bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular genetics of radiographically defined de novo glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Tortosa A. , Ino Y. , Odell N. , Swilley S. , Sasaki H. , Louis D. N. , Henson J. W.
Published: March 2003

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) represents the final endpoint of anaplastic progression in astrocytomas. GBM which arise without clinical evidence of a prior low‐grade astrocytoma (LGA) have been designated de novo GBM, and are thought to develop rapidly from initial tumour formation. However, a purely clinical definition of de novo GBM does not exclude a long‐standing, asymptomatic low‐grade tumour. This study therefore sought to determine the genetic features of a unique group of cases in which GBMs were documented to have arisen radiographically in defined period of time (radiographically defined de novo GBM). Clinical and genetic features were examined in a group of 11 patients with a histological diagnosis of high‐grade astrocytoma at first biopsy and radiographically defined de novo GBM. The mean age of the patients at tumour diagnosis was 62 years (range 32–87). Six of 11 tumours arose in the temporal lobes. Eight of 11 tumours had epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression, and EGFR gene amplification was found in five of the six analysed cases. Overexpression of p53 was observed in only one tumour, and a TP53 mutation was present in this case. p16 immunostaining was undetectable in 10 cases, and homozygous deletion of CDKN2A was observed in four of the six studied tumours. pRb expression was lost in four tumours. Mutations in the PTEN gene were detected in two of six cases. The results in this unique group of cases confirms the prior hypothesis that the profile of genetic alterations in de novo GBM is distinct from that of GBM arising from a known LGA, and that these specific genetic pathways promote the rapid development of GBM.
Ceramide binding to African–American hair fibre correlates with resistance to hair breakage
Authors: Bernard B. A. , Franbourg A. , François A. M. , Gautier B. , Hallegot P.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

Repetitive hair‐relaxing treatments often applied to African–American hair weaken the hair structure. Therefore hair breakage is a common feature of African–American hair and an important cause of hair loss. Recently, by analysing the lipids extracted from human hair, a fraction of free‐ceramide was isolated in which sphinganine was predominant. This study shows that this sphinganine‐derived ceramide (i.e. C18‐dhCer) binds to African–American hair and protects it from weakening caused by chemicals. To show this binding, we used two methods: radioactivity detection with a microimagerTM and secondary ion mass spectrometry.

We evaluated the benefits of C18‐dhCer on African–American hair fibre, relaxed by guanidine hydroxide, using a new method called the Break'in Brush Technique (BBT®). This method determines the hair breakage resistance during a brushing. Using this technique, we have shown less breakage when applying a shampoo with ceramide.

The present study opens new prospects for the development of products able to increase the protection, provide better care and meet the needs of African–American hair thanks to the effect of ceramide binding.
Hydroperoxide formation in model collagens and collagen type I
Authors: Madison S. A. , McCallum J. E. B. , Rojas Wahl R. U.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

Protein hydroperoxides represent a relatively new concept in understanding biological oxidation chemistry. Here, we show with post‐column‐chemiluminescence that this sometimes remarkably stable and yet reactive species can be formed in collagen models and collagen type I when submitted to oxidative stress as exemplified by the Fenton reaction. These findings are supported by mass spectrometry and iodometry. Using (Proline‐hydroxyproline‐glycine)10 (POG)10, those hydroperoxides are stable for hours at room temperature and can give rise to free radicals in the presence of ferrous sulphate, as evidenced by EPR spin trapping with DMPO. Possible implications for biological systems are discussed with emphasis on collagen in the extracellular matrix in skin as a major type of connective tissue.
Profiling lipids across Caucasian and Afro‐American hair transverse cuts, using synchrotron infrared microspectrometry
Authors: Kreplak L. , Briki F. , Duvault Y. , Doucet J. , Merigoux C. , Leroy F. , Lévêque J. L. , Miller L. , Carr G. L. , Williams G. P. , Dumas P.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

Synchrotron‐based infrared microscopic measurements have been performed on various hair transverse sections, sampled either from the heads of Caucasian or Afro‐American subjects. Lipid content of various virgin hair transverse sections was established, with an unprecedented resolution. The variations in shape and intensity of the CH2, CH3, amide I and amide II bands, before and after lipid removal by solvent extraction, were profiled, showing clearly that Caucasian hair often contains lipids localized inside the medulla and to a lesser extent inside the cuticle. This statement does not hold for the Afro‐American hair analysed. For this, the FT‐IR spectra do not change within the hair section and are insensitive to solvent extraction. The importance of the origin of hair on its physical and chemical properties has to be taken into account in future investigations.
Regional quantitative analysis of NFT in brains of non‐demented elderly persons: Comparisons with findings in brains of late‐onset Alzheimer’s disease and limbic NFT dementia
Authors: Iseki Eizo , Tsunoda Sadaharu , Suzuki Kyoko , Takayama Noriko , Akatsu Hiroyasu , Yamamoto Takayuki , Kosaka Kenji
Published: March 2003

Brains of non‐demented elderly people were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of senile plaques (SP(+) and SP(–)). The regional number of NFT in each group were then quantitatively investigated and compared with that in the late‐onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) group and the limbic NFT dementia (LNTD) group. NFT were divided into type 1, type 2 and type 3 according to the developmental stage. In addition, polymorphism of the apolipoprotein E (Apo E) gene was analyzed in all groups. The most frequent regions of NFT common to all groups were the transentorhinal cortex, the entorhinal cortex, the subiculum and cornu ammonis (CA)1 of the hippocampus. In the SP(+) group the proportion of type 3 was high in the transentorhinal cortex and entorhinal cortex, while type 1 or 2 were high in the subiculum and CA1, suggesting that NFT formation progresses from the parahippocampal cortex to the hippocampus. In the SP(–) group the proportion of type 3 was higher in the subiculum and CA1 than in the transentorhinal cortex and entorhinal cortex, suggesting that NFT formation is accelerated in the hippocampus. The late‐onset AD group and LNTD group showed the patterns of NFT formation similar to those of the SP(+) group and SP(–) group, respectively. The frequency of the ɛ4 allele of the Apo E gene was significantly higher in the late‐onset AD group and SP(+) group than in the LNTD group and SP(–) group, respectively. From these findings it is suggested that persons in the SP(+) group are likely to remain non‐demented elderly persons or become a developmental matrix of late‐onset AD with a risk factor of the ɛ4 allele, while those in the SP(–) group are likely to remain non‐demented elderly persons or pass into LNTD without a risk factor of the ɛ4 allele.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: experience with 14 cases
Authors: D’Andrea F , Vozza A , Brongo S , Di Girolamo F , Vozza G
Published: March 2003

Dermatofibrosarcoma is a rare, low‐grade malignant skin tumour that can be considered the equivalent of malignant non‐cutaneous soft tissue fibrohistiocytoma. The high rate of recurrence of this tumour is correlated with poor surgical management because lesions, often smaller than 2 cm in diameter, may be confused with dermatofibroma or keloid.

 Our findings confirm the importance of accurate diagnosis of primary lesions and the need for aggressive surgical treatment (excision of 5 cm of surrounding tissue) to lower the incidence of local relapse.
A long leader intron of the Ostub16 rice β‐tubulin gene is required for high‐level gene expression and can autonomously promote transcription both in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Morello Laura , Bardini Mauro , Sala Francesco , Breviario Diego
Published: March 2003

A 2 kb DNA fragment, upstream of the rice β‐tubulin isotype 16 (Ostub16) coding sequence, was isolated using inverse PCR and screening of a tubulin‐enriched λ library. An intron (863 bp) present in the 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR) is spliced out to produce the most abundant mRNA species which corresponds to the previously cloned Ostub16 cDNA. Transient expression assays performed on rice embryogenic calluses with chimeric Ostub16::GUS constructs demonstrated that the entire 2 kb upstream sequence has a strong promoter activity, and that the 863 bp intron is required for high‐level GUS expression. In addition, the intron sequence is capable per se of sustaining a weak but consistent GUS expression. Two rare Ostub16 transcripts, with a start site mapping within this intron sequence, were detected in rice coleoptile cells. The transcription start site mapped at position −290 with respect to the ATG codon, and the shorter molecule originated from splicing of the same precursor mRNA. Therefore transcriptional expression of rice β‐tubulin isotype 16 results in the synthesis of two premRNA molecules (I and II) encoding for three different mRNA species. We discuss these findings in terms of function and molecular evolution of the mechanisms that control plant β‐tubulin gene expression.
Course and outcome of a pregnancy with a giant fetal cervical teratoma diagnosed prenatally
Authors: Axt‐Fliedner R. , Hendrik H.‐J. , Ertan K. , Remberger K. , Schmidt W.
Published: March 2003

We report the course and outcome of a pregnancy involving a giant fetal neck teratoma which was diagnosed at 23 weeks of gestation. Sonographic surveillance of the fetal neck revealed continuing growth of the tumor with development of polyhydramnios. Three‐dimensional ultrasound provided additional detailed information on the external extent of the lesion. Color Doppler ultrasound showed intense arterial and venous flow with low resistance indices. Cesarean section under general anesthesia was planned in close cooperation with the neonatologist, pediatric surgeon and anesthesiologist because the size of the neck mass precluded vaginal delivery. Cesarean section was performed at 34 weeks of gestation following preterm rupture of the membranes. Orotracheal intubation was not successful because of compression of the airway and a tracheostomy could not be performed because of the risk of severe fetal hemorrhage from the tumor. The neonate died from respiratory insufficiency 66 min after birth. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Prenatal diagnosis of a fetus with lumbar myelocystocele
Authors: Kölble N. , Huisman T. A. G. M. , Stallmach T. , Meuli M. , Zen Ruffinen Imahorn F. , Zimmermann R.
Published: March 2003

We present a case of a fetal lumbar myelocystocele, a rare congenital malformation, characterized by herniation of the central canal through a bony spina bifida. Routine ultrasound examination at 11 weeks' gestation by the primary obstetrician showed a suspicious cyst on the fetal back. Initially, the suspected diagnosis was a meningocele. After sonographic detection of newly developed fetal brain anomalies at 22 weeks' gestation the patient was referred to us. The enlarged cyst, which floated freely in the amniotic fluid, had a funnel‐like appearance and was covered by a very thin layer of skin. With the help of ultrafast fetal magnetic resonance imaging the diagnosis of a fetal myelocystocele was made. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Effects of bleeding on uteroplacental, umbilicoplacental and yolk‐sac hemodynamics in early pregnancy
Authors: Mäkikallio K. , Tekay A. , Jouppila P.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To determine the influence of vaginal bleeding with or without a persisting subchorionic hematoma on uteroplacental, umbilicoplacental and yolk‐sac hemodynamics in early pregnancy.

Design

Twenty‐six consecutive patients with vaginal bleeding entered this longitudinal study 1–3 days after the beginning of vaginal bleeding and were re‐examined every 1–2 weeks. In three cases vaginal bleeding occurred at the 5th completed gestational week, in 13 at the 7th week, in nine at the 8th week and in one case at the 10th week. A subchorionic hematoma was identified in one case at the 5th week, in nine cases at the 7th week, in nine cases at the 8th week, and in seven cases at the 10th week. Four pregnancies ended in miscarriage. Blood velocity waveforms of uterine, arcuate, radial, spiral, umbilical, chorionic and yolk‐sac arteries were obtained by transvaginal pulsed Doppler ultrasound and peak systolic velocities, time‐averaged maximum velocities and pulsatility indices were calculated. The results were compared with our earlier observations in normal pregnancy obtained with a similar study protocol.

Results

At the 7th week, radial artery pulsatility‐index values (mean (SD)) were higher in pregnancies with vaginal bleeding (1.84 (0.59); P = 0.04) and in pregnancies with a subchorionic hematoma (1.96 (0.63); P = 0.03) than in normal pregnancies (1.40 (0.46)). The pulsatility‐index values of uterine, arcuate, spiral, umbilical and chorionic arteries did not differ between the groups. Vaginal bleeding with or without a subchorionic hematoma at the 8th week did not affect any of the measured parameters. Persistence of the subchorionic hematoma until the 10th week did not affect uterine, arcuate, radial, spiral, umbilical or chorionic artery hemodynamics. Yolk‐sac hemodynamic parameters did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions

Vaginal bleeding with or without a subchorionic hematoma is associated with increased radial artery impedance at the 7th week of pregnancy. Persistence of the subchorionic hematoma does not affect utero‐ and umbilicoplacental circulation. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Doppler study of arterial and venous intraovarian blood flow in stimulated cycles
Authors: Mercé L. T. , Bau S. , Bajo J. M.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To evaluate arterial and venous intraovarian blood flow in follicle stimulating hormone‐stimulated cycles.

Subjects and methods

This was a prospective study of 76 follicle stimulating hormone‐stimulated cycles carried out in 39 infertile patients who were included in a timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination program in a referral center for assisted reproduction. Transvaginal color and pulsed Doppler measurements of the follicular and luteal phase resistance index, pulsatility index, peak systolic velocity and maximum venous velocity were made and serum progesterone levels during the mid‐luteal phase were recorded. Velocimetric parameters were established and then used to classify ovarian function as having a normal ovulatory cycle, or a cycle in which there was either luteal phase deficiency or a luteinized unruptured follicle.

Results

In 52 normal ovulatory cycles, the luteal phase peak systolic and maximum venous velocities were significantly higher and resistance and pulsatility indices were significantly lower than those found in the follicular phase. In 15 women with luteal phase deficiency we did not find any differences in arterial velocimetric parameters when compared with normal ovulatory cycles. However, luteal phase maximum venous velocities were lower in the luteal phase deficiency cycles and there was a significant correlation between luteal phase maximum venous velocity and serum progesterone levels (r = 0.36). Luteinized unruptured follicle cycles (n = 9) did not show significant changes during the ovarian cycle and no ‘luteal conversion’ of the Doppler signal was identified.

Conclusions

Follicle stimulating hormone‐stimulated cycles in infertile patients can have a high percentage of abnormal functional responses that can be diagnosed only by sonographic assessment, Doppler and the appropriate hormonal follow‐up. Arterial and venous intraovarian blood flow remain unaltered during luteinized unruptured follicle cycles and serum progesterone levels correlated with luteal phase maximum venous velocity, which makes Doppler a potentially useful non‐invasive test to assess ovulation and luteal function. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Vesicocentesis at 10–14 weeks of gestation for treatment of fetal megacystis
Authors: Carroll S. G. M. , Soothill P. W. , Tizard J. , Kyle P. M.
Published: March 2003

This report of four cases shows that fetal vesicocentesis at 10–14 weeks of gestation is a useful treatment option in some cases with megacystis. Although megacystis at this gestation has been reported, there are few studies examining the role of early vesicocentesis. The natural history of the condition and outcome following treatment is reviewed with reference to the literature. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Repeatability of measurement of uterine artery pulsatility index using transvaginal color Doppler
Authors: Papageorghiou A. T. , To M. S. , Yu C. K. H. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To assess the repeatability of measuring the pulsatility index of the uterine arteries using transvaginal color Doppler at 23 weeks of gestation.

Patients and methods

The pulsatility index was measured in 100 women with singleton pregnancies attending for routine transvaginal Doppler examination of the uterine arteries at 23 weeks. To assess the repeatability of different components of variability, six measurements of the uterine artery pulsatility index were made on one of the uterine arteries in each patient.

Results

Six measurements of the pulsatility index were successfully measured in all 100 patients, resulting in a total of 600 measurements. The repeatability was unrelated to the pulsatility index. On 95% of occasions the intraobserver, interobserver and waveform tracing repeatability was less than 0.24, 0.27 and 0.14, respectively.

Conclusions

Measurement of the pulsatility index using transvaginal color Doppler is highly reproducible when the examination is carried out by well‐trained operators. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
First‐trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities by fetal nuchal translucency in a Brazilian population
Authors: Brizot M. L. , Carvalho M. H. B. , Liao A. W. , Reis N. S. V. , Armbruster‐Moraes E. , Zugaib M.
Published: March 2003

Objectives

To examine the detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities using nuchal translucency (NT) thickness in a Brazilian population.

Methods

This was a prospective study of 2996 singleton pregnancies with a live fetus at 10–14 weeks of gestation attending for routine antenatal care in a teaching hospital in Brazil. Fetal crown–rump length (CRL) and NT thickness were measured and the risks for trisomy 21 were calculated by a combination of maternal age and fetal NT with the use of software provided by The Fetal Medicine Foundation. Sensitivity and positive predictive values for different risk cut‐offs were calculated.

Results

Chromosomal defects were diagnosed in 22 cases, including 10 cases of trisomy 21. The estimated risk based on maternal age and fetal NT was 1 in 300 or greater in 222 (7.4%) cases and these included nine of 10 (90.0%) pregnancies with trisomy 21 and nine of 12 (75.0%) pregnancies with other chromosomal defects. The NT was above the 95th centile in 5.8% of cases and this group included 70% of the trisomy 21 cases.

Conclusion

A combination of maternal age and fetal NT provides an effective method of screening for chromosomal defects. The performance of the test in a Brazilian population is similar to that in Britain.Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
The effects of maternal and fetal parameters on the quality of nuchal translucency measurement
Authors: Zohav E. , Dunsky A. , Segal O. , Peled R. , Herman A. , Segal S.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To evaluate the influence of maternal and fetal parameters on the quality of fetal nuchal translucency measurement.

Design

This was a prospective study in 227 consecutive pregnant women undergoing nuchal translucency screening by transabdominal sonography. The same well‐qualified sonographer performed all the scans and in each case the best‐quality image was selected and scored according to an image scoring system (total maximum score, 9). The quality of the image was examined in relation to maternal age, weight, abdominal wall thickness, amniotic sac diameter, posterior uterine wall depth (distance between abdominal wall surface and posterior uterine wall surface), placental location, fetal crown–rump length and nuchal translucency thickness. Correlation coefficients were calculated and stepwise linear regression was used to adjust for confounders and to define the predictors for image score.

Results

The only two parameters that provided a significant independent contribution to the prediction of the image score were posterior uterine wall depth and fetal crown–rump length. Intravariable analysis of these two parameters demonstrated that the cut‐off associated with a significant change in the image quality was 80 mm for posterior uterine wall depth (score difference, 1.06; P < 0.001) and 70 mm for crown–rump length (score difference, 0.77; P = 0.001). In the group of women with two values above these cut‐off points, an average score decrease of 1.90 (P < 0.001) was observed.

Conclusions

The quality of fetal nuchal translucency measurement is poorer when the fetal crown–rump length is > 70 mm and the posterior uterine wall depth is > 80 mm.Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Revisiting sonographic abdominal circumference measurements: a comparison of outer centiles with established nomograms
Authors: Smulian J. C. , Ananth C. V. , Vintzileos A. M. , Guzman E. R.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To construct an institution‐specific nomogram of fetal abdominal circumference measurements and determine whether previously published nomograms correctly categorize our population's outer centiles.

Design

Using cross‐sectional data from a database of sonographic circumference measurements, a nomogram for abdominal circumference measurements was created by modeling the mean and standard deviation separately. The adequacy of the nomogram was confirmed by assessing the normal distribution of data, verifying goodness‐of‐fit, and checking residuals. Outer centiles were compared with those from other published nomograms.

Results

The new nomogram for fetal abdominal circumference measurements from 10 070 fetuses provided sufficient data to derive values for the 5th, 10th, 50th, 90th and 95th centiles based on gestational age. Comparisons with other published nomograms indicated that the false‐negative rates for classifying our population as < 10th centile or > 90th centile ranged from 11.3% to 90.5% and from 0 to 66.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

Institution‐specific nomograms of fetal abdominal circumference measurements are important to avoid incorrect categorization of outer centiles. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Population genetics of the hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus): patterns of genetic diversity at the major histocompatibility complex
Authors: Pfau R. S. , Van Den Bussche R. A. , McBee K.
Published: March 2003

The hispid cotton rat, Sigmodon hispidus, is a common rodent widely distributed across the southern USA and south into South America. To characterize major histocompatibility complex (MHC) diversity in this species and to elucidate large‐scale patterns of genetic partitioning, we examined MHC genetic variability within and among 13 localities, including a disjunct population in Arizona and a population from Costa Rica that may represent an undescribed species. We also tested the hypothesis that populations within the USA are at equilibrium with regard to gene flow and genetic drift, resulting in isolation‐by‐distance. Using single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis we identified 25 alleles from 246 individuals. Gene diversity within populations ranged from 0.000 to 0.908. Analysis of molecular variance (amova) revealed that 83.7% of observed variation was accounted for by within‐population diversity and 16.3% was accounted for by among‐population divergence. The disjunct population in Arizona was fixed for a single allele. The Costa Rican population was quite divergent based on allelic composition and was the only population with unique alleles. Within the main portion of the geographical distribution of S. hispidus in the USA there was considerable divergence among some populations; however, there was no significant pattern of isolation‐by‐distance overall (P = 0.090). Based on the significant divergence of the only sampled population to its east, the Mississippi River appears to represent a substantial barrier to gene flow.
DNA footprints of European hedgehogs, Erinaceus europaeus and E. concolor: Pleistocene refugia, postglacial expansion and colonization routes
Authors: Seddon J. M. , Santucci F. , Reeve N. J. , Hewitt G. M.
Published: March 2003

European hedgehogs, Erinaceus europaeus and E. concolor, are among the many European plant and animal taxa that have been subjected to cyclical restriction to glacial refugia and interglacial expansion. An analysis of 95 mitotypes, comprising partial cytochrome b and control region sequences, shows deep divergence between the two hedgehog species. Three europaeus and two concolor clades are clearly identified and are consistent with previously identified refugia for Europe: the Iberian peninsula, Italy, and the Balkans. The degree of mitochondrial divergence among these clades suggests pre‐Pleistocene separation of the refugial populations. In contrast, analysis of two nuclear introns clearly separates the two concolor clades, as in the mitochondrial data, but cannot discriminate the three europaeus clades. This discrepancy between nuclear and mitochondrial data is attributed to historical differences in the refugial population size of europaeus and concolor. The geographical distribution of mitotypes is analysed using nested clade analysis. This method, by including unobserved (‘missing’) mitotypes, can identify mitotype groupings that remain undetected in conventional analyses. However, the application of nested clade analysis to the study of refugial populations may be hampered by such factors as the loss of haplotypes from the refugial areas by repeated contractions of the population and the recent time scale of colonization relative to mutation rate.
Origin and radiation of Southern Hemisphere coastal dolphins (genus Cephalorhynchus)
Authors: Pichler F. B. , Robineau D. , Goodall R. N. P. , Meÿer M. A. , Olivarría C. , Baker C. S.
Published: March 2003

The genus Cephalorhynchus (Gray 1846) consists of four species of small coastal dolphins distributed in cool temperate waters around the Southern Hemisphere. Each species is sympatric with other members of the subfamily Lissodelphininae but widely separated from other congeners. To describe the origin and radiation of these species, we examined 442 bp of mitochondrial DNA control region sequences of 307 individuals from the genus Cephalorhynchus and compared these to sequences from other members of the subfamily Lissodelphininae. We investigate the hypotheses that Cephalorhynchus is a monophyletic genus or, alternatively, that the four species have arisen separately from pelagic Lissodelphine species and have converged morphologically. Our results support the monophyly of Cephalorhynchus within the Lissodelphininae and a pattern of radiation by colonization. We confirm a pattern of shallow but diagnosable species clades with Heaviside’s dolphin as the basal branch. We further examine the monophyly of maternal haplotypes represented by our large population sample for each species. Based on this phylogeographic pattern, we propose that Cephalorhynchus originated in the waters of South Africa and, following the West Wind Drift, colonized New Zealand and then South America. The Chilean and Commerson’s dolphins then speciated along the two coasts of South America, during the glaciation of Tierra del Fuego. Secondary radiations resulted in genetically isolated populations for both the Kerguelen Island Commerson’s dolphin and the North Island Hector’s dolphin. Our results suggest that coastal, depth‐limited odontocetes are prone to population fragmentation, isolation and occasionally long‐distance movements, perhaps following periods of climatic change.
Genetic diversity across natural populations of three montane plant species from the Western Ghats, India revealed by intersimple sequence repeats
Authors: Deshpande A. U. , Apte G. S. , Bahulikar R. A. , Lagu M. D. , Kulkarni B. G. , Suresh H. S. , Singh N. P. , Rao M. K. V. , Gupta V. S. , Pant A. , Ranjekar P. K.
Published: March 2003

We analysed genetic diversity across the natural populations of three montane plant species in the Western Ghats, India;Symplocos laurina,Gaultheria fragrantissimaandEurya nitidausing intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. These markers revealed genetic diversity within the populations of these plants from Nilgiri and also between two populations ofS. laurinafrom Nilgiri and Amboli. Genetic variation within and between populations was analysed using various parameters such as total heterozygosity (HT), heterozygosity within population (HS), diversity between populations (DST), coefficient of population differentiation (GST), genetic distance (D) and gene flow (Nm). Total heterozygosity (HT) was higher forS. laurina(0.238) than forG. fragrantissima(0.172) andE. nitida(0.182). Two populations ofS. laurina, separated by > 1000 km, showed a high within‐population variation (53.7%) and a low gene flow (Nm = 0.447).upgmaphenograms depicted a tendency of accessions to group according to their geographical locations in all the three plant species. The insight gained into the genetic structure of these plant populations might have implications in developingin situandex situconservation strategies.
Population genetic structure ofTomicus piniperdaL. (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) on different pine species and validation ofT. destruens(Woll.)
Authors: Kerdelhué Carole , Roux‐Morabito Géraldine , Forichon Julien , Chambon Jean‐Michel , Robert Annelaure , Lieutier François
Published: March 2003

Genetic diversity and population structure ofTomicus piniperdawas assessed using mitochondrial sequences on 16 populations sampled on 6 pine species in France. Amplifications of Internal transcribed space 1 (ITS1) were also performed. Our goals were to determine the taxonomic status of the Mediterranean ecotypeT. piniperda destruens, and to test for host plant or geographical isolation effect on population genetic structure. We showed thatT. piniperdaclusters in two mtDNA haplotypic groups. Clade A corresponds to insects sampled in continental France onPinus sylvestris,P. pinasterandP. uncinata, whereas clade B gathers the individuals sampled in Corsica onP. pinasterandP. radiataand in continental France onP. pineaandP. halepensis. Insects belonging to clade A and clade B also consistently differ in the length of ITS1. Individuals belonging to both clades were found once in sympatry onP. pinaster. Genetic distances between clades are similar to those measured between distinct species ofTomicus. We concluded that clade B actually corresponds to thedestruensecotype and forms a good species,T. destruens. Analyses of molecular variance (amova) were conducted separately onT. destruensandT. piniperdato test for an effect of either geographical isolation or host species. Interestingly, the effect of host plant was significant forT. piniperdaonly, while the effect of geographical isolation was not. Pine species therefore seems to act as a significant barrier to gene flow, even if host race formation is not observed. These results still need to be confirmed by nuclear markers.
Piscivory by large eels on young‐of‐the‐year fishes: its potential as a biomanipulation tool
Authors: Dörner H. , Benndorf J.
Published: March 2003

Strong piscivory by eels Anguilla anguilla, which were regularly stocked in the Bautzen Reservoir, Germany, as a biomanipulation tool, was observed, with the number of fishes per stomach containing fish being 2· 2 ± 1·3 (mean ± s.d.). The 0+ year perch Perca fluviatilis was the most frequent prey item (54%), and 0+ year pikeperch Sander lucioperca was the most important prey in terms of biomass (45%).
Accumulation of imidazolone, pentosidine and Nɛ‐(carboxymethyl)lysine in hippocampal CA4 pyramidal neurons of aged human brain
Authors: Jono Tadashi , Kimura Takemi , Takamatsu Junichi , Nagai Ryoji , Miyazaki Kiminori , Yuzuriha Takefumi , Kitamura Toshinori , Horiuchi Seikoh
Published: March 2003

Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated that Nɛ‐(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), one of the major advanced glycation end products (AGE), was accumulated in human pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus in an age‐dependent manner. This suggests a potential link between AGE‐accumulation and the aging process in neurons. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether this notion could be extended to other AGE structures, such as imidazolone and pentosidine. This was done using 19 human brains that were not affected by dementia. The immunohistochemical survey on distribution in brain tissues of imidazolone and pentosidine was carried out with monoclonal antibodies specific for imidazolone and pentosidine. A parallel control experiment was carried out with anti‐CML antibody. The results showed that pentosidine and imidazolone were localized in neurons in different areas of human brain tissue, especially in neurons of CA4 in the hippocampus. The characteristic distribution of pentosidine and imidazolone is very similar to that of CML. Furthermore, when the accumulation of these AGE structures was compared with the age of individual brains it was found that accumulation of imidazolone, pentosidine and CML in the CA4 region increased with age. These findings taken together support the notion that the accumulation of AGE structures in the CA4 region might be closely related to the aging process in neurons.
Longitudinal evaluation of anthracycline cardiotoxicity by signal‐averaged electrocardiography in children with cancer
Authors: FukuMi Daichi , Uchikoba Yohko , Maeda Miho , Ogawa Shunichi
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background
: The aim of the present study was to investigate the detection of anthracycline cardiotoxicity by signal‐averaged electrocardiography (SAE) in children with cancer.

Methods
: There were 29 patients with a cumulative
anthracycline (ATC) dose of 75−600 mg/m2.
None of them had congestive heart failure. Patients underwent SAE
just before (detection of chronic cardiotoxicity) and just after
(detection of acute cardiotoxicity) ATC therapy. Echocardiography
and Holter electrocardi­o­graphy were performed
at the same time. The rates of abnormal SAE, echocardiography, and
electrocardiogram findings were calculated and compared for every
100 mg/m2 of ATC.

Results
: The SAE showed a significantly higher
detection rate for acute cardiotoxicity was at a cumulative ATC
dose of less than 400 mg/m2 when compared
with other methods (P < 0.05).
The lowest dose at which acute cardiotoxicy was detected by SAE
was 117.3 mg/m2. The detection of chronic
cardiotoxicity by SAE was significantly higher at a cumulative ATC
dose of 100−400 mg/m2 when
compared with other methods (P < 0.05),
and the lowest value showing toxicity was 373.3 mg/m2.
The lowest ATC dose causing chronic cardiotoxicity was significantly
lower in patients less than 2‐years‐old (120.0 ± 28.3 mg/m2)
than in the other age groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
: Acute and chronic ATC cardiotoxicity were detected by SAE at lower cumulative doses compared with other methods. The technique of SAE was a potentially useful method for detection of cardiotoxicity among those investigated and it provides useful information on subclinical cardiac dysfunction in patients receiving ATC therapy.
Integrated Assessment of Male Infertility and Decision on Application of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Based on Male Factor Index (MFI) Combining Multiple Semen‐parameters
Authors: Jinno Masao , Sato Manabu , Hoshiai Toshihisa , Sugawara Akihiro , Iwashita Mitsutoshi , Nakamura Yukio
Published: March 2003

Objectives: An integrated assessment of male infertility based on several parameters and the decision on ICSI application.

Methods: Significant sperm parameters were selected and a male factor index(MFI) was devised in retrospective analyses of 271 IVF cycles (study I). The effectiveness of MFI was prospectively examined in 546 IVF cycles (study II). Finally, 54 cycles of ICSI were performed in patients with a 0 MFI (study III).

Results: In study I, Significant correlations(R2 = 0.627) were demonstrated between the rate of fertilization by human IVF and five parameters (sperm concentration, motility, proportion of sperm with strictly normal morphology, hamster test, and the serum concentration of FSH). In study II, significant differences were observed among three groups of patients with 0, 1–2 and 3–5 MFI (20, 95 and 431 cycles, respectively) in the rates of fertilization (26.5, 51.3 and 65.2%, respectively), embryo transfer (30, 78 and 92.6%, respectively), and ongoing pregnancy (0, 18 and 28.3%, respectively). The rate of abortion was significantly higher in patients with a 0 MFI than in ones with an MFI of 1 to 5 (100 and 19%, respectively). In study III, ICSI significantly improved the rates of fertilization, embryo transfer, ongoing pregnancy and abortion (63.0, 98, 26 and 6.7%, respectively) in patients with a 0 MFI.

Conclusion: MFI is useful in predicting IVF outcomes and patients with MFI 0 should be treated by ICSI.
Mucinous adenocarcinoma and strumal carcinoid tumor arising in one mature cystic teratoma of the ovary with synchronous cervical cancer
Authors: Kim Seok Mo , Choi Ho Sun , Byun Ji Soo , Kim Yoon Ha , Kim Kyoung Seon , Rim So Yi , Kim Hyung Rok , Nam Jong Hee , Choi Yoo Duk
Published: March 2003

Malignant transformation of mature cystic teratoma is an uncommon complication. While any of the constituent tissues of a teratoma has the potential to undergo malignant transformation, squamous cell carcinoma is the most commonly associated cancer. We present an unusual case of a postmenopausal woman with synchronous mucinous adenocarcinoma and strumal carcinoid tumor from one of two ovarian mature cystic teratomas (one in each ovary) with synchronous cervical cancer. We suggest that malignant transformation of mature cystic teratoma and synchronous cervical cancer be treated by hysterectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
An initial exploration of community mental health nurses’ attitudes to and experience of sexuality‐related issues in their work with people experiencing mental health problems
Authors: Cort E. M. , Attenborough J. , Watson J. P.
Published: March 2003

Human sexuality is a complex dynamic concept that escapes simple definition. Within nursing there seems to be a preference for broad holistic definitions that emphasize sexuality as an aspect of the unique human character. Whilst the nursing literature mostly portrays sexuality as wholesome and good, it also notes that sexuality can be a vehicle for the expression of power, hostility or hatred. In this study, the authors did not prescribe or limit the definition of ‘sexuality’. Rather the term ‘sexuality’ was used in a broad sense in order to embrace the range of variables within the concept and allow respondents to consider the issues according to their own perspective. Despite broad acceptance of sexuality as a legitimate focus of health care, clinicians remain ambivalent about actively broaching sexual issues and there is a potential for clients’ needs to go unmet. A number of intertwining variables can influence sexuality‐related nursing practice. Nurses’ attitudes are regarded as major barriers that prevent open discussion on the topic. This study aims to explore a sample of community mental health nurses’ views on the topic of sexuality in relation to their work with clients. The authors adapted a sexual ideology scale previously used for the purposes of teaching students and promoting discussion. The questionnaire was distributed to nurse delegates at an annual CPNA conference. Two of the authors were available throughout the conference to discuss the study. Delegates were asked to recruit CMHN colleagues following the conference in order to increase the sample. The data are described and analysed using SPSS for Windows. Respondent characteristics have been cross‐tabulated with item responses and analysed using chi‐square and other statistical tests of association. The respondents (n = 122) confirmed sexuality as a relevant clinical issue and there was an overwhelming affirmation of people with mental health problems as sexual beings. Sixty‐three per cent (n = 77) of respondents anticipated that people with mental health problems who are in relationships might experience sexual problems, and 52.4%(n = 64) agreed that a sexual history should be routinely included in assessment. Seventeen per cent (n = 21) had encountered clients becoming sexually aroused during the administration of a depot injection in the community. The authors identify this as an area of concern that warrants further investigation. The results indicate that although awareness of sexuality issues may be high there may be less agreement as to how such awareness should translate into CMHN practice.
Capacity of murine IL‐12 to inhibit the development of primary melanoma tumors and to prevent lung metastases in the melanoma‐challenged mice
Authors: Shrayer David P. , Bogaars Hendrik , Cole Bernard , Wolf Stanley F. , Wanebo Harold J.
Published: March 2003

Interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) has the capacity to activate cytotoxic lymphocytes, stimulate natural killer cells, induce the production of INF‐γ, and be synergistic with IL‐2. We have evaluated this cytokine in an experimental model for metastatic melanoma that approximates the major clinical stages of metastatic dissemination. To develop primary melanoma tumors, mice were injected subcutaneously with 5×10 5 cells in a volume of 25 μl into the middle of the tail

(11). In a month, mice were started to be treated for 4 weeks with recombinant murine IL‐12 (R mIL‐12) at the following doses: 0, 0.5, 2.5, 5.0, 15.0, and 50 μg/kg. Diameters of the primary melanoma tumors were measured at weekly intervals. At the end of 13 weeks (9 weeks from the start of treatment with R mIL‐12), all surviving mice were sacrificed. Pathological examination of lung metastases (macroscopy) was done with all dead or sacrificed mice. Treatment of mice bearing melanoma at a dose of 300 ng/mouse (15 μg/kg) inhibited development of primary tumors in 40% of mice. The primary tumor diameters were significantly lower in the group treated with 300 ng/mouse (15 μg/kg) in comparison to controls. At the end of the observation period, groups treated with 0.5, 2.5, 15.0, and 50 μg/kg had mean primary tumor diameters smaller than the control group. Evaluation of IL‐12 therapy on primary tumor growth, mean diameters of primary tumors, survival rate, and development of lung metastases showed that the best results were observed using 300 ng/mouse (15 μg/kg) R mIL‐12.
Conditioning of cellular defence responses to powdery mildew in cereal leaves by prior attack
Authors: Lyngkjær M. F. , Carver T. L. W.
Published: March 2003

Field‐grown plants sequentially encounter many different fungal pathogens and nonpathogens that are capable of triggering an array of responses that may affect the subsequent level of disease they develop following later pathogen attack. These changes, which are induced by prior encounters, may be manifest as increased susceptibility or enhanced resistance to later pathogen attack; they may be expressed systemically or their effects may be localized within a few cells distance of the original encounter site. Here, we review our recent investigations of cellular changes effected by sequential inoculations of cereal leaves with the powdery mildew fungus Blumeria graminis DC.

In susceptible barley and oats, a successful B. graminis attack followed by haustorium formation, renders the attacked cell, and to some extent its adjacent cells, highly accessible to later B. graminis attacks. By contrast, a failed attack due to papilla formation by the attacked host cells, renders the attacked cell and its adjacent cells highly inaccessible to later B. graminis attacks. Importantly, barley carrying the mlo5 allele for powdery mildew resistance is also conditioned to accessibility if prior attacks by an mlo‐virulent isolate penetrates successfully. In the partial resistant oat cultivar Maldwyn B. graminis attacks either succeeded, failed due to papilla deposition, or failed because the attacked host cells died in response to the attacks. Sequential inoculation of Maldwyn demonstrated the induction of accessibility and inaccessibility, as well as a complete suppression of cell death response to attack where the cells had survived an earlier attack. Furthermore, when a prior attack induced cell death, a later attack on adjacent cells caused greatly increased rate of cell death, demonstrating potentiation of cell death. The importance of the induced cellular changes for plant resistance in the field is discussed.
Characterization of a gene (sp1) encoding a secreted protein from Leptosphaeria maculans, the blackleg pathogen of Brassica napus
Authors: Wilson Leanne M. , Idnurm Alexander , Howlett Barbara J.
Published: March 2003

A gene (sp1) encoding a 12.3 kDa protein with a predicted secretion signal has been characterized from Leptosphaeria maculans, the dothideomycete that causes blackleg disease of canola (Brassica napus). This protein (SP1) contains four cysteine residues and shows a high sequence similarity to proteins from other ascomycetes. L. maculans sp1 has been placed on genetic and physical maps. This gene is expressed during the infection of B. napus cotyledons 10 days post‐inoculation, coinciding with detection of the constitutively expressed fungal gene, β‐tubulin. L. maculans sp1, along with opsin and glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase, is light regulated. A recombinant SP1 protein expressed in Escherichia coli and a crude protein fraction secreted by L. maculans induced an autofluorescence response on B. napus leaves. The sp1 gene was mutated by targeted gene disruption whereby a hygromycin resistance gene was inserted. Such mutants caused similar‐sized lesions on B. napus cotyledons as those caused by the wild‐type isolate, indicating that sp1 is not crucial for pathogenicity of L. maculans on B. napus. This is the first report of disruption of this gene in any fungus.
Making a business out of information: the medical response*
Authors: KAHN ANN M. C.
Published: March 2003

This paper argues that medical librarians are particularly well placed to respond to the challenges of the ITAP Report and modern technological trends. The need is emphasized for a more positive managerial stance together with a more flexible, entrepreneurial approach to the integration and exploitation of information in its total, political and organizational environment. A proposal is made for more imaginative marketing of the librarian's specialist skills. Possible developments in information resource management, value added systems, integrated information systems, training and education and marketing are outlined.