bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Ice in the Treatment of Acute Soft-Tissue Injury
Authors: Bleakley Chris , McDonough Suzanne , MacAuley Domhnall
Published: February 2004

Background

There are wide variations in the clinical use of cryotherapy, and guidelines continue to be made on an empirical basis.

Study Design

Systematic review assessing the evidence base for cryotherapy in the treatment of acute soft-tissue injuries.

Methods

A computerized literature search, citation tracking, and hand searching were carried out up to April 2002. Eligible studies were randomized-controlled trials describing human subjects recovering from acute soft-tissue injuries and employing a cryotherapy treatment in isolation or in combination with other therapies. Two reviewers independently assessed the validity of included trials using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale.

Results

Twenty-two trials met the inclusion criteria. There was a mean PEDro score of 3.4 out of of 10. There was marginal evidence that ice plus exercise is most effective, after ankle sprain and postsurgery. There was little evidence to suggest that the addition of ice to compression had any significant effect, but this was restricted to treatment of hospital inpatients. Few studies assessed the effectiveness of ice on closed soft-tissue injury, and there was no evidence of an optimal mode or duration of treatment.

Conclusion

Many more high-quality trials are needed to provide evidence-based guidelines in the treatment of acute soft-tissue injuries.
Football Injuries during FIFA Tournaments and the Olympic Games, 1998-2001
Authors: Junge Astrid , Dvorak Jiri , Graf-Baumann Toni , Peterson Lars
Published: February 2004

Background

Standardized assessment of sports injuries provides not only important epidemiological information, but also directions for injury prevention, and the opportunity for monitoring long-term changes in the frequency and characteristics of injury.

Purpose

Development and implementation of an easy to use injury-reporting system to analyze the incidence, circumstances and characteristics of injury during major international football tournaments.

Study Design

Prospective survey.

Methods

A comprehensive injury report form was developed, and implemented during 12 international football tournaments. The physicians of all participating teams were asked to report all injuries after each match. The response rate was 84% on average.

Results

A total of 901 injuries were reported from 334 matches, which is equivalent to an incidence of 2.7 injuries per match. Approximately one injury per match resulted in a player's absence from training or matches. On average 86% of the injuries arose as a result of contact with another player, and approximately half of all injuries were caused by foul play. The number of injuries per match differed substantially between the tournaments for players of different age, sex and skill-level.

Conclusion

An injury-reporting system has been implemented as matter of routine in FIFA tournaments. The consistent findings in the present study demonstrate the high quality of the data obtained.
An Assessment of Player Error as an Injury Causation Factor in International Football
Authors: Fuller C. W. , Smith G. L. , Junge A. , Dvorak Jiri
Published: February 2004

Objective

To quantify the frequency of injury in football as a function of tackle parameters.

Method

Video recordings of 123 international matches in three Federation Internationale de Football Association tournaments were used to analyze tackle parameters, and team physicians provided reports of postmatch medical attention to players.

Results

A total of 8572 tackles were assessed, of which 3464 (40.4%) were fouls. There were 299 incidents of on-pitch medical attention, of which 131 (44%) resulted from foul tackles, and 200 postmatch team physicians’ reports, of which 96 (48%) resulted from foul tackles. The cases of on-pitch medical attention resulted in 76 (25%) postmatch physicians’ reports, but 124 (62%) of the postmatch physicians’ reports were not associated with on-pitch medical attention. Tackled players received 74% of the postmatch medical reports. Tackle types with the greatest probability of requiring medical attention were from the side in terms of tackle direction, jumping vertically in terms of tackle mode, and a clash of heads in terms of tackle action.

Conclusion

Human error on the part of players during the process of tackling and inadequacies in the laws of football and/or their application by match referees were equally responsible for the high levels of injury observed.
The Influence of Tackle Parameters on the Propensity for Injury in International Football
Authors: Fuller C. W. , Smith G. L. , Junge A. , Dvorak Jiri
Published: February 2004

Purpose

To understand how tackling leads to injury in football, to develop a framework for classifying tackles, and to identify tackles with the greatest propensity to cause injury.

Method

Video recordings of 123 matches in three FIFA tournaments were used to identify tackling parameters. Team physicians prepared reports of postmatch medical attention to players.

Results

Tackles from the side were twice as likely to require postmatch medical attention as tackles from behind. Injuries to the head/neck of tackled and tackling players and the torso of tackling players were more likely to receive on-pitch medical attention than other injuries. Injuries to the foot for tackled and tackling players and the lower leg and thigh for tackling players were less likely to receive on-pitch medical attention than other injuries. Tackles with the greatest propensity for causing injury involved clash of heads and two-footed tackles for tackled players and clash of heads, two-footed tackles, jumping vertically, and tackles from the side for tackling players.

Conclusion

The laws of football relating to tackling should be reviewed to provide greater protection from injury by reducing the overall level of risk and, in particular, by protecting players from tackles with the highest propensity for causing injury.
An Assessment of Football Referees’ Decisions in Incidents Leading to Player Injuries
Authors: Fuller C. W. , Junge A. , Dvorak Jiri
Published: February 2004

Purpose

To assess whether match injuries to footballers occurred as a result of players’ noncompliance with the rules of the game, match referees could reliably identify the legality of incidents leading to injury, and the rules of football were adequate to protect players from injury.

Methods

Video recordings of incidents leading to injury in 12 FIFA tournaments were used to identify parameters. Team physicians reported the details of match injuries. Two panels of FIFA referees reassessed the legality of incidents from these tournaments that resulted in injuries.

Results

In total, 148 general injuries and 84 head/neck injuries were assessed. For the general injuries, the match referees identified 47% and the referees’ panel identified 69% as fouls. For head injuries, the match referees identified 40% and the referees’ panel identified 49% as fouls.

Conclusions

Decisions made on the legality of tackles leading to injury indicated that the current rules of football were adequate for the majority of tackle situations, although the reliability with which referees could identify fouls during some match conditions was low. For incidents leading to head/neck injuries, the match referees and the referees’ panel both identified a smaller proportion of injury situations as fouls.
The Impact of Specific High-Intensity Training Sessions on Football Referees’ Fitness Levels
Authors: Weston Matthew , Helsen Werner , MacMahon Clare , Kirkendall Don
Published: February 2004

Background

In comparison to the amount of literature that has examined the match demands of football refereeing, there has been little attempt to assess the impact of high-intensity training.

Purpose

The main goals were to get a better understanding of the long-term effect of specific intermittent training.

Study Design

The authors examined the cardiovascular strain of specific high-intensity training sessions and also their impact on referees’ fitness levels.

Methods

To examine the physical workload during intensive intermittent training sessions, heart rates were recorded and analyzed relative to the referees’ maximum heart rate (HRmax). To assess the referees’ fitness levels, the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test was used.

Results

Both the pitch- and track-training sessions were successful in imposing an appropriate high intensity load on the referees, at 86.4 ± 2.9% and 88.2 ± 2.4% HRmax, respectively. Following 16 months of intermittent high-intensity training, referees improved their performance on the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test by 46.5%, to a level that is comparable with professional players.

Conclusions

As match officials are subjected to a high physical load during matches, they should follow structured weekly training plans that have an emphasis on intensive, intermittent training sessions.
Video Analysis of the Mechanisms for Ankle Injuries in Football
Authors: Andersen Thor Einar , Floerenes Tonje Waale , Arnason Arni , Bahr Roald
Published: February 2004

Background

Although ankle sprains are frequent in football, little is known about their mechanisms.

Purpose

To describe the injury mechanisms for ankle injuries in male elite football.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Videotapes and injury information were collected for 313 of 409 matches from Norwegian and Icelandic elite football during the 1999 to 2000 seasons. Video recordings of incidents that resulted in ankle injuries were analyzed and cross-referenced with injury reports from the team medical staff.

Results

A total 46 acute ankle injuries were reported to have occurred, that is, 4.5 injuries per 1000 match hours. Of these, 26 (57%) were identified on the videotapes. Two mechanisms thought to be specific to football were found: 1) player-to-player contact with impact by an opponent on the medial aspect of the leg just before or at foot strike, resulting in a laterally directed force causing the player to land with the ankle in a vulnerable, inverted position; and 2) forced plantar flexion where the injured player hit the opponent's foot when attempting to shoot or clear the ball.

Conclusions

Systematic video analysis provides detailed information on the mechanisms for ankle injuries in football—for lateral ligament sprains and for the condition dubbed “OpenCurlyDoubleQuote;footballer's ankle.”
Effect of hepcidin on intestinal iron absorption in mice
Authors: Laftah Abas H. , Ramesh Bala , Simpson Robert J. , Solanky Nita , Bahram Seiamak , Schümann Klaus , Debnam Edward S. , Srai Surjit K. S.
Published: February 2004

The effect of the putative iron regulatory peptide hepcidin on iron absorption was investigated in mice. Hepcidin peptide was synthesized and injected into mice for up to 3 days, and in vivo iron absorption was measured with tied-off segments of duodenum. Liver hepcidin expression was measured by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Hepcidin significantly reduced mucosal iron uptake and transfer to the carcass at doses of at least 10 μg/mouse per day, the reduction in transfer to the carcass being proportional to the reduction in iron uptake. Synthetic hepcidin injections down-regulated endogenous liver hepcidin expression excluding the possibility that synthetic hepcidin was functioning by a secondary induction of endogenous hepcidin. The effect of hepcidin was significant at least 24 hours after injection of hepcidin. Liver iron stores and hemoglobin levels were unaffected by hepcidin injection. Similar effects of hepcidin on iron absorption were seen in iron-deficient and Hfe knockout mice. Hepcidin inhibited the uptake step of duodenal iron absorption but did not affect the proportion of iron transferred to the circulation. The effect was independent of iron status of mice and did not require Hfe gene product. The data support a key role for hepcidin in the regulation of intestinal iron uptake.
Prompt versus preemptive intervention for EBV lymphoproliferative disease
Authors: Wagner Hans-Joachim , Cheng Yee Chung , Huls M. Helen , Gee Adrian P. , Kuehnle Ingrid , Krance Robert A. , Brenner Malcolm K. , Rooney Cliona M. , Heslop Helen E.
Published: February 2004

Posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) caused by uncontrolled expansion of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)–infected B cells after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can be predicted by an increase in EBV DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We used real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) analysis to determine whether frequent monitoring of EBV DNA to allow preemptive treatment is truly of value in patients after HSCT. More than 1300 samples from 85 recipients were analyzed. No patient with consistently low EBV DNA levels developed PTLD. Nine patients had a single episode with a high EBV load (more than 4000 EBV copies/μg peripheral blood mononuclear cell [PBMC] DNA), and 16 patients had high EBV loads detected on 2 or more occasions. Only 8 of these developed symptoms consistent with PTLD, and all were promptly and successfully treated with EBV-specific cytotoxic T cells or CD20 monoclonal antibody. Hence, quantitative measurement of EBV DNA may best be used to enable the prompt rather than the preemptive treatment of PTLD.
A systematic approach to analyse health-related quality of life in multiple sclerosis: the GEDMA study
Authors: Morales-Gonzáles J M , Benito-León J , Rivera-Navarro J , Mitchell A J ,   GEDMA Study Group
Published: February 2004

Objective: To describe a holistic and comprehensive approach to the assessment of sufferer’s perceptio ns of health-related quality of life (HRQ oL) in a cohort of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Methods: The G EDMA (Grupo de Enfermedades Desmielinizantes de Madrid, in Spanish) study is an ongoing longitudinal survey using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The baseline cohort consisted of a large sample of MS patients recruited from 13 hospitals in Madrid, Spain. Using a standardized protocol we collected data concerning the sociodemographic and health status characteristics of patients, as well as implementing a modified Spanish version of the Functio nal A ssessment of Multiple Sclerosis quality of life instrument. Primary caregivers were interviewed using a specific protocol combined with the Zarit Burden Interview. Results: The index cohort comprised 371 MS patients (68.7% female) of mean age 38.9 ± 0.9 years. A ge, sex and clinical form distribution were similar to other MS population-based surveys. There were 258 (69.5%) relapsing-remitting (RR) MS patients and 113 (30.5%) progressive MS patients. More than one-third of the married patients with progressive MS and almost a quarter of the RRMS patients separated or divorced following a diagnosis of MS; 71.3% of the progressive MS patients as well as 65.8% of the RRMS patients were unemployed as a consequence of the disease. Q ualitative analysis showed that friendship and family relationships and occupational status were the most significant dimensions influenced by MS. O n the other hand, the speech analysis of primary caregivers showed that emotional burden was related to patients’ physical disability. Furthermore, primary caregivers described the influence of MS on their own occupatio nal status, their nonacceptance of the disease, a perceptio n of a lack of support by other members of the family as well as a ‘selfish and intransigent’ attitude of the patients themselves. Conclusions: The analysis of the G EDMA cohort provides valuable information that helps clarify the impact of MS on patients’ HRQ oL.
Analyses of nursing home residents with multiple sclerosis at admission and one year after admission
Authors: Buchanan Robert J , Martin Raymond A , Wang Suojin , Ju Hyunsu
Published: February 2004

This research compares profiles of residents with multiple sclerosis (MS) at admission to the nursing facility with profiles of these same residents one year later using the Minimum Data Set (MDS) to determine how their health and care received changed after one year in the facility. We matched MDS admission assessments with their first annual assessment for 1309 residents with MS. These residents with MS demonstrated deterioration in cognitive performance, communication skills, motor performance and bladder/bowel continence after one year in the facility. However, the proportion of residents with urinary tract infections and the proportion of residents with pressure ulcers declined after one year. A significantly larger proportion of these MS residents had a diagnosis of depression one year after admission, with significantly increased use of antipsychotic and antidepressant medications but little and declining use of psychological therapy after one year in the facility. In addition, there was a significant decline after one year in the use of physical, occupatio nal, and speech therapies. These longer stay residents with MS may benefit from support services directed toward mental health and increased use of physical, occupational and psychological therapies provided in the nursing facility.
The patient's perception of a (reliable) change in the Multiple Sclerosis Functional C omposite
Authors: Hoogervorst E LJ , Kalkers N F , Cutter G R , Uitdehaag B MJ , Polman C H
Published: February 2004

Objective: To prospectively character ize the relation between two-year changes in functional impairment as measured by the Multiple Sclerosis Functio nal C omposite (MSFC) and changes in patient perceived disability as measured by the Guy’s Neurological Disability Scale (GNDS). Methods: O ne hundred and eighty-eight patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) were recruited at our outpatient clinic. Impairment and disability were assessed using the MSFC and G NDS at baseline and follow-up. Longitudinal correlations were studied between changes in MSFC and GNDS and their corresponding components. We also studied changes in G NDS in relation to what can be classified as a reliable change in MSFC; for example, 20% change in each MSFC component or a change of 0.5 in total MSFC score. In addition, we studied the change in total number of GNDS subcategories with a score of 3 or higher in relation to the predefined MSFC changes, these subcategories being indicative of the requirement for help by another person. Results: Despite good cross-sectional correlations between MSFC and GNDS, no significant correlation was found between longitudinal changes in MSFC and GNDS. A nalysing the change in GNDS in relation to the predefined MSFC changes shows that G NDS changes are nicely rank ordered when more stringent definitions of reliable change were applied. In addition, analysing the number of G NDS subcategories scored 3 or higher indicate that there is a profile of worsening on the MSFC being associated with increase in the amount of help required from others. Conclusion: O ur longitudinal data suggest that a reliable change is associated with a likewise change in patient perceived disability, the smallest reliable change being identified by at least 20% change in each MSFC component.
Peer support groups in multiple sclerosis: current effectiveness and future directions
Authors: Uccelli M Messmer , Mohr L Mancuso , Battaglia M A , Zagami P , Mohr D C
Published: February 2004

Peer support programs have become a common method of providing support for patients with chronic illness. Utilizing peers as resources has been proposed as an effective means for coping with a stressful life experience and for gaining support from others who share a common factor, although data are somewhat mixed on the efficacy of peer support. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of eight weeks of a standard form of peer support in improving quality of life and reducing depressive symptoms in 44 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). O ne person from each of six groups participated in a training course in order to learn basic principles of peer support. Eight weekly sessions were held and patients completed self-administered questionnaires pre- and post- treatment assessing quality of life and depression. Results showed that support groups do not provide consistent improvement in quality of life or depression in patients with MS and suggest that patients who have better mental health functioning could be at risk for deterioration in support groups.
No evidence for genetic linkage between development of multiple sclerosis and components of the IFN system and the JA K-STAT pathway
Authors: Bergkvist M , Olsson M , Sandberg-Wollheim M
Published: February 2004

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Several observations suggest that the interferon system may be of interest in the study of MS development. To investigate whether polymorphism in components of the IFN system and the JA K-STAT pathway influence susceptibility to MS, we performed a linkage analysis between polymorphic loci in or close to the IFN gamma, IFN gamma recepto r, IFN alpha/beta recepto r, JA K 1, STAT 1 and STAT 3 genes in 27 Swedish families with at least two members having MS. Tests for transmission disequilibrium and nonparametric linkage analysis gave negative results. We found no evidence for linkage between MS and any of these loci.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of IV immune globulins in combination with IV methylprednisolone in the treatment of relapses in patients with MS
Authors: Visser L H , Beekman R , Tijssen C C , Uitdehaag B MJ , Lee M L , Movig K LL , Lenderink A W
Published: February 2004

Background: Some patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) do not show a clear improvement of acute relapses after treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP). We compared the efficacy of the combination of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) and IVMP with the standard treatment of IVMP alone in promoting recovery from moderate to severe acute relapses in MS. Methods: Patients with clinically definite MS having a relapse with at least a one point increase in Kurtzke’s expanded disability status scale (EDSS) in comparison to the preattack EDSS were randomized to IVMP-IVIg or IVMP-placebo treatment. The primary outcome criterion was the EDSS grade at four weeks. A preplanned interim analysis was performed after inclusion of 19 consecutive MS patients to evaluate the sample size necessary for a larger trial. Findings: Both groups had improved one point on the EDSS four weeks after start of treatment (P =0.81) and one of the stopping rules of the interim analysis was fulfilled. There were also no differences in secondary outcomes: EDSS at eight and 12 weeks, time to improve]-1 EDSS points, difference in Scripps score and ambulation index. Five patients in the IVMP-IVIg group and two in the IVMP group had a new relapse in the six month follow-up. Interpretation: O ur study could not show superiority of IVMP-IVIg in the treatment of moderate to severe acute relapses in MS.
Cognitive strategies application of multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Birnboim Smadar , Miller Ariel
Published: February 2004

When performing a novel task, people need to generate and apply a working strategy. The applicatio n of an appro priate working strategy enables patients with cognitive impairment (C I) to perform tasks efficiently, which in turn makes it easier to meet the challenges of daily life tasks. We investigated the strategy application abilities (SAA) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and compared these results with data based on healthy subjects’ performance. Seventy-six patients performed a Strategy A pplication Test (SAT) along with other cognitive tests, and completed depression, fatigue, and activity of daily living (A DL) questionnaires. O ur results indicated that 76% of the MS patients included had impaired SAA, and that this impairment was not correlated with their depression, fatigue, Expanded Disability Severity Scale (EDSS), or A DL. These findings may have important implications for the understanding of the capability of MS patients to cope with nonroutine tasks, as well as for the potential of future implementation of cognitive rehabilitation in improving the SAA of patients with MS or other cognitive disorders.
Diffusion tensor imaging of early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis with histogram analysis using automated segmentation and brain volume correction
Authors: Rashid W , Hadjiprocopis A , Griffin C M , Chard D T , Davies G R , Barker G J , Tofts P S , Thompson A J , Miller D H
Published: February 2004

Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI) reveals measurable abnormalities in normal-appear ing brain tissue (NA BT) in established multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it is unclear how early this occurs. Recent studies have employed whole brain histogram analysis to improve sensitivity, but concern exists regarding reliability of tissue/cerebrospinal fluid segmentation and possible intersubject brain volume differences, which can introduce partial volume error. To address this, 28 early relapsing-remitting MS subjects [median disease duration 1.6 years; median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score 1.5] and 20 controls were compared with whole brain histogram analysis using an automated segmentation algorithm to improve reproducibility. Brain parenchymal volumes (BPV) were estimated for each subject in the analysis. The mean, peak height and peak location were calculated for DTI parameters [fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity and volume ratio]. A n increased FA peak height in MS subject NA BT was observed (P =0.02) accounting for age, gender and BPV. Removing BPV revealed additional abnormalities in NABT. The main conclusions are i) FA peak height is increased in NA BT in early MS, ii) partial volume edge effects may contribute to apparent NA BT histogram abnormalities, and iii) correction for brain volume differences should reduce potential partial volume edge effects.
Self-efficacy predicts self-reported health status in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Riazi A , Thompson A J , Hobart J C
Published: February 2004

Self-efficacy is a belief that one can competently cope with a challenging situation. If self-efficacy is a strong predicto r of health status in multiple sclerosis (MS), it may be an important area to target in clinical practice, as such beliefs may be modifiable. The aim of this study was to examine the predictive value of self-efficacy on self-reported health status in MS. Eighty-nine people with MS completed the Multiple Sclerosis Self-efficacy Scale (MSSE function and control scales), the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29), and the Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) at two time points: 1) admission to an inpatient rehabilitation unit (n=43) or for steroid treatment for relapses (n=46); and 2) discharge (rehabilitation group) or six weeks later (steroid group). Multiple regression analyses examined whether baseline and changes in self-efficacy predict changes in self-reported health status. Both baseline and changes in self-efficacy were strong and independent predictors of changes in health status (P-values ranged from 0.025 to B-0.001). That is, pretreatment self-efficacy scores and increases in self-efficacy scores from baseline to follow-up (improvement), were significantly associated with decreases (improvement) in perceived walking ability and physical and psychological impact of MS. The findings suggest that self-efficacy predicts improvement in health status and that self-efficacy would be an important domain to measure and manage actively in education and rehabilitation programs.
Oligoclonal bands in Devic’s neuromyelitis optica and multiple sclerosis: differences in repeated cerebrospinal fluid examinations
Authors: Bergamaschi R , Tonietti S , Franciotta D , Candeloro E , Tavazzi E , Piccolo G , Romani A , Cosi V
Published: February 2004

We studied repeated cerebrospinal fluids of patients with Devic’s neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Variations of oligoclonal bands (OBs) had opposite trends in the two groups. In MS, O Bs were detected in 399 of 411 patients (97%) and never disappeared. In NMO, O Bs were detected in three of 11 patients (27%) and always disappeared. The hypothesis that NMO and MS follow distinct patho genetic pathways is supported by our findings, which can be useful for the differentiatio n of NMO from MS.
Alcohol and drug abuse among persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bombardier C H , Blake K D , Ehde D M , Gibbons L E , Moore D , Kraft G H
Published: February 2004

Objective: To examine the one-month prevalence and impact of substance abuse in a large community sample of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Method: Members of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of King C ounty were surveyed by mail. This multifaceted health survey included questions pertaining to substance abuse. Seven hundred and thirty-nine out of 1374 potential participants (54%) returned the survey, while 708 reported a medically confirmed diagnosis of MS and provided sufficient data. Results: Fourteen per cent of the sample screened positive for possible alcohol abuse or dependence, and 7.4% reported misusing illicit drugs or prescription medicatio ns within the previous month. Possible alcohol abuse and drug misuse were associated with younger age, less severe MS related disability and being employed, as well as greater self-reported depressive symptomatology. Most persons with alcohol problems indicated interest in learning more about ways to stop or cut down. Conclusions: Substance abuse may be present in up to 19% of this sample and contribute to high rates of depression. There may be greater risk of harm due to substance abuse in people with MS because of the potential magnification of motor and cognitive impairments. C omprehensive MS care should include substance abuse screening and advice to cut down or abstain.
The AHR-1 aryl hydrocarbon receptor and its co-factor the AHA-1 aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator specify GABAergic neuron cell fate inC. elegans
Authors: Huang Xun , Powell-Coffman Jo Anne , Jin Yishi
Published: February 2004

The aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AHR) are bHLH-PAS domain containing transcription factors. In mammals, they mediate responses to environmental toxins such as 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Such functions of AHRs require a cofactor, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT), and the cytoplasmic chaperonins HSP90 and XAP2. AHR homologs have been identified throughout the animal kingdom. We report here that the C. elegans orthologs of AHR and ARNT, ahr-1 and aha-1, regulate GABAergic motor neuron fate specification. Four C. elegans neurons known as RMED, RMEV, RMEL and RMER express the neurotransmitter GABA and control head muscle movements. ahr-1 is expressed in RMEL and RMER neurons. Loss of function in ahr-1 causes RMEL and RMER neurons to adopt a RMED/RMEV-like fate, whereas the ectopic expression of ahr-1 in RMED and RMEV neurons can transform them into RMEL/RMER-like neurons. This function of ahr-1 requires aha-1, but not daf-21/hsp90. Our results demonstrate that C. elegans ahr-1 functions as a cell-type specific determinant. This study further supports the notion that the ancestral role of the AHR proteins is in regulating cellular differentiation in animal development.
Foxa2 regulates alveolarization and goblet cell hyperplasia
Authors: Wan Huajing , Kaestner Klaus H. , Ang Siew-Lan , Ikegami Machiko , Finkelman Fred D. , Stahlman Mildred T. , Fulkerson Patricia C. , Rothenberg Marc E. , Whitsett Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2004

The airways are lined by several distinct epithelial cells that play unique roles in pulmonary homeostasis; however, the mechanisms controlling their differentiation in health and disease are poorly understood. The winged helix transcription factor, FOXA2, is expressed in the foregut endoderm and in subsets of respiratory epithelial cells in the fetal and adult lung. Because targeted mutagenesis of the Foxa2 gene in mice is lethal before formation of the lung, its potential role in lung morphogenesis and homeostasis has not been determined. We selectively deleted Foxa2 in respiratory epithelial cells in the developing mouse lung. Airspace enlargement, goblet cell hyperplasia, increased mucin and neutrophilic infiltration were observed in lungs of the Foxa2-deleted mice. Experimental goblet cell hyperplasia caused by ovalbumin sensitization,interleukin 4 (IL4), IL13 and targeted deletion of the gene encoding surfactant protein C (SP-C), was associated with either absent or decreased expression of Foxa2 in airway epithelial cells. Analysis of lung tissue from patients with a variety of pulmonary diseases revealed a strong inverse correlation between FOXA2 and goblet cell hyperplasia. FOXA2 is required for alveolarization and regulates airway epithelial cell differentiation in the postnatal lung.
Myoblast determination in the somatic and visceral mesoderm depends on Notch signalling as well as onmilliways(miliAlk) as receptor for Jeb signalling
Authors: Stute Christiana , Schimmelpfeng Kristina , Renkawitz-Pohl Renate , Palmer Ruth H. , Holz Anne
Published: February 2004

The visceral muscles of the Drosophila midgut consist of syncytia and arise by fusion of founder and fusion-competent myoblasts, as described for the somatic muscles. A single-step fusion results in the formation of binucleate circular midgut muscles, whereas a multiple-step fusion process produces the longitudinal muscles. A prerequisite for muscle fusion is the establishment of myoblast diversity in the mesoderm prior to the fusion process itself. We provide evidence for a role of Notch signalling during establishment of the different cell types in the visceral mesoderm,demonstrating that the basic mechanism underlying the segregation of somatic muscle founder cells is also conserved during visceral founder cell determination.

Searching for genes involved in the determination and differentiation of the different visceral cell types, we identified two independent mutations causing loss of visceral midgut muscles. In both of these mutants visceral muscle founder cells are missing and the visceral mesoderm consists of fusion-competent myoblasts only. Thus, no fusion occurs resulting in a complete disruption of visceral myogenesis. Subsequent characterisation of the mutations revealed that they are novel alleles of jelly belly(jeb) and the Drosophila Alk homologue named milliways (miliAlk). We show that the process of founder cell determination in the visceral mesoderm depends on Jeb signalling via the Milliways/Alk receptor.

Moreover, we demonstrate that in the somatic mesoderm determination of the opposite cell type, the fusion-competent myoblasts, also depends on Jeb and Alk, revealing different roles for Jeb signalling in specifying myoblast diversity. This novel mechanism uncovers a crosstalk between somatic and visceral mesoderm leading not only to the determination of different cell types but also maintains the separation of mesodermal tissues, the somatic and splanchnic mesoderm.
A direct role for Fgf but not Wnt in otic placode induction
Authors: Phillips Bryan T. , Storch Elly M. , Lekven Arne C. , Riley Bruce B.
Published: February 2004

Induction of the otic placode, which gives rise to all tissues comprising the inner ear, is a fundamental aspect of vertebrate development. A number of studies indicate that fibroblast growth factor (Fgf), especially Fgf3, is necessary and sufficient for otic induction. However, an alternative model proposes that Fgf must cooperate with Wnt8 to induce otic differentiation. Using a genetic approach in zebrafish, we tested the roles of Fgf3, Fgf8 and Wnt8. We demonstrate that localized misexpression of either Fgf3 or Fgf8 is sufficient to induce ectopic otic placodes and vesicles, even in embryos lacking Wnt8. Wnt8 is expressed in the hindbrain around the time of otic induction, but loss of Wnt8 merely delays expression of preotic markers and otic vesicles form eventually. The delay in otic induction correlates closely with delayed expression of fgf3 and fgf8 in the hindbrain. Localized misexpression of Wnt8 is insufficient to induce ectopic otic tissue. By contrast, global misexpression of Wnt8 causes development of supernumerary placodes/vesicles, but this reflects posteriorization of the neural plate and consequent expansion of the hindbrain expression domains of Fgf3 and Fgf8. Embryos that misexpress Wnt8 globally but are depleted for Fgf3 and Fgf8 produce no otic tissue. Finally, cells in the preotic ectoderm express Fgf(but not Wnt) reporter genes. Thus, preotic cells respond directly to Fgf but not Wnt8. We propose that Wnt8 serves to regulate timely expression of Fgf3 and Fgf8 in the hindbrain, and that Fgf from the hindbrain then acts directly on preplacodal cells to induce otic differentiation.
Proximodistal subdivision ofDrosophilalegs and wings: theelbow-no ocelligene complex
Authors: Weihe Ulrich , Dorfman Ruslan , Wernet Mathias F. , Cohen Stephen M. , Milán Marco
Published: February 2004

Appendages are thought to have arisen during evolution as outgrowths from the body wall of primitive bilateria. In Drosophila, subsets of body wall cells are set aside as appendage precursors through the action of secreted signaling proteins that direct localized expression of transcription factors. The Drosophila homeodomain protein Distal-less is expressed in the leg primordia and required for formation of legs, but not wings. The homeodomain protein Nubbin is expressed in the wing primordia and required for formation of wings, but not legs. Given that insect legs and wings have a common developmental and evolutionary origin, we sought to identify genes that underlie the specification of all appendage primordia. We present evidence that the zinc-finger proteins encoded by the elbow and no ocelli genes act in leg and wing primordia to repress body wall-specifying genes and thereby direct appendage formation.
Paraxial mesoderm specifies zebrafish primary motoneuron subtype identity
Authors: Lewis Katharine E. , Eisen Judith S.
Published: February 2004

We provide the first analysis of how a segmentally reiterated pattern of neurons is specified along the anteroposterior axis of the vertebrate spinal cord by investigating how zebrafish primary motoneurons are patterned. Two identified primary motoneuron subtypes, MiP and CaP, occupy distinct locations within the ventral neural tube relative to overlying somites, express different genes and innervate different muscle territories. In all vertebrates examined so far, paraxial mesoderm-derived signals specify distinct motoneuron subpopulations in specific anteroposterior regions of the spinal cord. We show that signals from paraxial mesoderm also control the much finer-grained segmental patterning of zebrafish primary motoneurons. We examined primary motoneuron specification in several zebrafish mutants that have distinct effects on paraxial mesoderm development. Our findings suggest that in the absence of signals from paraxial mesoderm, primary motoneurons have a hybrid identity with respect to gene expression, and that under these conditions the CaP axon trajectory may be dominant.
Math1controls cerebellar granule cell differentiation by regulating multiple components of the Notch signaling pathway
Authors: Gazit Roi , Krizhanovsky Valery , Ben-Arie Nissim
Published: February 2004

Cerebellar granule cells (CGC) are the most abundant neurons in the mammalian brain, and an important tool for unraveling molecular mechanisms underlying neurogenesis. Math1 is a bHLH transcription activator that is essential for the genesis of CGC. To delineate the effects of Math1 on CGC differentiation, we generated and studied primary cultures of CGC progenitors from Math1/lacZ knockout mice. Rhombic lip precursors appeared properly positioned, expressed CGC-specific markers, and maintained Math1 promoter activity in vivo and in vitro,suggesting that Math1 is not essential for the initial stages of specification or survival of CGC. Moreover, the continuous activity of Math1 promoter in the absence of MATH1, indicated that MATH1 was not necessary for the activation of its own expression. After 6, but not 3, days in culture, Math1 promoter activity was downregulated in control cultures, but not in cells from Math1 null mice, thus implying that Math1 participates in a negative regulatory feedback loop that is dependent on increased levels of MATH1 generated through the positive autoregulatory feedback loop. In addition, Math1 null CGC did not differentiate properly in culture, and were unable to extend processes. All Notch signaling pathway receptors and ligands tested were expressed in the rhombic lip at embryonic date 14, with highest levels of Notch2 and Jag1. However, Math1-null rhombic lip cells presented conspicuous downregulation of Notch4 and Dll1. Moreover, of the two transcriptional repressors known to antagonize Math1, Hes5(but not Hes1) was downregulated in Math1-null rhombic lip tissue and primary cultures, and was shown to bind MATH1, thus revealing a negative regulatory feedback loop. Taken together, our data demonstrate that CGC differentiation, but not specification, depends on Math1, which acts by regulating the level of multiple components of the Notch signaling pathway.
CUPULIFORMISestablishes lateral organ boundaries inAntirrhinum
Authors: Weir Irene , Lu Jianping , Cook Holly , Causier Barry , Schwarz-Sommer Zsuzsanna , Davies Brendan
Published: February 2004

cupuliformis mutants are defective in shoot apical meristem formation, but cup plants overcome this early barrier to development to reach maturity. CUP encodes a NAC-domain transcription factor,homologous to the Petunia NAM and Arabidopsis CUC proteins. The phenotype of cup mutants differs from those of nam and cuc1 cuc2 in that dramatic organ fusion is observed throughout development. In addition to cotyledon and floral organ fusions, severe lateral organ fusion is found in leaves and inflorescences, and the apical meristem becomes highly fasciated. These features reveal a role for CUP in the establishment of all above ground organ boundaries. Consistent with this function, CUP is expressed at the boundaries of all lateral organs and meristems. It is not currently known how NAC-domain genes act to establish organ boundaries. Here, we show that CUP directly interacts with a TCP-domain transcription factor. Members of the TCP-domain family have previously been shown to regulate organ outgrowth. Our results suggest a model for the establishment of organ boundaries based on the localised expression of NAC-domain and TCP-domain factors.
Cleavage and secretion is not required for Four-jointed function inDrosophilapatterning
Authors: Strutt Helen , Mundy Jenifer , Hofstra Katrina , Strutt David
Published: February 2004

four-jointed (fj) is required for proximodistal growth and planar polarity in Drosophila tissues. It encodes a predicted type II transmembrane protein with putative signal peptidase sites in its transmembrane domain, and its C terminus is secreted. Fj has therefore been proposed to act as a secreted signalling molecule. We show that Fj protein has a graded distribution in eye and wing imaginal discs, and is largely localised to the Golgi in vivo and in transfected cells. Forms of Fj that are constitutively secreted or anchored in the Golgi were assayed for function in vivo. We find that cleavage and secretion of Fj is not necessary for activity,and that Golgi-anchored Fj has increased activity over wild type. fjhas similar phenotypes to those caused by mutations in the cadherin-encoding genes fat (ft) and dachsous (ds). We show that fj interacts genetically with ft and ds in planar polarity and proximodistal patterning. We propose that Fj may act in the Golgi to regulate the activity of Ft and Ds.
CdS Nanobelts on Si Substrate
Authors: Liu Weifeng , Jin Chuangui , Jia Chong , Yao Lianzeng , Cai Weili , Li Xiaoguang
Published: February 2004

CdS nanobelts were successfully synthesized by rapidly evaporating CdS nanoparticles. The nanobelts are single crystals with a hexagonal structure growing along the [001] direction. Photoluminescence measurement shows that the nanobelts have two emission bands around 517 and 735 nm, which should come from the intrinsic transition and the Vs+ vacancies, respectively.
Isolation of Cyclohexadienone Intermediates in the Photo-Fries Rearrangement of 2,4-Dimethylnaphth-1-yl and 1,4-Dimethylnaphth-2-yl 2,4,6-Trimethylbenzoates
Authors: Mori Tadashi , Takamoto Makoto , Saito Hideaki , Furo Takahiro , Wada Takehiko , Inoue Yoshihisa
Published: February 2004

Labile cyclohexadienones were isolated for the first time in good yields in the photo-Fries rearrangement of partially blocked naphthyl esters. Upon direct excitation at 313 nm, 1,4-dimethylnaphth-2-yl and 2,4-dimethylnaphth-1-yl 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoates afforded 1-acyl-2-naphthalenone and 2- and 4-acyl-1-naphthalenones, respectively. This isolation is of particular importance as a direct mechanistic proof and also as a convenient route to these thermally less-accessible compounds.
Separation of Warfarin Enantiomers by Capillary Gas Chromatography with Chiral Stationary Phase
Authors: Abe Iwao , Nagamatsu Daiki , Nakahara Taketoshi , Fabian Gerd
Published: February 2004

Warfarin was converted into O-perfluoroacyl derivatives and separated into enantiomers by capillary GC with chiral stationary phase of polydimethylsiloxane anchored with S(−)-t-leucine-S(−)-1-phenylethylamide. All the derivatives showed almost complete separation. Especially in the case of O-heptafluorobutyryl derivative, baseline separation could be observed.
Improved Long-range Order of Silicious MCM-41 by Gradual Heating of Synthesis Gel
Authors: Sinha A K , Seelan S , Akita T , Tsubota S , Haruta M
Published: February 2004

Mesoporous MCM-41 with fiber-like morphology and a high degree of long-range internal order in micrometer range, could be prepared by very gradual heating of the precursor gel to the crystallization temperature.
Preparation of TiO2 Photocatalysts by Multi-gelation and Their Photocatalytic Reactivity for the Degradation of 2-Propanol
Authors: Neppolian Bernaurdshaw , Yamashita Hiromi , Okada Yoshimi , Nishijima Hiroaki , Anpo Masakazu
Published: February 2004

TiO2 photocatalysts, prepared by a multi-gelation method, showed higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of 2-propanol diluted in water. This multi-gelation method showed a good performance in controlling the parameters viz. particle size, surface area, crystallinity as well as anatase and rutile phase composition, which are responsible for the higher activity of these photocatalysts.
Self-initiated Chain-growth Polycondensation for Aromatic Polyamides
Authors: Yokozawa Tsutomu , Sugi Ryuji , Asai Toshinobu , Yokoyama Akihiro
Published: February 2004

The polycondensation of phenyl 4-(octylamino)benzoate (1) proceeded in a chain-polymerization manner to yield aromatic polyamides with low polydispersities (Mw/Mn ≤ 1.1) even under normal conditions for step-growth polycondensation, in which initiator was not added. On the basis of the results of the polycondesations of 1 with initiator models, this self-initiated chain-growth polycondensation involves the formation of the dimer of 1, which initiates the chain-growth polymerization faster than step-growth polymerization.
Crystallographic report: Crystal structure of bis[dipyrido[3,2,‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine]lead(II)diiodide
Authors: Shi Yu‐Jun , Jiang Guo‐Qing , Zhang Yue‐Hua , You Xiao‐Zeng
Published: January 2004

The mononuclear lead(II) complex of formula [PbI2(DPPZ)2] (DPPZ = dipyrido[3,2,‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine) has two‐fold symmetry and features a distorted octahedral geometry for lead defined by an N4I2 donor set. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystallographic report: Tris{2‐[2‐(1‐methyl)imidazolyl]methyliminoethyl}aminezinc(II) dihexafluorophosphate
Authors: Yang Shi‐Ping , Chen Hong‐Mei , Zhang Fan , Yu Xi‐Bin
Published: January 2004

The cation in the title compound has crystallographic threefold symmetry. The zinc atom is in a distorted octahedral geometry, being coordinated by three nitrogen atoms of the imine and three nitrogen atoms of imidazole. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.