bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption of polyamides on SAMs: effect of SAM grafting density on polyamide morphology
Authors: Elzein Tamara , Brogly Maurice , Schultz Jacques
Published: January 2003

In this paper we focus on the understanding of the morphological behaviour of Polyamide 66 (PA66) in a constrained geometry generated by adsorption onto chemically controlled interfaces such as thiol self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) grafted on gold substrates. The latter are prepared under different experimental conditions to illustrate the mechanism of PA–SAM interaction. The crystalline morphology of polyamide nanofilms, analysed by atomic force microscopy, was found to be dependent directly on the surface chemistry that is controlled by the thiol functionality (e.g. NH2‐ and COOH‐ terminated thiols) and by the density and the structural organization of the grafts. These two parameters depend on the immersion times of the gold substrate in the thiol solutions. Furthermore, a direct correlation is evidenced between the polyamide morphology in thin films and its crystalline amount, as calculated by polarization–modulation infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy. Quantitative results propose an interfacial interaction mechanism between the polyamide chains and the surface grafts, and give information about the SAM formation kinetics and its organization during the grafting process. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Construction of database of effective energy‐loss functions
Authors: Nagatomi T. , Takai Y. , Crist B. V. , Goto K. , Shimizu R.
Published: January 2003

Effective energy‐loss functions for Al, Cu, Ag and Au were derived from the reflection electron energy‐loss spectroscopy (REELS) spectra for 1 keV electrons using extended Landau theory. Features of the obtained effective energy‐loss functions are close to those of optical surface energy‐loss functions, revealing the significant contribution of the low energy loss below a few tens of electron‐volts in the REELS spectrum for Cu, Ag and Au. The REELS spectra were reproduced using the newly derived effective energy‐loss functions, leading to the confirmation that this type of database of the effective energy‐loss function is very useful not only for more comprehensive understanding of the measured spectrum of surface electron spectroscopies but also for practical background subtraction in surface electron spectroscopy. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of carbon on the interfacial contact angle between alumina and liquid aluminum
Authors: Rocha‐Rangel Enrique , Becher Paul F. , Lara‐Curzio Edgar
Published: January 2003

The wetting of alumina by pure liquid aluminum was investigated over the temperature range 900–1300°C by the sessile drop method under a dynamic vacuum of 10−4–10−5 Pa. When the substrate is carbon coated, the terminal contact angle is reduced to 40° at 1300°C for times longer than 4500 s. In the absence of carbon, the final angle is 82° for the same conditions. Reactive wetting is suggested by the observation of undercutting of the substrate and ridge formation at the leading edge of the liquid aluminum in all carbon‐coated samples. Based on energy considerations, the following is among the thermodynamically favorable reactions: 4Al + 3C → Al4C3. Possible mechanisms for the observed carbon‐enhanced wettability in the system are discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Circulating Soluble Fas in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Sheen‐Chen Shyr‐Ming , Chen Han‐Shiang , Eng Hock‐Liew , Chen Wei‐Jen
Published: January 2003

It has been suggested that circulating soluble Fas (sFas) contributes to tumor progression. However, little is known about the role of sFas in breast cancer. This study was designed with the aim of elucidating the possible relation between sFas and breast cancer. A series of 57 consecutive patients with invasive breast cancer undergoing surgery were prospectively included in the study and evaluated. Venous blood samples were collected before surgery. Sera were obtained by centrifugation and stored at ?70°C until assayed. The control group consisted of 12 patients with benign breast tumors (6 with fibrocystic disease, 6 with fibroadenoma). Serum concentrations of sFas were measured by the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. The data on primary tumor staging, age, estrogen receptor status, lymph node status, tumor grading, and TNM staging were reviewed and recorded. The mean value of circulating sFas in patients with invasive breast cancer was 794.2 ± 183.0 pg/ml and that of the control group 582.1 ± 62.8 pg/ml; the difference was significant (p <0.001). Furthermore, there were significantly higher serum levels of sFas in the older patients (age ≥ 50) (p = 0.020) and in those with a more advanced TNM stage (p = 0.021). In the multivariate analysis, TNM stage (p = 0.005) appeared to be an independent factor for significantly higher circulating sFas in patients with invasive breast cancer. Thus circulating sFas levels may reflect the severity of invasive breast cancer. Hence the possible prognostic value of sFas for breast cancer deserves further elucidation and evaluation with long‐term patient follow‐up.
Extracapsular Hematoma of the Parathyroid Glands
Authors: Chaffanjon Philippe C.J. , Chavanis Nicolas , Chabre Olivier , Brichon Pierre Yves
Published: January 2003

The objective of this study was to standardize surgical treatment of cervicothoracic hematoma due to parathyroid gland rupture. Only 19 such hematomas have been reported in the literature, and there is no consensus about the best time to operate or the surgical approach. We have now treated four new cases of extensive hematoma from the time of the initial bleeding except in the case of severe hemodynamic or respiratory troubles or nerve compression. Two of the patients were operated on after a minimal 3 months delay, with perfect results. The other two were operated on during the first month with great technical difficulty and incomplete results. In one case the gland was not excised, but parathyroid apoplexy afforded a spontaneous remission, although the hyperparathyroidism recurred 7 years later. We concluded that, first, if there are no severe compressive or hemodynamic symptoms, the surgical treatment must be performed more than 3 months after the bleeding, as the dissection then is as simple as any well ordered surgery. In case of an extensive hematoma accompanied by shock or compression, we propose simple emergency drainage, with reoperation 3 months later. Second, parathyroid apoplexy sometimes offers spontaneous remission of primary hyperparathyroidism, although late recurrence is always possible and surgical treatment then cannot be avoided.
Paul of Aegina: Landmark in Surgical Progress
Authors: Gurunluoglu Raffi , Gurunluoglu Aslin
Published: January 2003

During the Byzantine period the most prominent medical personalities were Oribasius, Aetius of Amida, Alexander of Tralles, and Paul of Aegina (Paulus Aegineta). The last of the eclectic Greek compilers, Paul of Aegina (625–690 ad) was born on the island of Aegina and practiced medicine in Alexandria. He was the author of the Epitome of Medicine (seven books), which was first printed in Greek by the Aldine Press in Venice in 1528. The Syndenham Society of London published an English translation by Francis Adams of Banchory between 1844 and 1847. The most noteworthy of his Epitome is the sixth book on surgery. Paul was not only a scribe but also a highly capable surgeon. He was the quintessential student of the best medical authorities: Hippocrates and Galen in Greek and Roman medicine, respectively. He also displayed a peculiar genius in the field of surgery. He gave us novel descriptions of tracheotomy, tonsillectomy, catheterization of the bladder, lithotomy, inguinal hernia repair, abdominal paracentesis for ascites, and many other surgical procedures including reduction of breast size. He not only influenced those in his own era but had great influence on physicians such as Rhazes, Haly Abbas, Albucasis, Avicenna, and Fabricius ab Aquapendente, who lived in subsequent eras. This historical article emphasizes the role of Paul of Aegina in the history of surgery and provides a comprehensive review of his surgical treatise with original case examples that represent his contributions to surgical progress.
Intrapulmonary Expression of Scavenger Receptor and CD14 and Their Relation to Local Inflammatory Responses to Endotoxemia in Mice
Authors: Jiang Jian‐Xin , Chen Yong‐Hua , Xie Guo‐Qi , Ji Shan‐He , Liu Da‐Wei , Qiu Jun , Zhu Pei‐Fang , Wang Zheng‐Guo
Published: January 2003

This study was first designed to investigate systematically the kinetics of surface expression of scavenger receptors (SRs) and CD14 on alveolar macrophages in vivo and in vitro and their relation with local pro‐ and antiinflammatory responses in endotoxemia. The expression of SR and CD14 in lungs was down‐ and up‐regulated, respectively, in the presence of endotoxemia, which might be due to decreased expression of SR and increased expression of CD14 on the surface of the resident macrophages. Down‐regulation of SRs on alveolar macrophages not only induces decreased defensive function of the macrophages, it also enhances lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced activation of alveolar macrophages possibly through increasing LPS binding to CD14. Although CD14 is a key receptor responsible for LPS to activate macrophages, both phospholipase C and anti‐CD14 antibody can completely inhibit activation of alveolar macrophages initiated by only LPS 1 ng/ml, as determined by tumor necrosis factor‐{alpha} (TNF{alpha}) production, but it does not significantly change TNF{alpha} release upon cell stimulation by LPS 10 {mu}g/ml. There was an intrinsic relation of enhanced intrapulmonary pro‐ and antiinflammatory responses with changes in SR and CD14 expression, which suggests that the down‐regulation of SR and up‐regulation of CD14 might be an important mechanism for the lung to change from a defense organ to an effector organ during sepsis.
Organogenesis Particularly Relevant to Fetal Surgery
Authors: Crisera Christopher A. , Marosky Julie K. , Longaker Michael T. , Gittes George K.
Published: January 2003

In utero surgical intervention is an exciting frontier in medicine. Fetal surgeons strive to treat congenital anomalies definitively while organogenesis is still occurring. Many of these anomalies pose such a threat to the viability of the affected fetus that waiting until after the child is born to treat them is frequently not satisfying and too often unsuccessful. We review the embryology of selected systems that have associated aberrancies of development for which fetal surgery is particularly applicable. The surgeon can more effectively launch an assault against congenital anomalies when armed with a solid appreciation of normal development. Recognizing the critical period for the development of a system allows him or her to formulate the optimal time and mode of intervention.
Pathophysiologic Patterns Influencing Fetal Surgery
Authors: Sydorak Roman M. , Hedrick Marc H. , Longaker Michael T. , Albanese Craig T.
Published: January 2003

There are a growing number and variety of fetal disorders that may benefit from intervention prior to birth. Despite the diversity, there are common pathophysiologic denominators or patterns that tie together many seemingly disparate disorders. The purpose of this article was not to review disorders presented in other, accompanying articles but, rather, to present pathophysiologic patterns that common influence fetal surgery within a cohesive framework.
Fetal Wound Healing: Current Biology
Authors: Bullard Kelli M. , Longaker Michael T. , Lorenz H. Peter
Published: January 2003

The early‐gestation fetus heals dermal wounds rapidly and scarlessly. This phenomenon appears to be intrinsic to fetal skin and independent of the intrauterine environment. Unique properties of fetal cells, extracellular matrix, cytokine profile, and gene expression contribute to scarless repair. An intensive research effort has focused on unraveling the mechanisms that underlie scarless fetal wound healing in an attempt to improve the quality of healing in both children and adults.
Prenatal Therapy for Obstructive Uropathy
Authors: Tsao KuoJen , Albanese Craig T.
Published: January 2003

The increasing use of routine prenatal imaging and diagnosis has provided a better understanding of the natural history of obstructive uropathy. Fortunately, most disorders portend little clinical significance prenatally, although a select subset can incur irreversible renal injury and pulmonary hypoplasia depending on the onset, duration, severity, and level of obstruction. In these cases, timely antenatal evaluation and prenatal intervention can provide an optimal postnatal outcome. The natural history, evaluation, and management of fetal obstructive uropathies are discussed.
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Advances in Prenatal Therapy
Authors: Sydorak Roman M. , Harrison Michael R.
Published: January 2003

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is one of the most common causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The clinical spectrum of CDH ranges from minimally affected infants who do well with modern neonatal care to severely affected infants who die despite all interventions. Two decades of research have led to advances in the prenatal diagnosis of CDH and have better defined the natural history of CDH. Fetuses with CDH now can be stratified into "low" and "high" risk groups based on sonographic parameters. "Low risk" fetuses have an excellent chance of survival with postnatal therapy. Prenatal intervention is reserved for "high risk" fetuses. Ongoing research is focused on improving both prenatal and postnatal treatment of these severely affected infants.
Prenatal Therapy for Thoracic and Mediastinal Lesions
Authors: Tsao KuoJen , Albanese Craig T. , Harrison Michael R.
Published: January 2003

Most prenatally diagnosed lung lesions can be managed successfully during the neonatal period. Prenatal imaging and experimental models have provided a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology, natural history, and prognosis of intrathoracic and mediastinal lesions. Clinical experience has demonstrated that progression to nonimmune hydrops fetalis and pulmonary hypoplasia is a harbinger of fetal or neonatal demise. Advances in fetal anesthesia, tocolysis, and surgical techniques have made fetal surgery a viable in utero option to ameliorate life‐threatening masses. Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, bronchopulmonary sequestration, and congenital hydrothorax are the most common abnormalities amenable to surgical intervention. The natural history, evaluation, and treatment of intrathoracic and mediastinal lesions are discussed.
Fetal Sacrococcygeal Teratoma
Authors: Graf Joy L. , Albanese Craig T.
Published: January 2003

Advances in prenatal diagnosis including improvements in ultrasonography have revealed the natural history of fetal sacrococcygeal teratomas, and this natural history differs substantially from that for postnatally diagnosed sacrococcygeal teratoma. A fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma may lead to perinatal morbidity and mortality by a variety of mechanisms. Adverse clinical sequelae of a sacrococcygeal teratoma can be prevented by accurate prenatal assessment and appropriate obstetrical and perinatal management. Development of fetal hydrops and/or placentomegaly predicts fetal demise. Fetal surgical intervention has proven successful in highly selected cases.
Fetal Surgery for Myelomeningocele: Panacea or Peril?
Authors: Hirose Shinjiro , Meuli‐Simmen Claudia , Meuli Martin
Published: January 2003

Myelomeningocele affects thousands of children worldwide with devastating consequences. In an effort to improve neurologic outcome, fetal surgery has been performed for myelomeningocele for the past 5 years. Sensorimotor function is not appreciably improved, although there may be a reduction in hindbrain herniation and a decreased need for ventriculoperitoneal shunting. The long‐term clinical consequences of these findings are not clear. What is clear, however, is that further study in the form of a prospective, randomized trial is mandatory.
Minimal Access Techniques for Fetal Surgery
Authors: Sydorak Roman M. , Albanese Craig T.
Published: January 2003

The impetus for the development of minimal access techniques for fetal surgery was the unusual occurrence with open hysterotomy of preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, and the maternal complications resulting from tocolytic therapy. This strategy involves a constellation of techniques that allow surgical procedures to be performed inside the uterus without a hysterotomy. The unique requirements of this approach necessitated modifications of existing endoscopic techniques, development of novel fetoscopic instruments, and utilization of the expertise of a wide variety of specialists. Technical expertise in the field and a natural evolution of techniques have given rise to innovative repairs previously not envisioned. Severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia, diseases of monochorionic twins, and obstructive uropathy have already been successfully treated using fetoscopic surgical techniques. Fetoscopic correction of many other non‐life‐threatening anomalies continues to evolve. The future of fetoscopic surgical intervention depends on the continual evolution of novel techniques, the elucidation of the pathophysiology and treatment of other fetal disorders, and a better understanding of treatment of complications of intervention.
Fetal Intervention for Complications of Monochorionic Twinning
Authors: Farmer Diana L. , Hirose Shinjiro
Published: January 2003

All multiple gestation pregnancies have a significantly higher risk of fetal morbidity and mortality than singleton pregnancies. The risks become progressively greater as the number of fetuses increases. Among twin pregnancies, there is a greater danger of an adverse outcome when the twins share a single placenta (monochorionic), than if each has a separate placenta (dichorionic). A still greater danger exists when monochorionic twins also share a single amniotic sac. Fetal surgical interventions now exist to treat many of the complications associated with twin gestation pregnancies.
In Utero Models of Craniofacial Surgery
Authors: Harling Tamara R. , Stelnicki Eric J. , Hedrick Marc H. , Longaker Michael T.
Published: January 2003

Fetal surgery is finding ever‐increasing applications. At present, fetal surgical techniques are used only to treat diseases associated with high mortality risk or severe morbidity if left untreated prior to birth. Yet as a discipline, in utero therapy is attractive to plastic surgeons because it affords the potential to (1) provide a scarless repair, (2) correct the primary deformity, (3) prevent secondary deformities, and (4) give the parents a "normal"‐appearing child at birth. Each of these potential benefits is particularly important in patients with craniofacial anomalies. This article will both review the animal models that have been used to study the potential for intrauterine plastic surgery and provide a synopsis of the benefits that fetal therapy may provide in the treatment of selected craniofacial anomalies.
Abdominal Wall Defects
Authors: Langer Jacob C.
Published: January 2003

The frequent use of prenatal diagnostic techniques including ultrasound and maternal serum alpha‐fetoprotein has increasingly led to detection of abdominal wall defects before birth. This prenatal detection creates the opportunity to influence neonatal outcome by alteration in management of pregnancy or delivery. The optimal management of an individual fetus depends on careful prenatal assessment of the abdominal wall defect, combined with experience and knowledge of the natural history for that particular lesion. A multidisciplinary approach to the fetus can improve neonatal outcome. Careful assessment for other structural anomalies and karyotype analysis should be performed. Delivery at a high‐risk perinatal center should be encouraged. Currently, there is no convincing evidence to support routine cesarean section for most abdominal wall defects.
Effect of treatment for Chlamydia trachomatis during pregnancy
Authors: Rastogi S , Das B , Salhan S , Mittal A
Published: February 2003

Objectives: To screen and treat chlamydial infection in pregnant women in order to assess the effects of therapeutic intervention on the outcome of Chlamydia trachomatis‐infected pregnancy. Methods: Enrolled in the study were 350 women in the first to third trimesters of pregnancy. Endocervical swabs were collected for C. trachomatis diagnosis by DFA and PCR. A few STD infections, viz.: Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Candida spp., bacterial vaginosis, Trichomonas vaginalis and Treponema pallidum were ruled out. After excluding 22 patients infected with other sexually transmitted infections, a cohort of 328 pregnant women comprised the study population. Anti‐chlamydial treatment (viz.: oral therapy with erythromycin stearate, 500 mg 4 times daily for 7 days) was given to 17 women (group I) and their partners. Fifteen patients of group I were retested by DFA and PCR assay for C. trachomatis infection 2 weeks following therapy. Other Chlamydia‐positive patients (n=42) who were lost to follow‐up were classified as untreated positive cases (group II) while group III included C. trachomatis negative cases (n=269). Data on obstetric outcome were recorded in a total of 164 cases. Statistical comparison of the data were done using the χ2‐test and means were compared using Student's t‐test. Results: Among the 350 pregnant women enrolled initially for the study, C. trachomatis positivity was found to be 18.8% (n=66) in the endocervix by DFA and PCR assay. Co‐infection with Candida spp., bacterial vaginosis, T. vaginalis and T. pallidum was 2.0%, 1.7%, 1.7% and 0.5%, respectively. None of the pregnant women was infected with N. gonorrhoeae. Pregnant women at an increased risk of chlamydial infection included those who had multiple births and were in second trimester of pregnancy. Fifteen patients of group I became Chlamydia‐negative following treatment. Data on obstetric outcome were recorded in 11, 26 and 127 patients of groups I, II and III, respectively. The mean duration of gestation for premature deliveries was found to be significantly higher in group I in comparison with group II [35.5 vs. 33.1 weeks (P<0.05)], thereby showing an improved effect of treatment on pregnancy outcome. The mean of low birth weight births was higher in group I compared with group II (2200.0 vs. 2113.3 g), however, this was statistically non‐significant. Stillbirths were significantly higher among group II in comparison with group III [11.5% vs. 4.7% (χ2=1.79; P<0.5)]. No stillbirths were recorded in patients who had taken anti‐chlamydial treatment. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that routine screening and treatment of C. trachomatis infection in pregnant women, especially those in high risk groups, should be mandatory to reduce the adverse effects on obstetric outcome.
FIGO Save the Mothers Initiative: the Central America and USA collaboration
Authors: Curet L.B. , Foster‐Rosales A. , Hale R. , Kestler E. , Medina C. , Altamirano L. , Reyes C. , Jarquin D.
Published: February 2003

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Central American Federation of Associations and Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FECASOG), as a part of the FIGO Save the Mothers Initiative, undertook a pilot project to improve provision of basic emergency obstetric care in selected departments in four Central American countries. This article describes the process of the development and implementation of the project. Preliminary results suggest that the capacity to provide this care has been improved by the training of healthcare personnel.
Gap junctions and connexin expression in the normal and pathological central nervous system
Authors: Rouach N. , Avignone E. , Même W. , Koulakoff A. , Venance L. , Blomstrand F. , Giaume C.
Published: February 2003

Summry— Gap junctions are widely expressed in the various cell types of the central nervous system. These specialized membrane intercellular junctions provide the morphological support for direct electrical and biochemical communication between adjacent cells. This intercellular coupling is controlled by neurotransmitters and other endogenous compounds produced and released in basal as well as in pathological situations. Changes in the expression and the function of connexins are associated with number of brain pathologies and lesions suggesting that they could contribute to the expansion of brain damages. The purpose of this review is to summarize data presently available concerning gap junctions and the expression and function of connexins in different cell types of the central nervous system and to present their physiopathological relevance in three major brain dysfunctions: inflammation, epilepsy and ischemia.
IL‐1β induces COX2, MMP‐1, ‐3 and ‐13, ADAMTS‐4, IL‐1β and IL‐6 in human tendon cells
Authors: Tsuzaki M. , Guyton G. , Garrett W. , Archambault J. M. , Herzog W. , Almekinders L. , Bynum D. , Yang X. , Banes A. J.
Published: February 2003

Overuse injuries and trauma in tendon often involve acute or chronic pain and eventual matrix destruction. Anti‐inflammatory drugs have been used as a treatment, however, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the destructive processes in tendon are not clearly understood. It is thought that an inflammatory event may be involved as an initiating factor. Mediators of the inflammatory response include cytokines released from macrophages and monocytes. Interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) is a candidate proinflammatory cytokine that is active in connective tissues such as bone and cartilage. We hypothesized that tendon cells would express receptors and respond to IL‐1β in an initial „molecular inflammation”︁ cascade, that is, connective tissue cell expression of cytokines that induce matrix destructive enzymes. This cascade results in expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and aggrecanases that may lead to matrix destruction. Normal human tendon cells from six patients were isolated, grown to quiescence and treated with human recombinant IL‐1β in serum‐free medium for 16 h. Total RNA was isolated and mRNA expression assessed by semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR. IL‐1β (1 nM) induced mRNAs for cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), MMP‐1, ‐3, ‐13 and aggrecanase‐1 as well as IL‐1β and IL‐6, whereas mRNAs for COX1 and MMP‐2 were expressed constitutively. The IL‐1β‐treated tendon cells released prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the medium, suggesting that the inducible COX2 catalyzed this synthesis. Induction of PGE2 was detectable at 10 pM IL‐1β. IL‐1β also stimulated MMP‐1 and ‐3 protein secretion. Induction of MMP‐1 and ‐3 was detectable at 10 pM IL‐1β. Post‐injury or after some other inciting events, exogenous IL‐1β released upon bleeding or as leakage of local capillaries may drive a proinflammatory response at the connective tissue cell level. The resulting induction of COX2, MMP‐1 and ‐3 may underscore a potential for nonlymphocyte‐mediated cytokine production of MMPs that causes matrix destruction and a loss of tendon biomechanical properties. Endogenous IL‐1β might contribute to the process through a positive feedback loop by stimulating expression and accumulation of MMPs in the tendon matrix.

© 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Neurotrophin‐like immunoreactivity in the human pre‐term newborn, infant, and adult cerebellum
Authors: Quartu Marina , Serra Maria Pina , Manca Annalisa , Follesa Paolo , Lai Maria Letizia , Del Fiacco Marina
Published: February 2003

The immunohistochemical occurrence of the neurotrophin (NT) proteins nerve growth factor (NGF), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin‐4 (NT‐4), and neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) is shown in the pre‐term newborn, infant, and adult human post‐mortem cerebellum. The NT‐like immunoreactive structures were unevenly distributed and showed regional differences among cerebellar lobules and folia. NGF‐, NT‐4‐, and NT‐3‐positive neuronal perikarya were observed in all specimens examined. At variance with the other neurotrophins, the BDNF antiserum labelled neuronal cell bodies only in newborn life and infancy, as well as extensive nerve fibre systems, whose density increased with age. The NT‐antibodies, tested by Western blot on human cerebellum homogenates, revealed immunoreactive bands corresponding to proteins of heterogenous molecular weight. The results obtained provide a first demonstration of the tissue localization of the NTs in the human cerebellum from perinatal to adult age, thus suggesting their involvement in the development, differentiation and maintenance of the cerebellar connectivity. Codistribution of the four NTs or sets of them was observed in cortical and deep nuclei neurons. Multiple trophic roles for NTs, encompassing the classic target‐derived and local mechanisms of support, are envisaged as significant in development, differentiation, and maintenance of the human cerebellar connectivity.
Developmental expression of calretinin‐immunoreactivity in the thalamic eminence of the fetal mouse
Authors: Abbott Louise C. , Jacobowitz David M.
Published: February 2003

An investigation of the developmental expression of calretinin immunoreactivity and mRNA expression was carried out in the developing mouse diencephalon. Attention was focused on the thalamic eminence, which is a prominent structure previously described in the thalamus of the fetal mammalian diencephalon and adult lower vertebrates. Calretinin‐positive staining was first observed in the thalamic eminence beginning at embryonic day 11. In situ hybridization histochemistry confirmed the presence of calretinin mRNA in the thalamic eminence. During subsequent embryonic development calretinin expression was very intense in neurons in the thalamic eminence though embryonic day 17, and thereafter, was increasingly difficult to distinguish. By postnatal day 0 the thalamic eminence was no longer discernable.

Additional neurons within the murine diencephalon also expressed calretinin positive cell bodies and/or neuronal processes, including the stria medullaris, the habenular commissure and the paraventricular thalamic nucleus. It is possible that the thalamic eminence may form during development in order to act as an organizing center for the diencephalon.
Low infectiousness of a wildlife host of Leishmania infantum: the crab-eating fox is not important for transmission
Authors: COURTENAY O. , QUINNELL R. J. , GARCEZ L. M. , DYE C.
Published: February 2003

The epidemiological role of the crab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous in the transmission of Leishmania infantum is assessed in a longitudinal study in Amazon Brazil. A total of 37 wild-caught foxes were immunologically and clinically monitored, and 26 foxes exposed to laboratory colonies of the sandfly vector Lutzomyia longipalpis, over a 15-month period. In total 78% (29/37) of foxes were seropositive for anti-Leishmania IgG on at least 1 occasion, and 38% (8/37) had infections confirmed by PCR and/or by culture. Point prevalences were 74% (serology), 15% (PCR), and 26% (culture). No signs of progressive disease were observed. None of the foxes were infectious to the 1469 sandflies dissected from 44 feeds. A conservative estimate of the possible contribution of foxes to transmission was 9% compared to 91% by sympatric domestic dogs. These results show that crab-eating fox populations do not maintain a transmission cycle independently of domestic dogs. The implication is that they are unlikely to introduce the parasite into Leishmania-free dog populations.
An anti-atherogenic effect of Schistosoma mansoni infections in mice associated with a parasite-induced lowering of blood total cholesterol
Authors: DOENHOFF M. J. , STANLEY R. G. , GRIFFITHS K. , JACKSON C. L.
Published: February 2003

In affluent societies the prevalences of so-called ‘Western’ diseases such as atherosclerosis, allergies and autoimmune disorders appear to have increased, while many diseases caused by communicable infections are now relatively less common. To test whether there may be a causal relationship we examined the effects of Schistosoma mansoni infections in mice that develop cardiovascular pathology as a result of a genetic deficiency in apolipoprotein E (apoE−/−). The development of atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic arch and brachiocephalic artery of the apoE−/− mice was reduced by approximately 50% in mice with the parasitic infection, when comparison was made with uninfected control mice fed the same diet. Observations on S. mansoni-infected conventional laboratory mice indicate that patent schistosome infections could be counteracting the effects of an atherogenic diet by modulating host lipid metabolism and inducing a reduction in blood total cholesterol concentrations.
Neoplastic change in Onchocerca volvulus and its relation to ivermectin treatment
Authors: DUKE B. O. L. , MARTY A. M. , PEET D. L. , GARDON J. , PION S. D. S. , KAMGNO J. , BOUSSINESQ M.
Published: February 2003

A pleomorphic neoplasm (PN) is described from sections of Onchocerca volvulus worms in nodules excised from Cameroonian patients. PN is confined to older, non-fecund, female worms, and those classed as moribund/dead. It is mainly composed of small, roundish, basophilic cells of diverse sizes, often forming a ‘rosette’ pattern around amorphous eosinophilic centres. The cells have a high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio and up to 2–3 mitoses/high-power field; some become grossly enlarged, highly polymorphic and contain large, irregular blocks of chromatin. The eukaryotic PN cells first appear posteriorly in the pseudocoelom, probably from ovarian cells; they spread anteriorly, invading or compressing the uteri. Ivermectin treatment increased the prevalence PN from 3.7% of 1422 female worms in 637 patients before treatment to 17.5% of 1134 worms in 511 patients after 3 years treatment. Ivermectin at 400–800 μg/kg annually, or at 150 μg/kg or 400–800 μg/kg 3-monthly, over 3 years, did not increase the PN prevalence significantly, as compared with standard doses of 150 μg/kg annually. In other small series of African patients, PN prevalence increased in worms 2, 4, 6 and 10 months after ivermectin treatment; but there was no increase after treatment with amocarzine, albendazole or diethylcarbamazine and suramin. PN may partly account for the increased macrofilaricidal action of ivermectin on female O. volvulus in patients treated for 3 years at 3-monthly intervals.
Seasonality of symptom onset in first-episode schizophrenia
Authors: OWENS NICHOLAS , McGORRY PATRICK D.
Published: February 2003

Background. There have been numerous reports of seasonal trends in psychotic illnesses. In schizophrenia, seasonal trends in incidence have been shown to be especially apparent in first-episode cases. Most previous research has used date of admission as a proxy for date of incidence of disorder; we present results of an investigation into seasonal trends in dates of onset of symptoms in a group of 295 first-episode cases of schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder.

Method. Data were analysed using statistical methods appropriate for detecting seasonal trends in pooled data over 6 years.

Results. Only male cases of schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder showed a significant seasonal distribution to dates of onset of symptoms, with a peak in August (winter).

Conclusion. True seasonal patterns are present in schizophrenia incidence, but their consistency with other published studies and wider significance, is difficult to ascertain because of different methods used in dating incidence of disorder.
Psychiatrists' attitudes to maintenance medication for patients with schizophrenia
Authors: PATEL M. X. , NIKOLAOU V. , DAVID A. S.
Published: February 2003

Background. Maintenance antipsychotic medication is the mainstay of relapse prevention in patients with schizophrenia. Long acting depot antipsychotics were developed to promote treatment adherence and yet their utilization is variable, perhaps due to negative attitudes of both patients and psychiatrists. Recently, a shift away from depots has occurred, in favour of the newer atypical oral antipsychotics.

Method. This study investigated the current attitudes and knowledge concerning depots, with a newly designed questionnaire, in a cross-sectional postal survey of qualified psychiatrists working in south-east England.

Results. A substantial minority of psychiatrists believe that depots are old fashioned (40%), stigmatizing (48%) and are associated with more side-effects than typical oral antipsychotics (38%). Many believe that depots are as efficacious as oral medication (91%) but are less acceptable to patients (69%) and relatives (66%). A large majority consider depots enhance patient compliance (81%) and prevent relapse (94%). Psychiatrists would be persuaded to prescribe depots if they were associated with fewer side-effects, in patients where compliance is an issue, and if atypical depot antipsychotics were available, presumably because they would have a lower incidence of side-effects. Additionally, psychiatrists' knowledge about depots was positively associated with attitudes. More favourable patient-centred attitudes were reported by psychiatrists with higher depot use.

Conclusion. Practising psychiatrists have several strongly endorsed attitudes towards depot medication that are associated with knowledge and prescribing habits. By updating psychiatrists' knowledge about depots, in turn their attitudes may become more positive and prescribing practices may subsequently change.
The family and compliance in schizophrenia: the influence of clinical variables, relatives' knowledge and expressed emotion
Authors: SELLWOOD W. , TARRIER N. , QUINN J. , BARROWCLOUGH C.
Published: February 2003

Background. A variety of factors are related to compliance with medication in schizophrenia, but little attention has been paid to the role of families. Carers' knowledge or expressed emotion (EE) may be related to compliance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relevance of these two factors, as well as their relationships with other variables for the prediction of compliance.

Method. A sample of patient–carer pairs (N=79) involved in a family intervention for schizophrenia trial was recruited. Compliance, symptoms, social functioning and attitudes to their carers were assessed in patients. Carers' EE, knowledge and psychopathology were also evaluated.

Results. A number of factors were related to compliance, including carers' EE and patients' psychotic symptoms, which contributed independently to not taking medication. Carers' knowledge about schizophrenia and other groups of symptoms was not related to compliance.

Conclusions. EE may be an important factor to account for in the understanding of patients' compliance and the direction of the relationship between EE and compliance should be the subject of further study.
Effects of acute tryptophan depletion on cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease and in the healthy elderly
Authors: PORTER R. J. , LUNN B. S. , O'BRIEN J. T.
Published: February 2003

Background. The cholinergic system is profoundly impaired in senile dementia of Alzheimer type (SDAT) and replacement therapy produces only modest clinical benefits. The serotonergic system is also impaired and may contribute both to cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms in SDAT. To investigate this further we assessed the effects of lowering brain serotonin using the technique of acute tryptophan depletion on cognitive function in patients with SDAT and in age matched control subjects.

Method. Sixteen patients with probable SDAT and 17 healthy elderly subjects received two amino acid drinks in a within subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced, crossover design. One of the drinks was nutritionally balanced and contained tryptophan (placebo), the other was identical but contained no tryptophan. A battery of detailed neuropsychological tests was performed between 4 and 6 h after the drink. Mood rating scales and other ratings of behavioural and emotional symptoms were also performed on both occasions.

Results. Acute tryptophan depletion resulted in impairment on tasks of working memory in both groups. There was no group specific effect. Female SDAT subjects performed better on a task of pattern recognition during acute tryptophan depletion compared with placebo. There were no changes in behavioural symptoms during acute tryptophan depletion in either group.

Conclusion. Compromised serotonergic function may be an important contributor to cognitive decline in SDAT and in ageing. Strategies targeting specific 5HT receptors may be helpful in SDAT.
Efficient groundness analysis in Prolog
Authors: HOWE JACOB M. , KING ANDY
Published: February 2003

Boolean functions can be used to express the groundness of, and trace grounding dependencies
between, program variables in (constraint) logic programs. In this paper, a variety of issues
pertaining to the efficient Prolog implementation of groundness analysis are investigated,
focusing on the domain of definite Boolean functions, Def. The systematic design of the
representation of an abstract domain is discussed in relation to its impact on the algorithmic
complexity of the domain operations; the most frequently called operations should be the most
lightweight. This methodology is applied to Def, resulting in a new representation, together
with new algorithms for its domain operations utilising previously unexploited properties of
Def – for instance, quadratic-time entailment checking. The iteration strategy driving the
analysis is also discussed and a simple, but very effective, optimisation of induced magic is
described. The analysis can be implemented straightforwardly in Prolog and the use of a non-ground
representation results in an efficient, scalable tool which does not require widening to
be invoked, even on the largest benchmarks. An extensive experimental evaluation is given.
The deductive database system [Lscr ][Dscr ][Lscr ]++
Authors: ARNI FAIZ , ONG KAYLIANG , TSUR SHALOM , WANG HAIXUN , ZANIOLO CARLO
Published: February 2003

This paper describes the [Lscr ][Dscr ][Lscr ]++ system and the research advances that have enabled its
design and development. We begin by discussing the new nonmonotonic and nondeterministic
constructs that extend the functionality of the [Lscr ][Dscr ][Lscr ]++ language, while preserving its
model-theoretic and fixpoint semantics. Then, we describe the execution model and the open
architecture designed to support these new constructs and to facilitate the integration with
existing DBMSs and applications. Finally, we describe the lessons learned by using [Lscr ][Dscr ][Lscr ]++
on various tested applications, such as middleware and datamining.
In Memoriam: RAYMOND REITER
June 12, 1939 – September 16, 2002
Authors: Minker Jack
Published: February 2003

Raymond Reiter, Professor of computer science at the University of Toronto, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and winner of the 1993 – IJCAI Outstanding Research Scientist Award, died September 16, 2002, after a year-long struggle with cancer. Reiter, known throughout the world as “Ray,” made foundational contributions to artificial intelligence, knowledge representation and databases, and theorem proving.
Clinicopathological Findings in Five Cats with Paw Calcification
Authors: Bertazzolo W , Toscani L , Calcaterra S , Crippa L , Caniatti M , Bonfanti U
Published: February 2003

This retrospective study describes the clinicopathological findings in five cats with soft tissue mineralisation of interdigital spaces and footpads. Paw disease was the reason for veterinary consultation in three out of five cats. All cats had laboratory findings suggestive of renal failure and high solubility product [calcium x phosphorus]. In all cases, cytological examination of paw lesions was suggestive of calcinosis. The results of our study agree with two previous case reports of paw calcification in the cat, suggesting a metastatic pathogenesis and a correlation between paw mineralisation and renal failure.
Low-dose TNF-α protects against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice: Implications for preconditioning
Authors: Teoh Narci , Leclercq Isabelle , Pena Aileen Dela , Farrell Geoffrey
Published: February 2003

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury but can also prime hepatocytes to enter the cell cycle. Ischemic preconditioning protects against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) liver injury and is associated with activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and cell cycle entry. We examined the pattern of TNF-α release during hepatic IR in the presence or absence of ischemic preconditioning, and we tested whether a single low-dose injection of TNF could mimic the biologic effects of ischemic preconditioning. In naïve mice, hepatic and plasma levels of TNF-α rose during hepatic ischemia, reaching high levels after 90 minutes; values remained elevated during reperfusion until 44 hours. Following the ischemic preconditioning stimulus, there was an early rise in hepatic and serum TNF-α levels, but, during a second prolonged ischemic interval peak, TNF-α values were lower than in naïve mice and declined to negligible levels by 2 hours reperfusion. An injection with 1 μg or 5 μg/kg body weight TNF-α 30 minutes prior to hepatic IR substantially reduced liver injury determined by liver histology and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. As in ischemic preconditioning, TNF-α pretreatment activated NF-κB DNA binding, STAT3, cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (cdk4) expression, and cell cycle entry, determined by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining of hepatocyte nuclei. In conclusion, the hepatoprotective effects of “preconditioning” can be simulated by TNF-α injection, which has identical downstream effects on cell cycle entry. We propose that transient increases in TNF-α levels may substitute for, as well as, mediate the hepatoprotective effects of ischemic preconditioning against hepatic IR injury.
Effect of the G1896A precore mutation on drug sensitivity and replication yield of lamivudine-resistant HBV in vitro
Authors: Chen Robert Y. M. , Edwards Ros , Shaw Tim , Colledge Danni , Delaney William E. , Isom Harriet , Bowden Scott , Desmond Paul , Locarnini Stephen A.
Published: February 2003

Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is frequently caused by a mutation (G1896A) in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) precore (PC) reading frame that creates a stop codon, causing premature termination of the PC protein. During lamivudine treatment, drug resistance develops at a similar rate in HBeAg positive and HBeAg negative CHB. Lamivudine-resistant HBV mutants have been shown to replicate inefficientlyin vitroin the absence of PC mutations, but it is unknown whether the presence of PC mutations affects replication efficiency or antiviral sensitivity. This study utilized the recombinant HBV baculovirus system to address these issues. HBV baculoviruses encoding the G1896A PC stop codon mutation were generated in wild-type (WT) and lamivudine-resistant (rtM204I and rtL180M + rtM204V) backgrounds, resulting in a panel of 6 related recombinant baculoviruses.In vitroassays were performed to compare the sensitivities of the PC mutant viruses with lamivudine and adefovir and to compare relative replication yields. The PC mutation did not significantly affect sensitivities to either adefovir or lamivudine. WT HBV and PC mutant HBV showed similar replication yields, whereas the replication yields of the lamivudine-resistant mutants were greatly reduced in HBeAg positive HBVs, confirming previous observations. However, the presence of the PC mutation was found to compensate for the replication deficiency in each of the lamivudine-resistant mutants, increasing the replication yields of each virus. In conclusion, the PC stop codon mutation appears to increase the replication efficacy of lamivudine-resistant virus but does not affectin vitrodrug sensitivity.