bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two distinct types of hepatitis B virus core promoter variants in Yemeni blood donors
Authors: Sallam Talal A. , Tong C.Y. William 
Published: October 2002

AbstractGenetic variations in the basic core promoter (BCP) region of hepatitis B virus (HBV) occur during the natural history of chronic HBV infection. This study investigates the presence of basic core promoter variations in 28 asymptomatic Yemeni blood donors, correlating variations with HBeAg phenotype and viral load. The core promoter/precore and surface gene region of HBV DNA were amplified using nested PCRs and the PCR products were sequenced either directly or after cloning. HBeAg and viral load were measured when HBV DNA was detectable. Sequencing of 18 surface PCR products indicated that all were of genotype D. Two distinct types of variants were identified in the basic core promoter: substitution only (N = 14) and major deletion (N = 9). The commonest substitutions were located at nucleotide positions 1753, 1762, and 1764; 10/14 (71.4%) were associated with the precore 1896A substitution resulting in the premature stop of the precore reading frame and 6/14 (42.9%) had viral loads above 400 copies/ml. Two forms of deletion variants were found: 8 bp deletion (1763–1770) (N = 2) and a novel 12 (1746–1757) + 8 bp (1763–1770) deletion (N = 7). The deletion sequences were never associated with the precore 1896A substitution and all had viral load below 400 copies/ml with negative HBeAg phenotype. The polymorphism 1773C was found in 9/14 (64.3%) substitution sequences whereas all deletion sequences had 1773T. Two donors had mixed sequences of basic core promoter substitution and major deletions (both 8 bp and 12 + 8 bp). While the deletion variants in these two donors were similar to others found in isolation, the substitutions were of a different pattern. Further studies are required to understand the selection process behind these variants. J. Med. Virol. 68:328–334, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lichenoid dermatitis‐treatment with pulsed dye laser: A case study
Authors: Greve Bärbel , Hartschuh Wolfgang , Raulin Christian 
Published: October 2002

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesBoth the diagnosis and the treatment of lichenoid dermatosis are often difficult and can be time‐consuming. There are now more and more publications about the use of laser systems—especially the flashlamp‐pumped pulsed dye laser—in the treatment of inflammatory dermatoses, although the laser's exact mechanism of action in these cases is not yet clear.Study Design/Patients and MethodsWe report on a female patient with lichenoid dermatitis that was presumably drug‐induced (roxatidine, H2 receptor antagonists). After a 10‐month treatment with local corticosteroids, without significant clearance the drug was discontinued and the pulsed dye laser was used (wavelength 585 nm, pulse duration 450 microseconds).ResultsSix laser treatments resulted in complete clearance of the lesions. No recurrence occurred during the follow‐up period of 54 months. Scars were not observed. A post‐operative biopsy showed no evidence of lichenoid dermatitis.ConclusionsThe pulsed dye laser seems to accelerate the clearance of presumably drug induced corticosteroid‐resistant lichenoid dermatoses. No permanent pigmental changes or scarring were observed. Lasers Surg. Med. 31:23–26, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stem‐like cells in hepatoblastoma
Authors: Ruck Peter , Xiao Jia‐Cheng 
Published: October 2002

AbstractBackgroundThe principles of tumor biology suggest that hepatoblastoma is derived from a pluripotent stem cell. Our studies were undertaken to investigate this tumor for the presence of cells with morphologic and immunophenotypic features of the oval cells of rodents that are thought to be closely related to hepatic stem cells.ProcedureHepatoblastomas of various subtypes were investigated by electron microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy with antibodies against cytokeratin 7, in the liver a marker of biliary differentiation, and albumin, a marker of hepatocytic differentiation. Immunohistochemical investigations were performed with the antibodies OV‐1 and OV‐6, which recognize antigens associated with oval cells.ResultsOV‐1 stained scattered cells in seven of 12 tumors investigated and OV‐6 in nine. Small epithelial cells (SEC) with the ultrastructural features of the oval cells were found by electron microscopy. They were characterized by small size (7–18 μm), often an oval shape, tonofilament bundles, and tight junctions or desmosome‐like junctions. SEC were found in small numbers in areas of fetal differentiation and in moderate numbers in areas of embryonal differentiation. In small cell hepatoblastoma, nearly all the tumor cells exhibited SEC‐like features. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed coexpression of cytokeratin 7 and albumin by SEC.ConclusionsSEC with ultrastructural and immunophenotypic features exhibited by oval cells, i.e., hepatic stem‐like cells, are found in hepatoblastoma. Their numbers vary with the differing degrees of differentiation seen in the various subtypes. The findings further support the hypothesis that hepatoblastoma is derived from a pluripotent stem cell. Med Pediatr Oncol 2002;39:504–507. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transitional liver cell tumors (TLCT) in older children and adolescents: A novel group of aggressive hepatic tumors expressing beta‐catenin
Authors: Prokurat Andrzej , Kluge Przemysław , Kościesza Andrzej , Perek Danuta , Kappeler Andreas , Zimmermann Arthur 
Published: October 2002

AbstractBackgroundWe encountered on seven malignant hepatocellular tumors developing in older children and adolescents.ResultsThese tumors exhibit an unusual phenotype with respect to clinical presentation, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and treatment response. As a working hypothesis, we suggest that these apparently novel, unusual, and aggressive tumors occurring in older children and adolescents may form a transition in the putative developmental pathway of hepatocarcinogenesis.ConclusionWe therefore propose the term, transitional liver cell tumors (TLCT), to denote these lesions. Med Pediatr Oncol 2002;39:510–518. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adult type vs. Childhood hepatocellular carcinoma—are they the same or different lesions? biology, natural history, prognosis, and treatment
Authors: Czauderna P. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractBackgroundDifferences in the biology, natural history, and treatment results of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in children and adults were sought based on the literature and experience resulting from SIOPEL 1 trial.ProcedureIn the SIOPEL1 study, 40 children with HCC were registered from January 1990 to February 1994. Outcome was analyzed in 39. In most cases, disease was advanced at diagnosis: 31% had metastases and 39% had extrahepatic tumor extension and/or vascular invasion. More than 50% of patients had multifocal tumors; 39% of tumors were associated with hepatic cirrhosis. All, but two patients, received preoperative chemotherapy (PLADO—cisplatin and doxorubicin). Outcome, response to treatment, and prognostic factors were analyzed using the SAS statistical package.ResultsOverall survival (OS) at 5 years is 28% and EFS is 17% at median follow‐up of 75 months (49–90). Partial response to chemotherapy was observed in 18 of 37 cases evaluated (49%). Complete tumor resection was achieved in 14 of the 39 patients (36%). Twenty (51%) never became operable. Multifocality of the tumor, presence of metastases, and PRETEXT grouping adversely influenced OS. A large number of “de novo” HCC cases, fairly high response rate to preoperative chemotherapy (49%) and 54% survival after complete resection constitute a significant difference in comparison with adult HCC series.ConclusionsSurvival for pediatric HCC patients is below 30%. Radical tumor resection remains the only chance for survival. New multi‐center prospective studies in children with HCC are required to better results and to allow further study of differences between adult and pediatric HCC should they exist. Med Pediatr Oncol 2002;39:519–523. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic alterations in hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma: Common and distinctive aspects
Authors: Buendia Marie Annick 
Published: October 2002

AbstractHepatoblastoma (HB) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are two different subtypes of primary tumors arising from liver parenchymal cells. These tumors differ by many histoclinical characteristics, and comparative analysis of genetic alterations in HB and HCC might provide some clues on the molecular oncogenic pathways leading to hepatocyte transformation. Recent outcomes have been provided by the assessmentof global genetic changes in tumor cells, using conventional cytogenetic approaches, PCR‐based microsatellite analysis and Comparative genomic Hybridization (CGH). Cytogenetic studies of HB, microsatellite analysis of HCC and recent CHG data have outlined common and distinctive characters between the two tumor types. HBs are characterized by a low number of chromosomal changes, consisting mainly of gains at chromosomes 1q, 2, 8q, 17q, and 20. By contrast, HCCs harbor multiple chromosomal abnormalities, predominantly losses, with increased chromosomal instability in tumors associated with hepatitis B virus infection. Common alterations in HB and HCC include gain of chromosomes 1q, 8q, and 17q, and loss of 4q. Another important common feature shared by the two tumor types is the frequent activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling by stabilizing mutations of β‐catenin. Immunohistochemical analysis of β‐catenin has demonstrated nuclear/cytoplasmic accumulation of the protein in most HBs and in more than one third of HCCs. Strikingly, β‐catenin mutations are associated with chromosomal stability in both tumor types. Together, these studies define different pathways in liver cell transformation, reflecting various developmental stages and multiple risk factors. A detailed understanding of the molecular hits underlying liver tumorigenesis, combined with clinicopathological parameters, will permit an accurate evaluation of major targets for prognostic and therapeutic intervention. Med Pediatr Oncol 2002;39:530–535. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morbidity after ambulatory urodynamics
Authors: Anders K. , Cardozo L. , Ashman O. , Khullar V. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractAimsTo identify urinary symptoms and morbidity after ambulatory urodynamics.MethodsOne hundred consecutive women underwent ambulatory urodynamics for a variety of urinary complaints. Urinary symptom questionnaires were collected before investigation and again 48 hours later, reporting dysuria and haematuria. Women were screened for urinary tract infection before investigation and again 48 hours later.ResultsOf the 91 women who completed the study, 1 (1.1%) had a positive urinary culture after the investigation but was asymptomatic. Seventeen women reported mild to moderate de novo dysuria.ConclusionsUrinary symptoms and morbidity after ambulatory monitoring is low. Neurourol. Urodynam. 21:461–463, 2002. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Automatic construction of non‐obtuse boundary and/or interface Delaunay triangulations for control volume methods
Authors: Hitschfeld Nancy , Rivara María‐Cecilia 
Published: October 2002

AbstractA Delaunay mesh without triangles having obtuse angles opposite to boundary and interface edges (obtuse boundary/interface triangles) is the basic requirement for problems solved using the control volume method. In this paper we discuss postprocess algorithms that allow the elimination of obtuse boundary/interface triangles of any constrained Delaunay triangulation with minimum angle ε. This is performed by the Delaunay insertion of a finite number of boundary and/or interface points. Techniques for the elimination of two kinds of obtuse boundary/interface triangles are discussed in detail: 1‐edge obtuse triangles, which have a boundary/interface (constrained) longest edge; and 2‐edge obtuse triangles, which have both their longest and second longest edge over the boundary/interface. More complex patterns of obtuse boundary/interface triangles, namely chains of 2‐edge constrained triangles forming a saw diagram and clusters of triangles that have constrained edges sharing a common vertex are managed by using a generalization of the above techniques. Examples of the use of these techniques for semiconductor device applications and a discussion on their generalization to 3‐dimensions (3D) are also included. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stress‐related influences on blood pressure in African American women
Authors: Webb Mary S. , Beckstead Jason W. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe relationship of blood pressure status to three stress‐related variables, anger, coping resources, and strain, was evaluated in 90 African American women. The majority of the participants (57%) were normotensive, 32% of the participants reported current use of hypertensive medication, and an additional 16% had a mean blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg but were not on hypertensive therapy. From an analysis using ANCOVA, participants in the latter group were found to have significantly higher scores on rational‐cognitive coping resources, controlling for age, waist/hip ratio, and pack‐years. No significant differences among the blood pressure groups were found in anger or personal strain. Fostering rational‐cognitive coping skills, which represent the ability to problem‐solve effectively and to set priorities, may be beneficial for African American women and should be evaluated further in a larger sample. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 25:383–393, 2002
Rapid techniques for the extraction of vitamin E isomers from Amaranthus caudatus seeds: ultrasonic and supercritical fluid extraction
Authors: Bruni Renato , Guerrini Alessandra , Scalia Santo , Romagnoli Carlo , Sacchetti Gianni 
Published: October 2002

AbstractSupercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of seeds of Amaranthus caudatus (Amaranthaceae) and the use of ultrasound as a co‐adjuvant in the extraction process were compared with methods traditionally used in the extraction of tocopherols and fatty acids. The use of readily available ultrasound equipment as an adjunct to the classical methods employed for the extraction of tocols provided qualitatively acceptable results more rapidly and more economically. SFE gave quantitatively better yields in shorter times, with solvent‐free extracts obtained under conditions that minimised the degradation of thermolabile components. No significant variations were observed in the profile of the fatty acids extracted from amaranth oil by SFE or other methods, thus confirming the qualitative comparability of the faster supercritical extraction with the more time‐consuming classical techniques even when processed with the aid of ultrasound. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electronic structure calculations as a tool for investigating acyl migrations in ester aponins
Authors: Apers Sandra , Everaert Gert , Veken Benjamin J. van der , Vlietinck Arnold J. , Pieters Luc A. C. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe possibility of acyl migrations in ester saponins from Maesa lanceolata was investigated by molecular mechanics and electronic structure calculations carried out on the major constituent maesasaponin IV3 (3β‐O‐{[α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D‐galactopyranosyl‐(1→3)]‐[β‐D‐galactopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐β‐D‐glucopyranuronyl}‐21β‐angeloyloxy‐22α‐propanoyloxy‐13β,28‐oxido‐olean‐16α, 28α‐diol). It was confirmed that acyl migrations could occur in rings D and E of maesasaponins. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biflavonoids and a glucopyranoside derivative from Ouratea semiserrata
Authors: Velandia Javier Rincon , de Carvalho Mário Geraldo , Braz‐Filho Raimundo , Werle Alceni A. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractTwo new biflavonoids, 5‐hydroxy‐7‐methoxyflavone‐(4′ → O → 8″)‐4‴,5″,7″‐trihydroxyflavone and 5‐hydroxy‐7‐methoxyflavone‐(4′ → O → 8″)‐5″,7″‐dihydroxy‐4‴‐methoxyflavone, and the glucopyranoside derivative, 1‐O‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐6‐O‐(4‐hydroxybenzoyl)‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside, as well as the known biflavones lanaraflavone, amentoflavone and podocarpusflavone, the triterpenes lupeol and friedelin, the lignans eudesmin and epieudesmin, the flavonol glycoside rutin, the steroids β‐sitosterol, stigmasterol, 3β‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosylsitosterol, 7‐oxostigmast‐5‐en‐3β‐ol and 7‐oxostigmasta‐5,22‐dien‐3β‐ol, the carbohydrates α‐ and β‐glucopyranose and 1‐O‐(4‐hydroxybenzoyl)‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside, and the norsesquiterpene 6,9‐dihydroxymegastigma‐4,7‐dien‐3‐one, have been isolated from leaves and branches of Ouratea semiserrata. The structures of these compounds were established from spectral data, including two‐dimensional NMR experiments and mass spectra. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CGH in the detection of confined placental mosaicism (CPM) in placentas of abnormal pregnancies
Authors: Amiel A. , Bouaron N. , Kidron D. , Sharony R. , Gaber E. , Fejgin M. D. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractComparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was applied to samples taken from various sites of placentas originating from complicated pregnancies: 24 with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), one with multiple fetal malformation, one with toxemia, one with hydrocephalus and two with undetectable maternal serum alpha‐fetoprotein (MSAFP). One of the most common aberrations in the IUGR cases was the addition of a whole or part of the X chromosome. Other aberrations such as additional Y chromosome or of 13(q22) or loss of chromosome 17 also appeared in different cases. In one IUGR case trisomy 8 (in one site) and 47,XXY (in all sites) were detected. In the two cases with undetectable MSAFP monosomy 16 was found. Some of the results were also confirmed by the FISH technique. In all the control cases (six normal and five with aneuploidy) CGH concurred with the known karyotype. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of the CGH technique in the genetic evaluation of fresh and paraffin embedded placentas in problematic pregnancies even when morphology is normal. However, it is very important to take multiple samples from different sites of the placenta. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis and carrier detection for Athabascan severe combined immunodeficiency disease
Authors: Li Lanying , Zhou Yungui , Wang Junhua , Hu Diana , Cowan Morton J. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractObjectivesSevere combined immunodeficiency disease occurs at a high incidence among Athabascan‐speaking Navajo and Apache children (SCIDA). We linked the SCIDA gene to chromosome 10p and recently identified a common nonsense mutation in Artemis/SCIDA. In this study we compared polymorphic markers linked to SCIDA and the point mutation which creates an NspI site on exon 8 for prenatal diagnosis and carrier detection.MethodsWe tested five amniocentesis samples, two cord blood and two blood samples from eight at‐risk families using polymorphic DNA markers tightly linked to SCIDA. We amplified the region of exon 8 of Artemis/SCIDA and evaluated the products for the NspI site in each sample plus samples from 30 unrelated healthy Navajos.ResultsWe correctly predicted that three were affected and six were unaffected. Two of the unaffected appear to be carriers based on our haplotype analysis. Retrospective analysis for the gene mutation confirmed the DNA analysis. Finally, 10% of the normal Navajo controls were carriers.ConclusionsWe demonstrate the feasibility of prenatal diagnosis and carrier detection for SCIDA in the families at risk as well as the availability of a rapid screening test for the SCIDA founder mutation that can be used in all Navajo and Apache newborns and at‐risk fetuses. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimising the timing for nuchal translucency measurement
Authors: Mulvey Sheila , Baker Lesleigh , Edwards Andrew , Oldham Jacqui , Shekleton Paul , Wallace Euan M. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractIt appears from current evidence that the most effective screening strategy for Down syndrome will involve a combination of first trimester nuchal translucency and serum biochemistry, whether performed in the first or second trimester. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum gestation based upon menstrual dates at which to schedule nuchal translucency (NT) measurement for the evaluation of fetal Down syndrome risk. Five thousand eight hundred and thirty‐five pregnancies had an ultrasound scan scheduled between 11 and 14 completed weeks of gestation based upon either the last menstrual period (n = 3199) or a prior ultrasound scan (n = 2636). For last menstrual period‐based ultrasound scans, with advancing gestation the frequency of missed miscarriage significantly decreased (p = 0.009, chi squared test), as did the need to reschedule a further scan because the gestation of the scheduled scan was too early to measure NT (p < 0.0001, Chi‐squared test). In contrast, with advancing gestation the rate of unsuccessful NT measurement because the crown–rump length (CRL) was greater than 84 mm significantly increased (p < 0.0001, Chi‐squared test). Of the women who had had an earlier ultrasound, 42 (1.6%) had a missed miscarriage and 9 (0.3%) were over gestation at the time of the NT scan. These data suggest that when only the last menstrual period is known the optimum time to schedule a nuchal translucency measurement is at 12 to 13 weeks' gestation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal and postnatal characterization of Y chromosome structural anomalies by molecular cytogenetic analysis
Authors: Hernando C. , Carrera M. , Ribas I. , Parear N. , Baraibar R. , Egocue J. , Fuster C. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractWe describe three cases in which we used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to characterize Y chromosome structural anomalies, unidentifiable by conventional G‐banding. Case 1 was a 46,X,+mar karyotype; FISH analysis revealed an entire marker chromosome highlighted after hybridization with the Y chromosome painting probe. The PCR study showed the presence of Y chromosome markers AMG and SY620 and the absence of SY143, SY254 and SY147. CGH results confirmed the loss of Yq11.2‐qter. These results indicated the presence of a deletion: del(Y)(q11.2). Case 2 was a 45,X [14]/46,XY[86] karyotype with a very small Y chromosome. The PCR study showed the presence of Y chromosome markers SY620 and AMG, and the absence of SY143, SY254 and SY147. CGH results showed gain of Yq11.2‐pter and loss of Yq11.2‐q12. These results show the presence of a Yp isodicentric: idic(Y)(q11.2). Case 3 was a 45,X,inv(9)(p11q12)[30]/46,X,idic(Y)(p11.3?),inv(9)(p11q12)[70] karyotype. The FISH signal covered all the abnormal Y chromosome using a Y chromosome paint. The PCR study showed the presence of Y chromosome markers AMG, SY620, SY143, SY254 and SY147. CGH only showed gain of Yq11.2‐qter. These results support the presence of an unbalanced (Y;Y) translocation. Our results show that the combined use of molecular and classical cytogenetic methods in clinical diagnosis may allow a better delineation of the chromosome regions implicated in specific clinical disorders. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies of oxygen uptake on O2 scavengers ­prepared from different iron‐containing ­parent substances
Authors: Foltynowicz Zenon , Kozak Wojciech , Fiedorow Ryszard 
Published: October 2002

AbstractTemperature‐programmed reduction (TPR) measurements were performed for iron oxalates, iron(III) hydroxide (both pure and with additives) and iron(II, III) oxide. On the ground of TPR curves, reduction temperatures of the iron‐containing parent substances were chosen followed by oxygen uptake determination. Comparison of oxygen uptakes points to the use of Fe(OH)3 and Fe3O4 as more advantageous than that of iron oxalates. Co‐precipitation from a mixed solution of iron and manganese salts results in a product which is more resistant to particle agglomeration at elevated temperatures than that obtained by­precipitation from solution of iron salt alone. Copyright © 2002 John­Wiley & Sons, Ltd.