bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histologic Findings in “Ex- Helicobacter pylori” Gastric Biopsies of Pediatric Patients
Authors: Cohen Marta , Rúa Eduardo Cueto , Balcarce Norma , Drut Ricardo
Published: July 2005

Long-term sequelae of Helicobacter pylori–associated chronic gastritis (HpCG) have been described in adult patients. In the present study we report the histology of gastric mucosa biopsies in 6 asymptomatic pediatric patients (5 male and 1 female; mean age 9.5 years) with previous HpCG. Preceding H. pylori was histologically proved and confirmed by culture, direct visualization, and/or serology before delivering treatment. In 5 of 6 cases the HpCG followed a protracted clinical course, with various therapeutic series needed before H. pylori eradication. Time from final treatment for HpCG to actual biopsy ranged from 3 months to almost 3 years. Gastric mucosa showed mild chronic gastritis with absence of H. pylori organisms (6 of 6), focal loss of gland units with collagenous replacement (6 of 6), serrated foveolae (3 of 6), regenerative changes at elongated glandular necks with cells having enlarged and hyper-chromatic nuclei (5 of 6), lymphoid aggregates (2 of 6), and presence of sulfomucins in isolated epithelial cells of glands and foveolae (2 of 6). None of these features were noticed in 10 normal gastric mucosa biopsies used as controls. The referred findings in “ex– H. pylori” pediatric patients may represent very early sequelae from HpCG at this age.
Ectopic Prostate Tissue within the Processus Vaginalis: Insights into Prostate Embryogenesis
Authors: VanBeek Christine A. , Peters Craig A. , Vargas Sara O.
Published: July 2005

We report an 11-year-old boy who presented with a scrotal mass superior to the epididymis in the processus vaginalis. The mass consisted of prostate tissue, including glands and fibromuscular stroma, communicating with a spermatocele. Strong immunostaining for prostate-specific antigen was seen in the glandular epithelium. Immunostaining for peanut agglutinin highlighted the luminal plasma membrane in a subset of epithelial cells, mainly those located around the periphery of the nodule. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first report of a pediatric patient with ectopic prostate tissue located outside the urinary tract and the first instance altogether of ectopic prostate noted at this location. The young age of the patient, the lesion's constituents, and its location suggest that the finding represents a disorder of development.
Autopsy Diagnosis of 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency CAH in a Case of Apparent SIDS
Authors: Gozzi Tiziana G. , Harris Naomi P , McGown Ivan N. , Cowley David M. , Cotterill Andrew M. , Campbell Peter E. , Anderson P. Kym , Warne Garry L.
Published: July 2005

A 5-month-old boy with no history of vomiting, early sexual development, or noticeable significant illness was found dead in bed. Autopsy demonstrated bilateral adrenal hyperplasia unequivocally shown on biochemical testing of blood and urine to be due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Genetic analysis of the CYP21 gene showed compound heterozygosity; 1 allele contained a pseudogene sequence (gene conversion) and the other contained a previously described I172N point mutation. On theoretical grounds, the genotype would have been expected to cause simple virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia but, because no other cause of death could be found, it is possible that it caused a fatally severe loss of enzyme activity in this child. If this assumption is valid, newborn screening would have prevented this death, had it been available.
Clear Cell Meningioma: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Oviedo Angelica , Pang Dachling , Zovickian John , Smith Matthew
Published: July 2005

Clear cell meningioma (CCM) is a rare variant of meningioma. Only 17 cases have been previously reported in children. Although it has bland cytologic features, it has a higher rate of recurrence than does conventional meningioma. This variant has been reported in sites such as spinal/intradural (lumbar and thoracic), cerebellopontine angle, and supratentorial. The differential diagnosis of CCM includes microcystic meningioma, hemangioblastoma, and clear cell ependymoma. The characteristic histology and immunohistochemistry leads to the diagnosis. We present a case of a 7-year-old boy with a CCM of the cauda equina and a review of pediatric CCM.
Bacterial Etiology for Chronic Villitis is Not Supported by Polymerase Chain Reaction for 16S rRNA DNA
Authors: Ernst Linda M. , Crouch Jill , Rinder Henry , Howe John Greg
Published: July 2005

Chronic villitis is characterized by chorionic villi infiltrated by lymphocytes, histiocytes, and sometimes plasma cells. In a small percentage of cases, an infectious agent can be demonstrated within areas of chronic villitis. However, the pathogenesis of most lesions is idiopathic. Chronic villitis may represent the direct spread of chronic endometrial infection by bacterial organisms that are particularly problematic for culture. To test this hypothesis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers for the universal bacterial 16S rRNA DNA was performed on DNA extracted from areas of chronic villitis selected from placentas in the Yale Pathology database. Specific areas of chronic villitis were first confirmed by examination of sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin and then removed from archived paraffin blocks. Control tissue spiked with known bacterial counts was also prepared to test the sensitivity of the experiment. All tissue was deparaffinized, dehydrated, and digested with proteinase K. DNA extraction was performed with the Gentra Puregene kit. PCR was done using primers p11 and p13 for the 16S rRNA DNA. The 233-bp amplified target product was identified by agarose gel electrophoresis. Nineteen specimens with multifocal chronic villitis without confinement to anchoring villi were studied. None of the chronic villitis specimens had a demonstrable product using the PCR primers for 16S rRNA DNA, despite adequate DNA in the samples and controls. The assay was sensitive down to approximately 1500 bacteria per specimen. In conclusion, these data do not support a bacterial etiology for chronic villitis.
Unusual Adrenal Cortical Tumor of Unknown Biologic Potential: A Nodule in a Nodule in a Nodule
Authors: Ranganathan Sarangarajan , Lynshue Kecha , Hunt Jennifer L. , Kane Timothy , Jaffe Ronald
Published: July 2005

Adrenocortical tumors are uncommon neoplasms in childhood. Most pediatric adrenal tumors are virilizing and carcinomas are more common than adenomas. Recent molecular data suggest an adenoma-to-carcinoma progression sequence in adrenal cortical neoplasms. We report a case of a 5-year-old boy who presented with virilizing symptoms secondary to an adrenal tumor that was resected laparoscopically. The bulk of the tumor was a large, yellow mass with typical features of an adrenal cortical adenoma. In the center was a well-circumscribed tan-brown nodule that was distinct from the adenoma and had oncocytic features. A third minute focus (3.0 mm) was noted that was not circumscribed or encapsulated, but showed marked pleomorphism and abundant mitoses, including atypical forms and increased Ki67 compared with the outer 2 nodules. Molecular analysis to assess the clonality and mutation rates of the 3 distinct areas showed only 2 genetic loci with allelic imbalances.
Prognostic Value of MIB-1, E-Cadherin, and CD44 in Pediatric Chordomas
Authors: Saad Aly G. , Collins Margaret H.
Published: July 2005

The prognosis of pediatric chordomas is difficult to predict based on histology. The objective of this study was to assess the expression of a proliferation marker and adhesion molecules in pediatric chordomas and relate the expressions to outcome. In 8 pediatric chordomas, we calculated the MIB-1 labeling index (LI) by counting the number of MIB-1–positive tumor cells in 100 tumor cells. The grade of expression of E-cadherin and CD44 was calculated by estimating the percentage of tumor cells expressing these markers. MIB-1 LI correlated with tumor recurrence ( P = 0.007) and low survival rate ( P = 0.007). The expression of E-cadherin correlated with disease-free survival ( P = 0.009), tumor recurrence ( P > 0.0007), and low survival rate ( P > 0.0007). CD44 expression did not correlate with recurrence ( P = 0.056) or survival rate ( P = 0.056). Our results suggest that MIB-1 LI and expression of E-cadherin are helpful to predict outcome in pediatric chordomas.
J. Bruce Beckwith: Scholar, Fisherman, and Friend
Authors: Lemire Ronald J.
Published: July 2005

In preparing to write about my dear friend Bruce Beckwith, I made a list of 487 different “events” we shared together over 40 years. The ones I have chosen to share for the most part represent “middle ground.” Many can never be told.
J. Bruce Beckwith: Physician Scientist
Authors: Benjamin Denis R.
Published: July 2005

Throughout his career, Dr. J. Bruce Beckwith has set the standard as physician/pathologist. Beginning with formal clinical training in pediatrics, Dr. Beckwith honed his practice of pediatric pathology to meet the needs of patient, family, and practitioner, always using a careful and compassionate blend of diagnostic accuracy and clinical practicability. Dr. Beckwith's scientific contributions are legion and cover the diverse fields of congenital disease, forensic medicine, and neoplasia. Our fundamental understandings of in situ neuroblastoma, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, sudden infant death syndrome, and Wilms tumor are all based on Dr. Beckwith's original observations and interpretations. But equal to his research has been his extraordinary ability to communicate with, console, and inspire people of all walks of life and all disciplines, from patients and their families to students and colleagues. With this passion, Dr. Beckwith has reached far beyond the artificial confines of the laboratory and, in so doing, has earned a rightful place in the annals of pathology, pediatrics, and, indeed, humanity.
Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome: Historical, Clinicopathological, and Etiopathogenetic Perspectives
Authors: Cohen M. Michael
Published: July 2005

Macroglossia, prenatal or postnatal overgrowth, and abdominal wall defects (omphalocele, umbilical hernia, or diastasis recti) permit early recognition of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Complications include neonatal hypoglycemia and an increased risk for Wilms tumor, adrenal cortical carcinoma, hepatoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and neuroblastoma, among others. Perinatal mortality can result from complications of prematurity, pronounced macroglossia, and rarely cardiomyopathy. The molecular basis of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is complex, involving deregulation of imprinted genes found in 2 domains within the 11p15 region: telomeric Domain 1 ( IGF2 and H19) and centromeric Domain 2 ( KCNQ1, KCNQ1OT1, and CDKN1C). Topics discussed in this article are organized as a series of perspectives: general, historical, epidemiologic, clinical, pathologic, genetic/molecular, diagnostic, and differential diagnostic.
Pediatric Renal Tumors: Practical Updates for the Pathologist
Authors: Perlman Elizabeth J.
Published: July 2005

Pediatric renal tumors were targeted by the National Wilms Tumor Study Group for 4 decades with extraordinary success. Within this historic context, this review provides a summary of the new Children's Oncology Group renal tumor protocols that will be opening in the very near future, focusing on their pathologic requirements. All renal tumors must first be registered on the Renal Tumor Classification and Banking Protocol, followed by registration on 1 of 4 primary therapeutic protocols based on histology, stage, and molecular analysis. This requires prompt submission of samples for molecular analysis and central pathologic review. Changes in staging criteria include classification of all tumor spillage as stage III, and requirement of regional lymph node evaluation for eligibility for stage I Wilms tumors (WTs) weighing less than 550 g in infants younger than 24 months and for stage I clear cell sarcoma. Patients with unilateral favorable histology WT with loss of heterozygosity for chromosomes 1p and 16q will receive more aggressive chemotherapy at each stage. Patients with bilateral WT and patients with diffuse hyperplastic perilobar nephroblastomatosis will be eligible for a novel therapeutic protocol requiring pathologic classification based on response of tumor to previous therapy. Stage I anaplastic WT will be targeted with more aggressive chemotherapy than in the past. For the first time, pediatric renal cell carcinoma will be eligible for a cooperative group protocol. All rhabdoid tumors outside the central nervous system will be eligible for a single protocol. In conclusion, these new protocols bring considerable change in their overall organization, in eligibility, and in therapy.
Association of Cloacal Anomalies, Caudal Duplication, and Twinning
Authors: Siebert Joseph R. , Rutledge Joe C. , Kapur Raj P
Published: July 2005

Cloacal anomalies exhibit a wide variety of morphologic types and accompanying clinical severity. The association of malformations of the cloaca with partial, complete, or conjoined twinning has been appreciated for some time, but, with the advent of prenatal ultrasound technology, appears to occur with a greater frequency than once thought. This observation has important implications for pathogenesis. We present 2 representative cases, a 19-week-old female fetus with duplication of several caudal structures and a 21-week-old male fetus with cloacal exstrophy variant and demised co-twin with lower abdominal wall defect, extruded intestinal tract, absent external genitalia, and imperforate anus. These findings and previously published theories suggest that certain models of monozygotic twinning may apply to the pathogenesis of cloacal anomalies. Specifically, the partial or complete duplication of the organizing center within a single embryonic disc may increase the risk of mesodermal insufficiency and thus account for the failure of complete development of the cloacal membrane and consequent exstrophy or other aberration.
In Situ Neuroblastoma: An Important Concept Related to the Natural History of Neural Crest Tumors
Authors: Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: July 2005

Since the initial description of the entity known as “ in situ neuroblastoma,” thoughts about the origin, fate, and clinical significance of this anatomic finding have influenced the field of neuroectodermal tumor biology. This paper discusses the importance of the original description of in situ neuroblastoma and how the entity fits into contemporary models of neuroblastoma heterogeneity.
Myogenic Markers in the Evaluation of Embryonal Botryoid Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Female Genital Tract
Authors: Riedlinger Wolfram F. J. , Kozakewich Harry P. W. , Vargas Sara O.
Published: July 2005

Rhabdomyosarcoma presents special diagnostic problems when it involves the uterine cervix in young children because tumor cells may lack marked atypia and may blend with the normal, immature, condensed, cellular stroma, rendering diagnosis difficult. Myogenic makers are a valuable ancillary technique for establishing a diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma. However, desmin positivity has been reported in cervical stromal cells, which can confound diagnosis. To determine whether immunohistochemical markers of skeletal muscle differentiation are helpful in the diagnosis of uterine botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma, we compared the immunohistochemical staining pattern of cervical rhabdomyosarcoma from 3 patients with that of normal uteri from age-matched autopsy controls by using antibodies for desmin, smooth muscle actin, muscle-specific actin, myoD1, myogenin, and WT-1. All tumors demonstrated at least focal immunopositivity for desmin, muscle-specific actin, smooth muscle actin, myoD1, and WT-1, and 1 tumor was also positive for myogenin. Autopsy controls showed only scattered subepithelial stromal immunoreactivity for desmin, muscle-specific actin, smooth muscle actin, and WT-1 and showed cytoplasmic, but not nuclear, immunopositivity for myoD1 and myogenin. Myometrium was diffusely positive for desmin and muscle-specific actin. We conclude that desmin, muscle-specific actin, smooth muscle actin, and WT1 are not specific for discriminating embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma from normal subepithelial cells in the female genital tract of children, although the number of immunopositive cells is consistently larger in rhabdomyosarcoma. Nuclear staining for myoD1 and myogenin appears not to occur in normal tissue, but it may be absent or sparse in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Our findings indicate that, in this anatomic site, the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma and in particular determination of tumor margins remain very reliant on histomorphology.
Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma of the Pancreas in an Adolescent with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Oermann Christopher M. , Al-Salmi Qasem , Seilheimer Dan K. , Finegold Milton , Tatevian Nina
Published: July 2005

Epidemiologic studies indicate that the overall risk of malignancy among patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is similar to that of the general population. However, these studies and a number of case reports suggest that patients with CF may be at increased risk for the development of specific gastrointestinal cancers. Tumors of the esophagus, stomach, small and large bowels, liver and biliary tracts, and pancreas have been described. Previous reports of pancreatic cancers among patients with CF have included only adenocarcinoma in adults. This is the first description of a mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas in an adolescent with CF. The tumor developed within a pancreatic cyst that had been initially identified 13 years before resection. Our report highlights the increased risk of pancreatic malignancy among patients who have CF and illustrates the premalignant potential of pancreatic cysts in this at-risk population. Further, it reinforces the need for careful surveillance and suggests a role for more aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for patients with atypical findings on pancreatic imaging studies.
FERTILITY DESIRES OF YORUBA COUPLES OF SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA
Authors: OYEDIRAN KOLAWOLE AZEEZ
Published: July 2005

Using the matched wife–husband (763) sample from the data collected from Ogbomoso and Iseyin towns in Oyo State, Nigeria, this paper examines factors associated with couples’ fertility intention. The analysis used logistic regression models for predicting the effects of selected socioeconomic background characteristics on a couple’s fertility intention. Results indicate high levels of concurrence among husbands and wives on fertility intention. Where differences exist, husbands are more pronatalists than their wives. About 87% of pairs of partners reported similar fertility preferences. Of these couples, 59·5% wanted more children while only 27·8% reported otherwise. The logistic regression models indicated that a couple’s fertility intention was associated with age, education, place of residence, frequency of television-watching and number of living children. Therefore, programme interventions aimed at promoting fertility reduction in Nigeria should convey fertility regulation messages to both husbands and wives.
A BIOSOCIAL MODEL OF MEDICATION USE AMONG OLDER WOMEN AND MEN IN ISMAILIA, EGYPT
Authors: YOUNT KATHRYN M. , KHADR ZEINAB
Published: July 2005

In Western industrialized countries, women report using health services, and certain medications, more often than do men. Often, analyses are based on data that exclude objective measures of morbidity and that come from cross-sectional surveys, which precludes the use of socioeconomic covariates that are endogenous to seeking care. Here, differences in objective cognitive and physical function, as well as differences in reporting on illness, propensity to seek care, and socioeconomic resources are expected to account for differences in care-seeking behaviour among women and men. This model is applied to the question of medication use in Ismailia, Egypt, using two waves of survey data and in-home tests of physical function from 896 adults aged 50 years and older. The results show that women use ‘modern’ medications more often than do men, and that differences between women and men in reported morbidity and disability, observed cognitive and physical function, and economic resources account for women’s greater use of medication. The findings underline a need for biosocial models to understand differences in women’s and men’s care-seeking behaviour in later life.
SOCIOECONOMIC DIFFERENTIALS IN NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN IN THE STATES OF WEST BENGAL AND ASSAM, INDIA
Authors: SOM SUPARNA , PAL MANORANJAN , BHATTACHARYA BISHWANATH , BHARATI SUSMITA , BHARATI PREMANANDA
Published: July 2005

Malnutrition among children is prevalent in almost all the states in India. This study assesses the extent and causes of malnutrition in two eastern Indian states with similar climates, namely West Bengal and Assam, using data from the National Family Health Survey 1998–99 (NFHS-2). The three indices of malnutrition taken for analysis are weight-for-height (WHZ), height-for-age (HAZ) and weight-for-age (WAZ). These are assumed to depend on birth order, preceding birth interval, parent’s educational status, working status of the mother, mother’s age at delivery of the children, source of drinking water, toilet facilities and standard of living of the household. Logistic regression was carried out separately for each of the three indices on the explanatory variables for both the states. It was found that not all variables are equally important in determining whether a baby is underweight, or suffering from acute or chronic malnutrition. Also, the importance of variables is not the same in the two states. It was observed that the coefficients associated with the variables in determining weight-for-height are not significant compared with those for weight-for-age and height-for-age.
THE INFLUENCE OF ANTENATAL AND MATERNAL FACTORS ON STILLBIRTHS AND NEONATAL DEATHS IN NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA
Authors: MOHSIN M. , BAUMAN A. E. , JALALUDIN B.
Published: July 2005

This study identified the influences of maternal socio-demographic and antenatal factors on stillbirths and neonatal deaths in New South Wales, Australia. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to explore the association of selected antenatal and maternal characteristics with stillbirths and neonatal deaths. The findings of this study showed that stillbirths and neonatal deaths significantly varied by infant sex, maternal age, Aboriginality, maternal country of birth, socioeconomic status, parity, maternal smoking behaviour during pregnancy, maternal diabetes mellitus, maternal hypertension, antenatal care, plurality of birth, low birth weight, place of birth, delivery type, maternal deaths and small gestational age. First-born infants, twins and infants born to teenage mothers, Aboriginal mothers, those who smoked during the pregnancy and those of lower socioeconomic status were at increased risk of stillbirths and neonatal deaths. The most common causes of stillbirths were conditions originating in the perinatal period: intrauterine hypoxia and asphyxia. Congenital malformations, including deformities and chromosomal abnormalities, and disorders related to slow fetal growth, short gestation and low birth weight were the most common causes of neonatal deaths. The findings indicate that very low birth weight (less than 2000 g) contributed 75·6% of the population-attributable risks to stillbirths and 59·4% to neonatal deaths. Low gestational age (less than 32 weeks) accounted for 77·7% of stillbirths and 87·9% of neonatal deaths. The findings of this study suggest that in order to reduce stillbirths and neonatal deaths, it is essential to include strategies to predict and prevent prematurity and low birth weight, and that there is a need to focus on anti-smoking campaigns during pregnancy, optimizing antenatal care and other healthcare programmes targeted at the socially disadvantaged populations identified in this study.
TO BE AN IMMIGRANT: A RISK FACTOR FOR DEVELOPING OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY DURING CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE?
Authors: KIRCHENGAST SYLVIA , SCHOBER EDITH
Published: July 2005

Childhood overweight and obesity, especially among migrant children, are current health problems in several European countries. In the present study the prevalence of overweight and obesity among migrant children from Turkey and the former Yugoslavia was documented and compared with that of Austrian children in Vienna. Anthropometric data from 1786 children were collected at the ages of 6, 10 and 15 years. Body mass was estimated by means of the body mass index and percentile curves were used to determine weight status. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be significantly higher among migrant children. Children and adolescents from the former Yugoslavia and Turkish girls exhibited especially high rates of overweight and obesity. Biosocial and cultural factors are discussed as causes of these observations.
What is the role of p53 during the cyst formation of Trichinella spiralis? A comparable study between knockout mice and wild type mice
Authors: BOONMARS T. , WU Z. , NAGANO I. , TAKAHASHI Y.
Published: July 2005

During the cyst formation of Trichinella spiralis, the infected muscle cell undergoes basophilic change and apoptosis, which results in nurse cell formation. This study revealed expression kinetics of some apoptosis genes such as p53 and its closely related genes (tumor suppressor genes p53, p53; mouse double minute 2, MDM2; cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, p21waf). RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) results showed that these genes were temporarily expressed in the infected muscles during the cyst formation period, but not in normal muscles (or very low if any), which suggested the involvement of these apoptosis genes in the nurse cell formation. Cysts and neighbouring muscle cells were separately collected and RT-PCR was performed, which suggested that p53 was expressed in the cysts. An immunocytochemical study showed that p53 was expressed in the nucleoplasm of basophilic cell in the cyst and Trichinella larvae, which suggested involvement of these apoptosis genes in the nurse cell formation. The same p53 expression kinetic study was performed on p53 knockout mice. The knockout mice did not express p53 genes, but expressed the other apoptosis genes in the same kinetics with only minor exceptions, suggesting that the expressions of these genes during the cyst formation were more or less p53-independent. There were no differences in the number and morphology of the cysts between the knockout mice and wild type mice. Thus apoptosis seen during the Trichinella cyst formation can be operated in the presence or absence of p53.
Genetic characterization of parthenogenic Fasciola sp. in Japan on the basis of the sequences of ribosomal and mitochondrial DNA
Authors: ITAGAKI T. , KIKAWA M. , SAKAGUCHI K. , SHIMO J. , TERASAKI K. , SHIBAHARA T. , FUKUDA K.
Published: July 2005

Accurate identification of aspermic Fasciola forms in Japan remains difficult because of their morphological variations. In order to characterize the forms genetically, nucleotide sequences of ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS1 and ITS2) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase I (NDI) genes in 34 liver flukes from 16 prefectures in Japan were analysed. Two major forms represented by Fsp 1 and Fsp 2 had sequences identical to or closely resembling those of F. hepatica and F. gigantica, respectively, in all the 4 DNA markers and were mainly distributed in northern and eastern-western parts of Japan, respectively. Fsp 1 and Fsp 2 would have been introduced into Japan with infected cattle of 2 distinct lineages via the Korean Peninsula and spread through limited parts of Japan (northern and eastern-western parts) together with the movement of each cattle lineage. The Japanese form (Fsp 1/2), which showed heterozygosity in ribosomal DNA and Fsp 2 haplotype in mitochondrial DNA, may have originated in interspecific cross hybridization between paternal F. hepatica and maternal F. gigantica.
The immunogenicity of Echinococcus granulosus antigen 5 is determined by its post-translational modifications
Authors: LORENZO C. , LAST J. A. , GONZÁLEZ-SAPIENZA G. G.
Published: July 2005

Since its early introduction as a marker for the immunodiagnosis of hydatid disease, antigen 5 (Ag5) has been regarded as one of the more relevant antigens of Echinococcus granulosus, and it is still widely used in different confirmation techniques. In this work we prepared 2 recombinant forms of the antigen, namely, rAg5 (corresponding to the unprocessed polypeptide chain of the antigen) and rAg5-38s (corresponding to its 38 kDa subunit). Their antigenicities were compared to that of the native antigen using a human serum collection. There was a major drop in the reactivity of the sera, particularly against rAg5-38s, which was confirmed by analysis of the cross-reactivity of 2 panels of monoclonal antibodies specific for rAg5-38s and the native antigen. Using the chemically deglycosylated native antigen, we demonstrated that the reduced antigenicity of the recombinants is due to the loss of the sugar determinants, and not to their misfolding. Inhibition experiments using phosphorylcholine confirmed that this moiety also contributes to the reactivity of the antigen, but to a much lesser extent. The presence of immunodominant highly cross-reactive glycan moieties in the Ag5 molecule may involve a parasite evasion mechanism.
A small ciliary surface glycoprotein of the monogenean parasiteNeobenedenia girellaeacts as an agglutination/immobilization antigen and induces an immune response in the Japanese flounderParalichthys olivaceus
Authors: HATANAKA A. , UMEDA N. , YAMASHITA S. , HIRAZAWA N.
Published: July 2005

The capsalid monogeneanNeobenedenia girellae, a parasite of seawater fishes, was found to express an antigen that elicits antibodies in rabbits, and these antibodies had agglutination/immobilization activity againstN. girellaelarvae (oncomiracidia)in vitro. Indirect immunofluorescence staining ofN. girellaeoncomiracidia showed that this agglutination/immobilization antigen was expressed on the surface of cilia. An intraperitoneal injection of ciliary proteins (either sonicated or intact) with adjuvant also elicited agglutinizing/immobilizing antibodies in sera from Japanese flounder,Paralichthys olivaceus. These antisera showed a clear correlation between anti-ciliary antibody levels (measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) and their agglutination/immobilization activity. Anti-ciliary antibody levels in Japanese flounder reached a plateau at 39 days after booster immunization and were significantly higher in the two immunized groups (injection of sonicated or intact cilia) as compared with control fish (injection of bovine serum albumin; ANOVA, Tukey's test,P<0·01). Anti-ciliary antibodies were also found in fish mucus; however, there was no correlation between fish serum anti-ciliary antibody levels and mucus antibody levels. A Triton X-114-soluble 8 kDa glycoprotein of the ciliary integral membrane fraction is a plausible candidate for the agglutination/immobilization antigen based on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblot analyses with rabbit and fish antisera.
Reproductive Cytotoxicity Is Predicted by Magnetic Resonance Microscopy and Confirmed by Ubiquitin–Proteasome Immunohistochemistry in a Theophylline-Induced Model of Rat Testicular and Epididymal Toxicity
Authors: Tengowski M.W. , Sutovsky P. , Hedlund L.W. , Guyot D.J. , Burkhardt J.E. , Thompson W.E. , Sutovsky M. , Johnson G.A.
Published: July 2005

This study investigated the testicular changes in the rat induced by the nonspecific phosphodiesterase inhibitor, theophylline using magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) and ubiquitin immunostaining techniques.In vivoT1- and T2-weighted images were acquired at 2 T under anesthesia. Increased signal observed in the theophylline-treated rats suggests that leakage of MRM contrast was occurring.In vivoMRM results indicate that day 16 testis displayed an increased T1-weighted water signal in the area of the seminiferous tubule that decreased by day 32. These findings were validated by histopathology, suggesting thatin vivoMRM has the sensitivity to predict changes in testis and epididymal tissues. The participation of the ubiquitin system was investigated, using probes for various markers of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. MRM can be used to detect subtle changes in the vascular perfusion of organ systems, and the up-regulation/mobilization of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway may be one of the mechanisms used in theophylline-treated epididymis to remove damaged cells before storage in the cauda epididymis. The combined use ofin vivoMRM and subsequent tissue or seminal analysis for the presence of ubiquitin in longitudinal studies may become an important biomarker for assessing testis toxicities drug studies.
Electron Microscopy Analysis of the Nucleolus ofTrypanosoma cruzi
Authors: López-Velázquez Gabriel , Hernández Roberto , López-Villaseñor Imelda , Reyes-Vivas Horacio , Segura-Valdez María de L. , Jiménez-García Luis F.
Published: July 2005

The nucleolus is the main site for synthesis and processing of ribosomal RNA in eukaryotes. In mammals, plants, and yeast the nucleolus has been extensively characterized by electron microscopy, but in the majority of the unicellular eukaryotes no such studies have been performed. Here we used ultrastructural cytochemical and immunocytochemical techniques as well as three-dimensional reconstruction to analyze the nucleolus ofTrypanosoma cruzi, which is an early divergent eukaryote of medical importance. InT. cruziepimastigotes the nucleolus is a spherical intranuclear ribonucleoprotein organelle localized in a relatively central position within the nucleus. Dense fibrillar and granular components but not fibrillar centers were observed. In addition, nuclear bodies resembling Cajal bodies were observed associated to the nucleolus in the surrounding nucleoplasm. Our results provide additional morphological data to better understand the synthesis and processing of the ribosomal RNA in kinetoplastids.
Three-Dimensional Morphological Characterization of Optic Nerve Fibers by Atomic Force Microscopy and by Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Melling Mahmoud , Karimian-Teherani Daniela , Mostler Sascha , Hochmeister Sonja
Published: July 2005

A comparative study of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging of the healthy human optic nerve was carried out to determine the similarities and the differences. In this study we compared the fine optic nerve structures as observed by SEM and AFM. The fibers of the right optic nerve of a 61-year-old man show different arrangements in transverse sections taken from the same individual 5 mm central to the optic canal and 5 mm peripheral to the optic chiasma; this difference can be recognized by light microscopy (LM), SEM, and AFM. AFM revealed such typical optic nerve fibers (taken from a point 5 mm central to the optic canal) with annular and longitudinal orientations, which were not visible by SEM in this form. By contrast, LM and SEM visualized other structures, such as pia mater and optic nerve fibers loosely arranged in bundles, none of which was visualized by AFM. The images, however, taken 5 mm peripheral from the optic chiasma show shapeless nerve fibers having a wavy course. Our results reveal that more detailed information on optic nerve morphology is obtained by exploiting the advantages of both SEM and AFM. These are the first SEM and AFM images of healthy human optic nerve fibers, containing clear representations of the three dimensions of the optic nerve.
Scanning Electron Microscopic Structure of the Lingual Papillae of the Common Opossum (Didelphis marsupialis)
Authors: Okada Shigenori , Schraufnagel Dean E.
Published: July 2005

The mammalian tongue has evolved for specialized functions in different species. The structure of its papillae tells about the animal's diet, habit, and taxonomy. The opossum has four kinds of lingual papillae (filiform, conical, fungiform, vallate). Scanning electron microscopy of the external features, connective tissue cores, and corrosion casts of the microvasculature show the filiform papillae have a spearhead-like main process and spiny accessory processes around the apical part of the main process. The shape and number of both processes depend on their position on the tongue. On the apex, the main processes have shovel-like capillary networks and the accessory processes have small conical networks. On the lingual radix, the processes have small capillary loops. In the patch region, conical papillae have capillaries arranged as a full sail curving posteriorly. The fungiform papillae are scattered among the filiform papillae and have capillary baskets beneath each taste bud. Giant fungiform papillae on the tongue tip are three to four times larger than the ones on the lingual body. Capillaries of giant papillae form a fan-shaped network. The opossum has three vallate papillae arranged in a triangle. Their tops have secondary capillary loops but not their lateral surfaces. Mucosal folds on the posterolateral border have irregular, fingerlike projections with cylindrical capillary networks. These findings and the structure of the rest of the masticatory apparatus suggest the lingual papillae of opossum have kept their ancestral carnivorous features but also developed the herbivore characteristics of other marsupials.
Measurement and Mapping of Small Changes of Crystal Orientation by Electron Backscattering Diffraction
Authors: Tao Xiaodong , Eades Alwyn
Published: July 2005

We have explored the possibility of measuring small changes of orientation within grains by electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD), in the scanning electron microscope. Conventional orientation maps (using EBSD) index the orientation of each position on the sample separately. This does not give accurate results for small differences of orientation. We have studied methods of measuring small changes in orientation by measuring the change from one EBSD pattern to the next directly, without indexing either. Previous workers have measured the change of position of a zone axis in the EBSD pattern. We have compared this with an alternative method, which we show to be superior, of measuring the shift of the peaks in the Hough transform from one diffraction pattern to the next. This means that we are measuring the change of orientation of sets of crystal planes within the grain, rather than measuring the change of orientation of zone axes. We show that it is possible, with a standard EBSD configuration, to measure the shift of the Kikuchi bands to a precision of about a 10th of a pixel, which corresponds to a change of orientation in the sample of about 0.1 mrad (0.006°).
Medium Calcium Concentration Determines Keratin Intermediate Filament Density and Distribution in Immortalized Cultured Thymic Epithelial Cells (TECs)
Authors: Sands Sandra S. , Meek William D. , Hayashi Jun , Ketchum Robert J.
Published: July 2005

Isolation and culture of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) using conventional primary tissue culture techniques under conditions employing supplemented low calcium medium yielded an immortalized cell line derived from the LDA rat (Lewis [Rt1l] cross DA [Rt1a]) that could be manipulated in vitro. Thymi were harvested from 4–5-day-old neonates, enzymically digested using collagenase (1 mg/ml, 37°C, 1 h) and cultured in low calcium WAJC404A medium containing cholera toxin (20 ng/ml), dexamethasone (10 nM), epidermal growth factor (10 ng/ml), insulin (10 μg/ml), transferrin (10 μg/ml), 2% calf serum, 2.5% Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM), and 1% antibiotic/antimycotic. TECs cultured in low calcium displayed round to spindle-shaped morphology, distinct intercellular spaces (even at confluence), and dense reticular-like keratin patterns. In high calcium (0.188 mM), TECs formed cobblestone-like confluent monolayers that were resistant to trypsinization (0.05%) and displayed keratin intermediate filaments concentrated at desmosomal junctions between contiguous cells. Changes in cultured TEC morphology were quantified by an analysis of desmosome/membrane relationships in high and low calcium media. Desmosomes were significantly increased in the high calcium medium. These studies may have value when considering the growth conditions of cultured primary cell lines like TECs.
Multiple-Instrument Analyses of Single Micron-Size Particles
Authors: Admon Uri , Donohue David , Aigner Helmut , Tamborini Gabriele , Bildstein Olivier , Betti Maria
Published: July 2005

Physical, chemical, and isotopic analyses of individual radioactive and other particles in the micron-size range, key tools in environmental research and in nuclear forensics, require the ability to precisely relocate particles of interest (POIs) in the secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS) or in another instrument, after having been located, identified, and characterized in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). This article describes the implementation, testing, and evaluation of the triangulation POIs re-location method, based on microscopic reference marks imprinted on or attached to the sample holder, serving as an inherent coordinate system. In SEM-to-SEM and SEM-to-SIMS experiments re-location precision better than 10 μm and 20 μm, respectively, is readily attainable for instruments using standard specimen stages. The method is fast, easy to apply, and facilitates repeated analyses of individual particles in different instruments and laboratories.
Automatic Classification of Graphite in Cast Iron
Authors: Gomes Otávio da F.M. , Paciornik Sidnei
Published: July 2005

A method for automatic classification of the shape of graphite particles in cast iron is proposed. In a typical supervised classification procedure, the standard charts from the ISO-945 standard are used as a training and validation population. Several shape and size parameters are described and used as discriminants. A new parameter, the average internal angle, is proposed and is shown to be relevant for accurate classification. The ideal parameter sets are determined, leading to validation success rates above 90%. The classifier is then applied to real cast iron samples and provides results that are consistent with visual examination. The method provides classification resultsper particle, different from the traditionalper fieldchart comparison methods. The full procedure can run automatically without user interference.
Seismic stratigraphy of Detroit Seamount, Hawaiian‐Emperor seamount chain: Post‐hot‐spot shield‐building volcanism and deposition of the Meiji drift
Authors: Kerr Bryan C. , Scholl David W. , Klemperer Simon L.
Published: July 2005

Detroit Seamount, one of the northernmost seamounts of the Hawaiian‐Emperor seamount chain, was formed at ca. 76 Ma. New seismic data suggest renewed volcanism as late as 25 m.y. after initial seamount formation. We use high‐resolution single‐channel seismic (SCS) data acquired over the summit of Detroit Seamount in 2001 on Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 197, supplemented by older SCS data acquired as part of the GLORIA mapping program of the U.S. Geological Survey, to characterize the seismic stratigraphy of Detroit Seamount. Volcanic edifices occur on the summit of the seamount and are older than the oldest beds of the Meiji drift (early Oligocene: ca. 34 Ma). On the basis of ash layers in ODP drill holes, we suggest the edifices were active throughout much of the Eocene (ca. 52–34 Ma), with activity possibly extending into the early Oligocene (<34 Ma). Hence the age difference between the shield‐building lavas and the postshield cones on Detroit is far greater than the shield/postshield age differences observed on the Hawaiian Islands, suggesting that renewed volcanic activity and tectonic collapse may be possible on any of the Hawaiian Islands. We confirm earlier assertions that the thick sediment cap, Oligocene and younger in age, was deposited by an ocean‐bottom current with a southeastward flow direction, along the northeast facing flank of the Emperor Seamount chain. This sediment cap, the Meiji drift, was deposited by a lower‐velocity current than many other sediment drifts. A low‐angle normal fault, dipping ∼19°, suggests topographic collapse of Detroit seamount sometime during the Eocene or late Cretaceous.
Cooling rate effects on paleointensity estimates in submarine basaltic glass and implications for dating young flows
Authors: Bowles Julie , Gee Jeffrey S. , Kent Dennis V. , Bergmanis Eric , Sinton John
Published: July 2005

Cooling rate effects on the intensity of thermoremanent magnetization (TRM) have been well documented in ceramics. In that case, laboratory cooling is generally more rapid than the initial cooling, leading to an overestimate of the paleofield by 5–10% in Thellier‐type paleointensity experiments. The reverse scenario, however, has never been tested. We examine the effects of cooling rate on paleointensity estimates from rapidly quenched submarine basaltic glass (SBG) samples from 13 sites at 17°30′–18°30′S on the East Pacific Rise. Absolute cooling rates determined by relaxation geospeedometry at five of these sites range from ∼10 to ∼330°C min−1 at the glass transition (∼650°C). Over the dominant range of remanence blocking temperatures (∼200–400°C), the natural cooling rates are approximately equal to or slightly slower than the laboratory cooling rates during the Thellier experiment. These results suggest that while the cooling rate effect might introduce some within‐site scatter, it should not result in a systematic bias in paleointensity from SBG. Paleointensity estimates from the 15 sites range from ∼29 to 59 μT, with an average standard error of ∼1 μT. Comparison with models of geomagnetic field intensity variations at the site indicate the youngest group of samples is very recent (indistinguishable from present‐day) and the oldest is at least 500, and probably several thousand, years old. These age estimates are consistent with available radiometric ages and geologic observations.
Radiolytic H2 in continental crust: Nuclear power for deep subsurface microbial communities
Authors: Lin Li‐Hung , Hall James , Lippmann‐Pipke Johanna , Ward Julie A. , Sherwood Lollar Barbara , DeFlaun Mary , Rothmel Randi , Moser Duane , Gihring Thomas M. , Mislowack Bianca , Onstott T. C.
Published: July 2005

H2 is probably the most important substrate for terrestrial subsurface lithoautotrophic microbial communities. Abiotic H2 generation is an essential component of subsurface ecosystems truly independent of surface photosynthesis. Here we report that H2 concentrations in fracture water collected from deep siliclastic and volcanic rock units in the Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa, ranged up to two molar, a value far greater than observed in shallow aquifers or marine sediments. The high H2 concentrations are consistent with that predicted by radiolytic dissociation of H2O during radioactive decay of U, Th, and K in the host rock and the observed He concentrations. None of the other known H2‐generating mechanisms can account for such high H2 abundance either because of the positive free energy imposed by the high H2 concentration or pH or because of the absence of required mineral phases. The radiolytic H2 is consumed by methanogens and abiotic hydrocarbon synthesis. Our calculations indicate that radiolytic H2 production is a ubiquitous and virtually limitless source of energy for deep crustal chemolithoautotrophic ecosystems.