkinsonian drugs. This association stands unique although the pathophysiology remains unclear.
Changes of GABA receptors and dopamine turnover in the postmortem brains of parkinsonians with levodopa‐induced motor complications
Authors: Calon Frédéric , Morissette Marc , Rajput Ali H. , Hornykiewicz Oleh , Bédard Paul J. , Di Paolo Thérèse
Published: March 2003

Brain samples from 14 Parkinson's disease patients, 10 of whom developed motor complications (dyskinesias and/or wearing‐off) on dopaminomimetic therapy, and 11 controls were analyzed. Striatal 3β‐(4‐125I‐iodophenyl)tropane‐2β‐carboxylic acid isopropyl ester ([125I]RTI‐121) ‐specific binding to dopamine transporter and concentration of dopamine were markedly decreased, but no association between level of denervation and development of motor complications was observed. The homovanillic acid/dopamine ratio of concentrations was higher in putamen of patients with wearing‐off compared to those without. Striatal 35S‐labeled t‐butylbicyclophosphorothionate ([35S]TBPS) and [3H]flunitrazepam binding to GABAA receptors were unchanged in patients with Parkinson's disease, whereas [125I]CGP 64213 ‐specific binding to GABAB receptors was decreased in the putamen and external segment of the globus pallidus of parkinsonian patients compared with controls. [3H]Flunitrazepam binding was increased in the putamen of patients with wearing‐off compared to those without. [35S]TBPS–specific binding was increased in the ventral internal globus pallidus of dyskinetic subjects. These data suggest altered dopamine metabolism and increased GABAA receptors in the putamen related to the pathophysiology of wearing‐off. The present results also suggest that an up‐regulation of GABAA receptors in the internal globus pallidus is linked to the pathogenesis of levodopa‐induced dyskinesias. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy and motor neurone disease presenting with a progressive supranuclear palsy‐like syndrome
Authors: Weeks Robert A. , Scaravilli Francisco , Lees Andrew J. , Carroll Camille , Husain Masud , Rudge Peter
Published: March 2003

We describe a 68‐year‐old woman who presented with falls, mild limb bradykinesia, axial rigidity, and a severe supranuclear gaze palsy, which failed to benefit from levodopa. She subsequently developed severe apraxia, progressive dysarthria, dysphagia, and a frontal cognitive impairment. Pyramidal weakness with fasciculations and widespread chronic partial denervation appeared shortly before her death from bronchopneumonia, 6 months after disease onset. A severe cerebral amyloid angiopathy diffusely involving the cerebral hemispheres and cerebellum was present at autopsy as well as a second pathological condition indicative of motor neurone disease. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy may rarely present with a progressive supranuclear palsy–like phenotype.
Rating scales for dystonia: A multicenter assessment
Authors: Comella Cynthia L. , Leurgans Sue , Wuu Joanne , Stebbins Glenn T. , Chmura Teresa ,   and The Dystonia Study Group
Published: March 2003

The evaluation of dystonia requires a reliable rating scale. The widely used Fahn‐Marsden Scale (F‐M) has not been sufficiently tested across multiple centers and investigators. The Dystonia Study Group developed the Unified Dystonia Rating Scale (UDRS) and a Global Dystonia Rating Scale (GDS) to serve as instruments to assess dystonia severity. In this study, 25 dystonia experts evaluated the UDRS, F‐M, and GDS for internal consistency and reliability. One hundred dystonia patients were videotaped using a standardized videotape protocol. Each examiner rated 20 patients using the UDRS, F‐M, and GDS in random order. The examiner then assessed each scale for ease of use. Statistical analysis used Cronbach's α, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), generalized weighted κ statistic, and Kendall's coefficient of concordance. The UDRS, F‐M, and GDS showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α 0.89–0.93) and good to excellent correlation among the raters (ICC range from 0.71–0.78). Inter‐rater agreement was fair to excellent (Kendall's 0.54–0.87; κ 0.37–0.91) being lowest for eyes, jaw, face, and larynx. The modifying ratings (Duration in the UDRS and Provoking Factor in the F‐M) showed less agreement than the motor severity ratings. Among scales, the total scores correlated (Pearson's r, 0.977–0.983). Overall, 74% of raters found the GDS the easiest to apply. The GDS with its simplicity and ease of application may be the most useful dystonia rating scale. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society
HLA typing does not predict REM sleep behaviour disorder and hallucinations in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Onofrj Marco , Luciano Anna Lisa , Iacono Diego , Thomas Astrid , Stocchi Fabrizio , Papola Franco , Adorno Domenico , Di Mascio Rocco
Published: March 2003

HLA‐DR2 haplotype and DQ1 DNA alleles, characterizing 90 to 100% of all narcoleptic patients, were found to be equally distributed in 20 Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with early hallucinations, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep‐related behaviour disturbances (RBD), and sleep onset in REM (SOREM), and in 20 PD patients without hallucinations, despite 10 to 15 years of treatment, and no RBD or SOREM.
Inside‐out vein graft and inside‐out artery graft in rat sciatic nerve repair
Authors: Barcelos Alécio Santos , Rodrigues Antonio Castro , Silva Maeli Dal Pai , Padovani Carlos R.
Published: March 2003

Although veins and arteries present similar wall structures, there are differences which may be relevant in peripheral nerve reconstruction. Inside‐out vein grafts (IOVG) have been satisfactorily used to repair both motor and sensitive nerves. However, the inside‐out artery graft (IOAG) is a new technique and not fully investigated. Our study presents comparative morphological data on nerve regeneration achieved with IOVG and IOAG in the repair of Wistar rat sciatic nerves. Jugular veins and aorta arteries were harvested from donor animals and used “inside‐out” to bridge a 10‐mm gap. Animals were sacrificed at 10 weeks to evaluate nerve regeneration. Both techniques presented great variability in nervous tissue, though some animals showed satisfactory results. Different intensities of scarring processes might have interfered with nerve regeneration. Although IOVG and IOAG techniques showed similar morphometric results, in general, IOVG presented a closer‐to‐normal nerve organization than IOAG. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 23:66–71 2003