bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary function in long‐term survivors of pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Hoffmeister Paul A. , Madtes David K. , Storer Barry E. , Sanders Jean E.
Published: August 2005

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of pulmonary dysfunction in pediatric hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) survivors and to identify associated risk factors.

Procedure

In a cross‐sectional study, patients surviving at least 5 years after pediatric HCT were requested to undergo pulmonary function testing (PFT). Risk factors for restrictive lung disease (RLD) and obstructive lung disease (OLD) were analyzed using multivariate analysis.

Results

Among 472 patients contacted, 260 (55%) participated and 215 were selected for analysis. These patients were transplanted at a median age of 8.3 (0.3–18.0) years; 175 for hematologic malignancies and 40 for non‐malignant diseases. The preparative regimens for 133 patients included fractionated TBI (FTBI), 29 single‐fraction TBI (SFTBI), and 53 non‐TBI regimens. PFT was performed at a median of 10 (5.0–27.5) years after HCT. Forty percent of patients had either RLD or OLD (28% RLD, 9% OLD, 3% mixed RLD/OLD) and at least 15% had an isolated low‐DLCO. Moderate‐to‐severe impairment was present in 45% of patients with RLD or OLD. In multivariate analysis, risk factors associated with RLD included transplant regimen, transplant diagnosis, scleroderma/contracture, and donor relation. Patients treated with SFTBI had the highest risk of RLD. Risk factors for OLD included chronic graft‐versus‐host disease, transplant regimen, and time after HCT. Patients surviving 20 or more years after HCT had the highest risk of OLD.

Conclusions

Fifty‐five percent of long‐term pediatric HCT survivors had pulmonary dysfunction. These findings stress the need for long‐term follow‐up to detect pulmonary dysfunction. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2006; 47:594–606. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Natural history of thyroid nodules in survivors of pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Metzger Monika L. , Howard Scott C. , Hudson Melissa M. , Gow Kenneth W. , Li Chin‐Shang , Krasin Matthew J. , Merchant Thomas , Kun Larry , Shelso John , Pui Ching‐Hon , Shochat Stephen J. , McCarville M. Beth
Published: August 2005

Background

Survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma and other patients who receive neck irradiation are at increased risk of thyroid cancer. Ultrasonography provides an inexpensive and non‐invasive method of thyroid screening, but the clinical significance of thyroid nodules detected by ultrasound screening is uncertain.

Procedure

We reviewed the demographics, clinical characteristics, method of detection, and outcome of patients who developed thyroid nodules after treatment for pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma at our institution. One radiologist reviewed all imaging studies.

Results

Sixty‐seven children treated for Hodgkin lymphoma from 1962 to 2001 developed thyroid nodules. The study group represented 9,024 person‐years of follow‐up after the diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma and 581 person‐years after diagnosis of a thyroid nodule. A median of 10.5 years (range, 0.2–24.8 years) elapsed between the diagnoses of Hodgkin lymphoma and thyroid nodule(s). All but one patient had received neck irradiation for Hodgkin lymphoma, with a median thyroid radiation dose of 35 Gy (range, 12–45 Gy). Thyroid nodules were found to be malignant in seven patients (10%), at a median of 16.2 years (range, 8.4–23.7 years) after diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma. Only one malignancy was found through screening ultrasonography. All patients with thyroid cancer remained disease‐free at 0.4–16.2 years of follow‐up.

Conclusions

Thyroid nodules are common in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors treated with neck irradiation, but the majority of these lesions have an indolent clinical course and do not undergo malignant transformation. Only patients with a palpable mass or clinical symptoms need more extensive evaluation, including Doppler‐flow ultrasonography and fine‐needle aspiration. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inorganic–organic hybrids involving poly(ε‐caprolactone) and silica network: Hydrogen‐bonding interactions and isothermal crystallization kinetics
Authors: Nie Kangming , Zheng Sixun , Lu Fei , Zhu Qingren
Published: August 2005

Inorganic–organic hybrids mediated by hydrogen‐bonding interactions involving silicon oxide network and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) were prepared via an in situ sol–gel process of tetraethoxysilane in the presence of PCL. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that there were hydrogen‐bonding interactions between carbonyls of PCL and silanol hydroxyls that were formed by incomplete polycondensation in the sol–gel process. In terms of the frequency shift of the hydroxyl stretching vibration bands, it is concluded that the strength of the interassociation between PCL and silicon oxide networks is weaker than that of the self‐association in the control silica network. The phenomenon of equilibrium melting point depression was observed for the PCL/silica system. The hybridization of PCL with silica network causes a considerable increase in the overall crystallization rate and dramatically influences the mechanism of nucleation and growth of the PCL crystallization. The analysis of isothermal crystallization kinetic data according to the Hoffman‐Lauritzen theory shows that with increasing silica content in the hybrids, the surface energy of extremity surfaces increases dramatically for the hybrids. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 2594–2603, 2005
Sorption, degradation and leaching of the fungicide iprodione in a golf green under Scandinavian conditions: measurements, modelling and risk assessment
Authors: Strömqvist Johan , Jarvis Nicholas
Published: August 2005

In cold climates, fungicides are used on golf greens to prevent snow mould causing serious damage to the turf. However, fungicide residues have been detected in runoff from golf courses, which may lead to restrictions on use. There is therefore an urgent need to improve understanding of the processes affecting leaching of fungicides from turfgrass systems to allow identification of green construction and management practices that minimize environmental impacts. In this study we monitored the leaching of the fungicide iprodione in a putting green. Sorption and degradation of iprodione was measured in batch and incubation experiments, and the simulation model MACRO was used as a risk assessment tool. Degradation of iprodione was bi‐phasic, with a rapid initial phase (half‐life 17 h) caused by enhanced biodegradation. Degradation rates slowed considerably after 5 days, with half‐lives of up to 38 days. Sorption of iprodione was linear, with a Koc value of ca 400 cm3 g−1. MACRO reasonably accurately matched measured drainflows and concentrations of iprodione in soil and drainflow. However, peak concentrations in drainage were underestimated, which was attributed to preferential finger flow due to water repellency. The results also showed the importance of the organic matter content in the green root zone in reducing leaching. It was concluded that, with ‘reasonable worst‐case’ use, losses of iprodione from greens can occur at concentrations exceeding water quality limits for aquatic ecosystems. Snow mould problems should be tackled by adopting green root zone mixes that minimize leaching and ‘best management practices’ that would avoid the need for intensive prophylactic use of fungicides. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
First‐trimester ultrasound diagnosis in a recurrent case of Walker–Warburg syndrome
Authors: Blin G. , Rabbé A. , Ansquer Y. , Meghdiche S. , Floch‐Tudal C. , Mandelbrot L.
Published: August 2005

We report on two siblings with Walker–Warburg syndrome (WWS) born to a consanguineous couple. In the index case, the second‐trimester scan showed ventricular dilatation and we diagnosed WWS after observing retinal detachment at 26 weeks' gestation and lissencephaly by 32 weeks' gestation in addition to hypoplasia of the cerebellar vermis. The second case was first suspected at 12 weeks' gestation, when we observed a 2.8‐mm nuchal translucency and an unusually large hindbrain vesicle. By 14 weeks' gestation, the lateral ventricles were clearly enlarged (12–13 mm), at 16 weeks' gestation the vitreous chamber appeared to be hyperechogenic, and by 17 weeks' gestation hydrocephalus was evident. The couple chose to continue the pregnancy, and during the third trimester lissencephaly, major hydrocephalus and polyhydramnios developed.

Serial ultrasound examination should be offered to a family with a history of WWS and therefore a 1 in 4 risk of recurrence. In some cases, recurrence can be suspected as early as the first trimester, however the diagnosis cannot be excluded on the basis of normal ultrasound appearance until later in pregnancy. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal intracranial hemorrhage (fetal stroke): does grade matter?
Authors: Elchalal U. , Yagel S. , Gomori J. M. , Porat S. , Beni‐Adani L. , Yanai N. , Nadjari M.
Published: August 2005

Objective

To determine if the severity of antenatally diagnosed hemorrhagic fetal brain insults and fetal stroke detected by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) predicts postnatal neurodevelopmental prognosis.

Methods

The in‐utero presentation and postnatal neurodevelopmental outcome of sonographically detected subdural hematoma or fetal stroke presenting as intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) or intraparenchymal brain hemorrhage were investigated.

Results

Of 33 fetuses diagnosed with hemorrhagic brain lesions, 17 were electively terminated and two suffered intrauterine fetal demise. Thirteen were liveborn, seven by Cesarean delivery and six by spontaneous vaginal delivery. One case was lost to follow‐up. Eight neonates had moderate to severe neurological deficit by a mean age of 35 (range, 6–96) months. One died at 2 months of age. These nine were diagnosed with Grade III–IV IVH in utero. Four neonates had normal neurological outcome by a mean age of 41 (range, 30–48) months; these four were diagnosed with subdural hematoma (n = 1) or Grade I–II IVH (n = 3) in utero. Fourteen cases were followed up with MRI, which confirmed ultrasound findings in 10 (71%) cases. In three (21%) cases MRI diagnosis was more accurate and the severity of grading was greater than that obtained on ultrasound imaging. Unilateral left hemispheric lesions were much more common than right‐sided lesions (13 vs. 1, respectively).

Conclusions

An antenatal sonographic diagnosis of fetal stroke with IVH Grade III–IV or with brain parenchymal involvement appears to be associated with poor neurological outcome. MRI may contribute to the accuracy of diagnosis, particularly in Grade II and III lesions. Left‐sided unilateral lesions are more common than right‐sided ones. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cavernous lymphangioma of the face and neck: prenatal diagnosis by three‐dimensional ultrasound
Authors: Paladini D. , Vassallo M. , Sglavo G. , Lapadula C. , Longo M. , Nappi C.
Published: August 2005

Cavernous lymphangiomas are characterized by penetration through the subcutaneous areas between the muscular septa and represent rare variants of the more common superficial lymphangioma. Although frequently described in the fetus when involving the posterior aspect of the neck (i.e. cystic hygroma), involvement of the craniofacial region is rare. We describe the prenatal findings in a case of cavernous lymphangioma of the fetal face and neck, which extended caudally to envelop the larynx and the trachea. The anomaly was assessed by two‐ and three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound. The latter approach was used thoroughly both during counseling with the couple and during consultation with the pediatric surgeon. This case report confirms the usefulness of the 3D approach in the management of rare fetal anomalies. In particular, the possibility of navigating the volume facilitated consultation with the pediatric surgeon and counseling of the parents. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When Is Curative Gastrectomy Justified for Gastric Cancer with Positive Peritoneal Lavage Cytology but Negative Macroscopic Peritoneal Implant?
Authors: Miyashiro Isao , Takachi Ko , Doki Yuichiro , Ishikawa Osamu , Ohigashi Hiroaki , Murata Kohei , Sasaki Yo , Imaoka Shingi , Nakaizumi Akihiko , Takenaka Akemi , Furukawa Hiroshi , Hiratsuka Masahiro
Published: August 2005

For gastric cancer patients who have no peritoneal seeding at a macroscopic level but positive results in the peritoneal lavage cytology (PLC), the prognostic benefit expected by surgical resection is still controversial. During the period 1975–1994 as series of 417 consecutive patients without distant organ metastases underwent surgical resection for gastric cancer that had invaded the subserosal or deeper layers of the stomach wall. Immediately after laparotomy, the pouch of Douglas was washed with 100 ml of physiologic saline solution, and the fluid was collected for cytologic examination (four slide glasses) using Giemsa and Papanicolaou staining methods. According to the macroscopic (P) and cytologic (Cyt) results, the 417 patients were classified into three groups: P+ (n = 97); P−/Cyt+ (n = 25); and P−/Cyt− (n = 295). Their 3‐year survival rates after surgical resection were 4%, 24%, and 48%, respectively (p = 0.0001: P−/Cyt+ vs. P−/Cyt−; p = 0.0018: P−/Cyt+ vs. P+. Among the 25 P−/Cyt+ patients, postoperative survival was not associated with the T stage, N stage, cellular atypism, or cluster formation but with the number of cancer cells per slide during PLC. The 3‐year survival rate was 35% for the subgroup with fewer than 10 cancer cells per slide (17 patients) and 0% for the other subgroup with 10 or more cancer cells per slide (8 patients) (p = 0.017). For P−/Cyt+ patients, who represent a subgroup of gastric cancer patients with an intermediate survival rate between the P−/Cyt− and P+ patients, the number of cancer cells observed during PLC offers a potent prognostic indicator for the gastrectomy.
Abdominal Angina in Patients with a Midgut Carcinoid, a Sign of Severe Pathology
Authors: de Vries Harry , Wijffels Rob T. M. , Willemse Pax H. B. , Verschueren René C. J. , Kema Ido P. , Karrenbeld Arend , Prins Ted R. , de Vries Elisabeth G. E.
Published: August 2005

In 36 consecutive patients with a foregut carcinoid with extensive local tumor growth and liver metastases with a carcinoid syndrome, six patients had complaints of postprandial abdominal pain and attacks of subileus based on segmental intestinal ischemia. A diagnosis of abdominal angina was supported by a positive response to nitroglycerin in two and ischemia of the ileum demonstrated by angiography in two other patients. Complaints were reduced in all patients after surgery. Histopathology of the resected small bowel specimens showed elastic vascular sclerosis in three patients and ischemic changes in three other patients, confirming the clinical diagnosis. Resection of ischemic bowel can provide relief in patients with segmental intestinal ischemia caused by carcinoid‐induced vascular sclerosis.
Molecular chaperones and the biogenesis of mitochondria and peroxisomes
Authors: Cuezva José M , Flores Ana I , Liras Antonio , Santarén Juan F , Alconada Agustín
Published: August 2005

Summary— A review of the proteinaceous machinery involved in protein sorting pathways and protein folding and assembly in mitochondria and peroxisomes is presented. After considering the various sorting pathways and targeting signals of mitochondrial and peroxisomal proteins, we make a comparative dissection of the protein factors involved in: i) the stabilization of cytosolic precursor proteins in a translocation competent conformation; ii) the membrane import apparatus of mitochondria and peroxisomes; iii) the processing of mitochondrial precursor proteins, and the eventual processing of certain peroxisomal precursor, in the interior of the organelles; and iv) the requirement of molecular chaperones for appropriate folding and assembly of imported proteins in the matrix of both organelles. Those aspects of mitochondrial biogenesis that have developed rapidly during the last few years, such as the requirement of molecular chaperones, are stressed in order to stimulate further parallel investigations aimed to understand the origin, biochemistry, molecular biology and pathology of peroxisomes. In this regard, a brief review of findings from our group and others is presented in which the role of the F1‐ATPase α‐subunit is pointed out as a molecular chaperone of mitochondria and chloroplasts. In addition, data are presented that could question our previous indication that the immunoreactive protein found in the rat liver peroxisomes is due to the presence of the F1‐ATPase α‐subunit.
Proteins and enzymes of the peroxisomal membrane in mammals
Authors: Causeret Catherine , Bentejac Marc , Bugaut Maurice
Published: August 2005

Summary— Proteins of the peroxisomal membrane can be schematically divided into two groups, one being made up of more or less characterized proteins with generally unknown functions and the other consisting of enzyme activities of which the corresponding proteins have not been characterized. In the present report, these proteins and enzymes are described with the addition of unpublished results regarding their induction by peroxisome proliferators at the post‐transcriptional level. Integral membrane proteins (IMPs) can be isolated using an alkaline solution of sodium carbonate. A dozen of preponderant IMPs can be seen on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and the major band corresponds to a 70 kDa IMP, of which the corresponding rat cDNA is known. Some IMPs have been characterized by immunoblot analysis. Recently, a cDNA has been cloned for a peroxisome assembly factor (35 kDa IMP). Functions have also been proposed for some IMPs but are not yet firmly settled. Some IMPs (450/520, 70 and 26 kDa) are strongly induced by peroxisome proliferators. Our results extend to cipro‐ and fenofibrate the observation that the 70 kDa IMP mRNA level is strongly increased in di(2‐ethylhexyl)phtalate‐treated rats. All the enzyme activities associated with the peroxisomal membrane are involved in lipid metabolism: activation of substrates (fatty acids), ether lipid biosynthesis, and formation of precursors (fatty alcohols). It is believed that the same long‐chain acyl‐CoA synthetase occurs in the peroxisome as well as in the outer mitochondrial membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum. However, two highly homologous but different cDNAs encoding rat liver and brain long‐chain acyl‐CoA synthetases have been isolated recently. Evidence has been accumulated for a distinct synthetase that specifically activates very‐long chain fatty acids. The first two steps of ether lipid biosynthesis requiere dihydroxyacetone‐phosphate (DHAP) acyltransferase and alkyl‐DHAP synthetase, the active sites of which are located on the inner surface of the membrane. In contrast, the catalytic site of the acyl/alkyl‐DHAP reductase, which generates sn‐1‐alkyl‐glycerol‐3‐phosphate, is located on the outer surface. Long‐chain fatty alcohols, which are obligate precursors of ether lipids and wax esters, are biosynthetized by the reduction of the corresponding acyl‐CoAs via the action of an acyl‐CoA reductase. Peroxisome proliferators do not appear to stimulate these enzyme activities specifically. However, we report that feno ‐and ciprofibrate treatments increase six‐fold the palmitoyl‐CoA synthetase mRNA level in the rat liver.
Control of metaphase I formation in Xenopus oocyte: Effects of an indestructible cyclin B and of protein synthesis
Authors: Huchon Denise , Rime Hélène , Jessus Catherine , Ozon René
Published: August 2005

Summary— A cytological analysis was performed in order to determine how the formation of the metaphase I‐ and metaphase II‐spindles is dependent upon p34cdc2 kinase activity and protein synthesis during the meiotic maturation of Xenopus oocytes. The p34cdc2 kinase activity increases abruptly during the prophase‐prometaphase I transition, then drops to a minimum level at the metaphase I/anaphase I transition and further increases again until reaching a maximum stable level at metaphase II. The injection of an indestructible cyclin B into oocytes arrests the maturation process at the onset of anaphase I and prevents the re‐increase of p34cdc2 activity which accompanies normal entry into metaphase II. Inhibition of protein synthesis between the germinal vesicle breakdown and the onset of metaphase I spindle induces exit from M‐phase and leads to an ‘interphase‐like’ state characterized by the organization of nuclear‐like structures. In contrast, inhibition of protein synthesis at metaphase II stage does not affect the metaphase II spindle nor p34cdc2 activity, indicating that metaphase I‐ and metaphase II‐spindles are not regulated by the same effectors. When protein synthesis is inhibited before induction of M‐phase by MPF transfer, it prevents the formation of the metaphase I spindle, despite a transient elevated level of p34cdc2 activity. To dissociate the role of protein synthesis and of p34cdc2 kinase activity, the indestructible cyclin B was microinjected in the absence of protein synthesis. This allows the in vivo maintenance of a stable p34cdc2 activity. Under these conditions, microtubules do not polymerize and no metaphase I spindle is formed, demonstrating that the synthesis of proteins, different from cyclin B, is required for the organization of the metaphase I spindle in addition to the presence of p34cdc2 activity.
Nuclear compartmentalization in transcriptionally activated hypothalamic neurons
Authors: Garcia‐Segura Luis Miguel , Berciano María Teresa , Lafarga Miguel
Published: August 2005

Summary— Transcription of cell‐specific vasopressin and oxytocin genes as well as transcription of those housekeeping genes responsible for general metabolic activation and cellular hypertrophy is induced in supraoptic hypothalamic neurons by rises in plasma osmolarity. In this study, the nuclear volume, the ultrastructure of chromatin and the number and distribution of nuclear particles in the cell nuclei of supraoptic neurons of 3‐month‐old male Sprague‐Dawley rats were analyzed after osmotically induced activation of transcription by periods of acute (1 day) and chronic (6 days) dehydration, and after halting the stimulation by rehydration of animals. The nuclear volume and the ultrastructure of chromatin were assessed on ultrathin sections. The number and distribution of nuclear particles were assessed on freeze‐fracture replicas. The initial phase of osmotically induced enhancement of transcription was accompanied by an increase in nuclear volume and by a partial replacement of nuclear particles of large diameter (> 11 nm) by smaller nuclear particles. This latter change affected predominantly the nuclear periphery (0–1000 nm from the nuclear membrane) and occurred simultaneously with a partial decondensation of chromatin clusters that may be related to chromatin unfolding. In chronically stimulated animals, the decondensation of chromatin and the replacement of large nuclear particles by smaller ones was enhanced in the nuclear periphery and was partially propagated to the interior of the nucleus. After suppression of cellular activation by rehydration of animals, the number of nuclear particles returned to control levels in the nuclear periphery while in the center of the nucleus the number of small particles decreased and the number of large particles increased as compared to control values. These results, together with the observation that in unstimulated cells the nuclear periphery and the nuclear interior differ in their composition of nuclear particles, evidence a structural and functional compartmentalization in the cell nucleus of supraoptic neurons.
The elementary RNP fiber — not the higher order structure — determines the all‐or‐none disintegration behaviour of balbiani ring pre‐messenger RNP particles upon RNase A treatment
Authors: Alexciev Krassimir , Wurtz Tilmann , Lönnroth Anna , Daneholt Bertil
Published: August 2005

Summary— Balbiani ring premessenger ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles are built from a 7‐nm RNP fiber which is tightly folded into a ring‐shaped RNP ribbon. Isolated particles are known to disintegrate in an all‐or‐none fashion upon RNase A treatment. In the present study we investigated whether this mode of disintegration is dependent on an intact particle structure or is inherent in the 7‐nm fiber. When treated at low ionic strength, the Balbiani ring (BR) particles lost their higher order structure and the 7‐nm fiber was unpacked, as evidenced by sucrose gradient sedimentation and electron microscopy. When treated with RNase A, unfolded as well as intact particles disintegrated in the all‐or‐none fashion, with similar kinetics and without apparent intermediates. Proteinase K treatment, however, obliterated this pattern: the protein‐free particle RNA degraded progressively. As the typical disintegration pattern of the particles was not altered by unfolding, but was lost by deproteinization, the all‐or‐none mode of disintegration is likely to be a property of the 7‐nm RNP fiber.
Association of the actin cytoskeleton with glass‐adherent proteins in mouse peritoneal macrophages
Authors: Ono Michio , Murakami Tohru , Tomita Mitsuko , Ishikawa Harunori
Published: August 2005

Summary— When mouse peritoneal macrophages adherent to glass surface were removed by treatment with triethanolamine and Nonidet P‐40, fine thread structures of unique loops were left behind on glass at the sites of cell adhesion. To examine the ultrastructural relationship between such looped threads and cytoskeletal components in glass‐adherent macrophages, we successfully used the ‘zinc method’ to remove most of the cytoplasm including nuclei and to expose the cytoskeleton associated with the ventral plasma membrane. The cytoskeleton was seen to be mainly composed of actin filaments forming dense networks. The network contained scattered star‐like foci from which actin filaments radiated. When the ventral plasma membrane‐cytoskeleton complex was further treated with Nonidet P‐40, the membrane was dissolved to expose the glass surface with actin foci persisting on glass. When the complex was removed by further treatment with Nonidet P‐40 and DNase I, the looped threads became visible. Confocal laser microscopy of glass‐adherent macrophages stained with fluorescent phalloidin showed the preferential distribution of F‐actin in the ventral cytoplasm along the plasma membrane, where intense fluorescent spots were also scattered. Confocal interference reflection microscopy revealed densely populated dark dots and striae of focal contact, which corresponded in overall distribution to actin foci and looped threads. These observations suggest that actin cytoskeleton is closely associated with looped threads to reinforce cell adhesion to glass.
The spatial distribution of spindle microtubules in anaphase 3Y1 cells
Authors: Katsumoto Tetsuo , Naguro Tomonori , Yan Yun‐Li , Iino Akihiro , Onodera Kazukiyo
Published: August 2005

Summary— The spatial distribution of the microtubules (MT) in the rat 3Y1 cells in mitosis was investigated by immunoelectron microscopy and computer‐graphic reconstruction of serial thin sections. In anaphase the interzone‐MT increased in number gradually with advancing phase, while the kinetochore‐MT in half‐spindles decreased. The interzone‐MT overlapped with each other at the equatorial region of the cell, and they formed a specific structure called the ‘stem bodies’. The ends of the interzone‐MT opposite to the stem bodies often attached to chromosomes but not to the poles. The stem bodies were not labeled with immunogold particles of anti‐α tubulin. Some of the stem bodies or MT which originate from stem bodies were found just beneath the plasma membrane in the equatorial region where abundant actin filaments appear showing the formation of the contractile ring and subsequently the cleavage furrow begins. On the basis of these observations it is assumed that the interzone‐MT is involved both in the separation of chromosomes in anaphase and in the formation of the cleavage furrow in telophase.
Characterization of the non‐sulphated highly anionic kurloff cell glycoconjugates by lectin‐ and immunoblotting: Evidence for the presence of α(2,8)‐linked polysialic acid‐bearing molecules
Authors: Letaïef Slim‐Eric , Landemore Gérard , Oulhaj Nourdine , Izard Jacques
Published: August 2005

Summary— Urea or guanidine hydrochloride‐soluble extracts from highly purified Kurloff cells (KC) radiolabelled in vitro were subjected to DEAE‐cellulose chromatography. Among the three anionic peaks obtained, a major and non‐sulphated peak (designated as peak IV) strongly affected by glucosamine‐labelling and eluted at about 0.3 M NaCl was analyzed. Gel filtration on Sepharose CL4B and 10% SDS‐PAGE indicated its heterogeneous size. Peak IV consisted mainly of N‐glycans as shown by its susceptibility to tunicamycin. Further insight into its chemical nature was obtained by examining its binding capacity to different lectins and by immunodot analysis. It strongly interacted with concanavalin A (Con A) after dot‐blot or Western blotting. A large amount of these glycoproteins is not of the high‐mannose type since Galanthus nivalis agglutinin reacted weakly with peak IV. Moreover, bindings to Phaseolus vulgaris and to wheat germ agglutinins suggest the presence of bisecting N‐acetylglucosamine residues. Bindings to Sambucus nigra and to Ricinus communis agglutinins, dramatically lessened and increased respectively after desialylation, suggest the presence of Neu5Acα2,6Gal/GalNAc sequences. The absence of outer sialic acid residues linked α2,3 to galactose was demonstrated following Maackia amurensis agglutinin negativity. The use of poly(α2,8‐sialyl) endo‐N‐acylneuraminidase combined with immunodot procedure with a monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes α2,8‐linked polysialic chains revealed that peak IV contains oligosac‐charidic epitopes common to polysialyated neural cell adhesion molecules.
Secretory organelle biogenesis: Trichocyst formation in a ciliated protozoan
Authors: Peck Robert K , Swiderski Barbara , Tourmel Anne‐Marie
Published: August 2005

Summary— By classical electron microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy, the biogenesis of trichocyst secretory granules has been followed in the ciliated protozoan Pseudomicrothorax dubius. The very early pre‐trichocysts form by fusion of bristle‐coated, electron‐dense vesicles (dense vesicles) with electron‐translucent vesicles (clear vesicles), both of which originate in a well‐developed trans‐Golgi network (TGN). The pre‐trichocyst grows by further fusion with dense and clear vesicles as well as with other pre‐trichocysts until it reaches its maximum diameter of about 2 μm. Dense and clear vesicle formation from the TGN has been followed, and the fusion sequence of dense vesicles with the pre‐trichocyst has been documented. The contents of the dense vesicles are the precursors of the trichocyst tip, which is composed of four arm‐like rods, whereas the shaft precursors are supplied by the clear vesicles. The first evidence of trichocyst shaft formation is the appearance of a paracrystalline, dense core condensation center in the pre‐trichocyst. Following shaft formation, the trichocyst tip forms by fusion and condensation of the dense arm precursors along each of the four sides of the shaft. Docking of the fully formed trichocyst in the cell cortex is described. Pre‐trichocyst biogenesis in cells grown with and without Se is compared.
The structural organization of the pathogenic protozoan Tritrichomonas foetus as seen in replicas of quick frozen, freeze‐fractured and deep etched cells
Authors: Benchimol Marlene , Kachar Bechara , De Souza Wanderley
Published: August 2005

Summary— The quick‐freezing and freeze‐etching technique was used to analyse the cytoskeleton of Tritrichomonas foetus, a pathogenic protozoan of the urogenital tract of cattle. The cytoplasm presented a network of filamentous structures interacting with each other, with the surface of the hydrogenosomes and the nuclear membrane. Two nm wide filamentous structures were found in the luminal space of the Golgi complex, connecting the two faces of each cisterna. The microtubules of the pelta‐axostyle system were connected by bridges 30–40 nm long and 10 nm wide, regularly spaced with an interval of 25 nm. The costa is a structure formed by a complex array of filaments and globous structures. It seems to be connected to the recurrent flagellum through a complex network formed by 15 and 10 nm wide filaments which emerge from the peripheral region of the costa and penetrate into the surface projections of the protozoan body to which the recurrent flagellum is attached. Other filaments were seen connecting the surface of these projections with the surface of the flagellum.
Detection by bismuth staining of highly phosphorylated nucleo‐proteins in plants. Determination of its specificity by X‐ray microanalysis, SDS‐PAGE and immunological analysis
Authors: De La Espina Susana Moreno Díaz , Medina Asunción , Mínguez Ana , Fernández‐Gómez Encarnación
Published: August 2005

Summary— Staining with bismuth salts after glutaraldehyde fixation is a very useful technique for preferential detection of phosphorylated nucleoproteins in mammalians and insects. In the present work we report an adaptation of this method for plant nuclei: staining with bismuth salts either in tissue blocks before embedding, or on thin sections of acrylic resin. Both procedures are highly reproducible and give the same pattern of staining in the nuclei in situ or isolated at the electron microscope. The specificity of bismuth binding to the dense nucleolar fibrillar component and interchromatin granules is proven by X‐ray microanalysis. The nuclear proteins which bind bismuth have been identified by bismuth and immunostains of blots from total nuclear proteins. This technique is a very useful and specific cytochemical tool for studying nuclear organization and functions in plants.
Immunodetection of low concentrations of ovalbumin in cryoprocessed quail oviduct cells by semi‐automatic quantitative analysis
Authors: Quintana Carmen , López‐Iglesias Carmen , Bonnet Noel , Lebonvallet Stephane
Published: August 2005

Summary— In a previous paper (Quintana et al, Biol Cell 72, (1991) 167–180) we reported the anti‐ovalbumin antibody immunolabeling in the cytoplasm of tubular gland cells from cryofixed, cryosubstituted and acrylic‐resin embedded quail oviduct. To confirm these preliminary visual observations, we have carried out a semi‐automatic quantitative study of immunogold labeling. The quantitative results confirm the previous data. In addition, we found a significantly higher immunolabeling with low temperature Lowicryl K11M embedding procedure as compared with high temperature LR White embedding.
Association of spectrin with manchette microtubules in mammalian spermatids
Authors: Kann Marie‐Louise , Fouquet Jean‐Pierre
Published: August 2005

Summary— In hamster and mouse spermatozoa a spectrin immunogold labeling was found under the plasma membrane in the principal piece of the flagellum. During spermatid differentiation, the spectrin labeling was associated with the manchette, a transient microtubular network involved in nuclear shaping and organelle translocation.
Neuroimaging and the functional neuroanatomy of psychotherapy
Authors: ROFFMAN JOSHUA L. , MARCI CARL D. , GLICK DEBRA M. , DOUGHERTY DARIN D. , RAUCH SCOTT L.
Published: August 2005

Background. Studies measuring the effects of psychotherapy on brain function are under-represented relative to analogous studies of medications, possibly reflecting historical biases. However, psychological constructs relevant to several modalities of psychotherapy have demonstrable neurobiological correlates, as indicated by functional neuroimaging studies in healthy subjects. This review examines initial attempts to measure directly the effects of psychotherapy on brain function in patients with depression or anxiety disorders.

Method. Fourteen published, peer-reviewed functional neuroimaging investigations of psychotherapy were identified through a MEDLINE search and critically reviewed. Studies were compared for consistency of findings both within specific diagnostic categories, and between specific modalities of psychotherapy. Results were also compared to predicted neural models of psychotherapeutic interventions.

Results. Behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders was consistently associated with attenuation of brain-imaging abnormalities in regions linked to the pathophysiology of anxiety, and with activation in regions related to positive reappraisal of anxiogenic stimuli. In studies of major depressive disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy were associated with markedly similar changes in cortical–subcortical circuitry, but in unexpected directions. For any given psychiatric disorder, there was only partial overlap between the brain-imaging changes associated with pharmacotherapy and those associated with psychotherapy.

Conclusions. Despite methodological limitations, initial neuroimaging studies have revealed convergent and mechanistically sensible effects of psychotherapy on brain function across a range of psychiatric disorders. Further research in this area may take advantage of emerging neuroimaging techniques to explore a broader range of psychotherapies, with the ultimate goal of improving clinical decision-making and treatment.
Immigrants from the former Soviet Union, 5 years post-immigration to Israel: adaptation and risk factors for psychological distress
Authors: LERNER Y. , KERTES J. , ZILBER N.
Published: August 2005

Background. Studies about the effect of time on the degree of psychological distress among immigrants have reported conflicting findings. We investigated this issue in Israel, which supports actively the absorption of immigrants, and also looked for risk and protective factors for psychological distress 5 years post-immigration.

Method. A nationwide sample of 600 subjects who emigrated from the former Soviet Union to Israel in 1990 were interviewed in 1995, with the demoralization subscale of the Psychiatric Epidemiologic Research Interview (PERI-D) for psychological distress, and with a series of questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics, personal assets and their absorption experience. The results were compared with those obtained in a previous study for a sample of the same cohort of immigrants in their first year post-immigration. A multivariate analysis was carried out to examine the relation between the PERI score and the different independent variables.

Results. Although, 5 years after immigration, a favorable change in objective parameters of absorption was found, no decrease in psychological distress was observed. The main risk factors remaining significantly associated with psychological distress in the final model were: adverse life events, lack of perceived social support, poor family functioning, external locus of control, poor physical health status, non-identification with host society and, to a lesser degree, poor material conditions.

Conclusion. Psychological readjustment apparently takes longer than other processes of adaptation. Several years after immigration, social and psychological factors have a more important role for the well-being of immigrants than their material conditions.
The relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and cardiovascular disease in an American Indian tribe
Authors: SAWCHUK CRAIG N. , ROY-BYRNE PETER , GOLDBERG JACK , MANSON SPERO , NOONAN CAROLYN , BEALS JANETTE , BUCHWALD DEDRA
Published: August 2005

Background. Empirical findings suggest that psychiatric illness is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The purpose of this study was to compare the strength of the association of lifetime post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and lifetime major depression on CVD among Northern Plains American Indians.

Method. A total of 1414 participants aged 18–57 years completed a structured interview that assessed psychiatric diagnoses, alcohol abuse/dependence, self-reported CVD, and traditional CVD risk factors including age, sex, education, diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking. Logistic regression analyses compared the odds ratios of CVD in participants with and without diagnosed PTSD or major depression.

Results. The rates of lifetime PTSD and major depression were 15% and 8% respectively. CVD was more commonly reported by participants with PTSD than by those without PTSD (12% v. 5%, p[les ]0·01). Likewise, more participants with major depression reported CVD than did their non-depressed counterparts (14% v. 6%, p[les ]0·05). PTSD was significantly associated with CVD even after controlling for traditional CVD risk factors and major depression (odds ratio 2·0, confidence interval 1·1–3·8). In contrast, the association of major depression with CVD was not significant after accounting for both traditional risk factors and PTSD.

Conclusions. Rates of PTSD are high in American Indian communities. Rising CVD rates in this population may be better understood if PTSD is considered along with other traditional risk factors. Future research should examine the association and mechanisms of PTSD and CVD prospectively. Such data could lead to more effective CVD prevention efforts for American Indians.
ON THE ARABIC TRANSLATIONS OF ARISTOTLE'S METAPHYSICS
Authors: BERTOLACCI AMOS
Published: August 2005

The starting-point and, at the same time, the foundation of recent scholarship on the Arabic translations of Aristotle's Metaphysics are Maurice Bouyges' excellent critical edition of the work in which the extant translations of the Metaphysics are preserved – i.e. Averroes' Tafsīr (the so-called “Long Commentary”) of the Metaphysics – and his comprehensive account of the Arabic translations and translators of the Metaphysics in the introductory volume. Relying on the texts made available by Bouyges and the impressive amount of philological information conveyed in his edition, subsequent scholars have been able to select and focus on more specific topics, providing, for example, a closer inspection of the Arabic translations of the single books of the Metaphysics (books A, α, and Λ in particular), or a detailed comparison of some of these translations with the original text of the Metaphysics. A new trend of research in recent times has been the study of these versions as part of the wider context of the Graeco-Arabic translation movement.
‘…mere seekers of fame’? : personalities, power and politics in the small town: Pontypool and Bridgend, c. 1860–95
Authors: LIGHT JULIE
Published: August 2005

This article evaluates the contribution that analysis of local politics and urban elites in the small town can make to urban history in Wales. It is suggested that in the context of the small town, the personality and public persona of the individual, and a discourse emphasizing public service to the town, were as crucial as socio-occupational status in establishing the individual as someone suitable for a position of social leadership. Local politicians were ‘celebrities’ that nevertheless had to negotiate their reciprocal relationship with the electorate and townspeople, and detailed analysis demonstrates the contingency and complexity of local politics in the small town.
Interest as the Missing Motivator in Self-Regulation
Authors: Sansone Carol , Thoman Dustin B.
Published: August 2005

Abstract. Typically, models of self-regulation include motivation in terms of goals. Motivation is proposed to fluctuate according to how much individuals value goals and expect to attain them. Missing from these models is the motivation that arises from the process of goal-pursuit. We suggest that an important aspect of self-regulation is monitoring and regulating our motivation, not just our progress toward goals. Although we can regulate motivation by enhancing the value or expectancy of attaining the outcome, we suggest that regulating the interest experience can be just as, if not more, powerful. We first present our model, which integrates self-regulation of interest within the goal-striving process. We then briefly review existing evidence, distinguishing between two broad classes of potential interest-enhancing strategies: intrapersonal and interpersonal. For each class of strategies we note what is known about developmental and individual differences in whether and how these kinds of strategies are used. We also discuss implications, including the potential trade-offs between regulating interest and performance, and how recognizing the role of the interest experience may shed new light on earlier research in domains such as close relationships, psychiatric disorders, and females' choice to drop out of math and science.
Social Interaction - What Can It Tell Us about Metacognition and Coregulation in Learning?
Authors: Salonen Pekka , Vauras Marja , Efklides Anastasia
Published: August 2005

Abstract. This article brings to the fore the sociocognitive aspect of metacognition and processes involved in coregulation. We argue that coregulation in a learning situation that involves the interaction of teachers and students or peers is based on awareness of the partners' cognition, metacognition, affect, and motivation, as well as interpersonal perception processes and/or interpersonal relational control processes. One aspect of metacognition, particularly relevant to coregulation of learning, is metacognitive experience, i.e., how the interacting partners feel and what they think about the task at hand. Awareness of one's own and the other's cognition and of metacognitive experiences is necessary for metacommunication control processes. Evidence from two independent studies suggests that there can be misperception of the interacting partners' metacognitive experiences because of “theory-driven” conceptions of the other person or lack of metacognitive coregulation because of the prevalence of relational control processes. We suggest that this may lead to scaffolding mismatch in instruction, failure in coregulation, and negative feelings and behaviors of the interacting partners in certain learning situations.
Subliminal Affect Regulation
Authors: Jostmann Nils B. , Koole Sander L. , van der Wulp Nickie Y. , Fockenberg Daniel A.
Published: August 2005

Abstract. Past research has linked action orientation to intuitive affect regulation ( Koole & Jostmann, 2004 ; Kuhl, 1981 ). The present research examines whether action orientation can regulate subliminally activated affect. In an experimental study, action- vs. state-oriented participants were exposed to subliminal primes of schematic faces with an angry, neutral, or happy expression. Participants subsequently rated their affect on a basic affect measure. The results showed prime-congruent effects among state-oriented individuals: subliminal angry primes led to lower basic affect compared to subliminal happy primes. Action-oriented participants were not influenced by the subliminal priming in their basic affective reactions. The authors conclude that action orientation is a regulator of basic affective responses, even when these responses are triggered outside of conscious awareness.