bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amplification of depolarization‐induced and ryanodine‐sensitive cytosolic Ca2+ elevation by synthetic carbocyclic analogs of cyclic ADP‐ribose and their antagonistic effects in NG108‐15 neuronal cells
Authors: Hashii Minako , Shuto Satoshi , Fukuoka Masayoshi , Kudoh Takashi , Matsuda Akira , Higashida Haruhiro
Published: June 2005

We synthesized analogs modified in the ribose unit (ribose linked to N1 of adenine) of cyclic ADP‐ribose (cADPR), a Ca2+‐mobilizing second messenger. The biological activities of these analogs were determined in NG108‐15 neuroblastoma × glioma hybrid cells that were pre‐loaded with fura‐2 acetoxymethylester and subjected to whole‐cell patch‐clamp. Application of the hydrolysis‐resistant cyclic ADP‐carbocyclic‐ribose (cADPcR) through patch pipettes potentiated elevation of the cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) at the depolarized membrane potential. The increase in [Ca2+]i evoked upon sustained membrane depolarization was significantly larger in cADPcR‐infused cells than in non‐infused cells and its degree was equivalent to or significantly greater than that induced by cADPR or β‐NAD+. 8‐chloro‐cADPcR and two inosine congeners (cyclic IDP‐carbocyclic‐ribose and 8‐bromo‐cyclic IDP‐carbocyclic‐ribose) did not induce effects similar to those of cADPcR or cADPR. Instead, 8‐chloro‐cADPcR together with cADPR or cADPcR caused inhibition of the depolarization‐induced [Ca2+]i increase as compared with either cADPR or cADPcR alone. These results demonstrated that our cADPR analogs have agonistic or antagonistic effects on the depolarization‐induced [Ca2+]i increase and suggested the presence of functional reciprocal coupling between ryanodine receptors and voltage‐activated Ca2+ channels via cADPR in mammalian neuronal cells.
Syntaxin 5 interacts specifically with presenilin holoproteins and affects processing of βAPP in neuronal cells
Authors: Suga Kei , Saito Ayako , Tomiyama Takami , Mori Hiroshi , Akagawa Kimio
Published: June 2005

The specific roles of syntaxin 5 (Syx 5) in the interaction with presenilin (PS) and the accumulation of β‐amyloid precursor protein (βAPP), as well as the secretion of β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ peptide) were examined in NG108‐15 cells. Syx 5, which localizes from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi, bound to PS holoproteins, while the other Syxs studied did not. Among familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD)‐linked PS mutants, PS1ΔE9, which lacks the endoproteolytic cleavage site, showed markedly decreased binding to Syx 5. The interaction domains in Syx 5 were mapped to the transmembrane region and to the cytoplasmic region containing the α‐helical domains, which are distinct from the H3 (SNARE motif). Among all of the Syxs examined, only overexpression of Syx 5 resulted in the accumulation of βAPP in the ER to cis‐Golgi compartment, an attenuation of the amount of the C‐terminal fragment (APP‐CTF) of βAPP, and a reduction in the secretion of Aβ peptides. Furthermore, co‐expression of Syx 5 with C99 resulted in an increase in APP‐CTF and suppressed Aβ secretion. Taken together, these results indicate that Syx 5 may play a specific role in the modulation of processing and/or trafficking of FAD‐related proteins in neuronal cells by interaction with PS holoproteins in the early secretory compartment of neuronal cells.
Scaling alternative economic practices? Some lessons from alternative currencies
Authors: North Peter
Published: July 2005

This paper engages with recent geographical debates on alternative economic practices, arguing that insufficient attention has been paid to the scale at which they operate. Through an analysis of recent attempts to ‘fix’ economic activity at a scale felt to be normatively desirable through alternative currencies, the paper argues that when attempting to build non‐capitalist practices, scale matters. The paper discusses processes of financial structuration that limit and channel these spaces through an analysis of localized alternative networks in the UK (Local Exchange Trading Schemes – LETS) and the geographically wider barter networks in Argentina.
A single day's walking: narrating self and landscape on the South West Coast Path
Authors: Wylie John
Published: July 2005

This paper tells the story of a single day's walking, alone, along the South West Coast Path in North Devon, England. Forms of narrative and descriptive writing are used here as creative and critical means of discussing the varied affinities and distanciations of self and landscape emergent within the affective and performative milieu of coastal walking. Discussion of these further enables critical engagement with current conceptualizations of self–landscape and subject–world relations within cultural geography and spatial‐cultural theory more generally. Through attending to a sequence of incidents and experiences, the paper focuses upon the distinctive ways in which coast walking patterns into refracting orderings of subjectivity and spatiality – into for example, sensations of anxiety and immensity, haptic enfolding and attenuation, encounters with others and with the elements, and moments of visual exhilaration and epiphany.
The International Quotidian Dialysis Registry: Annual report 2005
Authors: Nesrallah Gihad , Garg Amit X. , Moist Louise M. , Suri Rita S. , Lindsay Robert M.
Published: July 2005

The International Quotidian Dialysis Registry was designed to collect data describing treatments, characteristics, and outcomes of patients treated with quotidian hemodialysis (HD) worldwide. In July 2004, North American centers were first invited to enroll patients. By March 1, 2005, a total of 70 nocturnal and 8 short‐daily HD patients from three Canadian and two US centers were enrolled. As recruitment continues, projected enrollment for 2005 may exceed 200 patients from North America alone. Preliminary analyses indicate that the current registry cohort is younger (mean age, 49.5 ± 1.6 years) and carries a lower burden of comorbidity than the overall North American HD population. The low event rate expected in this cohort underlines the need for a large sample size if an appropriately powered survival study is to be undertaken. Increasing recruitment in the United States by including HD centers owned or managed by large dialysis organizations, and beginning overseas collaborations to include Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and South America will be the primary areas of focus for 2005.
Physical functioning in end‐stage renal disease patients: Update 2005
Authors: Painter Patricia
Published: July 2005

Physical functioning in patients with end‐stage renal disease treated with dialysis is low, whether measured using objective laboratory measures, physical performance testing, or self‐reported measures. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), self‐reported functioning measures, and physical activity levels are independent predictors of mortality in these patients. Cardiovascular exercise training studies result in improvements in VO2peak, physical performance tests, and self‐reported functioning. Resistance exercise training improves muscle strength. Exercise training may have positive benefits on other factors that are important clinical issues in dialysis patients, including cardiovascular risk profile, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Endothelial function, a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis, has been shown to improve with exercise training in dialysis patients. Although there have been numerous recent studies on benefits of exercise, few dialysis clinics or nephrologists provide encouragement or programs as a part of their routine care of their patients. There are many national guidelines that include exercise or increasing physical activity as a part of the treatment of many conditions that are relevant in dialysis patients, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and high cardiovascular disease risk. The nephrology community continues to state concern for outcomes; however, a simple, low‐tech intervention that has many benefits to their patients (i.e., encouragement, recommendations, and opportunity for increasing physical activity) has not been adopted as part of the standard care. Adoption of routine counseling and encouragement for physical activity has the potential to improve outcomes, improve physical functioning, and optimize quality of life and overall health of dialysis patients.
Right atrial thrombus in an asymptomatic hemodialysis patient with malfunctioning catheter and patent foramen ovale
Authors: Van Laecke S. , Dhondt A. , De Sutter J. , Vanholder R.
Published: July 2005

The creation of an accurate functioning arteriovenous fistula has been a long‐lasting problem in the hemodialysis setting. In spite of recent guidelines and largely because of the old age of the current dialysis population and a high incidence of diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and related vascular problems, it is not always possible to create an adequate fistula. In that case, long‐term tunneled indwelling central vein catheters are a frequently used alternative. Of the many possible complications related to venous access in hemodialysis patients, catheter dysfunction is the most prevalent. We report a 23‐year‐old female hemodialysis patient in whom such malfunctioning was followed by echocardiography that revealed a large right atrial thrombus (RAT) in close contact to the tip of a long‐term indwelling catheter in the presence of a patent foramen ovale. Although RAT is a rare complication in hemodialysis patients, it has very specific therapeutic implications. The present patient underwent a successful surgical atrial thrombectomy. Our experience underscores that in cases of malfunctioning catheter, echocardiographic screening is mandatory.
Increased dialyzer reuse with citrate dialysate
Authors: Ahmad Suhail , Callan Robin , Cole James , Blagg Christopher
Published: July 2005

Dialyzer reuse is limited by the clotting of blood, which blocks the fibers and reduces the membrane surface area. Clotting during treatment may also reduce dialysis efficiency and potentially decrease delivered dose, Kt/Vurea. A new dialysate containing citric acid, instead of the standard acetic acid, as the acidifying agent has become available and is associated with reduced clotting during acute dialysis treatments. The effect of citric acid dialysate on dialyzer reuse was evaluated in this prospective, controlled, multicenter study involving maintenance hemodialysis patients. A total of 105 patients from five dialysis units were switched to the new dialysate and new dialyzers. Reuse outcome on the new dialysate was compared with the reuse on the regular acetic acid containing bicarbonate dialysate (controls). The overall reuse with citrate dialysate increased significantly from 15.1 ± 9.4 to 18 ± 10.0 (mean ± SD) on regular and citrate dialysate, respectively (p = 0.0003). The most significant increase was seen in those patients who had limited reuse before the switch to citrate dialysate; 51, 59, and 134% increases occurred in those with 10 to 15, 5 to 10, and < 5 reuses at controls, respectively. Interestingly, the 10 patients with 10 or fewer reuses had significantly lower Kt/Vurea at baseline (before the switch to citric acid dialysate) than those with > 10 reuses (1.23 ± 0.23 vs. 1.47 ± 0.23, respectively, p = 0.009). The Kt/Vurea increased to 1.41 ± 0.31 after the switch in the low‐reuse group but the increase did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.07). The results from this study show that citric acid–containing dialysate is associated with increase in dialyzer reuse and appears to be related to reduced clotting.
Patient preferences for in‐center intense hemodialysis
Authors: Ramkumar Nirupama , Beddhu Srinivasan , Eggers Paul , Pappas Lisa M. , Cheung Alfred K.
Published: July 2005

There is a lack of data on patient preferences for intense hemodialysis (IHD). In this study, we conducted a cross‐sectional survey to identify patient preferences and patient‐centered barriers for IHD. A questionnaire on preferences and anticipated barriers, anticipated benefits, and quality of life for three in‐center IHD schedules (daytime 2 hr six times/week [DHD], nocturnal 8 hr three times/week [ND3], and nocturnal 8 hr six times/week [ND6]) was administered to 100 chronic hemodialysis patients. A majority of patients (68%) were willing to undergo DHD for symptomatic benefits or increase in survival. An increase in energy level (94%) and improvement in sleep (57%) were the most common potential benefits that would justify DHD, but only 19% would undergo DHD for an increase in survival of ≤3 years. Only 20% and 7% would consider ND3 and ND6, respectively. The most common reported barriers were inadequate time for self (50%) and family (53%), followed by transportation difficulties (53%). Most patients would undergo DHD for symptomatic or survival benefits, but not ND3 or ND6. Disruption of personal time, however, is an important consideration. Success of DHD program would depend on arrangements for transportation to dialysis unit.
A matched comparison of serum lipids between hemodialysis patients and nondialysis morbid controls
Authors: Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar , Kilpatrick Ryan D. , Kopple Joel D. , Stringer William W.
Published: July 2005

The high incidence of cardiac and vascular disease in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients has heightened interest in many investigations concerning the serum lipid levels of these patients. The prevalence and laboratory characteristics of serum lipid concentrations in MHD patients, however, are far from clear. We hypothesized that serum lipids are significantly lower in MHD patients compared to their matched nondialysis counterparts. We compared 2‐year averaged serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), high‐density lipoproteins (HDL), and triglycerides in 285 MHD patients to the same averaged measurements during the same period of time in 285 nondialyzed outpatients from the same geographic area, whose lipid panels were measured in the same laboratory. Matching factors were sex, race and/or ethnicity, diabetes mellitus, and age (± 5 years). The MHD patients and their matched controls were 55.6 ± 13.5 (SD) and 56.3 ± 13.0 years old, respectively. Each group contained 51% women, 31% African Americans, 52% Hispanics, and 37% diabetics; 16% of MHD patients and 38% of controls were receiving statins. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in MHD patients than in controls (26.2 vs. 31.5 kg/m2; p < 0.001). Serum cholesterol levels were significantly lower in MHD patients than in control subjects including after adjustment for BMI and statin use (TC, −51; LDL, −39; and HDL, −10 mg/dL; p < 0.001). Using conditional logistic regression for matched data and after controlling for BMI and statins, all odds ratios for predetermined hypercholesterolemic, but not hypertriglyceridemic, levels were significantly and substantially lower than 1.00, indicating much lower likelihood of hypercholesterolemia in MHD patients. Total and LDL hypercholesterolemia, although very common in nondialysis ambulatory outpatients, are substantially less prevalent in the MHD population, whereas hypertriglyceridemia is approximately equally prevalent between these populations.
Hyperglycemia with Occipital Seizures: Images and Visual Evoked Potentials
Authors: Wang Chung‐Pang , Hsieh Peiyuan F. , Chen Clayton Chi‐Chang , Lin Wan‐Yu , Hu Wei‐Hsiung , Yang Dar‐Yu , Chang Ming‐Hong
Published: June 2005

Summary:  Purpose: Hyperglycemia may rarely be seen with visual seizures. Observation of both visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in visual status epilepticus (SE) has not been reported. We describe acute and follow‐up VEP and MRI findings of a patient with hyperglycemia‐related visual SE of occipital origin.

Methods: In a 59‐year‐old diabetic woman, complex visual hallucinations and illusions developed with ≤10 seizures per hour as an initial manifestation of nonketotic hyperglycemia.

Results: Neurologic examination revealed ictal nystagmus to the right and continuous right hemianopsia. Ictal electroencephalography (EEG) and Tc‐99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (HMPAO) single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) revealed an epileptogenic focus in the left occipital lobe. MRI with fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery showed focal subcortical hypointensity and gyral hyperintensity. Follow‐up MRI showed only minimal gyral hyperintensity at 6 months. The P100 amplitude of VEP was significantly higher at the right occipital area during SE, but slightly higher on the left after the patient had been seizure free for 6 months.

Conclusions: Occipital seizures and hemianopsia can be caused by hyperglycemia and may be accompanied by special MRI and VEP findings.
Personality measures in former heroin users receiving methadone or in protracted abstinence from opiates
Authors: Cohen L. J. , Gertmenian‐King E. , Kunik L. , Weaver C. , London E. D. , Galynker I.
Published: July 2005

Objective:  Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) and detoxification to abstinence are among the most common treatment options for opiate‐dependent patients. This paper compares personality traits in detoxified former heroin users and those on MMT in order to assess their relevance to treatment selection.

Method:  Twenty‐six formerly heroin‐dependent subjects receiving MMT (MM), 33 formerly heroin‐dependent subjects withdrawn from MMT (MW), and 43 healthy controls were compared on the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory‐II (MCMI‐II) and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI).

Results:  On the TCI, MM patients had higher novelty seeking and lower self‐directedness scores than controls. Both MM and MW subjects scored higher than controls on multiple MCMI‐II scales. MW but not MM subjects scored higher than controls on two Cluster A Scales and the delusional disorder scale.

Conclusion:  Schizophrenia‐spectrum pathology in former opiate users may be greater than previously recognized and could potentially be relevant to treatment selection.
The impact of substance use disorders on clinical outcome in 643 patients with first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Lambert M. , Conus P. , Lubman D. I. , Wade D. , Yuen H. , Moritz S. , Naber D. , McGorry P. D. , Schimmelmann B. G.
Published: July 2005

Objective:  Studies investigating the impact of comorbid substance use disorders (SUD) in psychosis have tended to focus on cross‐sectional data, with few studies examining the effects of substance use course on clinical outcome. The main aim of the present study was to assess the impact of baseline SUD and course of SUD on remission of positive symptoms.

Method:  The Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre admitted 786 first‐episode psychosis (FEP) patients between 1998 and 2000. Data on SUD and clinical outcome were collected from patients’ medical records (MR) of 643 patients who met inclusion criteria.

Results:  Lifetime prevalence of SUD was 74%, with 62% having a SUD at baseline. This reduced to 36% in those patients who completed 18 months of treatment at the EPPIC program. A Cox regression analysis indicated that a decrease or cessation of substance use significantly increased the probability of remission, whilst persistent SUD substantially reduced the likelihood. In addition, patients who reduced use appeared to have better outcomes at 18 months than those patients who had never used substances. Baseline SUD was not found to have any significant influence on symptom remission.

Conclusion:  Patients presenting with FEP have high rates of SUD. Effective management of psychosis within a specialized service is associated with reductions in SUD over the course of treatment, although persistent substance use is associated with non‐compliance, treatment drop‐out and poor remission rates. As such, young people with FEP and comorbid substance use should be offered integrated treatment that addresses both disorders.
The comparative importance of E. coli antigen in granulomatous colitis of Boxer dogs
Authors: VAN KRUININGEN H. J. , CIVCO I. C. , CARTUN R. W.
Published: June 2005

Granulomatous colitis of Boxer dogs is characterized by mucosal and submucosal infiltration by abundant large macrophages and lymphocytes and plasma cells. Involved intestine is thickened, corrugated and ulcerated. The macrophages that occur in colon, cecum and regional lymph nodes are PAS‐positive, lipid‐rich, contain cholesterol, and some of the time can be seen to hold bacteria. Paraffin tissue blocks of formalin‐fixed colon and colic lymph nodes from 10 cases were cut at 5μm and immunostained by a streptavidin‐biotin immunoperoxidase technique, employing primary antibodies against Escherichia coli, E. coli 0157: 2, Campylobacter, C. jejuni‐coli, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Salmonella, Shigella, Pseudomonas and Lawsonia intracellularis. The macrophages in the lamina propria and submucosa, as well as those in aggregates in regional lymph nodes, showed immunoreactivity with polyclonal E. coli antibody in all 10 cases. Tissues lacking granulomas were negative, as were those reacted with the other eight antibodies, with the exception that there was rare focal staining for Campylobacter, Lawsonia and Salmonella in a few dogs. We believe these results identify the causative agent of this granulomatous disease of Boxer dogs, a disease with great histologic and etiologic similarity to granulomatous leptomeningitis of Beagle dogs, and malacoplakia and xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis of man. Macrophages that are immunopositive for E. coli antigen occur in Crohn's disease as well, where their significance is less well understood.
Full‐mouth ultrasonic debridement versus quadrant scaling and root planing as an initial approach in the treatment of chronic periodontitis
Authors: Wennström Jan L. , Tomasi Cristiano , Bertelle Alberto , Dellasega Ester
Published: June 2005

Aim: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of (i) a single session of “full‐mouth ultrasonic debridement” (Fm‐UD) as an initial periodontal treatment approach and (ii) re‐instrumentation of periodontal pockets not properly responding to initial subgingival instrumentation.

Methods: Forty‐one patients, having on the average 35 periodontal sites with probing pocket depth (PPD) 5 mm, were randomly assigned to two different treatment protocols following stratification for smoking : a single session of full‐mouth subgingival instrumentation using a piezoceramic ultrasonic device (EMS PiezonMaster 400, A+PerioSlim tips) with water coolant (Fm‐UD) or quadrant scaling/root planing (Q‐SRP) with hand instruments . At 3 months, all sites with remaining PPD5 mm were subjected to repeated debridement with either the ultrasonic device or hand instruments. Plaque, PPD, relative attachment level (RAL) and bleeding following pocket probing (BoP) were assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Primary efficacy variables were percentage of “closed pockets” (PPD4 mm), and changes in BoP, PPD and RAL.

Results: The percentage of “closed pockets” was 58% at 3 months for the Fm‐UD approach and 66% for the Q‐SRP approach (p>0.05). Both treatment groups showed a mean reduction in PPD of 1.8 mm, while the mean RAL gain amounted to 1.3 mm for Fm‐UD and 1.2 mm for Q‐SRP (p>0.05). The re‐treatment at 3 months resulted in a further mean PPD reduction of 0.4 mm and RAL gain of 0.3 mm at 6 months, independent of the use of ultrasonic or hand instruments. The efficiency of the initial treatment phase (time used for instrumentation/number of pockets closed) was significantly higher for the Fm‐UD than the Q‐SRP approach: 3.3 versus 8.8 min. per closed pocket (p<0.01). The efficiency of the re‐treatment session at 3 months was 11.5 min. for ultrasonic and 12.6 min. for hand instrumentation (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The results demonstrated that a single session of Fm‐UD is a justified initial treatment approach that offers tangible benefits for the chronic periodontitis patient.
Gingival crevicular fluid EMAP‐II, MIP‐1α and MIP‐1β levels of patients with periodontal disease
Authors: Emingil Gülnur , Atilla Gül , Başkesen Aykut , Berdeli Afig
Published: June 2005

Background: Periodontal diseases may differ, which could be attributed to the factors that might modify the host response to microbial pathogens. The aim of this study was to examine gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of EMAP‐II, MIP‐1α and MIP‐1β in patients with different periodontal diseases (EMAP‐II, endothelial‐monocyte activating polypeptide; MIP‐1α, macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α; MIP‐1β, macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β).

Methods: Eighty‐two subjects were included in this study. GCF samples were collected from 26 patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (G‐AgP), 26 patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), 15 with gingivitis and 15 periodontally healthy subjects. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded. GCF EMAP‐II, MIP‐1α and MIP‐1β levels were quantified by enzyme immunoassay.

Results: GCF EMAP‐II levels of G‐AgP group were higher than those of gingivitis and healthy groups (p<0.008). G‐AgP group showed a trend for higher GCF EMAP‐II levels compared with CP group (p>0.008). G‐AgP, CP, gingivitis and healthy groups had comparable GCF MIP‐1α and MIP‐1β levels.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that elevated GCF EMAP‐II could contribute to the pathogenesis of G‐AgP. Alternatively, EMAP‐II reflects the extent of the inflammatory activity in the periodontal tissues. At this point, MIP‐1α and MIP‐1β levels in GCF do not seem to play a discriminatory role in periodontitis. Our data document for the first time the essential role of EMAP‐II in the pathogenesis of different periodontal diseases.
Association between periodontitis and low birth weight: a case–control study
Authors: Martins Moliterno Luiz Flávio , Monteiro Bruno , Da Silva Figueredo Carlos Marcelo , Fischer Ricardo Guimarães
Published: June 2005

Objective: To verify a possible association between periodontitis and low‐birth‐weight babies.

Material and Methods: One hundred and fifty‐one mothers were examined. The case group included 76 mothers (mean age 25.6 years), whose babies at birth weighed <2500 g and had a gestational age (GA) <37 weeks, while 75 mothers (mean age 24.4 years), whose babies were born with a weight of >2500 g and with a GA>37 weeks, were the control group. Data from the mothers and the babies were collected from the Hospital registration records and during an interview with the mother. The periodontal examination included measurements of probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) in six sites from all existing teeth, except for third molars. Mothers with periodontitis had at least four sites with PPD4 and CAL3 mm, while healthy mothers had PPD3 mm and CAL1 mm.

Results: The median number of sites with PPD4 and CAL3 mm was eight in the case group, and four in the control group. The significant associations with low birth weight (LBW) babies were periodontitis (odds ratio (OR)=3.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17; 10.36), arterial hypertension (OR=9.65, 95% CI: 2.22; 41.91), haemorrhage during pregnancy (OR=10.88, 95% CI: 1.95; 60.53), number of pre‐natal examinations (OR=0.10, 95% CI: 0.02; 0.43) and genitourinary infection (OR=3.21, 95% CI: 1.25; 8.20).

Conclusion: Periodontitis was considered a risk indicator for LBW in this sample, similar to other risk factors already recognized by obstetricians.
Dentinogenesis imperfecta associated with short stature, hearing loss and mental retardation: a new syndrome with autosomal recessive inheritance?
Authors: Cauwels R. G. E. C. , De Coster P. J. , Mortier G. R. , Marks L. A. M. , Martens L. C.
Published: July 2005

The follow‐up history and oral findings in two brothers from consanguineous parents suggest that the association of dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI), delayed tooth eruption, mild mental retardation, proportionate short stature, sensorineural hearing loss and dysmorphic facies may represent a new syndrome with autosomal recessive inheritance. Histological examination of the dentin matrix of a permanent molar from one of the siblings reveals morphological similarities with defective dentinogenesis as presenting in patients affected with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), a condition caused by deficiency of type I collagen. A number of radiographic and histological characteristics, however, are inconsistent with classical features of DI. These findings suggest that DI may imply greater genetical heterogeneity than currently assumed.
Erdheim–Chester disease in a child presenting with multiple jaw lesions
Authors: Nagatsuka Hitoshi , Han Phuu Pwint , Taguchi Koji , Tsujigiwa Hidetsugu , Gunduz Mehmet , Fukunaga Joji , Sugahara Toshio , Asaumi Junichi , Nagai Noriyuki
Published: July 2005

Background:  Erdheim–Chester disease is a rare histiocytic disease entity related to juvenile xanthogranuloma. It is a systemic condition, usually occurs in adult, characterized by infiltration of foamy histiocytes within the bone and soft tissues.

Methods and results:  We report a case of 13‐year‐old female patient who first presented with multiple osteolytic lesions of the jaws followed by bilateral symmetrical bone lesions affecting the lower extremities, as well as brain and abdominal involvement. Histological findings of the jaw lesions showed lipid‐storing CD68 (+), CD1a (−) histiocytes with Touton type giant cells.

Conclusion:  To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of Erdheim–Chester disease with jaw bone lesions occurring as initial presenting symptom.
Clinico‐pathologic correlations of myofibroblastic tumors of the oral cavity: 1. nodular fasciitis
Authors: Dayan Dan , Nasrallah Varda , Vered Marilena
Published: July 2005

Background:  Nodular fasciitis (NF), a soft tissue lesion mainly composed of myofibroblastic cells, is well documented in various body locations however, in the oral cavity it is rare. The NF has non‐specific histologic characteristics that might result in misdiagnosis and mistreatment. The aim of the study was to analyze clinico‐pathologic correlations of NF occurring in the oral cavity.

Methods:  A total of 36 cases of oral NF were analyzed including review of the English language literature and five new cases from our files.

Results:  Oral mucosa NF was found to peak in the fourth and fifth decades, which is a decade later than NF occurring in other sites of the body. The most common locations were the buccal mucosa (52.8%) and the lips (16.7%). Duration of lesions ranged from 3 days to 2 years, with approximately 61% being present for more than a month, which is longer than the duration of NF from other body locations. Histologically, oral NF showed varying degrees of cellularity and frequently contained myxomatous areas, and often demonstrated local infiltration into adjacent tissues. However, the myofibroblastic, spindle‐shaped lesional cells were uniform and lacked any major signs of atypia. Mitotic figures, characteristically abundant in NF lesions throughout the body, ranged from absent to moderately high in oral NF cases. Treatment modality of choice was complete surgical excision. Recurrence was reported for only one case. Extensive, mutilating surgical procedures for oral mucosa NF are unnecessary, since lesions resolve even when surgical margins are partly involved.

Conclusions:  The NF should be included in the clinical differential diagnosis of superficial and deep soft tissue masses of the oral cavity, especially of the buccal mucosa. Histopathologically, NF should be differentiated from other spindle cell lesions, mainly myofibroma, neurofibroma, fibrosarcoma, solitary fibrous tumor, fibromatosis and fibrous histiocytoma.
Effects of nicotine on proliferation, cell cycle, and differentiation in immortalized and malignant oral keratinocytes
Authors: Lee Hwa‐Jeong , Guo Han‐Young , Lee Sun‐Kyung , Jeon Byung‐Hun , Jun Chang‐Duk , Lee Suk‐Keun , Park Myung‐Hee , Kim Eun‐Cheol
Published: July 2005

Background:  Numerous epidemiological studies have reported that tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for oral cancer, but relatively little is known about the effect of nicotine, a major product of cigarette smoking, on immortalized oral keratinocytes and cancer cells.

Methods:  We investigated the effects of nicotine on the growth and differentiation of immortalized human oral keratinocytes (IHOK), primary oral cancer cells (HN4), metastatic oral cancer cells (HN12), and human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT), in the monolayer and in the three‐dimensional (3D) raft cultures using the MTT assay, Western blotting, and cell cycle analysis.

Results:  Nicotine inhibited the proliferation of immortalized and malignant keratinocytes in dose‐ and time‐dependent manners as determined by MTT assay. The 3D organotypic culture showed that nicotine at high concentration (300 μM) inhibits epithelial maturation, surface keratinization, and decreased epithelial thickness. Flow cytometry showed that nicotine inhibited cell cycle progression by inducing G0/G1 arrest of HaCaT, IHOK, HN4, and HN12 cells without causing apoptosis. Nicotine treatment increased p21 expression in immortalized cells (HaCaT, IHOK) and oral cancer cells (HN4, HN12), but decreased pRb and p53 expression in oral cancer cells. Moreover, after high‐dose nicotine treatment, the involucrin expression increased markedly in immortalized cells, but not in oral cancer cells.

Conclusions:  We demonstrated that nicotine inhibits growth through cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase probably by increasing the expression of p21WAF1/CIP1. Nicotine also affects epithelial differentiation in immortalized and malignant oral keratinocytes. Malignant oral keratinocytes appear to be more resistant to the effects of nicotine on epithelial growth and differentiation as compared to the immortalized cells.
A systematic heuristic approach for feature selection for melanoma discrimination using clinical images
Authors: Chang Ying , Stanley R. Joe , Moss Randy H. , Van Stoecker William
Published: July 2005

Background: Numerous features are derived from the asymmetry, border irregularity, color variegation, and diameter of the skin lesion in dermatology for diagnosing malignant melanoma. Feature selection for the development of automated skin lesion discrimination systems is an important consideration.

Methods: In this research, a systematic heuristic approach is investigated for feature selection and lesion classification. The approach integrates statistical‐, correlation‐, histogram‐, and expert system‐based components. Using statistical and correlation measures, interrelationships among features are determined. Expert system analysis is performed to identify redundant features. The feature selection process is applied to 19 shape and color features for a clinical image data set containing 355 malignant melanomas, 125 basal cell carcinomas, 177 dysplastic nevi, 199 nevocellular nevi, 139 seborrheic keratoses, and 45 vascular lesions.

Results: Experimental results show reduced lesion classification error rates based on condensing the shape and color feature set from 19 features to 13 features using the feature selection process. Specifically, average test lesion classification error rates for discriminating malignant melanoma from non‐melanoma lesions were reduced from 26.6% for 19 features to 23.2% for 13 features over five randomly generated training and test sets.

Conclusions: The experimental results show that the systematic heuristic approach for feature reduction can be successfully applied to achieve improved lesion discrimination. The feature reduction technique facilitates the elimination of redundant information that may inhibit lesion classification performance. The clinical application of this result is that automated skin lesion classification algorithm development can be fostered with systematic feature selection techniques.
High resolution B‐scan ultrasound of hypertrophic scars
Authors: Bessonart María Nélida , Macedo Néstor , Carmona Carlos
Published: July 2005

Background: Ultrasonography has provided the means for objective and non‐invasive monitoring of the dynamics of some skin diseases. The pathologic scars (keloids and hypertrophic scars) that have an increased content of collagen, and have been not analyzed by high‐frequency ultrasound so far. The purpose of the present study was to determine the ecographic features of these scars with a view in developing a reliable method for assessing the effectiveness of different therapeutic approaches.

Methods: Six pathological scars from five patients were examined by a 20 MHz B‐Scanner and compared with healthy skin of the same region. Densitometry analysis was performed with the aid of a dedicated software.

Results: All the pathologic scars studied showed an easily identified echo‐poor image clearly demarcated from the surrounding not involved tissue. When they were analyzed by densitometry, the lesions had highly significant reduced densitometric values (7.6±4.7) compared with regional healthy skin (31.79±10.8).

Conclusion: The high‐frequency ultrasonography is a suitable objective and non‐invasive method for discriminating healthy from pathologic skin in hypertrophic scars and keloids.
Regional and seasonal variations in facial sebum secretions: a proposal for the definition of combination skin type
Authors: Youn Sang Woong , Na Jung Im , Choi Sun Young , Huh Chang Hun , Park Kyoung Chan
Published: July 2005

Background/aims: Facial sebum secretions are known to change under various circumstances. Facial skin types have been categorized as oily, normal, dry, and combination types. However, these have been evaluated subjectively by individuals to date, and no objective accepted standard measurement method exists. The combination skin type is most common, but its definition is vaguer than the definitions of the other skin types.

Methods: We measured facial sebum secretions with Sebumeter®. Sebum secretions were measured at five sites of the face seasonally for a year, in the same volunteers. Using the data obtained we developed a set of rules to define the combination skin type.

Results: Regional differences in sebum secretion were confirmed. Sebum secretions on forehead, nose, and chin were higher than on both cheeks. Summer was found to be the highest sebum‐secreting season, and seasonal variations were found in the T‐ and U‐zones. A mismatch of skin type in the T‐ and U‐zones in more than two seasons appears to be close to subjective ratings of what is described as the ‘combination’ skin type.

Conclusion: We showed that the face shows definitive regional and seasonal variations in sebum secretion. To define the combination skin type, seasonal variations in sebum secretion should be considered in addition to regional variations.
Cellular Localization and Stimulation‐Associated Distribution Dynamics of Syntaxin‐1 and Syntaxin‐3 in Gastric Parietal Cells
Authors: Karvar Serhan , Zhu Lixin , Crothers James , Wong Waylan , Turkoz Mustafa , Forte John G.
Published: June 2005

Syntaxins are differentially localized in polarized cells and play an important role in vesicle trafficking and membrane fusion. These soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins are believed to be involved in tubulovesicle trafficking and membrane fusion during the secretory cycle of the gastric parietal cell. We examined the cellular localization and distribution of syntaxin‐1 and syntaxin‐3 in rabbit parietal cells. Fractionation of gastric epithelial cell membranes showed that syntaxin‐1 was more abundant in a fraction enriched in apical plasma membranes, whereas syntaxin‐3 was found predominantly in the H,K‐ATPase‐rich tubulovesicle fraction. We also examined the cellular localization of syntaxins in cultured parietal cells. Parietal cells were infected with CFP‐syntaxin‐1 and CFP‐syntaxin‐3 adenoviral constructs. Fluorescence microscopy of live and fixed cells demonstrated that syntaxin‐1 was primarily on the apical membrane vacuoles of infected cells, but there was also the expression of syntaxin‐1 in a subadjacent cytoplasmic compartment. In resting, non‐secreting parietal cells, syntaxin‐3 was distributed throughout the cytoplasmic compartment; after stimulation, syntaxin‐3 translocated to the apical membrane vacuoles, there co‐localizing with H,K‐ATPase, syntaxin‐1 and F‐actin. The differential location of these syntaxin isoforms in gastric parietal cells suggests that these proteins may be critical for maintaining membrane compartment identity and that they may play important, but somewhat different, roles in the membrane recruitment processes associated with secretory activation.
Protein Targeting from Malaria Parasites to Host Erythrocytes
Authors: Römisch Karin
Published: June 2005

Malaria is caused by obligate intracellular parasites, which live in host erythrocytes and remodel these cells to provide optimally for their own needs. Plasmodium falciparum, responsible for malaria in humans, transports many proteins into erythrocytes which help the parasite survive in the host. The recent discovery of a host cell‐targeting sequence present in both soluble and transmembrane P. falciparum proteins provoked a discussion on the potential mechanisms of parasite protein entry into infected erythrocytes which is summarized here.
Behavioural profiles of inbred mouse strains used as transgenic backgrounds. II: cognitive tests
Authors: Brooks S. P. , Pask T. , Jones L. , Dunnett S. B.
Published: June 2005

One of the characteristic manifestations of several neurodegenerative diseases is the progressive decline in cognitive ability. In order to determine the suitability of six mouse strains (129S2/Sv, BALB/c, C3H/He, C57BL/6j, CBA/Ca and DBA/2) as transgenic background strains, we investigated the performance on a variety of tasks designed to identify subtle changes in cognition. In addition, a test of exploratory behaviour was used to probe the level of underlying anxiety in these mouse strains, as anxiety can be a confounding factor on behavioural performance generally. The C3H/He mice exhibited the least anxiogenic behavioural profile spending most time on the open arms of the maze, in contrast to the 129S2/Sv mice which spent the least amount of time in this location and were the quickest to move into a closed arm. The C3H/He mouse strain failed to acquire a visual discrimination task and failed to demonstrate learning on a water maze spatial learning task, in contrast to the CBA/Ca, DBA/2 and C57BL/6j strains which demonstrated a degree of learning in both tasks. No significant strain differences were identified on the object recognition task. These data, taken together, suggest that care must be taken when choosing cognitive tasks to be used with particular mouse strains and that task sensitivity must be considered as a critical element to research protocols with regard to these mouse strains.
Microcrystalline Chitosan is Ineffective to Decrease Plasma Lipids in both Apolipoprotein E ε4 Carriers and Non‐Carriers: A Long‐Term Placebo‐Controlled Trial in Hypercholesterolaemic Volunteers
Authors: Lehtimäki Terho , Metso Saara , Ylitalo Ritva , Rontu Riikka , Nikkil Matti , Wuolijoki Erkki , Ylitalo Pauli
Published: July 2005

Abstract: Chitosan is a deacetylated product of chitin. Microcrystalline form of chitosan has a large adsorption area claimed to decrease gastrointestinal absorption of cholesterol. However, the long‐term effect of chitosan on plasma lipids is variable, the averaged influence being negligible or lacking in mildly‐to‐moderately hypercholesterolaemic (4.8–6.8 mmol/l) subjects. We evaluated whether this variation and inefficacy depend on apolipoprotein E genotype. 130 middle‐aged, otherwise healthy men (n=55) and women (n=75) were randomized into two treatment groups for a 7 month trial. During a 1 month run‐in period all participants received placebo. Subsequently, one half first took placebo twice daily for 3 months and then 1.2 g chitosan twice daily for 3 months, and the other half vice versa in a cross‐over way. Altogether 84 participants completed the study. Plasma lipids and glucose were determined at the end of each phase of the study, and all subjects undergone to the cross‐over phases were apolipoprotein E genotyped. Chitosan altered plasma total, low‐ and high density cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose in neither apolipoprotein E ε4 allele carriers (n=29) nor non‐carriers (n=55), compared to placebo. In conclusions, chitosan is ineffective to decrease plasma lipids in apolipoprotein E ε4 carrier and non‐carrier phenotypes with mildly‐to‐moderatly increased plasma cholesterol.
Protective Effects of L‐Arginine against Cisplatin‐Induced Renal Oxidative Stress and Toxicity: Role of Nitric Oxide
Authors: Saleh Samira , El‐Demerdash Ebtehal
Published: July 2005

Abstract: Nephrotoxicity is a dose‐limiting factor in clinical use of cisplatin. The changes in renal haemodynamics were suggested to play a role in cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of modulation of nitric oxide on the severity of cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity using an experimental rat model. A nitric oxide precursor, L‐arginine and an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, L‐NAME were used. After six days of cisplatin injection, acute nephrotoxicity was demonstrated by a marked increase in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Histological examination of the kidneys confirmed the occurrence of renal damage. Moreover, cisplatin induced an increase in the level of lipid peroxides and oxidized glutathione and a depletion of reduced glutathione. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were also lowered. Besides, there was a reduction in the kidney total nitrate/nitrite levels. L‐arginine significantly attenuated the oxidative stress and nephrotoxic effect of cisplatin. On the other hand, L‐NAME was found to aggravate cisplatin nephrotoxicity. In conclusion, the decrease in the kidney nitric oxide level contributes, at least in part, in the mechanism underlying the nephrotoxicity of cisplatin. Furthermore, L‐arginine shows nephroprotective effects and might be useful in improving the therapeutic index of cisplatin.
The interstitial distribution of macromolecules in rat tumours is influenced by the negatively charged matrix components
Authors: Wiig Helge , Gyenge Christina C. , Tenstad Olav
Published: July 2005

Knowledge of macromolecular distribution volumes is essential in understanding fluid transport within normal and pathological tissues. In this study in vivo we determined the distribution volumes of several macromolecules, including one monoclonal antibody, in tumours and tested whether charges associated with the tumour extracellular matrix influence their available volumes. Steady state levels of the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin) (pI = 9.2), IgG (pI = 7.6) as well as native (pI = 5.0) and cationized albumin (pI = 7.6) were established in rats bearing dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)‐induced mammary tumours by continuous infusion using osmotic minipumps. After a 5–7 day infusion period, the rats were nephrectomized and the extracellular volume was determined with 51Cr‐labelled EDTA. Plasma volumes were measured with 125I‐labelled human serum albumin or rat IgM in a separate series. Steady state concentrations of probes were determined in the interstitial fluid that was isolated by centrifugation from tumours or by post mortem wick implantation in the back skin. Calculations were made for interstitial fluid volume (Vi), along with the available (Va/Vi) and excluded (Ve/Vi) relative interstitial volume fractions. The Ve/Vi for the positively charged trastuzumab in tumours averaged 0.29 ± 0.03 (n= 16), a value which was significantly lower than the corresponding one for IgG of 0.36 ± 0.02 (n= 16). Native albumin was excluded from 38% of the tumour interstitial fluid, whereas cationization of albumin reduced the excluded volume by ∼50%. Our experiments suggest that the tumour interstitium acts as a negatively charged matrix and is an important factor in determining the macromolecular distribution volume.