bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Staining of Intraocular Lenses with Various Dyes: A Study of Digital Image Analysis
Authors: Ozbek Z. , Saatci A.O. , Durak I. , Gunenc U. , Ergin M.H. , Cingil G.
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the interaction of various intraocular lens (IOL) materials with commonly used dyes. Materials and Methods: One IOL of each of the five groups (polymethylmethacrylate, silicone, three-piece hydrophobic acrylic, single-piece hydrophobic acrylic and single-piece hydrophilic acrylic) was bathed in trypan blue 0.1%, fluorescein sodium 2% and indocyanine green (ICG) 0.5% for 15 min. Digital photographs of the IOLs were obtained prior to bathing and after the 15-min bath in each dye. The same IOLs were immersed in the same dye for another 15 min and digital images were reobtained to depict the 30-min dye uptake. New IOLs from the group that exhibited visible colour change after the 15-min bath were then bathed in twofold dilution and if there was still visible dye uptake, fourfold dilution was performed, repeating the 15-min bath and digital photography. The images were then processed using Adobe Photoshop 5.1 to get mean luminosity and red-green-blue values. These values were compared between the groups and the undyed control. Also, dye washout was observed in serum-containing vials. Results: None of the polymethylmethacrylate, silicone and hydrophobic acrylic IOLs were stained with the dyes used. The only IOL material that changed colour was hydrophilic acrylic and did so with all dyes. The most marked colour change was with fluorescein sodium 2%, the least was with trypan blue 0.05%. Twofold dilution of trypan blue and fourfold dilutions of fluorescein sodium and ICG still stained the hydrophilic acrylic IOL; however, fourfold dilution of trypan blue did not cause a significant colour change. Trypan blue washed out within 6 h, while the IOL stained with ICG remained stained for longer than 24 h. Comment: Hydrophilic acrylic IOLs should be used with caution together with dyes since this material demonstrates marked dye uptake and washout may also take some time.
Triamcinolone Acetonide Facilitates Removal of the Epiretinal Membrane and Separation of the Residual Vitreous Cortex in Highly Myopic Eyes with Retinal Detachment due to a Macular Hole
Authors: Yamamoto Narumichi , Ozaki Noriko , Murakami Kimio
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To study the usefulness of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection during vitrectomy in highly myopic eyes with retinal detachment due to a macular hole. Methods: Pars plana vitrectomy was performed in 6 patients with retinal detachment resulting from a highly myopic eye with a macular hole. After separation of the posterior hyaloid and removal of any visible epiretinal membrane, triamcinolone acetonide was injected over the posterior pole. Excised specimens were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Results: Upon injection of triamcinolone acetonide, the entire epiretinal membrane and residual vitreous cortex could be visualized in all patients. The epiretinal membrane and residual posterior vitreous cortex were completely removed. Successful reattachment was performed without retinal damage in all cases. Electron microscopy revealed a cellular epiretinal membrane within a collagenous matrix lining the smooth internal surface of the internal limiting membrane. No complications related to the use of triamcinolone acetonide were encountered. Conclusion: Intraoperative visualization of the epiretinal membrane and residual posterior vitreous cortex with triamcinolone acetonide was found to be a useful adjunct to vitrectomy. Using triamcinolone acetonide during vitrectomy may facilitate both removal of the epiretinal membrane around the macular hole and separation of the residual vitreous cortex from the retina in highly myopic eyes with retinal detachment.
The Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy on Ocular Surface and Tear Function Tests in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Taner Pelin , Akarsu Cengiz , Atasoy Pınar , Bayram Merih , Ergin Ahmet
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To prospectively investigate the impact of various hormone replacement therapies (HRT) on ocular surface and tear function tests. Methods: A total of 70 women in the postmenopausal period were enrolled in the study. The groups consisted of 16 women who were not on HRT (group 1), 29 women who were on HRT with tibolone (group 2) and 25 women who received estradiol plus medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment (group 3). All patients underwent tear film break-up time (TFBUT), Schirmer’s test and conjunctiva cytology at the time of enrollment and at 6 months’ follow-up. Results: Patients in group 2 showed improved Schirmer’s test and TFBUT results (p < 0.001); however, no significant changes occurred in group 1 and group 3 patients (p > 0.05). Conjunctival cytology scores did not differ at the time of enrollment and at 6 months’ follow-up in all groups. Conclusions: This is the first comparative clinical study on the effects of tibolone and estradiol plus medroxyprogesterone acetate on ocular surface and tear function tests. HRT with tibolone seems to improve tear function tests in postmenopausal women.
Levels of Human Tissue Kallikrein in the Vitreous Fluid of Patients with Severe Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Pinna Antonio , Emanueli Costanza , Dore Stefano , Salvo Marco , Madeddu Paolo , Carta Francesco
Published: July 2004

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of human tissue kallikrein in the vitreous fluid of patients with severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Tissue kallikrein levels were measured using a specific ELISA (range: 0.4–25 ng/ml) in 7 vitreous fluids from eyes with severe PDR. Seven vitreous samples from eyes which underwent vitrectomy because of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment served as non-PDR controls. Enzymatic activity was also tested by an amidolytic assay using a chromogenic substrate. In the PDR patients, vitreous tissue kallikrein was <0.4 ng/ml (5 eyes) or very low (0.52 and 0.58 ng/ml). Vitreous tissue kallikrein was <0.4 ng/ml in all non-PDR controls. These results were confirmed by the amidolytic test. Results suggest that vitreous tissue kallikrein probably plays either a secondary or no role in the pathogenesis of PDR.
Deep Sclerectomy with Various Implants: An Experimental and Histopathologic Study in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Erkiliç Kuddusi , Özkiriş Abdullah , Evereklioglu Cem , Kontaş Olgun , Güler Kubilay , Dogan Hakki
Published: July 2004

Background and Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of various implants used in experimental deep sclerectomy and to report tissue reactions developed to these implants histopathologically. Materials and Methods: Forty eyes of 40 New Zealand white albino rabbits underwent deep sclerectomy with various implants. The rabbits were divided into four groups; each consisted of 10 eyes. Deep sclerectomy was performed using copolymer materials in group 1, silicone materials in group 2 and chromic catgut suture in group 3. No implants were used in the control group (group 4). Clinical and histopathological examinations were performed to investigate the effectiveness of implants. Results: Mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 14.4 ± 1.6 mm Hg in group 1, 14.5 ± 1.8 mm Hg in group 2, 13.8 ± 1.5 mm Hg in group 3 and 14.5 ± 1.2 mm Hg in group 4. The final postoperative IOPs were 10.7 ± 0.9, 10.6 ± 0.8, 13.5 ± 1.0, and 14.5 ± 1.4 mm Hg, respectively. At 2 months, the decrease in IOPs from baseline and the persistence of the filtering bleb were significantly marked in group 1 and group 2 (p < 0.001). Histopathological evaluation revealed that copolymer and silicone materials formed a smooth and regular intrascleral space. There were no foreign body reaction, tissue destruction or fibrosis in group 1 and group 2, but chromic catgut sutures caused severe fibrosis and inflammatory reaction in group 3. Mean histopathologic score of group 1, group 2, group 3 and group 4 was 0.7 ± 0.5, 0.8 ± 0.5, 2.4 ± 0.6, and 0.1 ± 0.3, respectively. Conclusion: Copolymer or silicone materials may increase the success rate of surgery by maintenance of a large and regular intrascleral space after deep sclerectomy and prevention of collapse of the flap.
Pars Plana Vitrectomy without Long-Acting Gas Tamponade for Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Hotta Kazuki , Sugitani Atsuhiko , Uchino Yuichi
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To report the anatomical and visual results of primary pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) without long-acting gas tamponade to repair primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs). Methods: Twenty-seven consecutive patients (27 eyes) with peripheral retinal tears and new RRDs were treated according to the surgical protocol. Patients underwent PPV with fluid-air exchange and endolaser treatment to repair the RRD. Neither long-acting gas nor silicone oil tamponade was combined with PPV. All patients were followed from 6 to 26 months with an average follow-up of 11 months. Reattachment of the retina and visual outcome were compared to the results of previously published studies. Results: Reattachment was achieved in 24 of 27 eyes (89%) with a single operation, and in all 27 (100%) eyes, the retina was ultimately reattached with subsequent operations. The median initial visual acuity was 0.4, and the median final visual acuity was 1.0. Conclusions: Primary PPV with fluid-air exchange alone and laser treatment is a safe, effective method for the repair of primary retinal detachments. The anatomical reattachment rate and the visual acuity obtained with this technique appear to be at least as good as those reported in the literature for primary PPV combined with long-acting gas tamponade.
Eyelid Tumors in Children: A Clinicopathologic Study of a 10-Year Review in Southern Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Huan-Chen , Lin Hsiu-Fen
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To describe the clinical and histopathologic characteristics of eyelid tumors in children in southern Taiwan. Methods: Patients younger than 17 years old with histologically confirmed eyelid tumors treated at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Kaohsiung) during 1991–2000 were subjected to a retrospective analysis. Patients with inflammation, granulation, hordeolum, chalazion and orbital or conjunctival extension were excluded. Results: Totally, 78 patients (46 boys and 31 girls) with eyelid tumors were included. The 4 most common tumors, in order of frequency, were epidermal cysts (23.1%), dermoid cysts (17.9%), squamous cell papillomas (11.5%), and compound nevi (9%). Recurrence was noted in only 1 case (of a ductal cyst) after surgical excision during the 3-year follow-up period. Conclusions: Epithelial tumors and dermoid cysts are the most common eyelid tumors of children in southern Taiwan. Surgical excision produced good results. Malignant eyelid tumors are rare in children.
Influence of Indocyanine Green Staining on the Biomechanical Strength of Porcine Internal Limiting Membrane
Authors: Wollensak Gregor , Spoerl Eberhard , Wirbelauer Christopher , Pham Duy-Thoai
Published: July 2004

Purpose: Indocyanine green (ICG) has recently been introduced to stain selectively the internal limiting membrane (ILM) of the retina for ILM peeling. The aim of the present in vitro study was to examine the effect of ICG staining on the biomechanical properties of porcine ILM. Methods: Two parallel 10 × 7 mm strips of central retina were prepared from each of the 40 porcine eyes. 0.005% ICG staining combined with white light illumination for 3 min was performed. Unstained, nonilluminated and 0.1% glutaraldehyde-treated specimens were used as controls. Biomechanical-force elongation measurements were performed using an automated material tester. The absorption spectrum of the ICG solution and the emission spectrum of the light source was measured. Results: After ICG staining of the retina combined with 3 min of illumination, a significant increase in ultimate force by 45% and a decrease in ultimate elongation by 24% was found. Without light exposure, there was no such effect, suggesting a light-dependent process. After 30 min of 0.1% glutaraldehyde treatment, there was an increase in ultimate force by 107% and a decrease in ultimate elongation by 66.6%. The absorption spectrum of the light source was continuous in the range from 400 to 800 nm including the absorption peak of ICG at 700 nm. Conclusions: ICG staining of the retina including the ILM causes a significant increase in the biomechanical stiffness thereby facilitating ILM peeling. The effect is due to a photosensitizing effect of ICG leading to collagen cross-linking.
Bilateral Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Associated with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Aggio Fabio B. , Cariello Angelino J. , Almeida Manuella S.S. , Rodrigues Celso A. , de Moraes Nilva S.B. , Colleoni Gisele W.B. , Farah Michel E.
Published: July 2004

Purpose: To report a case of simultaneous bilateral central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) associated with multiple myeloma. Methods: A 65-year-old woman had sudden, painless loss of vision in both eyes for 20 days. Ophthalmologic examination revealed bilateral CRVO. Appropriate medical workup was conducted, and multiple myeloma was diagnosed as the underlying cause. Results: Clinical support and chemotherapy effectively controlled paraprotein production, leading to improvement of both systemic and ocular alterations. Conclusions: Many conditions have been noted to be associated with CRVO. Based on a Medline search, this is the first report of simultaneous bilateral CRVO as the first manifestation of multiple myeloma, illustrating the need for a primary care ophthalmologist to be involved in the basic assessment for associated underlying diseases in retinal disorders.
Baculovirus Late Expression Factors
Authors: Hefferon Kathleen L.
Published: July 2004

Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus, or AcMNPV, is the type member of the baculoviruses, a family of double-stranded DNA viruses with large circular genomes. The successive and concomitant expression of an assortment of early, late and very late genes is instrumental for successful baculovirus infection, and requires a switch from early dependence on a host cell-derived polymerase II to a novel virus-encoded RNA polymerase that is required for transcription later on in infection. A series of repetitive and highly conserved sequences known as homologous regions, or hrs, function both as origins of DNA replication as well as transcriptional enhancers of late gene expression. An array of AcMNPV genes produced early on in infection, known as late expression factors, or LEFs, are essential for both replication and late gene expression. In this review, an overview of baculovirus LEFs and their roles in viral replication and late gene expression is presented. The role of LEFs in determining baculovirus host range is described. Finally, we compare baculovirus replication and transcription machinery with other viral systems.
Sequence Analyses of Cyanobacterial Bicarbonate Transporters and Their Homologues
Authors: von Rozycki Torsten , Schultzel Mark A. , Saier Jr. Milton H.
Published: July 2004

The primary HCO3– uptake system in the cyanobacterium Synecocystis is the Na+-dependent transporter SbtA. SbtA and its homologues were identified and shown to display a common topology of ten transmembrane segments (TMSs). These proved to have arisen by an intragenic duplication event from an ancestral gene encoding a five TMS protein product. A region of SbtA shows sufficient similarity to 10 TMS ABC-type integral membrane transport proteins to suggest a common origin. Phylogenetic analyses of the SbtA family revealed two clusters of cyanobacterial homologues with all non-cyanobacterial family members outside of these two clusters. The tree topology suggests that SbtA family members display multiple transport functions.
Expression and Purification of Heterologous Proteins in Plant Tissue Using a Geminivirus Vector System
Authors: Hefferon K.L. , Kipp P. , Moon Y.S.
Published: July 2004

In the past, plant molecular biologists have relied on Escherichia coli, baculovirus and other expression systems to produce plant proteins to quantities sufficient for biochemical analysis. However, such expression systems often result in the production of proteins which possess improper posttranslational modifications. Here, we present a plant virus-based expression system superior to those currently available. We demonstrate that bean yellow dwarf geminivirus (BeYDV) replicates and expresses foreign proteins at high levels in tobacco, Arabidopsis, and other dicotyledonous plants, making it more universal than plant RNA viruses with restricted host ranges which are currently used as expression systems. The DNA-based nature of the BeYDV genome renders it stable for the incorporation of large plant open reading frames, and gives it an advantage over other plant virus-based expression systems which possess insert size restrictions. Using this expression system, the rapid accumulation of a novel Arabidopsis-derived mitogen-activated protein kinase to levels sufficient for standard biochemical analysis is demonstrated.
Four Promoters Subject to Regulation by ExoR and PhoB Direct Transcription of the Sinorhizobium melilotiexoYFQ Operon Involved in the Biosynthesis of Succinoglycan
Authors: Quester Ingmar , Becker Anke
Published: July 2004

Succinoglycan (EPS I), the main acidic exopolysaccharide of Sinorhizobium meliloti, is required for the initiation and elongation of infection threads during nodulation of the host plant alfalfa. The gene products of the exoYFQ operon are involved in the first step of succinoglycan biosynthesis as well as in the polymerisation of subunits to the high-molecular-mass form of this exopolysaccharide. One promoter region that directs transcription of exoX and two promoter regions that drive transcription of exoY were mapped in the exoX-exoY intergenic region. The distal exoY promoter region containing three putative –10 promoter elements was active under standard growth conditions and was subject to ExoR-dependent regulation. Although this promoter region was stimulated in a phoB mutant, no PHO box-like sequences were found, suggesting an indirect regulatory effect of PhoB. The proximal promoter contains a PHO box-like sequence in the putative –35 region and was affected by low and high phosphate concentrations dependent on PhoB. In the case of deleted upstream regions, this promoter was also controlled by ExoR. An additional promoter displaying activity in exoR, mucR and phoB mutants under standard conditions was identified upstream of exoF. The putative –35 promoter element of this promoter is covered by a second PHO box-like sequence.
Probing for pH-Regulated Genes in Sinorhizobium medicae Using Transcriptional Analysis
Authors: Tiwari Ravi P. , Reeve Wayne G. , Fenner Beau J. , Dilworth Michael J. , Glenn Andrew R. , Howieson John G.
Published: July 2004

The low pH sensitivity of Sinorhizobium species is one of the major causes of reduced productivity of Medicago species (such as lucerne) sown in acidic soils. To investigate the pH response of an acid-tolerant Sinorhizobium medicae strain, a pool of random promoter fusions to gusA was created using minitransposon insertional mutagenesis. Acid-activated expression was identified in 11 mutants; rhizobial DNA flanking insertions in 10 mutants could be cloned and the DNA sequences obtained were used to interrogate the genome database of Sinorhizobium meliloti strain 1021. Acid activated expression was detected for fixNO, kdpC, lpiA, and phrR and for genes encoding a putative lipoprotein, two ABC-transporter components, a putative DNA ligase and a MPA1-family protein. These findings implicate cytochrome synthesis, potassium ion cycling, lipid biosynthesis and transport processes as key components of pH response in S. medicae.
Probing for pH-Regulated Proteins in Sinorhizobium medicae Using Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Reeve Wayne G. , Tiwari Ravi P. , Guerreiro Nelson , Stubbs Janine , Dilworth Michael J. , Glenn Andrew R. , Rolfe Barry G. , Djordjevic Michael A. , Howieson John G.
Published: July 2004

To elucidate the mechanisms of pH response in an acid-tolerant Sinorhizobium medicae strain we have identified acid-activated gene transcription and now complement this approach by using a proteomic analysis to identify the changes that occur following exposure to acidity. Protein profiles of persistently or transiently acid-stressed S. medicae cells were compared to those grown in pH neutral, buffered media. Fifty pH-regulated proteins were identified; N-terminal sequences for 15 of these were obtained using the Edman degradation. Transient acid exposure downregulated GlnA and GlnK and upregulated a hypothetical protein. Continuing acid exposure downregulated ClpP, an ABC transporter, a hypothetical protein, a lipoprotein, the Trp-like repressor WrbA1 and upregulated DegP, fructose bisphosphate aldolase, GroES, malate dehydrogenase and two hypothetical proteins. These findings implicate proteolytic, chaperone and transport processes as key components of pH response in S. medicae.
Composition and Activity of the Rhodobacter capsulatus Degradosome Vary under Different Oxygen Concentrations
Authors: Jäger Stephanie , Hebermehl Markus , Schiltz Emile , Klug Gabriele
Published: July 2004

The influence of changes in temperature or oxygen tension during growth of Rhodobacter capsulatus on the composition and activity of the degradosome, an RNA-processing protein complex, was investigated. Only minor differences in the amount of specific proteins of the complex were observed after a decrease or increase of the temperature, but dramatic variations were detectable during growth at different oxygen concentrations. In particular, the amount of the transcription factor Rho, which was previously shown to be associated with the R. capsulatus degradosome, was strongly increased under aerobic conditions. Remarkably, oxygen tension oppositely affected the levels of the two helicases associated with the degradosome. RNase E and the degradosome from aerobically grown cultures degraded a transcript which represents part of the puf operon encoding proteins of the photosynthetic apparatus faster than did the degradosome from semiaerobically grown cultures.
Stop Place Coding: An Acoustic Study of CV, VC#, and C#V Sequences
Authors: Modarresi Golnaz , Modarresi Golnaz , Sussman Harvey , Sussman Harvey , Lindblom Bjorn , Lindblom Bjorn , Burlingame Elizabeth , Burlingame Elizabeth
Published: July 2004

This study investigated stop + vowel coarticulation as a coding mechanism for differentiation of stop place categories in an F2-defined stimulus space. Locus equations (LEs) were used to index the extent of coarticulation in three contexts: (1) onset stop + vowel utterances [.CV]; (2) within-syllable vowel + coda stop utterances [VC#], and (3) across-syllable/word coda stop + vowel utterances [C#V]. Five speakers of American English and 2 speakers of Persian produced [CV1.CV2] (English and Persian), [tV1C#V2t] (English) and [dV1C#V2t] (Persian) tokens with voiced labial, alveolar/dental, and velar stops surrounded by a variety of vowels. In the across-syllable/word boundary condition [C#V2] the extent of anticipatory coarticulation was much reduced relative to traditionally measured onset [CV2] syllables. LE slopes derived across the syllable/word boundary, however, still differed between stop places in the same order as onset CVs. LE slopes derived from within-syllable [V1C#] sequences, however, did not differ between stop places.
On the Back of the Tongue: Dorsal Sounds in Australian Languages
Authors: Butcher Andrew , Butcher Andrew , Tabain Marija , Tabain Marija
Published: July 2004

In this paper we provide an overview of dorsovelar articulations and acoustics in several Australian Aboriginal languages, and we compare these results with data from English. We examine languages that have a single dorsal, as well as languages that have two dorsal places of articulation. Using direct palatography and F2 transition measures, we show that Australian languages appear to have a distinct velar target for each of the three major vowel contexts, with a high degree of coarticulation between each velar allophone and its following vowel target, whilst English has only two velar targets – back and non-back, with a lower degree of coarticulation between velar allophones and their corresponding vowel targets. Thus, whilst the range of allophonic variation for velars extends further back in the Australian Aboriginal languages than in English, there appears to be no difference in the articulation of velars in the front vowel context. Drawing on results from the biomechanics, language acquisition, speech perception and acoustics literatures, we suggest that this result may be due to conflict between systemic constraints imposed by the place-rich consonant systems of Aboriginal languages and universal acoustic constraints on the identity of front-velar sounds, which may contribute to the instability of such articulations and the relative infrequency of velar + high vowel combinations in the world’s languages.
Upregulated CD44v9 Expression Inhibits the Invasion of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Sato Sunao , Miyauchi Mutsumi , Kato Mitsuyasu , Kitajima Shojiro , Kitagawa Shoji , Hiraoka Masae , Kudo Yasusei , Ogawa Ikuko , Takata Takashi
Published: July 2004

Objectives: CD44 is one of the cell surface molecules that play an important role in cancer metastasis. In oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the downregulation of CD44v9 has been shown to be associated with tumor metastasis. We found that treatment with an anti-CD44v9 antibody enhanced the invasive potential of OSCC cell lines. Based on previous studies and our results, reduced expression of CD44v9 may be correlated with an increased invasive potential, i.e. the overexpression of CD44v9 may inhibit the invasive activity of OSCC cells. Methods: To study this correlation, we transfected the CD44v9 gene into HSC-4 cells with low CD44v9 expression and examined their invasive potential using the cell culture invasion assay and a three-dimensional culture invasion assay. Results: Overexpression of CD44v9 resulted in a downregulation of the invasive potential of HSC-4 cells. Moreover, CD44v9-transfected cells did not invade reorganized stroma, while parent HSC-4 cells exhibited diffuse invasion into reorganized stroma by the three-dimensional culture invasion assay. Conclusions: Overall, these findings suggest that the inhibition of the invasive potential by upregulation of CD44v9 expression may be due to enhanced cell-cell adhesion. In our opinion, the upregulation of CD44v9 may be a target for future cancer treatment.
Expression of PRL-3 Phosphatase in Human Gastric Carcinomas: Close Correlation with Invasion and Metastasis
Authors: Miskad Upik Anderiani , Semba Shuho , Kato Hirotaka , Yokozaki Hiroshi
Published: July 2004

Objective: High expression of PRL-3, a protein tyrosine phosphatase, has been reported to be associated with metastasis of colorectal carcinoma. The aim of this study is to investigate the significance of PRL-3 expression in tumor progression and metastasis of gastric carcinoma. Methods: The levels of PRL-3 mRNA expression in 8 gastric cancer cell lines were examined by RT-PCR. Ninety-four human gastric carcinomas and 54 matched lymph node metastases were employed in this study. The expression of PRL-3 was detected by immunohistochemistry and the relationship with clinicopathological parameters was analyzed. Results: The expression of PRL-3 mRNA was clearly detected in 7 of 8 gastric cancer cell lines (87.5%) by RT-PCR. In tumor samples, PRL-3 expression was detected in 68% of primary gastric carcinoma (with nodal metastasis 81.5%, without nodal metastasis 50%; p = 0.004). The incidence of PRL-3 expression in lymph node metastasis was significantly higher than that in primary gastric cancers (p < 0.001). Moreover, PRL-3 expression was closely associated with lymphatic invasion (p = 0.002), extent of lymph node metastasis (p = 0.002) and tumor stage (p = 0.045). Conclusions: These results strongly suggest that PRL-3 expression may play a significant role in invasion and metastasis of gastric carcinoma. PRL-3 might be a novel molecular marker for aggressive gastric cancer.
Expression of Splice Variants of the Human ADAM15 Gene and Strong Interaction between the Cytoplasmic Domain of One Variant and Src Family Proteins Lck and Hck
Authors: Yasui Atsushi , Matsuura Keiko , Shimizu Eiichi , Hijiya Naoki , Higuchi Yasunori , Yamamoto Shunsuke
Published: July 2004

Objective: The aim of the present study was to show variant species of ADAM15 and unique Src homology 3 (SH3)-binding motifs, which strongly bound Src family proteins compared with ADAM15. Methods and Results: RT-PCR using primers for the cytoplasmic domain revealed the presence of different species, designated ADAM15v1 and ADAM15v2, which had characteristic SH3-binding class I and class II motifs. The mRNA of ADAM15v1 and ADAM15v2 was mainly found in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, T lymphocytes and monocytic cell lines. ADAM15v2 protein interacted more strongly with the Src family proteins Lck and Hck than did ADAM15 protein, as examined by pull-down analysis and immunoprecipitation followed by immunoblot analysis. The binding with Lck and Hck was enhanced by the phosphorylation of ADAM15v2 protein. Conclusions: These results suggest that the cytoplasmic domain of ADAM15v2 strongly interacts with Lck and Hck and regulates leukocyte function.
MCM2 and Ki-67 Expression in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma: Prognostic Implications
Authors: Hashimoto Kiyoshi , Araki Kunio , Osaki Mitsuhiko , Nakamura Hiroshige , Tomita Katsuyuki , Shimizu Eiji , Ito Hisao
Published: July 2004

Objective: The expressions of minichromosome maintenance protein 2 (MCM2), Ki-67, and p53 were examined to analyze their pathobiological significance in human lung adenocarcinomas. Methods: We performed Western blot analysis in six human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines and immunohistochemistry in 145 surgically removed adenocarcinomas to examine the MCM2 expression. Labeling indices (LIs; %) of MCM2, Ki-67, and p53 in the tumor cells were compared with clinicopathological profiles and overall survival rates. Results: MCM2 protein was detected in all cell lines examined, with specific bands. MCM2 LIs were significantly correlated with sex, histological type, differentiation, pathological stage, and LIs of Ki-67 and p53 (p < 0.05). Significantly higher LIs of MCM2 and Ki-67 were noted in the 122 non-pure bronchioloalveolar carcinomas than in the 23 pure bronchioloalveolar carcinomas (p < 0.01), and the prognosis was poorer in the former than in the latter (p < 0.01). Sex, pathological stage, and high LIs of MCM2 and/or Ki-67 were independent prognostic factors (p < 0.05). Conclusion: High LIs of MCM2 and/or Ki-67 suggest a poor prognosis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (non-pure bronchioloalveolar carcinoma).
Molecular Pathological Analysis of Mucinous Adenocarcinomas of the Stomach
Authors: Wu Ming , Semba Shuho , Li Dong , Yokozaki Hiroshi
Published: July 2004

Objective: Mucinous adenocarcinomas (MACs) of the stomach usually show an invasive expansive growth and a poor prognosis. We examined the possibility of molecular pathological subtyping of MACs of the stomach. Methods: Forty-one formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded MAC specimens of the stomach were analyzed. Mucin subtypes (MUC2, CD10, HGM, M-GGMC-1) and expression levels of hMLH1, p53 and Ki-67 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry as well as genetic alterations in the p53 gene and microsatellite instability (MSI). Results: According to both MSI and p53 status, these tumors were subclassified into three groups: the mutator-type tumors, the suppressor/p53-type tumors and the unclassified tumors. The mutator-type tumors demonstrated lower p53 expression and had lower proliferative activity than the suppressor/p53-type tumors, whereas most of the suppressor/p53-type tumors expressed CD10. However, there was no significant difference between the mutator- and suppressor/p53-type tumors in clinicopathological parameters including the patients’ outcome. Conclusion: Our results indicate that MACs of the stomach are composed of at least three subtypes according to the molecular pathological background for their carcinogenesis. Further study of carcinomas with detailed morphological and biological phenotyping of each subtype may provide useful information for better clinical management.
Orexins and Their Receptors in the Human Retina
Authors: Savaskan Egemen , Müller-Spahn Franz , Meier Fides , Wirz-Justice Anna , Meyer Peter
Published: July 2004

Objectives: Orexins A and B are neuropeptides involved in the regulation of feeding behavior, energy homeostasis and arousal. In the human retina, however, immunohistochemical localization of orexins and their receptors, OX-R1 and OX-R2, has not been ascertained. Methods: We localized orexins A and B, OX-R1 and OX-R2 in the human retina using immunohistochemistry. Retinae from 2 Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients provided preliminary evidence for possible orexin alterations. Results: Orexin A, orexin B and OX-R1 were localized in ganglion and amacrine cells, cellular processes in the inner and outer plexiform layer and in the inner segments of photoreceptor cells. There was no OX-R2 immunoreactivity in the retina. The staining intensity for both orexins was decreased in the AD patients. Conclusion: This immunohistochemical study provides the first evidence for the distribution of orexin A, orexin B and OX-R1 in the human retina. The localization pattern suggests a modulatory role for orexins in the interactions of those retinal cells which transmit light information to the suprachiasmatic nuclei, and thus may be involved in circadian rhythm entrainment.
High Apoptotic Index Correlates to p21 and p27 Expression Indicating a Favorable Outcome of Primary Breast Cancer Patients, but Lacking Prognostic Significance in Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Schöndorf Thomas , Göhring Uwe-Jochen , Becker Martina , Hoopmann Markus , Schmidt Torsten , Rützel Sabine , Rein Daniel T. , Ulrich Uwe , Fechteler Roland , Bersch Alexander , Mallmann Peter , Valter Markus M.
Published: July 2004

This study was performed in order to investigate the role of the apoptotic index (AI) as a prediction parameter for the prognosis of patients with primary breast cancer. AI was determined by DNA fragmentation on 298 primary breast cancer samples and compared to clinically established breast cancer parameters. Additionally, we determined the expression of functional parameters including proliferating cell nuclear antigen, p21waf and p27kip by immunohistochemistry. The mean AI was found to be 11.9% (range, 0–90%). 189 tumors (63.4%) were negative for apoptosis, while 109 tissue samples (36.6%) were apoptotic with >5% positive cells. Using univariate analysis (χ2 test), the AI did not show any significant correlation to one of the established prognostic parameters of primary breast cancer (p > 0.05). In contrast, we found a significant positive correlation to the expression of the cell cycle inhibitors p21waf (p = 0.04) and p27kip (p = 0.024). During the clinical follow-up (median observation time for disease-free survival 87 months), several clinically established prognostic parameters including menopausal status, nodal status, tumor size, tumor grade, and hormone receptor expression could be confirmed and were analyzed with respect to the AI in the tumor. Furthermore, AI displayed a significant positive correlation to disease-free survival using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (log-rank test, p = 0.04). However, AI lost its prognostic significance in multivariate analysis based on the Cox proportional hazard model (relative risk 0.8, confidence interval 0.52–1.33, p = 0.44). Our data indicate that high apoptotic rates in cancer tissues are indicative of a favorable patient outcome. However, the AI was not an independent factor. The study provides indirect evidence that this process may involve cell cycle inhibitors physiologically.
Alterations in the Levels of Metallothionein and Metals in the Liver, and Unique Serum Liver Enzyme Response in Metallothionein Knock-Out Mice after Burn Injury
Authors: Cho Kiho , Adamson Lee , Jeong Jayoung , VanHook Tajia , Rucker Robert , Greenhalgh David
Published: July 2004

Objectives: Metallothionein (MT) is a small cysteine-rich protein that sequesters and distributes metal ions. Its overexpression stimulates cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis. We investigated the effects of burn injury on MT expression and metal localization. We also sought to determine roles of MT in the pathophysiologic alterations in the liver after injury. Methods: Mice (C57BLKS/J, MT-I/II knock-out, KO, and wild-type control mice) were subjected to an 18% burn. Liver tissues harvested after injury were analyzed for the MT expression and the levels of zinc, copper, manganese, and iron. Levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were measured in serum samples from MT-I/MT-II KO mice and controls after injury. Results: Transient induction of MT-I and MT-II mRNAs was observed 3–6 h after injury, while MT-I/MT-II protein peaked on day 1. The induction was localized to hepatocytic nuclei. The intrahepatic levels of zinc, copper, and iron were transiently elevated on day 1, when a downregulation of manganese was evident. Interestingly, only the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase were significantly augmented in MT-I/MT-II KO mice compared to controls after injury. Conclusions: These data suggest that MT and metals may participate in the pathogenesis of the liver after burn injury.
Is There Evidence that Linalool Causes Allergic Contact Dermatitis?
Authors: Hostýnek Jurij J. , Maibach Howard I.
Published: July 2004

The fragrance material linalool has been cited as a moderately frequent cause of allergic contact dermatitis. The literature shows that when the underlying clinical and experimental data are analyzed, a clear cause-effect relationship has infrequently or rarely been established. On the basis of the generally weak sensitizing potential of this substance coupled with its generally low exposure conditions, the prevalence of clinical cases would not be expected to be particularly high. This is not to say that linalool is a frequent inducer of type IV allergy in members of the public. However, it remains to be seen how often such an allergy, once established, is responsible for any of the cases of allergic contact dermatitis commonly ascribed in the literature. Indeed, in some cases, patch test conditions may not be optimal for differentiating between clinically relevant and irrelevant allergy to linalool.
Is There Evidence that Anisyl Alcohol Causes Allergic Contact Dermatitis?
Authors: Hostýnek Jurij J. , Maibach Howard I.
Published: July 2004

The fragrance material anisyl alcohol has been cited as a moderately frequent cause of allergic contact dermatitis. A review of the literature shows that when the underlying clinical and experimental data are analyzed, a clear cause-effect relationship has infrequently or rarely been established. On the basis of the generally weak sensitizing potential of this substance coupled with its generally low exposure conditions, the prevalence of clinical cases would not be expected to be particularly high. This is not to say that anisyl alcohol is a frequent inducer of type IV allergy in members of the public. However, it remains to be seen how often such an allergy, once established, is responsible for any of the cases of allergic contact dermatitis commonly ascribed in the literature. Indeed, in some cases, patch test conditions may not be optimal for differentiating between clinically relevant and irrelevant allergy to anisyl alcohol.
Erythroderma: A Clinical Study of 127 Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: El Euch Dalenda , Zeglaoui Faten , Benmously Rym , Turki Hamida , Denguezli Mohamed , Zili Jameleddine , Fenniche Sami , Dhaoui Raouf , Zouari Bechir , Dhahri Amel Ben Osman , Kamoun Mohamed Ridha , Zahaf Abdelmajid , Nouira Rafiaa , Mokhtar Insaf , Doss Nejib
Published: July 2004

Background: Several publications reported different causes of erythroderma. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of erythroderma and its aetiologies in Tunisian dermatology departments. Methods: This is a multicentric and retrospective study including all erythroderma patients in all Tunisian dermatology departments who consulted during a period of 5 years. Clinical and laboratory data were analysed. Results: Erythroderma was diagnosed in 127 patients; an incidence of 0.065% of patients is seen in dermatology consultations. In children (33 cases), the most frequent causes of erythroderma were ichthyosis (42.5%), seborrhoeic dermatitis (27.5%) and psoriasis (21%). In adults (94 cases), the main causes of erythroderma were psoriasis (41.5%), eczema (13%) and drug reactions (13%). Drug-related erythrodermas were specifically associated with fever and oedema (p = 0.0005) and eosinophilia (p = 0.01). Conclusion: No atopic erythroderma was observed, and eosinophilia was significantly associated with drug reactions.
Identifying the Source of Textile Dye Allergic Contact Dermatitis – A Guideline
Authors: Hatch Kathryn L. , Motschi Herbert , Maibach Howard I.
Published: July 2004

This paper describes a 4-step procedure which dermatologists working with textile dye patch-test-positive patients should use to assist those patients in identifying the textile items which are most likely to contain the dye to which they are allergic. Patients can use the information presented to determine which items they are considering for purchase to be the least likely to cause a recurrence of their dermatitis.
Contact Allergy in Agricultural Workers
Authors: Kiec-Swierczynska Marta , Krecisz Beata , Swierczynska-Machura Dominika
Published: July 2004

Agricultural workers (n = 121) referred to the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine for suspected occupational disease were subjected to dermatological and allergological examinations. All were patch and prick tested with standard occupational and environmental allergen sets. Contact dermatitis was diagnosed in 60 (49.6%) patients. In the women, the dominant allergy was that to nickel, benzalkonium, palladium, cobalt, thimerosal, fragrances and balsam of Peru, while the men were most frequently sensitive to chromates, cobalt, 4-phenylenediamine, fragrances, captan, formaldehyde, 4-aminoazobenzene, wool alcohols and cinnamic alcohol. Phenylmercuric chloride caused allergic reactions in 6 women and 2 men, while 6 workers were sensitive to neomycin. Allergy to glutaraldehyde was diagnosed in 3 workers, to lysol in 4, to chlorhexidine in 1, to chloramine in 1. Three patients reacted to thiurams, 3 to diphenylguanidine, 3 to mercaptobenzothiazole. Of the 9 workers sensitive to 4-phenylenediamine, only 2 men reacted additionally to N-isopropyl-N-4-phenylenediamine. Ziram (zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate) and copper sulfate caused allergy in 1 agricultural worker each. Immediate allergy was diagnosed in 43 (35.5%) patients. The dominant allergens in that category included straw dust, hay dust, wheat threshing, rye pollen and cow epithelium. The final diagnosis was based on the clinical picture and the results of the patch and prick tests. Allergic contact dermatitis was diagnosed in 27 (22.3%), atopic dermatitis in 27, irritant contact dermatitis in 15 (12.4%) and urticaria in 9 (7.5%) agricultural workers. Other dermal diseases were diagnosed in single patients. The clinical examinations showed no dermal lesions in 31 (25.6%) patients.
Effects of Osmosis on Water-Holding Capacity of Stratum corneum and Skin Hydration
Authors: Pirot Fabrice , Morel Bénédicte , Peyrot Géraldine , Vuillet Tiphaine , Faivre Vincent , Bodeau Christine , Falson Françoise
Published: July 2004

The stratum corneum (SC) is characterized by highly hydrophilic compounds exhibiting osmotic properties. The role of osmosis in iontophoretic transdermal drug delivery has been a subject in numerous studies. However, the effects of osmosis on the water-holding capacity (WHC) of SC and skin hydration need to be clarified. In the present study, the WHC and skin hydration were found to be correlated with osmotic pressure and the SC permeability of osmolytes. The WHC and skin hydration enhancement were related to the increase in SC osmolality. A mathematical model was proposed to predict the WHC and skin hydration from physicochemical parameters of compounds.
Predictive Testing for Irritancy and Allergenicity of Tea Tree Oil in Normal Human Subjects
Authors: Aspres Nicholas , Freeman Susanne
Published: July 2004

Background: Topical tea tree oil has become increasingly popular as a general-purpose medicament for various dermatological conditions. Although recent reports of adverse cutaneous reactions have highlighted concerns about the risk of inducing acute allergic contact dermatitis, few published studies have attempted to evaluate objectively the true irritancy and allergenicity potential of this commonly used essential oil. Objective: To perform predictive testing for irritancy and allergenicity of tea tree oil in a large group of human subjects. Methods: Various concentrations of tea tree oil (5, 25, 100%) in different vehicles were applied under occlusive patch testing to the skin of healthy, human volunteers (n = 311) using a protocol based on the Draize human sensitisation test. Patch test sites were assessed every 48 h and scored according to the severity of any resulting cutaneous reaction using a clinical grading scale from 0 to 4 over a 21-day induction period. After a 14-day rest period, subjects underwent challenge testing with the same tea tree oil samples to determine if sensitisation to tea tree oil had occurred. Results: The mean irritancy score for each test sample was low, ranging from 0 for 5% tea tree oil to 0.2505 for neat 100% tea tree oil. However, 3 subjects developed grade 3 skin reactions during the induction period suggestive of an allergic reaction. Conclusions: Topical application of tea tree oil is associated with negligible skin irritancy. In the group of subjects studied, the risk of developing an allergic dermatitis from topical tea tree oil usage was found to be <1%.
Effect of Tape Stripping on Percutaneous Penetration and Topical Vaccination
Authors: Choi Myeong Jun , Zhai Hongbo , Löffler Harald , Dreher Frank , Maibach Howard I.
Published: July 2004

The stratum corneum provides the first barrier to the percutaneous absorption of drugs as well as regulating water loss. This barrier limits the topical/transdermal delivery of drugs and biological macromolecules. Chemical and physical approaches have been examined to decrease these properties. Tape stripping is commonly used to disrupt the epidermal barrier, to enhance the delivery of drugs and to obtain information about stratum corneum function. Tape stripping results in the production and release of cytokines and co-stimulatory molecules and increases the humoral and cellular immune responses against peptide, protein and DNA antigens by a topical vaccination in vivo. This paper reviews the stripping method, experimental factors and its applications for penetration and topical vaccination.