bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a 283-kDa Protein Component of the Particulate Matrix Associated with Cardiac Mesenchyme Formation
Authors: Sinning A.R. , Hewitt C.C.
Published: July 2008

The elaboration of cardiac mesenchyme is controlled by a particulate form of extracellular matrix that is produced by the myocardium. This matrix consists of at least 7-10 major proteins or protein subunits. However, at present only a few of these proteins have been identified (i.e., ES130, fibronectin, transferrin). We report here the identification of a 283-kDa protein associated with this complex. This protein was identified using a new monoclonal antibody that is highly specific for this protein. The antibody does not react with human plasma fibronectin, chicken fibronectin or chicken cytotactin. In addition, this antibody inhibits the formation of mesenchyme when used in a bioassay of mesenchyme formation.
Scanning Electron Microscopy of the Basal Surface of the Epidermis of Human Digits
Authors: Yamada N. , Kashima Y. , Inoué T.
Published: July 2008

The epidermal-dermal junction of the volar skin of human digits was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fixed specimens obtained from cadavers were treated with 6 N NaOH to exfoliate the epithelium. The three-dimensional features of the basal surfaces were clearly visualized by SEM. Epithelial prolongations (intermediate and limiting ridges) protruded towards the dermis, and transverse ridges were visible between them. Nerve fibers and Schwann cells were aggregated around the sweat ducts on the intermediate ridges. Discoid structures were visible among the nerve fibers and Schwann cells. Examination by transmission electron microscopy of ultrathin sections of re-embedded specimens confirmed that the discoid structures were nerve endings that covered the Merkel cells. Minute projections were studded on the basal surfaces of basal keratinocytes. The projections in the intermediate ridges appeared to be villous, whereas the profiles of those in the limiting ridges resembled cobblestones. This morphological difference might be a reflection of function.
Collagen Fibril Patterns in Compact Bone: Preliminary Ultrastructural Observations
Authors: Raspanti M. , Guizzardi S. , Strocchi R. , Ruggeri A.
Published: July 2008

A comparative study of the Haversian architecture was carried out on compact bone derived from the anterior and posterior edges of the diaphysis of horse radius, regions which have different mechanical requirements in vivo. Samples were heat-deproteinated prior to SEM analysis, a treatment which effectively removes cells and vascular structures as well as exposing large areas of the mineralization front along the walls of the haversian canals. Bone subject to tensile stress revealed a prevalent alignment of its collagen fibrils in the stress direction, and the vast majority of its osteons were composed of fibrils running almost parallel and crossing at very acute angles. Bone subject to compressive forces showed either an orthogonal alternation of collagen lamellae or a multidirectional arrangement corresponding to the twisted plywood pattern described by other authors. Our observations substantiate both the classical model of the osteon and the twisted plywood concept, and suggest that osteon ultrastructure is modulated according to biomechanical requirements.
Arrangement and Identification of Proteoglycans in Basement Membrane and Intramuscular Connective Tissue of Bovine Semitendinosus Muscle
Authors: Nishimura T. , Hattori A. , Takahashi K.
Published: July 2008

The arrangement and identification of PGs in the basement membrane and intramuscular connective tissues of bovine semitendinosus muscle were studied electron-microscopically using cuprolinic blue, a cationic dye, to detect PGs. Three different types of PGs were observed in bovine semitendinosus muscle: The first, PGs of 20–40 nm in length, were arranged along the lamina lucida below the cell membrane. The second, PGs of 50–70 nm in length, were arranged randomly on the outer surface of the lamina densa. The third, PGs of 40–60 nm in length, were associated with collagen fibrils at regular intervals in the endomysium and perimysium. Cytochemical analysis using various GAG-degrading enzymes showed that PGs in the basement membrane were predominantly heparan sulfate PGs, and those associated with collagen fibrils in the perimysium were rich in chondroitin or dermatan sulfate, or both.
Supernumerary Tendons of the Abductor pollicis
Authors: Melling M. , Wilde J. , Schnallinger M. , Schweighart W. , Panholzer M.
Published: July 2008

During a study of variants of the tendon of the abductor pollicis longus (APL) muscle, in 1 of 110 upper extremities prepared, we recorded the rare finding of a division of the APL muscle tendon into 7 sections in the first tunnel. Whereas the actual main tendon inserted at the base of the first metacarpal bone, as depicted in the textbooks, the supernumerary tendons attached to the fascia of the opponens pollicis muscle, to the radial edge of the abductor pollicis brevis muscle and to the dorsoradial third of the base of the first metacarpal bone. All accessory tendons were arranged in a radial formation around the main tendon within the same synovial sheath, but the main tendon occupied a separate compartment. In 80% of the upper extremities prepared for this study, the classical description of the abductor tendon did not apply. The classical representation of a single abductor tendon applied to only 20% of the upper extremities examined. In about one third of the wrists prepared, the first tunnel was clearly divided by a septum, so that 2 or more osteofibrous tunnels were present within the main tunnel. The number, thickness and length of such accessory tendons have a functional significance in the development of de Quervain’s stenosing tendovaginitis and possibly also have a practical significance, as they may be regarded as a source of transplant material for plastic reconstructions.
GABAergic Synaptic Innervation of Catecholaminergic Neurons in the Area postrema of the Rat
Authors: Guan J.-L. , Wang Q.-P. , Shioda S. , Ochiai H. , Nakai Y.
Published: July 2008

Immunoelectron microscopy using the preembedding double immunostaining technique was applied to examine synaptic relationships between γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurons and catecholaminergic neurons in the area postrema of the rat. The catecholaminergic neuronal somata received only a few synapses from GABAergic axon terminals, whereas the catecholaminergic dendrites received many synapses from GABAergic axon terminals. Most of the synapses were symmetrical. GABAergic axon terminals could be found pre-synaptically to two catecholaminergic dendrites or both catecholaminergic and nonimmunoreactive dendrites. Conversely, a few catecholaminergic axon terminals were found presynaptically to GABAergic dendrites although such synapses were few. These findings suggest that in the area postrema, GABAergic neurons may modulate the functions of catecholaminergic neurons and may also be influenced by them.
Tributaries of the Human and Canine Coronary Sinus
Authors: Marić I. , Bobinac D. , Ostojić Lj.. , Petković M. , Dujmović M.
Published: July 2008

The coronary sinus is an anatomic landmark and conduit for many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. We studied 40 human and 40 canine coronary sinuses of the heart in order to ascertain various functional anatomic features of the coronary sinus and its tributaries. We performed a comparative analysis of human and canine cardiac veins. We also studied the formation, tributaries, length, diameter and the ostium of the coronary sinus. The tributaries of the coronary sinus were highly variable in human and dog. The main and constantly present tributaries of both the human and canine coronary sinus were the great and the middle cardiac veins. We also found a rare case of a small cardiac vein connecting two cardiac venous systems – the coronary sinus and its tributaries and the anterior cardiac veins. In two cases we found a common trunk of the small cardiac vein and middle cardiac vein which opened into the coronary sinus. An intramyocardial course of the anterior interventricular vein was found in 2 cases and in 1 case the vein curved twice around the anterior interventricular branch of the left coronary artery. The Thebesian and Vieussens valves and ostial valves of other cardiac veins were also found.
Morphometric Study of Specific Heart Granules in the Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus)
Authors: Ayettey A.S. , Navaratnam V. , Tagoe C.N.B. , Chen I.-L. , Yates’ R.D.
Published: July 2008

Specific heart granules in the grey seal, Halichoerus grypus, a marine mammal, were studied and compared with those in the Wistar rat by ultrastructural morphometry. There is extreme paucity of these granules in atrial cells of the seal, even in the region of the Golgi apparatus, compared with those in the rat. By numerical concentration, granules in the seal are 23 times fewer in number than in the rat. They are also fewer in number than in bats and hamsters for which data is available. The mean (±SEM) diameter of heart granules in the seal is significantly less (188 ± 5.3 nm) than that of the rat (226 ± 4.6 nm). These observations, the first in a marine mammal, are of interest in relation to the need for conservation of water and electrolytes in pennipids.
Distribution of α- and β-Subunits of Glycoprotein Hormones in Thyrogonadotroph in the Anterior Pituitary Cells of the Musk Shrew (Suncus murinus)
Authors: Hirano N. , Tanaka S. , Shiino M.
Published: July 2008

In order to examine the distribution pattern of α- and β-subunits of glycoprotein hormones in small and large granules in the thyrogonadotrophs of the musk shrew, we used an antiserum against a synthesized peptide consisting of the sequence 37–53 of the rat α-subunit, which is highly conservative among several mammalian species, and also antisera to LHβ, FSHβ and TSHβ. Both α- and LHβ-subunits were colocalized in what appeared at the light-microscopic level to be the same cells, and the population ratio of α- and LHβ-subunit immunoreactive cells was almost equal within each group of animals. In addition, we also demonstrated thyrogonadotrophs in the infant musk shrew as well as in the adult. Concerning small and large granules in thyrogonadotrophs of the musk shrew, we could observe small granules immunoreactive for only the α-subunit, for the LHβ-subunit and for both the α- and LHβ-subunits; while only the LHβ-subunit was observed in the large granules and the α-subunit was absent. Consequently, we propose that the large granules observed in the thyrogonadotrophs of the musk shrew may be storage sites for β-subunits and are not secretory-type granules.
An Anatomical Analysis of the Relationships between the Intercostal Nerves and the Thoracic and Abdominal Muscles in Man. I. Ramification of the Intercostal Nerves
Authors: Sakamoto H. , Akita K. , Sato T.
Published: July 2008

Minute dissection was performed on the ventral primary rami of the first thoracic to first lumbar nerves in two halves of an adult male cadaver in order to determine points of origins of muscular branches from the intercostal nerves. Generally, the muscular branches originated independently, but the branches supplying the intercostalis intimus and internus tended to originate as a common trunk. The muscular branching patterns were compiled in an illustration, and based on these patterns the serial homology of the thoracic and abdominal muscles was proposed. Although the obliquus externus abdominis has been thought to correspond to the intercostales externi, from these innervation findings it appears to correspond to the intercostales interni. Further, the quadratus lumborum seems homologous to the intercostales externi.
Immunocytochemical Evidence for Differential Subcellular Localization of 5α-Reductase Isoenzymes in Human Tissues
Authors: Aumüller G , Eicheler W. , Renneberg H. , Adermann K. , Vilja P. , Forssmann W.-G.
Published: July 2008

To contrast the previously described distribution of 5α-reductase isoenzyme 2 in human organs we have raised synthetic C-terminal peptides of human 5α-reductase isoenzyme 1 (h5αcr1) and isoenzyme 2 (h5αr2), respectively, and studied the cellular and subcellular distribution of both isoforms of this key enzyme of testosterone metabolism using the human prostate gland as a reference. h5arl, which in Western blots of human prostatic proteins had an apparent molecular weight of 23 kDa, was localized immunohistochemically in the nucleus of prostatic epithelial and stromal cells. Ultrastructurally, it was closely associated with the nuclear matrix. The apparent molecular weight of h5αcr2 was 26 kDa in Western blotting of human prostatic proteins. In immunohistochemically processed sections, it was seen in the cytoplasm of prostatic epithelial as well as stromal cells. An organ screening with genital and extragenital tissues of males and females was performed to elucidate the distribution of the isoenzymes. Presence of both isoenzymes was demonstrated for a number of tissues, including the central nervous system, the urogenital tract, the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and the endocrine system. The divergent localization of 5α-reductase isoenzymes points to potentially different functions in various organs. In view of the nuclear localization of isoenzyme 1, its close spatial relationship with the androgen receptor is presumed to indicate a close association with the receptor mechanism.
Localisation of Carbonic Anhydrase in the Sperm Storing Regions of the Domestic Hen Oviduct
Authors: Holm L. , Ridderstråle Y. , Knutsson P.-G.
Published: July 2008

In the female bird sperm is stored in a quiescent mode, but full motility is needed for successful fertilisation. Regulation of sperm motility is thus of vital interest and the pH is a factor of importance. For this reason the localisation of carbonic anhydrase in the vagina, uterovaginal junction and infundibulum was studied with a histochemical method. Carbonic anhydrase catalyses the reaction C02 + H20 < – > H+ + HCO-3 and is known to take significant part in acid-base regulation in the body. The enzyme was found in all regions with the highest activity, both cytoplasmic and membrane-bound, in the non-ciliated cells of the uterovaginal surface epithelium. Intense membrane-bound activity was also found in both the infundibular grooves and glands with slightly less in the sperm storage tubules and vaginal epithelium. Occasionally cytoplasmic and nuclear staining was seen. Changes in pH affect sperm motility and our results provide the first evidence for cellular mechanisms that makes rapid changes of the pH possible in these regions. Judging from the distribution of carbonic anhydrase we suggest two possible functions: (1) increasing pH and/or adding bicarbonate ions to stimulate sperm motility needed for the transfer to the storage sites and at fertilisation, and (2) a lowering of the pH in the sperm storage sites to keep the sperm quiescent during storage.
Dose-Dependent Effects of Chloroquine on Secretory Granule Formation in the Melanotroph
Authors: Bäck N. , Soinila S.
Published: July 2008

Chloroquine diverts secretory peptides from the regulated to the constitutive secretory pathway. The exact site and mechanism of the effect are not known. We studied the effect of increasing doses of chloroquine on the morphology of cultured melanotrophs from the rat pituitary. 40 μM chloroquine for 2 h, which perturbs intracellular pH gradients in melanotrophs without affecting secretion, caused swelling of a subpopulation of immature secretory granules. 200 uM chloroquine for 2 h, which diverts secretory peptides from the regulated to the constitutive pathway in the AtT-20 cell line, caused pronounced swelling of immature secretory granules, vacuolization of the trans-Golgi region and the appearance of myeloid bodies and multivesicular bodies in the cytoplasm. Golgi stacks were retained and Golgi cisternae only slightly dilated at both chloroquine concentrations. Mature secretory granules were not affected. Cationized ferritin was internalized and transported to the trans-Golgi region in the presence of 40 μM chloroquine while 200 μM chloroquine arrested internalized ferritin in peripheral multivesicular bodies. The study shows a heterogeneous effect of lower doses of chloroquine on immature secretory granules, providing a tool for studies on the relationships between condensation, acidification and peptide processing during granule formation. Chloroquine of 200 μM caused morphological changes typical for chloroquine toxicity and arrest of endocytic traffic.
Neuroendocrine Cells in the Female Urogenital Tract of the Pig, and Their Immunohistochemical Characterization
Authors: Czaja K. , Sienkiewicz W. , Vittoria A. , Costagliola A. , Cecio A.
Published: July 2008

A systematic search for neuroendocrine (NE) cells in the urogenital organs of the pig was carried out by means of Linder’s argyrophil method and immunohistochemical techniques. The occurrence, distribution and immunohistochemical character of NE cells (paraneurons) were studied in the vaginal vestibulum, vagina, uterus, oviduct, ovary, urethra, urinary bladder and ureter. In the vestibular glands paraneurons were found to be the most numerous, while a moderate number of these cells occurred in the uterine horn and in the urethra. A distinctly smaller number of paraneurons was present in the oviduct and only occasional NE cells were observed in the urinary bladder. Immunohistochernistry was performed by using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase procedure. Different subpopulations of paraneurons were distinguishable. Chromogranin A-positive paraneurons were found in the vestibular glands, uterine horns, oviducts, urethra and urinary bladder. Somatostatin positivity was observed in NE cells of the vestibular gland, uterine horn, oviduct and urethra. The subpopulation of serotonin-positive paraneurons was present in the vestibular gland and urethra. Bombesin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, cholecystokinin, substance P, nitric oxide synthase, β-endorphin, insulin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, oxytocin and thyroid-stimulating hormone antibodies gave negative reactions in the studied NE cells.
Articular Cartilage Surface Changes Following Immobilization of the Rat Knee Joint
Authors: Hong S.P. , Henderson C.N.R.
Published: July 2008

Normal articular cartilage surfaces are not flat and smooth, but are contoured with various degrees of roughness. We applied the articular surface classification system developed by Jurvelin to evaluate contour and surface quality changes in rat patellae after varying periods of knee joint immobilization. In our study, one knee joint was immobilized in each of 20 rats, while the contralateral joint served as a free-moving control. Scanning electron-microscopic montages were constructed and the entire cartilage surface was subdivided by contour and surface quality areas. The total articular surface area and all contour and surface quality subclass areas were then calculated for both joints in each rat. Numerous studies have demonstrated that joint immobilization induces degenerative changes in articular cartilage. We found a correlation between the duration of immobilization and changes in the measured area of contour and surface quality subclasses. There was a statistically significant decrease of the even surface area in the weight-bearing, central region of the patellae. This corresponded to a statistically significant increase in the slightly uneven articular surface area usually found just peripheral to this weight-bearing region. There was also a less pronounced (but not statistically significant) decrease in the smooth surface area with a corresponding increase in the rough surface area of the patellae following immobilization. Closer examination of these surfaces revealed that the superficial cartilage layer in the central, weight-bearing areas had less ground substance than other areas. In addition, there appeared to be two different fiber diameters in the superficial cartilage layer of the rat patellae. These were predominantly collagen fibers (142.3 ± 31.5 nm in diameter) generally running parallel to the long axis of the patella, occasionally random in orientation, and sometimes presenting on the cartilage surface as collagen tips and much more scarce fibrils (20.0 ± 4.8 nm in diameter) randomly crossing the larger collagen fibers.
E-Cadherin Transforms Embryonic Corneal Fibroblasts to Stratified Epithelium with Desmosomes
Authors: Vanderburg C.R. , Hay E.D.
Published: July 2008

Important and precisely regulated transitions in tissue phenotype from epithelium to mesenchyme and from mesenchyme to epithelium occur in the developing embryo. The gene for E-cadherin has been shown to cause fibroblastic cell lines to become epithelioid in culture. We asked whether or not the activities of the E-cadherin gene could cause a definitive embryonic mesenchyme to trans-differentiate into an epithelial phenotype. Primary corneal fibroblasts from 6-to 7-day-old chick embryos were cotransfected by impact loading with plasmids containing E-cadherin and Neor genes and selected in G418. The fibroblasts expressing E-cadherin aggregate, localize E-cadherin to lateral surfaces, and form stratified epithelia that develop zonulae occludentes and adherentes, connexin 43, cytokeratin, desmoplakin, and desmosomes. Vimentin intermediate filaments persist and no basement membranes appear, even though the cells synthesize laminin and type IV collagen. Our study is the first to demonstrate the ability of E-cadherin to induce fibroblasts to form desmosomes and stratified epithelia. The primary embryonic fibroblasts apparently have more developmental potential to transdifferentiate into epithelia than do the fibroblastic cell lines previously studied. We conclude that E-cadherin is likely to play an important role in transformation of mesenchyme to epithelium in the embryo.
Three-Dimensional Imaging of Rhodamine 123 Fluorescence Distribution in Human Melanoma Cells by Means of Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
Authors: Porwol T. , Merten E. , Opitz N. , Acker H.
Published: July 2008

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging of intracellular rhodamine 123 fluorescence distribution was performed by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Human IGR melanoma cells grown in monolayer or multicellular spheroid culture were studied for elucidating mitochondrial membrane potential characteristics, and cell and nucleus volume dimensions. Microspheres 6 μm in diameter loaded with rhodamine B were used to calibrate our instruments for performing 3D imaging of optical sections as obtained by CLSM. Accurate optical slicing is only possible taking into consideration the physical characteristics of the objectives used like chromatic and spherical aberrations, depth discrimination or cover slip correction and the temperature dependence of the immersion medium. While 3D imaging of optical slices can be carried out showing the original shape of the object being tested without physical distortion, 3D images of microspheres show well-reproducible structures of rhodamine B fluorescence. These can be explained by a supeφosition of two effects, namely scattering of the fluorescence light and a gradient of the electromagnetic field strength of the laser beam due to the shape of the object. 3D imaging of optical slices of IGR cells in monolayer or multicellular spheroid culture, which have been loaded with rhodamine 123, show the location of the dye predominantly within the cytoplasm of the cells with a remarkable heterogeneity of fluorescence intensity within and between single cells, indicating differences in the mitochondrial membrane potential and thus in the metabolic activity. Due to the heterogeneity of the cell shape the cell nucleus occupies between 4 and 14% of the total cell volume. These data reveal calibrated 3D imaging as a valuable noninvasive tool to visualize the heterogeneity of cell parameters under different cell culture conditions.
Immunoelectron Microscopy of Corticotropes and Melanotropes in the Pituitary Gland of the European Ferret, Mustela putorius furo
Authors: Mohanty B. , Tachibana T. , Kwon Oh-.C. , Hashimoto H. , Nogami H. , Ishikawa H. , Naik D.R.
Published: July 2008

The superimposition technique and protein A-gold method of immunoelectron microscopy were employed to study the ultrastructure of corticotropes as well as melanotropes in the ferret pituitary gland. This is the first study ever elucidating the ultrastructural heterogeneity of melanotropes in mammalian pars intermedia on an immunocytochemical basis. Morphological heterogeneity of pars distalis corticotropes has also been elucidated. It is suggested that the different subtypes may represent stages of development (histogenesis), or functional phases of a single cell type. In addition, the occurrence and distribution of both corticotropes and melanotropes in different hypophyseal components have been studied by light-microscopic immunocytochemistry.
Differential Cell Replication within the Periosteum of the Pig Mandibular Ramus
Authors: Decker J.D. , Marshall J.J. , Herring S.W.
Published: July 2008

The periosteum is anatomically and functionally divided into two layers. The inner osteoblastic layer contributes to local appositional bone growth. The outer fibroblastic layer receives the attachments of muscles and responds to bone growth by a more global enlargement. Coordinated growth of the layers could theoretically be produced by parallel replication rates in the layers followed by migration of fibroblastic layer cells. Alternatively, replication rates in the layers could differ, those in the osteoblastic layer reflecting local apposition and those in the fibroblastic layer responding to total bone growth. To test these alternatives, we compared two regions of the pig mandible, one appositional and one resorptive, equidistant from the major growth sites of the bone. Four 2-week-old pigs were injected i.p. with 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine (BrdU) to label replicating cells. Three hours subsequent to BrdU injection, animals were sacrificed. The mandibles were sectioned and processed immunocytochemically for BrdU. Periosteal cell mitotic activity was analyzed selectively at the level of the mandibular foramen on the medial and lateral ramal surfaces. The proportion of labeled cells was determined by grid-point analysis. Individual differences were minor but regional differences were striking. As expected, the osteoblastic layer of the lateral surface exhibited a greater proportion of mitotic cells than did the medial surface (p = 0.037). However, no such difference was seen in the fibroblastic layer, where medial and lateral sides exhibited identical replication activity. These results strongly support the second alternative, that cell division is differentially controlled in the two periosteal layers.
The Valva Portalis Renalis in the Duck (Anas platyrhynchos)
Authors: Mirabella N. , Esposito V. , Pelagalli G.V.
Published: July 2008

The morphology of the valva portalis renalis of the duck was investigated, using histological, SEM and TEM techniques. The wall thickness of the vena iliaca externa, the vena portalis renalis caudalis, the vena iliaca communis and the vena renalis caudalis was morphometrically evaluated. The blood pressure in these veins was measured using a three-way H20 manometer. The valva portalis renalis was composed primarily of epithelioid cells and lined with endothelium. Throughout the entire valva there was a dense complex of nerve structures made up of fibers and fiber bundles which also extended beneath the endothelium of the valva and around the subendothelial epithelioid cells. The wall thicknesses of the veins supplying the renal portal system (vena iliaca externa and vena portalis renalis caudalis) were greater than those of the vessels collecting the renal refluent venous blood (vena iliaca communis and vena renalis caudalis). In addition, the blood pressure values taken in the vena iliaca externa and the vena portalis renalis caudalis were much higher than those in the vena iliaca communis and the vena renalis caudalis. The above observations suggest that the renal portal system works at higher blood pressure levels than the general venous system and that the valva portalis renalis regulates its aperture in order to maintain a constant blood pressure and a continuous blood flow in the renal portal system vessels, hence avoiding damage to the renal parenchyma caused by pressure overloads.
Circular Arterial Supply of the Pisiform Bone
Authors: Canovas F. , Prudhomme M. , Bonnel F.
Published: July 2008

The arterial vascularization of the pisiform bone was studied from 15 cadavers to assess the possibility of pedicled pisiform transfer in Kienböck’s disease. The arterial vascularization of the pisiform bone comes from three pedicles: an upper pedicle arising from the dorsal carpal artery, a lateral pedicle arising from the ulnar artery, and a lower pedicle arising from the deep palmar branch of the ulnar artery. The pisiform bone is well vascularized and, whatever the distribution of the pedicles within the bone itself, we always found an arterial circle around it. The lengths of the upper and lower pedicles expressed as ratios of the length or width of the pisiform bone were variable, as indicated by the coefficient of variation that was greater than 36%. There was no significant correlation between the length of the upper or lower pedicle and the length or width of the pisiform bone. The length of the upper pedicle, which was greater than the distance between the origin of the dorsal carpal artery and the center of the lunate, allows a pedicled pisiform transfer in Kienböck’s disease. Nevertheless, it is difficult to assert definitively that the upper pedicle is sufficient to avoid a partial necrosis of the pedicled pisiform bone.
Duplicated Hepatic Artery: Radiologic and Surgical Implications
Authors: Fasel J.H.D. , Muster M. , Gailloud P. , Mentha G. , Terrier F.
Published: July 2008

Preoperative angiography of the coeliac trunk and superior mesenteric artery is routinely performed before liver resections and transplantations. For this purpose, it is usual to inject each branch of the coeliac trunk separately. Selective angiographic studies, however, may lead to overlooking surgically essential anatomic variations of the hepatic blood supply, as demonstrated by the present report. A case of a duplicated hepatic artery is presented, its radiologic and surgical implications discussed, and the relevant literature reviewed. This uncommon and particularly evocative feature illustrates the clinical importance of a sound knowledge of anatomical variants.
Changing Patterns of Cell Adhesion Molecules during Mouse Pelage Hair Follicle Development
Authors: Vielkind U. , Hardy M.H.
Published: July 2008

Wild-type mice have three main types of hair in their pelage: tylotrichs, awls and zigzags. Tabby mice have a yellowish coat consisting of awls only, whereas downy mice have a sparse grayish coat consisting of unusually fine hairs. The spatial and temporal distribution of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) during hair follicle morphogenesis was investigated in the mutants and compared with that in nonmutant mice. In Tabby embryos, awl follicles developed normally and showed normal immunostaining patterns for E-cadherin, P-cadherin and N-CAM. Prior to follicle initiation, however, some deviations from normal skin morphology and staining patterns indicated a delay in the development of the basal epidermal layer. On the other hand, the stratum corneum was formed prematurely. Therefore, the lack of tylotrich and zigzag follicles in Tabby mice might be explained by a general defect in epidermal development rather than by abnormal CAM expression. In downy embryos, tylotrich and awl follicles were initiated within the normal time periods, but elongation and differentiation of most follicles were abnormal. At birth, most follicles were small and/or severely deformed but showed normal CAM expression patterns. Extreme distortion and disorientation of follicles seemed to be associated with disintegration of the dermal papilla and abnormal mesenchymal cell condensations between the follicles. This suggests that abnormal hair development in downy mice might result from a defect in dermal rather than epidermal components of the skin.
Functional Integration of Newly Generated Neurons Into Striatum After Cerebral Ischemia in the Adult Rat Brain
Authors: Hou Shang-Wei , Wang Yong-Quan , Xu Ming , Shen Di-Han , Wang Ji-Jiang , Huang Fang , Yu Zhang , Sun Feng-Yan
Published: July 2008

Background and Purpose—

Ischemic injury can induce neurogenesis in the striatum. Those newborn neurons can express glutamic acid decarboxylase and choline acetyltransferase, markers of GABAergic and cholinergic neurons, respectively. The present study investigated whether these GABAergic and cholinergic new neurons could differentiate into functional cells.

Methods—

Retrovirus containing the EGFP gene was used to label dividing cells in striatal slices prepared from adult rat brains after middle cerebral artery occlusion. EGFP-targeted immunostaining and immunoelectron microscopy were performed to detect whether newborn neurons could anatomically form neuronal polarity and synapses with pre-existent neurons. Patch clamp recording on acute striatal slices of brains at 6 to 8 weeks after middle cerebral artery occlusion was used to determine whether the newborn neurons could display functional electrophysiological properties.

Results—

EGFP-expressing (EGFP
+
) signals could be detected mainly in the cell body in the first 2 weeks. From the fourth to thirteenth weeks after their birth, EGFP
+
neurons gradually formed neuronal polarity and showed a time-dependent increase in dendrite length and branch formation. EGFP
+
cells were copositive for NeuN and glutamic acid decarboxylase (EGFP
+
-NeuN
+
-GAD
67
+
), MAP-2, and choline acetyltransferase (EGFP
+
-MAP-2
+
-ChAT
+
). They also expressed phosphorylated synapsin I (EGFP
+
-p-SYN
+
) and showed typical synaptic structures comprising dendrites and spines. Both GABAergic and cholinergic newborn neurons could fire action potentials and received excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs because they displayed spontaneous postsynaptic currents in picrotoxin- and CNQX-inhibited manners.

Conclusion—

Ischemia-induced newly formed striatal GABAergic and cholinergic neurons could become functionally integrated into neural networks in the brain of adult rats after stroke.
Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Khealani Bhojo A. , Wasay Mohammad , Saadah Mohammed , Sultana Erum , Mustafa Shahid , Khan Farrukh Shohab , Kamal Ayeesha K.
Published: July 2008

Background and Purpose—

The natural history, causative factors, and outcomes of patients with cerebral venous thrombosis from Asia and Middle East have not been well described. This descriptive multicenter study describes the results for cerebral venous thrombosis patients in South Asia and the Middle East.

Methods—

The retrospective and prospective data of patients with radiologically confirmed cerebral venous thrombosis were collected from 4 centers located in Pakistan and United Arab Emirates. The demographic, clinical, radiological, and outcome data were recorded and analyzed. Primary outcome was death or dependency (modified Rankin score >2) at the time of hospital discharge.

Results—

This study included 109 patients with cerebral venous thrombosis; the presenting features most commonly being observed were headache (81%), focal motor deficits (45%), seizures (39%), and mental status changes (37%). Important predisposing factors included systemic and central nervous system infection (18%), postpartum state (17%), hyperhomocystinemia (9%), genetic thrombophilia (5%), and oral contraceptive pill use (3%). Ninety-six (67%) patients received therapeutic anticoagulation. Seven patients died and 43 had poor outcome at discharge. Focal motor deficits (OR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.2–7.5;
P
=0.018) and hemorrhagic infarctions (OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.04–7.85;
P
=0.041) were independent predictors of unfavorable outcome at discharge. Hemorrhagic infarction was the most significant factor of long-term unfavorable outcome (OR, 5.87; 95% CI, 1.49–23.02;
P=0
.011).

Conclusions—

Infections and postpartum state were the most common predisposing factors for cerebral venous thrombosis in this cohort. Most patients (67%) were treated with anticoagulation therapy. Almost 50% of patients were dead or disabled at discharge.
Blood Cell-Derived RANTES Mediates Cerebral Microvascular Dysfunction, Inflammation, and Tissue Injury After Focal Ischemia–Reperfusion
Authors: Terao Satoshi , Yilmaz Gokhan , Stokes Karen Y. , Russell Janice , Ishikawa Mami , Kawase Takeshi , Granger D. Neil
Published: July 2008

Background and Purpose—

Although chemokines have been implicated in cardiovascular diseases, few studies have addressed the role of these inflammatory mediators in ischemic stroke. This study tested the hypothesis that RANTES (CCL5; regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted) mediates the cerebral microvascular dysfunction, inflammation, and tissue injury induced by brain ischemia and reperfusion.

Methods—

After 60-minute middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion, the adhesion of leukocytes and platelets in cerebral venules, infarct volume, and blood–brain barrier permeability were measured in wild-type mice (WT), RANTES-deficient mice (RANTES
−/−
), WT mice transplanted with RANTES
−/−
bone marrow (RANTES>WT), and control bone marrow chimeras (WT>WT). The concentration of RANTES and several cytokines was also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a cytometric bead array.

Results—

The enhanced leukocyte and platelet adhesion, increased blood–brain barrier permeability, and tissue infarction elicited in WT and WT>WT mice after middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion were significantly blunted in RANTES
−/−
mice. Similar attenuation of the middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion-induced responses were noted in RANTES>WT chimeras. Although RANTES deficiency did not alter the changes in tissue cytokine levels elicited by middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion, plasma concentrations interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and interleukin-12 were all reduced.

Conclusions—

These findings implicate blood cell-derived RANTES in the microvascular, inflammatory, and tissue injury responses of the brain to ischemia and reperfusion.
U.K. HiGEM: The New U.K. High-Resolution Global Environment Model—Model Description and Basic Evaluation
Authors: Shaffrey L. C. , Stevens I. , Norton W. A. , Roberts M. J. , Vidale P. L. , Harle J. D. , Jrrar A. , Stevens D. P. , Woodage M. J. , Demory M. E. , Donners J. , Clark D. B. , Clayton A. , Cole J. W. , Wilson S. S. , Connolley W. M. , Davies T. M. , Iwi A. M. , Johns T. C. , King J. C. , New A. L. , Slingo J. M. , Slingo A. , Steenman-Clark L. , Martin G. M.
Published: July 2008

This article describes the development and evaluation of the U.K.’s new High-Resolution Global Environmental Model (HiGEM), which is based on the latest climate configuration of the Met Office Unified Model, known as the Hadley Centre Global Environmental Model, version 1 (HadGEM1). In HiGEM, the horizontal resolution has been increased to 0.83° latitude × 1.25° longitude for the atmosphere, and 1/3° × 1/3° globally for the ocean. Multidecadal integrations of HiGEM, and the lower-resolution HadGEM, are used to explore the impact of resolution on the fidelity of climate simulations.

Generally, SST errors are reduced in HiGEM. Cold SST errors associated with the path of the North Atlantic drift improve, and warm SST errors are reduced in upwelling stratocumulus regions where the simulation of low-level cloud is better at higher resolution. The ocean model in HiGEM allows ocean eddies to be partially resolved, which dramatically improves the representation of sea surface height variability. In the Southern Ocean, most of the heat transports in HiGEM is achieved by resolved eddy motions, which replaces the parameterized eddy heat transport in the lower-resolution model. HiGEM is also able to more realistically simulate small-scale features in the wind stress curl around islands and oceanic SST fronts, which may have implications for oceanic upwelling and ocean biology.

Higher resolution in both the atmosphere and the ocean allows coupling to occur on small spatial scales. In particular, the small-scale interaction recently seen in satellite imagery between the atmosphere and tropical instability waves in the tropical Pacific Ocean is realistically captured in HiGEM. Tropical instability waves play a role in improving the simulation of the mean state of the tropical Pacific, which has important implications for climate variability. In particular, all aspects of the simulation of ENSO (spatial patterns, the time scales at which ENSO occurs, and global teleconnections) are much improved in HiGEM.
The MSG Global Instability Indices Product and Its Use as a Nowcasting Tool
Authors: Koenig Marianne , de Coning Estelle
Published: July 2008

The European geostationary Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite offers a variety of channels to use for various purposes, including nowcasting of convection. A number of applications have also been developed to make use of these new capabilities for nowcasting, especially for the detection and prediction of severe weather. The MSG infrared channel selection makes it possible to assess the air stability in preconvective, that is, still cloud-free, conditions. Instability indices are traditionally derived from radiosonde profiles. Such indices typically combine measures of the thermal and moisture properties and often only use a small quantity of vertical profile parameters. MSG-based temperature and moisture retrievals are used for the derivation of stability indices, which are a part of the MSG meteorological products derived centrally at the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). Such indices are of an empirical nature, are often only applicable to certain geographic regions, and their thresholds are dependent on seasonal variation, but they can assess the likelihood of convection within the next few hours, thus providing a warning lead of about 6–9 h. Numerous test cases and the more quantitative verification process that was initiated by the South African Weather Service show the generally good warning potential of the derived instability fields. The added capability of a nearly continuous monitoring of the instability fields that is guaranteed by MSG’s 15-min repeat cycle is most valuable, since it provides nowcasters with new information much more regularly than the twice-a-day soundings at only a limited number of radiosonde stations. The current EUMETSAT instability product is aimed at helping forecasters to focus their attention on a certain region, which can then be monitored more closely with other means, like satellite imagery and radar data, over the next few hours.
The Effect of Age and Gender on Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety of Febuxostat, a Novel Nonpurine Selective Inhibitor of Xanthine Oxidase
Authors: Khosravan Reza , Kukulka Michael J. , Wu Jing‐Tao , Joseph‐Ridge Nancy , Vernillet Laurent
Published: July 2008

Febuxostat is a novel nonpurine selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, which is currently being developed for the management of hyperuricemia in patients with gout. The effect of age and gender on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of once‐daily oral febuxostat 80 mg was assessed in healthy male and female subjects after 7 days. Following multiple dosing with febuxostat, there were no statistically significant differences in the plasma or urinary pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic parameters between subjects aged 18 to 40 years and ≥65 years. Although unbound peak concentration (Cmax,u) and area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC24,u) for febuxostat were higher in women as compared with men (31.5 vs 23.6 ng/mL, P ≤ .01, and 62.8 vs 53.9 ng·h/mL, P ≤ .05, for Cmax,u and AUC24,u, respectively), the differences were not considered clinically significant and could be largely accounted for by weight differences between male and female subjects. For pharmacodynamic parameters, even though the percentage decrease in serum uric acid 24‐hour mean concentration was slightly greater in women than in men (59% vs 52%, P ≤ .01), this difference was not considered clinically meaningful. Febuxostat was well tolerated in male and female subjects in both age groups. Age or gender had no clinically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, or safety of febuxostat. Therefore, febuxostat does not require any dose adjustments based on age or gender.
Eight-week, placebo-controlled, double-blind comparison of the antidepressant efficacy and tolerability of bupropion XR and venlafaxine XR
Authors: Hewett K , Chrzanowski W , Schmitz M , Savela A , Milanova V , Gee M , Krishen A , Millen L , Leary MO , Modell J
Published: July 2008

Abstract

The efficacy, safety and tolerability of bupropion XR and venlafaxine XR was assessed and compared with placebo in adult outpatients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Adults meeting DSM-IV criteria for MDD with a minimum Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) 17-Item total score of ≥18 were randomized to eight weeks of double-blind treatment with either bupropion XR (150 mg/day), venlafaxine XR (75 mg/day) or placebo. At the end of the fourth week of treatment, a dosage increase to bupropion XR 300 mg/day or venlafaxine XR 150 mg/day was allowed if, in the opinion of the investigator, response was inadequate. The primary efficacy endpoint was mean change from baseline at week 8 in the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score last observation carried forward (LOCF). Mean changes from baseline at week 8 (LOCF) in MADRS total score were statistically significant for bupropion XR and venlafaxine XR patients compared to the placebo group: −16.0 for bupropion XR ( P = 0.006 vs placebo), −17.1 for venlafaxine XR ( P < 0.001 vs placebo) and −13.5 for placebo. Secondary outcomes (including CGI-S, HAM-A, MEI, Q-LES-Q-SF, responder and remitter analyses) also improved significantly for both active treatment groups compared with placebo. The most frequently reported adverse events were dry mouth and insomnia for bupropion XR, and nausea, hyperhidrosis, fatigue, and insomnia for venlafaxine XR. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, bupropion XR at doses up to 300 mg/day and venlafaxine XR at doses up to 150 mg/day demonstrated comparable antidepressant efficacy.