bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral growth in Fragile X syndrome: Review and comparison with Down syndrome
Authors: Kates Wendy R. , Folley Bradley S. , Lanham Diane C. , Capone George T. , Kaufmann Walter E.
Published: August 2002

Neuroimaging studies have shown selective changes in brain size in Fragile X syndrome (FraX), which include reductions in the posterior cerebellar vermis, age‐dependent increases in hippocampal volume, and enlarged caudate nucleus and thalamus. Contrasting with these limbic and subcortical anomalies, much less is known about the neocortex in FraX. The present study attempted to examine cerebral and lobar‐level volumetric changes in young males with FraX (2–7 years), by comparing groups of subjects with full mutation (FM) and mosaicism (Mos) with both age‐matched controls and subjects with developmental language delay (DLD) and Down syndrome (DS). For this purpose, we used high resolution (i.e, SPGR) MRI scans and semi‐automated methods for segmenting (tissue class) and parcellating (i.e., Talairach) the brain. In agreement with previous studies, we found no changes in overall brain or cerebrum size in FraX. Nevertheless, boys with FM FraX had relative reductions in temporal lobe volume (primarily gray matter) and relative preservation/enlargement of parietal white matter volume. While temporal lobe reductions were not specific, since they were also observed in DLD and DS subjects, parietal preservation/enlargement was only seen in FraX. The relevance of these preliminary findings was emphasized by comparisons between FraX groups, which revealed more marked changes in FM FraX than in Mos FraX (i.e., gene dosage). While cross‐sectional analyses revealed marked age‐dependent decreases in DS, a group showing marked global and lobar volumetric reductions, there were no changes over time in FraX. These neuroimaging data are discussed in the context of FraX neurobiology and other developmental disorders. Microsc. Res. Tech. 57:159–167, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanism of the process formation; podocytes vs. neurons
Authors: Kobayashi Naoto
Published: August 2002

In this review article we discuss the common mechanism for cellular process formation. Besides the podocyte, the mechanism of process formation, including cytoskeletal organization and signal transduction, etc., has been studied using neurons and glias as model systems. There has been an accumulation of data showing common cell biological features of the podocyte and the neuron: 1) Both cells possess long and short cell processes equipped with highly organized cytoskeletal systems; 2) Both show cytoskeletal segregation; microtubules (MTs) and intermediate filaments (IFs) in podocyte primary processes and in neurites, while actin filaments (AFs) are abundant in podocyte foot processes in neuronal synaptic regions; 3) In both cells, process formation is mechanically dependent on MTs, whose assembly is regulated by various microtubule‐ associated proteins (MAPs); 4) In both cells, process formation is positively regulated by PP2A, a Ser/Thr protein phosphatase; 5) In both cells, process formation is accelerated by laminin, an extracellular matrix protein. In addition, recent data from our and other laboratories have shown that podocyte processes share many features with neuronal dendrites: 1) Podocyte processes and neuronal dendrites possess MTs with mixed polarity, namely, plus‐end‐distal and minus‐end‐distal MTs coexist in these processes; 2) To establish the mixed polarity of MTs, both express CHO1/MKLP1, a kinesin‐related motor protein, and when its expression is inhibited formation of both podocyte processes and neuronal dendrites is abolished; 3) The elongation of both podocyte processes and neuronal dendrites is supported by rab8‐regulated basolateral‐type membrane transport; 4) Both podocyte processes and neuronal dendrites express synaptopodin, an actin‐associated protein, in a development‐dependent manner; interestingly, in both cells, synaptopodin is localized not in the main shaft of processes but in thin short projections from the main shaft. We propose that the podocyte process and the neuronal dendrite share many features, while the neuronal axon should be thought of as an exceptionally differentiated cellular process. Microsc. Res. Tech. 57:217–223, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 in Propionibacterium acnes–induced pulmonary granulomatosis
Authors: Ichiyasu Hidenori , Suga Moritaka , Iyonaga Kazuhiro , Ando Masayuki
Published: August 2002

The inflammatory process in granulomatous disorders such as sarcoidosis is mainly the consequence of delayed hypersensitivity induced by causative antigens. Propionibacterial DNA was isolated recently by PCR from human sarcoidosis tissue. Hence, we developed a model using sensitized rabbits for T cell–mediated pulmonary granulomatosis induced by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and investigated the role of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) in the pathogenesis of the granuloma formation in vivo. Intravenous injection of P. acnes into sensitized rabbits induced massive pulmonary granulomas on day 3. Maximum levels of MCP‐1 in sera and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected on day 1 and preceded recruitment of monocyte/macrophages and T cells. In BALF, monocyte chemotaxis peaked 1 day after P. acnes challenge, and T cell chemotaxis peaked 3 days after P. acnes challenge. Anti‐MCP‐1 IgG inhibited monocyte chemotaxis by 80.2% and T cell chemotaxis by 35.7%. Phenotypic analysis of migrating T cells revealed that activated and memory T cells (CD26+/CD45RO+) but not naive cells were preferentially attracted to BALF. Administration of MCP‐1 antiserum in vivo inhibited the development of granulomas in both size 59.9% reduction and number 28.6% reduction, the number of infiltrating leukocytes in BALF, and the expression of adhesion molecules on leukocytes in peripheral blood and BALF. Our data indicate that MCP‐1 plays important roles in granuloma formation by attracting and activating specific types of cells in this model. Furthermore, results suggest that the rabbit model resembles human angiocentric granulomatosis and would be useful for investigating the immunopathogenesis of human pulmonary granulomatosis. Microsc. Res. Tech. 53:288–297, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The reptilian oviduct: a review of structure and function and directions for future research
Authors: Girling Jane E.
Published: August 2002

The reptilian oviduct is a complex organ with a variety of functions (albumen production, eggshell production, placentation, oviposition or parturition, and sperm storage), depending on the parity mode of the species in question. These functions are under complex physiological control, the details of which are far from understood. The aims of this review are to summarise the information available concerning the structure and functions of the reptilian oviduct and to highlight areas in particular need of further research. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does one gene determine whether a C57BL/6J‐YPOS mouse will develop as a female or as an hermaphrodite?
Authors: Eicher Eva M. , Washburn Linda L.
Published: August 2002

Two studies were conducted to further our understanding of the inherited condition in mice known as C57BL/6J‐YPOS (B6‐YPOS) sex reversal. One study determined what proportion of B6 XYPOS mice develop as females or hermaphrodites. We found that 75% develop as females and the remainder develop as hermaphrodites regardless of whether the analysis is conducted at 14.5–16 days of embryonic development (based on gonad phenotype) or at weaning (based on the appearance of external genitalia and presence of mammary‐associated yellow pigmented hair). We also found that 75 % of the gonads in B6 XYPOS mice develop as ovaries and the remainder develop as ovotestes; none develop as a testis. We conclude that if any testicular tissue develops, sufficient testosterone is produced to cause at least some masculinization of the external genitalia. The second study tested the hypothesis that development of testicular tissue in B6 XYPOS mice is due to the presence of a POS‐derived gene, whereas B6 homozygosity of this gene guarantees ovarian development. The results did not support the POS gene theory. Therefore, we conclude it is a matter of chance that 75 % of B6 XYPOS mice develop as females and 25 % develop as hermaphrodites. J. Exp. Zool. 290:322–326, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surface glycoproteins bearing α‐GalNAc terminated chains accompany pyriform cell differentiation in lizards
Authors: Uliano Roberto , Ricchiari Loredana , Prisco Marina , Andreuccetti Piero
Published: August 2002

The present investigation demonstrates that in squamate reptiles, as already reported for Podarcis sicula (Andreuccetti et al., 2001), the differentiation of pyriform cells from small, stem follicle cells is characterized by the progressive appearance on the cell surface of glycoproteins bearing α‐GalNAc terminated O‐linked side chains. Using a lectin panel (WGA, GSI‐A4, GSI‐B4, PSA UEA‐I, PNA, Con‐A, DBA, LCA, BPA, SBA), we demonstrated that, during previtellogenesis, the pattern of distribution of DBA binding sites over the follicular epithelium dramatically changes. In fact, binding sites first appear in follicular epithelium at the time that small cells begin to differentiate; in such follicles, labeling is evident on the cell surfaces of small and intermediate cells. Later on, as the differentiation progresses, the binding sites also become evident on the cell surface of pyriform cells. Once differentiated, the pattern of the distribution of DBA binding sites over the follicular epithelium does not change. By contrast, during the phase of intermediate and pyriform cell regression, DBA binding sites gradually decrease, so that the monolayered follicular epithelium of vitellogenic follicles, constituted only by small cells, shows no binding sites for DBA. It is noteworthy that binding sites for DBA are present on small cells located in contact with the oocyte membrane, but not on those located under the basal lamina or among pyriform cells, and therefore not engaged in the differentiation into pyriform cells. This finding demonstrates that, in squamates, the pattern of distribution of α‐N‐GalNAc containing glycoproteins significantly changes during previtellogenesis, and that these modifications are probably related to the differentiation of small stem cells into highly specialized pyriforms. J. Exp. Zool. 290:769–776, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role for corticoids in mediating the response of Rana pipiens tadpoles to intraspecific competition
Authors: Glennemeier Karen Ann , Denver Robert John
Published: August 2002

Competition is known to decrease growth and development rate in tadpoles, but the physiological basis for this phenomenon is poorly understood. We hypothesized that competition results in increased production of stress hormones and that these hormones are responsible for the suppression of growth and development. To test this hypothesis, we measured whole‐body corticosterone content in premetamorphic Leopard frog (Rana pipiens) tadpoles raised at two different population densities and three different food levels. Whole body corticosterone content was elevated in tadpoles subjected to either limited food (at low density) or high density. Within the low and intermediate food treatments, high density reduced tadpole growth and slowed development. Limited food slowed growth and development at all densities. Blocking corticoid synthesis by treating tadpoles with metyrapone (MTP) reversed the growth suppression caused by high density (tested in the intermediate food level treatment) but did not alter the effect of density on development rate. MTP treatment did not alter the depressive effect of limited resources on growth or development. Our results suggest that elevated corticoid biosynthesis mediates the negative effect of increased population density (i.e., increased intraspecific competition) on tadpole growth. J. Exp. Zool. 292:32–40, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intratumoral activation of cyclophosphamide by retroviral transfer of the cytochrome P450 2B1 in a pancreatic tumor model. Combination with the HSVtk/GCV system
Authors: Carrió Meritxell , Visa Joana , Cascante Anna , Estivill Xavier , Fillat Cristina
Published: August 2002

Background

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive human tumors and the development of new therapeutic approaches is particularly urgent since current therapies are not effective. The use of pro‐drug‐activating genes is a possible approach for cancer gene therapy.

Methods

The present study evaluated the efficiency of the cytochrome P4502B1 (CYP2B1) suicide gene that encodes the enzyme responsible for activating the pro‐drug cyclophosphamide (CPA), in pancreatic tumor cells invitro and in vivo. The effects on tumor growth of the combination of two suicide systems, CYP2B1/CPA and herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene/ganciclovir (HSVtk/GCV), were also studied.

Results

Retroviral CYP2B1 transfer followed by CPA treatment highly sensitized pancreatic tumor cells NP‐9, NP‐18, and NP‐31, and led to stabilization of tumor growth in a pancreatic tumor model. Differences in tumor volume at the end of the treatment were statistically significant when compared with animals injected with CPA alone. The combination of both suicide systems CYP2B1/CPA and HSVtk/GCV in vitro resulted in a potentiation of the killing effect. However, no potentiation was achieved in vivo, although retardation in tumor growth was evident.

Conclusions

The results show that in situ transduction of pancreatic tumor cells with the CYP2B1 gene by retroviral vectors clearly increases the sensitivity to CPA. Moreover, they suggest that in order to achieve a potentiation on cell killing when the two suicide systems HSVtk/GCV and CYP2B1/CPA are combined, co‐expression of both genes in the same tumor cell would be necessary. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Ramsey‐type problem and the Turán numbers*
Authors: Alon N. , Erdős P. , Gunderson D. S. , Molloy M.
Published: August 2002

For each n and k, we examine bounds on the largest number m so that for any k‐coloring of the edges of Kn there exists a copy of Km whose edges receive at most k−1 colors. We show that for $k \ge \sqrt{n}\;+\,\Omega(n^{1/3})$, the largest value of m is asymptotically equal to the Turá number $t(n,\lfloor {n\choose 2}/k\rfloor)$, while for any constant $\epsilon > 0,\; {\rm if}\; k \le (1-\epsilon) \sqrt{n}$ then the largest m is asymptotically larger than that Turá number. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 40: 120–129, 2002
Learning from history: Morphology's challenges in Germany ca. 1900
Authors: Nyhart Lynn K.
Published: August 2002

A century ago, Carl Gegenbaur's program of vertebrate evolutionary morphology faced its greatest challenges. The controversy over the evolutionary origin of the vertebrate paired limbs between 1875 and 1906 illustrates the failure of the traditional methods of comparative anatomy and embryology (supported by Haeckel's biogenetic law) to choose between different phylogenetic hypotheses. The controversy over morphology's status as science intensified at the turn of the twentieth century, when the legitimacy of historical explanation itself as a mode of scientific understanding came under fire. Gegenbaur's intellectual grandson, Hermann Braus, sought to defend the legitimacy of phylogenetic reconstruction while updating it to include experimental and causal‐analytical approaches, but was unable to sustain a viable synthetic research program. The article concludes with reflections on approaches to the past used by historians and evolutionary morphologists. J. Morphol. 252:2–14, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine structure and development of the retina of the grenadier anchovy Coilia nasus (Engraulididae, Clupeiformes)
Authors: Haacke Christoph , Heß Martin , Melzer Roland R. , Gebhart Hedwig , Smola Ulrich
Published: August 2002

A study of the morphogenesis of the grenadier anchovy retina was undertaken using light and electron microscopy. Five developmental stages from prelarvae 3 days after fertilization to adult fish were studied. In addition to the general morphology of the eye and retina, special emphasis was given to the development of the photoreceptors and pigment epithelium (PE). The earliest retinae showing structural features indicative of a functioning eye are pure cone retinae composed of rows of alternating long and short cones forming a transient, tesselated pattern. At this stage there is a conventional PE containing melanin. In older stages cone rows are separated by the newly formed rods and by PE wedges filled with diffusely reflecting guanine crystallites. The findings are compared with the retinae of other engraulidids and with the development of teleost retinae in general. Moreover, the observed structural changes are discussed with respect to the photic habitat conditions of these anadromous fish that move between coastal waters, estuary, and river. J. Morphol. 248:41–55, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Keratinization and lipogenesis in epidermal derivatives of the zebrafinch, taeniopygia guttata castanotis (aves, passeriformes, ploecidae) during embryonic development
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: August 2002

Little is known of the lipid content of β‐keratin‐producing cells such as those of feathers, scutate scales, and beak. The sequence of epidermal layers in some apteria and in interfollicular epidermis in the zebrafinch embryo (Taeniopygia guttata castanotis) was studied. Also, the production of β‐keratin in natal down feathers and beak was ultrastructurally analyzed in embryos from 3–4 to 17–18 days postdeposition, before hatching. Two layers of periderm initially cover the embryo, but there are eventually 6–8 over the epidermis of the beak. In the beak and sheath cells of feathers, peridermal granules are numerous at 12–14 days postdeposition but they are less frequent in apteria. These granules swell and disappear during sheath or peridermal degeneration at 15–17 days postdeposition. A thin β‐keratin layer forms under the periderm among feather germs of pterylous areas but is discontinuous or disappears in apteria. In differentiating cells of barbs, barbules, and calamus cells of natal down, electron‐dense β‐keratin filaments form bundles oriented along the main axis of these cells. Cells of the pulp epidermis and collar, at the base of the follicle, contain lipids and bundles of α‐keratin filaments. Degenerating pulp cells show vacuolization and nuclear pycnosis. During β‐keratin packing, keratin bundles turn electron‐pale, perhaps due to the addition of lipids to produce the final, homogenous β‐keratin matrix. In contrast to the situation in feathers, in the cells of beak β‐keratin packets are irregularly oriented. In both feather and beak epidermal cells the Golgi apparatus and smooth endoplasmic reticulum produce vesicles containing lipid‐like material which is also found among forming β‐keratin. The contribution of lipids or lipoprotein to the initial aggregation of β‐keratin molecules is discussed. J. Morphol. 251:294–308, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
History and function of scale microornamentation in lacertid lizards
Authors: Arnold E.N.
Published: August 2002

Differences in surface structure (ober‐ hautchen) of body scales of lacertid lizards involve cell size, shape and surface profile, presence or absence of fine pitting, form of cell margins, and the occurrence of longitudinal ridges and pustular projections. Phylogenetic information indicates that the primitive pattern involved narrow strap‐shaped cells, with low posteriorly overlapping edges and relatively smooth surfaces. Deviations from this condition produce a more sculptured surface and have developed many times, although subsequent overt reversals are uncommon. Like variations in scale shape, different patterns of dorsal body microornamentation appear to confer different and conflicting performance advantages. The primitive pattern may reduce friction during locomotion and also enhances dirt shedding, especially in ground‐dwelling forms from moist habitats. However, this smooth microornamentation generates shine that may compromise cryptic coloration, especially when scales are large. Many derived features show correlation with such large scales and appear to suppress shine. They occur most frequently in forms from dry habitats or forms that climb in vegetation away from the ground, situations where dirt adhesion is less of a problem. Microornamentation differences involving other parts of the body and other squamate groups tend to corroborate this functional interpretation. Microornamentation features can develop on lineages in different orders and appear to act additively in reducing shine. In some cases different combinations may be optimal solutions in particular environments, but lineage effects, such as limited reversibility and different developmental proclivities, may also be important in their genesis. The fine pits often found on cell surfaces are unconnected with shine reduction, as they are smaller than the wavelengths of most visible light. J. Morphol. 252:145–169, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Statistical analysis of atomic contacts at RNA–protein interfaces
Authors: Treger Michèle , Westhof Eric
Published: August 2002

Forty‐five crystals of complexes between proteins and RNA molecules from the Protein Data Bank have been statistically surveyed for the number of contacts between RNA components (phosphate, ribose and the four bases) and amino acid side chains. Three groups of complexes were defined: the tRNA synthetases; the ribosomal complexes; and a third group containing a variety of complexes. The types of atomic contacts were a priori classified into ionic, neutral H‐bond, C‐H…O H‐bond, or van der Waals interaction. All the contacts were organized into a relational database which allows for statistical analysis. The main conclusions are the following: (i) in all three groups of complexes, the most preferred amino acids (Arg, Asn, Ser, Lys) and the less preferred ones (Ala, Ile, Leu, Val) are the same; Trp and Cys are rarely observed (respectively 15 and 5 amino acids in the ensemble of interfaces); (ii) of the total number of amino acids located at the interfaces 22% are hydrophobic, 40% charged (positive 32%, negative 8%), 30% polar and 8% are Gly; (iii) in ribosomal complexes, phosphate is preferred over ribose, which is preferred over the bases, but there is no significant preference in the other two groups; (iv) there is no significant prevalence of a base type at protein–RNA interfaces, but specifically Arg and Lys display a preference for phosphate over ribose and bases; Pro and Asn prefer bases over ribose and phosphate; Met, Phe and Tyr prefer ribose over phosphate and bases. Further, Ile, Pro, Ser prefer A over the others; Leu prefers C; Asp and Gly prefer G; and Asn prefers U. Considering the contact types, the following conclusions could be drawn: (i) 23% of the contacts are via potential H‐bonds (including CH…O H‐bonds and ionic interactions), 72% belong to van der Waals interactions and 5% are considered as short contacts; (ii) of all potential H‐bonds, 54% are standard, 33% are of the C‐H…O type and 13% are ionic; (iii) the Watson–Crick sites of G, O6(G) and principally N2(G) and the hydroxyl group O2′ is more often involved in H‐bonds than expected; the protein main chain is involved in 32% and the side chains in 68% of the H‐bonds; considering the neutral and ionic H‐bonds, the following couples are more frequent than expected—base A–Ser, base G–Asp/Glu, base U–Asn. The RNA CH groups interact preferentially with oxygen atoms (62% on the main chain and 19% on the side chains); (iv) the bases are involved in 38% of all H‐bonds and more than 26% of the H‐bonds have the H donor group on the RNA; (v) the atom O2′ is involved in 21% of all H‐bonds, a number greater than expected; (vi) amino acids less frequently in direct contact with RNA components interact frequently via their main chain atoms through water molecules with RNA atoms; in contrast, those frequently observed in direct contact, except Ser, use instead their side chain atoms for water bridging interactions. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of a dedicated dual phased‐array surface coil using a black‐blood FSE sequence for high resolution MRI of the carotid vessel wall
Authors: Ouhlous Mohamed , Lethimonnier Franck , Dippel Diederik W.J. , van Sambeek Marc R.H.M. , van Heerebeek Lambertus C.J. , Pattynama Peter M.T. , van der Lugt Aad
Published: August 2002

Purpose

To investigate the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the carotid vessel wall using a phased‐array coil and a black‐blood (BB) fast spin‐echo (FSE) sequence.

Materials and Methods

The phased‐array coil was compared with a three‐inch coil. Images from volunteers were evaluated for artifacts, wall layers, and wall signal intensity. Signal intensity and homogeneity of atherosclerosis were assessed. Lumen diameter and vessel area were measured.

Results

Comparison between the phased‐array coil and the three‐inch coil showed a 100% increase in signal‐to‐noise ratio. BB‐FSE imaging resulted in good delineation between blood and vessel wall. Most volunteers had a two‐layered vessel wall with a hyperintense inner layer. MRI showed both homogeneous hyperintense and heterogeneous plaques, which consisted of a main hyperintense part with hypointense spots and/or intermediate regions. MRI lumen and area measurements were performed easily.

Conclusion

High resolution MRI of carotid atherosclerosis is feasible with a phased‐array coil and a BB‐FSE sequence. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;15:344–351. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biodistribution of ultrasmall iron oxide particles in the rat liver
Authors: Van Beers Bernard E. , Sempoux Christine , Materne Roland , Delos Monique , Smith Anne M.
Published: August 2002

Ferumoxtran, an ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particle, can be located in several tissue compartments in the liver, namely the extracellular space (blood and interstitium), reticuloendothelial cells, and possibly hepatocytes. To better understand the compartmental distribution of ferumoxtran in the liver, we performed a longitudinal study in the rat using microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging. At light microscopy, no substantial cellular uptake of ferumoxtran was observed before one hour after injection. With a dose of 15 μmol Fe/kg, the number of ferumoxtran particles in the reticuloendothelial cells peaked between one and four hours and with a 150 μmol Fe/kg dose, it peaked between eight and 24 hours. Within hepatocytes, only sparse particles were observed with electron microscopy, at a dose of 150 μmol Fe/kg. Imaging performed up until one hour after ferumoxtran injection showed a significant increase in liver signal intensity on T1‐weighted images. These results suggest that ferumoxtran mainly acts as an extracellular agent for at least one hour in the rat and that reticuloendothelial accumulation peaks at later time points. Substantial uptake within hepatocytes did not occur. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:594–599. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic MR imaging and stress testing in glenohumeral instability: Comparison with normal shoulders and clinical/surgical findings
Authors: Hodge Duncan K. , Beaulieu Christopher F. , Thabit George H. , Gold Garry E. , Bergman Ann Gabrielle , Butts R. Kim , Dillingham Michael F. , Herfkens R. J.
Published: August 2002

Our objectives were to test the hypotheses that: 1) during shoulder motion, glenohumeral alignment differs between asymptomatic shoulders and those with symptomatic instability; 2) during magnetic resonance (MR)‐monitored physical exam or stress testing, glenohumeral alignment differs between asymptomatic shoulders and those with instability; and 3) glenohumeral translation during MR stress testing correlates with findings of shoulder instability by clinical exam and exam under anesthesia (EUA). Using an open‐configuration 0.5 T MR imaging (MRI) system, we studied symptomatic shoulders in 11 subjects and compared them to their contralateral asymptomatic shoulders. Each shoulder was studied during abduction/adduction and internal/external rotation to determine the humeral head position on the glenoid. An examiner also performed the MR stress test on each shoulder by applying manual force on the humeral head during imaging. All shoulders were assigned an instability grade from the MR stress test, and this grade was correlated with: 1) clinical exam grade assigned during preoperative assessment by an orthopedic surgeon and 2) intraoperative instability grade by EUA immediately preceding arthroscopy. With dynamic abduction and internal/external rotation, the humeral head remained centered on the glenoid in 9 of 11 shoulders, but in two subjects there were dramatic demonstrations of subluxation. With stress testing, a trend toward more joint laxity was demonstrated in symptomatic than in asymptomatic joints (P = 0.11). MR grading of instability correlated directly with clinical grading in six cases and underestimated the degree of instability relative to clinical exam in the other cases. MR instability grading systematically underestimated instability compared with EUA in 7 of the 10 cases that underwent surgical repair. We concluded that dynamic MR evaluation of glenohumeral alignment did not demonstrate abnormalities in symptomatic shoulders in 8 of 10 patients, whereas 2 patients showed dramatic findings of subluxation. Manual stress testing during dynamic MR examination showed a strong correlation with clinical instability grading. Dynamic shoulder MR examination during stress testing could, with further validation, become a useful adjunct to shoulder instability evaluations. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:748–756. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
T2‐weighted MRI of the female pelvis: Comparison of breath‐hold fast‐recovery fast spin‐echo and nonbreath‐hold fast spin‐echo sequences
Authors: Masui Takayuki , Katayama Motoyuki , Kobayashi Shigeru , Sakahara Harumi , Ito Tatsuhiko , Nozaki Atsushi
Published: August 2002

In 49 patients who had pelvic abnormalities, breath‐hold T2‐weighted fast‐recovery (FR)‐fast spin‐echo (FSE) (imaging time = 24 sec) and nonbreath‐hold FSE MR images (2 min 8 sec) were compared qualitatively (on a four‐point scale) and quantitatively (using signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs) and contrast ratios (| SIs of the lesions‐SIs of the myometrium | /SIs of the myometrium)). Motion artifacts were reduced on breath‐hold FR‐FSE (3.8:3.2 = breath‐hold FSE:nonbreath‐hold FSE, P < 0.01) and image quality was comparable (3.8:3.7, NS). In all patients, pathology (leiomyoma [N = 26], adenomyosis [N = 10], endometrial carcinoma [N = 8], and ovarian cystic lesions [N = 21]) was recognized with comparable lesion conspicuity (3.8:3.7, NS) and better delineation of the structures (3.9:3.6, P < 0.05) on the FR‐FSE images. There was no significant difference in contrast ratios, although SNRs (e.g., myometrium 18.3:25.8, P < 0.01) were better and the uterine zonal anatomy was recognized better on the nonbreath‐hold FSE (3.4:3.7, P < 0.05). These differences did not affect the diagnosis. Breath‐hold FR‐FSE provides the benefits of motionless imaging and a short examination time, although lower SNRs were noted. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:930–937. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effects of ACE inhibitor therapy on left ventricular myocardial mass and diastolic filling in previously untreated hypertensive patients: A Cine MRI study
Authors: Hoffmann U. , Globits S. , Stefenelli T. , Loewe C. , Kostner K. , Frank H.
Published: August 2002

Cardiac remodeling in case of hypertension induces hypertrophy of myocytes and elevated collagen content and, subsequently, impaired diastolic filling of the left ventricle. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate changes of left ventricular (LV) myocardial mass, as well as diastolic filling properties, in hypertensive patients treated with the ACE inhibitor fosinopril. Sixteen hypertensive patients with echocardiographically documented LV hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction received fosinopril (10–20 mg daily). Measurements of LV myocardial mass and properties of diastolic filling (peak filling fraction (PFF); peak filling rate (PFR)) were performed prior to medication, as well as after 3 and 6 months of therapy using cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ten healthy subjects served as a control group. LV myocardial mass (g/m2) decreased continuously within 3–6 months of follow‐up by 32% (148 ± 40 vs. 120 ± 26 vs. 101 ± 22 g/m2; P < 0.0001/0.005). The extent of regression correlated to the severity of LV hypertrophy at baseline (r = 0.77; P < 0.004). Early diastolic filling increased significantly within 6 months of therapy (PFF (%): 36 ± 6 vs. 61 ± 7, P < 0.0001; PFR (mL/second): 211 ± 48 vs. 282 ± 48, P < 0.001). Cine MRI can be used to assess the time course of pharmacological effects on cardiac remodeling in the course of hypertension. ACE inhibitor therapy results in a significant reduction of LV mass within 3 months and is accompanied by a normalization of diastolic filling that is completed after 6 months. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;14:16–22. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Advanced glycation end products: a highly complex set of biologically relevant compounds detected by mass spectrometry
Authors: Lapolla Annunziata , Fedele Domenico , Martano Luigi , Arico' Nadia Concetta , Garbeglio Massimo , Traldi Pietro , Seraglia Roberta , Favretto Donata
Published: August 2002

Structural information on ‘AGE‐peptides,’ a class of substances belonging to advanced glycation end products (AGE) and originating by proteolysis of glycated proteins, was gained through various analytical approaches on the mixture produced by proteinase K digestion of in vitro glycated bovine serum albumin. Both matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) and high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI‐MS) were employed, and the results were compared with those from conventional spectroscopic methods (UV, fluorescence, gel permeation). The data acquired by the various techniques all depict the digestion mixtures as highly complex, with components exhibiting molecular mass in the range 300–3500 Da. In the analysis of HPLC/ESI‐MS data, identification of AGE‐peptides was facilitated by 3D mapping. Structural information was gained by means of multiple mass spectrometric experiments. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metastable ion study of organosilicon compounds. Part XIII: dimethoxydimethylsilane, (CH3)2Si(OCH3)2, and dimethoxymethylsilane, CH3SiH(OCH3)2
Authors: Tajima Susumu , Sekiguchi Osamu , Watanabe Yuko , Nakajima Satoshi , Takahashi Yutaka
Published: August 2002

Unimolecular metastable fragmentations of dimethoxydimethylsilane, (CH3)2Si(OCH3)2 (MW 120, 1), and dimethoxymethylsilane, CH3SiH(OCH3)2 (MW 106, 2), upon electron impact ionization have been studied by means of mass‐analyzed ion kinetic energy (MIKE) spectrometry and the D‐labeling technique in conjunction with thermochemistry. The results have been compared with those of the corresponding carbon analogues, 2,2‐dimethoxypropane, (CH3)2C(OCH3)2 (MW 104, 3) and 1,1‐dimethoxyethane, CH3CH(OCH3)2 (MW 90, 4). In analogy with the cases of 3 and 4, both molecular ions from 1 and 2 are formed at very low abundance at 70 eV, and begin to decompose by the expulsion of the substituents (H, CH3 or OCH3) on the central silicon atom. These decompositions are followed by the loss of a formaldehyde molecule (CH2O), as commonly observed in the mass spectra of methoxysilanes. Further, an ethylene (C2H4) or a dimethyl ether (CH3OCH3) molecule loss is observed in the fragmentation of some intermediate ions generated from 1+· and 2+·, but the mechanisms are different than those in the cases of 3 and 4. Some of these fragmentations are also different than those reported previously. The relative abundance of the ions in many MIKE spectra is explained by the extension of the Stevenson–Audier rule. The reaction, which is in contrast to the rule, however, is rationalized by the energy of the transition state for the reaction, estimated by semi‐empirical molecular orbital calculation. The peak at m/z 59 from 2+· consists only of CH3OSi+ ion, whereas the peak from 1+· consists of two different ions, CH3OSi+ and (CH3)2Si+H. The ions CH3OSi+ from 1+· and 2+· are generated by at least two and three separate routes respectively. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genotype may correlate with liver carcinogenesis and tumor characteristics in cirrhotic patients infected with hepatitis B virus subtype adw
Authors: Tsubota Akihito , Arase Yasushi , Ren Fengrong , Tanaka Hiroshi , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: August 2002

To identify the influence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype on development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and clinical outcome in chronic HBV infection, 26 consecutive cirrhotic patients infected with HBV subtype adw were investigated prospectively. HBV serology was undertaken using subtype‐specific antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigens. The HBV genotype was determined by sequencing directly the polymerase chain reaction products of the HBV S gene. When HCC occurred, patients underwent transcatheter arterial embolization therapy. If tumor necrosis was incomplete, additional embolization therapy was carried out after a 3‐ to 4‐month interval. At a median follow‐up of 14.1 years (range 2.2 to 31.7), HCC occurred in 9 (35%) of 26 patients. Nineteen patients were infected with genotype B and 7 with genotype C. Four of the 19 genotype B patients (21%) and 5 of the 7 genotype C patients (71%) developed HCC (P = 0.058). Patient age (<45 years or 45 ≤ ) at diagnosis of cirrhosis was the only significant independent factor influencing liver carcinogenesis by multiple logistic regression analysis and Cox's regression analysis (P = 0.0069 and 0.029, respectively). When analysis was limited to the age of 45 years or more at the last visit, genotype was the only contributory factor to HCC development by univariate analysis (P = 0.038). Whereas genotype B patients responded well to embolization therapy and had no recurrence of HCC for a prolonged period of time, genotype C patients showed poor responses and died of hepatic failure due to rapid HCC progression despite embolization therapy. The cumulative incidence of survival was significantly higher in the genotype B group (P = 0.0049). The HBV genotype correlated with the development of HCC, response to embolization therapy, and recurrence of HCC. Determination of HBV genotype may be useful in predicting outcomes in HBV subtype adw‐related cirrhosis. J. Med. Virol. 65:257–265, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intracellular and cell‐free (infectious) HIV‐1 in rectal mucosa
Authors: Di Stefano Mariantonietta , Favia Anna , Monno Laura , Lopalco Pierluigi , Caputi Onofrio , Scardigno Anna Consiglia , Pastore Giuseppe , Fiore Josè Ramon , Angarano Gioacchino
Published: August 2002

The intestinal mucosa contains most of the total lymphocyte pool and plays an important role in viral transmission, but only slight attention has been given to the immunological and virological aspects of human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1) infection at this site. In this study, before initiating or changing antiretroviral therapy, paired blood samples and rectal biopsies (RB) were obtained from 26 consecutive HIV‐infected subjects. HIV‐1 isolation and biological characterization, DNA, and HIV‐1 RNA titration were assessed, as were in vitro tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐β (IL‐1β) spontaneous production. The rate of HIV‐1 isolation from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and RBs was 75% and 58%, respectively. All RB‐derived isolates were nonsyncytium inducing (NSI), independent of the phenotype of blood‐derived isolates. Proviral DNA and detectable HIV‐1 RNA levels were measured in 100% and 77% of RBs, respectively. A statistical correlation was observed between HIV‐1 DNA and HIV‐1 RNA levels in rectal mucosa (P = 0.0075), whereas no correlation was found between these levels in blood samples (P > 0.05). Antiretroviral treatment did not seem to influence HIV‐1 detection in RBs. Higher levels of in vitro proinflammmatory cytokine production were found in the RBs of most infected patients when compared with healthy controls. Therefore, the rectal mucosa is an important HIV‐1 reservoir that demonstrates a discordant viral evolution with respect to blood. Both the virus type and the mucosa pathway of immunoactive substances might have important implications for therapeutic decision‐making and monitoring and could influence the bidirectional transmission of HIV‐1 in mucosal surfaces. J. Med. Virol. 65:637–643, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of HBV core promoter/precore/core mutations in Gambian chronic carriers
Authors: Dumpis Uga , Mendy Maimuna , Hill Adrian , Thursz Mark , Hall Andy , Whittle Hilton , Karayiannis Peter
Published: August 2002

One hundred forty‐two precore/core sequences were obtained from Gambian chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers and the predominant variants defined. The two point mutations, from A to T and G to A at nt positions 1762 and 1764 in the basic core promoter region, were found in only 7/99 (7%) of the samples where this region was sequenced. These mutations were found in both HBeAg‐positive and ‐negative patients. The precore stop‐codon mutation at nt position 1896 was found in 14/51 (27%) of HBeAg‐negative samples, which is a lower prevalence rate in comparison with other parts of the world with high carrier rates. In HBeAg‐positive patients the core amino acid sequences were conserved, but after seroconversion to anti‐HBe significantly more changes were apparent. Several of the amino acid substitutions found have been described previously been in wild‐type viruses of other genotypes. J. Med. Virol. 65:664–670, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative detection of measles and rubella IgM and IgG derived from filter paper blood and serum samples*†
Authors: Helfand R.F. , Keyserling H.L. , Williams I. , Murray A. , Mei J. , Moscatiello C. , Icenogle J. , Bellini W.J.
Published: August 2002

We compared the use of serum and filter paper blood spots as specimen sources for the detection of measles‐ and rubella‐specific IgM and IgG. We collected capillary blood into microtainer tubes and onto filter paper spots from 60 children and 60 healthy adults. The blood was collected from 12–15‐month‐old children approximately 3 weeks after primary vaccination with measles, mumps, rubella vaccine, and the sample‐pairs were tested for measles‐specific IgM and IgG antibodies by using a capture antibody EIA and an indirect EIA, respectively. We tested sample‐pairs from a subset of participants for rubella‐ specific IgM and IgG antibodies by using commercially available capture IgM (Captia) and indirect IgG (Wampole) assays. The concordance of results from serum and filter paper blood spots was high for all assays: 98% for measles IgM, 93% for measles IgG, 94% for rubella IgM, and 93% for rubella IgG, and increased to between 96–100% for all four assays when indeterminate samples were excluded. The correlation coefficients for EIA signals were 0.99 and 0.77 for measles IgM and IgG, respectively, and 0.92 and 0.94 for rubella IgM and IgG, respectively. The cut‐off values used for filter paper samples were the same as those used for serum samples for all tests except for the rubella IgM assay. The use of filter paper blood spots is a promising future option for the detection of measles‐ and rubella‐specific antibodies. J. Med. Virol. 65:751–757, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental infection of Macaca nemestrina with a Toronto Norwalk‐like virus of epidemic viral gastroenteritis
Authors: Subekti D.S. , Tjaniadi P. , Lesmana M. , McArdle J. , Iskandriati D. , Budiarsa I.N. , Walujo P. , Suparto I.H. , Winoto I. , Campbell J.R. , Porter K.R. , Sajuthi D. , Ansari A.A. , Oyofo B.A.
Published: August 2002

Norwalk virus (NV) and Norwalk‐like viruses (NLVs) are common etiologic agents of viral gastroenteritis. Viral gastroenteritis is a common disease that is highly transmissible, spreading rapidly through families, institutions, and communities. Because methods for in vitro cultivation of Norwalk etiologic agents are not available, information regarding this syndrome has come largely from studies in human volunteers. Sequential passaging of an NLV through an immunoincompetent newborn pigtail macaque (Macaca nemestrina) may allow for the adaptation of a human NLV to a primate host, thus providing an animal model for investigating this disease. A fecal filtrate of human origin containing NLV, Toronto virus P2‐A, was obtained from a patient during an epidemic of viral gastroenteritis. The filtrate was administered via nasogastric tube to three newborn pigtailed macaques. Clinical illness, which was characterized by diarrhea, dehydration, and vomiting, occurred in three monkeys. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and oligonucleotide probe analysis of RNA extracted from the stool samples following infection revealed viral RNA in all inoculated monkeys. Infection was also transmitted experimentally by feeding two additional newborn macaques a fecal filtrate prepared from the three previously infected animals. Detection of viral RNA in the stools of animals that received the fecal filtrate indicates that viral replication occurred in association with clinical illness. The susceptibility of Macaca nemestrina to infection with a Norwalk‐like agent will facilitate the study of the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of NLV. This system may also have the potential to serve as a vaccine test model for human epidemic viral gastroenteritis. J. Med. Virol. 66:400‐406, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnosis and quantitative evaluation of parvovirus B19 infections by real‐time PCR in the clinical laboratory
Authors: Manaresi Elisabetta , Gallinella Giorgio , Zuffi Elisa , Bonvicini Francesca , Zerbini Marialuisa , Musiani Monica
Published: August 2002

A real‐time PCR assay was developed for quantitative detection of B19 DNA in clinical serum samples. The assay was carried out using a LightCycler instrument and product formation was monitored continuously with the fluorescent double‐stranded DNA binding dye SYBR Green I. With an optimized PCR protocol, this system was able to quantitate the target DNA down to 3 × 101 genome copies/reaction and to detect as few as 3 × 100 genome copies/reaction. Real‐time PCR was used to detect B19 DNA in 108 serum samples from patients with a clinical suspicion of B19 infection, showing a sensitivity of 92.7% and a specificity of 100% when compared with a standardized PCR‐ELISA considered as the standard. Using the LightCycler assay, the entire procedure of detection and quantitation of B19 DNA in clinical serum samples took up to 90 min proving five times faster than PCR‐ELISA. B19 DNA quantitation in positive samples by real‐time PCR showed a mean of 1.1 × 109 B19 DNA copies/ml in samples in the acute active phase of B19 infection (DNA+, IgM+, IgG−), 4.3 × 106 B19 DNA copies/ml in samples in the active phase (DNA+, IgM+, IgG+), 3.7 × 105 genome copies/ml in samples in the long‐lasting active phase (DNA+, IgM−, IgG+) with a statistically significant reduction of B19 DNA content between the group of sera in the acute active phase and the group of sera in the active phase of B19 infection. The high levels of sensitivity, specificity, and rapidity provided by the LightCycler technology for the detection and quantitation of B19 DNA represent a significant improvement for the laboratory diagnosis of B19 infection. J. Med. Virol. 67:275–281, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.