bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of resistance of Mediterranean annual communities to invasion by Conyza bonariensis: effects of native functional composition
Authors: Prieur‐Richard Anne‐Hélène , Lavorel Sandra , Dos Santos Anabelle , Grigulis Karl 
Published: March 2003

Recent studies have shown that a high species or functional group richness may not always lead to a greater resistance of plant communities to invasion, whereas species and/or functional group composition can more reliably predict invasion resistance. The aim of this study was to understand the mechanisms through which functional group composition can influence the resistance of Mediterranean annual communities to invasion by the exotic Conyza bonariensis. To analyse the effects of functional composition on the performance of individuals introduced as seedlings we first examined the relationships between the demographic and vegetative parameters of C. bonariensis and the biomass achieved by each functional group (grasses, legumes and Asteraceae rosettes) in synthetic communities. As a further step to approach the mechanisms involved in community resistance to invasion, we included in the analyses measurements of functional variables taken within the synthetic communities.In agreement with earlier results and theory suggesting that high nutrient availability can favour invasions, an abundant legume biomass in communities increased the final biomass and net fecundity of C. bonariensis, due to positive effects on soil nitrate concentration. Survival and establishment of C. bonariensis were mainly favoured by a high biomass of Asteraceae. Additional results from measurements of herbivory suggested that C. bonariensis survival wasn't related to abiotic conditions but may be owed to a protection against herbivores in plots with abundant Asteraceae. Establishment was on the other hand likely to be hindered by the effects of abundant grass and legume foliage on light quality, and therefore easier within an Asteraceae canopy.We conclude that invasion of Mediterranean old fields by species with biologies similar to C. bonariensis could be limited by favouring communities dominated by annual grasses.
Prediction of delayed neck metastasis in patients with stage I/II squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue
Authors: Okamoto Masumi , Nishimine Masayoshi , Kishi Munehiro , Kirita Tadaaki , Sugimura Masahito , Nakamura Mitsutoshi , Konishi Noboru 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground:  The incidence of delayed neck metastasis (DNM) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue is reported to be 20% to 50%. Although clinically negative cervical lymph nodes (N0) are associated with a good outcome, the prognosis is poor in patients with DNM. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical parameters associated with DNM in patients with stage I/II SCC.Methods:  Fifty nine patients, with previously untreated stage I/II carcinoma, underwent examination of clinicopathological and immunohistochemical parameters and incidence of DNM. A linear discriminant analysis was used to analyze prognostic factors and to determine the probability of DNM occurring.Results:  DNM occurred in 14 (24%) subjects of the 59 study patients, level I to level III, within 5 years. Parameters such as gender and age, disease stage, tumor size and histological grade, tumor location, degree of tumor invasion and expression of VEGF, E‐cadherin or Ki‐67 showed no significant correlation with the occurrence of DNM; however, factors such as tumor morphology, tumor thickness greater than 4 mm, and Flt‐4 expression were significantly associated with development of DNM.Conclusions:  Such factors provide useful information with regard to DNM and the prognosis. We concluded that patients with early SCC whose tumors are > 4 mm in thickness and immunopositive for Flt‐4 are particularly at risk of developing DNM.
Expression of hMSH2 and hMLH1 proteins of the human DNA mismatch repair system in salivary gland tumors
Authors: Castrilli Graziella , Fabiano Alfredo , La Torre Giampiero , Marigo Luca , Piantelli Chiara , Perfetti Giorgio , Ranelletti Franco O. , Piantelli Mauro 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground:  The human DNA mismatch repair (hMMR) system plays an important role in reducing mutation and maintaining genomic stability. The MMR system in human cells is composed of at least six genes (hMSH2, hMLH1, hMSH3, hPMS1, hPMS2 and GTBP/hMSH6). In particular, hMSH2 and hMLH1 are expressed in cells undergoing rapid renewal; their reduced expression has been reported in several tumors.Methods:  We examined the expression of hMSH2 and hMLH1 by immunohistochemistry in tumor specimens from 43 patients with primary tumors.Results:  All carcinomas (n = 20) expressed these proteins. In addition, when compared to pleomorphic adenomas, malignant tumors contained significantly (P < 0.01) higher proportions of hMSH2 (56.1 ± 31.5 vs. 31.1 ± 22.6) and hMLH1 (27.9 ± 26.0 vs. 14.0 ± 12.6) positive cells. Warthin's tumors showed no specific nuclear staining of tumor cells for both hMSH2 and hMLH1.Conclusions:  These data suggest a minor, if any, role for a defect in the hMMR system in the pathogenesis of malignant salivary gland tumors.
Recognition of the carbohydrate modifications to the RgpA protease of Porphyromonas gingivalis by periodontal patient serum IgG
Authors: Slaney Jennifer M. , Rangarajan Minnie , Aduse‐Opoku Joseph , Fawell Stuart , Darby Ivan , Kinane Denis , Curtis Michael A. 
Published: March 2003

Periodontal infections by Porphyromonas gingivalis are associated with a sustained systemic IgG antibody response and elevations in local antibody synthesis to this organism. One of the targets of this response is a protease, RgpAcat, which is an important virulence determinant of this organism. Recently, we demonstrated that this molecule is glycosylated and that the glycan chains are immunologically related to P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (Curtis et al., Infect Immun 1999;62:3816–3823). In the present study, we examined the role of these glycan additions in the immune recognition of RgpAcat by sera from adult periodontal patients (n = 25). Serum IgG antibody levels to P. gingivalis W50, RgpAcat and LPS and to recombinant RgpA were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). No correlation was observed between the antibody levels to RgpAcat from P. gingivalis and the recombinant form of this enzyme expressed in Escherichia coli. However, a strong association was found between the recognition of LPS and the wild‐type enzyme (R = 0.8926; p = 0.0005). Incorporation of LPS into the ELISA led to a significant reduction (mean 25%; range 0.8–43%, SD = 15; p < 0.05) in the recognition of RgpAcat, but had no effect on the recognition of control antigens. Deglycosylation of RgpAcat led to the abolition of immune recognition by patient serum IgG, which suggests that the glycan additions to this molecule are the principal targets of the immune response. Therefore, glycosylation of the RgpAcat protease may play an important role in immune evasion by shielding the primary structure from immune recognition.
Relationship between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and periodontitis
Authors: Sun J. L. , Meng H. X. , Cao C. F. , Tachi Y. , Shinohara M. , Ueda M. , Imai H. , Ohura K. 
Published: March 2003

Recent studies have shown that vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism had regulatory effects on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover. The VDR gene has also been indicated as a candidate gene for the susceptibility of osteoporosis. However, it is unclear whether VDR genotypes could be associated with alveolar bone loss of patients with periodontitis, or whether vitamin D receptor gene could be a candidate gene for susceptibility to periodontitis. The purpose of this study was to answer these two questions.
Methods:
Twenty‐four cases of adult periodontitis (AP), 37 cases of early onset periodontitis (EOP) and 39 healthy controls were recruited for the study. Individual samples of venous blood and DNA were obtained from each subject. Genotypes of the TaqI VDR gene were determined by PCR and TaqI restriction endonuclease digestion.
Results:
One out of 24 AP patients, nine out of 37 EOP patients and two out of 39 healthy controls were detected with Tt genotype, while the rest had the TT genotype. The detected frequency of Tt genotype was significantly higher in EOP patients (24.3%) than in AP patients (4.2%) and healthy controls (5.1%). The frequency of t allele was also significantly higher in EOP patients. There was no statistical difference in the distribution of TaqI VDR genotypes between AP patients and healthy controls. The study suggests that Tt genotype might be a risk indicator for the susceptibility to EOP. Carriage of the allele (t) of the TaqI VDR gene may increase the risk of developing EOP.
Subliminal ultraviolet‐B irradiation for the prevention of vitamin D deficiency in the elderly: a feasibility study
Authors: Chuck Alexis , Todd Joanne , Diffey Brian 
Published: March 2003

Aim:To investigate whether daily subliminal ultraviolet‐B irradiation in elderly subjects can maintain a normal vitamin D status.Material and methods:In an open, uncontrolled study, 10 residents (four men and six women), mean age on entry of 83 years (range 65–97 years), from a residential nursing home in County Durham, England, were exposed daily to an artificial source of ultraviolet‐B radiation equivalent to 15 min of summer sunshine. The change in plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels following irradiation was measured.Results: Improvement in the vitamin D status of the elderly residents was achieved with no change in their routine and with no intervention on the part of carers.Conclusions: On the basis of this small pilot study we conclude that subliminal ultraviolet‐B irradiation may be effective in maintaining vitamin D status in elderly people at a lower cost than that of using oral vitamin D supplementation. Further controlled studies are needed before this technique can be recommended to change health policy with regard to the vitamin D status of institutionalised elderly people.
013 Effect of UV on the susceptibility of acid‐soluble Skh‐1 hairless mouse collagen to collagenase
Authors: Menter J.M. , Cornelison L.M. , Patta A.M. , Sayer R.M. , Abukhalaf I.K. , Silvestrov N.S. , Willis I. 
Published: March 2003

To test the hypothesis that UV could alter collagen susceptibility to interstitial collagenase, acid‐extracted Skh‐1 hairless mouse collagen samples were (un)irradiated with 0–140 J/cm2 of radiation from bank of filtered FS lamp (UVB/UVA = 0.33, fluence rate = 0.81 mW/cm2). Subsequent to UV irradiation, collagen samples were coupled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and assayed for its susceptibility to bacterial collagenase by monitoring the appearance of supernatant FITC fluorescence (a measure of lysed collagen) over time of incubation. As a reference. unirradiated commercial FITC – labeled collagen (Elastin Products) was similarly analyzed. Mouse collagen had a lower rate of cleavage than did the calf skin sample. Mouse collagen initial cleavage followed a quasi‐linear time course over the first 5 h. Calf‐skin collagen displayed a ‘sigmoidal’ time course, reminiscent of a cooperative mechanism. UV irradiation afforded no significant effect on the ability of collagenase to cleave mouse collagen, although a small effect could be discerned after 48 h (140 J/cm2). On the other hand, these samples exhibited significant chain degradation. cross‐linking and loss of intrinsic collagen fluorescence on UV photolysis. It appears that the rate of cleavage depends on the superstructure of the collagen, and that the collagen fluorophores are not in proximity to the specific site of collagenase cleavage.Supported in part by NIH/MBRS Grant #GM 08248 and RCMI Grant #RR 03034.
Electron paramagnetic resonance: a new techniquein skin research
Authors: Mizushima Junichi , Kawasaki Yoshiaki , Sakamoto Kazutami , Kawashima Makoto , Cooke Roger , Maibach Howard I. 
Published: March 2003

Background/aim:Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of nitroxide spin probes have been used for studying biological membranes and chemical‐membrane interaction. We have investigated the influence of surfactants on the intercellular lipid structure of cadaver stratum corneum and the possibility of EPR spectral measurements on the stripped stratum corneum utilizing cyanoacrylate resin, which might reflect the actual skin lipid conditions.Conclusion: EPR spectra are useful in evaluating the fluidity measurement of stratum corneum of cadaver skin and stripped stratum corneum.
Electron paramagnetic resonance study utilizing stripping method on normal human stratum corneum
Authors: Mizushima Junichi , Kawasaki Yoshiaki , Kitano Takeshi , Sakamoto Kazutami , Kawashima Makoto , Cooke Roger , Maibach Howard I. 
Published: March 2003

Background/aim:Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of nitroxide spin probes are useful for studying biological membranes, and chemical‐membrane interaction. The objective of this study was to assess the fluidity of stripped stratum corneum (SC) of normal human skin with EPR.Methods: We quantified the fluidity of stripped SC (S‐SC) by a single stripping with cyanoacrylate onto quartz glass, cover glass or transparent film. Spectra were compared with those of the SC of cadaver skin (C‐SC).Results: All S‐SC spectra were similar to those of C‐SC. There were no statistical differences in the order parameters S between C‐SC and those on quartz cell and cover glass, but those of transparent film were significantly higher. Spectra after a month storage at room temperature at 5°C and at −20°C were unchanged. The order parameter S had decreased after a 3‐month storage in all conditions.Conclusion: This method is useful for the evaluation of the fluidity measurement utilizing EPR spectra of S‐SC.
Physical and physiological effects of stratum corneum tape stripping
Authors: Bashir Saqib J. , Chew Ai‐Lean , Anigbogu Angela , Dreher Frank , Maibach Howard I. 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: Tape stripping of human stratum corneum has been performed to measure stratum corneum mass, barrier function, drug reservoir and percutaneous penetration. However, the technique itself requires further development to facilitate interpretation.Methods: In this study we quantified stratum corneum (SC) tape stripping and water kinetic parameters utilizing three types of adhesive tapes, in an in vivo randomized clinical trial. Stratum corneum was tape stripped, and the mass of SC removed by each tape was quantified utilizing a protein assay. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured and barrier disruption and SC water kinetics calculated. Three commonly utilized acrylate adhesive tapes were utilized and a comparison made between them.Results: Each type of tape successfully stripped the stratum corneum, but the rayon tape did not induce SC barrier disruption. Neither the type of tape nor the site stripped significantly influenced the mass of SC removed. Water kinetic parameters did not differ significantly for the tapes that did induce barrier disruption. Individual variation in barrier disruption to water following tape stripping was demonstrated.Conclusion: The tapes utilized removed a similar amount of SC. The tapes have a different propensity to cause barrier disruption. Some individuals do not demonstrate increased TEWL despite an equivalent mass of SC being removed compared to those who do show a response.
Family Members' Preferences for Nutrition Interventions to Improve Nursing Home Residents' Oral Food and Fluid Intake
Authors: Simmons Sandra F. , Lam Helene Y. , Rao Geetha , Schnelle John F. 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES: To measure family members' preferences for nutrition interventions to improve the oral food and fluid intake of their relatives in a nursing home.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional descriptive.SETTING: Three skilled nursing facilities in Southern California.PARTICIPANTS: One hundred five residents from the three skilled nursing facilities and their respective family members.MEASUREMENTS: A mailed questionnaire to family members that consisted of 15 forced‐choice comparisons between six nutrition interventions. An assessment of oral food and fluid intake during mealtime for 3 days (nine meals) for each participant using direct observations and estimations of percentage consumed (0% to 100%) by trained research staff.RESULTS: In order of most to least desirable, the family members preferred the following interventions to improve their relative's oral food and fluid intake: (1) improve quality of food; (2) improve quality and quantity of feeding assistance; (3) provide multiple small meals and snacks throughout the day; (4) place resident in preferred dining location; (5) provide an oral liquid nutritional supplement between meals; and (6) provide a medication to stimulate appetite. The average ± standard deviation total percentage intake for residents whose family members reported that they thought their relative had a problem with their intake was 50%± 16%.CONCLUSIONS: Family members prefer that other nutrition interventions be attempted before the use of oral supplements or pharmacological approaches. Family members perceive a need for interventions when residents consume, on average, only half of the food and fluid items provided during mealtime.
Simulation of photon transport in a three‐dimensional leaf: implications for photosynthesis
Authors: Ustin S. L. , Jacquemoud S. , Govaerts Y. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA model to evaluate photon transport within leaves and the implications for photosynthesis are investigated. A ray tracing model, Raytran, was used to produce absorption profiles within a virtual dorsiventral plant leaf oriented in two positions (horizontal/vertical) and illuminated on one of its two faces (adaxial/abaxial). Together with chlorophyll profiles, these absorption profiles feed a simple photosynthesis model that calculates the gross photosynthetic rate as a function of the incident irradiance. The differences observed between the four conditions are consistent with the literature: horizontal‐adaxial leaves, which are commonly found in natural conditions, have the greatest light use efficiency. The absorption profile obtained with horizontal‐abaxial leaves lies below this, but above those obtained for vertical leaves. The latter present similar gross photosynthetic rates when irradiated on either the adaxial or abaxial surfaces. Vertical profiles of photosynthetic rates across the leaf confirm that carbon fixation occurs mainly in the palisade parenchyma, that the leaf anatomy is integral to its function and that leaves cannot be considered as a single homogeneous unit. Finally, the relationships between leaf structure, orientation and photosynthesis are discussed.
Soft‐tissue anatomy of the extant hominoids: a review and phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Gibbs S. , Collard M. , Wood B. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis paper reports the results of a literature search for information about the soft‐tissue anatomy of the extant non‐human hominoid genera,Pan,Gorilla,PongoandHylobates, together with the results of a phylogenetic analysis of these data plus comparable data forHomo. Information on the four extant non‐human hominoid genera was located for 240 out of the 1783 soft‐tissue structures listed in theNomina Anatomica. Numerically these data are biased so that information about some systems (e.g. muscles) and some regions (e.g. the forelimb) are over‐represented, whereas other systems and regions (e.g. the veins and the lymphatics of the vascular system, the head region) are either under‐represented or not represented at all. Screening to ensure that the data were suitable for use in a phylogenetic analysis reduced the number of eligible soft‐tissue structures to 171. These data, together with comparable data for modern humans, were converted into discontinuous character states suitable for phylogenetic analysis and then used to construct a taxon‐by‐character matrix. This matrix was used in two tests of the hypothesis that soft‐tissue characters can be relied upon to reconstruct hominoid phylogenetic relationships. In the first, parsimony analysis was used to identify cladograms requiring the smallest number of character state changes. In the second, the phylogenetic bootstrap was used to determine the confidence intervals of the most parsimonious clades. The parsimony analysis yielded a single most parsimonious cladogram that matched the molecular cladogram. Similarly the bootstrap analysis yielded clades that were compatible with the molecular cladogram; a (Homo,Pan) clade was supported by 95% of the replicates, and a (Gorilla,Pan,Homo) clade by 96%. These are the first hominoid morphological data to provide statistically significant support for the clades favoured by the molecular evidence.
Fibroblast growth factor‐2 induces astroglial and microglial reactivity in vivo
Authors: Goddard Diane R. , Berry Martin , Kirvell Sara L. , Butt Arthur M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA role for fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) has been proposed in mediating the glial response to injury in the central nervous system (CNS). We have tested this possibility in vivo, by injecting FGF‐2 into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the brain ventricles of young rats and analysing glial cells in the anterior medullary velum (AMV), which partly roofs the IVth ventricle. FGF‐2 was administered at two different doses, low FGF‐2 (500 ng mL−1 CSF) and high FGF‐2 (10 µg mL−1 CSF), and saline vehicle was injected in controls. Injections were performed twice daily for three days, commencing at postnatal day (P) 6, and AMV were analysed at P9, using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Glial cells were unaffected by treatment with saline or low FGF‐2, whereas high FGF‐2 induced reactive changes in glial cell types: (1) there was increased GFAP expression in astrocytes, demonstrated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry, and astrocytes appeared hypertrophic, with increased process thickness and number; (2) the number of ED1 labelled microglia/macrophages was doubled, from 47 ± 6 to 114 ± 17 cells per field (0.75 mm2; values are mean ± SEM), and microglia appeared activated, with a multipolar and granular appearance; (3) NG2 positive glial cells appeared more fibrous and there was increased density of processes, although there was no significant increase in their number; (4) oligodendrocyte somata were enlarged and there was a loss of myelin sheaths. The results show that at high CSF titres of FGF‐2 induce glial reactivity in vivo and support a role for FGF‐2 in the pathology of CNS injury and EAE.
Mechanisms of changes to the liver pigmentary component during the annual cycle (activity and hibernation) of Rana esculenta L.
Authors: Barni Sergio , Vaccarone Rita , Bertone Vittorio , Fraschini Annunzia , Bernini Franco , Fenoglio Carla 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe present study was performed to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the changes of melanin content/distribution we had previously discovered in the liver parenchyma of Rana esculenta during natural hibernation. Melanomacrophagic component response was analysed using morphocytochemical methods. The results demonstrated that during the prehibernation period (October–November) the melanomacrophages reach the highest proliferative activity (BrdU, PCNA labelling) which is accompanied by an evident melanosynthesis (dopa‐oxidase activity). In contrast, after hibernation, the decrease of liver pigmentation was the consequence of a partial cell loss by apoptotic mechanisms (TUNEL labelling, pyknosis‐karyorhexis) accompanied by a decrease of melanosome content by autophagy and low melanosynthetic activity. On the basis of these findings, there is evidence that liver melanomacrophages represent a metabolically (melanin synthesis/degradation) and cytokinetically (proliferation/death) active cell population during the annual cycle of the frog. The results are also discussed in relation to the functional synergism between hepatocytes and pigment cells in the adaptation to environmental changes.