bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PA‐FABP, a novel marker of human epidermal transit amplifying cells revealed by 2D protein gel electrophoresis and cDNA array hybridisation
Authors: O'Shaughnessy Ryan F.L. , Seery John P. , Celis Julio E. , Frischauf Anna-Maria , Watt Fiona M.
Published: July 2002

Human epidermal stem cells express higher levels of β1 integrins than their more differentiated daughters, transit amplifying cells. In a search for additional stem and transit cell markers we used proteomics and differential cDNA hybridisation to compare keratinocytes fractionated on the basis of β1 integrin expression. There were remarkably few differences between the two populations and none of the RNAs differed in abundance by more than 2‐fold. Nevertheless, proteomics revealed upregulated expression of epidermal fatty acid binding protein (PA‐FABP, also known as E‐FABP), Annexin II and two keratin related proteins in the transit population. An unknown high molecular mass protein was upregulated in the stem cell population. The upregulation of PA‐FABP was confirmed by Northern blotting and conventional and whole mount labelling of human epidermis. We conclude that PA‐FABP is a novel marker of epidermal transit amplifying cells.
Intercellular Ca2+ waves in rat hippocampal slice and dissociated glial–neuron cultures mediated by nitric oxide
Authors: Willmott Nicholas J. , Wong Kay , Strong Anthony J.
Published: July 2002

Nitric oxide (NO) may participate in cell–cell communication in the brain by generating intercellular Ca2+ waves. In hippocampal organotypic and dissociated glial–neuron (>80% glia) cultures local applications of aqueous NO induced slowly propagating intercellular Ca2+ waves. In glial cultures, Ca2+ waves and Mn2+ quench of cytosolic fura‐2 fluorescence mediated by NO were inhibited by nicardipine, indicating that NO induces Ca2+ influx in glia which is dihydropyridine‐sensitive. As NO treatments also depolarised the plasma membrane potential of glia, the nicardipine‐sensitive Ca2+ influx might be due to the activation of dihydropyridine‐sensitive L‐type Ca2+ channels. Both nicardipine‐sensitive intercellular Ca2+ waves and propagating cell depolarisation induced by mechanical stress of individual glia were inhibited by pretreating cultures with either an NO scavenger or N
G‐methyl‐L‐arginine. Results demonstrate that NO can induce Ca2+ waves in hippocampal slice cultures, and that Ca2+ influx coupled to NO‐mediated membrane depolarisation might assist in fashioning their spatio‐temporal dynamics.
Heterodimer formation between thioredoxin f and fructose 1,6‐bisphosphatase from spinach chloroplasts
Authors: Balmer Yves , Schürmann Peter
Published: July 2002

Chloroplast fructose 1,6‐bisphosphatase (FBPase) is activated by reduction of a regulatory disulfide through thioredoxin f (Trx f). In the course of this reduction a transient mixed disulfide is formed linking covalently Trx f with FBPase, which possesses three Cys on a loop structure, two of them forming the redox‐active disulfide bridge. The goal of this study was to identify the Cys involved in the transient mixed disulfide. To stabilize this reaction intermediate, mutant proteins with modified active sites were used. We identified Cys‐155 of the FBPase as the one engaged in the formation of the mixed disulfide intermediate with Cys‐46 of Trx f.
The epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) is related to the hypertonicity‐induced Na+ conductance in rat hepatocytes
Authors: Böhmer Christoph , Wehner Frank
Published: July 2002

The epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) is composed of the subunits α, β, and γ [Canessa et al., Nature 367 (1994) 463–467] and typically exhibits a high affinity to amiloride [Canessa et al., Nature 361 (1993) 467–470]. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, conflicting results were reported concerning the osmo‐sensitivity of the channel [Ji et al., Am. J. Physiol. 275 (1998) C1182–C1190; Hawayda and Subramanyam, J. Gen. Physiol. 112 (1998) 97–111; Rossier, J. Gen. Physiol. 112 (1998) 95–96]. Rat hepatocytes were the first system in which amiloride‐sensitive sodium currents in response to hypertonic stress were reported [Wehner et al., J. Gen. Physiol. 105 (1995) 507–535; Wehner et al., Physiologist 40 (1997) A‐4]. Moreover, all three ENaC subunits are expressed in these cells [Böhmer et al., Cell. Physiol. Biochem. 10 (2000) 187–194]. Here, we injected specific antisense oligonucleotides directed against α‐rENaC into single rat hepatocytes in confluent primary culture and found an inhibition of hypertonicity‐induced Na+ currents by 70%. This is the first direct evidence for a role of the ENaC in cell volume regulation.
Rho proteins, PI 3‐kinases, and monocyte/macrophage motility
Authors: Ridley Anne J.
Published: July 2002

Rho proteins and phosphatidylinositide 3‐kinases (PI 3‐kinases) have been widely implicated in regulating cell motility both in cultured cells and in animal models. Monocytes are recruited from the bloodstream in response to inflammatory signals, and migrate across the endothelial barrier into the tissues, where they differentiate into macrophages and phagocytose bacteria and cells. Studies of monocytes and macrophages have revealed that different Rho family members and PI 3‐kinases are not functionally redundant but play unique and distinct roles in motile responses.
Modified low density lipoprotein delivers substrate for ceramide formation and stimulates the sphingomyelin‐ceramide pathway in human macrophages
Authors: Kinscherf Ralf , Claus Ralf , Deigner Hans P , Nauen Olaf , Gehrke Christoph , Hermetter Albin , Rußwurm Stefan , Daniel Volker , Hack Volker , Metz Jürgen
Published: July 2002

© 1997 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.
Alzheimer's soluble amyloid β is a normal component of human urine
Authors: Ghiso Jorge , Calero Miguel , Matsubara Etsuro , Governale Samuel , Chuba Joseph , Beavis Ronald , Wisniewski Thomas , Frangione Blas
Published: July 2002

Soluble Aβ (Saβ) is normally present at a low concentration in human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. Although the factors involved in the regulation of Saβ plasma levels are still unknown, we have explored its excretion in the urine as one of the possible homeostatic mechanisms. The presence of Saβ in the urine was investigated via immunoprecipitation experiments with anti‐Aβ antibodies followed by detection and identification by immunoblot, MALDI mass spectrometry and sequence analysis. Soluble Aβ (4.3 kDa) immunoreactivity was present in the urine of normal donors, Down's syndrome individuals as well as in patients with renal disorders exhibiting glomerular or mixed proteinuria. Edman degradation of the immunoprecipitated material yielded the intact Aβ N‐terminus and mass spectra analysis indicated the existence of a major component at m/z 4327, corresponding to the molecular mass of Aβ1‐40. Semiquantitative data obtained from the immunoprecipitation experiments indicate that under normal conditions the daily excretion of intact Saβ in the urine represents less than 1% of the circulating pool.
Characterization of Aplysia carboxypeptidase E
Authors: Juvvadi Shailaja , Fan Xuemo , Nagle Gregg T. , Fricker Lloyd D.
Published: July 2002

Carboxypeptidase E (CPE) is involved in the biosynthesis of peptide hormones and neurotransmitters. To determine whether a recently reported Aplysia californica cDNA encodes a CPE‐like enzyme, this cDNA was expressed in the baculovirus system. The Aplysia CPE is optimal at pH 5.5–6.5 and is inhibited by chelating agents and by the sulfhydryl reagent p‐chloromercuriphenyl sulfonate. The effect of divalent cations and active site‐directed inhibitors on enzyme activity are generally similar for Aplysia and rat CPE. Western blot analysis using antisera to the N‐ and C‐terminal regions of the Aplysia CPE show that the Aplysia CPE is present in atrial glands and ovotestis. This Aplysia CPE is purified on a p‐aminobenzoyl–Arg Sepharose affinity column under conditions that selectively purify rat CPE. Taken together, these results suggest that the previously cloned cDNA represents a CPE‐like enzyme that is expressed in Aplysia tissue.
Fungal cleavage of thioether bond found in Yperite
Authors: Itoh Noriyuki , Yoshida Michiko , Miyamoto Tadashi , Ichinose Hirofumi , Wariishi Hiroyuki , Tanaka Hiroo
Published: July 2002

The degradation of thiodiglycol (I) and benzyl sulfide (II) was attempted using Coriolus versicolor and Tyromyces palustris to investigate the potential ability of basidiomycetes to degrade Yperite (bis(2‐chloroethyl) sulfide), a mass‐produced and stored chemical warfare agent. I was very rapidly degraded by both fungi. The metabolic pathway of II was elucidated, showing that the initial step was the hydrolytic cleavage of the thioether bond to yield benzyl alcohol and benzyl mercaptan. Benzyl alcohol was further oxidized and finally mineralized. Benzyl mercaptan is reversibly converted to benzyl disulfide and also converted to benzyl alcohol. Finally, the effective degradation of bis(2‐bromoethyl) sulfide strongly suggests that basidiomycete would be a potential tool for Yperite degradation.
Dexamethasone suppresses apoptosis in a human gastric cancer cell line through modulation of bcl‐x gene expression
Authors: Chang Tsu-Chung , Hung Mei-Whey , Jiang Shu-Yang , Chu Jing-Tsai , Chu Li-Ling , Tsai Lai-Chen
Published: July 2002

Treatment of human gastric cancer TMK‐1 cells with transcription and translation inhibitors rapidly triggered cell apoptosis. Along with cell apoptosis, the Bcl‐xS level was markedly upregulated suggesting a crucial role of this protein in promoting the apoptotic process. In the presence of dexamethasone, however, cell apoptosis was greatly attenuated as demonstrated by DNA histogram shift and DNA fragmentation. Studies using the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU486 indicated that attenuation of apoptosis was mediated through glucocorticoid receptors. Dexamethasone not only suppressed the apoptosis‐associated upregulation of Bcl‐xS but also enhanced the basal level of Bcl‐xL in the cells. In addition, bcl‐x mRNA stability was significantly extended in the presence of dexamethasone. These results indicate that dexamethasone exerted a protective effect and delayed apoptosis of TMK‐1 cells by modulating bcl‐x gene expression.
Stimulation of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase by oxyhemoglobin
Authors: Brookes Paul S. , Land John M. , Clark John B. , Heales Simon J.R.
Published: July 2002

Glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a key glycolytic enzyme regulated by many diverse mechanisms. In this study we present evidence that GAPDH activity is stimulated in the presence of oxyhemoglobin (2.3‐fold, P<0.005). No stimulation was seen by myoglobin, and only slight stimulation (1.2‐fold, not significant) by methemoglobin was observed. Such stimulation may have physiological significance as 1,3‐bis‐phosphoglycerate, the product of GAPDH, isomerises to 2,3‐bis‐phosphoglycerate, an allosteric effector that decreases the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin, thus providing a feedback loop. The results suggest that when assaying GAPDH activity in biological samples, hemoglobin content should be taken into account.
Sphingomyelinase and ceramide inhibit formation of F‐actin ring in and bone resorption by rabbit mature osteoclasts
Authors: Takeda Hiroyuki , Ozaki Ken , Yasuda Hirohito , Ishida Masami , Shigeo Kitano  , Hanazawa Shigemasa
Published: July 2002

Recent studies have demonstrated that ceramide plays an important role as a second messenger in many kinds of cells. However, it is not known whether apoptosis of and bone resorption by mature osteoclasts are mediated via sphingomyelinase (SMase) and ceramide. Thus, we examined the possible involvement of SMase and ceramide in the induction of apoptosis in and bone resorption by rabbit mature osteoclasts. SMase and C2‐ceramide inhibited strongly F‐actin ring formation of and bone resorption by the osteoclasts. However, the osteoclast apoptosis was not induced by C2‐ceramide. The ceramide inhibition of the bone resorption was suppressed by dl‐threo‐dihydrosphingosine, an inhibitor of sphingosine kinase. In addition, we observed that sphingosine‐1‐phosphate is able to inhibit bone resorption by the osteoclasts. These results suggest an important role of the sphingomyelin pathway in bone resorption by rabbit mature osteoclasts.
Calorimetric analysis of lisinopril binding to angiotensin I‐converting enzyme
Authors: Téllez-Sanz Ramiro , Garcı́a-Fuentes Luis , Barón Carmen
Published: July 2002

Isothermal titration microcalorimetry has been used to measure changes in enthalpy and heat capacity for binding of lisinopril to the angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE; EC 3.4.15.1) and to its apoenzyme at pH 7.5 over a temperature range of 15–30°C. Calorimetric measurements indicate that lisinopril binds to two sites in the monomer of both holo‐ and apo‐ACE. Binding of lisinopril to both systems is enthalpically unfavorable and, thus, is dominated by a large positive entropy change. The enthalpy change of binding is strongly temperature‐dependent for both holo‐ and apo‐ACE, arising from a large heat capacity change of binding equal to −2.4±0.2 kJ/K/(mol of monomeric holo‐ACE) and to −1.9±0.2 kJ/K/(mol of monomeric apo‐ACE), respectively. The negative values of ΔCp
for both systems are consistent with burial of a large non‐polar surface area upon binding. Although the binding of lisinopril to holo‐ and apo‐ACE is favored by entropy changes, this is more positive for the holoenzyme. Thus, the interaction between Zn2+ and lisinopril results in a higher affinity of the holoenzyme for this drug due to a more favorable entropic contribution.
Disruption of actin microfilaments by cytochalasin D leads to activation of p53
Authors: Rubtsova S.N , Kondratov R.V , Kopnin P.B , Chumakov P.M , Kopnin B.P , Vasiliev J.M
Published: July 2002

Activation of p53 plays a central role in the cell's response to various stress signals. We investigated whether p53 is activated upon disruption of actin microfilaments, caused by cytochalasin D (CD). We show that treatment with CD leads to accumulation of p53 in the cells and activation of p53‐dependent transcription. Treatment with CD led to arrest of G1‐to‐S transition in cells retaining wild‐type p53, while cells with inactivated p53 showed partial rescue from it. CD also induces apoptosis in p53+/+, but not in p53−/− cells. The obtained data suggest that disruption of the actin microfilaments activates p53‐dependent pathways.
Computational analyses and annotations of the Arabidopsis peroxidase gene family
Authors: Østergaard Lars , Pedersen Anders G , Jespersen Hans M , Brunak Søren , Welinder Karen G
Published: July 2002

Classical heme‐containing plant peroxidases have been ascribed a wide variety of functional roles related to development, defense, lignification, and hormonal signaling. More than 40 peroxidase genes are now known in Arabidopsis thaliana for which functional association is complicated by a general lack of peroxidase substrate specificity. Computational analysis was performed on 30 near full‐length Arabidopsis peroxidase cDNAs for annotation of start codons and signal peptide cleavage sites. A compositional analysis revealed that 23 of the 30 peroxidase cDNAs have 5′ untranslated regions containing 40–71% adenine, a rare feature observed also in cDNAs which predominantly encode stress‐induced proteins, and which may indicate translational regulation.
Identification of the mammalian homologues of the Drosophila timeless gene, Timeless11
Authors: Koike Nobuya , Hida Akiko , Numano Rika , Hirose Matsumi , Sakaki Yoshiuki , Tei Hajime
Published: July 2002

We have identified novel mammalian homologues of a Drosophila clock gene, timeless, and designated them as human TIMELESS1 (hTIM1) and mouse Timeless1 (mTim1), respectively. These genes were mapped by FISH to chromosomal regions 12q12‐13 in human and 10D3 in mouse. The deduced amino acid sequences of hTim1 and mTim1 proteins were 1208 and 1197 amino acids in length and shared 83% identity. Northern blot analysis identified a single transcript of 4.5 kb expressed widely in many tissues examined. Unlike the Drosophila counterpart, the levels of the mTim1 transcript exhibited no prominent circadian oscillation in the mouse brain.
Transition metal ion‐catalyzed oxygen activation during pathogenic processes
Authors: Hippeli Susanne , Elstner Erich F
Published: July 2002

Most pathological processes include the production of activated oxygen species augmented or attenuated by transition metal ions catalyzing one electron transitions. Inhalation of airborne particles, infections, ingestion of toxins or liberation from endogenous stores represent biological pathways for the induction of pathogenic processes by these metal ions. In this short review basic reactions involving transition metal ions operating during oxidative stress in certain diseases will be discussed.
Cloning and expression of interleukin‐18 binding protein
Authors: Aizawa Yasushi , Akita Kenji , Taniai Madoka , Torigoe Kakuji , Mori Tetsuya , Nishida Yoshihiro , Ushio Shimpei , Nukada Yoshiyuki , Tanimoto Tadao , Ikegami Hakuo , Ikeda Masao , Kurimoto Masashi
Published: July 2002

Interleukin‐18 binding protein is a novel glycoprotein that we successfully cloned and expressed. First, murine interleukin‐18 binding protein was purified from the sera of mice with endotoxin shock using ligand affinity chromatography. The murine interleukin‐18 binding protein cDNA was cloned after RT‐PCR using mixed primer pair sequences based on partial murine interleukin‐18 binding protein amino acid sequence analysis. Subsequently, human interleukin‐18 binding protein cDNA was cloned from cDNA libraries of normal human liver using murine interleukin‐18 binding protein cDNA as a probe. Next, we transiently expressed recombinant human and murine interleukin‐18 binding proteins in COS‐1 cells and purified them from culture supernatants. Both recombinant interleukin‐18 binding proteins did not exhibit species specificity and prevented interleukin‐18 binding to its receptor. In addition, they inhibited interleukine‐18 dependent IFN‐γ production from KG‐1 cells effectively. These results suggest that the interleukin‐18 binding protein may possess interleukine‐18 antagonist activity.
ATP‐synthase of Rhodobacter capsulatus: coupling of proton flow through F0 to reactions in F1 under the ATP synthesis and slip conditions
Authors: Feniouk Boris A. , Cherepanov Dmitry A. , Junge Wolfgang , Mulkidjanian Armen Y.
Published: July 2002

A stepwise increasing membrane potential was generated in chromatophores of the phototrophic bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus by illumination with short flashes of light. Proton transfer through ATP‐synthase (measured by electrochromic carotenoid bandshift and by pH‐indicators) and ATP release (measured by luminescence of luciferin‐luciferase) were monitored. The ratio between the amount of protons translocated by F0F1 and the ATP yield decreased with the flash number from an apparent value of 13 after the first flash to about 5 when averaged over three flashes. In the absence of ADP, protons slipped through F0F1. The proton transfer through F0F1 after the first flash contained two kinetic components, of about 6 ms and 20 ms both under the ATP synthesis conditions and under slip. The slower component of proton transfer was substantially suppressed in the absence of ADP. We attribute our observations to the mechanism of energy storage in the ATP‐synthase needed to couple the transfer of four protons with the synthesis of one molecule of ATP. Most probably, the transfer of initial protons of each tetrad creates a strain in the enzyme that slows the translocation of the following protons.
Functional role of the spatial proximity of Asp114(2.50) in TMH 2 and Asn332(7.49) in TMH 7 of the μ opioid receptor
Authors: Xu Wei , Ozdener Fatih , Li Jian-Guo , Chen Chonguang , de Riel J.Kim , Weinstein Harel , Liu-Chen Lee-Yuan
Published: July 2002

We examined whether a proposed spatial proximity between Asp114(2.50) and Asn332(7.49) affected the functional properties of the μ opioid receptor. The D114(2.50)N mutant had reduced binding affinities for morphine, DAMGO and CTAP, but not for naloxone and [3H]diprenorphine; this mutation also abolished agonist‐induced increase in [35S]GTPγS binding. The N332(7.49)D mutation eliminated detectable binding of either [3H]diprenorphine or [3H]DAMGO. The combined D114(2.50)N‐N332(7.49)D mutation restored high affinity binding for [3H]diprenorphine, CTAP and naloxone, and restored partially the binding affinities, potencies and efficacies of morphine and DAMGO. Thus, reciprocal mutations of Asp114(2.50) and Asn332(7.49) compensate for the detrimental effects of the single mutations, indicating that the residues are adjacent in space and that their chemical functionalities are important for ligand binding and receptor activation.
Molecular cloning of haploid germ cell‐specific tektin cDNA and analysis of the protein in mouse testis
Authors: Iguchi Naoko , Tanaka Hiromitsu , Fujii Takayuki , Tamura Kazutoshi , Kaneko Yoshioki , Nojima Hiroshi , Nishimune Yoshitake
Published: July 2002

Tektins are a class of proteins that form filamentous polymers in the walls of ciliary and flagellar microtubules. We report here the molecular cloning of a new member of the tektin family, tektin‐t, identified from a mouse haploid germ cell‐specific cDNA library. Tektin‐t mRNA encodes a protein of 430 deduced amino acids possessing RSNVELCRD, the conserved sequence of tektin family proteins. Western blotting showed a single band having a molecular weight of 86 kDa in the mouse testis. Immunohistochemistry of the testis showed that tektin‐t is localized in the flagella of elongating spermatids from developmental step 15 to maturity.
Hepatoprotective action of adenovirus‐transferred HNF‐3γ gene in acute liver injury caused by CCl4
Authors: Nakamura Takafumi , Akiyoshi Hideo , Shiota Goshi , Isono Masato , Nakamura Kyoko , Moriyama Masatsugu , Sato Kenzo
Published: July 2002

Hepatocyte nuclear factor‐3γ (HNF‐3γ) is an important regulator of liver‐specific genes and the expression of this factor is reduced in the liver injured by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Wistar rats were infected with a recombinant adenovirus carrying the cDNA for HNF‐3γ (AxCAHNF3γ) via the tail vein and were treated with CCl4 by intraperitoneal injection. Liver damage, such as swelling of the hepatocytes and increases in serum marker enzymes were markedly alleviated by AxCAHNF3γ infection. Interestingly, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was strongly induced in the AxCAHNF3γ‐infected liver. Likewise, HNF‐1α and HNF‐1β levels were increased, but HNF‐3α and HNF‐3β levels were depressed in the liver. Our results suggest that the transduced HNF‐3γ gene leads to a hepatoprotective effect via the induction of HGF by the combined actions of liver‐enriched transcription factors.
Urinary isoprostane excretion is not confounded by the lipid content of the diet
Authors: Richelle M , Turini M.E , Guidoux R , Tavazzi I , Métairon S , Fay L.B
Published: July 2002

This study aims to determine if isoprostanes accurately reflect in vivo lipid peroxidation or whether they are influenced by the lipid content of the diet. Isoprostanes were measured in urine of healthy subjects under different conditions of lipid intake and under conditions of oxidative stress (fasting). We found that isoprostanes were not influenced by the lipid content of the diet: the urinary level remained constant over 24 h as well as over 4 consecutive days when switching from high to low lipid intake. Urinary isoprostane excretion was increased by 40% following a 24 h fast. We concluded that urinary isoprostane excretion reflects endogenous lipid peroxidation in vivo.
Pain control in medical abortion
Authors: Wiebe E
Published: July 2002

Objectives: In patients having medical abortions with methotrexate and misoprostol: (1) to determine if giving ibuprofen or acetaminophen plus codeine with misoprostol (prior to onset of pain) prevented severe pain; and (2) to determine if there were predictors of medical abortion pain. Methods: A group of 281 women randomized to receive placebo, ibuprofen or acetaminophen with codeine. This was taken at home with the misoprostol 4–6 days after the methotrexate. Results: There were no significant differences between the three groups with respect to age, gestational age, parity, anxiety, depression, worst period pain score, and ethnicity. There was no significant difference with respect to rates of severe pain scores. The mean pain score for the entire group was 6.2 on a scale of 0 to 10. Severe pain (scores of 9 or 10) were reported by 23.4% of women and in this group, the mean maternal age was lower (P=0.05), parity was lower (P=0.01), worst period pain scores were higher (P=0.001), anxiety scores were higher (P=0.05) and satisfaction was lower (P=0.01). Conclusions: The pain experienced in medical abortion causes significant distress and more research is needed to reduce it.
The incidence of congenital malformations in a Turkish population
Authors: Himmetoglu O. , Tiras M.B. , Gursoy R. , Karabacak O. , Sahin I. , Onan A.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To determine the incidence and types of congenital anomalies in a Turkish population. Method: The total number of neonates (9160) born in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine during 1988–1995 were studied retrospectively. Newborns with congenital anomaly were identified from their birth registries. The total incidence, types and combined anomalies were determined. Also, the relationship between congenital anomalies and maternal age and/or gender were investigated. For statistical evaluation, Chi‐square test, Yates correction and Fisher's exact tests were used where appropriate. Results: The overall congenital anomaly incidence was 1.11% and the NTD incidence was 0.27% in our population. Anencephaly was the second most common NTDs with the ratio of 40%, following the spina bifida cases. There was a significant difference between female and male newborns with ancephalocele (P < 0.05). Urogenital system anomalies were found to be the second most common type of malformation with an incidence of 0.21%. Facial and musculoskeletal system abnormalities were the third and fourth most common malformations. Omphalocele incidence in our population was 5 in 9160 births and gastrochisis was 1 in 9160 births. Conclusion: The overall congenital anomaly incidence in newborns in our population is 1.11%. The most common malformations were CNS and urogenital abnormalities. NTDs incidence was 0.27% in a Turkish population.
Inappropriate use of new technology: impact on women's health
Authors: Sheth S.S. , Malpani A.N.
Published: July 2002

While medical technology is very useful we need to be aware of its inappropriate use. Examples are given, such as: continuous vs. intermittent electronic fetal monitoring; widespread use of magnetic resonance image technology where simple methods could be as effective; laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomies replacing simple vaginal hysterectomies and increasing the cost; ultrasound to provide the first pictures of the baby or to detect female fetuses for female feticide; use of technology for defensive medicine rather than using it for the patient's welfare, and pecuniary indications. Woe betide the doctor who does not make enough money — he may find that his contract is not renewed. We need to empower patients with information, so that they can judge the technology and its appropriateness as it relates to them. Opinion programs have helped to curb the misuse of unnecessary surgery, and audit and peer review programs also provide a check on the misuse of technology. The provision of consensus statements, e.g. by the National Institutes of Health, USA, have helped to clarify issues and to guide doctors as to the appropriateness of the newer technologies, and practice guidelines formulated by experts are also very helpful. We need to teach medical students and residents how to be critical, how to evaluate claims and study the literature, so that they are not hoodwinked by ‘authority’ or misled by manufacturer's claims. Gynecology and Obstetrics
Peroxisomal ghosts are intracellular structures distinct from lysosomal compartments in Zellweger Syndrome: A confocal laser scanning microscopy study
Authors: Santos Manuel J. , Henderson Scott C. , Moser Ann B. , Moser Hugo W. , Lazarow Paul B.
Published: July 2002

Summary— Peroxisome ghosts are aberrant peroxisomal structures found in cultured skin fibroblasts from patients affected by Zellweger Syndrome (ZS), a genetic disorder of peroxisomal assembly. They contain peroxisomal integral membrane proteins (PxIMPs) and they lack most of the matrix enzymes that should be inside the organelle (Santos et al., Science 239 (1988) 1536–1538). Considerable evidence indicates that these ghosts result from genetic defects in the cellular machinery for importing newly‐synthesized peroxisomal proteins into the organelle. In contrast to these observations, (Heikoop et al., Eur. J. Cell Biol. 57 (1992) 165–171) report that in Zellweger Syndrome, peroxisomal membranes are located within lysosomes and/or contain lysosomal enzymes. We have undertaken a more detailed and systematic investigation of this matter, employing confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). In fibroblasts derived from ZS patients belonging to different complementation groups, peroxisomes were labeled with antibodies against PxIMPs and lysosomes were labeled with an antibody against a lysosome associated membrane protein (LAMP‐2) or with LysoTracker. The results unambiguously demonstrated no appreciable colocalization of PxIMPs and LAMPs (or LysoTracker), indicating that peroxisomal ghosts are distinct subcellular structures, occupying separate subcellular locations.
Growth in width of the metacarpals — an investigation in human fetuses
Authors: Uhthoff Hans K. , Trudel Guy , Matsumoto Fujio
Published: July 2002

The process of growth in width of the human hand during fetal life has never been described. Do metacarpals grow concentrically and separation between the bones occurs through expansion of soft tissues? Or is growth eccentric, a process termed drift by Enlow, a relocation in space of organs? Hands of 10 spontaneously aborted fetuses (age range: between 14.5 and 24 weeks of gestation) were examined paying special attention to the bone bark. A thicker bone bark was taken as an indication of growth in that direction. The thickness of the bone bark was measured at the radial and ulnar sides at the level of the proximal and of the distal physes of the second to fifth metacarpals. A ratio of radial over ulnar bone bark thickness (R/U ratio) was calculated. The third metacarpal grew almost concentrically (R/U ratio 1.12 ± 0.06). The second metacarpal grew in a radial direction (R/U ratio 3.29 ± 0.19) and the fourth and more so the fifth metacarpal grew in an ulnar direction (R/U ratio 0.70 ± 0.04 and 0.42 ± 0.02, respectively). The differences in R/U ratios between every metacarpal were statistically significant for all comparisons P ≤ 0.001. Fetal growth in width of the human metacarpals is eccentric and not concentric. It is concluded that during growth in width the metacarpals move away from the midline of the hand and that growth occurs through eccentric bone apposition rather than through soft tissue expansion. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb of the frogXenopus Laevis shows unique patterns during embryonic development and metamorphosis
Authors: Fritz Anne , Gorlick Dennis L. , Burd Gail D.
Published: July 2002

We determined the time of origin of neurons in the olfactory bulb of the South African clawed frog,Xenopus laevis. Tritiated thymidine injections were administered to frog embryos and tadpoles from gastrulation (stage 11/12) through metamorphosis (stage 65), paraffin sections were processed for autoradiography, and the distribution of heavily and lightly labeled cells was examined. In the ventral olfactory bulb, we observed that the mitral cells were born as early as stage 11/12 and continued to be generated through the end of metamorphosis. Interneurons (periglomerular and granule cells) were not born in the ventral bulb until stage 41, and birth of these cells also continued through metamorphosis. Labeled cells were observed in the accessory olfactory bulb, beginning at stage 41. In contrast, the cells of the dorsal olfactory bulb were not born until the onset of metamorphosis (stage 54); at this stage in the dorsal bulb, the genesis of mitral cells, interneurons, and glial cells completely overlapped. The results indicate that olfactory axon innervation is not necessary to induce early stages of neurogenesis in the ventral olfactory bulb. On the other hand, the results on the dorsal olfactory bulb are consistent with the hypothesis that innervation from new or transformed sensory neurons in the principal cavity induces neurogenesis in the dorsal bulb.
Valproic acid suppresses G1 phase‐dependent sialylation of a 65 kDa glycoprotein in the C6glioma cell cycle
Authors: Bacon Christopher L. , O'Driscoll Esther , Regan Ciaran M.
Published: July 2002

The influence of valproate on invitro glycosylation events in C6 glioma has been investigated, as this major human teratogen restricts proliferation in the mid‐G1 phase of the cycle and alters the prevalence and/or glycosylation state of cell surface glycoproteins with the potential to mediate cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions critical to development. C6 glioma cultured continuously in the presence of 1 mM valproate exhibited a significant depression of exponential growth but attained confluency one day later, when the majority of cells entered the G1 phase of the cycle. Glycoprotein sialyltransferase, which exhibited a four‐fold increase during exponential growth and a small decrease at confluency, was markedly attenuated in valproate‐exposed cells in a manner which was indirect. This was associated with an inhibition of transient α2,3 sialylation of a 65 kDa glycoprotein expressed maximally at 4 hr into the G1 phase of the cell cycle. This effect was cell‐cycle phase‐specific, as exposure of synchronized cells to valproate inhibited transient sialylation at 4 and 5 hr into the G1 phase. Inhibition of the 65 kDa glycoprotein sialylation by valproate is suggested to arise from impaired signal transduction preceding the eventual arrest by the drug at a 5–6 hr G1 phase restriction point.
The links between body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders
Authors: Rabe-Jablonska Jolanta J. , Sobow Tomasz M.
Published: July 2002

The aim of the study was to search for a body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) period preceding the symptoms meeting the criteria of either anorexia or bulimia nervosa, and an evaluation of the prevalence of BDD symptoms in a control group of girls without any eating disorder. Ninety-three girls (12–21 years old) were included in the study (36 with anorexia nervosa, 17 with bulimia nervosa and 40 healthy controls). The Structured Clinical Interview (SCID), including the BDD module, and a novel questionnaire (for the presence of preceding life events) were used. We found the symptoms of BDD in 25% of anorexia nervosa sufferers for at least six months before observing a clear eating disorder picture. Moreover, other mental disorders were also present among these patients. The results may support the idea that BDD and anorexia nervosa both belong to either OCD or affective disorders spectra.
Neuropsychological correlates of schizophrenic syndromes in patients treated with atypical neuroleptics
Authors: Moritz S. , Andresen B. , Jacobsen D. , Mersmann K. , Wilke U. , Lambert M. , Naber D. , Krausz M.
Published: July 2002

There is widespread evidence that schizophrenic symptomatology is best represented by three syndromes (positive, negative, disorganized). Both the disorganized and negative syndrome have been found to correlate with several neurocognitive dysfunctions. However, previous studies investigated samples predominantly treated with typical neuroleptics, which frequently induce parkinsonian symptoms that are hard to disentangle from primary negative symptoms and may have inflated correlations with neurocognition. A newly developed psychopathological instrument called the Positive and Negative and Disorganized Symptoms Scale (PANADSS) was evaluated in 60 schizophrenic patients. Forty-seven participants treated with atypical neuroleptics performed several neurocognitive tasks.

A three-factor solution of schizophrenic symptomatology emerged. Negative symptomatology was associated with diminished creative verbal fluency and digit span backward, whereas disorganization was significantly correlated with impaired Stroop, WCST and Trail-Making Test B performance.

Data suggest that disorganization is associated with tasks that demand executive functioning. Previous findings reporting correlations between negative symptomatology and neurocognition may have been confounded by the adverse consequences of typical neuroleptics.
Alcoholism among homeless men in Munich, Germany
Authors: Fichter MM , Quadflieg N , Greifenhagen A , Koniarczyk M , Wölz J
Published: July 2002

Probably in association with changes in the economic structure and high unemployment rates in western industrialized countries, homelessness is becoming more apparent publicly and receiving increased media attention. More studies on the issue of mental illness and homelessness have been performed in recent years in North America while hardly any representative and reliable data exists concerning Germany and some other European countries. The aim of our study was 1) to assess alcohol abuse and dependency as well as other mental disorders in a representative sample of homeless men in Munich using reliable methods of case identification (Diagnostic Interview Schedule [DIS and DIS/DSM-III diagnoses); 2) to compare homeless alcoholics with homeless non-alcoholics in our sample on relevant variables and issues and 3) to compare our data from the sample of homeless men in Munich with data obtained by others using the same case identification procedure (DIS/DSM-III diagnoses). According to our results, the lifetime prevalence of any DIS/DSM-III Axis I diagnoses was 94.5% and the lifetime prevalence of substance use disorder was 91.8%. The single most prevalent diagnosis among homeless males in Munich was alcohol dependency (lifetime 82.9%), while alcohol abuse (lifetime 8.2%) and drug abuse/dependency were considerably lower (lifetime 17.8%). Data show that alcoholism and its consequences were more severe in the Munich as compared to the Los Angeles homeless sample. Homeless alcoholics showed a high comorbidity with other mental disorders (lifetime) such as affective disorders (44.4%), anxiety disorders (22.6%), drug abuse/dependence (18.8%) and schizophrenia (12.0%); 64% of those with alcoholism at some time during their life had at least one other lifetime mental disorder. Alcohol-related patterns of living and symptoms as well as social or role functioning are described for homeless alcoholics in Munich and compared with data from other relevant studies. Considering the extremely high prevalence of alcohol dependence frequently in combination with other mental disorders, the use of alcohol rehabilitation and other services as well as self-help groups was minimum among Munich homeless alcoholics. New concepts to deal with these problems are needed and if they exist, they need to be implemented.
Suicide attempts and job insecurity: a complex association
Authors: Chastang F , Rioux P , Dupont I , Baranger E , Kovess V , Zariflan E
Published: July 2002

Objective:

Since Durkheim, epidemiological studies have revealed a significant, complex association between unemployment and suicidal behaviour. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between parasuicide and job instability, including unemployment, French social measures against unemployment and occasional work.

Method:

Demographic data, personal and familial characteristics were collected in 541 suicide attempters.

Results:

Seventy-seven per cent were socially active, with 61.5% in regular employment, and 38.5% in precarious employment. The female-to-male ratio approached 2 in the securely employed sample, and fell to 1 for those with poor social and professional integration. Depression, parasuicide, and alcohol abuse were more common in the families of repeaters in secure employment. The impact of the familial psychiatric background was no longer significant in the job insecurity group. Fostering in childhood was a risk factor for repeat suicidal behaviour in the group with job insecurity.
Self-employment in post-communist Eastern Europe: a refuge from poverty or road to riches?
Authors: Hanley Eric
Published: July 2002

Researchers analyzing self-employment in post-communist Eastern Europe have frequently adopted a “dualist” model which relegates the self-employed to marginal sectors of the economy. This paper challenges the dualist approach and argues that the self-employed cannot be regarded as refugees from poverty with few resources and few opportunities to earn high incomes and accumulate wealth. Data from the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia are used to show that self-employment in post-communist Eastern Europe encompasses two distinct class locations: the individually self-employed on the one hand, whose socioeconomic status differs little from that of ordinary workers, and employers on the other, who receive incomes and possess assets far in excess of that of both the individually self-employed and ordinary workers. A proper understanding of the manner in which systems of stratification have changed in Eastern Europe thus requires that one acknowledge processes of differentiation among the self-employed as well as the importance of property ownership in generating new forms of social inequality in the post-communist period.
Putin’s first year in office: the new regime’s uniqueness in Russian history
Authors: Shlapentokh V.
Published: July 2002

The author analyzes Putin’s first year in office by comparing it to the last fifteen regimes in Russian history. Putin shares many common features with the leaders of the past. He belongs to the group of leaders who were not so concerned about the progress of society as in removing the threat to the existing political order. He is also among those who moved toward authoritarianism in their first year. As all new regimes in the 20th centuries, Putin used democratic ideology for the legitimization of his rule, though he almost immediately began to curtail the fledgling democracy in Russia. While Putin’s regime was similar to the previous regimes in some respects, it was very different in others. First of all, no ruler rose to power from such a politically obscure position. Putin came to power with far less experience than his fourteen predecessors. The circumstances under which Putin came to power have no precedent in recent history. Another uniqueness of Putin’s first year in office was the extent to which various elements of the old regime were preserved. The author dwells on Putin’s first year with special attention. As a predictor of the future, it suggests that Russian society under Putin will remain essentially the same as it was shaped by 1995.
The Adaptation of Ex-Communist Parties to Post-Communist East Central Europe: a Comparative Study of the East German and Hungarian Ex-Communist Parties
Authors: Ziblatt Daniel F.
Published: July 2002

The “Ex-communist party” label has often been used to describe the political ideas and political behavior of the former ruling communist parties operating in post-communist political systems. Yet, the former ruling communist parties have not only followed diverse paths of organizational transformation, but also have developed very different strategic visions of their role in the politics of post-communism. By comparing the political environments faced by the former ruling organizations of East Germany and Hungary and then utilizing content analysis to identify the strategic visions of each of the two organizations, this article demonstrates how different post-communist national political settings have resulted in divergent strategic visions for successor parties in Germany and Hungary.
Is there a relationship between muscle fatigue resistance and cardiovascular responses to isometric exercise in mild chronic heart failure?
Authors: Carrington Charlotte A. , Fisher Wendy J. , Davies Michael K. , White Michael J.
Published: July 2002

Background:

Exercise intolerance in chronic heart failure (CHF) may be due to altered fatigue resistance and muscle afferent input to the cardiovascular system from dysfunctional skeletal muscle.

Aim:

To determine whether calf muscle fatigue resistance was associated with the magnitude of a muscle afferent driven cardiovascular response to isometric exercise.

Methods and results:

Cardiovascular responses were recorded in eight stable CHF patients (ejection fraction 20–40%) and nine healthy, age‐matched controls during voluntary and electrically evoked isometric plantar flexion and post‐exercise circulatory occlusion. The force developed by the plantar flexors during a 2‐min submaximal electrically evoked fatigue test was measured. There was no relationship between ischaemic muscle fatigue and cardiovascular changes during and after voluntary contraction in either group nor evoked contraction in the CHF group. In the control group, the change in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at the end of evoked contraction was related to the severity of fatigue at 90 s and 120 s (FI=0.01ΔDBP+0.3, r=0.81, P<0.05 and FI=0.02ΔDBP+0.8, r=0.84, P<0.01, respectively).

Conclusion:

Muscle fatigue resistance did not relate to the magnitude of the cardiovascular stress generated by isometric exercise of the same muscle in these patients.
Increased nitric oxide in exhaled air in patients with rheumatic heart disease
Authors: Gölbaşl Zehra , Dinçer Sibel , Bayol Hakan , Uğurlu Belgizar , Çiçek Dilek , Keleş Telat , Aydoğdu Sinan , Erbaş Deniz
Published: July 2002

Background:

Endogenous production of nitric oxide and its presence in exhaled air was observed in humans. Prior studies have yielded contrasting information about the production of nitric oxide in patients with heart failure.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to measure nitric oxide in the exhaled air of patients with chronic rheumatic heart disease with and without pulmonary hypertension.

Methods:

Seventy‐four patients (6 patients had isolated mitral stenosis; 13 patients had combined mitral stenosis and mitral regurgitation; 1 patient had isolated mitral regurgitation; 54 patients had combined mitral and aortic valve disease) and 27 healthy subjects were entered in the study. The nitric oxide concentration in exhaled air was determined with a chemiluminescence analyser. Echocardiography was performed in all patients to assess the severity of the valve disease and for the measurement of pulmonary artery pressure.

Results:

The level of exhaled nitric oxide was significantly greater in patients with rheumatic heart disease than in controls. The value of nitric oxide concentration in exhaled air was significantly increased in patients with pulmonary hypertension, as compared with patients who had normal pulmonary artery systolic pressure.

Conclusion:

We found increased nitric oxide in the exhaled air in patients with rheumatic heart disease, especially in those with pulmonary hypertension, compared with healthy patients.