bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Critical Evaluation of the Role of Soy Protein and Isoflavone Supplementation in the Control of Plasma Cholesterol Concentrations
Authors: Dewell Antonella , Hollenbeck Piper L. W. , Hollenbeck Clarie B.
Published: January 2006

Context: The purpose of this review was to critically evaluate current research on the effect of soy protein and isoflavone supplements on plasma lipoproteins and place the potential role of soy in the prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD) into a clinical perspective.

Evidence Acquisition: An extensive literature search was performed using a variety of medical and scientific databases including Medline, PubMed, Science Direct, Ovid, NIST, and Infotrac to identify relevant articles. Journal articles were cross-referenced for additional sources of information. Articles were evaluated based on level of experimental control as well as statistical, quantitative, and clinical analysis.

Evidence Synthesis: Soy and soy isoflavones have been the object of extensive research investigating their potential hypocholesterolemic effects and possible role in the prevention of CAD. It has been suggested that soy, especially the isoflavones contained in soy, improves lipoprotein levels, thus reducing the risk for CAD. This belief, however, is not uniformly accepted. Moreover, the experimental evidence in support of this notion is not as overwhelming as generally perceived, and the current available data reveal that the discrepancies observed are primarily statistical in nature rather than reflecting actual quantitative differences in the hypocholesterolemic effects detected.

Conclusions: A critical analysis of the investigations to date indicates the data are not quantitatively impressive and raises substantial questions about the clinical importance of the hypocholesterolemic effects observed.
Improvement of Cardiac Performance and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Children with GH Deficiency after Two Years of GH Replacement Therapy: An Observational, Open, Prospective, Case-Control Study
Authors: Salerno Mariacarolina , Esposito Valentina , Farina Vincenzo , Radetti Giorgio , Umbaldo Angela , Capalbo Donatella , Spinelli Letizia , Muzzica Stefania , Lombardi Gaetano , Colao Annamaria
Published: January 2006

Context: GH deficiency (GHD) in adults is associated with a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors that may contribute to an increased mortality for cardiovascular disease.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of GHD and GH replacement therapy on cardiac performance, lipid profile, and insulin resistance in children.

Design: This was a 2-yr case-control prospective study.

Patients: Thirty children with GHD aged 9.3 ± 0.5 yr and 30 healthy matched controls were studied.

Intervention: Children were studied before and after 1 and 2 yr of GH replacement (GHD children) or no treatment (controls).

Main Outcome Measures: Lipid profile, serum insulin levels, homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA) index, and left ventricular (LV) mass and function by echocardiography were the main outcome measures.

Results: At study entry, the LV mass index was significantly lower in GHD children (50.2 ± 1.7) than in controls (60.3 ± 2.5 g/m2; P < 0.002), whereas LV systolic and diastolic function, lipid profile, insulin levels, and HOMA index were similar. In GHD children LV mass index significantly increased (66.3 ± 2.4 g/m2; P < 0.0001) after 1 yr of GH replacement and remained stable thereafter. LV systolic and diastolic function did not change during treatment. After 2 yr of GH replacement, total cholesterol (P < 0.007) and the atherogenic index (P < 0.0001) significantly decreased, whereas fasting insulin levels (P < 0.001) and HOMA index (P < 0.0001) significantly increased compared with both pretreatment and control values.

Conclusions: GHD in children is associated with a reduced cardiac size but with a normal cardiac function, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity. Two years of GH replacement normalizes cardiac morphology, improves lipid profile, and slightly impairs insulin sensitivity.
The Structural Brain Correlates of Cognitive Deficits in Adults with Klinefelter’s Syndrome
Authors: Itti E. , Gaw Gonzalo I. T. , Pawlikowska-Haddal A. , Boone K. B. , Mlikotic A. , Itti L. , Mishkin F. S. , Swerdloff R. S.
Published: January 2006

Context: Adults with Klinefelter’s syndrome (KS) are known to present disturbances of language skills and delayed learning abilities.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess brain morphometry in KS and to correlate eventual volumetric changes with performance on neuropsychological tests.

Patients: Patients included 18 KS adults and 20 age-matched controls.

Methods: All participants underwent prospectively double-spin-echo brain magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological testing of verbal and nonverbal domains. On the axial stack of magnetic resonance imaging slices, regional brain volumes were measured either by automated segmentation (full brain, total cerebrospinal fluid, and ventricular volume) or manual drawing with help of a neuroanatomy atlas (frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes, gray matter component of the lobes, cerebellar hemispheres, and hippocampal complexes).

Results: KS patients performed significantly lower than controls on language-related tasks exploring verbal processing speed and verbal executive function. They were diagnosed with significant enlargement of ventricular volume and bilateral reduction of cerebellar hemispheres. Furthermore, after separation of participants according to handedness and after correction of regional brain volumes for atrophy, a significant reduction of left temporal lobe volume was found in KS compared with controls. Ventricular volume was inversely correlated with cognitive function, whereas left temporal lobe volume was positively correlated with language-related tasks.

Conclusion: This study hypothesizes that supernumerary X-chromosome and/or congenital hypogonadism provoke structural alterations in the subcortical pathways involved in language processing, thus providing a neurobiological substrate for cognitive deficits in KS.
Metastatic Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Arising from Congenital Goiter as a Result of a Novel Splice Donor Site Mutation in the Thyroglobulin Gene
Authors: Alzahrani Ali S. , Baitei Essa Y. , Zou Minjing , Shi Yufei
Published: January 2006

Context: Defects in thyroglobulin (Tg) synthesis are one of the causes of thyroid dyshormonogenesis. Only a few mutations in the Tg gene have been described.

Objectives: We describe a novel Tg gene mutation and discuss the mechanisms by which it causes dyshormonogenesis with subsequent malignant transformation.

Cases: Two siblings aged 21 and 19 yr presented with recurrent goiters for which they had undergone multiple thyroid surgeries since early childhood. The older sibling was diagnosed with metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma at age 15 yr.

Methods: The entire coding region and intron-exon boundaries of the Tg gene were amplified and sequenced from the patients. We also sequenced the boundaries of exon 5 and intron 5 from both parents. RT-PCR amplification of a cDNA fragment encompassing exons 4–6 was also performed.

Results: A homozygous G to A point mutation at position +1 of the splice donor site of intron 5 (g.IVS5+1G→A) was detected in both patients, whereas a monoallelic mutation was found in their parents. RT-PCR amplification of a cDNA fragment covering exons 4–6 revealed a 191-bp fragment in the patients and 351- and 191-bp fragments in the parents. Sequence analysis of these two fragments confirmed deletion of exon 5 in the 191-bp fragment.

Conclusions: Aberrant splicing occurred as a result of the g.IVS5+1G→A mutation, which caused fusion of exons 4 and 6, resulting in the frame shift at codon position 141 and a premature stop codon at position 147 (FS141→147X). The malignant transformation is likely a result of prolonged TSH stimulation.
Monte Carlo-steepest descent (MC-SD) simulations of nanometric cutting
Authors: Narulkar R , Raff L. M. , Komanduri R
Published: January 2006

In order to reduce the computational time, Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of nanometric cutting have been modified to include a combination of steepest descent (SD) and Monte Carlo procedures. This MC-SD combination is found to reduce the required computational times by factors of at least two to three over those achieved using MC methods alone. The MC-SD method is applied to the nanometric cutting of single-crystal aluminium along the (100) plane with different rake angle tools at a cutting speed of 5m/s. The results obtained from the MC-SD calculations are found to be almost identical to those resulting from the MC simulations.
Fabrication of large-area stamps, moulds, and conformable photomasks for soft lithography
Authors: Lee H. H. , Menard E , Tassi N. G. , Rogers J. A. , Blanchet G. B.
Published: January 2006

Low-cost fabrication is essential to the successful introduction of organic electronics and reel-to-reel manufacturing processes. Here it is proposed that extending flexography into the micrometre-size resolution regime may provide an economical commercialization path for plastic devices. Flexography is a high-speed technique commonly used for printing onto very large-area flexible substrates. Although low resolution and poor registration are characteristics of today's flexographic process, it has many similarities with soft lithographic techniques. This work shows that large (12 in x 12 in), high-resolution printing plates appropriate for use on small tag and label flexographic presses can be prepared using simple and inexpensive flexographic-compatible processes. This paper illustrates the use of these plates for three representative soft lithographic processes: microcontact printing, replica moulding, and phase-shift lithography.
Effect of elastic strain energy on self-organized pattern formation
Authors: Pan E , Zhu R , Chung P. W.
Published: January 2006

This paper studies the growth of self-organized quantum dots in strained semiconductors in the Stranski-Krastanov growth mode using the kinetic Monte Carlo simulation method. The four nearest and four next nearest neighbours of each atom in the square lattice grid with a periodic boundary condition are considered in the calculation of the binding energy among atoms. The elastic strain energy is accurately evaluated by the rigorous point eigenstrain half-space Green's function and is incorporated for the first time into the kinetic Monte Carlo model. The set of relevant growth parameters such as growth temperature, surface coverage, flux rate, and growth interruption time, is investigated and optimal values are identified. It is shown clearly that when the long-range elastic strain energy is included in the simulation, uniform size and ordered spatial distribution can be achieved. Furthermore, the growth of stacked quantum dot layers is also simulated briefly and vertical alignment is observed that could lead to progressively uniform island size and spatial ordering.
Evidence-based policies for residential childcare staff: who benefits from a minimalist approach to education and training?
Authors: Heron Gavin
Published: January 2006

English

Despite the well-publicised inadequacies of residential childcare social work in Britain, minimal progress has been made towards implementing an effective education and training policy for those staff who care for some of the most vulnerable children in society. This study focuses on the Scottish context and examines the effectiveness of a range of accredited and non-accredited education and training courses for residential childcare staff. The findings would suggest that courses have a positive impact on learning and practice; however, their existence appears to be incompatible with recent developments in education and training policy in Scotland.
Putting evidence into practice: an evidence-based approach to continuing professional development
Authors: Phillips Mary
Published: January 2006

English

The concepts of evidence-based practice (EBP) and continuing professional development (CPD) can be seen as responses to similar challenges to professionalism, centred around the need to maintain expertise. However, there is little awareness of the former outside the health and social policy fields. This article presents empirical research conducted with professional bodies to explore how CPD could become more evidence-based while, at the same time, providing an effective vehicle for putting evidence into practice. From the findings, a model is developed that demonstrates how research evidence can be combined with other important elements of professionalism to inform professional judgement.
Information retrieval and the role of the information specialist in producing high-quality systematic reviews in the social, behavioural and education sciences
Authors: Wade C. Anne , Turner Herbert M. , Rothstein Hannah R. , Lavenberg Julia G.
Published: January 2006

English

The International Campbell Collaboration (C2) prepares, maintains and disseminates high-quality systematic reviews in the social, behavioural and educational sciences. As part of its effort to ensure that systematic reviews are based on a set of systematic, transparent and replicable procedures, C2 has produced a set of policy briefs. One of these, the C2 Information retrieval policy brief, proposes policies for searching the literature for C2 reviews, addresses key issues and challenges faced by C2 reviewers, and recommends working with an information specialist (IS). This article illustrates how the information retrieval issues raised in the brief have been addressed by one C2 review team, through the inclusion of an IS as an integral member of its review team. This unique approach recognises that information retrieval is a continuous and important process, requiring the ongoing expertise of a professional. Cost implications for the provision of ongoing support by an IS are briefly addressed, along with various alternative approaches.
Resistances to ‘new’ technologies of evaluation: education research in the UK as a case study
Authors: Oakley Ann
Published: January 2006

English

Current debates about the relationship between research evidence and policy involve methodological issues relating to procedures for generating reliable research findings. This article focuses on the role of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and the education sector in the UK as a case study. It describes ‘resistance’ positions with respect to the contribution RCTs can make to public policy and practice evidence, analyses key features of ‘resistance’ texts, and argues that these are best understood sociologically as ideological statements, and as conservative responses to the real or imagined threat of ‘new’ technology, including its ability to reveal previously unchallenged problems in, and with, academic work.
Emerging Treatments for Bipolar Disorder: Safety and Adverse Effect Profiles
Authors: Marken Patricia A , Pies Ronald W
Published: January 2006

Objective:

To provide an overview of the safety and tolerability of newer agents used to treat bipolar disorder (BPD) and provide clinicians with management strategies for drug-related toxicity and adverse effects.

Data Sources:

MEDLINE was searched through July 2005 for BPD treatment, adverse effects, tolerability, safety, emerging agents, atypical antipsychotics, new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), risperidone, quetiapine, clozapine, ziprasidone, aripiprazole, lamotrigine, topiramate, gabapentin, oxcarbazepine, and olanzapine.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Results from randomized controlled trials, open-label studies, and reviews are described.

Data Synthesis:

Emerging agents recently approved for BPD include atypical antipsychotics and new AEDs. Safety and tolerability are as Important as efficacy because poor adherence in BPD worsens outcome; metabolic and other comorbidities pose specific challenges; and manic patients often require combination therapy, which increases adverse effects. Most atypical antipsychotics cause fewer extrapyramidal symptoms than conventional antipsychotics, but may cause more weight gain and metabolic complications. The newer AEDs generally cause less weight gain than the older agents, and some even promote weight loss. Several newer AEDs used in BPD also offer the advantages of fewer drug interactions and less need for therapeutic drug monitoring compared with older AEDs.

Conclusions:

Pending the results of ongoing controlled studies, several emerging agents may be useful additions to the therapeutic arsenal for BPD.
Role of Lenalidomide in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma and Myelodysplasic Syndrome
Authors: Maier Sara K , Hammond Julia M
Published: January 2006

Objective:

To evaluate lenalidomide in the treatment of multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

Data Sources:

Clinical literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966–August 2005), Science Citation Index (1980–August 2005), and Proceedings of the American Society of Hematology (2000–2004).

Data Synthesis:

New analogs of thalidomide have been synthesized that are more potent and less toxic. Lenalidomide (CC-5013) is currently in Phase III trials for the treatment of multiple myeloma and MDS. Phase II trials demonstrated lenalidomide's efficacy in patients refractory to thalidomide. The full potential of this agent has yet to be proven, but preliminary data seem promising.

Conclusions:

Lenalidomide is a potent immunomodulating drug that offers different mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential for the treatment of multiple myeloma, MDS, and other malignancies.
Current Status of Cetuximab for the Treatment of Patients with Solid Tumors
Authors: Frieze Deborah A , McCune Jeannine S
Published: January 2006

Objective:

To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical evidence, and safety, as well as the potential directions for use, of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody cetuximab.

Data Sources:

A MEDLINE search (1966–December 2005) was conducted using the following terms: cetuximab, Erbitux, C225, epidermal growth factor receptor, and EGFR. Additional information was obtained via meeting abstracts, bibliographies from relevant articles, national guidelines, and the manufacturer.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Preclinical and clinical trials utilizing cetuximab in the treatment of solid tumors were selected from the data sources. All published, randomized clinical trials involving cetuximab in treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and studies providing a description of the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, or efficacy were included in this review.

Data Synthesis:

Many solid tumors overexpress EGFR, making it an ideal target for anticancer agents. Cetuximab is the only EGFR monoclonal antibody commercially available and is approved for the treatment of EGFR-expressing, metastatic colorectal cancer in patients refractory or intolerant to irinotecan. Data on patients with other solid tumors are encouraging with cetuximab used as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy, radiation, or other targeted agents. Common adverse effects include dermatologic and hypersensitivity reactions.

Conclusions:

Further clinical data are necessary to clearly define the role of cetuximab in the treatment of patients with solid malignancies, with emphasis on survival and quality-of-life benefits relative to its cost.
Mycophenolate Mofetil Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Cahoon William D , Kockler Denise R
Published: January 2006

Objective:

To review published literature evaluating the effectiveness of mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG).

Data Sources:

Searches of MEDLINE (1966–August 2005) and Cochrane Database (1993–August 2005) were conducted. Studies conducted in humans and published in English were retrieved. Additional data were identified through subsequent bibliographic reviews.

Data Synthesis:

Interruption of T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation in various autoimmune diseases has been investigated. Mycophenolate is known to inhibit lymphocyte proliferation and has shown improved clinical responses in several autoimmune diseases including lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic vasculitis. Data suggesting similar benefits in MG treatment have been reported in case reports, retrospective analyses, an open-label trial, and a randomized, double-blind trial.

Conclusions:

Limited evidence from retrospective analyses and clinical trials suggests that mycophenolate is a possible treatment option for patients with MG. Improvement in clinical symptoms and a steroid-sparing effect have been reported when mycophenolate is used in this patient population. Larger, randomized, controlled, and comparative trials are needed to establish optimal dose, time to effect, specific therapeutic role, and long-term safety for mycophenolate when used for treating MG.
Feline Large Granular Lymphocyte (LGL) Lymphoma with Secondary Leukemia: Primary Intestinal Origin with Predominance of a CD3/CD8αα Phenotype
Authors: Roccabianca P. , Vernau W. , Caniatti M. , Moore P. F.
Published: January 2006

Clinicopathologic and immunophenotypic characteristics of large granular lymphocyte (LGL) neoplasia in 21 cats were examined. All cats were domestic short (19) or long hair (2) with a mean age of 9.3 years at diagnosis. Increased peripheral blood LGL counts were present in 18/21 cats. Neutrophilia (12/21 cats) and increased serum liver enzymes (7/12), total and direct bilirubin (7/13), BUN (5/14), and creatinine (2/14) were observed. Cats usually presented with advanced disease and none survived longer than 84 days (mean 18.8 days) postdiagnosis. Cytologically, LGLs had a mature (6/21), immature (13/21), or mixed (2/21) morphology. Necropsy lesions consisted of neoplastic lymphoid infiltrates in the jejunum, ileum, and duodenum in decreasing order of frequency. In the small intestine, mucosal ulceration (9/13) and epitheliotropism of neoplastic cells (9/13) were common. Neoplastic infiltrates were also present in the mesenteric lymph nodes (13/13), liver (12/13), spleen (8/13), kidneys (5/ 7), and bone marrow (5/7). A T cell phenotype (CD3∊+) characterized LGL neoplasia in 19/21 cases. A CD8αα+ cytotoxic/suppressor phenotype was present in 12/19 T cell tumors, 2 had a CD4+CD8αα phenotype, 3 had a CD4-CD8- phenotype, and 2 were CD4+ helper T cells. CD8β chain expression was not detected in any instance. In two cats, a B or T cell origin could not be established. CD103 was expressed by 11 of 19 (58%) of the lymphomas tested. The immunophenotypic features shared by neoplastic LGLs in the cat and feline intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) support a small intestinal IEL origin for feline LGL lymphoma.
Progressive Proliferative and Dysplastic Typhlocolitis in Aging Syrian Hamsters Naturally Infected with Helicobacter spp.: A Spontaneous Model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Nambiar P. R. , Kirchain S. M. , Courmier K. , Xu S. , Taylor N. S. , Theve E. J. , Patterson M. M. , Fox J. G.
Published: January 2006

Helicobacter spp. have been implicated in a variety of gastrointestinal tract diseases, including peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), in humans and animals. Although most models of IBD are experimentally induced, spontaneous or natural models of IBD are rare. Herein, we describe a long-term study of chronic, progressive lesions that develop in the distal portion of the large bowel of unmanipulated Syrian hamsters naturally infected with Helicobacter spp. Twenty-four Syrian hamsters of three age groups (group A, 1 month [n = 4], group B, 7–12 months [n = 12], group C, 18–24 months [n = 12]), underwent complete postmortem examination. Results of microbial isolation and polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses confirmed the presence of Helicobacter spp. infection in the distal portion of the large bowel of all animals. Additionally, confounding pathogens, such as Clostridium difficile, Lawsonia intracellularis, and Giardia spp. that can cause proliferative enteritis, were absent in the hamsters of this study. Histopathologic scores for inflammation ( P < 0.01), hyperplasia ( P < 0.01), and dysplasia ( P < 0.05) were significantly higher in the ileocecocolic (ICC) junction of animals in group C, relative to group A. Dysplastic lesions of various grades were detected in 5 of 11 hamsters in group C. Interestingly, the segment of the bowel that is usually colonized by Helicobacter spp. in hamsters had the most severe lesions. One hamster of group C developed a malignant fibrous histiocytoma, whereas another hamster developed a round cell sarcoma originating from the ICC junction. Thus, lesions in the distal portion of the large bowel of aging hamsters naturally colonized with Helicobacter spp. warrants developing the hamster as an animal model of IBD and potentially IBD-related cancer.
Oligodendroglial Dysplasia in Two Bullmastiff Dogs
Authors: Morrison J. P. , Schatzberg S. J. , Lahunta A. De , Ross J. T. , Bookbinder P. , Summers B. A.
Published: January 2006

Leukodystrophies are inherited neurological disorders involving central nervous system white matter. They are uncommon in animals but a few, breed-specific entities have been described. In 2002, two young-adult, purebred Bullmastiff dogs from central New York State presented to their referring veterinarians displaying moderate to severe ataxia of all limbs, spastic tetraparesis that was worse in the pelvic limbs, and a diffuse, action-related, whole-body tremor. Clinical signs were insidious in onset and slowly progressive. Anatomic diagnoses considered were a C1–C5 lesion or, based on the whole-body tremor, a diffuse central nervous system disorder. No gross lesions were apparent in the brain or spinal cord. Histopathologically, numerous, multifocal, sharply demarcated, small, ovoid to angular areas of myelin pallor (plaques) were present throughout the major white matter tracts of the brainstem and spinal cord. These plaques, which often were traversed by axons, did not stain with luxol fast blue for myelin and were associated with minimal astrocytosis. Ultrastructural findings include occasional hypertrophic glia in white matter, rare unmyelinated segments of axons, and focal proliferation of tubule-containing cytoplasmic glial cell processes (oligodendroglial). The described clinical and morphological findings and age of onset are similar to the well-characterized, presumably hereditary, bovine syndrome known as Charolais ataxia or oligodendroglial dysplasia. This article presents the first description of a leukodystrophy in the Bullmastiff breed and the first report of oligodendroglial dysplasia in animals other than Charolais cattle.
Expression of Terminal Differentiation Proteins Defines Stages of Mouse Mammary Gland Development
Authors: Mikaelian I. , Hovick M. , Silva K. A. , Burzenski L. M. , Shultz L. D. , Ackert-Bicknell C. L. , Cox G. A. , Sundberg J. P.
Published: January 2006

Immunohistochemical analysis using paraffin-embedded specimens is the method of choice to evaluate protein expression at a cellular level while preserving tissue architecture in normal and neoplastic tissues. Current knowledge of the expression of terminal differentiation markers in the mouse mammary gland relies on the evaluation of frozen tissues by use of immunofluorescence. We assessed changes in patterns of expression of terminal differentiation markers throughout the development of the mouse mammary gland in paraffin-embedded tissues. The expression of a-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and keratins (K) 5, 8/18, and 14 was influenced by the development stage of the mammary gland. Expression of K5 and SMA was restricted to basal cells. Keratin 14 was consistently expressed by mammary basal cells, and was detected in scattered luminal cells from 13.5 days after conception through puberty. Labeling for K8/18 of luminal cells was heterogeneous at all times. Heterogeneous expression patterns in luminal cells suggest this layer has cells with a variety of biological functions. The absence of K6 expression at any stage of the development of the mammary gland was confirmed by use of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis, which indicates that this intermediate filament is not a marker of the mammary gland stem cell. Finally, consistent with results of earlier studies, keratins 1, 10, 13, and 15, and filaggrin, involucrin, and loricrin were not detected at any stage of mammary gland development.
Canine Intraneural Perineurioma
Authors: Higgins R. J. , Dickinson P. J. , Jimenez D. F. , Bollen A. W. , Lecouteur R. A.
Published: January 2006

A 6-year-old castrated German Shepherd Dog was presented with a 6-month history of progressive, nonpainful, left pelvic limb paresis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed atrophy of left-sided epaxial and hypaxial muscles from L5–L7 and an enlarged L5 spinal nerve. Exploratory hemi-laminectomy revealed focally and cylindrically thickened L5 and L6 nerve roots. Histologic evaluation of a surgical biopsy specimen from the L6 dorsal nerve root, and the L5 nerve roots after later amputation revealed distended hypercellular fascicles. This distension was due to widely separated axons surrounded by concentric lamellations formed by neoplastic perineurial cells and their processes. These pseudo-onion bulbs were separated from each other by a basophilic myxoid stroma. The perineurioma cell processes were immunonegative for S-100 (a and b chains) and collagen IV, but were immunoreactive for laminin. The central axons were also immunoreactive for NF-200 and S-100. The proliferative index of the perineurioma cells, as determined by MIB-1 immunoreactivity, was about 3%. Ultrastructurally, the widely separated, interdigitating perineurioma cell processes were connected by desmosomal-like junctional complexes to form continuous circles. Their processes were covered by a discontinuous basal lamina. Each centrally placed axon was normally, thinly, or completely unmyelinated and was surrounded by a normal Schwann cell. These morphologic and immunologic features distinguish this lesion from hypertrophic neuropathy and were consistent with intraneural perineurioma.
Vaccine-associated Rhabdomyosarcoma with Spinal Epidural Invasion and Pulmonary Metastasis in a Cat
Authors: Chang H.-W. , Ho S.-Y. , Lo H.-F. , Tu Y.-C. , Jeng C.-R. , Liu C.-H. , Wang F.-I. , Pang V. F.
Published: January 2006

A 7-year-old, female, domestic medium-haired cat had a recurrent deep dermal mass in the interscapular region after initial surgical removal 3 months earlier. The cat had received a killed rabies vaccine and a five-in-one vaccine in the same area about 2 months prior to the first surgery. The relapsed mass was diagnosed as vaccine-associated sarcoma. The cat was euthanized 2 months later because of hind limb paralysis. At necropsy, multiple, poorly demarcated, nodular masses were seen in the muscles around the shoulders, neck, and thoracic vertebrae. Pulmonary metastasis and spinal epidural invasion at T1–T3 with regional cord compression and malacia were observed. Microscopically, the masses consisted of interwoven bundles of spindle cells with prominent multinucleated giant cell formation. The neoplastic cells stained strongly positive for myoglobin, and moderately but variably positive for vimentin, desmin, and α- smooth muscle actin. Phosphotungstic acid-hematoxylin staining revealed cytoplasmic striations in scattered tumor cells. The tumor was considered a vaccine-associated rhabdomyosarcoma.
Ossifying Fibroma in a Miniature Rex Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Whitten K. A. , Popielarczyk M. M. , Belote D. A. , McLeod G. C. , Mense M. G.
Published: January 2006

In humans and animals, ossifying fibroma is a benign neoplasm that most frequently affects the mandible, often resulting in cosmetic deformities and malocclusion. It is considered rare in animals and most frequently affects young horses. A surgical biopsy of a solitary mass located beneath the gingiva in the right maxillary region, which had overgrown teeth and expanded the adjacent hard palate from a 6-year-old miniature Rex rabbit was submitted for light microscopic examination. The submitted incisional biopsy specimen was pale pink, firm, and nodular. Histopathologically, the neoplasm was composed of fibroblastic cells separated by abundant collagen. The neoplastic cells were interwoven with osteoblasts surrounding islands of mineralized, bony matrix containing few, widely spaced, often empty, lacunae. Minimal inflammation was present. Based on the histopathologic features, the tumor was diagnosed as an ossifying fibroma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an ossifying fibroma in a rabbit.
An Unusual Case of Generalized Soft-Tissue Mineralization in a Suckling Foal
Authors: Estepa J. C. , Aguilera-Tejero E. , Zafra R. , Mayer-Valor R. , Rodríguez M. , Perez J.
Published: January 2006

An atypical case of severe soft-tissue mineralization in a 3-week-old foal from a herd of Andalusian horses is described. The herd clinical history and the laboratory findings were compatible with a diagnosis of secondary hyperparathyroidism due to a mineral imbalance in the diet (low calcium and high phosphorus intake). Mares showed a marked increase in serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) approximately 10 times normal levels. Serum PTH was marginally elevated in foals. Clinical signs (unthriftiness, painful joints, lameness in one or more limbs, and stiff gait) were more pronounced in foals than in mares. Two foals died and necropsy of one of them revealed extensive soft-tissue mineralization of arterial walls and pulmonary parenchyma. Clinical signs in mares and foals resolved by 4 weeks after diet adjustment.
Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Inflammatory Infiltrate in the Skin and Lung of Lambs Naturally Infected with Sheeppox Virus
Authors: Gulbahar M. Y. , Davis W. C. , Yuksel H. , Cabalar M.
Published: January 2006

The present study describes immunophenotypic characteristics of inflammatory infiltrate in the skin and lung of lambs naturally infected with sheeppox virus (SPV). Three lambs revealed typical cutaneous and pulmonary lesions of sheeppox. Histologically, cutaneous and pulmonary lesions consisted of hyperplastic and/or degenerative changes in the epithelium with mononuclear cells, neutrophils, and typical sheeppox cells (SPCs), which had a vacuolated nucleus and marginated chromatin with occasional granular intracytoplasmic inclusions. The inflammatory infiltrate in pox lesions in both skin and lung was characterized by the presence of MHC II+ dendritic cells, CD4+, CD8+, γδ+ T cells, IgM+ cells, and CD21+ cells. Loss of expression of MHC I and MHC II antigens was observed in the affected areas of skin and lung. SPCs, stained with anti-SPV antibody, were also positive for CD14 and CD172A, antigens expressed on monocytes and macrophages. CD14 and CD172A negative SPCs were considered to be SPV infected degenerated epithelial cells or fibroblasts.
Characterization of the cDNA Encoding αIIb and β3 in Normal Horses and Two Horses with Glanzmann Thrombasthenia
Authors: Christopherson P. W. , Insalaco T. A. , Santen V. L. van , Livesey L. , Bourne C. , Boudreaux M. K.
Published: January 2006

Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is an inherited, intrinsic platelet defect characterized by a quantitative or qualitative change in the platelet glycoprotein complex IIb-IIIa (integrin αIIbβ3). The subunits are encoded by separate genes and both subunits must be expressed for a stable complex to form on the platelet surface; therefore, a defect in either gene can result in GT.
ESCA Studies of a Brass Surface Subjected to Gas-Jet-Enhanced Sputtering in a Glow Discharge
Authors: Govier Robert D. , Piepmeier Edward H.
Published: January 2006

Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) is used to study selected regions of a brass surface subjected to gas-jet-enhanced sputtering in a glow discharge. Gas jets directed at the sample surface during sputtering in a glow discharge increase the removal rate of sample material from the surface and cause changes to the surface which are visually evident in the formation of craters and surface deposits. Changes in chemical composition of these regions are observed when successive atomic layers are removed from the sample by the ion beam etching accessory in the ESCA spectrometer. The effects of ion bombardment can be explained in terms of the selective sputtering of one bulk component over another. The surfaces in the sputtered craters were found to be depleted of the higher-sputtering-yield component, Zn, when compared to the bulk composition. In a deposit, the component with the highest sputtering yield was found to be more concentrated in layers closest to the bulk material. The component with the lowest sputtering yield was found at relatively higher concentrations nearest the deposit surface. The component with the higher sputtering yield is selectively sputtered first during the glow discharge, and consequently is deposited with a higher concentration closest to the bulk, the converse being true for the lowest-sputtering-yield component.
Optimization of Acoustic-Resonance Spectrometry for Analysis of Intact Tablets and Prediction of Dissolution Rate
Authors: Buice Robert G. , Pinkston Paul , Lodder Robert A.
Published: January 2006

Acoustic-resonance spectrometry (ARS) provides a means of identifying and quantifying materials. A new ARS instrument incorporates a three-transducer design that increases sensitivity through interferometry and uses polyvinylidene fluoride piezoelectric films instead of ceramic transducers to give high output voltages, broader bandwidth, and lower cost. The operating parameters of the ARS are optimized with a widely applicable technique named Universal Numerical Optimization (UNO). The UNO technique allows refinement of instrumental parameters on the basis of distances in hyperspace between sample sets. The new ARS is able to identify different intact tablets and predict the percent dissolution of intact carbamazepine tablets at one hour in a standard apparatus to within 4.6% at a fraction of the cost of traditional or even near-IR methods.
Vibrational Studies of 13C- and 34S-Labeled Bis(Ethylenedithio)Tetrathiafulvalene (ET) Donor Molecule
Authors: Ferraro J. R. , Kini A. M. , Williams Jack M. , Stout P.
Published: January 2006

FT-IR and FT-Raman studies of 13C- and 34S-labeled bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene (BEDT-TTF or ET) electron-donor molecules were made, and the results are presented. Assignments for fundamental vibrations in ET were verified. Spectral data suggest that ET has no center of symmetry (confirming X-ray data) and that the data can be reconciled by a D-type point group with only slight interactions occurring between the four molecules per unit cell.
Laser-Based Ultraviolet Absorption Detection in Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Xue Yongjun , Yeung Edward S.
Published: January 2006

Laser-based UV absorption in capillary electrophoresis is demonstrated. The use of vacuum photodiodes and an all-electronic noise canceller provides adequate baseline stability despite the large inherent intensity noise in UV lasers. A 4-fold improvement in the detection limit is achieved in comparison to that of commercial instruments. The main advantage here is the better optical coupling with small capillary tubes, maximizing the available optical pathlength for absorption.
Expression of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Subunit (TERT) and Telomere Sizing in Pig Ovarian Follicles
Authors: Russo Valentina , Berardinelli Paolo , Martelli Alessandra , Giacinto Oriana Di , Nardinocchi Delia , Fantasia Donatella , Barboni Barbara
Published: January 2006

Telomerase is crucial for chromosome stability because it maintains telomere length. Little is known about telomerase in ovarian follicles, where an intense cell division is crucial to sustain estrous cycle and to drive oocyte development. The present research was performed to detect, by immunohistochemistry, the distribution of telomerase catalytic subunit (TERT) during folliculogenesis and to study the effect of TERT expression on telomeres. To this aim, telomere length has been measured on fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-processed sections either in follicular or in germ cells. In primary and preantral follicles, TERT was observed in granulosa and in germ cells, with a typical nuclear location. During antral differentiation, only somatic cells close to the antrum (antral layer) and cumulus cells maintained TERT expression. The relative oocytes located TERT in the ooplasm independent from the process of meiotic maturation. FISH results indicate that a correlation exists between TERT expression and telomere size. In fact, progressively bigger telomeres were observed from preantral to antral follicles where longer structures were recorded in cells of the cumulus oophorus and of the antral layer than those of the basal one. Stable and elongated telomeres were detected in fully grown oocytes that lost the functional TERT distribution within the nucleus.
Distribution of the Cystine/Glutamate Antiporter System x−c in the Brain, Kidney, and Duodenum
Authors: Burdo Joseph , Dargusch Richard , Schubert David
Published: January 2006

System x−c, one of the main transporters responsible for central nervous system cystine transport, is comprised of two subunits, xCT and 4F2hc. The transport of cystine into cells is rate limiting for glutathione synthesis, the major antioxidant and redox cofactor in the brain. Alterations in glutathione status are prevalent in numerous neurodegenerative diseases, emphasizing the importance of proper cystine homeostasis. However, the distribution of xCT and 4F2hc within the brain and other areas has not been described. Using specific antibodies, both xCT and 4F2hc were localized predominantly to neurons in the mouse and human brain, but some glial cells were labeled as well. Border areas between the brain proper and periphery including the vascular endothelial cells, ependymal cells, choroid plexus, and leptomeninges were also highly positive for the system x−c components. xCT and 4F2hc are also present at the brush border membranes in the kidney and duodenum. These results indicate that system x−c is likely to play a role in cellular health throughout many areas of the brain as well as other organs by maintaining intracellular cystine levels, thereby resulting in low levels of oxidative stress. (J Histochem Cytochem 54: 549–557, 2006)
Late-Onset Leanness in Mice with Targeted Ablation of Melanin Concentrating Hormone Neurons
Authors: Alon Tamar , Friedman Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2006

The observation that loss of orexin (hypocretin) neurons causes human narcolepsy raises the possibility that other acquired disorders might also result from loss of hypothalamic neurons. To test this possibility for body weight, mice with selective loss of melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons were generated. MCH was chosen to test because induced mutations of the MCH gene in mice cause hypophagia and leanness. Mice with ablation of MCH neurons were generated using toxin (ataxin-3)-mediated ablation strategy. The mice appeared normal but, after 7 weeks, developed reduced body weight, body length, fat mass, lean mass, and leptin levels. Leanness was characterized by hypophagia and increased energy expenditure. To study the role of MCH neurons on obesity secondary to leptin deficiency, we generated mice deficient in both ob gene product (leptin) and MCH neurons. Absence of MCH neurons in ob/ob mice improved obesity, diabetes, and hepatic steatosis, suggesting that MCH neurons are important mediators of the response to leptin deficiency. These data show that loss of MCH neurons can lead to an acquired leanness. This has implications for the pathogenesis of acquired changes of body weight and might be considered in clinical settings characterized by substantial weight changes later in life.
Late Developmental Stage-Specific Role of Tryptophan Hydroxylase 1 in Brain Serotonin Levels
Authors: Nakamura Kazuhiro , Sugawara Yuko , Sawabe Keiko , Ohashi Akiko , Tsurui Hiromichi , Xiu Yan , Ohtsuji Mareki , Lin Qing Shun , Nishimura Hiroyuki , Hasegawa Hiroyuki , Hirose Sachiko
Published: January 2006

Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] is a major therapeutic target of psychiatric disorders. Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) catalyzes the rate-limiting reaction in the biosynthesis of 5-HT. Two isoforms (TPH1 and TPH2) having tryptophan hydroxylating activity were identified. Association studies have revealed possible TPH1 involvement in psychiatric conditions and behavioral traits. However,TPH1mRNA was reported to be mainly expressed in the pineal gland and the periphery and to be barely detected in the brain. Therefore, contribution of TPH1 to brain 5-HT levels is not known, and the mechanisms how TPH1 possibly contributes to the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders are not understood. Here, we show an unexpected role of TPH1 in the developing brain. We found that TPH1 is expressed preferentially during the late developmental stage in the mouse brain. TPH1 showed higher affinity to tryptophan and stronger enzyme activity than TPH2 in a condition reflecting that of the developing brainstem. Low 5-HT contents in the raphe nucleus were seen during development in New Zealand white (NZW) and SWR mice having common functional polymorphisms in theTPH1gene. However, the 5-HT contents in these mice were not reduced in adulthood. In adult NZW and SWR mice, depression-related behavior was observed. Considering an involvement of developmental brain disturbance in psychiatric disorders, TPH1 may act specifically on development of 5-HT neurons, and thereby influence behavior later in life.
Glypican-1 and α4(V) Collagen Are Required for Schwann Cell Myelination
Authors: Chernousov Michael A. , Rothblum Katrina , Stahl Richard C. , Evans Ann , Prentiss Lisa , Carey David J.
Published: January 2006

Schwann cell myelination requires interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM) mediated by cell surface receptors. Previously, we identified a type V collagen family member, α4(V) collagen, which is expressed by Schwann cells during peripheral nerve differentiation. This collagen binds with high affinity to heparan sulfate through a unique binding motif in the noncollagenous N-terminal domain (NTD). The principal α4(V) collagen-binding protein on the Schwann cell surface is the heparan sulfate proteoglycan glypican-1. We investigated the role of α4(V) collagen and glypican-1 in Schwann cell terminal differentiation in cultures of Schwann cells and dorsal root ganglion neurons. Small interfering RNA-mediated suppression of glypican-1 expression decreased binding of α4(V)-NTD to Schwann cells, adhesion and spreading of Schwann cells on α4(V)-NTD, and incorporation of α4(V) collagen into Schwann cell ECM. In cocultures, α4(V) collagen coassembles with laminin on the surface of polarized Schwann cells to form tube-like ECM structures that are sites of myelination. Suppression of glypican-1 or α4(V) collagen expression significantly inhibited myelination. These results demonstrate an important role for these proteins in peripheral nerve terminal differentiation.