bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental health in older adult recipients of primary care services: is depression the key issue? Identification, treatment and the general practitioner
Authors: Watts S. C. , Bhutani G. E. , Stout I. H. , Ducker G. M. , Cleator P. J. , McGarry J. , Day M.
Published: October 2002

Objectives

Mental health services for older people in primary care are relatively underdeveloped. This study has sought to determine the nature and extent of mental health problems in older people presenting to primary care and to compare this with the detection and management of mental health problems by the primary health care team (PHCT).

Method

Participants were patients aged 65 years and above attending a representative inner city general practice. Screening tools included the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐28), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The PHCT used a brief checklist to rate participants for the presence of mental health problems. Follow‐up interviews using the Geriatric Mental State (GMSA), Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorders in the Elderly (CAMDEX)—cognitive subscale (CAMCOG), National Adult Reading Test (NART), were carried out.

Results

A high level of psychological morbidity was identified at screening (48.1%). There was a considerable degree of agreement between the HADS and GMSA, and the MMSE and GMSA at follow‐up. Agreement rates between the PHCT and initial screening tools were low suggesting under‐recognition of mental health problems at primary care level by the PHCT. Contributory factors included: short consultation times with a concentration on physical symptoms; few patients presenting explicitly with mental health problems; few decisions to treat or refer patients; and the general practitioners tended to monitor, or defer decisions.

Conclusions

This study found lower levels of severe mental health problems, especially depression, than reported elsewhere, but higher prevalence of psychological distress. High levels of physical and mental health co‐morbidity were found. These findings suggest that planning for primary care services needs to adopt a flexible assessment model. The development of effective, time‐limited protocols and screening tools to assist the PHCT in improving their identification rates is recommended. This needs to be supported by the availability of appropriate treatments for the psychological distress. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A confirmatory factor analysis of the 12‐item General Health Questionnaire among older people
Authors: Bun Cheung Yin
Published: October 2002

Background

The 12‐item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) is useful in measuring psychiatric morbidity in older people. Previous studies of its factor structure were often based on samples of young persons and on exploratory factor analysis techniques. The results varied from suggesting one to three factors.

Methods

This study involved 2123 participants aged over 60 and 7490 younger adults in a population‐based survey in Britain. It compared the relative plausibility of several factor structures proposed by previous researchers, as indicated by the Akaike's Information Criterion and the Non‐Normed Fit Index. Correlation between factors and internal consistency were examined. Mean subscale scores by demographic characteristics were analysed by ANOVA for the best‐fit model.

Results

The 3‐factor structure proposed by Graetz gave the best fit in both older and younger people. The properties of this model in older people were examined in details. The patterns of internal consistency and between‐factor correlation were found satisfactory. Differences and similarities in subscale scores between demographic groups e.g. marital status, were presented.

Conclusion

The 12‐item General Health Questionnaire may measure three aspects of mental health, namely Anxiety and Depression, Social Dysfunction, and Loss of Confidence. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carpal tunnel syndrome modifies sensory hand cortical somatotopy: A MEG study
Authors: Tecchio Franca , Padua Luca , Aprile Irene , Rossini Paolo Maria
Published: October 2002

The adult somatosensory system has shown reorganizational abilities at cortical and subcortical levels after peripheral nerve lesions. In the present study the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are investigated as reflected on the somatotopy of the primary cortical hand representation. Position and intensity of cortical sources activated by the separate electrical stimulation of median nerve and Digits 1, 3, and 5 of both affected and non‐affected hands are evaluated by magnetoencephalographic (MEG) technique. Correlation of MEG results with patient‐, physician‐ and neurophysiological‐oriented evaluations of CTS was carried out. Patients showed changes in cortical hand somatotopy in strict relationship to self‐referred assessment of symptoms and hand disability in daily activities, including: 1) a more extended representation of the affected hand when paresthesias prevailed; and 2) a more restricted representation due to lateral shift of the little finger was observed when pain symptoms dominated the clinical picture. Contralateral to the side of CTS, the cortical sources activated by Digit 5‐stimulation appeared significantly enhanced with respect to contralateral ones from non‐affected hand. When comparing the amplitude of peripheral sensory nerve action potentials of median and ulnar nerves to that of cortical responses (i.e., ECD strengths of M20 and M30 components after stimulation of Digits 3 and 5), a significant selective amplification of M30 with respect to M20 and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) appeared during Digit 3 stimulation compared to that observed for Digit 5. This has been interpreted as a central magnification mechanism in brain responsiveness, possibly revealing a safety factor enabling sensory perception despite the small peripheral signal due to nerve trunk dysfunction. Hum. Brain Mapping 17:28–36, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A scanning electron microscopic study on thrombogenicity of intraarterial catheters for chemotherapeutic treatment in head and neck cancer
Authors: Moser Doris , Rasse Michael , Schopper Christian , Lagogiannis Georgios , Frass Michael , Ewers Rolf , Kaye Alan D. , Hofbauer Roland
Published: October 2002

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of standard anticoagulation and intermittent catheter irrigation on clot formation on intraarterial chemotherapeutical catheters.

Methods

Sixteen nonheparinized catheters were placed in the carotid vessels of 10 patients. Ten catheters were perfused with chemotherapeutic drugs; six catheters were not perfused. Patients received LMWH anticoagulation; catheters were irrigated with boluses of heparinized saline daily. Catheters were retrieved for SEM evaluation after a mean intravessel placement interval of 21 days.

Results

All samples demonstrated accumulation of thrombotic debris on luminal sides and outsides of catheters. Obliteration was seen in three samples. Detachment of thrombus fragments was present in several specimens. No significant dependence of clot formation on placement interval and chemotherapeutic perfusion was calculated.

Conclusions

Standard anticoagulation was ineffective in clot prevention. Heparinized catheters might potentially reduce the risk of clot formation. A delivery system should be engaged for continuous irrigation of catheters with heparinized saline. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 24: 566–574, 2002
Study of performance characteristics of a small Stirling refrigerator
Authors: Otaka Toshio , Ota Masahiro , Murakami Kazuhiko , Sakamoto Moriyoshi
Published: October 2002

A prototype Stirling cycle refrigerator employing helium as a working fluid was investigated to determine whether a freon‐free machine was a viable alternative for the current household refrigerator. A displacer‐type or β‐type Stirling cycle machine of 100‐W capacity was designed and tested using varying design parameters such as dead volume ratio, working fluids, the ratio of the compression volume to the expansion volume, and the phase difference between a power piston and displacer. The detrimental effect of the dead space on the refrigeration capacity was confirmed. The refrigeration produced by nitrogen in an expansion space was 28% less than that produced by helium. The optimum volume ratio and the phase difference for maximum refrigeration was determined under the design operation conditions. Moreover, the refrigeration correlation formula as a function of these parameters was obtained. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 31(5): 344–361, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.10033
Effects of alcohol on risk‐taking during simulated driving
Authors: Burian Scott E. , Liguori Anthony , Robinson John H.
Published: October 2002

The effect of alcohol on judgement or conscious risk‐taking may increase the likelihood of an automobile accident. This study examined the direct effects of penalty severity and alcohol on risk‐taking in a novel simulated‐driving lane‐choice task. Thirteen male social drinkers received alcohol (0.3 g/kg, 0.5 g/kg, 0.8 g/kg) or placebo during each of four test sessions in a randomized, within subject design. In repeated trials, subjects selected, then drove through a cone‐defined lane. Contingent upon performance, points were added (+ 5 for the narrower lane, + 3 for the wider lane) and taken away (− 1, − 3, or − 5 points per hit cone) after each trial. Risk‐taking was defined as a selection of the narrower‐width lane. The frequency of risk‐taking decreased as the penalty increased. The 0.5 g/kg dose, compared to other alcohol doses or placebo, significantly increased risk‐taking in the high‐risk (5‐point penalty) condition. This finding suggests that breath alcohol concentrations within current legal standards can alter a driver's decision‐making such that the willingness to enter a high‐risk situation is increased. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short‐term treatment of post‐traumatic stress disorder with naltrexone: an open‐label preliminary study
Authors: Lubin Gad , Weizman Abraham , Shmushkevitz Mordechai , Valevski Avi
Published: October 2002

Eight patients (6 men and 2 women) with chronic post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were treated with naltrexone 100–200 mg/day. Seven patients completed 2 weeks of treatment. A subtle and clinically insignificant improvement was noted in intrusive and hyperarousal symptoms (p < 0.05 for both), but not in avoidance symptoms. All patients demonstrated side effects which limited the targeted dose. It is suggested that the subtle positive effect of naltrexone and the hypersensitivity of these patients to its side effects do not encourage the use of naltrexone in the treatment of PTSD patients. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of cortisol suppression on craving for and satisfaction from nicotine in high and low impulsive subjects
Authors: Reuter M. , Netter P. , Rogausch A. , Sander P. , Kaltschmidt M. , Dörr A. , Hennig J.
Published: October 2002

The rewarding properties of drug self‐administration have been shown to depend on mesolimbic dopamine release but also on the availability of corticosterone, as shown in rats. Since this became particularly evident when tested in rat strains bred for high (HR) and low (LR) reactivity to novel stimuli, the role of cortisol and personality in drug craving was investigated in 60 male nicotine‐deprived smokers divided according to questionnaire scores into high and low impulsives, a dimension considered to represent HR/LR rats. They either received the peripheral cortisol blocker metyrapone (MET) or the centrally blocking substance dexamethasone (DEX) or placebo (n=20 each) and were then allowed to smoke. MET more than DEX reduced craving for cigarettes during deprivation. This was only observed in low impulsives while high impulsives developed low craving unmodified by blockade of cortisol. Satisfaction from smoking was less achieved with DEX than with MET and not modified by impulsivity. Differences between MET and DEX in influencing craving during deprivation and satisfaction from smoking were discussed on the basis of different glucocorticoid receptors. The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) seems to be the ‘turn on switch’ and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) the ‘turn off switch’ in mediating the rewarding properties of dopamine in drug self‐administration. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling the impacts of climate change on Australian streamflow
Authors: Chiew Francis H. S. , McMahon Thomas A.
Published: October 2002

This paper presents the likely impacts of climate change on runoff, evapotranspiration and soil moisture in the more populated and important agricultural regions of Australia. The impacts are estimated by comparing the water fluxes simulated by a hydrologic model using present climate data and greenhouse‐enhanced climate scenarios predicted by general circulation models. The results indicate that changes in rainfall are amplified in runoff. In wet and temperate catchments the percentage change in runoff is about twice the percentage change in rainfall, whereas in ephemeral catchments with low runoff coefficients the percentage change in runoff can be more than four times the percentage change in rainfall. The modelling study estimates that the annual runoffs in catchments on the northeast coast and east coast of Australia could change by −5 to +15% and ±15% respectively by the year 2030. The annual runoff in southeast Australia could decrease by up to 20%, and in Tasmania a ±10% change in runoff by 2030 is possible. The model simulates a decrease in the annual runoff in catchments in the South Australian Gulf of up to 25% by 2030, and a change of −25% to +10% in the runoff on the southwest coast of Australia. Although there are large uncertainties in these estimates, the results show the potential for climate change to bring about runoff modifications that may require a significant planning response. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Japanese experiences to enhance the World Commission on Dams guidelines
Authors: Nakayama Mikiyasu , Fujikura Ryo , Yoshida Tsuneaki
Published: October 2002

The impact of large dam construction projects on the human environment, and particularly on resettlers, is often the main reason for opposition toward large dam construction projects. The World Commission on Dams (WCD) published its only and final report ‘Dams and Development’ in November 2000. The report contains a set of 26 guidelines. The WCD itself mentioned that the guidelines are not intended as a blueprint, and that these should be used as a starting point for discussion. Despite the clarification by the WCD, some non‐governmental organizations argue that these guidelines must be immediately adopted for all future large dam projects. The authors assume that only several of these guidelines are operational and many of these are either too experimental or theoretical to be put into use. Furthermore, some seemingly ‘ready for operation’ guidelines still need to be enhanced to be really operational in the real world. About 2000 large dams were constructed in Japan after World War II. Various principles and mechanisms were then developed to better address the issues related to involuntary resettlement. The knowledge accumulated through large dam construction projects in Japan may be applied to other countries. The aim of this paper is to identify the lessons, out of the experiences gained in Japan through large dam construction projects in the past, which could be applicable for future large dam construction projects in other nations. The socio‐economic setting, as well as the legal framework, in Japan differs much from those in the developing world. Nevertheless, the following aspects of the experiences gained in Japan are found to be both applicable and useful for future large dam construction projects abroad: (a) integrity of community in the negotiation process, (b) provision of alternative occupations, (c) funding mechanism in the post‐project period, (d) measures needed during planning process; and (e) making resettlers ‘shareholders’. These lessons may prove useful to enhance the WCD guidelines. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An approach for evaluating the hydrological effects of urbanization and its application
Authors: Cheng Shin‐jen , Wang Ru‐yih
Published: October 2002

This study focuses mainly on observing urban development in Taiwan's Wu‐Tu watershed from the perspective of urban hydrological theory. An approach is proposed for developing a method for incorporating available meteorological data to define the degree of change in a runoff hydrograph for urbanizing basins. The mean rainfall was estimated using the Kriging method. For calibration, two methods of calculating the effective rainfall (the Φ‐index method and the non‐linear‐programming (NLP) method) were used as model inputs, and the optimal global parameters of the linear reservoir model were then obtained from the shuffled complex evolution (SCE) algorithm. Twenty‐six (1966–1991) and eight (1994–1997) rainfall–runoff events were used for calibration and verification, respectively. The NLP method yielded better results than the Φ‐index method, especially for multipeak rainfall–runoff events. The regression equation determined the relationship between the parameters of the model and impervious areas. A comparison based on the results of the instantaneous unit hydrograph of the study area revealed that three decades of urbanization had increased the peak flow by 27%, and the time to peak was decreased by 4 h. The study simply describes the results of the impact of imperviousness on hydrological modelling. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaporation and energy balance of a sub‐Arctic hillslope in northern Finland
Authors: Harding R. J. , Jackson N. A. , Blyth E. M. , Culf A.
Published: October 2002

This paper presents measurements of the energy balance (radiation, sensible heat flux, evaporation) from a sub‐arctic hillside in northern Finland for a summer season. Comparisons are also made with a nearby wetland site. The hillslope measurements show an equal partition of the radiant energy into sensible and latent heat flux. The evaporative ratio of just over one half was remarkably constant throughout the season, despite very large day‐to‐day and diurnal variations of temperature, humidity deficit and radiation input. This conservative behaviour of the evaporation was caused by a strong rise in effective surface resistance to evaporation with increasing vapour pressure deficit. This suggests a strong physiological control on the evaporation, with stomata closing at times of high evaporative demand. There was no obvious impact of soil‐water stress on the evaporation. However, a comparison with the evaporation measured at a nearby mire site in 1997 suggests that the mire has a significantly lower surface resistance, even when the impact of a significantly lower humidity deficit in the earlier year is taken into account.

The measurements are used to test, off‐line, the performance of MOSES (Meteorological Office Surface Exchange Scheme), a simple, but comprehensive, land surface model. The sensitivity of the energy exchanges to the thermal properties of the top soil layer (a surrogate for the upper soil/vegetation layer) is investigated with the use of the model. It is found that the evaporation is insensitive to these properties; they do, however, influence the partition of energy between the sensible heat flux and the ground heat flux (and hence the soil temperatures). It is suggested that the model needs to represent the thermal properties of the canopy more realistically. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cancer incidence in a population‐based cohort of patients with Wegener's granulomatosis
Authors: Knight Ann , Askling Johan , Ekbom Anders
Published: October 2002

Wegener's granulomatosis is necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis of unknown origin, which untreated has a high mortality within the first year of onset. The introduction of corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide in the treatment has considerably improved survival rates, but past studies have indicated an increased cancer risk, including an increased risk for urinary bladder cancer. No large assessment of the general cancer occurrence in Wegener's granulomatosis has been reported. The aim of our study was to assess the general incidence of cancer in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis and to put this in relation to the risk for bladder cancer. We identified a population‐based cohort of 1,065 patients with Wegener's granulomatosis in the Swedish In‐patient Register. Through linkage with the Swedish Cancer Register, we followed the cohort for cancer occurrence for up to 26 years. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) between observed and expected numbers of cancers were used as a measure of relative risk. There was a 2‐fold overall increased risk for cancer in the cohort. The increase was most pronounced for bladder cancer (SIR = 4.8; 95% CI 2.6–8.1), squamous cell skin cancer (SIR = 7.3; 95% CI 4.4–12), leukemias (SIR = 5.7; 95% CI 2.3–12) and for malignant lymphomas (SIR = 4.2; 95% CI 4.2–8.3). The results confirm previous indications of an increased risk for cancer of the urinary bladder but also points to increased risks for cancer at other sites. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of dna repair gene polymorphisms on BPDE‐DNA adducts in human lymphocytes
Authors: Pastorelli Roberta , Cerri Annalisa , Mezzetti Maurizio , Consonni Erica , Airoldi Luisa
Published: October 2002

To determine whether variations in DNA repair genes are related to host DNA damage, we investigated the association between polymorphism in the XPD gene (codon 199, 312, 751) and the XRCC1 gene (codon 194, 399) and the presence of benzo(a)pyrene diolepoxide adducts to lymphocyte DNA (BPDE‐DNA) in a group of male patients with incident lung cancer, all current smokers. BPDE‐DNA adducts were analyzed by high‐resolution gas chromatography‐negative ion chemical ionization‐mass spectrometry. XPD and XRCC1 genotypes were identified by PCR‐RFLP. XRCC1 and XPD genotypes did not affect the levels and proportion of detectable BPDE‐DNA adducts. The patients were also genotyped for the GSTM1 polymorphism, given its role in the detoxification of BPDE. Individuals with the GSTM1 deletion had significantly higher levels of BPDE‐DNA adducts when they were XPD‐Asp312Asp+Lys751Lys than carriers of at least one variant allele. No such association was found with the XRCC1 genotypes. Because of the small study population (n = 60), further statistical analysis of possible gene‐gene and gene‐environment would not be informative. This is the first study analysing the specific BPDE‐DNA adduct in vivo with regard to polymorphic repair genes (XPD, XRCC1) and xenobiotic metabolizing gene (GSTM1). Our results raise the possibility that the XPD‐Asp312Asp+Lys751Lys genotype may increase BPDE‐DNA damage; this effect might be evident in individuals who are especially likely to have accumulated damage, probably because of lower detoxification capacity and high environmental exposure. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reduced expression of the insulin‐induced protein 1 and p41 Arp2/3 complex genes in human gastric cancers
Authors: Kaneda Atsushi , Kaminishi Michio , Nakanishi Yukihiro , Sugimura Takashi , Ushijima Toshikazu
Published: October 2002

Aberrantly methylated DNA fragments in a human gastric cancer were searched for by a genome‐scanning method, methylation‐sensitive‐representational difference analysis (MS‐RDA). Six DNA fragments flanked by CpG islands (CGIs) and hypermethylated in the cancer were isolated. Four of the 6 fragments possessed genes in their vicinities. Quantitative RT‐PCR analysis of the 4 genes showed reduced expression of 2 genes in cancers: Insulin‐induced protein 1 (INSIG1/CL‐6) and p41 Arp2/3 complex (p41‐Arc). As for INSIG1, a DNA fragment was derived from the edge of a CGI in the promoter region. The edge was methylated in 11 of 22 primary gastric cancers, whereas the center was not methylated in any cancer. INSIG1 expression was markedly reduced in 19 cancers, including the 11 cancers with the methylation. By 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine treatment of 5 cell lines with the methylation of the edge, partial restoration of INSIG1 expression was detected only in 2 of them. These data indicated that, although the reduced INSIG1 expression in cancers was associated with the methylation at the edge of the CGI in the promoter region, the methylation was likely to be a secondary change. As for p41‐Arc, a DNA fragment was derived from a CGI overlapping exon 8, and its methylation did not correlate with its expression. However, methylation of a CGI in the promoter region with a marked reduction of its expression was observed in 1 of the 22 primary cancers. INSIG1 and p41‐Arc are known to be involved in cellular differentiation and morphology, respectively, and it was suggested that their reduced expressions might be involved in gastric cancer development or progression. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of CD154 on renal cell carcinomas and effect on cell proliferation, motility and platelet‐activating factor synthesis
Authors: Bussolati Benedetta , Russo Simona , Deambrosis Ilaria , Cantaluppi Vincenzo , Volpe Alessandro , Ferrando Ugo , Camussi Giovanni
Published: October 2002

CD40 activation by CD154 may trigger diverse cellular responses, ranging from proliferation and differentiation to growth suppression and cell death, in normal and malignant cells. However, the pathophysiologic role of CD154 expressed by tumor cells remains unclear. We have investigated the expression of the CD40–CD154 system in 24 primary cultures derived from renal cell carcinomas, its correlation with tumor stage and its potential functional significance. We found coexpression of CD40 and CD154 in most of the renal carcinoma cell lines. CD154, but not CD40 expression, significantly correlated with tumor stage. Moreover, renal carcinoma cell lines also released the soluble form of CD154 into the supernatant. CD40 engagement by CD154 did not affect apoptosis or survival. On the contrary, CD154 stimulated cell proliferation, motility and production of PAF, a phospholipid mediator of inflammation with angiogenic properties. Furthermore, the renal carcinoma cell lines expressed PAF‐R. Blockade of PAF‐R by WEB‐2170, a PAF‐R antagonist, abolished the CD154‐dependent motility, indicating a role for PAF synthesized after CD154 stimulation in renal carcinoma cell motility. In conclusion, this study identifies new functional properties for CD154, which are potentially relevant for the growth and dissemination of renal carcinoma cells. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
VEGF isoforms and mutations in human colorectal cancer
Authors: Uthoff Sonja M.S. , Duchrow Michael , Schmidt Mirko H. H. , Broll Rainer , Bruch Hans‐Peter , Strik Martin W. , Galandiuk Susan
Published: October 2002

We wished to demonstrate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) transcript polymorphism in human colon cancer. RNA was extracted from 25 primary human colorectal adenocarcinomas followed by VEGF transcript amplification, fragment elution, subcloning, positive selection via insert analysis and sequencing. Four distinct splice variants were consistently expressed in cancer, including VEGF121, VEGF165, VEGF189 and the newly identified truncated splice variant VEGF145. Six novel mutations were characterized, all of which occurred within the conserved expression site of the gene and which consequently were present in all splice forms. Five cancers exhibited single nucleotide changes and 1 cancer a 2‐nucleotide deletion. A silent mutation was observed in exon 1 at position +70 relative to the amplification start site, a 1‐ and 2‐base deletion with frameshift and protein truncation in exon 3 at positions +172 and +171/172, respectively, a transition mutation in exon 3 at position +248 and 2 transition mutations in exon 4 at positions +398 and +403. All of these sense mutations should alter protein conformation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of VEGF145 in solid malignancy. Its biologic activity remains to be determined. We have demonstrated a variety of sporadic mutations within human colorectal cancer VEGF mRNA. Mutant angiogenic VEGF may provide a genomic basis for the diversity of tumor‐host response and may prove to be important in antisense oligonucleotide targeting, since all the different VEGF isoforms would have to be neutralized to prevent angiogenesis. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ethnic variation in kallikrein expression in nipple aspirate fluid
Authors: Sauter Edward R. , Welch Tamara , Magklara Angeliki , Klein Gary , Diamandis Eleftherios P.
Published: October 2002

Socioeconomic factors cannot entirely explain why black women have an earlier age of breast cancer onset and higher mortality rates, stage for stage, than whites. We and others have shown that prostate‐specific antigen [PSA, also known as human kallikrein (hK) 3] is a marker of breast as well as prostate cancer, that hK2 and hK3 are highly homologous at the DNA and protein level and that the level of progesterone, which appears to upregulate hK3, is influenced by ethnicity. We hypothesized that nipple aspiration fluid (NAF) hK2 and hK3 levels are (i) lower in black than white women; (ii) independently associated with breast cancer; (iii) influenced by menopausal status; and (iv) in combination are more informative about whether a woman has breast cancer than either marker alone. NAF was assayed for hK2 and hK3, and the results were stratified by ethnicity, presence or absence of cancer and menopausal status. Statistical analysis was then performed. When stratified by ethnicity, hK2 (p = 0.003) and hK3 (p = 0.027) levels in blacks were lower than in whites. hK2 was lower in premenopausal black than in white subjects, regardless of cancer status. Overall, hK2, hK3 and the ratio hK2/hK3 were lower in subjects with breast cancer than in normal subjects. hK3 was lower in postmenopausal women with breast cancer, regardless of ethnicity. hK2 and hK3 levels were higher in pre‐ than in postmenopausal whites. Using logistic regression and considering hK2, hK3, hK2/hK3 and ethnicity, hK3 was significantly associated with breast cancer in both pre‐ (p < 0.001) and postmenopausal women (p = 0.023). In conclusion, whereas hK2, hK3, hK2/hK3 and ethnicity are each significantly associated with breast cancer bivariately, after entering the strongest predictor, hK3, into a logistic regression model, no other variable accounted for additional variation, although this observation is preliminary due to the limited number of black subjects in the study. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does aversive behavior during toddlerhood matter? The effects of difficult temperament on maternal perceptions and behavior
Authors: Calkins Susan D.
Published: October 2002

Seventy‐three mothers and their toddlers were observed when the children were 18 and 24 months of age in a series of laboratory procedures designed to assess relations among frustration distress, aggression/venting, and defiance, as indicators of aversive behavior, and their relations to maternal interactive style concurrently and over time. A second goal was to identify the predictors of aversive behavior at 24 months of age. Child aversive behavior as a predictor of increases in maternal negativity over time was also examined. Results indicated that distress, venting, and defiance were related to one another at 18 months of age. For boys, venting at 24 months of age, but not distress or defiance, was associated with greater maternal report of stress and higher incidence of behavior problems at 24 months of age. Venting behavior at 24 months of age was predicted by the interaction of early aversive behavior and low maternal positive guiding behavior. Increases in maternal negative behavior over the six‐month period were predicted by the interaction of earlier negative maternal behavior and child sex, with negative mothers of boys displaying greater increases in negative behavior at the later age. These findings are discussed in terms of the significance of early aversive behavior, in the context of mother–child interaction, for later problematic behavior. ©2002 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.
Protection from half‐mustard‐gas‐induced acute lung injury in the rat
Authors: McClintock Shannon D. , Till Gerd O. , Smith Milton G. , Ward Peter A.
Published: October 2002

The chemical warfare agent analog, 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide, known as ‘half‐mustard gas’ (HMG), is less toxic and less of an environmental hazard than the full molecule and has been shown to produce an acute lung injury in rats when instilled via intrapulmonary injection. This injury is characterized by massive, localized hemorrhage and edema into the alveolar compartment and can be quantitated by measuring extravasation of 125I‐bovine serum albumin into the extravascular compartment. Employing this rat model of HMG‐induced lung injury, we observed significant attenuation of the pulmonary injury when experimental animals were complement or neutrophil depleted prior to HMG challenge. Significant protection also was provided by the use of antioxidants such as catalase, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl thiourea, resveratrol and N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC). The last compound showed protection from lung injury as high as 70% and was still effective even when given up to 90 min after exposure of the lungs to HMG. These data suggest that acute lung injury caused by exposure to HMG may be related partially to complement mediated pathways and the generation by neutrophils of toxic oxygen species The data indicate that NAC is an effective antidote against HMG‐induced acute lung injury in the rat. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐dose, long‐term exposures of dental material components alter human monocyte metabolism
Authors: Noda M. , Wataha J. C. , Lockwood P. E. , Volkmann K. R. , Kaga M. , Sano H.
Published: October 2002

The short‐term degradation of dental polymers and alloys in biological environments has been well documented, but recent evidence indicates that oral tissues may be chronically exposed to low levels of these released components. The effect of these chronic exposures on the ability of cells to respond to a subsequent challenge is not known. To investigate this idea, we exposed human THP‐1 monocytes to sublethal concentrations of HEMA, TEGDMA, Hg2+, and Ni2+ for 2 weeks and then assessed the monocytic response to subsequent 24‐h challenge with the same components at higher concentrations. Chronic (2 week) exposures of monocytes to HEMA and both metal ions significantly altered monocyte response to short‐term (24 h) secondary exposures, even when overt effects of the chronic exposures were not apparent. However, cellular responses were highly variable depending on the material and its concentrations. For TEGDMA, no effects were seen. These results demonstrate that the chronic effects of materials must be considered even when the chronic exposure has no initial overt effect. The effect on cells may only be apparent if the cell is challenged by a secondary exposure. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 62: 237–243, 2002
The effect of polyethylene particle phagocytosis on the viability of mature human macrophages
Authors: Xing S. , Santerre J. P. , Labow R. S. , Boynton E. L.
Published: October 2002

Macrophages are the major cell type observed in the inflammatory membrane retrieved at implant revision surgery. In this study, mature human monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDM) were adapted to a previously established in vitro model to examine the influence of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) particulate (4–10 μm) on MDM viability. HDPE particles were suspended in soluble type I collagen, which subsequently was solidified on glass coverslips. Mature human macrophages, derived from differentiating peripheral blood monocytes on polystyrene for 10 days, were incubated in culture media on collagen controls and collagen–particle substrata for 31 days. Histologic analysis demonstrated that MDMs were in contact with the particles at 2 h. The majority of the particles were associated with the cells within 24 h. Based on electron microscopy, those cells associated with the particles appeared to be morphologically activated rather than necrotic or apoptotic. Assessment of cell viability revealed no differences among the groups at 24 h, but at 31 days significantly more viable cells and higher DNA values were found associated with the particle groups versus the collagen controls. The histologic results validate human mature MDMs as a clinically relevant cell type for study of the role of polyethylene particulate in aseptic loosening. The cell viability results indicate that phagocytosis of HDPE is not toxic to MDMs but in fact prolongs MDM survival. The long‐lived MDMs may play a role in perpetuating chronic inflammation surrounding implants. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 61: 619–627, 2002
Delivery of insulin from hydroxyapatite ceramic microspheres: Preliminary in vivo studies
Authors: Paul Willi , Nesamony Jerry , Sharma Chandra P.
Published: October 2002

The major limiting factor in utilizing protein drugs for sustained delivery is the lack of suitable delivery systems. Ceramic hydroxyapatite microspheres are biocompatible and utilized for the purification of proteins. As a preliminary study, we have investigated the possibility of using hydroxyapatite ceramic microspheres loaded with insulin as an implantable delivery system in rats. With this limited test, it was shown that the loaded insulin was active and able to suppress the blood glucose level in normal rats. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 61: 660–662, 2002
Porous polymer/bioactive glass composites for soft‐to‐hard tissue interfaces
Authors: Zhang Kai , Ma Yue , Francis Lorraine F.
Published: October 2002

Porous composites consisting of a polysulfone (or cellulose acetate) matrix and bioactive glass particles were prepared by phase separation techniques. Microstructures were designed for potential application as an interconnect between artificial cartilage and bone. The effects of polymer type, concentration and molecular weight, as well as bioactive glass size and content, on the microstructures of the composites were studied. The composites have asymmetric structures with dense top layers and porous structures beneath. The microstructural features depend most strongly on the type of polymer, the interaction between the polymer and bioactive glass, and the glass content. The dense top layer could be removed by abrasion to make a structure with large pores (20‐150 μm) exposed. Composites were immersed in simulated body fluid at body temperature. The growth of hydroxycarbonate apatite inside and on the composites demonstrates their potential for integration with bone. Composite modulus and break strength increased with increasing glass content due to the change in composition and pore content. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 61: 551–563, 2002
Studies on the tumor promoting mechanism of hard and soft segment models of polyetherurethane: Tyr265 phosphorylation of connexin43 is a key step in the GJIC inhibitory reaction induced by polyetherurethane
Authors: Ichikawa Akira , Tsuchiya Toshie
Published: October 2002

Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is inhibited by 4,4′‐di(ethoxycarboamide) diphenylmethane (MDU) and polytetramethylene oxide 1000 (PTMO1000), which are model chemicals of hard and soft segments of polyetherurethane (PEU), respectively. In our previous study, we suggested that the inhibition of GJIC induced by MDU and PTMO1000 may lead to accelerate promotion step by both segments after the initiation step by hard segment, MDU. To examine this hypothesis, we established connexin 43 overexpressed clones from Balb/c 3T3 A31‐1‐1 clones (A31‐1‐1 cells) by transfection. Here we show that these clones acquired much higher GJIC ability than parental A31‐1‐1 cells and kept them even if MDU or PTMO1000 was added to the culture. We also found that Mutation of Cx43 at Tyr‐265 resulted in reduced inhibition of GJIC induced by MDU and PTMO1000. These findings suggest that inhibition of GJIC by PEU may be caused by Tyr‐265 phosphorylation of Cx43 molecule. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 62: 157–162, 2002
Loading of collagen‐heparan sulfate matrices with bFGF promotes angiogenesis and tissue generation in rats
Authors: Pieper J. S. , Hafmans T. , van Wachem P. B. , van Luyn M. J. A. , Brouwer L. A. , Veerkamp J. H. , van Kuppevelt T. H.
Published: October 2002

The loading of biocompatible matrices with growth factors offers the opportunity to induce specific cell behavior. The attachment of heparan sulfate (HS) to these matrices may promote the binding, modulation, and sustained release of signaling molecules. In this study, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was bound to crosslinked collagenous matrices with and without covalently attached HS. The tissue response to these matrices was evaluated after subcutaneous implantation in rats. Attachment of HS to collagen matrices increased the bFGF binding capacity threefold and resulted in a more gradual and sustained release of the growth factor in vitro. bFGF primarily was located at the matrix margins. In vivo, the presence of HS without bFGF resulted in a transient vascularization, predominantly at the matrix periphery. Angiogenesis was further enhanced by combining HS with bFGF. In contrast to collagen‐HS and collagen/bFGF matrices, collagen‐HS/bFGF matrices remained highly vascularized throughout the matrix during the 10‐week implantation period. In addition, these latter matrices revealed an intense and prolonged tissue response and considerably promoted the generation of new tissue. Foreign body reactions were only observed sporadically at this time interval. It is concluded that bFGF loading of collagen‐HS matrices has additional value for those tissue‐engineering applications that require enhanced angiogenesis and generation of new tissue. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 62: 185–194, 2002
Surface characteristics and dissolution behavior of plasma‐sprayed hydroxyapatite coating
Authors: Sun Limin , Berndt Christopher C. , Khor Khiam Aik , Cheang H. N. , Gross Karlis A.
Published: October 2002

One of the most important concerns with the clinical use of plasma‐sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings is the resorption of the coating, and dissolution at neutral pH is one of the two major resorption mechanisms. In this study, highly crystalline pure HA powders were atmospherically plasma sprayed using various parameters. Dissolution of both HA powders and coatings was measured using a calcium ion meter. Surface characteristics, including phase, morphology, and roughness, were compared for the coatings before and after dissolution. Pulverized HA coatings exhibited significantly higher dissolution compared with the same quantity of feedstock HA powders because of the decreased crystallinity and fine crystal size of the coating. Furthermore, the dissolution decreased with the crystallinity of the coating. Dissolution of HA coatings did not show much difference with respect to the coatings in the initial stage of immersion (4 h). However, dissolution of all coatings reached saturation in a fresh physiological solution. The saturation values were much lower compared with their counterparts in the form of powders, which may imply the stability of HA coatings in long‐term use. In addition to crystallinity, the particle melting status in the coatings, i.e., the volume of nanocrystals, and porosity, was found to be another important factor for the dissolution of the HA coating. X‐ray diffraction patterns of HA coatings indicated the complete dissolution of impurity phases and amorphous phase after the coatings were immersed in the solution for 4 days. Coatings sprayed at lower power (27.5 kW) exhibited a pattern of crystalline HA whereas coatings sprayed at higher power (42 kW) exhibited a pattern of bone apatite. Surface morphologies showed preferential dissolution of amorphous phase in all coatings accompanied with precipitation of bone apatite observable for coatings sprayed at higher power. Surface roughness measured after the dissolution studies increased for the two coatings sprayed at lower power level but decreased for coatings sprayed at higher power level. This decrease is attributed to the better match in solubility characteristics between the fine crystals and the amorphous calcium phosphate within the coating. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 62: 228–236, 2002
In hereditary hemochromatosis, red cell apheresis removes excess iron twice as fast as manual whole blood phlebotomy
Authors: Muncunill J. , Vaquer P. , Galmés A. , Obrador A. , Parera M. , Bargay J. , Besalduch J.
Published: October 2002

The current treatment of hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) consists of performing periodic manual whole blood phlebotomies. Erythroapheresis (EPH) is considered to be an alternative procedure if the classic treatment is contra‐indicated. A prospective study of 13 consecutive cases of HH were included in a periodic EPH program with the aim of assessing the efficacy, feasibility, and tolerability of EPH in the treatment of HH by induction and maintenance. Iron depletion (ferritin <20 μg/l) was achieved in all patients after a mean of 6.7 ± 2.9 months of treatment and a mean of 13.5 ± 7.2 EPH sessions. The procedure was well tolerated and there were no complications. After a follow‐up period of 10.5 ± 6.6 months, only four patients have required further maintenance sessions beyond 6 months after completing the induction therapy. The efficacy, speed, tolerability, and more favorable schedule of an EPH program facilitate treatment of HH. J. Clin. Apheresis 17:88–92, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contribution of HDL‐apolipoproteins to the inhibition of low density lipoprotein oxidation and lipid accumulation in macrophages
Authors: Lin Kae‐Yuan , Chen Yuh‐Lien , Shih Chun‐Che , Pan Ju‐Pin , Chan Woan‐Eng , Chiang An‐Na
Published: October 2002

High‐density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as a protective factor against atherosclerosis. However, whether HDL‐apolipoproteins (apo‐HDL) contribute to the protection in arterial cells remains unclear. The localization patterns of human apolipoproteins in atherosclerotic arteries were determined using immunohistochemical examination. The results indicate that several apolipoproteins are retained in component cells of the coronary artery walls. To elucidate the possible roles of apo‐HDL in the protection of atherosclerotic lesion formation, we investigated the effects of apo‐HDL on the formation of conjugated diene (CD) in a cell‐free system and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) in the medium of a macrophage‐mediated LDL oxidation system. The results showed that apo‐HDL significantly exerted an inhibitory effect on LDL lipid oxidation in vitro. In addition, apo‐HDL decreased cholesterol influx but enhanced cholesterol efflux from J774 macrophages in a dose‐dependent manner. These results are consistent with the notion that there is reduced intracellular lipid accumulation in apo‐HDL treated macrophages. These data provide a direct evidence for apo‐HDL in protecting LDL from oxidative modification and in reducing the accumulation of cholesterol and lipid droplets by J774 macrophages. J. Cell. Biochem. 86: 258–267, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.