bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue interaction mediated by neuregulin‐1 and ErbB receptors regulates epithelial morphogenesis of mouse embryonic submandibular gland
Authors: Miyazaki Yuji , Nakanishi Yasuo , Hieda Yohki
Published: June 2004

Dimerization and activation of ErbB receptors by their ligands play crucial roles in organogenesis. Epithelial morphogenesis of embryonic mouse submandibular gland (SMG) has been shown to depend on intraepithelial signaling mediated by the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of molecules and the EGF receptor (ErbB1). Here, we report on the neuregulin (NRG) ‐1 protein and its receptors ErbB2 and ErbB3 in the developing SMG. The expression of these molecules was demonstrated by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that the two ErbB receptors as well as ErbB1 were expressed mainly in the epithelium, whereas NRG‐1 was exclusively found in the mesenchyme. Epithelial morphogenesis was retarded by anti–NRG‐1 neutralizing antibody and promoted by recombinant NRG‐1 protein. We suggest that, in the developing SMG, both mesenchyme‐derived NRG molecules and epithelium‐derived EGF molecules regulate ErbB signaling in the epithelium to participate in tissue morphogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 230:591–596, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional conserved elements mediate intestinal‐type fatty acid binding protein (I‐FABP) expression in the gut epithelia of zebrafish larvae
Authors: Her Guor Mour , Yeh Yang‐Hui , Wu Jen‐Leih
Published: June 2004

Intestinal‐type fatty acid binding protein (I‐FABP) plays an important role in the intracellular binding and trafficking of long chain fatty acids in the intestine. The aim of this study, therefore, was to elucidate the regulation and spatiotemporal expression of the I‐FABP gene during zebrafish larval development. We performed in vivo reporter‐gene analysis in zebrafish by using a transient and transgenic approach. Green fluorescent protein–reporter analyses revealed that the proximal 192‐bp region of the I‐FABP promoter is sufficient to direct intestine‐specific expression during zebrafish larval development. Functional dissection of a 41‐bp region within this 192‐bp promoter revealed that one C/EBP and two GATA‐like binding sites, along with a novel 15‐bp element within it are required for I‐FABP gene expression in vivo. In addition, the six consensus sites (CCACATCAGCATGAA) in the 15‐bp element are critical for I‐FABP gene regulation in the zebrafish gut epithelia. Comparison analyses of the orthologous 15‐bp element from mammalian I‐FABP genes suggests that these mammalian elements are functionally equivalent to the zebrafish 15 element. These results provide the first in vivo evidence that these binding sites (C/EBP and GATA) and the novel 15‐bp element contribute to intestine‐specific gene expression and that they are functionally conserved across vertebrate evolution. Developmental Dynamics 230:734–742, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
T‐box genes in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis: Characterization of cDNAs and spatial expression
Authors: Takatori Naohito , Hotta Kohji , Mochizuki Yasuaki , Satoh Gouki , Mitani Yasuo , Satoh Nori , Satou Yutaka , Takahashi Hiroki
Published: June 2004

Members of the T‐box family of transcription factors share an evolutionarily conserved DNA‐binding domain and play significant roles in various processes of embryonic development. Vertebrate T‐box genes are categorized into the following five major subfamilies (eight groups), depending on sequence similarities: Brachyury, Tbx1 (Tbx1/10, Tbx15/18/22, Tbx20), Tbx2/3/4/5 (Tbx2/3 and Tbx4/5), Tbx6, and Tbr/Eomes/TBX21. Ascidians are primitive chordates, and their tadpole larva are considered to represent the simplified and basic body plan of vertebrates. In addition, it has been revealed that the ascidian genome contains the basic ancestral complement of genes involved in development. The present characterization of cDNAs and survey of the Ciona intestinalis draft genome demonstrated that the Ciona genome contains a single copy gene for each of the Brachyury, Tbx1/10, Tbx15/18/22, Tbx20, Tbx2/3, and Tbr/Eomes/TBX21 groups, and at least three copies of the Tbx6 subfamily. Each of the Ciona T‐box genes shows a characteristic expression pattern, although that of Tbx20 was not determined in the present study. These results provide basic information that will be useful for future studies of the function of each gene, genetic cascades of different T‐box genes, and genome‐wide surveys of evolutionary changes in the T‐box gene structure and organization in this primitive chordate. Developmental Dynamics 230:743–753, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurotrophin‐3 and TrkC are expressed in the outflow tract of the developing chicken heart
Authors: Bernd Paulette , Miles Kathryn , Rozenberg Inna , Borghjid Saihan , Kirby Margaret L.
Published: June 2004

Transcripts encoding trkC and full‐length (catalytic) TrkC receptors were detected in the outflow tract of the chicken heart during early development (stage 17; embryonic day [E] 2.5) before the start of septation. Expression of trkC mRNA persisted through early septation (stage 25, E4.5–E5) but was no longer evident by the end of septation (stage 34, E8). Neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) mRNA was also shown to be present in the outflow tract throughout cardiac development. Quail–chick chimeras were used to confirm that cardiac neural crest cells were not present in the outflow tract at stage 17 (E2.5). Our results show that NT‐3 interacts with cells in the outflow tract that are not of neural crest origin. This finding indicates that, in addition to effects on neural crest cells, NT‐3 may be important for cardiac development due to its interaction with cells in the outflow tract such as those arising from the secondary heart field. Developmental Dynamics 230:767–772, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cell contact‐dependent mechanisms specify taste bud pattern during a critical period early in embryonic development
Authors: Parker Mark A. , Bell Melanie L. , Barlow Linda A.
Published: June 2004

After gastrulation, the pharyngeal endoderm is specified to give rise to taste receptor organs without further signaling from other embryonic tissues. We hypothesized that intercellular signaling might be responsible for the specification of taste buds. To test if and when this signaling was occurring, intercellular contacts were transiently disrupted in cultures of pharyngeal endoderm from axolotl embryos, and the number, size, and distribution of taste buds analyzed. Disruption of cell contacts at progressive time points, from neurula to late tail bud stages, revealed a critical period, during mid–tail bud stages, when disruption of cell contacts resulted in a significant increase in taste bud number and size. The spatial distribution of taste buds was also altered; taste buds were more clustered in explants disrupted during the critical period. These effects were not due to general alterations in mitosis and apoptosis. Rather, at least three aspects of taste bud patterning, i.e., number, size, and distribution, are governed by mechanisms dependent on normal cell contacts during a concise time window. Furthermore, our findings are consistent with specification of taste buds by means of lateral inhibitory signaling, which we hypothesize results from cell contact‐dependent or short‐range diffusible signals. Developmental Dynamics 230:630–642, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of neonatal mice with Flt3 ligand leads to changes in dendritic cell subpopulations associated with enhanced IL‐12 and IFN‐α production
Authors: Vollstedt Sabine , O'Keeffe Meredith , Odermatt Bernhard , Beat Ryf , Glanzmann Bettina , Riesen Matthias , Shortman Ken , Suter Mark
Published: June 2004

Treatment with the hematopoietic growth factor Flt3 ligand (FL) increases DC numbers in neonatal mice and enhances their resistance against intracellular pathogens. Flow cytometric analysis showed the presence of conventional DC (cDC) and plasmacytoid pre‐DC (pDC) in neonatal spleens from untreated and FL‐treated mice. CD8α and MHC class II expression on cDC and pDC was higher on DC from FL‐treated mice than on DC from control littermates. After FL treatment, two additional subpopulations of DC‐lineage cells were found that were able to produce IL‐12 and IFN‐α. The IL‐12 production of cDC from FL‐treated animals was more than 50‐fold increased and their ability to stimulate T cell proliferation was also increased. We conclude that the enhanced resistance against intracellular pathogens was due to increased numbers of DC‐lineage cells and their increased ability to produce the essential cytokines.
Recognition of Mycoplasma hyorhinis by CD99‐Fc molecule
Authors: Gazit Roi , Rechnitzer Hagai , Achdout Hagit , Katzenell Avigail , Katz Gil , Markel Gal , Arnon Tal I. , Gonen‐Gross Tsufit , Mizrahi Sa'ar , Gruda Raizy , Rottem Shlomo , Mandelboim Ofer
Published: June 2004

The human CD99 protein is expressed on many cell types and is mostly abundant on lymphocytes and on several tumors. Different functions were attributed to the CD99 receptor, including adhesion, apoptosis and activation. However, until now the only ligand suggested to be recognized by CD99 was CD99 itself. In order to identify possible new CD99 ligands we constructed a CD99 protein fused to human IgG1. Surprisingly, a pronounced specific staining of melanoma cell lines that were infected with mycoplasmas was observed whereas clean cells were not recognized. Staining was specific, asother fusion proteins did not recognize the mycoplasma‐infected cells. Sequencing of the 23s–16s region revealed that the contaminating agent is Mycoplasma hyorhinis. The CD99 interaction with M. hyorhinis was direct since it was blocked by anti‐CD99 monoclonal antibody and by M. hyorhinis. It was also strain‐specific as other mycoplasmas were not recognized. Our results show that CD99 interacts with a novel ligand of M. hyorhinis.
Active immunotherapy of tumors with a recombinant xenogeneic endoglin as a model antigen
Authors: Tan Guang‐Hong , Wei Yu‐Quan , Tian Ling , Zhao Xia , Yang Li , Li Jiong , He Qiu‐Ming , Wu Yang , Wen Yan‐Jun , Yi Tao , Ding Zhen‐Yu , Kan Bin , Mao Yong‐Qiu , Deng Hong‐Xin , Li Hong‐Li , Zhou Chun‐Hua , Fu Chun‐Hua , Xiao Fei , Zhang Xiao‐Wei
Published: June 2004

Angiogenesis play a critical role in tumor growth and metastasis. Increasing evidence suggests that endoglin is a powerful marker of angiogenesis in solid malignancies. Thus, breaking of immune tolerance of self‐endoglin‐associated angiogenesis is an attractive approach to cancer therapy. To test this concept, we recombined the extracellular domains of porcine endoglin, and used it as a xenogeneic vaccine. We found that immunotherapy with porcine endoglin was effective at both protective and therapeutic anti‐tumor immunity in several mouse tumor models. Autoantibodies against mouseendoglin were identified by Western blot and ELISA. IgG1 and IgG2b were substantially increased. Anti‐endoglin antibody‐producing B cells were detectable by ELISPOT assay. There was endothelial deposition of immunoglobulins within tumors. The anti‐tumor activity was also induced by the adoptive transfer of the purified immunoglobulins. Angiogenesis was apparently inhibited within the tumor tissues and on the alginate beads. The increased apoptotic cells were found within the tumor tissues from the mice treated with porcine endoglin. The anti‐tumor activity and production of autoantibodies againstmouse endoglin could be abrogated by depletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Remarkably, no marked toxicity was found in the immunized mice. These observations may provide an alternative rationalstrategy for active cancer immunotherapy.
Dissimilar background genes control susceptibility to autoimmune disease in the context of different MHC haplotypes: NOD.H‐2s congenic mice are relatively resistant to both experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and type I diabetes
Authors: Greve Bernhard , Reddy Jayagopala , Waldner Hans‐Peter , Sobel Raymond A. , Kuchroo Vijay K.
Published: June 2004

Nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice develop multi‐organ autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes. We hypothesized that backcrossing the MHC region from SJL (H‐2s) mice, which have an endogenous PLP139–151‐reactive repertoire, onto the background of autoimmune‐prone NOD mice would result in a mouse strain that is highly susceptible to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Unexpectedly, although we detected an endogenous PLP139–151 repertoire in the NOD.S mice, they did not develop spontaneous EAE and were relatively resistant to PLP139–151‐induced EAE when compared to SJL mice. This resistance was associated with lower production of proinflammatory cytokines and a decreased expansion of PLP139–151‐specific CD4+ T cells after immunization and restimulation with PLP peptide in vitro. Vβ chain usage among PLP139–151‐reactive T cells differed between SJL and NOD.S mice. Furthermore, NOD.S mice were resistant to the development of insulitis and cyclophosphamide‐induced diabetes, but not sialadenitis. Altogether, even though NOD mice develop spontaneous autoimmune diseases, they become relatively resistant to induction of EAE even when they express the EAE‐permissive class II molecule I‐As. Our data show that certain combinations of otherwise susceptibility‐conferring MHC and non‐MHC genes can mediate autoimmune‐disease resistance when they are paired together. These findings do not support the "shared autoimmune gene" hypothesis.
Oxidation kinetics in olive oil triacylglycerols under accelerated shelf‐life testing (25–75 °C)
Authors: Gómez‐Alonso Sergio , Mancebo‐Campos Vanessa , Desamparados Salvador Ma , Fregapane Giuseppe
Published: June 2004

A kinetic study of the autoxidation reaction in olive oil triacylglycerols stored in darkness at different temperatures (25, 40, 50, 60 and 75 °C), in absence of pro‐ and antioxidant compounds to avoid confounding effects, is described. After the induction period (IP) the decrease in the oxidizing substrate and the formation of primary oxidation products followed a pseudo‐zero‐order kinetic, and the calculated Ea from the Arrhenius equation for the formation of hydroperoxides was 32.1 kJ·mol−1. The formation of secondary oxidation products followed a pseudo‐first‐order kinetic whose rate reaction constant also increased exponentially with temperature. The first oxidation index to exceed the upper limit in the EU regulations was PV, followed by K232 and K270. The time required reaching these limits and the rancidity threshold showed a potential dependence on temperature, and therefore with accelerated storage at 75 °C, POO shelf‐life in ambient conditions (25 °C) can be predicted. Finally, there was a good linear relationship between the time required to reach the rancidity threshold and the IP of the formation of the 2,4‐decadienal, and hence this instrumental determination could be useful to measure sensory recognition of the rancid defect in POO.
Relative absorption of conjugated linoleic acid as triacylglycerol, free fatty acid and ethyl ester in a functional food matrix
Authors: Fernie Claire E. , Dupont Isabelle E. , Scruel Olivier , Carpentier Yvon A. , Sébédio Jean‐Louis , Scrimgeour Charles M.
Published: June 2004

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) shows potential benefits in a number of medical conditions, making it a possible target for incorporation into a functional food. Until recently, clinical trials were conducted with various mixtures of CLA isomers, encapsulated as the free acid. The purpose of this study was to examine a mixture of two specific CLA isomers (9c,11t and 10t,12c), incorporated into a functional food either as triacylglycerol, free fatty acid or fatty acid ethyl ester. Differences in absorption between the lipid forms and between the isomers were investigated. The palatability of the different functional‐food formulations was also studied. Significantly less CLA was absorbed into chylomicrons over six hours when fed as fatty acid ethyl ester than when either the triacylglycerol or free fatty acid forms were fed. Further work is recommended, to examine fatty acid ethyl ester absorption over longer periods of time. Most subjects reported that the fatty acid formulation had poor taste characteristics. We conclude that CLA as triacylglycerol is the most suitable form for incorporation into a functional food and that the 9c,11t and 10t,12c CLA isomers are absorbed similarly into chylomicrons.
Effects of thermal treatment on fish lipids‐amylose interaction
Authors: Bienkiewicz Grzegorz , Kołakowska Anna
Published: June 2004

The paper describes a study on effects of thermal treatments (microwave heating and freezing) on fish lipids‐amylose starch interactions. Particular attention was paid to lipid availability (extractability from the system) and contribution of fatty acids to various groups of lipids after interactions produced by mixing, microwave heating and storage. Analyses were made on model systems containing fish lipids at different oxidation levels and gelatinised with 10% aqueous solution of amylose starch. The lipid:starch ratio was 1:1. The systems were assayed before and after mixing, microwave heating (4 min, 90 W), freezing (30 d, –18 °C), and heating followed by freezing. Lipid extractability (selective extraction), peroxide value (PV), anisidine value (AsV), fluorescence, and fatty acid profiles (GC/MS) were determined. Mixing of fish lipids with amylose was shown to result in lipid‐amylose interaction. The thermal treatments applied (microwave heating or freezing at –19 °C for 30 d) were observed to exert different, significant effects on fish lipids‐amylose starch interactions. The effects depended also on the extent of lipid oxidation. Fatty acids of the lipids were bound selectively, PUFA, and particularly DHA, were subjected to stronger binding and higher amounts of those acids were bound.
Intake of ruminant versus industrial trans fatty acids and risk of coronary heart disease – what is the evidence?
Authors: Weggemans Rianne M. , Rudrum Mike , Trautwein Elke A.
Published: June 2004

Several studies have reported a positive association between intake of trans fatty acids and risk of heart disease. It has been suggested that trans fatty acids from ruminant sources are less detrimental than trans fatty acids from industrial sources. Legislation or advice on limiting trans fatty acids has, in some instances, been restricted to trans fatty acids from industrial sources.

However, comparisons of ruminant and industrial trans fatty acids have been based on few studies using relative intake data (e.g. quintiles of intakes). Therefore, we have reviewed data describing the associations between absolute intake (g eaten per day) of ruminant and industrial trans fatty acids and risk of coronary heart disease, and examined the associations graphically.

Where direct comparison is possible, there are no differences in risk of coronary heart disease between total, ruminant and industrial trans fatty acids for intakes up to 2.5 g/d. At higher intakes (more than 3 g/d) total and industrial trans fatty acids are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease but there is insufficient data available on ruminant trans fatty acids at this level of intake.

The scarce data do not support discrimination between ruminant and industrial trans fatty acids in dietary recommendations or legislation.
Trans fatty acid isomers and the missing evidence
Authors: Aro Antti
Published: June 2004

No abstracts.
Construction of tree models for pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Huang Zhongxi , Desper Richard , Schäffer Alejandro A. , Yin Zhihua , Li Xin , Yao Kaitai
Published: June 2004

Pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a multistep and multipathway process that cannot be fully explained by a fixed linear progression model. We used distance‐based and branching‐tree methods to construct more general tree‐like models for NPC carcinogenesis from 170 comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) samples previously published in five smaller studies. Imbalances were classified into “overlap regions,” each containing the most commonly gained or lost band on each chromosome arm as well as adjacent bands that were gained or lost almost as often. The chromosome abnormalities associated with NPC were −3p26–13 (48.9%), −11q22–25 (38.1%), −16q12–24 (38.1%), −14q24–32 (32.4%), −13q21–32 (22.3%), −9p23–21(21.6%), +12p12 (46%), +12q13–15 (43.9%), +1q22–32 (33.1%), +3q13.1–26.2 (30.2%), and +8q22.1–24.2 (27.3%). NPC can be classified into two groups, one marked by +12p12 and +8q22.1–24.2 and the other by −3p26–13, −11q22–25, −14q24–32, and +1q22–32. The tree models predicted −3p26–13 and +12p12 as early events and +8q22.1–24.2 as a late event. The predictions for −3p26–13 and +8q22.1–24.2 were consistent with previous studies. The prediction for +12p12 is being reported for the first time. Many known NPC‐related genes on chromosomal regions of these tree models are discussed, some of which may merit additional study. The potential applications of tree models are also discussed. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TFG is a novel fusion partner of NOR1 in extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma
Authors: Hisaoka Masanori , Ishida Tsuyoshi , Imamura Tetsuo , Hashimoto Hiroshi
Published: June 2004

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is characterized by recurrent chromosomal translocations resulting in fusions of the nuclear receptor gene NOR1 (also known as CHN or TEC) to various N‐terminal partners, including EWS and TAF2N (or RBP56). Significant structural homology of EWS or TAF2N to TLS (or FUS) prompted us to investigate a potential novel gene fusion of NOR1 to TLS in EMCs without detectable known NOR1 fusions. In one of the EMCs examined, our reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction using NOR1 and TLS primers unexpectedly amplified a cDNA sequence derived not from a TLS/NOR1 fusion but from a TFG/NOR1 fusion, a hitherto undescribed fusion type in EMC, probably a result of incidental misannealing by the TLS primer, which has a sequence partially identical to TFG. Encoding a protein with a putative coiled‐coil structure, TFG previously was identified by a homology search in the Expressed Sequence Tag Database as having an SPYGQ‐rich region similar to the N‐terminal parts of EWS and TLS. TFG/NOR1 fusion appears to play an oncogenic role equivalent to those of other NOR1 fusions in EMC. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cryptic insertion of MLL gene into 9p22 leads to MLL–MLLT3 (AF9) fusion in a case of acute myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Shago Mary , Bouman Derek , Kamel‐Reid Suzanne , Minden Mark , Chun Kathy
Published: June 2004

The formation of a leukemogenic fusion product in hematopoietic malignancies is commonly achieved by chromosomal translocation. Alternate and cytogenetically undetectable mechanisms of fusion transcript generation have been documented for BCR–AB1, AML1–ETO, PML–RARA, NPM/ALK, and MLL–MLLT2 (AF4). Here, we report the investigation of a cryptic rearrangement leading to MLL–MLLT3 transcript formation. Cytogenetic analysis of peripheral blood from a 50‐year‐old acute myeloid leukemia patient yielded a karyotype of 47,XY,+8,del(11)(q21q23) in all metaphase cells examined. Metaphase fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis using the MLL probe at 11q23 revealed that the 5′ portion of the MLL gene was inserted into chromosome 9 at band p22, whereas the 3′ region of the MLL gene remained on chromosome 11. Whole‐chromosome paint analysis confirmed the cryptic transfer of chromosome 11 material to 9p22. With this information, the karyotype was reassigned as 47,XY,+8,der(9)ins(9;11)(p22;q23q23),del(11)(q21q23). RT‐PCR was used to show that the cryptic rearrangement in this patient led to the fusion of the MLL and MLLT3 transcripts on the der(9). The presence of the MLL–MLLT3 transcript is consistent with the clinical findings in this patient. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DLEU2 encodes an antisense RNA for the putative bicistronic RFP2/LEU5 gene in humans and mouse
Authors: Corcoran Martin M. , Hammarsund Marianne , Zhu Chaoyong , Lerner Mikael , Kapanadze Bagrat , Wilson Bill , Larsson Catharina , Forsberg Lars , Ibbotson Rachel E. , Einhorn Stefan , Oscier David G. , Grandér Dan , Sangfelt Olle
Published: June 2004

Our group previously identified two novel genes, RFP2/LEU5 and DLEU2, within a 13q14.3 genomic region of loss seen in various malignancies. However, no specific inactivating mutations were found in these or other genes in the vicinity of the deletion, suggesting that a nonclassical tumor‐suppressor mechanism may be involved. Here, we present data showing that the DLEU2 gene encodes a putative noncoding antisense RNA, with one exon directly overlapping the first exon of the RFP2/LEU5 gene in the opposite orientation. In addition, the RFP2/LEU5 transcript can be alternatively spliced to produce either several monocistronic transcripts or a putative bicistronic transcript encoding two separate open‐reading frames, adding to the complexity of the locus. The finding that these gene structures are conserved in the mouse, including the putative bicistronic RFP2/LEU5 transcript as well as the antisense relationship with DLEU2, further underlines the significance of this unusual organization and suggests a biological function for DLEU2 in the regulation of RFP2/LEU5. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Deep neck infection: Analysis of 185 cases
Authors: Huang Tung‐Tsun , Liu Tien‐Chen , Chen Peir‐Rong , Tseng Fen‐Yu , Yeh Te‐Huei , Chen Yuh‐Shyang
Published: June 2004

Purpose.

This study reviews our experience with deep neck infections and tries to identify the predisposing factors of life‐threatening complications.

Methods.

A retrospective review was conducted of patients who were diagnosed as having deep neck infections in the Department of Otolaryngology at National Taiwan University Hospital from 1997 to 2002. Their demographics etiology, associated systemic diseases, bacteriology, radiology, treatment, duration of hospitalization, complications, and outcomes were reviewed. The attributing factors to deep neck infections, such as the age and systemic diseases of patients, were also analyzed.

Results.

One hundred eighty‐five charts were recorded; 109 (58.9%) were men, and 76 (41.1%) were women, with a mean age of 49.5 ± 20.5 years. Ninety‐seven (52.4%) of the patients were older than 50 years old. There were 63 patients (34.1%) who had associated systemic diseases, with 88.9% (56/63) of those having diabetes mellitus (DM). The parapharyngeal space (38.4%) was the most commonly involved space. Odontogenic infections and upper airway infections were the two most common causes of deep neck infections (53.2% and 30.5% of the known causes). Streptococcus viridans and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most common organisms (33.9%, 33.9%) identified through pus cultures. K. pneumoniae was also the most common infective organism (56.1%) in patients with DM. Of the abscess group (142 patients), 103 patients (72.5%) underwent surgical drainages. Thirty patients (16.2%) had major complications during admission, and among them, 18 patients received tracheostomies. Those patients with underlying systemic diseases or complications or who received tracheostomy tended to have a longer hospital stay and were older. There were three deaths (mortality rate, 1.6%). All had an underlying systemic disease and were older than 72 years of age.

Conclusions.

When dealing with deep neck infections in a high‐risk group (older patients with DM or other underlying systemic diseases) in the clinic, more attention should be paid to the prevention of complications and even the possibility of death. Early surgical drainage remains the main method of treating deep neck abscesses. Therapeutic needle aspiration and conservative medical treatment are effective in selective cases such as those with minimal abscess formation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 26: 854–860, 2004
Sensitivity and specificity of epstein‐barr virus IGA titer in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a three‐year institutional review
Authors: Tsang Raymond K. Y. , Vlantis Alexander C. , Ho Ricky W. K. , Tam John S. L. , To K. F. , Andrew van Hasselt C.
Published: June 2004

Background.

IgA antibody titers to the Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) viral capsid antigen (EBV IgA‐VCA) and to the EBV early antigen (EBV IgA‐EA) are used to screen for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study evaluates the sensitivity and specificity of EBV IgA‐VCA and EBV IgA‐EA titers in screening patients for NPC and in those diagnosed with NPC at our institution.

Methods.

The NPC status was determined for all patients who had their EBV IgA‐VCA and EBV‐IgA EA titers measured over a 3‐year period, and the sensitivity and specificity were calculated.

Results.

Five thousand one hundred ninety‐six samples were analyzed. NPC was diagnosed in 215 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of a raised EBV IgA‐VCA titer (≥1:5) for diagnosing NPC were 89% and 80%, respectively, with a raised EbV IgA‐EA titer (≥1:5) having a sensitivity and specificity of 63% and 97%, respectively.

Conclusions.

Although the EBV IgA‐VCA titer is sensitive for the diagnosis of NPC, it should not be used as the sole means of screening for NPC in a population in which NPC is endemic. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 26: 598–602, 2004
Collision tumor of the thyroid: a case report of metastatic liposarcoma plus papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Brandwein‐Gensler Margaret , Urken Mark , Wang Beverly
Published: June 2004

Background.

The term collision tumor represents the proximal coexistence of two histologically distinct tumors. Collision tumors within the thyroid are extremely rare, and reported cases are usually of mixed histologies of papillary and medullary carcinomas. Metastatic disease to the thyroid is also an uncommon scenario but may develop after long disease‐free intervals. Carcinomas, most commonly renal cell carcinoma, are the likeliest group of neoplasms to metastasize to the thyroid. Soft tissue sarcomas metastasize to the thyroid with a much lower frequency.

Methods.

We are reporting this highly unusual case of metastatic liposarcoma from the thigh to thyroid, which harbored a collision tumor of papillary thyroid carcinoma. This 86‐year‐old woman had undergone an initial resection for liposarcoma of the thigh two decades before being seen with a thyroid mass.

Results.

Histologically, the thyroid mass was a metastatic myxoid liposarcoma, identical to the primary neoplasm. Papillary thyroid carcinoma was present within this metastasis and in the adjacent thyroid.

Conclusion.

For any patient seen with a thyroid mass with a history of prior malignancy, no matter how remote, metastatic disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 26: 637–641, 2004
Acoustic features of infant crying related to intended caregiving intervention
Authors: Zeifman Debra M.
Published: June 2004

The present study investigated the acoustic features of crying associated with intended caregiving intervention. One hundred eighty‐eight parents (138 females, 50 males) viewed a videotape depicting a healthy 4‐week‐old infant progressing from fussing to crying over the course of 4 minutes, and indicated if and when they would pick up the infant in a real‐life situation. There was a distinct peak in responding corresponding to an increase in duration but not fundamental frequency of the infant's cries. This finding is discussed in terms of the existing empirical literature. It is hypothesized that, whereas frequency may convey information about a newborn's neurological integrity and health status at birth, duration and other acoustical variables provide information about slightly older, normal infants' level of distress. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Situational affect and temperament: Implications for sibling caregiving
Authors: Volling Brenda L. , Herrera Carla , Poris Michelle P.
Published: June 2004

The caregiving behaviour of 60 preschool‐age children (M=50 months) toward their 16‐month‐old younger siblings was observed during a brief separation from their parents. Sibling caregiving was more strongly associated with parent ratings of both the older siblings' and toddlers' temperament than with the younger siblings' distress exhibited during the separation. The older siblings' social fear was positively related to providing care, whereas their temperamental activity level was negatively related to caregiving. Younger siblings' temperamental anger and soothability were positively associated with receiving care from an older sibling. Relations with temperament were independent of both children's distress levels during the separation, and in several instances, dispositional affective measures (i.e. temperament) made stronger contributions to the prediction of sibling caregiving than did situational distress. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of biodegradable poly(propylene fumarate)/poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) blend microspheres. I. Preparation and characterization
Authors: Kempen Diederik H. R. , Lu Lichun , Zhu Xun , Kim Choll , Jabbari Esmaiel , Dhert Wouter J. A. , Currier Bradford L. , Yaszemski Michael J.
Published: June 2004

We developed poly(propylene fumarate)/poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PPF/PLGA) blend microspheres and investigated the effects of various processing parameters on the characteristics of these microspheres. The advantage of these blend microspheres is that the carbon–carbon double bonds along the PPF backbone could be used for their immobilization in a PPF scaffold. Microspheres containing the model drug Texas red dextran were fabricated using a double emulsion‐solvent extraction technique. The effects of the following six processing parameters on the microsphere characteristics were investigated: PPF/PLGA ratio, polymer viscosity, vortex speed during emulsification, amount of internal aqueous phase, use of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in the internal aqueous phase, and PVA concentration in the external aqueous phase. Our results showed that the microsphere surface morphology was affected most by the viscosity of the polymer solution. Microspheres fabricated with a kinematic viscosity of 39 centistokes had a smooth, nonporous surface. In most microsphere formulations, the model drug was dispersed uniformly in the polymer matrix. For all fabricated formulations, the average microsphere diameter ranged between 19.0 and 76.9 μm. The external PVA concentration and vortex speed had most effect on the size distribution. Entrapment efficiencies varied from 60 to 98% and were most affected by the amount of internal aqueous phase, vortex speed, and polymer viscosity. Overall, we demonstrated the ability to fabricate PPF/PLGA blend microspheres with similar surface morphology, entrapment efficiency, and size distribution as conventional PLGA microspheres. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 70A: 283–292, 2004
Integration of the NfκB p65 subunit into the vitamin D receptor transcriptional complex: Identification of p65 domains that inhibit 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3‐stimulated transcription
Authors: Lu Xianghuai , Farmer Paul , Rubin Janet , Nanes Mark S.
Published: June 2004

Resistance to the action of vitamin D (D) occurs in response to tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), an effect mediated by nuclear factor kappa B (NfκB). To determine the mechanism of NfκB inhibition of D‐stimulated transcription, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays (CHIP) were done in osteoblastic ROS 17/2.8 cells that had been treated with TNF‐α or transfected with the p65 subunit of NfκB. These treatments caused stable incorporation of p65 into the transcription complex bound to the vitamin D response element (VDRE) of the osteocalcin promoter. Deletion analysis of p65 functional domains revealed that the p65 N‐terminus and a midmolecular region were both required for the inhibitory action of p65. Pull‐down assays were done using an immobilized glutathione S‐transferase (GST)‐VDR fusion protein to study the effect of p65 on VDR binding to steroid coactivator‐1 (SRC‐1), a major D‐dependent coactivator. p65 inhibited VDR‐SRC‐1 binding in a dose‐dependent manner. Mutations of p65 that abrogated the inhibitory effect on D‐stimulated transcription also failed to inhibit VDR‐SRC‐1 binding. The inhibitory effect of p65 on VDR transactivation was not due to recruitment of a histone deacetylase (HDAC), since inhibition was not relieved by the HDAC inhibitors sodium butyrate or trichostatin A. Overexpression of SRC‐1 or the general coactivators, Creb binding protein or SRC‐3, also failed to relieve p65 inhibition of transcription. In addition, Chip assays revealed that TNF‐α treatment prevented D recruitment of SRC‐1 to the transcription complex. These results show that TNF‐α inhibition of vitamin D‐action includes stable integration of p65 in the VDR transcription complex. Once anchored to proteins within the complex, p65 disrupts VDR binding to SRC‐1, thus decreasing the efficiency of D‐stimulated gene transcription. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treating individuals with debilitating performance anxiety: An introduction
Authors: Powell Douglas H.
Published: June 2004

Clinicians often see clients who have debilitating performance anxiety. They suffer from public speaking anxiety, stage fright, test‐taking anxiety, and writing block. Their condition is so severe as to threaten to end their academic or professional career. Musicians and athletes also seek help because their anxiety before and during an event causes them to perform at a level well below their demonstrated capabilities. An estimated 2% of the U.S. population is afflicted by debilitating performance anxiety. Effective treatments are now available. This article reviews those behavioral, cognitive, and technological therapies that have shown great promise for treating individuals who have debilitating performance anxiety and introduces this issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session devoted to this topic. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol/In Session.
Cognitive therapy for performance anxiety
Authors: Rodebaugh Thomas L. , Chambless Dianne L.
Published: June 2004

We present and illustrate the major components of cognitive therapy for performance anxiety, focusing on the performance fears of a client treated with a protocol designed for social phobia. The basic supposition of cognitive theory is that a client's thoughts and beliefs about situations maintain distressing feelings, such as anxiety. Changing these beliefs involves detection and disputation of anxiety‐provoking thoughts, as well as testing of these thoughts through exposure to feared situations. Through a process of identifying existing beliefs about performance situations and challenging these beliefs, clients can gain a more realistic and less anxiety‐producing perspective on performance tasks. Specific techniques, along with common difficulties and potential solutions, are presented in a detailed case study. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol/In Session.
A multimodal behavioral approach to performance anxiety
Authors: Lazarus Arnold A. , Abramovitz Arnold
Published: June 2004

Cognitive‐behavior therapy (CBT) stresses a trimodal assessment framework (affect, behavior, and cognition [ABC]), whereas the multimodal approach assesses seven discrete but interactive components—behavior, affect, sensation, imagery, cognition, interpersonal relationships, and drugs/biological factors (BASIC I.D.). Only complex or recalcitrant cases call for the entire seven‐pronged range of multimodal interventions. Various case illustrations are offered as examples of how a clinician might proceed when confronted with problems that fall under the general heading of performance anxiety. The main example is of a violinist in a symphony orchestra whose career was in serious jeopardy because of his extreme fear of performing in public. He responded very well to a focused but elaborate desensitization procedure. The hierarchy that was eventually constructed contained many dimensions and subhierarchies featuring interlocking elements that evoked his anxiety. In addition to imaginal systematic desensitization, sessions were devoted to his actual performance in the clinical setting. As a homework assignment, he found it helpful to listen to a long‐playing record of an actual rehearsal and to play along with the world‐renowned orchestra and conductor. The subsequent disclosure by the client of an important sexual problem was dealt with concomitantly by using a fairly conventional counseling procedure. Therapy required 20 sessions over a 3‐month period. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol/In Session.
Synthesis of 1, 1′, 2, 2′, 3, 3′, 4, 4′ ‐ octadeutero‐sulforaphane
Authors: Kuhnert Nikolai , Lu Ye
Published: June 2004

Sulforaphane (SFN), a naturally occurring isothiocyanate present in broccoli, shows strong evidence of anti‐carcinogenic activity. The mechanism of action, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of the compound is however still poorly understood and requires a stable isotope labelled version of the compound for further studies. The paper describes an optimized synthesis of octadeutero‐SFN. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Einfluss von Bodeneigenschaften auf die Segetalflora von Ackerflächen
Authors: Nordmeyer Henning , Häusler Andreas
Published: June 2004

Vorkommen und Verteilung von Unkräutern auf Ackerflächen sind ungleichmäßig. Der Einfluss variabler Bodeneigenschaften auf die räumliche Struktur und Dichte einer Unkrautpopulation wurde anhand von drei Unkrautarten (Polygonum amphibium, Cirsium arvense, Veronica hederifolia) auf zwei Ackerflächen untersucht. Auf der Grundlage von schlagspezifischen Probennahmerastern erfolgten Unkrauterhebungen und Bodenprobennahmen. Für alle Rasterpunkte wurden Bodenuntersuchungen (Körnung, Corg., Nges., pH und Bodennährstoffe P, K, Mg) durchgeführt. Die Korngrößenzusammensetzung und der Gehalt an organischem Kohlenstoff des Bodens sind neben den Nährstoffgehalten des Bodens als Haupteinflussgrößen für das Vorkommen der untersuchten Arten zu nennen.
Influence of nitrogen application rate and timing on grain protein composition and gluten strength in Swedish wheat cultivars
Authors: Johansson Eva , Prieto‐Linde Maria Luisa , Svensson Gunnar
Published: June 2004

The influence of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application rate (0 vs. 70 vs. 140 kg N ha–1) and timing (early = at sowing vs. late = at sowing and before heading) on the amount of protein groups, amount and size distribution of mono‐ and polymeric proteins, and gluten strength was investigated in one set of wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.). Due to their genetic background, the cultivars had different protein concentrations and gluten strengths. Despite this, all of them reacted similarly on rate and timing of nitrogen application. The rate of nitrogen fertilizer increased the variation in protein concentration, gluten strength, and also the variation in most of the investigated protein components. Higher nitrogen fertilizer rate increased protein concentration, decreased gluten strength, and increased the total amount of glutenins and gliadins as well as the amounts of most mono‐ and polymeric proteins. Timing of fertilizer did not influence protein concentration. The gluten strength and the relations of proteins were changed by the timing of fertilizer. Early nitrogen feritilizer applications led to higher gluten strength and a higher percentage of total unextractable polymeric protein in the total polymeric protein and large unextractable polymeric protein in the total large polymeric protein, compared to late nitrogen fertilizer applications.
Mixing calcium chloride with commercial fungicide formulations results in very slow penetration of calcium into apple fruits
Authors: Schlegel Thomas K. , Schönherr Jörg
Published: June 2004

Foliar applications of calcium salts are usually combined with fungicides. In the years 2002 and 2003, it was tested if this practice assures high rates of penetration of calcium. Amounts that penetrated in 24 h were measured at 20 °C using 45CaCl2. To ensure maximum penetration rates, humidity was maintained at 100 %. Sample size was 40 to 50 fruits, and data were presented as box plots because distribution of data was not normal. Median rates of penetration of CaCl2, measured with mixtures of fungicides and CaCl2 at 5 or 10 g l–1, respectively, were very slow, and amounted to only a few percent of the dose applied. Rates were a little higher with very young fruits (55 days after full bloom, DAFB). Adding alkyl polyglycoside surfactants at 0.2 g l–1 significantly decreased surface tensions, and increased rates of penetration by up to 15‐fold. Still, total penetration of CaCl2 rarely exceeded 20 % of the dose applied (median penetration), even in the presence of an additional surfactant. In all treatments, outliers with 60 to 100 % penetration in 24 h occurred, and this was attributed to penetration into lenticels. This is expected to result in unequal concentrations of calcium in fruits, especially in the sub‐epidermal layers. Addition of a suitable surfactant to mixtures of fungicides with CaCl2 is strongly recommended as it enhances wetting and greatly increases penetration rates of CaCl2.
Effects of glucose, cellulose, and humic acids on soil microbial eco‐physiology
Authors: Dilly Oliver
Published: June 2004

Microbial eco‐physiology in soils is regulated by substrate quality of the organic matter. This regulation was studied for a forest and an agricultural soil by the combination of activity and biomass techniques. Soil respiration was stimulated by the substrate quality in the order, humic acid < cellulose < glucose over 20 days. Concurrently, substrate addition increased the respiratory quotient (RQ), defined as the ratio of mol CO2 evolution per mol O2 uptake. Anabolic processes were mainly induced by glucose addition. Soil preconditioned with glucose showed a decrease in the RQ value during glucose‐induced microbial growth in comparison to non‐amended control. The decrease in the RQ value induced by preconditioning with cellulose and humic acid was lower. Glucose, cellulose, and humic acid addition modified the microbial biomass as estimated by fumigation‐extraction (FE), substrate‐induced respiration (SIR), and ATP content. Since each biomass estimate refers to specific microbial components, shifts in microbial eco‐physiology and community structure induced by substrate quality were reflected by SIR : FE and SIR : ATP ratios. The active and glucose‐responsive biomass in the forest soil which was earlier suggested as being dominated by K‐strategists was increased in the order, humic acid < cellulose < glucose.
Effect of solid residues from the cellulose industry on plant growth
Authors: Jordan Miguel , Rodriguez Eduardo
Published: June 2004

An alternative use of solid organic and inorganic residues as fertilizers from a Kraft pulp industry was studied. Residues of inorganic nature, such as ashes, fly‐ashes, dregs, grits, as well those rich in organic matter, primary sludge and brown stock rejects, were examined for plant growth enhancement. These residues, all alkaline in nature, used in different concentrations together with soil, bark, organic soil or mixed with a nutrient solution, were tested on the growth of Monterey pine (Pinus radiata), Eucalyptus globulus, rice (Oryza sativa. cv. ‘Diamante’), and duckweed (Lemna minor) under greenhouse and in‐vitro conditions, respectively. Responses varied according to plant species, type, and waste content in combination with substrate. For Monterey pine, substrates including ash, fly‐ash, and dregs promoted growth; in Eucalyptus seedlings dregs and fly‐ash were also beneficial. Primary sludge and ash were favorable for rice growth. Duckweed increased frond number and plant biomass when grown in water containing fly‐ash and primary sludge extracts, combined with nutrient salts.