bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunolocalization of detergent‐susceptible nucleoplasmic lamin A/C foci by a novel monoclonal antibody
Authors: Muralikrishna Bh. , Thanumalayan S. , Jagatheesan G. , Rangaraj Nandini , Karande Anjali A. , Parnaik Veena K.
Published: February 2004

The A‐type lamins are localized in the interior of the nucleus as well as on the nuclear periphery. In this study, we have characterized a monoclonal antibody LA‐2F9 produced against recombinant rat lamin A which stains a subpopulation of various cell types in a pattern of small nucleoplasmic foci that are unusually susceptible to mild detergent/salt extraction. The specific reactivity of mAb LA‐2F9 towards lamins was confirmed by immunoblotting of HeLa and C3H10T½ whole cell lysates and nuclear lysates. The epitope for LA‐2F9 was narrowed down to amino acid residues 268–278 (SAKLDNARQSA). To check whether the appearance of lamin foci was cell‐cycle‐dependent, C3H10T½ cells were serum‐starved and then refed to trigger cells to enter the G1 phase of the cell‐cycle. The intensity of staining increased 3.5‐fold within 6 h of refeeding, when the maximum number of cells were labeled with LA‐2F9. We also checked whether the LA‐2F9 foci colocalized with nuclear proteins known to be distributed in small foci such as hnRNPs, snRNPs, SC‐35, and p80 coilin, but did not find evidence of colocalization. Our studies suggest that LA‐2F9 has a novel and specific reactivity towards detergent‐susceptible lower order lamin structures that are likely to be assembly intermediates. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glucocorticoids mediate differential anti‐apoptotic effects in human fibroblasts and keratinocytes via sphingosine‐1‐phosphate formation
Authors: Hammer S. , Sauer B. , Spika I. , Schraut C. , Kleuser B. , Schäfer‐Korting M.
Published: February 2004

Glucocorticoids are potent anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs which also induce growth inhibition in a variety of cell types. For this reason long‐term treatment of inflammatory skin diseases may result in irreversible skin atrophy. To elucidate whether the antiproliferative action of glucocorticoids in fibroblasts is accompanied by induction of apoptosis we investigated the influence of dexamethasone (DEX) on both parameters. Interestingly, we revealed that growth inhibitory concentrations of this glucocorticoid did not induce fibroblast apoptosis. Moreover, DEX protected these cells from apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)/actinomycin, UV‐irradiation, and cell permeable ceramides. These findings are in contrast to the lack of anti‐apoptotic effects detected in keratinocytes. Although DEX inhibited TNFα mediated nuclear factor‐kappa (NF‐κB) activity in fibroblasts, this mechanism was not involved in its cytoprotection as it was verified by specific NF‐κB inhibitors. Therefore, we looked for alternative intracellular mediators. Coincubation of fibroblasts with the sphingosine kinase inhibitor N,N‐dimethylsphingosine, which blocks formation of the sphingolipid degradation product sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P), abrogated the protective glucocorticoid effect almost completely. As preincubation with S1P reduced the number of apoptotic cells after stimulation with TNFα/actinomycin and moreover DEX increased the intracellular S1P content a role of this sphingolipid in the cytoprotection by DEX is suggested. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cisplatin restores p53 function and enhances the radiosensitivity in HPV16 E6 containing SiHa cells
Authors: Huang Haimei , Huang Shian‐Yi , Chen Ting‐Ting , Chen Ja‐Chi , Chiou Chian‐Ling , Huang Ter‐Mei
Published: February 2004

Most HPV‐positive cervical cancer cells possess wild type p53 gene, but its normal p53 functions are disrupted by expression of HPVs E6. Treatment with 0–20 μM cisplatin for 24 h in HPV16 E6 containing SiHa cells suppressed E6 mRNA, reduced E6 protein, and restored p53 expression in dose‐dependent manners. Dual‐parameter flow cytometric analysis indicated that sub‐G1 apoptotic cells, but not necrotic cells were the major species for cisplatin‐induced cytotoxicity in SiHa cells. After 0–10 μM cisplatin treatment, slightly more apoptotic cells appeared from SiHa cells than those from dominant negative p53‐transfected SiHa cells. There was no different ionizing radiation (IR)‐induced apoptosis in these two different cells. On the other hand, cisplatin enhanced more IR‐induced sub‐G1 apoptosis in SiHa than mp53‐SiHa cells. These accompanied with prolonged p53 restoration in irradiated‐SiHa cells after 24 h cisplatin treatment and thereafter. In contrast, it was not found in cells after irradiation alone. Similar results were also shown in Mdm2 expression in SiHa cells after combined treatment. Therefore, cisplatin restored p53 expression and prolonged IR‐induced p53 restoration would be possible candidates to response more sub‐G1 apoptosis in irradiated SiHa cells. These results provided another new explanation on cisplatin sensitizing radiotherapy for HPV16 E6 containing cancer cells. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TAK‐778 enhances osteoblast differentiation of human bone marrow cells via an estrogen‐receptor‐dependent pathway
Authors: Rosa A.L. , Beloti M.M.
Published: February 2004

TAK‐778, a derivative of ipriflavone, has been shown to induce bone growth in in vitro and in vivo models. However, there are no studies evaluating by which mechanism TAK‐778 exerts its effect. Considering the evidences that its precursors act via classical estrogen‐receptor (ER)‐mediated signaling, in the present study, we tested the hypothesis that TAK‐778 induces osteogenesis in human bone marrow cell culture via an ER‐dependent pathway. Cells were cultured in 24‐well culture plates at a cell density of 2 × 104 cells/well in culture medium containing: TAK‐778 (10−5 M), Tamoxifen (10−5 M), TAK‐778 (10−5 M) + Tamoxifen (10−5 M), and vehicle. During the culture period, cells were incubated at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 95% air. At 7, 14, and 21 days, cell proliferation, cell viability, total protein content, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and bone‐like formation were evaluated. Data were compared by two‐way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range test. TAK‐778 did not affect cell viability. Cell number was reduced by TAK‐778. Total protein content, ALP activity, and bone‐like formation were increased by TAK‐778. In general, Tamoxifen did not have any effect on cell behavior. However, when cells were cultured in medium containing both TAK‐778 and Tamoxifen, the effect of TAK‐778 on osteoblast differentiation was inhibited. The present results show that TAK‐778 enhances osteoblast differentiation in human bone marrow cell culture, at least in part, via an ER‐dependent pathway, since its effect was inhibited by Tamoxifen, a well‐known estrogen receptor antagonist. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
RGA protein associates with a TRPV ion channel during biosynthesis and trafficking
Authors: Barnhill Jason C. , Stokes Alexander J. , Koblan‐Huberson Murielle , Shimoda Lori M.N. , Muraguchi Atsushi , Adra Chaker N. , Turner Helen
Published: February 2004

TRPV ion channels transduce a range of temperature stimuli. We proposed that analysis of the protein–protein interactions made by TRPV2 might give insight into the key issues surrounding this channel. These issues include the potential functional significance of TRPV2 in non‐sensory tissues, the molecules involved in transducing its activation signal(s) and the mechanism by which its trafficking to the cell surface is regulated. Here we describe the interaction of TRPV2 channel with the RGA gene product. RGA is a four‐transmembrane domain, intracellularly localized protein. RGA associates with TRPV2 in a rat mast cell line that is a native context for both proteins. The interaction between TRPV2 and RGA is transient and occurs intracellularly. RGA does not accompany TRPV2 to the cell surface. Formation of the TRPV2/RGA complex is dependent upon a cellular glycosylation event, suggesting that RGA may play a chaperone or targeting role for TRPV2 during the maturation of the ion channel protein. These data record a novel protein–protein interaction for TRPV2 and provide a foundation for future study of the potential regulatory contribution of RGA to TRPV2 function. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Latent membrane protein 1 of Epstein–Barr virus plays an important role in the serum starvation resistance of Epstein–Barr virus‐immortalized B lymphocytes
Authors: Park Chan‐Hee , Kim Hak‐Ryul , Kim Ju , Jang Sun‐Hee , Lee Kyung‐Yeol , Chung Gook‐Hyun , Jang Yong‐Suk
Published: February 2004

We have previously shown that SNU‐1103, which is a latency type III Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐transformed lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) that was developed from a Korean cancer patient, resists serum starvation‐induced G1 arrest. In this study, we examined the role of latent membrane protein‐1 (LMP‐1) in serum starvation resistance, since LMP‐1 is known to be essential for EBV‐mediated immortalization of human B lymphocytes. The LMP‐1 gene from SNU‐1103 was introduced into the EBV‐negative BJAB cell line, and shown to be associated with resistance to G1 arrest during serum starvation. Western blot analyses of the LMP‐1‐transfected cells revealed several protein alterations as compared to vector‐transfected control cells. The expression of key cell‐cycle regulatory proteins was affected in the G1 phase: the expression of cyclin D3, CDK2, p27, and E2F‐4 was up‐regulated, and the expression of cyclin D2, CDK6, p21, and p103 was down‐regulated during serum starvation. These results imply that of the several EBV viral genes expressed in EBV‐negative B lymphoma cells, LMP‐1 mediates resistance to serum starvation‐induced G1 arrest. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that other EBV genes are also involved in the cell‐cycle progression of the EBV‐transformed LCL during serum starvation, since the altered protein expression profile of the LMP‐1 transfectants was distinct from that of the SNU‐1103 cells that expressed all of the EBV viral proteins. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Internalization but not binding of thrombospondin‐1 to low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein‐1 requires heparan sulfate proteoglycans
Authors: Wang Shuxia , Herndon Mary E. , Ranganathan Sripriya , Godyna Svetlana , Lawler Jack , Argraves W. Scott , Liau Gene
Published: February 2004

The amino‐terminal domain of the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) mediates binding to cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) as well as binding to the endocytic receptor, low density lipoprotein‐related protein (LRP‐1). We previously found that recombinant TSP‐1 containing the amino‐terminal residues 1–214, retained both of these interactions (Mikhailenko et al. [1997]: J Biol Chem 272:6784–6791). Here, we examined the activity of a recombinant protein containing amino‐terminal residues 1–90 of TSP‐1 and found that this domain did not retain high‐affinity heparin‐binding. The loss of heparin‐binding correlated with decreased binding to the fibroblast cell surface. However, both ligand blotting and solid phase binding studies indicate that this truncated fragment of TSP‐1 retained high‐affinity binding to LRP‐1. Consistent with this, it also retained the ability to block the uptake and degradation of 125I‐TSP‐1. However, TSP‐11–90 itself was poorly endocytosed and this truncated amino‐terminal domain was considerably more effective than the full‐length heparin‐binding domain (HBD) of TSP‐1 in blocking the catabolism of endogenously expressed TSP‐1. These results indicate that TSP‐1 binding to LRP‐1 does not require prior or concomitant interaction with cell surface HSPG but suggest subsequent endocytosis requires high‐affinity heparin‐binding. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activity‐dependent gene regulation in conditionally‐immortalized muscle precursor cell lines
Authors: Macpherson Peter C.D. , Suhr Steven T. , Goldman Daniel
Published: February 2004

Skeletal muscle contractile activity has been implicated in many aspects of muscle cell differentiation and maturation. Much of the research in this area has depended upon costly and labor‐intensive cultures of isolated primary muscle cells because widely available immortalized muscle cell lines often do not display a high level of either spontaneous or stimulated contractile activity. We sought to develop conditionally‐immortalized skeletal muscle cell lines that would provide a source of myofibers that exhibit robust spontaneous contractile activity similar to primary muscle cultures. Using a tetracycline‐regulated retroviral vector expressing a temperature‐sensitive T‐antigen to infect primary myoblasts, we isolated individual clonal muscle precursor cell lines that have characteristics of activated satellite cells during growth and rapidly differentiate into mature myotubes with spontaneous contractile activity after culture in non‐transformation‐permissive conditions. Comparison of these cell lines (known as rat myoblast‐like tetracycline (RMT) cell lines) to primary cell cultures revealed that they share a wide variety of morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. Most importantly, the time‐course and extent of activity‐dependent gene regulation observed in primary cell culture for all genes tested, including subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), muscle specific kinase (MuSK), and myogenin, is reproduced in RMT lines. These immortalized cell lines are a useful alternative to primary cultures for studying muscle differentiation and molecular and physiological aspects of electrical activity in muscle fibers. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of LPS on basal and induced apo E secretion by 25‐OH chol and 9cRA in differentiated CaCo‐2
Authors: Ripollés Piquer B. , Nazih H. , Neunlist M. , Huvelin J.M. , Bard J.M.
Published: February 2004

The infection and inflammation process is associated with disturbances in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. The apolipoprotein E (apo E) plays an important role in the lipoprotein metabolism and has been linked to inflammatory disease such as atherosclerosis and Alzheimer disease. An anti‐inflammatory effect has also been suggested. The heterodimer nuclear receptor Liver‐X‐Receptorα/Retinoid‐X‐Receptor (LXRα/RXR) is considered to be a transcription factor for apo E. The aim of this study was to determine whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (principal component of the outer membrane Gram‐negative bacteria) has an effect on apo E secretion by intestinal mucosa cells, using the Caco‐2 cell line. Differentiated Caco‐2 cells grown on filter inserts were incubated apically with LPS and/or 25‐hydroxycholesterol (25‐OH chol) and 9 cis retinoic acid (9cRA), ligands of LXR and RXR, respectively. The apical and basolateral media were separately collected. Apo E was detected by specific antibodies after protein separation by Two‐dimensional nondenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and apo E secreted in the cell culture media was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Apo E mRNA was analyzed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). LXRα and RXR mass was analyzed by Western Blot. We demonstrate here that CaCo‐2 cells secrete apo E, by either apical or basolateral sides, associated with a high‐density like lipoprotein, with a stoke's diameter comprised between 7.10 and 8.16 nm. We show that only apical secretion is decreased by LPS in a dose and time dependent manner. This is associated with a decrease in apo E gene expression contrasting with an increase of Il‐8, a chemokine factor. Moreover, we demonstrate that only basolateral apo E secretion by CaCo‐2 is significantly increased by 25‐OH chol and 9cRA while apical secretion remains unchanged. LPS does not decrease the 25‐OH chol and 9cRA mediated apo E secretion in basolateral compartment, while apical secretion is diminished under these circumstances. Our results provide evidence for the polarized secretion of apo E by intestinal epithelium. They also demonstrate that apo E secretion by CaCo‐2 cell line is decreased by LPS through an LXRα/RXR independent signaling pathway. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dual roles of E‐cadherin in prostate cancer invasion
Authors: Chunthapong Jirapat , Seftor Elisabeth A. , Khalkhali‐Ellis Zhila , Seftor Richard E.B. , Amir Sumaira , Lubaroff David M. , Heidger Paul M. , Hendrix Mary J.C.
Published: February 2004

The role(s) of E‐cadherin in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis remains somewhat enigmatic. In order to investigate various aspects of E‐cadherin biological activity, particularly in prostate cancer progression, our laboratory cloned unique subpopulations of the heterogeneous DU145 human prostatic carcinoma cell line and characterized their distinct biological functions. The data revealed that the highly invasive, fibroblastic‐like subpopulation of DU145 cells (designated DU145‐F) expressed less than 0.1‐fold of E‐cadherin protein when compared to the parental DU145 or the poorly invasive DU145 cells (designated DU145‐E). Experimental disruption of E‐cadherin function stimulated migration and invasion of DU145‐E and other E‐cadherin‐positive prostate cancer cell lines, but did not affect the fibroblastic‐like DU145‐F subpopulation. Within the medium of parental DU145 cells, the presence of an 80 kDa E‐cadherin fragment was detected. Subsequent functional analyses revealed the stimulatory effect of this fragment on the migratory and invasive capability of E‐cadherin‐positive cells. These results suggest that E‐cadherin plays an important role in regulating the invasive potential of prostate cancer cells through an unique paracrine mechanism. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sonographic and computed tomographic demonstration of hydatid cysts communicating with the biliary tree
Authors: Valle‐Sanz Yolanda del , Lorente‐Ramos Rosa M.
Published: February 2004

Hepatic hydatid disease is usually silent and discovered incidentally. Rupture of a hydatid cyst into the biliary tree is a serious complication and produces a clinical picture of biliary obstruction. We present the cases of 2 patients who had only nonspecific symptoms and laboratory test results indicative of biliary tract obstruction. The results of sonographic examinations of both patients strongly suggested the presence of hepatic hydatid cysts communicating with the biliary tree. CT examination provided additional information in 1 patient but only confirmed the sonographic findings in the other. Both cases were surgically confirmed. Demonstration of the cyst and intrabiliary hydatid contents should form the basis for the diagnosis of a hydatid cyst's rupture into the biliary tree; detecting the point of communication further supports the diagnosis. An accurate preoperative diagnosis of this disease is essential for its prompt surgical management. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 32:144–148, 2004
Evaluation of preoperative sonography in acute cholecystitis to predict technical difficulties during laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Cho Kyung Soo , Baek Seung Yon , Kang Byung Chul , Choi Hye‐Young , Han Ho‐Seong
Published: February 2004

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of preoperative sonography in predicting technical difficulties during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with acute cholecystitis.

Methods

Sonographic assessment of 14 parameters was performed in 55 patients during a 9‐month period: volume of gallbladder (GB), thickness of GB wall, pattern of GB wall thickening, size of largest gallstone, gallstone mobility, adhesion of GB to its bed, fat plane between GB and hepatoduodenal ligament, free fluid in GB fossa, common bile duct (CBD) dilatation, CBD stone(s), color and power Doppler signals in GB wall, and increased color and power Doppler signals in adjacent liver. Each of the 5 operative steps of laparoscopic cholecystectomy was scored as being difficult (1) or not (0). The scores for each step were added to obtain the overall difficulty score (0–5). We evaluated prospectively whether there were significant associations among the preoperative sonographic findings and the overall difficulty score, scores for each of the 5 operative steps, and operation time.

Results

The overall difficulty score was significantly associated with a GB volume of 50 cm3 or more, GB wall thickness of 3 mm or more, and presence of color Doppler signals in the GB wall. Increased GB volume also made dissection of adhesions from the GB and dissection of Calot's triangle more difficult. Extraction of the GB from the abdomen was more difficult with a thickened GB wall or adhesion of the GB to its bed. The presence of a CBD stone, dilatation of the CBD (≥ 8 mm), color Doppler signals in the GB wall, and increased power Doppler signals in the adjacent liver were significantly associated with increased operation time.

Conclusions

Based on our experience, preoperative determination of GB volume, GB wall thickness, and presence of color Doppler signals in the GB wall in patients with acute cholecystitis helps predict technical difficulties during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 32:115–122, 2004
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme gene polymorphism, carotid intima‐media thickness, and left ventricular mass index in adolescent hypertension
Authors: Páll Dénes , Settakis Georgios , Katona Éva , Zatik János , Kollár József , Limburg Martien , Fülesdi Béla
Published: February 2004

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine whether a positive correlation exists between the DD genotype of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) and the carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) or left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in adolescents with hypertension.

Methods

We studied 120 hypertensive and 58 normotensive (control) adolescents. ACE gene polymorphism was determined by a standardized method. The IMT was measured in the common carotid arteries, and the LVMI was calculated on transthoracic echocardiography. The severity of hypertension was graded according to the results of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring as white coat, borderline, or proven hypertension. The association between ACE gene polymorphism and the obtained parameters was analyzed using analysis of variance and chi‐square testing.

Results

Both the IMT and LVMI were higher in hypertensive than in control adolescents. In hypertensive subjects, no relationship was found between the different ACE genotypes and the IMT: the mean (± standard deviation) IMT in patients with the DD genotype was 0.57 ± 0.11 mm; in those with the DI genotype, 0.53 ± 0.01 mm; and in those with the II genotype, 0.55 ± 0.01 mm. The LVMI was also similar in all 3 ACE genotypes: DD, 106.7 ± 32.3 g/m2; DI, 102.2 ± 38.1 g/m2; and II, 103.2 ± 26.3 g/m2. The severity of hypertension as assessed by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was independent of the ACE genotype.

Conclusions

Target‐organ damage (left ventricular hypertrophy and carotid atherosclerosis) is detectable in adolescents with hypertension and, in those subjects, ACE genotype polymorphism is not correlated with the severity of target‐organ damage as measured by IMT and LVMI. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 32:129–135, 2004
Imaging findings in a case of epidermal inclusion cyst arising within the breast parenchyma
Authors: Kwak Jin Young , Park Hai‐Lin , Kim Ji‐Young , Kim Eun‐Kyung , Chung Sun Yang , Kwon Tae‐Hee , Hong Hae‐Sook , Oh Ki Keun
Published: February 2004

Epidermal inclusion cysts rarely occur in the breast, but when they do, the consequences can be severe. Here, we report the case of a 23‐year‐old woman who presented with a palpable mass in the right breast. The mass had persisted for 4 years and had been causing pain for 1 month at the time of the patient's presentation. We examined the mass by means of mammography and sonography. Sonographic examination revealed a well‐circumscribed solid, avascular mass suggestive of an epidermal inclusion cyst. Excision was performed at the patient's request. Histopathologic examination of the mass after excision confirmed the diagnosis of epidermal inclusion cyst and its localization within the breast parenchyma. To our knowledge, reports on epidermal inclusion cysts within the breast parenchyma are rare. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 32:141–143, 2004
Sonographic correlate of stationary waves
Authors: Kröger Knut , Massalha Khalid
Published: February 2004

Stationary waves are a rare and inconsistent angiographic finding that has been attributed to various causes, including angiographic artifact. We present 2 cases of patients with arterial occlusion in whom sonographic examination revealed a correlate of stationary waves that was present on angiography. This report is, to our knowledge, the first to document the phenomenon of stationary waves using an imaging modality other than angiography. If the sonographic findings presented here are accepted as a correlate of stationary waves, the phenomenon of stationary waves can no longer be considered a specific angiographic finding, and theories attributing the phenomenon to an angiographic artifact must be rejected. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 32:158–161, 2004
Indications for fetal echocardiography from a tertiary‐care obstetric sonography practice
Authors: Simpson Lynn L.
Published: February 2004

Purpose

The present study was conducted to evaluate the indications for fetal echocardiography in a tertiary‐care obstetric sonography practice and to determine the incidences of confirmed congenital heart disease for each primary indication.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all pregnant women referred to a pediatric cardiology unit for fetal echocardiography by the tertiary‐care sonography unit over a 2‐year period was performed. The primary indications for referral for fetal echocardiography were obtained from the sonographers' reports. Outcome data were extracted from the fetal echocardiograms, postnatal echocardiograms or pathology and autopsy reports, and patient medical records.

Results

Of 6,002 pregnant women who had undergone prenatal sonographic examination during the study period, 275 (4.6%) had been subsequently referred for fetal echocardiography. The most common primary indication for referral had been abnormal cardiac findings on the prenatal sonographic examination, which had been present in 64 (23.3%) of the 275 cases. In 44 (69%) of those 64 cases, congenital heart disease had been confirmed. Among the 211 patients who had had normal cardiac findings on prenatal sonography but had been referred for fetal echocardiography owing to other primary indications, congenital heart disease had been confirmed in only 7 cases (3.3%).

Conclusions

An abnormal cardiac finding during prenatal sonographic examination is a common primary indication for fetal echocardiography and is more useful for identifying congenital heart disease than are other risk factors. Careful routine cardiac screening during routine prenatal sonographic examination may facilitate further investigation and treatment. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 32:123–128, 2004
Correlation of computerized gray‐scale sonographic findings with thyroid function and thyroid autoimmune activity in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Authors: Loy Maurizio , Cianchetti Maria Elisabetta , Cardia Francescopaolo , Melis Alessandro , Boi Francesco , Mariotti Stefano
Published: February 2004

Purpose

The objective of this study was to retrospectively assess whether computerized gray‐scale sonography can allow objective measurement of thyroid echogenicity in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) at various functional stages of the disease.

Methods

Of the 77 patients with HT who were included in our study, 28 had been euthyroid, 20 had had subclinical hypothyroidism, and 29 had had clinical hypothyroidism. Of those with clinical hypothyroidism, 6 had been untreated and 23 had been receiving L‐thyroxine substitution therapy. Fifty volunteers without thyroid disease served as a control group. Thyroid echogenicity was evaluated by computerized gray‐scale sonography as mean tissue density (MTD) ± standard deviation; the echogenicity of the prethyroid muscles served as a control of the system variability.

Results

The MTD was significantly lower for the patients with HT (15.9 ± 4) than for the control subjects (24.3 ± 3; p < 0.05). Moreover, a significant difference was found between the MTD values of euthyroid patients with HT (18.9 ± 3.4) and hypothyroid patients with HT analyzed either as a group (14.3 ± 3.8) or separately for subclinical hypothyroidism (14.9 ± 3.8) and clinical hypothyroidism (13.9 ± 3.7; p < 0.05). The lowest MTD was found in patients with untreated clinical hypothyroidism (11.1 ± 4.3), with a significant difference (p < 0.05) compared to all other groups of patients. Untreated patients with clinical hypothyroidism also showed the highest mean anti–thyroid peroxidase autoantibody levels (1,286 ± 177 IU/ml versus 570 ± 489 IU/ml for L‐thyroxine–treated patients; p < 0.05), although no correlation between the MTD values and anti–thyroid peroxidase autoantibody levels was found in any group of patients.

Conclusions

Computerized gray‐scale sonography provides an objective measure of thyroid hypoechogenicity, which correlates well to the clinical stages of HT. Use of this modality may prove beneficial in the diagnosis and follow‐up of patients with HT. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 32:136–140, 2004
Sonographic detection of an isolated cuboid bone fracture not visualized on plain radiographs
Authors: Enns Peter , Pavlidis Theodoros , Stahl Jens‐Peter , Horas Uwe , Schnettler Reinhard
Published: February 2004

We report the case of an isolated cuboid bone fracture in a child that was missed on radiography but was diagnosed on sonography. Plain radiographs of the patient's right foot showed no fracture, whereas sonograms demonstrated a fracture of the cuboid bone that appeared as a steplike discontinuity in the cortical bone. The diagnosis was confirmed on MRI. The fracture was treated with cast immobilization and no weight bearing for 4 weeks. In 8 weeks, the patient had no symptoms and good motor and sensory function of her right foot. Other imaging modalities are usually advocated for diagnosing fractures that are missed by radiography. Over the last decade, sonography has been increasingly used for diagnosing occult fractures. Although its use in such cases is not yet fully established, we believe that in the future, the sonographic detection of an injury that corresponds to the site of the reported pain will be adequate for initiating treatment of many types of fractures. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 32:154–157, 2004
Age‐dependent changes of the periodontal ligament in rats
Authors: Oehmke Matthias J. , Schramm Christopher R.C. , Knolle Erich , Frickey Nathalie , Bernhart Thomas , Oehmke Hans‐Joachim
Published: February 2004

Even after the end of the natural tooth eruption, there is a continuous renewal of the periodontal collagenous fiber system, depending on functional demands. The aim of this study was to analyse the age‐dependent changes and regional differences of the collagen renewal rate of the periodontal ligament in healthy rats. The study was performed by autoradiography of the molars of rats aged 1, 8, and 18 months, where collagen was labelled by intravenously applied 3H‐proline. After an 8‐hour incorporation period, the animals were killed. For comparative examinations, molar roots were subdivided into cervical, middle, and apical thirds. Structural and quantitative analyses were performed by light microscopy and autoradiography, using an image‐analysing computer‐assisted operating unit that determined the 3H‐proline‐labelled collagen by photometry based on extinction measurement. With increasing age of the animals, the number of silver grains (3H‐proline‐blackened collagen) was reduced and the quantitative evaluation indicated a reduction of 3H‐proline in the periodontal ligament. The lowest level of 3H‐proline activities was observed in the middle, and the highest level in the apical root third, independent of age. All preparations revealed condensations of silver grains, which were located in the region of the periodontal ligament adjacent to the alveolar bone, but did not reveal any preferred position with regard to the dental topography. With progressive age, the uptake of 3H‐proline in the periodontal ligament was reduced by about 20 to 30%, a result that corresponds to a decrease in collagenous fiber production. Collagen was mainly formed in the apical and cervical root third, starting from the alveolar bone side, presumably in response to functional strain. Microsc. Res. Tech. 63:198–202, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extraglandular and intraglandular vascularization of canine prostate
Authors: Stefanov Miroslav
Published: February 2004

The literature on the vascularization of the canine prostate is reviewed and the clinical significance of prostate morphology is described. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), combined with improved corrosion casting methods, reveal new morphological details that promise better diagnostics and treatment but also require expansion of clinical nomenclature. A proposal is made for including two previously unnamed veins in Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria (NAV). The canine prostate has two lobes with independent vascularization. Each lobe is supplied through the left and right a. prostatica, respectively. The a. prostatica sprouts three small vessels (cranial, middle, and caudal) towards the prostate gland. A. prostatica is a small‐size artery whose wall structure is similar to the arteries of the muscular type. V. prostatica is a small‐size valved vein. The canine prostate has capsular, parenchymal, and urethral vascular zones. The surface vessels of the capsule are predominantly veins and the diameter of arterial vessels is larger than that of the veins. The trabecular vessels are of two types: direct and branched. The prostate parenchyma is supplied by branches of the trabecular vessels. The periacinary capillaries are fenestrated and form a net in a circular pattern. The processes of the myoepithelial cells embrace both the acins and the periacinar capillaries. In the prostate ductal system. there are spermatozoa. The prostatic part of the urethra is supplied by an independent branch of a. prostatica. The prostatic urethral part is drained by v. prostatica, the vein of the urethral bulb and the ventral prostate veins. M. urethralis begins as early as the urethral prostatic part. The greater part of the white muscle fibers in m. urethralis suggest an enhanced anaerobic metabolism. Microsc. Res. Tech. 63:188–197, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphometric study of the guinea pig small intestine during development
Authors: Mitjans Montserrat , Ferrer Ruth
Published: February 2004

The mucosal surface area of the guinea pig duodenum, jejunum, and ileum was determined during development, in three age groups: 1‐day‐old and 2‐ and 12‐week‐old animals. The morphometric analysis was performed at three magnification levels. The nominal surface area was determined at the macroscopic level, from intestinal length and perimeter. Villus and microvillus amplification factors were estimated at light‐microscopic and transmission electron‐microscopic levels, respectively. We found: (1) an increase in the nominal surface area that is maximal in the ileum (7.7‐fold); (2) an increase in the villus amplification factor in the duodenum (1.4‐fold) and a decline in the jejunum and ileum (0.8‐fold), although in the jejunum villus dimensions rise; and (3) a similar increase in the microvillus amplification factor in the three segments (1.1‐ to 1.4‐fold). In conclusion, the total mucosal surface area increased from day 1 to week 12, by 3‐fold in the duodenum and jejunum and by 8‐fold in the ileum. Regionally, the jejunum shows the largest mucosal surface area, followed by the ileum, and, finally, the duodenum. Microsc. Res. Tech. 63:206–214, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The optical mouse as an inexpensive region‐of‐interest position recorder in optical microscopy
Authors: Ng T.W. , Cheong T.L.
Published: February 2004

In optical microscopy, the microscopic features of interest typically have to be derived from regions that are spatially distributed over the sample. While the features to be analyzed may be minute, the regions from where they must be obtained from may be located quite far apart from one another. If the features are not distinct enough to allow easy visual discrimination, it would be tedious and time‐consuming to attempt to recall and revisit these regions of interest. One method to overcome this difficulty would be to note and record the graduated markings on the microscope, or to use built‐in position encoders. The former is tedious while the latter is generally expensive. Here, a region‐of‐interest position‐recording implement based on the use of an optical mouse is presented. It is inexpensive and easily adaptable to the manual stage of any optical microscope. Microsc. Res. Tech. 63:203–205, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electron microscopic and biochemical study of the effects of rapamycin on glycogen autophagy in the newborn rat liver
Authors: Kalamidas S.A. , Kondomerkos D.J. , Kotoulas O.B. , Hann A.C.
Published: February 2004

The effects of rapamycin on glycogen autophagy in the newborn rat liver were studied using biochemical determinations, electron microscopy, and morphometric analysis. Rapamycin increased the fractional volume of hepatocytic autophagic vacuoles, the liver lysosomal glycogen‐hydrolyzing activity of acid glucosidase, the degradation of glycogen inside the autophagic vacuoles, and decreased the activity of acid mannose 6‐phosphatase. These findings suggest that rapamycin, a known inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, induces glycogen autophagy in the newborn rat hepatocytes. mTOR may participate in the regulation of this process. Microsc. Res. Tech. 63:215–219, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of transsynaptic viral labeling of central nervous system structures from the uterine horn in virgin, pregnant, and lactating rats
Authors: Wiesel Ory , Tóth Ida E. , Boldogkői Zsolt , Hornyák Ákos , Bokor Viktória , Halász Béla , Gerendai Ida
Published: February 2004

Using the transneuronal viral tracing method, the central nervous system (CNS) connections of the uterine horn were studied in virgin, pregnant, and in lactating rats. The frequency of viral labeling in the brain and the distribution of virus‐infected neurons from the uterine horn were compared among groups. There was a marked difference in the frequency of viral labeling in the brain stem. In virgin rats more than half of the brain stems (5 out of 9) were labeled. In contrast, in pregnant animals viral‐labeled neurons were detected in only a few cases (3 out of 16) and almost each brain stem of the lactating group was labeled (12 out of 13). A similar, less marked difference was observed in the hypothalamus. The pattern of distribution of infected neurons was similar in each group. In the brain stem, the nucleus of the solitary tract, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, area postrema, gigantocellular and paragigantocellular nucleus, ventrolateral medulla, A5 cell group, and caudal raphe nuclei were the most frequently labeled structures. In the diencephalon, viral‐infected neurons were detected primarily in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. The telencephalon was devoid of infected cells. Data suggest that the CNS control of the uterine horn varies depending on reproductive status. The low frequency of brain labeling in pregnant rats may be related to the almost complete lack of sympathetic fibers in the uterus prior to parturition and the very high frequency of labeling in lactating animals to the postpartum hyperinnervation of the uterus. Microsc. Res. Tech. 63:244–252, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does devaluation lead to economic recovery or contraction? Theory and policy with reference to Thailand
Authors: Bird Graham , Rajan Ramkishen S.
Published: February 2004

Most analyses of the East Asian financial crisis have focused on its causes and the links between currency and banking crises. However a related question is what happens in the aftermath of a crisis? What factors determine the path of an economy in the post‐devaluation phase? Does it swiftly bounce back, with the crisis being followed by a period of economic recovery, or does it face a period of economic recession if not outright output collapse? An important element in answering these questions is to consider the response to devaluation, since this constitutes an almost invariant component of economic stabilisation. This paper examines these questions analytically as well as by using Thailand as a case study. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unemployment and urban poverty in China: a case study of Guangzhou and Tianjin
Authors: Yao Shujie
Published: February 2004

Recent reforms on state‐owned enterprises have led to millions of workers retrenched. This paper presents two theoretical models, one to explain why firms have to lay‐off workers, and the other to explain how redundancy can affect poverty. Both first‐hand and official survey data are used to examine how redundancy has affected the living standards and poverty of urban households. It is estimated that about one‐fifth of the current urban poverty has been caused by the redundancy programme. The survey results have a number of interesting findings, which have important policy implications. It is concluded that the pressure to lay‐off workers was due to excessively high wages and the cessation of soft budget. The probability of a household falling into poverty depends not only on the probability that household members are retrenched, but also on the probability that retrenched workers can find alternative employment. Most affected households do not think the reform is wrong, but they are pessimistic about their future. The government is thought to be ineffective in helping retrenched workers, and poverty is to become a permanent feature of urban China, an ironic phenomenon that was unthinkable even before the economic reforms started in 1978. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Move to markets? An empirical analysis of privatization in developing countries
Authors: Banerjee Sudeshna Ghosh , Munger Michael C.
Published: February 2004

Aspects of the privatization experience are analysed for a group of 35 low or middle‐income developing countries, over the period 1982 through 1999. The theory turns on net political benefits, which in our model are the primary determinant of privatization policies. The decision to privatize is captured here in three related, but distinct, dependent variables: (i) timing; (ii) pace; and (iii) intensity. Our notion of the independent variable, ‘net political benefits’, is not measured directly, but is instead proxied by an array of macroeconomic, political, and institutional variables. Our key finding is that, though political benefits turn out to explain the timing, pace, and intensity of privatization, the effects are very different in each case. The timing hypothesis is tested using a Cox proportional hazard model, the pace hypothesis is tested using a random effects negative binomial model and the intensity hypothesis is tested using the random effects model. We find that the factors that improve timing delay intensity—early adopters are later implementers. Furthermore, we find that a privatization policy is much more likely to be a crisis‐driven, last ditch effort to turn the economy around, rather than a carefully chosen policy with explicit, long‐term goals. A related, and very important, finding in our analysis has to do with the ‘lock‐in’ of institutions. The particular form of political institutions, foreign aid regimes, and level of development of property rights systems in the nation have significant conditioning influences on the extent of lock‐in. These relationships may be important for informing policy decisions, and for understanding apparent ‘failures’ of privatization policies. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From crisis to recovery: the motivations for and effects of Malaysian capital controls
Authors: Doraisami Anita
Published: February 2004

The East Asian currency crisis culminated in IMF packages for all severely affected Asian crisis economies except Malaysia. Malaysia received much attention when it introduced capital controls as part of its crisis management strategy. This paper examines the effectiveness of capital controls against its objectives of regaining monetary control without precipitating capital flight. The empirical evidence supports the view that interest rates were significantly lower after capital controls were imposed and further that capital controls were not significantly undermined by capital flight. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why are taeniae, haustra, and semilunar folds differentiated in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, including man?
Authors: Langer Peter , Takács Áron
Published: February 2004

When a small change, either contraction or dilation, of the surface area of a digestive tube coincides with a considerable change in internal volume, this can be considered an effective influence of surface on volume. This study discusses the effects of anatomical differences between those types of digestive tracts where the longitudinal musculature is reduced to small bands, the taeniae, and those where such differentiations are not found. With the help of a geometric model the efficiency of transport (η = net volume expelled aborally / volume of the tube) from haustra in tubes with two, three, four, and six taeniae was determined. It could be shown that efficiency of transport from haustra decreases when the number of taeniae increases. The second model applies the program “Surface Evolver” (author K.A. Brakke). The program is applied to investigate the relationships between changes in surface area of tubes with different numbers of taeniae (0, 2, 3, 4, and 6) and the respective changes of the internal volumes of tubes. Both haustra formation and formation of semilunar folds between haustra are considered. Tubes with two or three taeniae reduce their internal volume more efficiently than all others, namely, with a relatively small reduction of the surface area and contraction of the Tunica muscularis at a relatively low rate. In addition to chemical and mechanical decomposition of digesta the gastrointestinal tube has three tasks: propagation, storage, and retention of digesta. A tube without taeniae, i.e., with a complete longitudinal muscular layer, propagates contents with peristaltic movements. Storage can take place in areas of the tract with a dilated cross‐section. Finally, folds can retain digesta. In many sections of the gastrointestinal tract folds are differentiated as permanent structures. However, folds formed with relatively little contraction of the musculature, i.e., little change in the surface area, represent an effective means of retention and thus of flow regulation. Tubes with taeniae and semilunar folds are adaptations for this effective type of regulation of digesta transit through the tract. J. Morphol. 259:308–315, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.