bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant Lectins – More than Just Tools for Glycoscientists: Occurrence, Structure, and Possible Functions of Plant Lectins
Authors: Rüdiger H.
Published: April 2003

Plant lectins are easily available, fairly stable and suitable for many kinds of chemical modification. Thus, they have become important tools in glycosciences. In the present review, it is attempted to throw light upon aspects of lectinology that deal with their natural occurrence, biosynthesis, structure, binding specificities and hypotheses about their biological functions.
Glycocoding as an Information Management System in Embryonic Development
Authors: Mann P.L. , Waterman R.E.
Published: April 2003

The past 5 years have seen a burgeoning in the amount of data emerging from laboratories studying the early stages of embryogenesis. Much of this data implicates various aspects of glycobiology in the initiation and regulation of these processes. The level of analytical detail coming from these investigations has surpassed our ability to fully understand its overall significance within the context of the interactive/dynamic developmental process. This review proposes a pause in this seemingly endless quest for more detail so that we may take stock of our goals and objectives. The proposed goals include a mechanistic understanding of the process(es) involved in information managed at various ‘transition points’ during early embryogenesis, and an understanding of the mechanism(s) by which the spatial/temporal regulation of early development are managed. The ‘transitions’ which occur during cell to cell cluster, cell cluster to early organ architecture, and early organ architecture to functional organ development are fundamental and mirror the evolutionary process of biological information management. All of these ‘transitions’ involve increasing complexity, the development of hierarchies of information management systems (integrated bidirectionally), and spatial/temporal regulation which relies on historical events to map future structure and function. This review focuses on a relatively small number of studies which highlight these aspects of early development. A mechanism which involves glycocoding, an extension of the Roseman Hypothesis, and its direct use as an information management system is proposed and some supporting experimental evidence is presented. This extension of an existing hypothesis is related to several recent investigations, and is designed to broaden the experimental design of future studies so that these important process issues can be addressed.
Applications of Lectins and Neoglycoconjugates in Histology and Pathology
Authors: Danguy A. , Decaestecker C. , Genten F. , Salmon I. , Kiss R.
Published: April 2003

The biological importance of oligosaccharide sequences in many different settings is undeniable. Glycan histochemistry has brought together the histological and biochemical approaches and provided insight into the mutual importance of both approaches. The aim of the authors is to take a look at a number of ways in which modern glycohistochemistry contributes to acquiring knowledge about the key role played by carbohydrates in the physiology of vertebrate tissues and human disease. The versatility of lectin and neoglycoconjugate histochemical procedures is emphasized.
Transmission of Substances through the Exocoelomic Cavity after Introduction into the Vitelline Circulation by Cannulation: What Route?
Authors: Mensah-Brown E.P.K. , Lawrence P.A. , Pallot D.J.
Published: April 2003

The morphology of the main vitelline vein and its tributaries which carry the embryotroph from the yolk sac into the rat embryo has been studied by electron microscopy after perfusing the conceptus with a solution of lanthanum nitrate in Karnovsky’s fixative. The distribution of the contents of these vessels and the routes taken into and out of the various embryonic compartments have also been investigated. The vitelline vein and its tributaries are lined by a discontinuous endothelial layer, with no basement membrane or mural elements, and it is separated from the exocoelomic cavity by a continuous layer of squamous cells. In addition to the lumina of the vessels of the conceptus, lanthanum nitrate was observed in the mesenchymal space surrounding the yolk sac, the intercellular spaces between the yolk sac endodermal cells but not on their apical surfaces, the intercellular spaces between the cells lining the exocoelomic cavity, the exocoelomic cavity, the mesenchymal space around the umbilical vessels and the intercellular spaces between the ectodermal cells of the embryo. It has been demonstrated that substances enter the exocoelomic cavity mainly through the intercellular spaces of its lining cells via the mesenchymal space around the main vitelline vein and its tributaries. Whilst we were unable to demonstrate gaps in the endothelial lining of the umbilical vessels, it seems to be the likeliest explanation for the presence of lanthanum around its extravascular space. The significance of the distribution of the contents of he vitelline vasculature is discussed.
Immunocytochemistry of Fibronectin and Endothelin-1 in the Cavernous Body of Postnatal Rabbit Penises
Authors: Nomiyama T. , Doi Y. , Kudo H. , Furukawa H. , Hamasaki K. , Fujimoto S.
Published: April 2003

The differentiating cavernous body (CB) of postnatal rabbit penises was examined with a special reference to immunolocalizations for fibronectin (FN) and endothelin-1 (ET-1). At postnatal day 1, the CBs were embedded by an abundance of mesenchymal cells (MCs), and some of them were closely associated with endothelial cells of preexisting capillaries. Our electron micrographs indicated that such MCs are successively incorporated into the capillary endothelium as vasoformative cells. At this period, vascular sprouts of the helicine artery (HA), which were associated with the MCs, arose from the deep penile artery, and the transformation of such cells to endothelial and medial muscle ones was also indicated, and some MCs appeared to differentiate to epithelioid cells in the media. Immunoreactions for FN were preferentially localized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) and along the plasma membrane of such vasoformative MCs, and on the extracellular matrix components which connect these MCs with sprouts of both growing capillaries and HA. These findings suggest that FN, which is produced in the rER of the MCs, plays a crucial role in the mechanical linkage during the incorporation of vasoformative MCs into these penile vessels. Immunoreactions for ET-1 were preferentially localized on Weibel-Palade bodies in endothelial cells of the HA, implying the involvement of this peptide in the regulation of the local blood flow in this vessel.
The Role of the Peripherin/RDS Gene in Retinal Dystrophies
Authors: Kohl S. , Giddings I. , Besch D. , Apfelstedt-Sylla E. , Zrenner E. , Wissinger B.
Published: April 2003

Peripherin/RDS is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed in vertebrate photoreceptors. It is located at the rim of the disc membranes of the photoreceptor outer segments, where it is thought to play an important role in folding and stacking of the discs. Initially, the identification of a mutation in the rds mouse model defined the role of this gene in hereditary retinal dystrophies. To date over 60 different mutations have been reported in human retinal diseases, with most being restricted to single families. A characteristic of mutations in the peripherin/RDS gene is the broad phenotypic spectrum in patients, and the variability in clinical expression, even within families. Thus, genotype-phenotype correlations are difficult and only reliable for a minority of mutations.
Molecular Dissection of Norrie Disease
Authors: Berger W.
Published: April 2003

Norrie disease (ND) is a severe form of congenital blindness accompanied by mental retardation and/or deafness in at least one third of the patients. This article summarizes advances in the molecular genetic analysis of this disease during the last 13 years, including mapping and cloning of the human gene and the generation and characterization of a mouse model. Genetic linkage studies and physical mapping strategies have assigned the ND locus to the proximal short arm of the human X chromosome. The identification of chromosomal rearrangements in several patients, such as microdeletions, enabled the isolation of the ND gene by a positional cloning approach. Numerous point mutations in this gene have been identified in three distinct clinical entities: (1) ND, (2) familial and sporadic exudative vitreoretinopathy, and (3) retinopathy of prematurity. The gene encodes a relatively small protein, consisting of 133 amino acids. The function of the gene product is yet unknown, although homologies with known proteins and molecular modelling data suggest a role in the regulation of cell interaction or differentiation processes. A mouse model has been generated to shed more light on early pathogenic events involved in ND and allelic disorders. The mouse homologous protein is highly identical (94%) to the human polypeptide. The gene is expressed in the neuronal layers of the mouse retina, the cerebellum and olfactory epithelium. Mutant mice show snowflake-like opacities within the vitreous, dysgenesis of the ganglion cell layer and occasionally degeneration of photoreceptor cells. The mouse phenotype does not include phthisis bulbi and, overall, resembles a mild form of ND. Electrophysiological studies revealed a severely altered electroretinogram b-wave. These results suggest a primary defect in the inner neuronal layers of the retina. Defects in the vitreous and photoreceptor cell layer are most likely secondary effects. Further histological, functional and molecular studies of the mouse model are needed to provide additional information on disease associated pathways.
Inner Retinal Function in Hereditary Retinal Dystrophies
Authors: Ruether K. , Kellner U.
Published: April 2003

Hereditary retinal dystrophies are most often disorders of photoreceptors and/or the retinal pigment epithelium. Structures secondary to the photoreceptor layer such as bipolar, horizontal, amacrine and ganglion cells are secondarily involved. In later stages of the disease a mild to moderate loss of inner retina occurs, but the second and third neurons remain surprisingly viable even in late and severe stages of retinal dystrophies. The function of the inner retina in patients suffering from hereditary retinal dystrophies is not easy to determine because it depends on the input of photoreceptors. The electroretinogram (ERG) offers several possibilities in this respect: b-wave, off-response (off-ERG), oscillatory potentials, scotopic threshold response of the flash ERG and the pattern ERG (PERG). We looked at two ERG tests: the PERG and the off-ERG. The PERG is an indicator of ganglion cell function. Its amplitude is related to the photoreceptor input determined by the flash ERG and visual field testing. But in cases of an undetectable flash ERG response the PERG can be recorded in some patients, but not in others. This may be an indication of a different effect on inner retinal function in different groups of patients. On- and off-responses are related to the function of depolarizing and hyperpolarizing bipolar cells. Evaluation of 301 patients with various retinal dystrophies revealed that most hereditary disorders primarily affect the photoreceptors or the pigment epithelium. In some patients, alterations of the on- and off-response amplitudes or implicit times were indicative of inner retinal disorders and different pathophysiologic mechanisms. However, interpretation has to be made carefully, as on- and off-responses may be influenced by dysfunction of photoreceptor synapses to bipolar cells, bipolar cells, Müller cells and intercellular matrix.
Smooth Muscle Cell Hypertrophy and Hyperplasia in the Partially Obstructed Gut of the Rat: A Quantitative Evaluation
Authors: Geuna S. , Cardillo S. , Giacobini-Robecchi M.G.
Published: April 2003

Partial surgical stenosis of the gut induces smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia in the loops upstream from the obstruction in a few days. In the present study we report a quantitative evaluation of these phenomena in the circular smooth muscle layer of the small intestine of the rat 7 days after a subtotal stenosis. In the loops upstream from the obstruction, lumen diameter and muscle wall thickness were found to be increased in comparison with downstream tracts. Morphometrical analysis showed that cross-sectional profile areas of smooth muscle cells, within the circular layer of upstream loops, significantly increased in size. Moreover, smooth muscle underwent a marked cell hyperplasia; in fact, estimates of the number of smooth muscle cell nuclear profiles turned out to be from 2.0 to 3.8 times greater in upstream loops than in downstream loops. The relation between the degree of lumen dilatation and the degree of the increase of the circular muscle layer thickness and of hypertrophic and hyperplastic response is discussed.
Transient Architectonic Features in the Basolateral Amygdala of the Human Fetal Brain
Authors: Ulfig N. , Setzer M. , Bohl J.
Published: April 2003

The architectonical differentiation in the basolateral nuclei of the human fetal amygdala – with special reference to transient structures – was studied using series of relatively thick Nissl-stained sections. These architectonic features were correlated with the process of migration. Radial glial fibers providing the scaffold of migratory routes can reliably be marked with the aid of antivimentin. In the 5th gestational month a transient feature is conspicuous in the inferior portions of the basolateral nuclei bordering upon the ganglionic eminence (proliferative zone): columnar cell clusters, separated by cell-sparse septa, extend from the poliferative zone to the nuclei. The width of the cell columns vary considerably between the different nuclei. In vimentin immunopreparations fibers are found inside these cell columns. So they most probably reflect clustered migratory streams. Two months later, instead of this merging area between the ganglionic eminence and the amygdaloid nuclei a cell-free capsule envelopes the nuclei and clearly separates them from the ganglionic eminence. Changes in cytoarchitectonics are accompanied by a distinct rearrangement of radial glial fibers. A basket-like arrangement of the vimentin-immunoreactive fibers around the cell columns inside the cell sparse septa is found. Towards the end of pregnancy radial glial fibers gradually vanish. A comparison of Nissl and vimentin preparations reveals that transient architectonic characteristics as visible in relatively thick Nissl sections may be correlated with migrational routes.
Cellular Distribution of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor, Transforming Growth Factor-β, Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor, and Their Receptors in Normal Bone Marrow
Authors: Yoon Soo-Young , Tefferi Ayalew , Li Chin-Yang
Published: April 2003

We performed an immunohistochemical study on 5 normal marrow samples and 3 fibrotic marrow samples to investigate the cellular distribution of various isoforms of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and their corresponding receptors. Immature hematopoietic precursors strongly expressed PDGF-B, all the TGF-β isoforms, PDGFRβ, TGFβRI and II, and FGFR1, 3, and 4. Megakaryocytes stained primarily for PDGF-B, TGF-β2–3, and PDGFRβ. Histiocytes displayed intense TGF-β1, bFGF, and FGFR2 expression. Fibroblasts and endothelial cells carried receptors for all the aforementioned cytokines. The last 2 cell types also expressed the ligand cytokines to varied degrees.
Brain Natriuretic Peptide Is a Predictor of Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Okumura Hirokazu , Iuchi Kazuyuki , Yoshida Takashi , Nakamura Shinobu , Takeshima Minoru , Takamatsu Hideyuki , Ikeno Atsuhisa , Usuda Kazuo , Ishikawa Tadao , Ohtake Shigeki , Matsuda Tamotsu
Published: April 2003

Anthracyclines are effective antineoplastic drugs, but they frequently cause dose-related cardiotoxicity. The cardiotoxicity of conventional anthracycline therapy highlights a need to search for methods that are highly sensitive and capable of predicting cardiac dysfunction. We measured the plasma level of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) to determine whether BNP might serve as a simple diagnostic indicator of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in patients with acute leukemia treated with a daunorubicin (DNR)-containing regimen. Thirteen patients with acute leukemia were treated with a DNR-containing regimen. Cardiac functions were evaluated with radionuclide angiography before chemotherapies. The plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and BNP were measured at the time of radionuclide angiography. Three patients developed congestive heart failure after the completion of chemotherapy. Five patients were diagnosed as having subclinical heart failure after the completion of chemotherapy. The plasma levels of BNP in all the patients with clinical and subclinical heart failure increased above the normal limit (40 pg/ml) before the detection of clinical or subclinical heart failure by radionuclide angiography. On the other hand, BNP did not increase in the patients without heart failure given DNR, even at more than 700 mg/m2. The plasma level of ANP did not always increase in all the patients with clinical and subclinical heart failure. These preliminary results suggest that BNP may be useful as an early and sensitive indicator of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.
Increased Frequency and Specific Reactivity of Serum Antinuclear Antibodies in Patients with Nonimmune Chronic Idiopathic Neutropenia of Adults
Authors: Papadaki Helen A. , Psyllaki Maria , Eliopoulos Dimitris G. , Tsiroyianni Aleka , Eliopoulos George D.
Published: April 2003

This study describes the frequency of serum organ-specific and organ-nonspecific autoantibodies in 157 patients with nonimmune chronic idiopathic neutropenia of adults (NI-CINA). Forty-two age- and gender-matched volunteers were used as controls. We found that patients with NI-CINA had increased frequency of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) compared to controls (33.1 vs. 9.5%, p = 0.0025), and that ANA positivity inversely correlated with the number of circulating neutrophils (r = –0.2765, p < 0.0001). Speckled pattern of reactivity was seen in 84.6% of ANA-positive patients, and diffuse pattern in the remaining 15.4%. Patients had also increased levels of circulating immune complexes compared to controls (3.30 ± 2.41 vs. 1.70 ± 1.19 µg/ml, p = 0.0042), which inversely correlated with the number of circulating neutrophils (r = –0.2405, p = 0.0154) but not with the titer of ANA positivity. No significant differences were found between the patients and the normal controls in the frequency of positive tests for antibodies to dsDNA, Sm, nRNP, SSA, SSB and Scl-70 antigens, or for parietal cell antibodies, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), anti-cardiolipin and anti-thyroid antibodies. Serum levels of rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein (CRP) and complement factors C3 and C4 ranged within normal limits in the patients studied, but a highly significant correlation was noted between the levels of CRP and ANA positivity (r = 0.3936, p < 0.0001). These findings are suggestive of a chronic inflammation in NI-CINA patients which provides the antigenic stimulus for ANA production, and they further support our previously reported suggestion for the possible involvement of such a low-grade chronic inflammatory process in the pathogenesis of neutropenia in the affected subjects.
The Activity in ex vivo Expansion of Cord Blood Myeloid Progenitor Cells before and after Cryopreservation
Authors: Wang Sheng-Yuan , Hsu Ming-Ling , Huang Miao-Zeng , Hsu Hui-Chi , Tzeng Cheng-Hwai , Hung Jeng-Hsiu , Ho Chi-Kuan
Published: April 2003

A total of 50 human umbilical cord blood (UCB) samples were studied. The hematopoietic stem/progenitor (CD34+) populations were isolated from UCB mononuclear cells (MNC) by means of immunomagnetic separation. Double immunofluorescent staining of UCB CD34+ cells revealed that there was a high proportion (82.33 ± 4.47%) of CD34+ cells co-expressing CD13, while the percentage of CD34+ CD33+ cells was much lower (22.17 ± 3.35%). In contrast, for co-expressing lymphoid differentiation antigens, the proportion of CD34+CD38+ cells (38.34 ± 6.09%) was relatively higher than that of CD34+CD10+ cells (11.52 ± 1.24%) or CD34+CD2+ cells (9.84 ± 2.30%). For stimulating the ex vivo expansion of UCB progenitor cells, no single hematopoietic growth factor (HGF) was efficacious when used alone, while combination of 4 HGFs, such as GM-CSF, G-CSF, IL-3, and SCF could induce a 55-fold increase in the myeloid progenitor cells, day-14 CFU-GM, in a short term of 7 days’ liquid culture. Cryopreservation of UCB as MNC preparations at –196°C could satisfactorily retain the number and activity of CD34+ cells. After thawing, a high recovery rate of about 80% CD34+ cells was obtained. When suspended in liquid cultures containing a combination of 4 HGFs, as shown above, the frozen cord blood progenitor cells could be well expanded, reaching a >50-fold increase in day-14 CFU-GM, which was very similar to that of the fresh UCB samples. In addition, a similar result was also seen in CFU-GEMM, indicating that after cryopreservation the recovered UCB progenitor cells retain an intact clonogeneic ability capable of efficiently responding to hematopoietic growth factors for ex vivo expansion.
Detection of Minimal Residual Disease in a Patient Having Acute Myelogenous Leukemia with t(16;21)(p11;q22) Treated by Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Okoshi Yasushi , Shimizu Seiichi , Kojima Hiroshi , Obara Naoshi , Mukai Harumi Y. , Komeno Takuya , Hasegawa Yuichi , Mori Naoyoshi , Nagasawa Toshiro
Published: April 2003

A 29-year-old woman having acute myelogeneous leukemia-M1 subtype with the chromosomal abnormality t(16;21)(p11;q22) is presented. Complete blood count at onset showed a hemoglobin level of 7.2 g/dl, a platelet count of 48 × 109/l, and a white blood cell count of 161.2 × 109/l with 99% blasts and 1% lymphocytes. Bone marrow aspiration revealed massive proliferation of blasts that were positive for CD13, CD33, CD34, CD56 and myeloperoxidase, and negative for other T-cell, B-cell and monocytic markers. After achieving complete remission following conventional chemotherapy, she received an HLA-matched bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from her sibling after conditioning with busulfan, etoposide and cyclophosphamide. However, 9 months later, the leukemia relapsed as a painful extramedullary mass in her left femur. In spite of intensive re-induction chemotherapy, she died of progressive disease and sepsis. Although we could not detect the TLS/FUS-ERG fusion transcripts by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in pre-BMT remission phase, they were clearly detectable in bone marrow cells obtained 6 months after transplantation with no translocation detected by conventional cytogenetics. We consider that even high-dose chemotherapy with BMT may not be effective in the eradication of this type of leukemia, and that the detection of minimal residual disease possibly contributes to the better planning of the therapeutic strategy.
Primary Lung Involvement in Waldenström’s Macroglobulinaemia
Authors: Kyrtsonis Maria-Christina , Angelopoulou Maria K. , Kontopidou Flora N. , Siakantaris Marina P. , Dimopoulou Maria N. , Mitropoulos Fotios , Kalovidouris Angelos , Vaiopoulos George A. , Pangalis Gerassimos A.
Published: April 2003

Pulmonary involvement in Waldenström’s macroglobulinaemia (WM) occurs in 3–5% of cases, but lung involvement without bone marrow infiltration is extremely rare. We report 2 patients who presented with bilateral consolidations on chest X-ray and non-specific symptoms and were treated for a long period of time for pulmonary infections until the diagnosis was made by open lung biopsy. Both patients presented high monoclonal IgM in the serum and one also had blood lymphoplasmacytosis. Trephine bone biopsy and bone marrow smears were normal and there was no other site of involvement. Along with the presentation of our patients, we review the literature, discuss some of the possible underlying mechanisms and raise the attention of clinicians to this rare manifestation of the disease.
Filgrastim (r-metHuG-CSF) in the 21st Century: SD/01
Authors: Morstyn George , Foote MaryAnn , Walker Tim , Molineux Graham
Published: April 2003

SD/01, a sustained-duration molecule, has been developed by adding a poly [ethylene glycol] molecule to the filgrastim molecule. The pegylation does not change the properties of filgrastim, except that the plasma clearance is decreased and plasma half-life is increased. Increasing the duration of the biological effects of filgrastim may offer certain groups of patients better benefits. Early clinical studies have been encouraging with no serious toxicities noted.
Thromboprophylaxis in the Cancer Patient
Authors: Thodiyil P.A. , Walsh D.C. , Kakkar A.K.
Published: April 2003

Cancer patients not undergoing treatment and without a history of venous thrombosis do not, as a general rule, require prophylaxis. However, venous thromboembolism is of sufficient magnitude in patients undergoing treatment for cancer for thromboprophylaxis to be routinely employed. The mainstay of primary prevention is low molecular weight heparin, while secondary prevention may require warfarin and in some instances vena cava filters. The duration of prophylaxis should usually last for the period of treatment, except in the case of pelvic or cerebral radiotherapy where it is continued for 4–12 months beyond the treatment period. The principal role for vena cava filters is on occasions where recurrent thrombosis or haemorrhage complicates anticoagulation.
The Influence of Increasing Dialysis Treatment Time and Reducing Dry Weight on Blood Pressure Control in Hemodialysis Patients: A Prospective Study
Authors: Luik Antinus J. , v.d. Sande Frank M. , Weideman Peter , Cheriex Emile , Kooman Jeroen P. , Leunissen Karel M.L.
Published: April 2003

A good blood pressure control can be achieved with long hemodialysis sessions (dialysis center of Tassin, France). However, it is not well known whether a higher dialysis dose or a lower dry weight is responsible for this phenomenon. In a preliminary study, 21 hypertensive dialysis patients, dialyzed three times a week for 3–5 h, were randomized into three groups during a 3-month study period. In 6 patients, the dialysis treatment time was increased by 2 h, and the dry weight was gradually decreased (group 1). In 7 patients the dialysis treatment time was increased by 2 h without a change in dry weight (group 2). In 8 patients the dry weight was gradually lowered without changing the dialysis treatment time (group 3). Before and after the study, cardiac index and left ventricular mass index (echocardiography) and forearm vascular resistance (strain gauge plethysmography) were determined on a middialytic day. The blood pressure was assessed by 48-hour ambulatory monitoring. The antihypertensive medication was reduced when the postdialytic blood pressure became <130/80 mm Hg. The dry weight was reduced by 2.6 ± 1.4 kg in group 1 and by 2.3 ± 0.8 kg in group 3 (p < 0.05). The number of classes of antihypertensive medication was reduced from 3.3 to 1.8 in group 1 (NS), from 2.4 to 1.7 in group 2 (NS), and from 3.1 to 1.3 in group 3 (p < 0.05). The dose of the remaining antihypertensive drugs was reduced by 50% in group 1 (p < 0.05), by 32% in group 2 (NS), and by 72.2% in group 3 (p < 0.05). The interdialytic systolic blood pressure decreased significantly after increasing the dialysis time without changing the dry weight (group 2: 7 ± 5 mm Hg; p < 0.05). The systolic blood pressure was also lower in the other patients groups: group 1: 13 ± 26 mm Hg, group 3 : 7 ± 16 mm Hg (NS). The pulse pressure decreased significantly in group 2 (7 ± 5 mm Hg; p < 0.05) and in group 3 (6 ± 7 mm Hg; p < 0.05) and tended to decrease in group 1 (11 ± 12 mm Hg; p = 0.08). The diastolic blood pressure and the day-night blood pressure difference did not change significantly, nor did cardiac index and left ventricular mass index. The forearm vascular resistance tended to decrease in the patients on long dialysis sessions. This preliminary study suggests that the dialysis treatment time might have an independent beneficial effect on blood pressure control.
Effects of Aortic Stenosis on Renal Renin, Angiotensin Receptor, Endothelin and NOS Gene Expression in Rats
Authors: Kammerl Martin C. , Grimm Daniela , Kromer Eckhard P. , Jabusch Hans C. , Reif Roland , Morhard Stefan , Endemann Dierk , Fischereder Michael , Riegger Günter A.J. , Krämer Bernhard K.
Published: April 2003

Background/Aims: Published data regarding the effects of common cardiovascular diseases, i.e. aortic stenosis on renal regulation of major vasoconstrictive (renin, endothelins) and vasodilatory systems (NO) are controversial. Therefore we aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic aortic stenosis on the renal renin-angiotensin, endothelin and NO systems. Methods: Experimental supravalvular aortic stenosis was induced by using silver clips with a 0.6 mm internal diameter on the ascending aorta of weanling rats. Renal endothelin-1 (ET-1), endothelin-3 (ET-3), renin, AT1a, AT1b, eNOS, and bNOS gene expression were assessed by RNase protection assay. Results: Renal renin gene expression increased twofold in rats with aortic stenosis. In contrast, renal ET-1, ET-3, eNOS, bNOS, and AT1a, AT1b gene expression were unchanged in rats with aortic stenosis. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that in rats with severe experimental supravalvular aortic stenosis only renal renin gene expression is stimulated. This contrasts with severe heart failure where endothelins and NO synthases are also upregulated. Different patterns of regulation of renal vasoactive mediators may be of importance for the extent of the renal impairment associated with aortic stenosis, and may be correlated with the severity of congestive heart failure.
Fatty Acid Composition of Human Milk in Different Regions of Slovenia
Authors: Fidler N. , Salobir K. , Stibilj V.
Published: April 2003

Background: The fatty acid composition of human colostrum lipids is influenced by maternal diet. We measured the fatty acid composition of colostrum lipids in Slovenia. Methods: Milk samples were collected on the 3rd day postpartum from 41 women recruited in three Slovenian regions (Celje, Ljubljana and Koper). Dietary habits were examined by a food-frequency questionnaire. In situ transesterification and capillary gas chromatography were performed to determine the fatty acid composition. Results: The coefficients of variation of the determinations of individual fatty acids accounting for >0.09 wt% were 1.87–5.91%. Between regional areas there were differences in the contents of linoleic (12.62–17.35 wt%; p < 0.001) and α-linolenic acid (0.70–1.07 wt%; p < 0.01), whereas the linoleic/α-linolenic acid ratios were similar (15.8 in Celje, 16.3 in Ljubljana and 17.9 in Koper). The highest proportion of docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n–3) was in Celje (0.49 wt%), the lowest in Ljubljana (0.35 wt%; p < 0.05). The long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCP) content did not correlate with linoleic and α-linolenic acid, but there was a correlation between the sum of n–3 and n–6 LCPs. The colostrum linoleic/α-linolenic acid ratio was positively correlated with the body mass index during pregnancy. Conclusions: The fatty acid composition of colostrum lipids in Slovenia shows some variation according to geographical regions.
Metabolic Vitamin B12 Status on a Mostly Raw Vegan Diet with Follow-Up Using Tablets, Nutritional Yeast, or Probiotic Supplements
Authors: Donaldson Michael S.
Published: April 2003

Background: Pure vegetarian diets might cause cobalamin deficiency due to lack of dietary intake. It was hypothesized that a population following a vegan diet consuming mostly raw fruits and vegetables, carrot juice, and dehydrated barley grass juice would be able to avoid vitamin B12 deficiency naturally. Methods: Subjects were recruited at a health ministers’ reunion based on adherence to the Hallelujah diet for at least 2 years. Serum cobalamin and urinary methylmalonic acid (MMA) assays were performed. Follow-up with sublingual tablets, nutritional yeast, or probiotic supplements was carried out on subjects with abnormal MMA results. Results: 49 subjects were tested. Most subjects (10th to 90th percentile) had followed this diet 23–49 months. 6 subjects had serum B12 concentrations <147 pmol/l (200 pg/ml). 37 subjects (76%) had serum B12 concentrations <221 pmol/l (300 pg/ml). 23 subjects (47%) had abnormal urinary MMA concentrations above or equal to 4.0 µg/mg creatinine. Sublingual cyanocobalamin and nutritional yeast, but not probiotic supplements, significantly reduced group mean MMA concentrations (tablet p < 0.01; yeast p < 0.05, probiotic > 0.20). Conclusions: The urinary MMA assay is effective for identifying early metabolic cobalamin deficiency. People following the Hallelujah diet and other raw-food vegetarian diets should regularly monitor their urinary MMA levels, consume a sublingual cobalamin supplement, or consume cobalamin in their food.
In situ Metabolic and Hemodynamic Response to Dexfenfluramine in White Adipose Tissue of Rats
Authors: Boschmann M. , Adams F. , Klaus S.
Published: April 2003

Serotonergic neurons are included in the regulation of eating behavior and energy metabolism. Dexfenfluramine (DF), a serotonin releaser and reuptake inhibitor, is known to reduce food intake and body weight and to improve the metabolic profile of obese subjects with and without metabolic complications such as type 2 diabetes. Due to cases of valvular heart diseases, DF was withdrawn from the market in 1997. However, serotonergic drugs are still used in clinical practice. We studied the hemodynamic and metabolic changes induced by in situ perfusion of inguinal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of normal-weight rats with either 1 µM isoproterenol (IP) or 5 µMDF using the microdialysis technique. Perfusion of SAT with IP resulted in an increase in blood flow (+25%) and lipolysis (+35%) when compared to baseline. In contrast to that, perfusion of SAT with DF resulted in a decrease in blood flow (–25%) and lipolysis (–35%). Additionally, dialysate glucose was decreased and dialysate lactate was increased during perfusion with DF, indicating stimulation of glucose uptake and the glycolytic pathway. It is concluded that DF reduces blood flow and lipolysis whereas it stimulates the glycolytic pathway in SAT and that this could contribute to the positive metabolic outcome, i.e., lowered blood lipids and fat mass of DF-treated obese subjects.
Fatty Acid Composition of Plasma Lipids in Healthy Portuguese Children: Is the Mediterranean Diet Disappearing?
Authors: Guerra Antonio , Feldl Franziska , Koletzko Berthold
Published: April 2003

Background: Adults and children in Mediterranean countries are believed to consume a Mediterranean-type diet which is higher in monounsaturated and n–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids than compared to central and northern parts of Europe and has preventive effects for cardiovascular risks. Subjects and Methods: In preschool children from Porto, Portugal (n = 35) and Munich, Germany (n = 18) we determined the plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition considered as a biomarker for dietary fat intake. Results: The plasma phospholipid contents of total saturated fatty acids are similar in both groups, but the Portuguese children have lower values of monounsaturated and n–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The results indicate that the food habits of Portuguese children are even less close to the traditional Mediterranean diet than those of German children. Conclusions: Efforts should be made to encourage young families as well as manufacturers and distributors of food products in Portugal to emphasize traditional Mediterranean food habits, especially in young children.
Phalangeal Bone Ultrasound and Its Possible Correlation with Nutrient in an Area of High Protein Intake
Authors: Pedrera J.D. , Canal M.L. , Postigo S. , Lavado J. , Hernández E.R. , Rico H.
Published: April 2003

Aims: The influence of eating habits on bone mass is a controversial topic. We have use ultrasound to search for the relationships between nutrients and bone density. Methods: A total of 228 women (mean age 48.9 ± 13.7 years) were studied, and divided according to their gonadal status (pre-, peri- and postmenopausal women). The dietary intake was recorded for 7 days, and their bone mass was measured by phalangeal amplitude-dependent speed of sound (Ad-SOS). ANOVA was made to examine the differences according to gonadal status. To determine the possible correlation between Ad-SOS and nutrient intake, partial correlations, adjusted for important confounding variables, were done. Results: With partial correlations, there was no correlation of Ad-SOS with the nutrients studied here. Conclusion: We find no correlation of bone mass as measured by Ad-SOS with the most common nutrients and trace minerals, either for the participants as a whole or according to gonadal status.
Mild-to-Moderate Malnutrition Alters Glutathione, Gamma-Glutamyl-Transpeptidase and Glycine Uptake in Small Intestinal Brush-Border Vesicles of Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Rana S.V. , Gupta D. , Katyal R. , Singh K.
Published: April 2003

Background: In India about 85% of pre-school children show evidence of mild-to-moderate malnutrition. Consequences of severe malnutrition and protein deficiency are well reported by workers but little information is available on milder forms. Methods: Mild-to-moderate protein energy malnourished (PEM) state was induced in 12 monkeys by providing 2.42 g protein and 55 kcal kg–1 day–1 while 12 controls were fed 4.84 g protein and 110 kcal kg–1. After a 30–40% reduction in body weight as compared with their controls, the animals were killed and brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) were prepared from three parts of small intestine. Purified vesicles were assayed for gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGTP), glutathione (GSH) and U-14C-glycine uptake. Results: GGTP activity increased significantly while glutathione and uptake of glycine decreased significantly in all the three parts of small intestine. On nutritional rehabilitation of 9 weeks, the activity of GGTP, GSH and in vitro uptake of glycine amino acid recovered completely. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicates that even mild-to-moderate malnutrition should not be ignored during the development state.
LDL and HDL Oxidation and Fatty Acid Composition in Vegetarians
Authors: Nagyová Anna , Krajčovičová-Kudláčková Marica , Klvanová Jana
Published: April 2003

The oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and fatty acid composition, which may affect the resistance of lipoproteins to oxidation, were determined in 24 lacto-ovo vegetarians. Vegetarian diets contain more essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Therefore, the relationship between LDL and HDL oxidation resistance measured by the kinetics of the formation of fatty acid conjugated dienes (lag time, maximal rate of oxidation and maximal amount of conjugated dienes), LDL and HDL fatty acid composition and vitamin E content were evaluated. All parameters of in vitro oxidation were significantly lower in HDL when compared with LDL. The relative values of arachidonic, dihomo-γ-linoleic and docosahexaenoic acid were significantly higher in HDL, α-linolenic acid content significantly lower, when compared with LDL; the peroxidizability index was significantly higher in HDL. The content of vitamin E was found more than 2-fold lower in HDL particles. The results show the importance of fatty acid composition in the resistance of LDL and HDL to oxidation and from this aspect, the composition of LDL isolated from vegetarians seems to be more favourable compared to HDL.
Linear Regression Calibration: Theoretical Framework and Empirical Results in EPIC, Germany
Authors: Kynast-Wolf Gisela , Becker Nikolaus , Kroke Anja , Brandstetter Birgit R. , Wahrendorf Jürgen , Boeing Heiner
Published: April 2003

Large scale dietary assessment instruments are usually based on the food frequency technique and have therefore to be tailored to the involved populations with respect to mode of application and inquired food items. In multicenter studies with different populations, the direct comparability of dietary data is therefore a challenge because each local dietary assessment tool might have its specific measurement error. Thus, for risk analysis the direct use of dietary measurements across centers requires a common reference. For example, in the European prospective cohort study EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) a 24-hour recall was chosen to serve as such a reference instrument which was based on a highly standardized computer-assisted interview (EPIC-SOFT). The 24-hour recall was applied to a representative subset of EPIC participants in all centers. The theoretical framework of combining multicenter dietary information was previously published in several papers and is called linear regression calibration. It is based on a linear regression of the food frequency questionnaire to the reference. The regression coefficients describe the absolute and proportional scaling bias of the questionnaire with the 24-hour recall taken as reference. This article describes the statistical basis of the calibration approach and presents first empirical results of its application to fruit, cereals and meat consumption in EPIC Germany represented by the two EPIC centers, Heidelberg and Potsdam. It was found that fruit could be measured well by the questionnaire in both centers (λcirc; = 0.98 (males) and λcirc; = 0.95 (females) in Heidelberg, and λcirc; = 0.86 (males) and λcirc; = 0.7 (females) in Potsdam), cereals less (λcirc; = 0.53 (males) and λcirc; = 0.4 (females) in Heidelberg, and λcirc; = 0.53 (males) and λcirc; = 0.44 (females) in Potsdam), and that the assessment of meat (λcirc; = 0.72 (males) and λcirc; = 0.65 (females) in Heidelberg, and λcirc; = 0.49 (males) and λcirc; = 0.42 (females) in Potsdam) has a center-specific bias. The application of the calibration approach to the questionnaire data will change the ranking of the two centers following the data of the reference instrument, and not well-measured food items will exhibit considerably less variation compared to the original data. We conclude that calibration is a necessary step in multicenter studies. However, this exercise shows that the current statistical framework is not yet sufficiently developed for a broad application.
Postprandial Endothelial Impairment and Reduced Glutathione Levels in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Siepi D. , Marchesi S. , Lupattelli G. , Paltriccia R. , Vaudo G. , Pirro M. , Roscini A.R. , Scarponi A.M. , Sinzinger H. , Mannarino E.
Published: April 2003

Background/Aim: Postmenopausal age is characterized by a higher risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) and postprandial lipemia is strictly related with the evidence of CHD. The aim of the study was to clarify the vascular effects of postprandial state in postmenopausal women. Methods: Ten postmenopausal women (mean age 57 ± 8 years) without vascular risk factors and history of cardiovascular disease underwent an oral fat load test. Endothelial function, expressed as brachial flow-mediated vasodilation (FMV), lipid parameters and reduced glutathione (GSH) were evaluated at baseline and 2, 4 and 6 h after the load. Results: FMV showed a significant decrease at the 2nd hour (2.3 ± 2.6%, vs. baseline 7.7 ± 2.8%, p < 0.05) and overlapping to the basal value after 4 h. Triglycerides increased postprandially at the 2nd and 4th hour (1.6 ± 0.6 µmol/l, 1.8 ± 0.5 µmol/l vs. baseline 0.9 ± 0.4 µmol/l, p < 0.05), decreasing thereafter. GSH decreased at the 2nd hour of the postprandial phase (5.1 ± 1.9 µmol/l vs. baseline 8.4 ± 1.9 µmol/l, p < 0.05), normalizing successively. At the univariate analysis a negative correlation was found between FMV and triglyceride changes (r = –0.37, p < 0.05) and a positive one between FMV and GSH modifications (r = 0.40, p < 0.05). Conclusion: These data demonstrated that postprandial lipemia transiently impairs endothelial reactivity by an oxidative burden, partly dependent to triglyceride increase.
Die Chaostheorie und ihre Bedeutung für die Analytische Psychologie
Authors: Tobler Lorette
Published: April 2003

Leider besteht für diesen Artikel keine Zusammenfassung. Als Einstieg stellen wir den Textanfang zur Verfügung. Als C.G. Jung sich, vor allem in seinen späteren Jahren, mit der wissenschaftlichen Theorienbildung auseinandersetzte, beklagte er das Ungenügen der vorherrschenden Paradigmen der klassischen Naturwissenschaften für eine Psychologie, die nicht bloss objektivierbare, quantifizierbare und wiederholbare Vorgänge, sondern auch subjektiv-erlebnismässige, qualitative und einmalige, in einem gerichteten Lebenszusammenhang stehende Prozessphänomene erfassen sollte, so etwa die Selbstregulierung der Psyche. Mit den damals wissenschaftlich anerkannten reduktionistischen «Denkwerkzeugen» war dies nicht möglich.
Bye-bye Anima?
Authors: Braun Claus
Published: April 2003

Leider besteht für diesen Artikel keine Zusammenfassung. Als Einstieg stellen wir den Textanfang zur Verfügung. In ihrem Artikel «Überlegungen zur weiblichen Homosexualität» [Springer, 2000; in dieser Zeitschrift] schreibt die Autorin [p. 36]: «Ich halte es für sinnvoll, Anima und Animus als Konstrukte aufzugeben, dies sowohl im Sinne von Komplexen ... als auch im Sinne von archetypischen Strukturen.». Ich halte diese Auffassung für bedenklich, da mit ihr originär-qualitative Begriffe der Analytischen Psychologie nicht nur in Frage gestellt, sondern abgeschafft werden sollen, die m.E. nicht nur theoretisch, sondern auch behandlungstechnisch bedeutsam sind.
Zweierlei Vergangenheit – zweierlei Erinnern
Authors: Treplin Vera
Published: April 2003

Die Autorin, 1938 als jüdisches Kind in Nazi-Deutschland geboren, wurde nach Theresienstadt deportiert und ist nach Kriegsende wieder in ihre Heimatstadt zurückgekehrt. Ausgehend von den immer wieder erlebten Ausgrenzungsversuchen, bedingt durch den Umgang der so genannten Täterseite mit Schuld und Schuldgefühlen und geleitet von der Erfahrung, wie gering das konkrete Wissen in ihrer Generation über jene Zeit im eigenen Land ist, beschliesst die Autorin, eine Annäherung an ihre eigene Familiengeschichte zu wagen. Sie berichtet vom schuldlosen Schuldigwerden jedes einzelnen Familienmitgliedes und der endgültigen Zerstörung der Familie durch die Verfolger. Deren Weigerung, Schuld anzuerkennen, hat nicht nur den Überlebenden, sondern auch ihren eigenen Nachkommen eine zerstörte Vergangenheit und den ratlosen Umgang mit einer ihnen nicht anzulastenden Schuld hinterlassen. Die unterschiedlichen Ebenen des biographischen Berichtes und die Reflexionen zum Thema «schuldlos schuldig werden» finden eine Verknüpfung in der aktuellen Begegnung mit einer gleichaltrigen Patientin in der Praxis der Autorin.
Mechanical Transduction in Outer Hair Cells
Authors: Gummer Anthony W. , Meyer Jens , Frank Gerhard , Scherer Marc P. , Preyer Serena
Published: April 2003

The outer hair cells are responsible for the exquisite sensitivity, frequency selectivity and dynamic range of the cochlea. These cells are part of a mechanical feedback system involving the basilar membrane and tectorial membrane. Transverse displacement of the basilar membrane results in relative motion between the tectorial membrane and the reticular lamina, causing deflection of the stereocilia and modulation of the open probability of their transduction channels. The resulting current causes a change of membrane potential, which in turn produces mechanical force, that is fed back into the motion of the basilar membrane. Experiments were conducted to address mechanical transduction mechanisms in both the stereocilia and the basolateral cell membrane, as well as modes of coupling of the outer hair cell force to the organ of Corti.