bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Considerations in the identification of functional RNA structural elements in genomic alignments
Authors: Babak Tomas , Blencowe Benjamin J , Hughes Timothy R
Published: February 2007

Background

Accurate identification of novel, functional noncoding (nc) RNA features in genome sequence has proven more difficult than for exons. Current algorithms identify and score potential RNA secondary structures on the basis of thermodynamic stability, conservation, and/or covariance in sequence alignments. Neither the algorithms nor the information gained from the individual inputs have been independently assessed. Furthermore, due to issues in modelling background signal, it has been difficult to gauge the precision of these algorithms on a genomic scale, in which even a seemingly small false-positive rate can result in a vast excess of false discoveries.

Results

We developed a shuffling algorithm, shuffle-pair.pl, that simultaneously preserves dinucleotide frequency, gaps, and local conservation in pairwise sequence alignments. We used shuffle-pair.pl to assess precision and recall of six ncRNA search tools (MSARI, QRNA, ddbRNA, RNAz, Evofold, and several variants of simple thermodynamic stability on a test set of 3046 alignments of known ncRNAs. Relative to mononucleotide shuffling, preservation of dinucleotide content in shuffling the alignments resulted in a drastic increase in estimated false-positive detection rates for ncRNA elements, precluding evaluation of higher order alignments, which cannot not be adequately shuffled maintaining both dinucleotides and alignment structure. On pairwise alignments, none of the covariance-based tools performed markedly better than thermodynamic scoring alone. Although the high false-positive rates call into question the veracity of any individual predicted secondary structural element in our analysis, we nevertheless identified intriguing global trends in human genome alignments. The distribution of ncRNA prediction scores in 75-base windows overlapping UTRs, introns, and intergenic regions analyzed using both thermodynamic stability and EvoFold (which has no thermodynamic component) was significantly higher for real than shuffled sequence, while the distribution for coding sequences was lower than that of corresponding shuffles.

Conclusion

Accurate prediction of novel RNA structural elements in genome sequence remains a difficult problem, and development of an appropriate negative-control strategy for multiple alignments is an important practical challenge. Nonetheless, the general trends we observed for the distributions of predicted ncRNAs across genomic features are biologically meaningful, supporting the presence of secondary structural elements in many 3' UTRs, and providing evidence for evolutionary selection against secondary structures in coding regions.
Conservation of the TRAPPII-specific subunits of a Ypt/Rab exchanger complex
Authors: Cox Randal , Chen Shu Hui , Yoo Eunice , Segev Nava
Published: February 2007

Background

Ypt/Rab GTPases and their GEF activators regulate intra-cellular trafficking in all eukaryotic cells. InS. cerivisiae, the modular TRAPP complex acts as a GEF for the Golgi gatekeepers: Ypt1 and the functional pair Ypt31/32. While TRAPPI, which acts in early Golgi, is conserved from fungi to animals, not much is known about TRAPPII, which acts in late Golgi and consists of TRAPPI plus three additional subunits.

Results

Here, we show a phylogenetic analysis of the three TRAPPII-specific subunits. One copy of each of the two essential subunits, Trs120 and Trs130, is present in almost every fully sequenced eukaryotic genome. Moreover, the primary, as well as the predicted secondary, structure of the Trs120- and Trs130-related sequences are conserved from fungi to animals. The mammalian orthologs of Trs120 and Trs130, NIBP and TMEM1, respectively, are candidates for human disorders. Currently, NIBP is implicated in signaling, and TMEM1 is suggested to have trans-membrane domains (TMDs) and to function as a membrane channel. However, we show here that the yeast Trs130 does not function as a trans-membrane protein, and the human TMEM1 does not contain putative TMDs. The non-essential subunit, Trs65, is conserved only among many fungi and some unicellular eukaryotes. Multiple alignment analysis of each TRAPPII-specific subunit revealed conserved domains that include highly conserved amino acids.

Conclusion

We suggest that the function of both NIBP and TMEM1 in the regulation of intra-cellular trafficking is conserved from yeast to man. The conserved domains and amino acids discovered here can be used for functional analysis that should help to resolve the differences in the assigned functions of these proteins in fungi and animals.
Erratum to: Rapid chemokinetic movement and the invasive potential of lung cancer cells; a functional molecular study
Authors: Tchou-Wong Kam-Meng , Fok Sandra YY , Rubin Jeffrey S , Pixley Fiona , Condeelis John , Braet Filip , Rom William , Soon Lilian L
Published: February 2007

This is a correction of an earlier published article.
HNPCC versus sporadic microsatellite-unstable colon cancers follow different routes toward loss of HLA class I expression
Authors: Dierssen Jan Willem F , de Miranda Noel FCC , Ferrone Soldano , van Puijenbroek Marjo , Cornelisse Cees J , Fleuren Gert Jan , van Wezel Tom , Morreau Hans
Published: February 2007

Background

Abnormalities in Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class I expression are common in colorectal cancer. Since HLA expression is required to activate tumor antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL), HLA class I abnormalities represent a mechanism by which tumors circumvent immune surveillance. Tumors with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) are believed to face strong selective pressure to evade CTL activity since they produce large amounts of immunogenic peptides. Previous studies identified the prevalence of HLA class I alterations in MSI-H tumors. However, those reports did not compare the frequency of alterations between hereditary and sporadic MSI-H tumors neither the mechanisms that led to HLA class I alterations in each subgroup.

Methods

To characterize the HLA class I expression among sporadic MSI-H and microsatellite-stable (MSS) tumors, and HNPCC tumors we compared immunohistochemically the expression of HLA class I, β2-microglobulin (β2m), and Antigen Processing Machinery (APM) components in 81 right-sided sporadic and 75 HNPCC tumors. Moreover, we investigated the genetic basis for these changes.

Results

HLA class I loss was seen more frequently in MSI-H tumors than in MSS tumors (p < 0.0001). Distinct mechanisms were responsible for HLA class I loss in HNPCC and sporadic MSI-H tumors. Loss of HLA class I expression was associated with β2m loss in HNPCC tumors, but was correlated with APM component defects in sporadic MSI-H tumors (p < 0.0001). In about half of the cases, loss of expression of HLA class I was concordant with the detection of one or more mutations in theβ2mand APM components genes.

Conclusion

HLA class I aberrations are found at varying frequencies in different colorectal tumor types and are caused by distinct genetic mechanisms. Chiefly, sporadic and hereditary MSI-H tumors follow different routes toward HLA class I loss of expression supporting the idea that these tumors follow different evolutionary pathways in tumorigenesis. The resulting variation in immune escape mechanisms may have repercussions in tumor progression and behavior.
The federal government commissioner for patient issues in Germany: initial analysis of the user inquiries
Authors: Schneider Nils , Dierks Marie-Luise , Seidel Gabriele , Schwartz Friedrich W
Published: February 2007

Background

The political objective in many countries worldwide is to give better consideration to the interests of patients within the health system. The establishment of a federal government commissioner for the issues of patients in the health system in Germany in 2004 is part of these endeavours. The structure and field of activities of this institution has been unique so far. This study investigates for the first time the inquiries the commissioner receives from the public.

Methods

A 33% sampling (n = 850) of the written inquiries (correspondence and e-mails) addressed to the commissioner in the first six months of the year 2005 (n = 2580) was investigated. In a procedure comprising combined qualitative and quantitative levels, the material was thematically encoded and the inquiries allocated to the resulting categories (multiple nominations). The results are presented in descriptive form and investigated especially with respect to sex and age-specific differences. The interdependences between the categorized criteria are analysed.

Results

The inquirers are equally spread out amongst the sexes (49% women, 51% men). Older persons outweigh the younger (69% over 60 years). In most cases the issues take the form of claims (72%, n = 609). In every fifth inquiry (n = 168) the personal financial burden for health services is considered as being too high; about equally high (n = 159) is the proportion of persons who criticize the communication with health professionals, especially hospitals and doctors' surgeries. Every third who mentions a medical practice uses terms such as "uncertainty" and "anxiety". It is conspicuous that men more often than women write that they feel unfairly treated in the health system (62% vs. 38%, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Predominantly older persons seek the assistance of the federal government commissioner for patient issues. Considerable uncertainty and anxiety with respect to services and charges within the system of the German health insurances become evident. It is not possible from the data to draw conclusions concerning the impact of the commissioner's work on the health system. Nor do we gain any knowledge about the usefulness of the service for the individual. Therefore, evaluation of the political impact and the user satisfaction should follow.
Preoperative external beam radiotherapy and reduced dose brachytherapy for carcinoma of the cervix: survival and pathological response
Authors: Jacinto Alexandre A , Castilho Marcus S , Novaes Paulo ERS , Novick Pablo R , Viani Gustavo A , Salvajoli João V , Ferrigno Robson , Pellizzon Antonio Cássio A , Lima Stella SS , Maia Maria AC , Fogaroli Ricardo C
Published: February 2007

Purpose

To evaluate the pathologic response of cervical carcinoma to external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and high dose rate brachytherapy (HDRB) and outcome.

Materials and methods

Between 1992 and 2001, 67 patients with cervical carcinoma were submitted to preoperative radiotherapy. Sixty-five patients were stage IIb. Preoperative treatment included 45 Gy EBRT and 12 Gy HDRB. Patients were submitted to surgery after a mean time of 82 days. Lymphadenectomy was performed in 81% of patients. Eleven patients with residual cervix residual disease on pathological specimen were submitted to 2 additional insertions of HDRB.

Results

median follow up was 72 months. Five-year cause specific survival was 75%, overall survival 65%, local control 95%. Complete pelvic pathological response was seen in 40%. Surgery performed later than 80 days was associated with pathological response. Pelvic nodal involvement was found in 12%. Complete pelvic pathological response and negative lymphnodes were associated with better outcome (p = .03 and p = .005). Late grade 3 and 4 urinary and intestinal adverse effects were seen in 12 and 2% of patients.

Conclusion

Time allowed between RT and surgery correlated with pathological response. Pelvic pathological response was associated with improved outcome. Postoperative additional HDRB did not improve therapeutic results. Treatment was well tolerated.
Effects on osteoclast and osteoblast activities in cultured mouse calvarial bones by synovial fluids from patients with a loose joint prosthesis and from osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Andersson Martin K , Lundberg Pernilla , Ohlin Acke , Perry Mark J , Lie Anita , Stark André , Lerner Ulf H
Published: February 2007

Aseptic loosening of a joint prosthesis is associated with remodelling of bone tissue in the vicinity of the prosthesis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of synovial fluid (SF) from patients with a loose prosthetic component and periprosthetic osteolysis on osteoclast and osteoblast activities in vitro and made comparisons with the effects of SF from patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Bone resorption was assessed by the release of calcium 45 (45Ca) from cultured calvariae. The mRNA expression in calvarial bones of molecules known to be involved in osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation was assessed using semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR. SFs from patients with a loose joint prosthesis and patients with OA, but not SFs from healthy subjects, significantly enhanced 45Ca release, effects associated with increased mRNA expression of calcitonin receptor and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. The mRNA expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa-B ligand (rankl) and osteoprotegerin (opg) was enhanced by SFs from both patient categories. The mRNA expressions of nfat2 (nuclear factor of activated T cells 2) and oscar (osteoclast-associated receptor) were enhanced only by SFs from patients with OA, whereas the mRNA expressions of dap12 (DNAX-activating protein 12) and fcrγ (Fc receptor common gamma subunit) were not affected by either of the two SF types. Bone resorption induced by SFs was inhibited by addition of OPG. Antibodies neutralising interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, soluble IL-6 receptor, IL-17, or tumour necrosis factor-α, when added to individual SFs, only occasionally decreased the bone-resorbing activity. The mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin was increased by SFs from patients with OA, whereas only osteocalcin mRNA was increased by SFs from patients with a loose prosthesis. Our findings demonstrate the presence of a factor (or factors) stimulating both osteoclast and osteoblast activities in SFs from patients with a loose joint prosthesis and periprosthetic osteolysis as well as in SFs from patients with OA. SF-induced bone resorption was dependent on activation of the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway. The bone-resorbing activity could not be attributed solely to any of the known pro-inflammatory cytokines, well known to stimulate bone resorption, or to RANKL or prostaglandin E2 in SFs. The data indicate that SFs from patients with a loose prosthesis or with OA stimulate bone resorption and that SFs from patients with OA are more prone to enhance bone formation.
Esophageal Doppler-guided fluid management decreases blood lactate levels in multiple-trauma patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chytra Ivan , Pradl Richard , Bosman Roman , Pelnář Petr , Kasal Eduard , Židková Alexandra
Published: February 2007

Introduction

Esophageal Doppler was confirmed as a useful non-invasive tool for management of fluid replacement in elective surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of early optimization of intravascular volume using esophageal Doppler on blood lactate levels and organ dysfunction development in comparison with standard hemodynamic management in multiple-trauma patients.

Methods

This was a randomized controlled trial. Multiple-trauma patients with blood loss of more than 2,000 ml admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) were randomly assigned to the protocol group with esophageal Doppler monitoring and to the control group. Fluid resuscitation in the Doppler group was guided for the first 12 hours of ICU stay according to the protocol based on data obtained by esophageal Doppler, whereas control patients were managed conventionally. Blood lactate levels and organ dysfunction during ICU stay were evaluated.

Results

Eighty patients were randomly assigned to Doppler and 82 patients to control treatment. The Doppler group received more intravenous colloid during the first 12 hours of ICU stay (1,667 ± 426 ml versus 682 ± 322 ml; p < 0.0001), and blood lactate levels in the Doppler group were lower after 12 and 24 hours of treatment than in the control group (2.92 ± 0.54 mmol/l versus 3.23 ± 0.54 mmol/l [p = 0.0003] and 1.99 ± 0.44 mmol/l versus 2.37 ± 0.58 mmol/l [p < 0.0001], respectively). No difference in organ dysfunction between the groups was found. Fewer patients in the Doppler group developed infectious complications (15 [18.8%] versus 28 [34.1%]; relative risk = 0.5491; 95% confidence interval = 0.3180 to 0.9482; p = 0.032). ICU stay in the Doppler group was reduced from a median of 8.5 days (interquartile range [IQR] 6 to16) to 7 days (IQR 6 to 11) (p = 0.031), and hospital stay was decreased from a median of 17.5 days (IQR 11 to 29) to 14 days (IQR 8.25 to 21) (p = 0.045). No significant difference in ICU and hospital mortalities between the groups was found.

Conclusion

Optimization of intravascular volume using esophageal Doppler in multiple-trauma patients is associated with a decrease of blood lactate levels, a lower incidence of infectious complications, and a reduced duration of ICU and hospital stays.
Hyperoxia increases ventilator-induced lung injury via mitogen-activated protein kinases: a prospective, controlled animal experiment
Authors: Li Li-Fu , Liao Shuen-Kuei , Ko Yu-Shien , Lee Cheng-Huei , Quinn Deborah A
Published: February 2007

Introduction

Large-tidal volume (VT) mechanical ventilation and hyperoxia used in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome can damage pulmonary epithelial cells through lung inflammation and apoptotic cell death. Hyperoxia has been shown to increase ventilator-induced lung injury, but the mechanisms regulating interaction between large VT and hyperoxia are unclear. We hypothesized that the addition of hyperoxia to large-VT ventilation would increase neutrophil infiltration by upregulation of the cytokine macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) and would increase apoptosis via the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were exposed to high-VT (30 ml/kg) mechanical ventilation with room air or hyperoxia for one to five hours.

Results

The addition of hyperoxia to high-VT ventilation augmented lung injury, as demonstrated by increased apoptotic cell death, neutrophil migration into the lung, MIP-2 production, MIP-2 mRNA expression, increased DNA binding activity of activator protein-1, increased microvascular permeability, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 activation. Hyperoxia-induced augmentation of high-VT-induced lung injury was attenuated in JNK-deficient mice and in mice with pharmacologic inhibition of ERK activity by PD98059. However, only JNK-deficient mice, and not mice with ERK activity inhibition by PD98059, were protected from high-VT-induced lung injury without hyperoxia.

Conclusion

We conclude that hyperoxia increased high-VT-induced cytokine production, neutrophil influx, and apoptotic cell death through activation of the JNK and ERK1/2 pathways.
Thrombospondin-mediated adhesion is essential for the formation of the myotendinous junction inDrosophila
Authors: Subramanian Arul , Wayburn Bess , Bunch Thomas , Volk Talila
Published: February 2007

Organogenesis of the somatic musculature in Drosophila is directed by the precise adhesion between migrating myotubes and their corresponding ectodermally derived tendon cells. Whereas the PS integrins mediate the adhesion between these two cell types, their extracellular matrix (ECM)ligands have been only partially characterized. We show that the ECM protein Thrombospondin (Tsp), produced by tendon cells, is essential for the formation of the integrin-mediated myotendinous junction. Tsp expression is induced by the tendon-specific transcription factor Stripe, and accumulates at the myotendinous junction following the association between the muscle and the tendon cell. In tsp mutant embryos, migrating somatic muscles fail to attach to tendon cells and often form hemiadherens junctions with their neighboring muscle cells, resulting in nonfunctional somatic musculature. Talin accumulation at the cytoplasmic faces of the muscles and tendons is greatly reduced, implicating Tsp as a potential integrin ligand. Consistently,purified Tsp C-terminal domain polypeptide mediates spreading of PS2 integrin-expressing S2 cells in a KGD- and PS2-integrin-dependent manner. We propose a model in which the myotendinous junction is formed by the specific association of Tsp with multiple muscle-specific PS2 integrin receptors and a subsequent consolidation of the junction by enhanced tendon-specific production of Tsp secreted into the junctional space.
Cell lineage-specific expression and function of theempty spiraclesgene in adult brain development ofDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Lichtneckert Robert , Bello Bruno , Reichert Heinrich
Published: February 2007

The empty spiracles (ems) gene, encoding a homeodomain transcription factor, is a member of the cephalic gap gene family that acts in early specification of the anterior neuroectoderm in the embryonic brain of Drosophila. Here we show that ems is also expressed in the mature adult brain in the lineage-restricted clonal progeny of a single neuroblast in each brain hemisphere. These ems-expressing neuronal cells are located ventral to the antennal lobes and project a fascicle to the superior medial protocerebrum. All adult-specific secondary neurons in this lineage persistently express ems during postembryonic larval development and continue to do so throughout metamorphosis and into the adult. Mosaic-based MARCM mutant analysis and genetic rescue experiments demonstrate that ems function is autonomously required for the correct number of cells in the persistently expressing adult-specific lineage. Moreover, they indicate that ems is also required cell autonomously for the formation of the correct projections in this specific lineage. This analysis of ems expression and function reveals novel and unexpected roles of a cephalic gap gene in translating lineage information into cell number control and projection specificity in an individual clonal unit of the adult brain.
Pathology of Natural Infections by H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus in Mute (Cygnus olor) and Whooper (Cygnus cygnus) Swans
Authors: Teifke J. P. , Klopfleisch R. , Globig A. , Starick E. , Hoffmann B. , Wolf P. U. , Beer M. , Mettenleiter T. C. , Harder T. C.
Published: February 2007

Mortality in wild aquatic birds due to infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) is a rare event. During the recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Germany, mortality due to H5N1 HPAIV was observed among mute and whooper swans as part of a rapid spread of this virus. In contrast to earlier reports, swans appeared to be highly susceptible and represented the mainly affected species. We report gross and histopathology and distribution of influenza virus antigen in mute and whooper swans that died after natural infection with H5N1 HPAIV. At necropsy, the most reliable lesions were multifocal hemorrhagic necrosis in the pancreas, pulmonary congestion and edema, and subepicardial hemorrhages. Major histologic lesions were acute pancreatic necrosis, multifocal necrotizing hepatitis, and lymphoplasmacytic encephalitis with neuronal necrosis. Adrenals displayed consistently scattered cortical and medullary necrosis. In spleen and Peyer's patches, mild lymphocyte necrosis was present. Immunohistochemical demonstration of HPAIV nucleoprotein in pancreas, adrenals, liver, and brain was strongly consistent with histologic lesions. In the brain, a large number of neurons and glial cells, especially Purkinje cells, showed immunostaining. Occasionally, ependymal cells of the spinal cord were also positive. In the lungs, influenza virus antigen was identified in a few endothelial cells but not within pneumocytes. The infection of the central nervous system supports the view that the neurotropism of H5N1 HPAIV leads to nervous disturbances with loss of orientation. More investigations are necessary to clarify the mechanisms of the final circulatory failure, lung edema, and rapid death of the swans.
High-throughput Immunophenotyping of 43 Ferret Lymphomas Using Tissue Microarray Technology
Authors: Hammer A. S. , Williams B. , Dietz H. H. , Hamilton-Dutoit S. J.
Published: February 2007

To validate the use of the tissue microarray (TMA) method for immunophenotyping of ferret lymphomas, a TMA was constructed containing duplicate 1-mm cores sampled from 112 paraffinembedded lymphoma tissue specimens obtained from 43 ferret lymphoma cases. Immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of CD3, CD79α, and Ki-67 (MIB-1) was determined by TMA and whole mount (WM) staining of each individual case for result comparison. There was a high correlation between CD79α and CD3 results comparing ferret TMA and WM sections (kappa statistic 0.71–0.73 for single-core TMA and 0.79–0.95 for duplicate-core TMA) and between continuous data from Ki-67 staining of ferret TMA sections and WM sections (concordance correlation coefficients 0.77 for single cores and 0.87 for duplicate cores). Subsequently, a panel of commercially available antibodies was applied to the TMA for the analysis of expression in ferret lymphomas. The results of this study confirmed previously published results suggesting specific cross-reactivity of the applied IHC markers (CD3, CD79α, Ki67) with ferret lymphoma tissue. Other IHC markers (CD45Ro, bcl2, bcl10, MUM1, CD30, vimentin) were also expressed in subsets of the included ferret lymphomas. Further studies are necessary to determine the usefulness of these markers for diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of ferret lymphomas. In conclusion, the TMA technology was useful for rapid and accurate analysis of protein expression in large archival cohorts of ferret lymphoma cases.
Teratoma of the Umbilical Cord in a Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata)
Authors: Murai A. , Yanai T. , Kato M. , Yonemaru K. , Sakai H. , Masegi T.
Published: February 2007

A 12-year-old pregnant female giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) died approximately 2 months prior to her anticipated parturition date. At necropsy, a mass measuring approximately 20 x 36 x 20 cm was observed, attached to the umbilical cord, the latter being otherwise normal in appearance. Histologically, the mass contained 3 germinal tissue components with areas of squamous epithelium, respiratory epithelium, primitive neural tissues, glial tissue, peripheral nerve, adipose tissue, cartilage, and smooth muscle. Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a teratoma originating from the umbilical cord. This is possibly the second reported case of umbilical cord teratoma in animals.
Three Equine Cases of Mixed Hepatoblastoma with Teratoid Features
Authors: Loynachan A. T. , Bolin D. C. , Hong C. B. , Poonacha K. B.
Published: February 2007

Hepatoblastoma was diagnosed in 3 Thoroughbreds at the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center (LDDC) since 1997. Case #1 involved a fetus with a well-demarcated, multilobulated, solitary mass that extended from the left liver lobe. Case #2 was observed in a neonate with a primary hepatic mass and multiple metastases in the skin, brain, meninges, and stylohyoid bone. Case #3 was a solitary hepatic mass incidentally discovered in a neonate at necropsy. Microscopically, the masses were similarly composed of sheets and cords of fetal and embryonal epithelial cells that frequently formed sinusoid-like structures. Intermixed with the neoplastic epithelial cells were variable amounts of hemorrhage, necrosis, osteoid, and bone. Immunohistochemically, the epithelial cells stained variably positive for alpha- fetoprotein, frequently positive for vimentin, and occasionally positive for cytokeratin. All 3 cases were diagnosed as mixed hepatoblastoma with teratoid features.
Osseous Metaplasia in the Eye of a Dog
Authors: Lynch G. L. , Scagliotti R. H.
Published: February 2007

Incisional iris biopsy was performed for diagnosis of an unusual opaque white mass protruding from the right ventrolateral iris of a 10-year-old neutered male Great Dane dog. Histopathology revealed a diagnosis of bone formation within otherwise normal iris tissue. No underlying etiology was identified. Osseous metaplasia or heterotopic bone formation may be an additional differential diagnosis for a nonneoplastic mass in the eye of a dog.
Confocal Laser Scanning Analysis of an Equine Oral Mast Cell Tumor with Atypical Expression of Tyrosine Kinase Receptor C-KIT
Authors: Seeliger F. , Heß O. , Pröbsting M. , Kleinschmidt S. , Woehrmann T. , Germann P. G. , Baumgärtner W.
Published: February 2007

A 20-year-old female horse showed a nodular, firm, focal ulcerated mast cell tumor at the right dorsobuccal face of the tongue. Histologically, the nonencapsulated tumor consisted of dense, infiltrating aggregates of well-differentiated, Cresyl violet-positive mast cells accompanied by numerous eosinophils. Furthermore, they exhibited a strong, diffuse, intracytoplasmatic immunohistochemical signal for tryptase and a faint membrane-associated and perinuclear signal for tyrosine kinase receptor KIT. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed an aberrant spatial colocalization of KIT in the Golgi apparatus, which may be the result of a defective protein processing within the tumor cells. The tumor was not associated with a poor prognosis.
Round Cell Variant of Myxoid Liposarcoma in a Japanese Macaque (Macaca fuscata)
Authors: Kwon H.-J , Park M.-S , Kim D. Y. , Cho D.-Y , Yoon B.-I , Shin N.-S , Kim D.-Y
Published: February 2007

A 5-year-old, female, Japanese Macaque ( Macaca fuscata) was diagnosed with round cell variant of myxoid liposarcoma. At necropsy, multifocal to coalescing, reddish tan to white nodules, ranging from 0.5 to 1 cm in diameter, were noted throughout the omentum and retroperitoneum. Similar neoplastic nodules were also present in diaphragm, abdominal wall, and on hepatic capsule. Microscopically, neoplastic masses consisted of round to polyhedral cells, which had round, often eccentric nuclei and abundant eosinophilic granular and microvacuolated cytoplasm; Oil red O staining demonstrated large numbers of lipid droplets in the cytoplasm. Ultrastructurally, the cytoplasm of the tumor cells was packed with occasional lipid vacuoles and numerous enlarged mitochondria. Immunohistochemistry revealed tumor cells were positive for vimentin, while negative to cytokeratin, actin, and Factor VIII-related antigen. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of round-cell variant of myxoid liposarcoma in nonhuman primate.
Two Independent Cases of Spontaneously Occurring Branchioblastomas in Koi Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Knüsel R. , Brandes K. , Lechleiter S. , Schmidt-Posthaus H.
Published: February 2007

This report documents 2 cases of branchioblastomas in koi carp ( Cyprinus carpio). Macroscopically, both cases were characterized by well-demarcated, pale red nodular masses located at the left first branchial arch and the right pseudobranch, respectively. Histologically, the neoplasias were composed of blast-like cells that differentiated into cartilage and branchial lamellae embedded in abundant fibrous connective tissue. Based on these findings, a branchioblastoma was diagnosed.
Hermaphroditism in 3 Chimeric Mice
Authors: McIntyre A. , La Perle K. M. D.
Published: February 2007

Hermaphroditism was diagnosed in three, 6-month-old, male, chimeric mice generated by microinjection of 129/Ola XY recombinant embryonic stem cells into unsexed C57BL/6 blastocysts. Grossly, mice Nos. 1 and 2 had perigenital masses and hydrometra. All mice had unilateral ovaries and cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Mice Nos. 1 and 3 also had contralateral testes and epididymides. Histologically, mice Nos. 1 and 3 were true hermaphrodites with unilateral ovotestes, while mouse No. 2 was a pseudohermaphrodite with ovarian tissue only. The presence of a uterus with cystic endometrial hyperplasia in these mice resembles XY pseudohermaphroditism in miniature schnauzers. The mice were determined to be 95 to 100% chimeric via haircoat color; however, the presence of both male and female sex organs in these phenotypically male mice suggests otherwise. Published reports note incidences for sex chimeras and hermaphroditism in genetically engineered mice of 50% and 20%, respectively. Hermaphroditism is expected to increase as the numbers of chimeric mice rise with technical advances in genetic engineering.
Cranial Nerve Hamartoma in a Dog
Authors: Saunders G. K.
Published: February 2007

An 11-year-old, male, neutered Cavalier King Charles spaniel was euthanatized because of recurrent seizures and inflammatory bowel disease. An incidental finding at necropsy was the presence of bilateral, firm, white nodules across the petrosal crest of the skull. Microscopically, the nodules were composed of normal myelinated nerve fibers within a mucinous stroma. A diagnosis of cranial nerve hamartoma was made.
One-Step Rapid Reverse Transcription–PCR Assay for Detecting and Typing Dengue Viruses with GC Tail and Induced Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Techniques for Melting Temperature and Color Multiplexing
Authors: Lo Constance LH , Yip Shea Ping , Cheng Peter KC , To Tony SS , Lim Wilina WL , Leung Polly HM
Published: February 2007

Background: Dengue fever is an arthropod-borne infection caused by dengue viruses (DVs; DEN-1 to DEN-4). Early diagnosis is critical to prevent severe disease progression and the spreading of DV because no vaccine or specific treatment is available; therefore, a rapid and specific diagnostic assay capable of detecting and typing all serotypes would be ideal.

Methods: We amplified RNA samples from all 4 DV serotypes and Japanese encephalitis virus with 4 serotype-specific forward primers and a universal species-specific reverse primer. DEN-1 and DEN-3 forward primers were labeled at their 5′ ends with BODIPY 630/650 and Cy5.5, respectively. DEN-1 and DEN-3 amplicons were detected by their characteristic emission generated from induced fluorescence resonance energy transfer. The presence of DEN-2 and DEN-4 amplicons was indicated by SYBR Green I (SGI) signals at specific amplicon melting temperatures (Tms).

Results: Fluorescence signals with specific emission wavelengths were obtained from DEN-1 and DEN-3. SGI melting profiles showed a Tm difference between DEN-2 and DEN-4 of 4.7 °C, which was sufficient for differentiating these 2 serotypes. The primers did not amplify the Japanese encephalitis virus. The detection limits of DEN-1 to DEN-4 were 1.64 × 10−4, 1.05 × 10−3, 8.15 × 10−4, and 5.80 × 10−3 plaque-forming units per reaction, respectively. The assay had a dynamic range of 103–108 plaque-forming units/L and could be performed in 2 h.

Conclusions: A single-tube, 1-step reverse transcription–PCR assay based on Tm and color multiplexing was developed for detecting and typing all 4 DV serotypes.
Die Konzilien des byzantinischen Bilderstreits
Authors: Thümmel Hans Georg
Published: February 2007

The article is a sort of summary of more extensive studies published in “Die Konzilien zur Bilderfrage im 8. und 9. Jahrhundert, 2005”. The problems are reduced to three points: 1. In Byzantium during the eighth/ninth century the emperor was the only person responsible for theology and church politics. Thus, the councils duty was not to discuss problems, but to confirm the emperor's decision. 2. At the Seventh Ecumenical Council Tarasios used the idea of “pentarchy” as his main argument. But at the latest with the Arabic expansion of the seventh century three of the five patriarchies were no longer part of the “Reichskirche” and in the eighth century Rome took its bearing to the Francs. The concept to understand the unity of the church as the unity of the five patriarchs was used when the real basis for it was actually no longer given. 3. In the sixth century the picture in the Eastern Church gained in importance. It is an object, that works miracles and therefore receives veneration. Emperors who considered this to be superstitious forbade pictures (icons). A third position acknowledged pictures for didactical reasons and commemoration. This legitimated pictures on councils, while once admitted, customs considered superstitious were again introduced in Eastern Church.
Christentum im Trend. Monotheistische Tendenzen in der späten Antike
Authors: Fürst Alfons
Published: February 2007

According to a popular view, the history of religion in Late Antiquity is dominated by the opposition of Christian monotheism and pagan polytheism. In the last few years, however, scholars of that period have come to detect a phenomenon they called ‘pagan monotheism’. To put it more cautiously, we can see a tendency towards monotheism within the pagan world of Late Antiquity.

The article offers a survey of archaeological, epigraphical and literary evidence of ‘pagan monotheism’ – it seems to be better to speak of ‘henotheism’ – in different areas of the ancient world (philosophy, politics, religion). Considering the results of current research on this topic, the development of religious ideas and practices from the second century C.E. onwards becomes intriguingly complicated. The promotion of the Christian church by Constantine I. and his successors was not at all the decisive turning point of history as pronounced in Christian propaganda. Rather, the Christian belief that God is One, no less than Constantine's politics in favour of Christianity, was part of a more general ‘trend’ towards monotheism. The success of the Christian religion owes very much to this favourable circumstances.

Hence, looking at the idea of One God, the article argues that we should reconsider our conception of ‘Christianity’ and ‘Paganism’ and the interactions between them in Late Antiquity.
Ein Städtegleichnis des Makarios/Symeon
Authors: Illert Martin
Published: February 2007

The Pseudo-Macarian Spiritual Homily 42, collection H (= Logos 14, collection B) betrays its author's knowledge of the Syriac version of the Abgar-Legend and accordingly demonstrates the deep impact Syriac Christianity had upon Pseudo-Macarius' writings. The Abgar-tradition is adapted here in order to emphasize the ascetic's utter rejection of the art of rhetoric and ancient philosophy.
„Sich des Gebrauchs der Frauen enthalten“. Eine Anfrage an die grammatikalische Struktur einer Interzession für Verstorbene im Großen Euchologion aus dem Weißen Kloster
Authors: Förster Hans
Published: February 2007

An intercession in one of the Coptic anaphoras in the Grand Euchologue du Monastère Blanc (published by Lanne) proves to be of great interest. According to the translation by the editor the intercession for the deceased mentions those “who refrain from the use of women”. This puzzling translation seems to be unjustified by the text. A thorough discussion of the grammatical structure of this intercession points towards a different interpretation because from a grammatical point of view we find an asyndetic enumeration of deceased persons and groups of persons for whom the priest is praying. Furthermore the nomen agentis

is interpreted by Lanne as a verb. Thus, the evidence points clearly towards a separate group of persons, namely women serving as deacons, as attested by the Grand Euchologue as late as the tenth or the eleventh century.
Maternal Bodies, Breast‐Feeding, and Consumer Desire in Urban China
Authors: Gottschang Suzanne Zhang
Published: February 2007

Urban Chinese women in the 1990s formulated their infant‐feeding decisions in the context of a society undergoing radical transformation as the nation moved from a centrally planned socialist economy to a global, market‐oriented one. Narratives of new mothers in Beijing in the 1990s provide insights into the multiple forces that shaped their infant‐feeding practices. These personal histories also illustrate the limitations of multilateral breast‐feeding programs that emphasize breast‐feeding as a natural interaction between mother and infant. The cases I present here demonstrate instead that the material, bodily manifestations of breast‐feeding require nursing mothers to continually renegotiate relations with husbands, coworkers, and family. Chinese women's accounts also add insight to theoretical deliberations on gender and the body, for they demonstrate that cultural expectations and the demands of the lactating body must be considered to understand fully the process of women's decisions in a social and not strictly reproductive context. On a larger scale, the data also illustrate how global intervention, in the form of the WHO–UNICEF‐sponsored Baby‐Friendly Hospital Initiative, promotes breast‐feeding as a woman's primary duty at the same time that market forces counter this message as women redefine their individual expectations and social relationships.
Development Agents And Nomadic Agency : Four Perspectives in the Development “Market”
Authors: Greenough Karen Marie
Published: February 2007

Discourse between development agents and nomads implies that development for nomadic communities is a contradiction in terms. Two systems, the nomadic and the development system, interact and exist in conflict. Discourses of sedentarization and associative life threaten pastoral adaptive strategies. Within these discourses, a market‐oriented subtext underscores investors' power, brokers' competition, and clients' opportunism. Semistructured and informal interviews focused on relations between Woδaaöe communities, local pastoral organizations, government technical services, and international agencies. This paper examines communication between these parties through approaches of agency, political ecology, and disequilibrium theory. How will the social change instigated by development affect cultural mechanisms that facilitate resource access and allocation? Will development become too costly for pastoral households, local ecology, and even the national economy?.
Midwestern Museums and Classical Archaeology, 1893–1998
Authors: Redman S. J.
Published: February 2007

U.S. museums were not founded with the intention of building large collections reflecting the history and culture of classical societies such as Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Only later, with the combined interest of trustees and private donors, did most museums accept classical archaeology as an academic pursuit. In this paper, I explore how museums in the American Midwest, not known for maintaining extensive classical collections, came to possess relatively large collections from classical societies. I intend in this paper to engender pragmatic lines of questioning regarding the nature of archaeological and anthropological museum studies. I specifically focus on the development of collections at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul, and the Logan Museum of Anthropology in Beloit, WI.
“Is It The Spirit or The Body?”: Syncretism of Health Beliefs Among Hmong Immigrants to Alaska
Authors: Hickman Jacob R.
Published: February 2007

Because of the emphasis within the Hmong folk health system on spirituality and nonphysiological etiologies, there has been a significant degree of conflict between Hmong refugees and the Western health care system since the beginning of the Hmong migration to the United States in the mid‐1970s. This conflict has been well documented in the literature, but previous research on Hmong health has tended toward a totalization of Hmong health beliefs to emphasize its distinctness from Western biomedicine and subsequently advocate culturally sensitive health care. In doing so, however, researchers have overlooked the burgeoning syncretism of health beliefs among Hmong in the United States. The present study seeks to explain how and why the Hmong health system in Alaska is developing into a syncretism of the folk beliefs and elements from the Western biomedical paradigm. This syncretism has lead to an intricate system of combined physical and spiritual diagnoses that significantly affects the way health care decisions are made within the Hmong community. Alaskan Hmong use contextual factors (regularity, longevity, and spiritual manifestations) as well as the course of traditional and biomedical treatments to assign and reassign spiritual or biomedical root causes to ailments. As this argument unfolds, I also address the use of “syncretism” as a theoretical construct and ultimately argue that it is the most useful concept for understanding changing health beliefs among the Hmong in Alaska, despite the pejorative historical use of the term. Understanding health seeking behaviors through a syncretic paradigm, health care professionals and anthropologists can better account for the multifaceted treatment paradigms that Hmong seek as well as account for changes between traditional and biomedical treatment regimes.
How Visitors Experience the Edward James Olmos Americanos Exhibit: An Ethnographic Study
Authors: Gilroy Hunsecker Jennifer
Published: February 2007

This paper reports the findings from a ten‐week ethnographic evaluation of Americanos, a traveling exhibit displayed in the fall of 2000 at the Field Museum of Natural History and the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum in Chicago. Members of Dr. Christina Wasson's undergraduate applied anthropology class at DePaul University designed the research project and conducted interviews with museum patrons on their experience of the exhibit. This paper outlines background information on museum‐goers and details methods utilized in the study, class findings, and recommendations resulting from the findings. Findings explore visitors' experiences with the division and physical layout of the exhibit, visitor interaction with text and labels, and the impact visitors' preconceptions had on their experience with the exhibit. It concludes with seven recommendations applicable to improving the quality of both the Americanos experience for visitors as well as future museum exhibitions at the Field Museum and the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum.
Health Change in Patients Using Alternative Medical Systems In Cuenca, Ecuador
Authors: Albus Michelle
Published: February 2007

Many people are skeptical of the efficacy of what has become known as “alternative medicine,” such as acupuncture and homeopathy. The therapeutic effects of alternative medicine have not been conclusively documented, particularly from patients' subjective viewpoints. This paper investigates patients' perceptions of health change following the use of alternative medicine in Cuenca, Ecuador. Present and past patients of two alternative medical doctors, an acupuncturist and a homeopath, were interviewed to assess current symptoms, symptom severity rating, and satisfaction with the treatment program. Patients were reinterviewed for follow‐up, and interviews with Cuenca community members were undertaken to gather information on the extent of the use of alternative medicine. Results were promising and showed that a substantial proportion of patients reported health improvements following alternative medical use. Overall, positive health changes are perceived and reported by individuals who chose to use alternative medicine.