bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical activity and epithelial ovarian cancer risk: A case‐control study in China
Authors: Zhang Min , Lee Andy H. , Binns Colin W.
Published: May 2003

A case‐control study was conducted in China during 1999–2000 to investigate the effects of intensity and duration of physical activity on the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer. Cases were 254 patients with histologically confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer. The 652 controls comprised 340 hospital visitors, 261 non‐neoplasm hospital outpatients and 51 women recruited from the community. Physical activity was measured by a validated questionnaire. The risks of ovarian cancer were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis accounting for age, demographic, lifestyle and familial factors, hormonal status, family ovarian cancer history and total energy intake. The study found that increasing total physical activity was associated with a lower ovarian cancer risk among Chinese women. The odds ratio was 0.54 (95% CI 0.34–0.87) for high vs. low levels of total weekly metabolic equivalent tasks. Ovarian cancer risk tended to decline with increasing duration of strenuous sports and frequency of activity‐induced sweating among pre‐menopausal women, with adjusted OR 0.13 (95% CI 0.03–0.64) and 0.45 (95% CI 0.24–0.85), respectively. Increasing duration of moderate activity in post‐menopausal women also appeared to be protective against ovarian cancer, with adjusted OR 0.36 (95% CI 0.18–0.73). © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Breast cancer and specific types of oral contraceptives: A large Norwegian cohort study
Authors: Dumeaux Vanessa , Alsaker Elin , Lund Eiliv
Published: May 2003

The aim of our study was to examine the risk of breast cancer according to specific types of estrogens and progestagens in oral contraceptives (OCs) based on the prospective Norwegian Women and Cancer study (NOWAC). Between 1991–97 women aged 30–70 years were drawn at random from the central person register and mailed an invitation and a questionnaire. Women (102,443) were enrolled with follow‐up information collected throughout 1999 by linkage with national registries of cancer, mortality and emigration based on the unique national identification number. Among the 96,362 women included in the present analysis 851 invasive breast cancer were diagnosed. The adjusted risk of breast cancer increased with 25% for ever use of OCs and the risk increased with increasing duration of use (test for trend: p = 0.007). No association between time since last use and breast cancer risk was found after stratification on duration of use. Positive trend was still found for total duration of use among women who used OCs more than 5 years ago. Second generation of OCs had an increased risk with increasing duration of use. Classifying progestagens according to chemical groups, the relative risk increased significantly with increasing cumulative dose of levonorgestrel progestagen. It was difficult to conclude for the other groups due to lack of power. In a multivariate analysis the cumulative dose for all progestagen groups were non‐significant, although we observed a significant increased risk with increasing milligram‐months of estrogen exposure (p = 0.002). In conclusion, the increased risk of breast cancer related with OC formulations could be due mostly to estrogen component. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Upregulation of MMPs by soluble E‐cadherin in human lung tumor cells
Authors: Nawrocki‐Raby Béatrice , Gilles Christine , Polette Myriam , Bruyneel Erik , Laronze Jean‐Yves , Bonnet Noël , Foidart Jean‐Michel , Mareel Marc , Birembaut Philippe
Published: May 2003

Loss of E‐cadherin/catenin mediated cell–cell adhesion and overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are largely involved in tumor invasion. It has been recently shown that high levels of a soluble 80 kDa fragment of E‐cadherin, resulting from a cleavage by MMPs, are found in serum and in urine from cancer patients. Additionally, this soluble E‐cadherin (sE‐CAD) promotes cell invasion into chick heart and into collagen type I gels. The aim of our study was to examine the mechanism of sE‐CAD‐induced cell invasion. Since MMPs play a crucial role in invasion, we looked for induction of MMPs by sE‐CAD in noninvasive human lung tumor cells 16HBE. An induction of MMP‐2, MMP‐9 and MT1‐MMP expression was observed both at the mRNA and at the protein level in the presence of sE‐CAD (in conditioned medium form or in E‐cadherin HAV peptide form). No induction of MMP‐1, ‐3 and ‐7 or variation of the levels of their inhibitors, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2, were detected. The biologic relevance of the sE‐CAD‐induced MMP upregulation was tested by demonstrating that sE‐CAD promotes in vitro cell invasion in a modified Boyden chamber assay. These data provide new insight into mechanisms of tumor invasion by ectodomain shedding of the cell–cell adhesion molecule E‐cadherin. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐activated gene (NAG‐1) is induced by genistein through the expression of p53 in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Wilson Leigh C. , Baek Seung Joon , Call Allison , Eling Thomas E.
Published: May 2003

Genistein is an isoflavenoid found in soy that has anti‐tumorigenic activities. Treatment of colorectal carcinoma HCT‐116 cells with 50 μM genistein results in a 50% reduction in cell proliferation and a 6‐fold increase in apoptosis. Genistein induces nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐activated gene 1 (NAG‐1), a protein with antitumorigenic activities, in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner in HCT‐116 cells. In addition, p53 and p21 are induced in HCT‐116 cells. The induction of p53 (3 hr) precedes the induction of NAG‐1 (12 hr), suggesting that genistein‐induced NAG‐1 expression is mediated by p53. In contrast, NAG‐1 is not induced by genistein in the p53‐negative colorectal carcinoma cell line HCT‐15. Luciferase reporter constructs of the NAG‐1 promoter containing 2 p53 sites showed that the p53 sites within the NAG‐1 promoter are critical to genistein‐induced NAG‐1 expression in p53‐positive U2OS cells. The expression of p53 was critical for NAG‐1 promoter activity since no promoter activity was observed with genistein treatment in HCT‐15 cells. However, genistein‐induced promoter activity was restored in HCT‐15 cells by transfection with wild‐type p53. Together our data suggest a relationship between genistein, p53 and NAG‐1 forming a novel pathway responsible for the antitumorigenic activity of genistein. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased adhesion potency of ovarian carcinoma cells to mesothelial cells by overexpression of dipeptidyl peptidase IV
Authors: Kikkawa Fumitaka , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Ino Kazuhiko , Shibata Kiyosumi , Mizutani Shigehiko
Published: May 2003

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV), cell surface peptidase, works as an adhesion molecule as well as an enzyme. To investigate the role of DPPIV as an adhesion molecule of ovarian carcinoma cells to mesothelial cells, ovarian carcinoma (SKOV3 and NOS4) cells were transfected with a sense and an antisense cDNA coding human DPPIV. The adhesion potency of these transfected cells to fibronectin‐ and collagen‐coated plates and mesothelial cells were examined with or without fibronectin. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry demonstrated DPPIV in ovarian carcinoma cells. The adhesion rate of DPPIV‐transfected SKOV3 (SKDPIV) cells to fibronectin‐coated plates was significantly higher than SKOV3 cells, while there was no difference in the adhesion rate to non‐coated plates between SKDPIV and SKOV3 cells. The adhesion rates of vector‐transfected SKOV3 (SKpcDNA) cells to coating and noncoating plates were similar to those of SKOV3 cells. SKDPIV cells showed twofold adhesion potency to mesothelial cells compared to SKOV3 cells. Furthermore, an addition of soluble fibronectin resulted in a dose‐dependent increase in the adhesion rate of SKDPPIV cells, but not in either SKOV3 or SKpcDNA cells. Antisense‐transfected NOS4 cells decreased the adhesion potency compared to NOS4 and vector‐transfected NOS4 cells. In conclusion, ovarian carcinoma cells express DPPIV and adhere to human mesothelial cells in part by DPPIV. This adhesion mechanism of DPPIV is mediated by immobilized and soluble fibronectin. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel plant triterpenoid drug amooranin overcomes multidrug resistance in human leukemia and colon carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Ramachandran Cheppail , Rabi Thangaiyan , Fonseca Hugo B. , Melnick Steven J. , Escalon Enrique A.
Published: May 2003

Amooranin (AMR), a plant terpenoid, isolated from Amoora rohituka, was investigated for its ability to overcome multidrug resistance in human leukemia and colon carcinoma cell lines. AMR IC50 values of multidrug‐resistant leukemia (CEM/VLB) and colon carcinoma (SW620/Ad‐300) cell lines were higher (1.9‐ and 6‐fold) than parental sensitive cell lines (CEM and SW620). AMR induced G2+M phase‐arrest during cell cycle traverse in leukemia and colon carcinoma cell lines and the percentage of cells in G2+M phase increased in a dose‐dependent manner. Coincubation of tumor cells with both DOX and AMR reversed DOX resistance in 104‐fold DOX‐resistant CEM/VLB and 111‐fold DOX‐resistant SW620/Ad‐300 cell lines with a dose modification factor of 50.9 and 99.6, respectively. Flow cytometric assay showed that AMR causes enhanced cellular DOX accumulation in a dose‐dependent manner. AMR inhibits photolabeling of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) with [3H]‐azidopine and the blocking effect enhanced with increasing concentrations of AMR. Our results show that AMR competitively inhibits P‐gp‐mediated DOX efflux, suggestive of a mechanism underlying the enhanced DOX accumulation and reversal of multidrug resistance by AMR. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[125I], [127I]‐and [14C]‐Labelling of the GLP‐1‐(7‐37) derivative NN2211
Authors: Kristensen Jesper B. , Pedersen Mette L. , Larsen Ulla D. , Martiny Lars , Hansen Louis B. , Foged Christian
Published: May 2003

Arg34Lys26(Nε‐(γ‐L‐glutamyl(Nα‐palmitoyl)))‐GLP‐1(7‐37) (NN2211) is currently in development as a diabetes type 2 drug. The fatty acid attached to the GLP‐1(7‐37) ensures a long and controlled duration of action. The synthesis of [125I]NN2211, [127I]NN2211 and [14C]NN2211 used for preclinical ADME studies are described. NN2211 was iodinated using the lactoperoxidase/hydrogen peroxide method, and [14C]NN2211 was synthesized in 4 steps by two routes both starting from an α‐protected [U‐14C]glutamic acid. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iridium‐mediated β‐deuteration of enones
Authors: Gibson Jennifer S. , Herbert John M.
Published: May 2003

Exposure of captodative enone systems to deuterium in the presence of Crabtree's catalyst (1) results in deuteration at the vinylic site β‐ to the ketone carbonyl, as well as at any accessible ortho‐position. β‐exchange is also observed during the reduction of ethyl cinnamate (3) catalyzed by 1. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How to increase the reactivity of [18F]fluoroethyl bromide: [18F]fluoroethylation of amine, phenol and amide functional groups with [18F]FEtBr, [18F]FEtBr/NaI and [18F]FEtOTf
Authors: Zhang Ming‐Rong , Furutsuka Kenji , Yoshida Yuichiro , Suzuki Kazutoshi
Published: May 2003

[18F]Fluoroethyl bromide ([18F]FEtBr) is a useful synthetic precursor to synthesize 18F‐labeled compounds. However, the lower reactivity of [18F]FEtBr with amine, phenol and amide functional groups than that of [11C]CH3I partly limits its wide application in the synthesis of [18F]fluoroethylated compounds. The aim of this study was to increase the reactivity of [18F]FEtBr with various nucleophilic substrates for PET tracers containing amine, phenol and amide moieties. The present strategies included (1) adding NaI into the reaction mixture of [18F]FEtBr and substrate, where [18F]FEtI is reversibly formed and becomes more reactive; (2) converting [18F]FEtBr into much more reactive [18F]FEtOTf, similar to conversion of [11C]CH3I into [11C]CH3OTf. By these efforts, the [18F]fluoroethylation efficiency of various substrates containing amine, phenol and amide groups with [18F]FEtBr/NaI and [18F]FEtOTf was significantly improved, compared with the corresponding reaction efficiency with [18F]FEtBr. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature controlled burn generation system based on a CO2 laser and a silver halide fiber optic radiometer
Authors: Cohen Meir , Ravid Avi , Scharf Vered , Hauben Daniel , Katzir Abraham
Published: May 2003

Background and Objectives

Experimental animal study of burns is dependent on a reliable burn generation system. Most of the experimental systems used today are unable to produce precise partial thickness burns. This limits the ability to study minor changes associated with burn care. The aim of the study was to develop a method for generating burns with a fixed depth using a CO2 laser burn generation system.

Materials and Methods

The burn generation system was composed of two components: a burn generation device and a temperature sensing and control system. These components were designed to operate together in order to keep a constant, predetermined skin surface temperature during prolonged burn generation. One hundred thirty‐eight spot burns were generated on the back of five shaved 450 g male Wistar rats. The rat skin was exposed to a 70°C for 5–60 seconds. The burned areas were excised and underwent evaluation by hematoxylin‐eosin‐stained slide microscopy.

Results

A linear correlation was found between the duration of exposure and the average burn depth (r = 0.93). This correlation is represented by the equation: burn depth in millimeters = 0.012× (duration in seconds of skin exposure at 70°C).

Conclusions

The fiber‐optic‐controlled laser burn generation system studied is a reliable tool for creating partial thickness as well as full thickness skin burns in rats. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:413–416, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of Q‐switched ruby laser in the treatment of nevus of ota in different age groups
Authors: Kono Taro , Chan Henry H.L. , Erçöçen Ali Riza , Kikuchi Yuji , Uezono Shoichi , Iwasaka Susumu , Isago Tsukasa , Nozaki Motohiro
Published: May 2003

Background and Objectives

Nevus of Ota is a form of dermal melanocytic hamartoma that appears as a bluish discoloration in the trigeminal region. Although Q‐switched lasers provide effective treatment, the appropriate age at which to start that treatment is not known. Our aim is to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of Q‐switched ruby laser (QSRL) in the treatment of nevus of Ota in different age groups.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Our study included 46 children and 107 adults with nevus of Ota, which had been treated with QSRL that achieved excellent (75% or more) to complete response. The laser parameters were 694‐nm wavelength, 30 nanoseconds pulse duration, 4‐mm spot size, and 5–7 J/cm2 fluence at 3–4 month intervals. We assessed the mean number of treatment sessions and the degree of complications in the two age groups of patients.

Results

The mean number of treatment sessions to achieve significance to complete clearing was 3.5 for the younger age group and 5.9 for the older age group (P = 0.0001). The complication rate for the younger age group was 4.8% as compared to 22.4% for the older age group.

Conclusions

The use of QSRL for the treatment of nevus of Ota in children can achieve an excellent result in fewer sessions and at a lower complication rate than later treatment. The risk of recurrence is a concern, however, and further long‐term study is necessary to address this issue. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:391–395, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Facial rhytides—subsurfacing or resurfacing? A review
Authors: Grema Hortensia , Greve Bärbel , Raulin Christian
Published: May 2003

Study Design/Background and Objectives

Currently, ablative laser therapy (with CO2/Er:YAG lasers) is considered an effective and promising method of skin rejuvenation. The induction of collagen synthesis was observed after treatments with the CO2laser and with the long‐pulsed Er:Yag laser. In past years, the undesirable side effects and risks of these methods have led to intensified research efforts in the fields of non‐ablative facial rejuvenation as well as subsurfacing by means of non‐ablative laser systems and intense pulsed light systems. The objective is to achieve selective, heat‐induced denaturalization of dermal collagen that leads to subsequent reactive synthesis of neocollagen but does not damage the epidermis. This article reviews the use of different types of lasers and intense pulsed light sources for the non‐ablative treatment of facial rhytides.

Results

The results of numerous clinical and histological investigations have recently indicated that these new technologies are successful. Some studies demonstrated remarkable effects with non‐ablative systems; others, however, showed only limited cosmetic improvement or none at all.

Conclusions

After critical review and assessment of current literature on the treatment of rhytides, we have found that non‐ablative methods do not appear to be a comparable alternative to ablative skin resurfacing in terms of their efficacy and side effects. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:405–412, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A preliminary study of laser tissue soldering as arterial wall reinforcement in an acute experimental aneurysm model
Authors: Oskoui Philip , Stadler Istvan , Lanzafame Raymond J.
Published: May 2003

Background and Objectives

Aneurysm formation results from destruction of structural arterial wall connective tissue, leading to wall weakening and rupture. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that reinforcement of the arterial wall using laser tissue soldering contributes to arterial wall stabilization and rupture prevention in an acute experimental model.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Elastase (10 U/mg protein, Sigma‐Aldrich Co., St. Louis, MO) was applied with a fine paint brush on femoral artery segments to cause fusiform aneurysm formation. After aneurysms formed (approximately 45 minutes after treatment), elastase was rinsed out and indocyanine green (ICG) and albumin soldering mixture (2.5 mg/ml ICG in 50% albumin) was delivered to the arterial segment, followed by laser irradiation at 830 nm, (15mW output for 20 minutes). In situ pressure burst measurements were then performed.

Results

In situ burst pressures were > 503 mmHg for normal arteries and 181 ± 26.0 mmHg, for Elastase treated segments. (P < 0.0001) Treatment of experimental aneurysms laser tissue soldering returned burst strengths to > 503 mmHg.

Conclusions

These results indicate laser tissue soldering reinforcement of weak arterial walls, is possible and may reduce the likelihood of acute rupture. Further development of this technique for aneurysm management is warranted. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:346–348, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Value of endotracheal tube safety in laryngeal laser surgery
Authors: Sesterhenn Andreas M. , Dünne Anja‐A. , Braulke Daniel , Lippert Burkard M. , Folz Benedikt J. , Werner Jochen A.
Published: May 2003

Background and Objectives

Due to the increased popularity of laryngeal laser therapy, surgeons and anesthesiologists are inevitably confronted with questions concerning the choice of the most efficient endotracheal tube (ETT) for laryngeal laser surgery, especially with regard to possible endolaryngeal tube fires, or combustions. The purpose of this study was to determine the current practice in endolaryngeal laser surgery in Germany.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A questionnaire was sent to 152 ENT Departments in Germany, care was taken that the responders could send back the questionnaire anonymously. Among other questions the participants were asked for the number of lasersurgical treatments of the larynx performed in the past, the usual type of ETTs in use, whether other safety precautions were taken during CO2 laser surgery of the larynx and for intraoperative complications like tube ignition, fires or combustions.

Results

Eighty six of the 152 addressed ENT departments replied. In laryngeal laser surgery, 59/86 departments regularly use special laser tubes in daily routine (74.5%). In about 20,000 lasersurgical procedures, 15 incidents of ETT fire have been reported. In six of the reported 15 cases a tube fire occurred despite the fact that special laser tubes had been utilized.

Conclusions

The present study could demonstrate that the use of special laser tubes does not necessarily protect against ETT fire. Thus, even when using special laser tubes other safety measures should be taken. In view of the maximum safety for the patient it has to be stated, that the safety during surgery correlates definitely with the experience of the surgeon. The weakest point of ETTs is usually situated in the cuff region. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:384–390, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hair removal with long pulsed diode lasers: A comparison between two systems with different pulse structures
Authors: Fiskerstrand Eli Janne , Svaasand Lars O. , Nelson J. Stuart
Published: May 2003

Background and Objectives

The aim was to study hair removal efficacy, and possible side effects of two commercially available long pulsed diode lasers. The radiant exposure was selected to a value of 35 J/cm2, which is frequently used in the clinic in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A prospective clinical study was performed on twenty‐nine patients with hair color ranging from light brown to black on the upper lip. One half of the upper lip was randomly selected for treatment with the MedioStar® laser; the contralateral half of the lip was treated with the LightSheer® laser. Three treatments were performed at 6–8 week intervals. Percent hair reduction and acute‐ and long‐term side effects were evaluated after treatment.

Results

The average hair reductions 6 months after the first treatment were 49% with the MedioStar® laser and 48% with the LightSheer® laser. No scarring or pigmentary change of the skin was observed after any of the treatments with either laser. However, differences in acute side effects such as degree of erythema and burned hairs were observed.

Conclusions

No statistically significant differences in hair removal efficacy were observed. These results agree with mathematical modeling, which also offers a method to estimate hair removal efficacy and adverse effects for a range of hair characteristics and laser parameters. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:399–404, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measurement of the elastic modulus of rabbit nasal septal cartilage during Nd:YAG (λ = 1.32 μm) laser irradiation
Authors: Chao Kenneth K.H. , Ho Ki‐Hong Kevin , Wong Brian J.F.
Published: May 2003

Background and Objectives

The objective of this study was to quantitatively measure changes in the elastic moduli of rabbit nasal septal cartilage during laser heating. While the efficacy of laser cartilage reshaping has been established for use in nasal surgery, few studies have investigated the temperature‐dependent viscoelastic behavior of cartilage.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Cyclic force versus displacement curves were generated during the Nd:YAG laser (λ = 1.32 μm, 10 second exposure time, 21.22 W/cm2) irradiation of cartilage specimens secured in cantilevered geometry. Samples were irradiated three times with 30 second cooling intervals between each laser exposure. Measurements were recorded before, during, and after laser irradiation, and then following complete rehydration in normal saline (NS) for 1 hour at 25°C. Elastic modulus was calculated assuming linear viscoelastic behavior.

Results

The elastic modulus in native tissue decreased during and after successive laser exposures from about 6 to 3.5 MPa. After rehydration, the modulus returned to near‐baseline value. Surface temperature reached a maximum of 65°C.

Conclusions

The laser irradiation of cartilage using parameters similar to those used in reshaping does not produce significant irreversible changes in the mechanical properties of the tissue. Measurement of the elastic modulus is an effective means of characterizing alterations in cartilage mechanical behavior during and after laser heating. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:377–383, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preliminary study of laser welding for aortic dissection in a porcine model using a diode laser with indocyanine green
Authors: Fujita Masanori , Morimoto Yuji , Ohmori Sayaka , Usami Noriko , Arai Tsunenori , Maehara Tadaaki , Kikuchi Makoto
Published: May 2003

Background and Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine whether a dissected aorta could be welded by a diode laser with a solder using an in vitro porcine aortic dissection model.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Porcine aortic strips were dissected into two flaps and the dissected faces were immersed in a solution of indocyanine green. The two flaps were pressed at 0.2 kg/cm2 with contact between the two immersed faces. The pressed flaps were irradiated with a diode laser (810 nm) at intensities of 170–425 W/cm2 for 8 seconds. The welded flaps were studied by light microscopy and the adhesive strengths were measured.

Results

The irradiated flaps were successfully welded. The breaking stress, the maximum stress recorded in a stress‐strain curve, increased with increase in irradiation intensity up to 396 W/cm2 (2.7 × 102 mmHg) and decreased when the intensity reached 425 W/cm2. In the specimen irradiated at 396 W/cm2, the welded faces showed continuous fusion of elastin layers, while some voids were seen between the welded faces in the specimen irradiated at 425 W/cm2.

Conclusions

The dissected porcine aortas were successfully welded using a laser with solder. The results suggest that the welded aorta can bear physiological blood pressure. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:341–345, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Leg ulceration after pulsed dye laser treatment of a vascular malformation
Authors: Lamb Steven R. , Sheehan‐Dare Robert A.
Published: May 2003

Background and Objectives

The pulse dye laser (PDL) is a well‐established treatment for port wine stains (PWSs) and is generally accepted to be safe, effective, and results in fading in the majority of patients. Significant side effects such as scarring are extremely rare. To date ulceration has not been reported.

Study Design/Patients and Methods

We report a 22‐year‐old male who presented with a large vascular malformation on his lower leg with both superficial capillary and deeper venous components, which on venography and ultrasound showed abnormal architecture and reflux into the superficial collecting system. He underwent a series of test areas with the PDL on the lower leg.

Results

Ulceration developed in multiple sites after treatment as well as significant symptoms and signs of varicose eczema, which took at least 2 months to heal despite appropriate topical treatments and compression.

Conclusions

Patients with vascular malformations of the lower leg with deeper venous components should be warned about the development of ulceration and treated with caution. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:396–398, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo and in vitro effects of an Er:YAG laser, a GaAlAs diode laser, and scaling and root planing on periodontally diseased root surfaces: A comparative histologic study
Authors: Schwarz Frank , Sculean Anton , Berakdar Mohammad , Szathmari Ludwig , Georg Thomas , Becker Jürgen
Published: May 2003

Background and Objectives

The aim of the present histologic study was to compare the in vivo and in vitro effects of an erbium: yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser (ERL), combined with a fluorescent calculus detection system, a diode laser (DL) and scaling and root planing (SRP) on periodontally diseased root surfaces.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Twenty‐four single rooted teeth, considered for extraction due to severe periodontal destruction, were included in the study. Prior to extraction all mesial root surfaces were randomly assigned to the following treatment groups: (1) ERL combined with a calculus detection system with fluorescence induced by 655 nm InGaAsP DL radiation (160 mJ/pulse and 10 pulses/second under water irrigation) (ERL), or (2) GaAlAs DL (1.8 W, pulse/pause relation 1:10), or (3) SRP using hand instruments. Immediately after extraction, all distal root surfaces were treated with the same instruments under standardized conditions. For light microscopic investigation, a plastic embedding technique was used to cut the undecalcified roots into 30 μm thick crossections. The following parameters were recorded by on blind examiner: remaining debris, root surface morphology, and thermal side effects.

Results

Root surfaces instrumented with both, ERL in vivo and DL in vitro exhibited no detectable surface alterations. In contrast, ERL scaling in vitro and SRP in vivo/in vitro produced superficial microchanges in root cementum. However, irradiation with DL in vivo caused severe damages to the root surface (i.e., crater formation). There were no signs of thermal side effects in all laser treated groups. ERL provided subgingival calculus removal on a level equivalent to that provided by SRP. DL was unsuitable for calculus removal, since macroscopic inspection revealed the presence of large amounts of subgingival calculus.

Conclusions

The present in vivo results showed that (i) ERL, combined with a fluorescent calculus detection system, provided a selective subgingival calculus removal on a level equivalent to that provided by SRP, and (ii) DL, using this power output, was unsuitable for calculus removal and altered the root surface in an undesirable manner. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:359–366, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wavelength and average power density dependency of the surface modification of root dentin using an MIR‐FEL
Authors: Heya Manabu , Sano Shu , Takagi Nobuhiko , Fukami Yuko , Awazu Kunio
Published: May 2003

Background and Objectives

Surface modification of root dentin by mid‐infrared (MIR) pulsed‐laser irradiation is one of the candidates for a novel, non‐invasive treatment to prevent root surface caries. To modify root dentin effectively and non‐invasively it is essential to estimate quantitatively and qualitatively the laser parameters, such as the wavelength and power density, required for surface modification. The key aspect is to bring about effective surface modification of the root dentin while minimizing the unwanted removal of the underlying dentin.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Using a tunable, MIR Free Electron Laser with λ = 8.8–10.6 μm, we have investigated macroscopically the extent of the surface modification (morphological and chemical changes) of root dentin. We have obtained experimental results related to the ablation depth, the MIR absorption spectrum, and the elemental chemical composition.

Results

The observations showed that the surface modification of root dentin was inclined toward well‐recrystallized HAp‐like material, leading to an increase in the acid resistance and dentinal tubule sealing. The laser parameters, at which efficient surface modification without enhanced ablation occurred, were estimated to be approximately in the wavelength region around λ = ∼9.0 or ∼9.7 μm and in the average power density region of ∼10–20 W/cm2 (resulting in total energy density and peak power density regions of ∼1–2 kJ/cm2 and ∼0.67–1.2 kW/cm2).

Conclusions

The surface modification of root dentin strongly depends on the laser parameters applied. We conclude that the optimum wavelengths for laser treatment of root surface caries are λ = ∼9.0 or ∼9.7 μm, corresponding to the absorption peak due to P‐O stretching. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:349–358, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transurethral endoscopic treatment of upper urinary tract tumors using a holmium:YAG laser
Authors: Matsuoka Kei , lida Shizuka , Tomiyasu Katsuro , Inoue Michiro , Noda Shinshi
Published: May 2003

Background and Objectives

The feasibility of treating upper urinary tract tumors with a holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser in transurethral endoscopy was examined.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Thirty‐three treatments were performed on 30 patients with renal pelvic and ureteral carcinomas. After vaporization and coagulation eliminated the tumors, the surrounding mucosa was fully coagulated. Postoperative follow‐up consisted of urinary cytology once a month, cystoscopy every 3 months, excretory pyelography every 6 months, and uretero‐pyeloscopy every 6–12 months.

Results

The recurrence rate after the first treatment was 86% in the imperative indication group. The tumor‐free rate (median follow‐up, 37 months) in the imperative indication group was 57%. In the elective indication group, those values were 20 and 95% (median follow‐up, 33 months), respectively.

Conclusions

Transurethral endoscopic treatment of upper urinary tract tumors using Ho:YAG laser can be a useful method on limited cases identified into specific treatments groups combined with a strict follow‐up. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:336–340, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Autofluorescence characteristics of healthy oral mucosa at different anatomical sites
Authors: de Veld Diana C.G. , Skurichina Marina , Witjes Max J.H. , Duin Robert P.W. , Sterenborg Dick J.C.M. , Star Willem M. , Roodenburg Jan L.N.
Published: May 2003

Background and Objectives

Autofluorescence spectroscopy is a promising tool for oral cancer detection. Its reliability might be improved by using a reference database of spectra from healthy mucosa. We investigated the influence of anatomical location on healthy mucosa autofluorescence.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Spectra were recorded from 97 volunteers using seven excitation wavelengths (350–450 nm), 455–867 nm emission. We studied intensity and applied principal component analysis (PCA) with classification algorithms. Class overlap estimates were calculated.

Results

We observed differences in fluorescence intensity between locations. These were significant but small compared to standard deviations (SD). Normalized spectra looked similar for locations, except for the dorsal side of the tongue (DST) and the vermilion border (VB). Porphyrin‐like fluorescence was observed frequently, especially at DST. PCA and classification confirmed VB and DST to be spectrally distinct. The remaining locations showed large class overlaps.

Conclusions

No relevant systematic spectral differences have been observed between most locations, allowing the use of one large reference database. For DST and VB separate databases are required. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:367–376, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of linearly polarized 0.6–1.6 μM irradiation on stellate ganglion function in normal subjects and people with complex regional pain (CRPS I)
Authors: Basford Jeffrey R. , Sandroni Paola , Low Phillip A. , Hines Stacy M. , Gehrking Jade A. , Gehrking Tonette L.
Published: May 2003

Background and Objectives

Stellate ganglion blocks are an effective but invasive treatment of upper extremity pain. Linearly polarized red and near‐infrared (IR) light is promoted as a safe alternative to this procedure, but its effects are poorly established. This study was designed to assess the physiological effects of this latter approach and to quantitate its benefits in people with upper extremity pain due to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I (CRPS I, RSD).

Study Design/Materials and Methods

This was a two‐part study. In the first phase, six adults (ages 18–60) with normal neurological examinations underwent transcutaneous irradiation of their right stellate ganglion with linearly polarized 0.6–1.6 μm light (0.92 W, 88.3 J). Phase two consisted of a double‐blinded evaluation of active and placebo radiation in 12 subjects (ages 18–72) of which 6 had upper extremity CRPS I and 6 served as “normal” controls. Skin temperature, heart rate (HR), sudomotor function, and vasomotor tone were monitored before, during, and for 30 minutes following irradiation. Analgesic and sensory effects were assessed over the same period as well as 1 and 2 weeks later.

Results

Three of six subjects with CRPS I and no control subjects experienced a sensation of warmth following active irradiation (P = 0.025). Two of the CRPS I subjects reported a >50% pain reduction. However, four noted minimal or no change and improvement did not reach statistical significance for the group as a whole. No statistically significant changes in autonomic function were noted. There were no adverse consequences.

Conclusions

Irradiation is well tolerated. There is a suggestion in this small study that treatment is beneficial and that its benefits are not dependent on changes in sympathetic tone. Further evaluation is warranted. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:417–423, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biodegradable Phosphorylcholine Polymer Hydrogels Cross‐Linked with Vinyl‐Functionalized Polyphosphate
Authors: Iwasaki Yasuhiko , Komatsu Shinpei , Narita Tadashi , Akiyoshi Kazunari , Ishihara Kazuhiko
Published: May 2003

A vinyl‐functionalized polyphosphate (PIOP) was synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization of 2‐isopropyl‐2‐oxo‐1,3,2‐dioxaphospholane and 2‐(2‐oxo‐1,3,2‐dioxaphosphoroyloxyethyl methacrylate) with triisobutylaluminum as an initiator. The number‐averaged molecular weight of the PIOP was 1.2 × 104. The average number of vinyl groups in the PIOP is 2.20. Transparent hydrogels were prepared by the radical polymerization of 2‐methacryroyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine with PIOP as a cross‐linking reagent. These hydrogels may have many applications in the biomedical field because of their biodegradability and biocompatibility.

Synthetic route of PIOP.

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Synthetic route of PIOP.
Skeletal muscle disorders associated with selenium deficiency in humans
Authors: Chariot Patrick , Bignani Olivier
Published: May 2003

Skeletal muscle disorders manifested by muscle pain, fatigue, proximal weakness, and serum creatine kinase (CK) elevation have been reported in patients with selenium deficiency. The object of this report was to review the conditions in which selenium deficiency is associated with human skeletal muscle disorders and to evaluate the importance of mitochondrial alterations in these disorders. A systematic literature review using the Medline database and Cochrane Library provided 38 relevant articles. The main conditions associated with selenium deficiency fell into three categories: (1) insufficient selenium intake in low soil‐selenium areas; (2) parenteral or enteral nutrition, or malabsorption; and (3) chronic conditions associated with oxidative stress, such as chronic alcohol abuse and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In low soil‐selenium areas, reversibility of muscle symptoms was similar after selenium supplementation and placebo administration, suggesting a role for other factors in the development of disease. In parenteral or enteral nutrition, or malabsorption, muscle symptoms improved after selenium supplementation in 18 of 19 patients (median delay: 4 weeks). The reason that only a minority of selenium‐deficient patients present with skeletal muscle disorders is unclear and is possibly related to cofactors, such as viral infections and drugs. Prospective studies of selenium‐deficient myopathies would be useful in critically ill patients, alcohol abusers, and HIV‐infected patients. Muscle Nerve 27: 662–668, 2003
Autonomic dysfunction in peripheral nerve disease
Authors: Low Phillip A. , Vernino Steven , Suarez Guillermo
Published: May 2003

Autonomic neuropathies are inherited or acquired neuropathies in which autonomic nerve fibers are selectively or disproportionately affected. Generally, sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers are both affected but there are exceptions. Acquired cases can be autoimmune; due to diabetes, amyloidosis, drugs, or toxins; or idiopathic. Autoimmune autonomic neuropathy is often subacute, sometimes associated with a neoplasm, and associated with high titers of antibody to ganglionic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in about half of the severe cases. The molecular basis of inherited autonomic neuropathies is better known, including recent identification of the loci and genes of hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies types I, III, and IV. The inherited amyloid neuropathies are due to mutations of three proteins: transthyretin, apolipoprotein A1, and gelsolin. Non‐invasive autonomic testing complements clinical and electrophysiological characterization of the autonomic neuropathies. Muscle Nerve 27: 646–661, 2003
Needle EMG of abductor hallucis and peroneus tertius in normal subjects
Authors: Boon Andrea J. , Harper C. Michel
Published: May 2003

Normal values for standard concentric‐needle electromyography (EMG) of the abductor hallucis (AH) and peroneus tertius (PT) muscles have not been established to date, yet both are potentially useful muscles in the diagnosis of length‐dependent peripheral nerve disorders. Forty‐three normal asymptomatic subjects stratified by age underwent a standard set of nerve conduction studies and concentric‐needle examination to exclude asymptomatic disease and develop normal values for the AH and the PT for various EMG parameters. Fibrillation potentials were observed in the AH in 21% of normal subjects (10% < 60 years old, 30% > 60 years old); 19% of subjects were unable to voluntarily activate the AH. All subjects could activate the PT regardless of age. No fibrillation potentials were observed in subjects < 60 years of age, whereas 9% of those older than 60 years had mild fibrillation potentials in the PT. The PT is a useful muscle in the evaluation of length‐dependent peripheral neuropathy and other peripheral nerve disorders of the lower extremities, on the basis of ease of motor unit potential activation and analysis, and relative infrequency of fibrillation potentials in normal subjects. Muscle Nerve 27: 752–756, 2003
Motor unit number estimation in the evaluation of focal conduction block
Authors: Jillapalli Devanand , Bradshaw Deborah Y. , Shefner Jeremy M.
Published: May 2003

Temporal dispersion and phase cancellation limit the utility of amplitude reduction in compound muscle action potential (CMAP) as a measure of focal conduction block but may not affect motor unit number estimation (MUNE). Hence, MUNE offers the potential of a specific measure of conduction block. We investigated the role of MUNE in 11 patients with ulnar neuropathy and conduction block at the elbow and also in 8 normal subjects. MUNE failed to detect motor unit dropout in the patient group because reduced values for surface‐recorded motor unit potentials (SMUPs) were obtained at proximal locations, suggesting that focal compression selectively damages larger motor axons, an hypothesis that has support from animal studies. We conclude that, because MUNE is affected by the physiological characteristics of functional axons surviving the underlying pathological process, the utility of MUNE is limited to diseases in which the expected pathology affects motor axons uniformly. Muscle Nerve 27: 676–681, 2003
Myokymia, neuromyotonia, dermatomyositis, and voltage‐gated K+ channel antibodies
Authors: Oh Shin J. , Alapati Anjaneyulu , Claussen Gwen C. , Vernino Steven
Published: May 2003

A young woman presented with facial myokymia in association with dermatomyositis. There was no evidence of peripheral neuropathy. Needle electromyography showed prominent myokymic discharges and brief neuromyotonic discharges in addition to many small‐amplitude, short‐duration motor unit potentials. Myokymia and dermatomyositis both responded to immunosuppressive treatment. The presence of antibodies to voltage‐gated potassium channels and the association with dermatomyositis indicated an autoimmune cause for myokymia, which may have been due to reversible peripheral nerve hyperexcitability. Muscle Nerve 27: 757–760, 2003
Respiratory insufficiency in desminopathy patients caused by introduction of proline residues in desmin c‐terminal α‐helical segment
Authors: Dagvadorj Ayush , Goudeau Bertrand , Hilton‐Jones David , Blancato Jan K. , Shatunov Alexey , Simon‐Casteras Monique , Squier Waney , Nagle James W. , Goldfarb Lev G. , Vicart Patrick
Published: May 2003

Mutations in desmin gene have been identified in patients with cardiac and skeletal myopathy characterized by intracytoplasmic accumulation of desmin‐reactive deposits and electron‐dense granular aggregates. We characterized two new desminopathy families with unusual features of adult‐onset, slowly progressive, diffuse skeletal myopathy and respiratory insufficiency. Progressive reduction of respiratory muscle strength became clinically detectable between the 3rd and the 8th years of illness and led to recurrent chest infections and death in one of the patients. Novel mutations, A357P and L370P, predicted to introduce proline residue into a highly conserved α‐helical region of desmin, were identified. Proline is known to disrupt the α‐helix. In addition, the A357P mutation distorts a unique stutter sequence that is considered to be critically important for proper filament assembly. Functional assessment in two cell‐lines, one of which does and the other of which does not constitutively produce type III intermediate filaments, demonstrated the inability of mutant desmin carrying either the A357P or the L370P mutation to polymerize and form an intracellular filamentous network. The results of this study indicate that respiratory insufficiency is an intrinsic feature of disease associated with specific desmin mutations; in some patients, respiratory weakness may present as a dominant clinical manifestation and a major cause of disability and death. Muscle Nerve 27: 669–675, 2003
Ankle kinematics to evaluate functional recovery in crushed rat sciatic nerve
Authors: Varejão Artur S.P. , Cabrita António M. , Meek Marcel F. , Bulas‐Cruz José , Filipe Vitor M. , Gabriel Ronaldo C. , Ferreira António J. , Geuna Stefano , Winter David A.
Published: May 2003

Peripheral nerve researchers frequently use the rat sciatic nerve crush model in order to test different therapeutic approaches. The purpose of this study was to determine the sequence of changes after an axonotmetic injury by means of a biomechanical model of the foot and ankle, and compare them with walking track analysis, over a fixed period of time. A kinematic analysis program was used to acquire ankle motion data for further analysis. Although repeated measures analysis of variance showed significant cumulative changes induced by the crush lesion for both ankle kinematic parameters and sciatic functional index, post‐hoc multiple comparisons by the Student‐Neuman‐Keuls test revealed significant differences between week 0 and week 8 only for ankle kinematics. These results are of importance in showing the superiority of ankle kinematics in detecting small biomechanical deficits related to hyperexcitability of the plantarflexor muscles, in contrast with walking track analysis, which showed full motor functional recovery 8 weeks after the crush lesion. Muscle Nerve 27: 706–714, 2003