bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRODUCTION AND SELECTION OF HIGH β‐CAROTENE MUTANTS OF DUNALIELLA BARDAWIL (CHLOROPHYTA)1
Authors: Shaish Aviv , Ben‐Amotz Ami , Avron Mordhay
Published: October 2004

We describe a procedure for the selection of β‐carotenerich mutants of the halotolerant alga Dunaliella bardawil Ben‐Amotz & Avron. Under normal growth conditions the isolated mutants had a several‐fold higher content of β‐carotene than the wild type. Under carotene‐induction conditions, the mutants also possessed a higher β‐carotene content than the wild type. Both the production rate of phytoene and the conversion rate of phytoene to lycopene and β‐carotene were accelerated in the mutants. Cycloheximide, which (in the wild type) inhibits the inductive synthesis of the proteins required for β‐carotene production, had a much smaller effect on β‐carotene biosynthesis in the mutants. We suggest that the mutants are affected in the regulatory path, which controls the induction of high β‐carotene production in Dunaliella.
EFFECT OF GROWTH AND LIGHT/DARK CYCLES ON DIATOM LIPID CONTENT AND COMPOSITION1
Authors: Sicko‐Goad Linda , Andresen Norman A.
Published: October 2004

Total extractable lipid (TEL) and lipid composition were studied throughout the growth cycle in three freshwater diatoms‐Cyclotella meneghiniana Kütz., Melosira varians C. A. Ag., and Stephanodiscus binderanus (Kütz.) Krieg under three light regimes (16:8 h LD, 20:4 h LD, and 12:12 h LD) at 20°C. Two of the diatoms demonstrated strong daylength preferences for growth; C. meneghiniana grew best under long‐day (20: 4‐h LD) conditions, whereas S. binderanus grew best under short‐day (12:12‐h LD) conditions. The lipid composition of the diatoms was similar throughout the growth cycle. Aged (2‐month‐old) cells were high in total lipid and triacylglycerols. Before the onset of active growth and during the early part of active growth, there was a reduction in total neutral lipids, primarily triacylglycerols, and an increase in all polar lipids, including chlorophyll a, acetone‐mobile polar lipids, and phospholipids. While cell numbers were still increasing, triacylglycerols increased and polar lipids decreased to levels near those found in aged cultures, Results suggest that increased triacylglycerol content of freshwater diatoms is not necessarily indicative of senescent populations.
Locus control region elements HS2 and HS3 in combination with chromatin boundaries confer high‐level expression of a human β‐globin transgene in a centromeric region
Authors: Kang Sung‐Hae Lee , Levings Padraic P. , Andersen Felicie , Laipis Philip J. , Berns Kenneth I. , Zori Robert T. , Bungert Jörg
Published: October 2004

Expression constructs are subject to position‐effects in transgenic assays unless they harbour elements that protect them from negative or positive influences exerted by chromatin at the site of integration. Locus control regions (LCRs) and boundary elements are able to protect from position effects by preventing heterochromatization of linked genes. The LCR in the human β‐globin gene locus is located far upstream of the genes and composed of several erythroid specific DNase I hypersensitive (HS) sites. Previous studies demonstrated that the LCR HS sites act synergistically to confer position‐independent and high‐level globin gene expression at different integration sites in transgenic mice. Here we show that LCR HS sites 2 and 3, in combination with boundary elements derived from the chicken β‐globin gene locus, confer high‐level human β‐globin gene expression in different chromosomal integration sites in transgenic mice. Moreover, we found that the construct is accessible to nucleases and highly expressed when integrated in a centromeric region. These results demonstrate that the combination of enhancer, chromatin opening and boundary activities can establish independent expression units when integrated into chromatin.
GRIP1τ, a novel PDZ domain‐containing transcriptional activator, cooperates with the testis‐specific transcription elongation factor SII‐T1
Authors: Nakata Akihito , Ito Takahiro , Nagata Makiko , Hori Sayaka , Sekimizu Kazuhisa
Published: October 2004

SII‐T1 is a tissue‐specific member of the transcription elongation factor S‐II that is expressed specifically in male germ cells. In the present study, we have identified a protein named GRIP1τ interacting with SII‐T1 by yeast two‐hybrid screening. GRIP1τ is a novel isoform of glutamate receptor‐interacting protein 1 (GRIP1) that associates with the cytoplasmic domain of the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoaxazolepropionate (AMPA)‐type glutamate receptor. GRIP1τ is a testis‐specific nuclear protein that activates transcription when fused with a GAL4 DNA binding domain in GAL4‐responsive reporter gene assays. The transactivation domain of GRIP1τ overlapped with the region essential for interaction with SII‐T1, as revealed by co‐immunoprecipitation assays. Also, transactivation by GRIP1τ was stimulated by SII‐T1 in a dose‐dependent manner. Therefore, we propose that GRIP1τ is a novel testis‐specific transcriptional activator regulated by interaction with the testis‐specific transcription elongation factor SII‐T1.
The relationships between fish health, metabolic rate, swimming performance and recovery in return‐run sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum)
Authors: Tierney K B , Farrell A P
Published: October 2004

The repeat swimming ability and oxygen uptake (Mo2) of adult sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum), were assessed at ambient water temperatures at three field locations along their migration route. Following these measurements, internal and external fish condition was evaluated according to United States Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. Here we report on the physiological characteristics of fish having either moderate or severe levels of disease and injury. Routine oxygen uptake (Mo2) did not differ between healthy fish and those with indices of ill health. In contrast, fish classified as sick, which included conditions of damaged internal organs, an Ichthyophonus spp. heart infection, a Saprolegnia spp. gill infection, and skin wounds, had a lower post‐exercise Mo2 and were unable to repeat their critical swim speed (Ucrit) on the second swim test. Moderate levels of disease or injury did not significantly affect either Ucrit or post‐exercise Mo2. We conclude that the ability of adult salmon to recover quickly from exercise may be a useful indicator of sublethal pathologies.
Early catheter removal 3 days after radical retropubic prostatectomy
Authors: NOGUCHI MASANORI , SHIMADA AKIHIKO , YAHARA JYUNRO , SUEKANE SHIGETAKA , NODA SHINSHI
Published: October 2004

Aim: We investigated the feasibility and safety of the early removal of urethral catheters 3 days after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Methods: Seventy consecutive patients underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy with the intent of early catheter removal on postoperative day (POD) 3. Catheter removal was based on postoperative cystograms performed on POD 2. Patients were analyzed using a validated prostate cancer specific questionnaire (University of California, Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Symptom Index) to determine quality of life outcomes. Multiple logistic regression analysis was also used to evaluate if any of the preoperative or intraoperative parameters were able to predict the success of early catheter removal after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Results: The catheter was removed on POD 3 in 67 of 70 patients (97%) excluding three patients with moderate or severe extravasation on postoperative cystograms. Of the 67 patients, 53 (76%) were successful in early catheter removal, but the remaining 14 (24%) patients experienced urinary retention within 48 h and were treated with simple catheter replacement for 1 or 2 days. Two patients developed anastomotic strictures 3 and 4 months postoperatively, which were managed by dilation alone. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that no leak during an intraoperative leak test was the only independent predictor of success for early catheter removal (P = 0.0069; odds ratio, 6.667; 95% confidence interval, 1.682–26.428).

Conclusion: The present study revealed that early catheter removal 3 days after radical retropubic prostatectomy is feasible in patients who show a negative intraoperative leak test. Postoperative monitoring of more patients is needed to determine if the early catheter removal is widely applicable.
Spontaneous rupture of adrenal pheochromocytoma with capsular invasion
Authors: ORIKASA KAZUHIKO , NAMIMA TAKASHIGE , OHNUMA TETSUTARO , MUNAKATA MASANORI , KIMURA NORIKO , ARAI YOICHI
Published: October 2004

A 67‐year‐old Japanese man developed a sudden onset of severe right‐side upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. On hospitalization, physical examination revealed sweating, tachycardia, hypertension and the appearance of peripheral vasoconstriction. An urgent computed tomography scan with contrast demonstrated a large hematoma in the right retroperitoneal space. A phentolamine test and an 131iodine metaiodobenzylguanidine scan suggested pheochromocytoma. An elective right adrenalectomy was successfully performed after pretreatment for sufficient volume replacement with continuous administration of α‐ and β‐adrenergic blocking agents. Pathological diagnosis was an adrenal pheochromocytoma 9.0 × 6.5 cm in diameter with evidence of capsular invasion, which could be associated with a tear in the capsule.
Global analysis of gene expression profiles in ileum in a rat bladder augmentation model using cDNA microarrays
Authors: MIYAKE HIDEAKI , HARA SHOJI , ETO HIROSHI , KAMIDONO SADAO , HARA ISAO
Published: October 2004

Background: The objective of the present study was to globally characterize the changes in the gene expression profile in the ileum after long‐term urine exposure in a rat ileal augmented bladder model using cDNA microarrays.

Methods: Bladder augmentation using the ileum was performed in female 8‐week‐old rats. The ileal epithelia used for bladder augmentation were harvested 1 and 3 months postoperatively and changes in the gene expression in these tissues were compared with that of intact ileal epithelia from sham‐operated rats using cDNA microarrays consisting of 1176 rat genes.

Results: Marked changes in gene expression in the ileum used for bladder augmentation were observed for 30 genes (16 up‐regulated and 14 down‐regulated genes). The differentially expressed genes include those associated with signal transduction, cell adhesion and stress response. Subsequent evaluation of changes in two randomly selected genes from the 30 differentially expressed genes by semiquantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction demonstrated the reliability of the present cDNA microarray analyses.

Conclusion: The present experiments identified an extensive list of genes differentially expressed in the ileum after bladder augmentation, providing valuable information for the pathophysiological assessment of patients who undergo urinary reconstruction and representing a source of novel targets for treating complications after urinary diversion.
Interstitial laser coagulation for management of benign prostatic hyperplasia: Long‐term follow‐up
Authors: TERADA NAOKI , ARAI YOICHI , OKUBO KAZUTOSHI , ICHIOKA KENTARO , MATSUI YOSHIYUKI , YOSHIMURA KOJI , TERAI AKITO
Published: October 2004

Aim: We evaluated the long‐term results of transurethral interstitial laser coagulation in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with up to 9 years of follow up at the Kurashiki Central Hospital and determined the patient characteristics that predict a favorable outcome.

Methods: From December 1993 to May 1997, a total of 82 patients were enrolled in the present study. Subjective and objective voiding parameters were collected from medical records and a self‐administered questionnaire was sent to the patients. Kaplan‐Meier plots were constructed to assess the risk of retreatment.

Results: The mean follow‐up period was 48.4 months (range, 3–108 months). A total of 59 patients (72%) did not need any additional treatment at 12 months and 30 patients (37%) did not require additional treatment during the entire follow‐up period. A total of 29 patients (35%) were retreated during follow‐up. Transurethral prostate resection (TURP) was performed in 18 patients (22%). The remaining 11 patients (13%) were offered additional pharmacotherapy. The minimum and median retreatment‐free durations were 3 and 14 months, respectively. Seven patients died and 17 were lost to follow‐up. Men aged 71 years or older had greater likelihood of requiring retreatment than those younger than 71 years (P = 0.0397). No significant differences were noted in the other baseline characteristics. Among postoperative parameters, a rate of decrease of the International Prostate Symptom Score of the patient of lower than 60% and a rate of decrease in patient quality of life of lower than 50% at 3 months were associated with greater likelihood of retreatment (P = 0.0083 and P = 0.0006, respectively).

Conclusions: Interstitial laser coagulation is effective for the treatment of BPH. Good long‐term results and an acceptably low retreatment rate render this modality an effective alternative to TURP, especially for younger patients. Short‐term improvement of subjective symptoms was predictive of favorable long‐term outcome.
Biochemical modulation of 5‐fluorouracil with interferon α/β and γ on murine renal cell carcinoma
Authors: ISHII TAKETSUGU , MARUMO KEN
Published: October 2004

Background: Conventional therapy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) using interferon (IFN) has shown limited antitumor action. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the synergistic antitumor effects of IFN and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) and to elucidate the mechanism underlying antitumor effects.

Methods: The antitumor effects and biochemical modulation of murine IFN and 5‐FU were determined using murine renal cell carcinoma (RENCA). The activity of thymidylate synthase, thymidine kinase and the concentration of 5‐FU incorporated into RNA was measured using cytosolic extracts of tumors.

Results: Triple combination therapy (5‐FU, IFN α/β and IFN γ) showed a synergistic antitumor effect on RENCA tumors, because triple combination therapy suppressed growth significantly compared to combination therapy (IFN α/β and IFN γ, P = 0.0258) and 5‐FU (P < 0.0001). Total thymidylate synthase was decreased by triple combination therapy (5‐FU, IFN α/β and IFN γ, P = 0.0019) and combination therapy (5‐FU and IFN γ, P = 0.0018) compared to 5‐FU alone. Thymidine kinase activity was decreased by triple combination therapy (5‐FU, IFN α/β and IFN γ, P < 0.0001) and combination therapy (5‐FU and IFN α/β, P < 0.0001) compared to 5‐FU alone. The concentration of 5‐FU incorporated into RENCA tumors was increased by triple combination therapy (P = 0.0132) and combination therapy (5‐FU and IFN α/β, P = 0.0124) compared to 5‐FU alone.

Conclusions: Interferons α/β and γ showed different biochemical modulation for 5‐FU. Therefore, combination therapy using 5‐FU and IFN showed synergistic antitumor effects on murine RCC.
Susceptibility of strawberry cultivars to the vine weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Cowles Richard S.
Published: October 2004

Abstract  1 The feeding preference of vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Fabricius), adults for foliage from 21 commercial cultivars of strawberries is investigated using binary choice tests with leaf disks, using ‘Honeoye’ as a standard against which all other cultivars are compared. ‘Delmarvel’, ‘Idea’, ‘Lester’, ‘Primetime’ and ‘Seneca’ are not preferred.

2 Variation in leaf nitrogen content is correlated with feeding preference, but does not explain all the variation, because outliers exist for both preferred and nonpreferred cultivars.

3 Removal of leaf hairs with adhesive tape permits their role in deterrence to be evaluated. Eight of the 21 cultivars have deterrent leaf hairs. Paradoxically, some highly preferred cultivars (e.g. ‘Latestar’ and ‘Tristar’) have deterrent leaf hairs, and four of the five nonpreferred cultivars lack significantly deterrent leaf hairs.

4 The 21 tested cultivars do not differ in their suitability for vine weevil larval development.

5 Differences in cultivar susceptibility to vine weevil in the field may involve interactions between the palatability and nutritional value of foliage, which influence fecundity and egg placement, and the tolerance of strawberry plants to larval feeding, determined by root biomass. The nonpreference traits found in the foliage of commercial cultivars of strawberry are present by chance. Accordingly, further selective breeding to enhance strawberry varietal tolerance to vine weevils may be possible.
Complex patterns from simple decisions: the emergence of behaviours in Otiorhynchus sulcatus F.
Authors: Blackshaw R. P. , Goodwin T.
Published: October 2004

Abstract  1 Filming the movement of individual adult Otiorhynchus sulcatus in a stimulus‐free arena allows the frequency distribution of turning angles to be obtained. Turns are predominantly anti‐clockwise and the distribution is dominated by three preferred angles (approximately 50, 130 and 190°).

2 The implications of these results are explored through deterministic and stochastic random walk models of fixed step‐length. Use of each of these turning angles results in different trajectories, potentially representing different search patterns.

3 The introduction of stochastic variation in the turning angles alters the trajectories and, for the 50° turning angle, results in an approximation to published descriptions of spiral and circular search patterns for other insects.

4 This single parameter random walk model is compared with previously published models and it is postulated that, for O. sulcatus, the selection of a turning angle is sufficient to provide a rich repertoire of spatial trajectories.
Suitability ofEucalyptusandCorymbiaforMnesampela privata(Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) larvae
Authors: Steinbauer Martin J. , Matsuki Mamoru
Published: October 2004

Abstract 1 Mnesampela privata(Guenée) has a host list of 40Eucalyptusand at least oneCorymbiaspecies. Larval survival and performance was studied on 19 species to investigate how certain leaf traits influence the suitability of different species.

2 After 7 days, survival onEucalyptus aggregataandEucalyptus camphorais greater than 70% even though the toughness of leaves is 0.15–0.19 mg/mm2. However, after the same time, survival on genotypes ofEucalyptus melliodoraandEucalyptus sideroxylonwas less than 60%, or even 0%, even though the toughness of some leaves was as low as 0.11 mg/mm2. An unmeasured allelochemical, rather than toughness, may reduce survival on these species.

3 Dry weights of first‐instar larvae were negatively correlated with leaf toughness for 13 of the species studied. Species that produced the heaviest first‐instar larvae were not the same hosts that produced the heaviest second‐instar larvae.

4 Dry weights of female pupae were negatively correlated with total oil content for five of the species studied.

5 Larvae exhibit age‐related changes in feeding behaviour. Neonates skeletonize leaves (avoid leaf veins and oil glands) and post‐third‐instar larvae ingest whole leaf fragments (consume small leaf veins and oil glands). These findings suggest that neonates are sensitive to high leaf toughness and non‐oil plant secondary metabolites whereas older larvae are less sensitive to high leaf toughness and are likely to become larger adults on hosts with lower oil contents.
B‐cell conjunctival lymphoma in a cat
Authors: Radi Zaher A. , Miller Debra L. , Hines Murray E.
Published: October 2004

A bilateral conjunctival neoplasm was surgically removed from a 13‐year‐old Domestic Short‐haired female cat and examined by histopathology. The neoplasm was infiltrative, nonencapsulated and composed of large sheets of densely packed, round to polygonal cells. Neoplastic cells were variably sized with scant to modest amounts of cytoplasm and oval to round nuclei. On immunohistochemistry the neoplastic cells stained positively for BLA.36 and negative for CD‐3 antibodies. On the basis of histopathology and immunohistochemical findings, a diagnosis of conjunctival B‐cell lymphoma was made. This is the first case with immunohistochemical characterization of conjunctival lymphoma in a cat.
Effect of orally administered hydrocortisone on intraocular pressure in nonglaucomatous dogs
Authors: Herring Ian P. , Herring Erin S. , Ward Daniel L.
Published: October 2004

Objective  To determine the effect of oral hydrocortisone on intraocular pressure (IOP) in ocular normotensive dogs.

Animals studied  Seventeen ocular normotensive dogs.

Procedures  Dogs were randomly assigned to treatment (n = 9) and control (n = 8) groups. Dogs in the treatment group received hydrocortisone, 3.3 mg/kg PO every 8 h, and dogs in the control group received gelatin capsule placebo PO every 8 h for 5 weeks. Applanation tonometry was performed on both eyes of all dogs prior to treatment and then once weekly for 5 weeks during hydrocortisone treatment.

Results  No significant effect of treatment was noted for right (P = 0.1013) or left (P = 0.1157) eyes during the treatment period, nor was there significant interaction of treatment by week for the right (P = 0.9456) or left (P = 0.3577) eyes. A significant rise in IOP over the treatment period was noted in both right (P < 0.0001) and left (P = 0.0006) eyes of both groups, but was unrelated to treatment.

Conclusion  Orally administered hydrocortisone does not significantly increase IOP in nonglaucomatous dogs when administered over a 5‐week period.
Pigmented squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva of a horse
Authors: McCowan Christina , Stanley Robin G.
Published: October 2004

A heavily pigmented tumor was removed from the lateral, perilimbal, bulbar conjunctiva of a bay Thoroughbred horse. Excision was incomplete and the base of the tumor was lasered on the assumption that the tumor was a melanoma. No other ophthalmic lesions were seen. Histology showed the mass to be a pigmented squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The prognosis and recommended treatment protocols are different for SCC and melanoma. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of an ocular, pigmented SCC in the veterinary literature.
The Purchaser‐provider Split in Principle and Practice: Experiences from Sweden
Authors: Siverbo Sven
Published: October 2004

In the public sector, market‐inspired organisation, control and accounting, along with business‐like relationships between organisational units, usually goes under the name of New Public Management (NPM). One organisational form associated with NPM is the purchaser‐provider split. The model was first used in Sweden by county councils at the end of the 1980s. It was considered to be an effective and democratic method for managing Swedish health care. Over the past few years, researchers in many countries have begun doubting the model's suitability and whether it has really been used in the way that was intended. However, the model is still popular in the Swedish health care sector. This article presents the effects of the purchaser‐provider split found in Swedish studies. These effects are compared to the anticipated effects when the model was launched, and the effects of the purchaser‐provider split in Britain. The aim of this article is to explore the effects of the purchaser‐provider split in practice.
Governance Structures and Contracting Out Municipal Auditing in Finland and Norway
Authors: Johnsen Åge , Meklin Pentti , Oulasvirta Lasse , Vakkuri Jarmo
Published: October 2004

This study explores the effects of governance structure and contracting out on municipal audit costs. There is economy of scale, asymmetric information and human asset specificity in municipal auditing. As a consequence, both unified governance and market contracting could result in high total audit costs for municipalities. According to Oliver Williamson, relational contracting has been a neglected issue in transaction costs analysis (TCA). We studied 47 municipalities in Finland and 298 municipalities in Norway using multivariate analysis. The municipal audit fees per capita were highest in Norway where the municipal audit market was regulated and had virtually no market contracting. The audit fees per capita increased most in Finland, possibly due to lowballing after the Finnish market was deregulated in 1997. The municipalities in both Finland and Norway predominantly used audit in relational contracting even though the audit fees per capita were relatively high. Relational contracting could be efficient when production, transaction and political costs are taken into account. The findings corroborated several core TCA propositions.
Expression patterns of the rogue Hox genes Hox3/zen and fushi tarazu in the apterygote insect Thermobia domestica
Authors: Hughes Cynthia L. , Liu Paul Z. , Kaufman Thomas C.
Published: October 2004

Summary
Many embryonic patterning genes are remarkably conserved between vertebrates and invertebrates, and the Hox genes are paradigmatic examples of this conservation. Yet even Hox genes can change dramatically in evolution. Two genes in particular—Hox3 and fushi tarazu—lost their ancestral roles as homeotic genes and play very different developmental roles in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The Drosophila Hox3 homologs zerknüllt and bicoid act in extraembryonic tissues and in establishment of the anteroposterior axis, respectively, whereas fushi tarazu acts in segmentation and neurogenesis. It would be valuable to know what mechanisms allowed Hox3 and ftz to abandon their ancestral roles as homeotic genes and take on new roles. To explore the evolutionary transition of these genes, we analyzed their expression in a primitive insect, the firebrat Thermobia domestica. The expression patterns seem to represent a stage of evolution intermediate between the ancestral state seen in basal arthropods and the derived expression patterns in Drosophila. These expression data help us to narrow the period in which the gene transitions took place. Hox3 appears to have evolved directly into zen within the insects, whereas ftz seems to have adopted the expression patterns of a segmentation and neurogenesis gene earlier in the mandibulate arthropods.
Kin or self‐recognition? Colonial fusibility of the bryozoan Celleporella hyalina
Authors: Hughes Roger N. , Manríquez Patricio H. , Morley Simon , Craig Sean F. , Bishop John D. D.
Published: October 2004

Summary
We estimated fusion frequency with respect to coancestry in the bryozoan Celleporella hyalina, whose briefly planktonic sexually produced larvae settle on algal substrata and proceed to form encrusting colonies by iterative budding. Frequency of fusion between paired colonies growing on an artificial substratum was positively correlated with coefficient of relatedness, with allorecognition ability increasing during the early stages of colonial growth after larval settlement. Parents repressed the growth of F1 progeny with which they had fused. The results are concordant with the Feldgarden‐Yund model of selection for self‐recognition, which regards fusion with kin as an inevitable source of error whose cost diminishes with increasing relatedness. Contrary to fusion compatibility, gametic compatibility is negatively correlated with coancestry, indicating a need for further research on the possibility of common or linked genetic control that has opposite effect at somatic and gametic levels.
Conservation and divergence of BMP2/4 genes in the lamprey: expression and phylogenetic analysis suggest a single ancestral vertebrate gene
Authors: McCauley David W. , Bronner‐Fraser Marianne
Published: October 2004

Summary
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) molecules are members of a large family of signaling molecules important in numerous developmental pathways throughout the metazoa. Single members of the BMP2/4 class have been found in invertebrates such as cnidarians, arthropods, nematodes, echinoderms, ascidians, and cephalochordates. In all vertebrates studied, there are at least two copies, BMP2 and BMP4, that play important roles in axial patterning, tissue specification, and organogenesis. The basal vertebrate, lamprey, diverged near the time of vertebrate origins and is useful for understanding the gene duplication events that led to the increased complexity of the vertebrate genome. We characterized the sequence and expression pattern of BMP2/4 class genes in the sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus. We uncovered three genes that we named PmBMP2/4A, PmBMP2/4B, and PmBMP2/4C. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that PmBMP2/4A is closer than PmBMP2/4B or PmBMP2/4C in sequence identity to both BMP2 and BMP4 ofgnathostomes. The developmental expression pattern of PmBMP2/4A also more closely resembles the combined early expression patterns of gnathostome BMP2 and BMP4, whereas PmBMP2/4B and PmBMP2/4C appear to play roles only later in development. Cell labeling showed that the BMP‐expressing cells in the branchial arches of lampreys are of neural crest origin. Taken together, our sequence and expression data support the duplication of BMP2/4 genes in the lamprey from a single ancestral vertebrate BMP2/4 gene.
Polarographic and Voltammetric Determination of Submicromolar Concentrations of Genotoxic 1,5-Dinitronaphthalene
Authors: Shanmugam Kumaran , Barek Jiří , Zima Jiří
Published: October 2004

Polarographic and voltammetric behavior of 1,5-dinitronaphthalene was investigated using tast polarography and differential pulse polarography at a classic dropping mercury electrode and differential pulse voltammetry and adsorptive stripping voltammetry at a hanging mercury drop electrode. Optimum conditions have been found for the determination of tested substance in the concentration range 2-10 μmol l-1 in tast polarography, 0.2-1 μmol l-1 in differential pulse polarography at a classic dropping mercury electrode or differential pulse voltammetry at a hanging mercury drop electrode, and 0.02-0.1 μmol l-1 using adsorptive stripping voltammetry. A possible mechanism of the electrochemical reduction of 1,5-dinitronaphthalene at mercury electrodes is discussed.
On the Structure of Boat-Shaped Hexalead(II) Cations with OH Bridges
Authors: Breza Martin , Biskupič Stanislav
Published: October 2004

Using Hartree-Fock, B3LYP, and MP2 treatments, the optimal boat-shaped geometries and corresponding electronic structures of [Pb6Om(μ3-OH)n]q complex cations with total charges q = 12 - 2m - n, m = 0 or 1, n = 6 or 8, are investigated. Whereas the [Pb6(μ3-OH)6]6+ cation is unstable, the remaining structures preserve C2v symmetry. Direct Pb-Pb interactions are weakly antibonding in all the systems under study. The clusters are held together exclusively by relatively weak Pb-O bonds. The effects of central O and two additional μ3-OH bridges in [Pb6O(μ3-OH)8]2+ are not fully cooperative. [Pb6O(μ3-OH)6]4+ and [Pb6(μ3-OH)8]4+ may coexist in water solutions in comparable concentrations.
Reactivity of Free Radicals Generated from Neurotransmitters Studied by Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Tkáč Alexander , Hanušovská Eva
Published: October 2004

Free phenoxy radicals derived from catecholamine-type neurotransmitters (dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline) σ-coordinated to Co(III) chelates were generated by the reaction of π-coordinatedtert-butylperoxy radicals with the neurotransmitters in non-polar solvent at ambient temperature. The ESR signals of the formed complexes are split into the basic octet line resulting from the interaction of the unpaired electron of the phenoxy radical with the59Co nucleus (I= 7/2). Increasing the polarity of the solution starts the decomplexation and the liberated phenoxy radicals of the neurotransmitters disappear by recombination or by H-abstraction from the added antioxidant. When vitamin E is added to the system, only the ESR signal of the stable α-tocopheroxy radicals is detectable. Similarly, in the presence of the antiarrhytmic drug Stobadine, only the signal of the corresponding nitrogen-centred radical is seen. In the presence of both antioxidants, rapid H-transfer occurs from vitamin E to the Stobadine radicals.
Reactivity of Peroxy Radicals Coordinated to Vitamin B12 Studied by Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Tkáč Alexander , Hanušovská Eva
Published: October 2004

One-electron transfer from chelated Co(II)(3d7) of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamine) to tert-butylhydroperoxide forms at ambient temperature in non-polar solvents peroxy radicals stabilized by π-coordination to Co(III)(3d6) of the oxidized vitamin. In the absence of oxygen, the peroxy radicals manifest themselves as singlet ESR lines at g = 2.0174. After addition of sterically hindered phenols, apart from the decreased original singlet line, a new signal of stable phenoxy radicals, formed by H-abstraction from the phenols, is observed. Phenoxy radicals generated from unhindered phenols remain stabilized by σ-coordination to the cobalt(III) centre, giving rise to an ESR signal split into eight lines due to interaction of the unpaired electron with the magnetic moment of the 59Co nucleus (I = 7/2) of vitamin B12. Large molecules with unhindered OH groups, such as testosterone or cholesterol cannot be coordinated after the primary radical attack and the generated radicals disappear by recombination. By this technique, the sensitivity of biological targets to primary peroxy radical attack as well as the efficiency of different antioxidants (vitamin E, Stobadine) can be tested.
My approach to atypical melanocytic lesions
Authors: Culpepper K S , Granter S R , McKee P H
Published: October 2004

Histological assessment of melanocytic naevi constitutes a substantial proportion of a dermatopathologist’s daily workload. Although they may be excised for cosmetic reasons, most lesions encountered are clinically atypical and are biopsied or excised to exclude melanoma. Although dysplastic naevi are most often encountered, cytological atypia may be a feature of several other melanocytic lesions, including genital type naevi, acral naevi, recurrent naevi, and neonatal or childhood naevi. With greater emphasis being given to cosmetic results, and because of an ever increasing workload, several “quicker and less traumatising” techniques have been introduced in the treatment and diagnosis of atypical naevi including punch, shave, and scoop shave biopsies. A major limitation to all of these alternatives is that often only part of the lesion is available for histological assessment and therefore all too frequently the pathologist’s report includes a recommendation for complete excision so that the residual lesion can be studied. Complete or large excision of all clinically atypical naevi permits histological assessment of the entire lesion, and in most cases spares the patient the need for further surgical intervention.
Serological speciation of human schistosome infections by ELISA with a panel of three antigens
Authors: Turner P , Lalloo K , Bligh J , Armstrong M , Whitty C J M , Doenhoff M J , Chiodini P L
Published: October 2004

Aims:To find out whether serology can reliably speciate human schistosomiasis using a simple enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique.

Methods:Stored sera from 66 patients with microscopically confirmed schistosomiasis were subjected to ELISA using a panel of three antigens, namely: unfractionatedSchistosoma mansonisoluble egg antigen (SEA); CEF6, a cationic fraction of SEA; and crudeS margrebowieiegg antigen, prepared from an animal schistosome closely related toS haematobium.

Results:The optical densities (ODs) obtained using CEF6 as antigen were significantly higher in sera fromS mansoniinfected patients than in sera fromS haematobiuminfected patients (median OD, 0.810v0.595). UsingS margrebowieiegg antigen, the optical densities were significantly higher inS haematobiumsera than inS mansonisera (median OD, 0.794v0.544). There was no significant difference in optical densities betweenS mansoniandS haematobiumsera using SEA (median OD, 0.725v0.737). The ratio of ODs (CEF6 toS margrebowieiegg antigen) was calculated: a ratio of >1 indicatedS mansoniinfection (sensitivity, 88%) and a ratio of <1 indicatedS haematobiuminfection (sensitivity, 84%). The odds ratio forS haematobiumhaving an OD ratio of <1 was 36.8 (95% confidence interval, 7.0 to 194).

Conclusions:The identity of the infecting species of schistosome can be determined using the panel of antigens described. SEA should be used to screen serum samples, and the CEF6 :S margrebowieiegg antigen ELISA optical density ratio can be used where serological speciation is required.
Deficient α smooth muscle actin expression as a cause of intestinal pseudo-obstruction: fact or fiction?
Authors: Gamba E , Carr N J , Bateman A C
Published: October 2004

Aims:To test the hypothesis that deficient α smooth muscle actin (ASMA) expression in intestinal smooth muscle, as assessed by immunohistochemistry, is specifically associated with clinical evidence of intestinal pseudo-obstruction.

Methods:Seventeen archival, formalin fixed, paraffin wax embedded samples of small intestine and 12 samples of large intestine were studied. Two of the small bowel samples and one large bowel sample were from patients with symptoms of intestinal pseudo-obstruction. The controls were longitudinal surgical margins from hemicolectomies performed for carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry was performed using primary antibodies to ASMA, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMHC), and desmin. The relative intensities of immunohistochemical expression in the circular and longitudinal muscle layers of the muscularis propria were assessed in each sample, for all three markers.

Results:All samples showed strong SMMHC and desmin expression in the inner circular and outer longitudinal layers of the muscularis propria. Both small intestinal samples from the cases and 11 of 15 controls showed no or minimal ASMA expression in the inner circular layer, with the remaining four controls also showing ASMA labelling in this layer that was weaker than within the longitudinal muscle. In contrast, intense ASMA expression was seen in both muscle layers within the large intestine in the remaining case, and in the controls.

Conclusions:There is insufficient evidence from this study to support the hypothesis that ASMA deficiency in intestinal smooth muscle, as determined by immunohistochemistry on archival tissues, is specifically associated with intestinal pseudo-obstruction.
Tenascin C expression is upregulated in pancreatic cancer and correlates with differentiation
Authors: Juuti A , Nordling S , Louhimo J , Lundin J , Haglund C
Published: October 2004

Background:Tenascin C is a large, hexameric, extracellular matrix protein that is present during embryonic development but essentially absent in adult tissues. It is involved in remodelling processes, such as wound healing and tumour development. Tissue expression of tenascin C correlates with prognosis in colorectal, cervical, and breast cancer and in carcinoma of the papilla of Vater.

Aim:To study the expression of tenascin C in pancreatic cancer and to compare the staining results with the patients’ clinicopathological data.

Material and methods:Formalin fixed, paraffin wax embedded specimens from 146 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma were stained with an anti-tenascin C monoclonal antibody.

Results:Tenascin C immunoreactivity was seen in most samples of pancreatic carcinoma: staining was weak in 72 (49%), moderate in 52 (36%), strong in 10 (7%), and negative in 12 (8%) samples. Tenascin C expression correlated with age (⩽ 66v> 66 years) and poor differentiation (grades 1–2v3). There was no correlation between tenascin C expression and survival, clinical stage, tumour size, nodal status, distant metastasis, tumour location, or sex.

Conclusion:Tenascin C expression was increased in most pancreatic carcinomas, but contrary to the results in other cancers, it is not a prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer.
Recurrent chromosomal imbalances and structurally abnormal breakpoints within complex karyotypes of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour and malignant triton tumour: a cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic study
Authors: Bridge R S , Bridge J A , Neff J R , Naumann S , Althof P , Bruch L A
Published: October 2004

Background:Cytogenetic studies of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs) and malignant triton tumours (MTTs) are rare.

Aims:To undertake cytogenetic analysis of these tumours.

Methods:Conventional cytogenetic analysis of 21 MPNSTs and MTTs from 17 patients (nine with peripheral neurofibromatosis (NF1)) was carried out using standard culture and harvesting procedures. For a more precise identification of composite structural rearrangements and marker chromosomes, spectral karyotypic analysis (SKY) was applied to a subset of cases. In addition, EGFR gene copy number was assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis in a subset of cases.

Results:Cytogenetic analysis revealed predominantly complex karyotypes. SKY analysis was useful in further defining many structural anomalies. Structural aberrations most frequently involved chromosomal bands or regions 1p31–36, 4q28–35, 7p22, 11q22–23, 19q13, 20q13, and 22q11–13. Overall, loss of chromosomal material was much more common than gain. Loss of chromosomes or chromosomal regions 1p36 (48%), 3p21–pter (52%), 9p23–pter (57%), 10 (48%), 11q23–qter (48%), 16/16q24 (62%), 17(43%), and 22/22q (48%), and gains of 7/7q (29%) and 8/8q (29%) were most prominent. These gains and losses were distributed equally between MPNST and MTT, demonstrating that these entities are similar with respect to recurrent genomic imbalances. Similarly, none of the recurrent chromosomal breakpoints or imbalances was restricted to either NF1 associated or sporadic MPNSTs. FISH analysis was negative for amplification.

Conclusions:These cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic findings expand the knowledge of chromosomal alterations in MPNST and MTT, and point to possible recurring regions of interest.
DEFORMATIONS OF LOOP ALGEBRAS AND CLASSICAL INTEGRABLE SYSTEMS: FINITE-DIMENSIONAL HAMILTONIAN SYSTEMS
Authors: SKRYPNYK T.
Published: October 2004

We construct a family of infinite-dimensional quasigraded Lie algebras, that could be viewed as deformation of the graded loop algebras and admit Kostant–Adler scheme. Using them we obtain new integrable hamiltonian systems admitting Lax-type representations with the spectral parameter.
Skeletal muscle protein mobilization during the progression of lactation
Authors: Clowes Emma J. , Aherne Frank X. , Baracos Vickie E.
Published: October 2004

To investigate changes in muscle metabolism during lactation, serial biopsy of the triceps brachii was conducted in first-parity sows subjected to three degrees of selective protein mobilization through restriction of dietary protein intake (see Clowes EJ, Aherne FX, Foxcroft GR, and Baracos VE. J Anim Sci 81: 753–764, 2003). Muscle biopsies were taken 7 days before parturition and at 12 and 23 days of lactation. The following changes occurred after parturition, were progressive, and were significantly magnified in animals under the greatest degree of dietary protein restriction and hence of protein mobilization. Decreased RNA-to-DNA ratio (capacity for protein synthesis) was observed. The presence of increased expression of several elements of the ubiquitin proteasome proteolytic pathway suggested a robust catabolic response. However, as lactation progressed, and especially under conditions of increased dietary protein restriction, protein mobilization increased, muscle RNA-to-DNA ratio fell further, protease gene expression continued to rise, tissue free glutamine levels rose dramatically, and essential amino acid levels, especially branched-chain amino acids and threonine, fell to below prepartum levels.
Thermodynamic-based computational profiling of cellular regulatory control in hepatocyte metabolism
Authors: Beard Daniel A. , Qian Hong
Published: October 2004

Thermodynamic-based constraints on biochemical fluxes and concentrations are applied in concert with mass balance of fluxes in glycogenesis and glycogenolysis in a model of hepatic cell metabolism. Constraint-based modeling methods that facilitate predictions of reactant concentrations, reaction potentials, and enzyme activities are introduced to identify putative regulatory and control sites in biological networks by computing the minimal control scheme necessary to switch between metabolic modes. Computational predictions of control sites in glycogenic and glycogenolytic operational modes in the hepatocyte network compare favorably with known regulatory mechanisms. The developed hepatic metabolic model is used to computationally analyze the impairment of glucose production in von Gierke's and Hers' diseases, two metabolic diseases impacting glycogen metabolism. The computational methodology introduced here can be generalized to identify downstream targets of agonists, to systematically probe possible drug targets, and to predict the effects of specific inhibitors (or activators) on integrated network function.
Isotope tracer measures of meal fatty acid metabolism: reproducibility and effects of the menstrual cycle
Authors: Uranga Ana Paola , Levine James , Jensen Michael
Published: October 2004

Oxidation and adipose tissue uptake of dietary fat can be measured by adding fatty acid tracers to meals. These studies were conducted to measure between-study variability of these types of experiments and assess whether dietary fatty acids are handled differently in the follicular vs. luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Healthy normal-weight men ( n = 12) and women ( n = 12) participated in these studies, which were block randomized to control for study order, isotope ([3H]triolein vs. [14C]triolein), and menstrual cycle. Energy expenditure (indirect calorimetry), meal fatty acid oxidation, and meal fatty acid uptake into upper body and lower body subcutaneous fat (biopsies) 24 h after the experimental meal were measured. A greater portion of meal fatty acids was stored in upper body subcutaneous adipose tissue (24 ± 2 vs. 16 ± 2%, P < 0.005) and lower body fat (12 ± 1 vs. 7 ± 1%, P < 0.005) in women than in men. Meal fatty acid oxidation (3H2O generation) was greater in men than in women (52 ± 3 vs. 45 ± 2%, P = 0.04). Leg adipose tissue uptake of meal fatty acids was 15 ± 2% in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and 10 ± 1% in the luteal phase ( P = NS). Variance in meal fatty acid uptake was somewhat ( P = NS) greater in women than in men, although menstrual cycle factors did not contribute significantly. We conclude that leg uptake of dietary fat is slightly more variable in women than in men, but that there are no major effects of menstrual cycle on meal fatty acid disposal.
Enhanced rat β-cell proliferation in 60% pancreatectomized islets by increased glucose metabolic flux through pyruvate carboxylase pathway
Authors: Liu Y. Q. , Han J. , Epstein P. N. , Long Y. S.
Published: October 2004

Islet β-cell proliferation is a very important component of β-cell adaptation to insulin resistance and prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, we know little about the mechanisms of β-cell proliferation. We now investigate the relationship between pyruvate carboxylase (PC) pathway activity and islet cell proliferation 5 days after 60% pancreatectomy (Px). Islet cell number, protein, and DNA content, indicators of β-cell proliferation, were increased two- to threefold 5 days after Px. PC and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activities increased only ∼1.3-fold; however, islet pyruvate content and malate release from isolated islet mitochondria were approximately threefold increased in Px islets. The latter is an indicator of pyruvate-malate cycle activity, indicating that most of the increased pyruvate was converted to oxaloacetate (OAA) through the PC pathway. The contents of OAA and malate, intermediates of the pyruvate-malate cycle, were also increased threefold. PDH and citrate content were only slightly increased. Importantly, the changes in cell proliferation parameters, glucose utilization, and oxidation and malate release were partially blocked by in vivo treatment with the PC inhibitor phenylacetic acid. Our results suggest that enhanced PC pathway in Px islets may have an important role in islet cell proliferation.