bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nasal Acinic Cell Carcinoma in a Cat
Authors: Psalla D. , Geigy C. , Konar M. , Marçal V. Café , Oevermann A.
Published: May 2008

This case report describes the clinical, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-related, and pathologic features of a nasal acinic cell carcinoma in a cat. A 16-year-old, castrated male, oriental shorthaired cat, weighing 3.8 kg, was presented with history of sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge persisting several months. Evaluation by MRI revealed an heterogeneous, space-occupying lesion that filled the left nasal cavity and was diagnosed by histopathologic examination as an acinic cell carcinoma arising from a minor salivary gland of the nasal cavity. Acinic cell carcinoma is a rare tumor in veterinary medicine. The tumor is composed mainly of cells resembling serous cells of salivary glands and originates from major or minor salivary glands. Clinicians and pathologists should be aware of the occurrence of acinic cell carcinoma in the sinonasal tract and include the tumor in the differential diagnosis of feline nasal diseases.
A Novel Immunohistochemical Marker of Normal and Neoplastic Melanocytes in Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded Tissues of Albino Rats
Authors: Kurotaki T. , Tomonari Y. , Kanno T. , Wako Y. , Tsuchitani M.
Published: May 2008

In albino rats, spontaneous occurrence of melanocytic tumors is rare, with diagnosis difficult. This study evaluated immunoreactivity for PNL2 in normal and neoplastic melanocytes in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues of albino rats. The samples consisted of 11 (1.57%) amelanotic melanomas in 700 rats (2 studies), 23 non-melanocytic tumors, and a wide variety of normal tissues. In normal albino rats, PNL2 stained the melanocytes in the iris and choroid of the eyeball and the hair bulb and basal cell layers of the epidermis of the whole body. In amelanotic melanoma, the tumor cells consisted of spindle cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm without melanin granules. PNL2 consistently stained cytoplasm in all amelanotic melanoma cells. In contrast, the nonmelanocytic tumor cells were not labeled. Electron microscopically, neoplastic, and normal melanocytes showed numerous cytoplasmic premelanosomes (stage II melanosome). In conclusion, PNL2 is direct against a fixative-and decalcific-resistant melanocyte-associated antigen, and has high specificity against normal and neoplastic melanocytes of albino rats.
Harderian Gland Neoplasms in Captive, Wild-caught Beechey Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi)
Authors: Ranck R. S. , Cullen J. M. , Waggie K. S. , Marion P. L.
Published: May 2008

Harderian gland neoplasms were identified in 18 aged, adult Beechey ground squirrels ( Spermophilus beecheyi) from the records of 167 wild-caught captive animals that were necropsied. All but one animal had tumors that were classified as carcinomas, with infiltrative growth and frequent metastases. This is the first detailed report of Harderian gland neoplasia in wild Sciuridae, although this neoplasm has been described in other rodent species. Clinically, affected ground squirrels typically were inappetent and presented with weight loss and exophthalmos. The biologic behavior of Harderian gland neoplasia is variable among rodent species; in Beechey ground squirrels there was a high incidence of malignant behavior. Eleven of 17 tumor-bearing animals for which the gender was known were male, and 6 were female. Nine of 16 for which data were available were uninfected, and 7 had evidence of current or prior infection with ground squirrel hepatitis virus. Tumor development occurred in older animals; all but 2 were 5.5 years of age or older. The presence of metastasis was not related to gender or chronic ground squirrel hepatitis virus infection.
Amyloidosis in Black-footed Cats (Felis nigripes)
Authors: Terio K. A. , O'Brien T. , Lamberski N. , Famula T. R. , Munson L.
Published: May 2008

A high prevalence of systemic amyloidosis was documented in the black-footed cat ( Felis nigripes) based on a retrospective review of necropsy tissues ( n = 38) submitted as part of ongoing disease surveillance. Some degree of amyloid deposition was present in 33 of 38 (87%) of the examined cats, and amyloidosis was the most common cause of death (26/38, 68%). Amyloid deposition was most severe in the renal medullary interstitium (30/33, 91%) and glomeruli (21/33, 63%). Other common sites included the splenic follicular germinal centers (26/31, 84%), gastric lamina propria (9/23, 39%), and intestinal lamina propria (3/23, 13%). Amyloid in all sites stained with Congo red, and in 13 of 15 (87%) cats, deposits had strong immunoreactivity for canine AA protein by immunohistochemistry. There was no association with concurrent chronic inflammatory conditions ( P = .51), suggesting that amyloidosis was not secondary to inflammation. Adrenal cortical hyperplasia, a morphologic indicator of stress that can predispose to amyloid deposition, was similarly not associated ( P = .09) with amyloidosis. However, adrenals were not available from the majority of cats without amyloidosis; therefore, further analysis of this risk factor is warranted. Heritability estimation suggested that amyloidosis might be familial in this species. Additionally, tissues from a single free-ranging black-footed cat had small amounts of amyloid deposition, suggesting that there could be a predilection for amyloidosis in this species. Research to identify the protein sequence of serum amyloid A (SAA) in the black-footed cat is needed to further investigate the possibility of an amyloidogenic SAA in this species.
Trophoblast-like Cells in the Tissues of Porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum)
Authors: Hamir A. N. , Rupprecht C. E.
Published: May 2008

During development and subsequent field evaluation of an oral vaccinia-rabies glycoprotein (V-RG) recombinant virus vaccine, 53 adult porcupines ( Erethizon dorsatum; 38 females and 15 males) were examined. Microscopic examinations revealed the presence of giant epitheloid cells in various tissues (adrenal glands, spleen, liver, and lungs) of 4 (11%) female animals. These giant cells were approximately 20 times the size of the surrounding cells of the parenchyma. The cells were found singly and were not associated with any inflammatory cellular infiltrate and appeared to be located within vascular lumina. Morphologically these cells were typical of uterine epitheloid trophoblasts. This is the first record of the presence of trophoblast-like cells in nongenital tissues of porcupines.
Neuronal Migration Defect: A Case of Subcortical Heterotopia in a California Sea Lion
Authors: Blankenship B. , Dold C. , Jensen E. , Smith C. , Van Bonn W. , Ridgway S.
Published: May 2008

A 2 and a half-year-old male California sea lion ( Zalophus californianus) presented with a history of intermittent generalized seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large focal mass occupying the right cerebral hemisphere with moderate dilatation of the contralateral lateral ventricle. At necropsy, the right cerebral hemispheric white matter was expanded by numerous irregularly shaped, pale pink nodules up to 10 mm in diameter. The overlying cortex was characterized by increased numbers of small, poorly developed gyri with shallow, often indistinct, sulci (polymicrogyria). Microscopically, nodules were composed of neurons, oligodendroglia, microglia, and supporting neuropil and were well delineated from the surrounding white matter. The gross, histological, and immunohistochemical features of this lesion are consistent with a neuronal migration defect resulting in unilateral subcortical heterotopia.
Characterization of Melamine-containing and Calcium Oxalate Crystals in Three Dogs with Suspected Pet Food-induced Nephrotoxicosis
Authors: Thompson M. E. , Lewin-Smith M. R. , Kalasinsky V. F. , Pizzolato K. M. , Fleetwood M. L. , McElhaney M. R. , Johnson T. O.
Published: May 2008

The histomorphologic characteristics and chemical composition of the crystals associated with suspected pet food-induced nephrotoxicosis in 3 dogs are described. Kidney specimens from 2 dogs, a 3-year-old Parson Russell Terrier and a 3-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, were examined. Both developed acute renal failure after eating canned pet food on the 2007 Menu Foods recall list. The third case was a kidney specimen from a 1-year-old mixed-breed dog from a similar 2004 outbreak of canine renal failure in Taiwan, which occurred after eating a commercial dog food. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE), 72-hour Oil Red O (ORO72h), Alizarin Red S (pH 4.1–4.3), and Von Kossa stains; infrared (IR) spectroscopy; and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDXA) were performed to determine the histomorphologic characteristics and chemical composition of the crystals observed in each case. Histomorphologic findings in each case included acute, marked tubular degeneration and necrosis with many intratubular birefringent crystals, and lymphoplasmacytic interstitial nephritis. In each case, most of the crystals were rough, pale brown, and stained with ORO72h but did not stain with Alizarin Red S (pH 4.1–-4.3) or Von Kossa stains; these features were consistent with a plastic or lipid. IR spectroscopy and SEM/EDXA results were consistent with melamine-containing crystals. A second crystal type identified in each case was smooth and platelike with staining characteristics and IR spectroscopy and SEM/EDXA results consistent with calcium oxalate crystals. Melamine-containing crystals have distinct light microscopic, histochemical, and SEM/ EDXA characteristics that facilitate their identification in tissue.
Diagnostic Exercise Pneumonia in BALB/c Rag2-/- Mice Used in a CD45RB(high) T-Cell Transfer Model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Schoeb T. R.
Published: May 2008

Six 3-month-old BALB/c Rag2-/- mice developed dyspnea 10 days after intravenous injection of wild type BALB/c CD45RB(high) lymphocytes to induce colitis as a model of inflammatory bowel disease. The lungs of all 6 mice were diffusely gray-purple and did not collapse completely. Microscopic findings were extensive coalescent patchy to diffuse alveolitis, characterized by macrophages and multinucleate giant cells, lymphocytes in alveolar lumina and septa, alveolar luminal of neutrophils, and alveolar proteinic material containing small black vesicular bodies characteristic of Pneumocystis sp. in methenamine silver stained sections. The morphologic diagnosis was diffuse granulomatous pneumonia with intra-alveolar organisms consistent with Pneumocystis sp., with an unusually aggressive inflammatory response related to the experimental procedure and possibly to the BALB/c genetic background.
Detection of APC Gene Deletions Using Quantitative Multiplex PCR of Short Fluorescent Fragments
Authors: Castellsagué Ester , González Sara , Nadal Marga , Campos Olga , Guinó Elisabet , Urioste Miguel , Blanco Ignacio , Frebourg Thierry , Capellá Gabriel
Published: May 2008

Background: Approximately 20% of classic familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) cases and 70% to 80% of attenuated FAP (AFAP) cases are negative for the APC/MUTYH point mutation. Quantitative multiplex PCR of short fluorescent fragments (QMPSF), a technique for detecting copy number alterations, has been successfully applied to several cancer syndrome genes. We used QMPSF for the APC gene to screen FAP APC/MUTYH mutation-negative families to improve their diagnostic surveillance.

Methods: We set up and validated APC-gene QMPSF using 23 negative and 1 positive control and examined 45 (13 FAP and 32 AFAP) unrelated members of APC/MUTYH mutation-negative families for copy number alterations. We confirmed the results using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). We used different approaches such as sequencing, quantitative real time-PCR (QRT-PCR), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to further characterize the identified deletions.

Results: APC QMPSF was capable of detecting deletions with an acceptable variability, as shown by mean values (SD) of allele dosage for the deleted control obtained from intra- and interexperimental replicates [0.52 (0.05) and 0.45 (0.10)]. We detected 3 gross deletions in 13 (23%) of the classic FAP cases analyzed (1 complete gene deletion and 2 partial deletions encompassing exons 9 and 10 and exons 11–15, respectively). No rearrangements were detected in the 32 AFAP cases.

Conclusions: QMPSF is able to detect rearrangements of the APC gene. Our findings highlight the importance of using a copy number alteration methodology as a first step in the routine genetic testing of FAP families in the clinical setting.
Refractory sprue – precursor lesion of enteropathy type T-cell lymphoma – A clinicopathological case report
Authors: Bagdi Enikő , Kiss József , Borbényi Zita , Piukovics Klára , Krenács László
Published: May 2008

A refrakter sprue-ra a coeliakiára jellemző morfológiai eltérések mellett a klonális intraepithelialis lymphocyták megjelenése jellemző.
Célkitűzés:
A közleményben szereplő esettel a szerzők a refrakter sprue diagnosztikájára hívják fel a figyelmet.
Módszer:
A bemutatott beteg biopsziás mintáit – a kórszövettani feldolgozás mellett – immunmorfológiai vizsgálatnak és a T-sejtes klonalitás kimutatása érdekében, molekuláris genetikai vizsgálatoknak vetették alá.
Eredmények:
A súlyosan lesoványodott beteg malabsorptiós szindrómájának hátterében álló coeliakiára a duodenalis biopszia vizsgálata derített fényt, míg az intraepithelialis T-lymphocyták részéről már ekkor is észlelt CD8-negativitás a refrakter sprue diagnózisát vetítette előre. Mivel a jejunalis táplálás és a gluténmentes diéta nem vezetett eredményre, azathioprine-t és glükokortikoidot kapott a beteg, ami klinikailag teljes, szövettanilag részleges remissziót eredményezett. Az első klinikai észlelés kezdetétől számított két éven belül manifeszt intestinalis T-sejtes lymphoma alakult ki az addig többször vizsgált ileocaecalis régióban.
Következtetések:
A gluténmentes diétára refrakter sprue és az enteropathia típusú T-sejtes lymphoma folyamatos betegségspektrumot képez. Az eset arra hívja fel a figyelmet, hogy a refrakter sprue viszonylag egyszerű vizsgálattal kideríthető.
Therapeutic modalities of age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Vezendi László
Published: May 2008

Az időskori maculadegeneratio a fejlett országokban mára a vaksági statisztikák vezetőjévé vált. Magyarországon is néhány százezerre becsülhető a betegségben szenvedők száma. A különböző megjelenési formák széles skáláját korábban önálló betegségnek tekintették. Amióta tisztázódott a kór teljes vertikuma, patomechanizmusa, valamint fejlődtek a kezelési módszerek, sok esetben jó kilátások nyílnak a látás megőrzésére, esetleg javítására is. A szerző az elváltozások leírása után részletesen elemzi azokat az eljárásokat, amelyek már bizonyítottan hatásosak, vagy amelyek az elmúlt években kerültek az érdeklődés homlokterébe. A betegség megelőzésénél különösen a dohányzás káros hatására hívja föl a figyelmet. A konzervatív kezelés a korábbi antioxidáns-terápia mellett ma már magában foglalja az úgynevezett metabolikus terápiát is. Széles körben használatosak a különféle lézerkezelések, kisebb számban a radioaktív besugárzás. Ugyancsak korlátozott a hagyományos sebészeti eljárások szerepe, de igen ígéretes a vascularis endothelialis növekedési faktor elleni szerek használata. A szerző utal az egyes eljárások költségeire is.
The role of capsule endoscopy in the diagnosis of small bowel Crohn’s disease
Authors: Pák Péter , Kovács Márta , Pák Gábor
Published: May 2008

A vékonybél betegségeinek diagnosztikájához eddig is számos eszköz állt rendelkezésünkre, de endoszkóppal e bélszakasz jelentős része nem volt vizsgálható. A 2002-es világpremier óta széles körben terjedt el a kapszulás endoszkópia használata, mely egyelőre elsősorban éppen a vékonybél-nyálkahártya direkt vizualizálásában hozott jelentős áttörést. A vizsgálat egyik legfőbb indikációs területe a Crohn-betegség, használata mind a feltételezett, mind a korábban más vizsgálatokkal már igazolt, mind a műtéten átesett betegek esetében komoly diagnosztikus jelentőségű. Klinikai vizsgálatok sora bizonyítja a módszer előnyeit és hasznát a többi vizsgálati metódussal szemben. Bár kezdetben a fiatal életkor még a vizsgálat kontraindikációját jelentette, számos esetben igazolták a módszer biztonságosságát és előnyeit a gyermekkori Crohn-betegség diagnosztikájában is. A kapszulás endoszkópia szövődményei ritkák, és elsősorban a kapszula elakadását és a következményes vékonybélileust jelentik. A szövődmény megelőzhető a másfél nap után lebomló tesztkapszula előzetes lenyelésével és mozgásának követésével.
Tcf3 Functions as a Steady-State Limiter of Transcriptional Programs of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Self-Renewal
Authors: Yi Fei , Pereira Laura , Merrill Bradley James
Published: May 2008

Elucidating the underlying transcriptional control of pluripotent cells is necessary for the development of new methods of inducing and maintaining pluripotent cells in vitro. Three transcription factors, Nanog, Oct4, and Sox2, have been reported to form a feedforward circuit promoting pluripotent cell self-renewal in embryonic stem cells (ESC). Previously, we found that a transcriptional repressor activity of Tcf3, a DNA-binding effector of Wnt signaling, reduced Nanog promoter activity and Nanog levels in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC). The objective of this study was to determine the scope of Tcf3 effects on gene expression and self-renewal beyond the regulation of Nanog levels. We show that Tcf3 acts broadly on a genome-wide scale to reduce the levels of several promoters of self-renewal (Nanog, Tcl1, Tbx3, Esrrb) while not affecting other ESC genes (Oct4, Sox2, Fgf4). Comparing effects of Tcf3 ablation with Oct4 or Nanog knockdown revealed that Tcf3 counteracted effects of both Nanog and Oct4. Interestingly, the effects of Tcf3 were more strongly correlated with Oct4 than with Nanog, despite the normal levels of Oct4 in TCF3−/− mESC. The deranged gene expression allowed TCF3−/− mESC self-renewal even in the absence of leukemia inhibitory factor and delayed differentiation in embryoid bodies. These findings identify Tcf3 as a cell-intrinsic inhibitor of pluripotent cell self-renewal that functions by limiting steady-state levels of self-renewal factors.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Acrylamide does not induce tumorigenesis or major defects in mice in vivo
Authors: Jin Ling , Chico-Galdo Vanessa , Massart Claude , Gervy Christine , De Maertelaere Viviane , Friedman Marvin , Van Sande Jacqueline
Published: May 2008

Chronic administration of acrylamide has been shown to induce thyroid tumors in rat. In vitro acrylamide also causes DNA damage, as demonstrated by the comet assay, in various types of cells including human thyroid cells and lymphocytes, as well as rat thyroid cell lines. In this work, mice were administered acrylamide in their drinking water in doses comparable with those used in rats, i.e., around 3–4 mg/kg per day for mice treated 2, 6, and 8 months. Some of the mice were also treated with thyroxine (T4) to depress the activity of the thyroid. Others were treated with methimazole that inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis and consequently secretion and thus induces TSH secretion and thyroid activation. These moderate treatments were shown to have their known effect on the thyroid (e.g. thyroid hormone and thyrotropin serum levels, thyroid gland morphology…). Besides, T4 induced an important polydipsia and degenerative hypertrophy of adrenal medulla. Acrylamide exerted various discrete effects and at high doses caused peripheral neuropathy, as demonstrated by hind-leg paralysis. However, it did not induce thyroid tumorigenesis. These results show that the thyroid tumorigenic effects of acrylamide are not observed in another rodent species, the mouse, and suggest the necessity of an epidemiological study in human to conclude on a public health policy.
Relationships between soil seed bank, vegetation and soil fertility along an urbanisation gradient
Authors: Pellissier Vincent , Rozé Françoise , Aguejdad Rahim , Quénol Hervé , Clergeau Philippe
Published: May 2008

Questions: How does urbanisation influence soil mineral nitrogen stocks (nitrate and ammonium stocks) and what are the consequences of these modifications on the functional diversity of the herbaceous vegetation (vascular plants) and the seed bank?

Location: Nine study sites were located on an urbanisation gradient in the city of Rennes, France.

Methods: Three urbanisation levels were defined: urban areas (high grey/green ratio), suburban (medium grey/green ratio) and periurban (low grey/green ratio). For each urbanisation level, nitrates and ammonium stocks were quantified; the herbaceous vegetation was surveyed as well as the soil seed bank (using the seedling emergence method).

Results: Nitrate concentration increased with urbanisation (the nitrate level in urban plots was twice the concentration in periurban ones) whereas the ammonium level was higher in periurban areas than in urban areas. In urban plots, the vegetation and the seed bank were more nitrophilous, whereas the nitrogen requirement was lower for periurban species. The relationship between the seed bank and the above‐ground vegetation was not significant.

Conclusions: The higher nitrate concentration in the urban area appeared to be related to higher concentrations of atmospheric pollutants found in this area and lower ammonium levels may be related to the higher temperature in urban areas (leading to higher nitrification rates). The shift in the composition of the seed bank and vegetation appeared to be a consequence of higher nitrate stocks. The dissimilarity between the seed bank and vegetation may be caused by enhanced emergence of nitrophilous species in urban areas.
Importance of soils, topography and geographic distance in structuring central Amazonian tree communities
Authors: Bohlman Stephanie A. , Laurance William F. , Laurance Susan G. , Nascimento Henrique E.M. , Fearnside Philip M. , Andrade Ana
Published: May 2008

Question:

What is the relative contribution of geographic distance, soil and topographic variables in determining the community floristic patterns and individual tree species abundances in the nutrient‐poor soils of central Amazonia?

Location:

Central Amazonia near Manaus, Brazil.

Methods:

Our analysis was based on data for 1105 tree species (≥ 10 cm dbh) within 40 1‐ha plots over a ca. 1000‐km2 area. Slope and 26 soil‐surface parameters were measured for each plot. A main soil‐fertility gradient (encompassing soil texture, cation content, nitrogen and carbon) and five other uncorrelated soil and topographic variables were used as potential predictors of plant‐community composition. Mantel tests and multiple regressions on distance matrices were used to detect relationships at the community level, and ordinary least square (OLS) and conditional autoregressive (CAR) models were used to detect relationships for individual species abundances.

Results:

Floristic similarity declined rapidly with distance over small spatial scales (0–5 km), but remained constant (ca. 44%) over distances of 5 to 30 km, which indicates lower beta diversity than in western Amazonian forests. Distance explained 1/3 to 1/2 more variance in floristics measures than environmental variables. Community composition was most strongly related to the main soil‐fertility gradient and C:N ratio. The main fertility gradient and pH had the greatest impact of species abundances. About 30% of individual tree species were significantly related to one or more soil/topographic parameters.

Conclusions:

Geographic distance and the main fertility gradient are the best predictors of community floristic composition, but other soil variables, particularly C:N ratio, pH, and slope, have strong relationships with a significant portion of the tree community.
Aerobic Alcohol Oxidation by Ruthenium Species Stabilized on Nanocrystalline Magnesium Oxide by Basic Ionic Liquids
Authors: Kantam M. Lakshmi , Pal Ujjwal , Sreedhar B. , Bhargava Suresh , Iwasawa Yasuhiro , Tada Mizuki , Choudary B. M.
Published: May 2008

The selective oxidation of various alcohols into their corresponding aldehydes and ketones was achieved by ruthenium species stabilized on the nanocrystalline magnesium oxide (NAP‐MgO) by the incorporation of choline hydroxide, a basic ionic liquid, in excellent yields. The procedure is simple, efficient and environmentally benign. The catalyst can be used for four cycles with almost consistent activity.
Novel Prolinamide‐Supported Polystyrene as Highly Stereoselective and Recyclable Organocatalyst for the Aldol Reaction
Authors: Gruttadauria Michelangelo , Giacalone Francesco , Marculescu Adriana Mossuto , Noto Renato
Published: May 2008

A new prolinamide derivative anchored to a polystyrene support has been straightforwardly prepared and employed as heterogeneous catalyst in the direct asymmetric aldol reaction with good results in terms of yield and stereoselectivity. The optimal reaction conditions were found when a 1:2 (v/v) water/chloroform mixture was used. This mixture was the best compromise between the good swelling properties of chloroform and the formation of a concentrated organic phase due to the presence of water. Noticeably, the enantioselectivities obtained employing acetone as ketone were, to the best of our knowledge, the highest achieved with a supported proline derivative. This catalyst can be easily recovered, regenerated and recycled, without loss of activity, at least for twelve cycles.
Organocatalytic Asymmetric syn‐Aldol Reactions of Aldehydes with Long‐Chain Aliphatic Ketones on Water and with Dihydroxyacetone in Organic Solvents
Authors: Zhu Ming‐Kui , Xu Xiao‐Ying , Gong Liu‐Zhu
Published: May 2008

An on‐water, asymmetric, and direct syn‐aldol reaction of aliphatic ketones with aromatic aldehydes catalyzed by a primary amino acid‐based organocatalyst afforded the syn‐aldol adducts in high yields with excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities (up to > 20/1 dr, >99% ee), and a highly enantioselective syn‐aldol reaction of dihydroxyacetone with a variety of aldehydes in THF proceeded with 14/1 to >20/1 dr and 92 to >99% ee. Water not only accelerated the reaction, but also enhanced the enantioselectivity. This positive water effect might arise from the hydrogen bond formed between a pendant hydroxy group of surface water molecules at the hydrophobic interface with the amide oxygen of the organocatalyst, which increases the acidity of the amide NH and thereby strengthens the related hydrogen bond formed with the aldehyde.
Practical implications of liver and heart iron load assessment by T2*‐MRI in children and adults with transfusion‐dependent anemias
Authors: Deborah Chirnomas Sarah , Geukes‐Foppen Marnix , Barry Kristen , Braunstein Jennifer , Kalish Leslie A. , Neufeld Ellis J. , Powell Andrew J.
Published: May 2008

This study examined the relationship between hepatic and myocardial iron concentration, assessed by T2*‐MRI in 66 patients (3–82 years) with transfusion‐dependent anemias and thalassemia intermedia, to determine whether hepatic iron levels alone suffice for chelation adjustments. We found a poor correlation between hepatic and myocardial iron (r = 0.10, P = 0.43) and identified a subgroup (14%) with increased myocardial iron without a matched degree of hepatic hemosiderosis. Left ventricular ejection fraction was insensitive for detecting elevated myocardial iron. These findings were present in both adult and pediatric patients. We recommend therapeutic monitoring of iron burden by evaluation of both liver and myocardial iron with T2*‐MRI. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Geographic variation in loud calls of sportive lemurs (Lepilemur ssp.) and their implications for conservation
Authors: Méndez‐Cárdenas Maria , Randrianambinina Blanchard , Rabesandratana Andriatahiana , Rasoloharijaona Solofonirina , Zimmermann Elke
Published: May 2008

Bioacoustical studies in nonhuman primates have shown that loud calls can be reliably used as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for discriminating cryptic taxa, for their monitoring in the field as well as for the reconstruction of their phylogeny. To date, it is unknown, whether loud calls can be used for these purposes in sportive lemurs, for which current genetic studies suggest the existence of at least 24 cryptic species. The aim of this study was to compare the structure of loud calls of populations of sportive lemurs to characterize informative acoustic traits for taxa discrimination and to establish a phylogenetic tree based on acoustic structure. We have based our study on Inter‐River‐Systems (IRSs) as operational taxonomic units. Samples were collected from nine different localities of four IRSs along a transect from northwestern to northern Madagascar. Two call types, the ouah and the high‐pitched call, were present in almost all IRSs. Six temporal and eight spectral parameters were measured in 196 calls of the best quality given by 21 different males. Variation within and between IRSs was assessed by multivariate statistics. Loud calls differed significantly among the different IRSs. The IRSs varied most in spectral parameters, whereas temporal parameters were less variable. Phylogenetic analysis using parsimony yielded 11 out of 17 acoustic characters as phylogenetically informative. The acoustic tree had an average branch support of 78%. Its topology coincided less with geographic distances than with genetic tree topology. Altogether our findings revealed that loud calls separated geographically isolated populations of sportive lemurs specifically. Based on these results, noninvasive tools for diagnosis and monitoring of cryptic species in nature can be developed for conservation management. Am. J. Primatol. 70:828–838, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variation in limb proportions between Jomon foragers and Yayoi agriculturalists from prehistoric Japan
Authors: Temple Daniel H. , Auerbach Benjamin M. , Nakatsukasa Masato , Sciulli Paul W. , Larsen Clark Spencer
Published: May 2008

Variation in limb proportions between prehistoric Jomon and Yayoi people of Japan are explored by this study. Jomon people were the descendents of Pleistocene nomads who migrated to the Japanese Islands around 30,000 yBP. Phenotypic and genotypic evidence indicates that Yayoi people were recent migrants to Japan from continental Northeast Asia who likely interbred with Jomon foragers. Limb proportions of Jomon and Yayoi people were compared using RMA regression and “Quick‐Test” calculations to investigate relative variability between these two groups. Cluster and principal components analyses were performed on size‐standardized limb lengths and used to compare Jomon and Yayoi people with other groups from various climatic zones. Elongated distal relative to proximal limb lengths were observed among Jomon compared to Yayoi people. Jomon limb proportions were similar to human groups from temperate/tropical climates at lower latitudes, while Yayoi limb proportions more closely resemble groups from colder climates at higher latitudes. Limb proportional similarities with groups from warmer environments among Jomon foragers likely reflect morphological changes following Pleistocene colonization of the Japanese Islands. Cold‐derived limb proportions among the Yayoi people likely indicate retention of these traits following comparatively recent migrations to the Japanese Islands. Changes in limb proportions experienced by Jomon foragers and retention of cold‐derived limb proportions among Yayoi people conform to previous findings that report changes in these proportions following long‐standing evolution in a specific environment. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Portal Venous Territories Within the Human Liver: An Anatomical Reappraisal
Authors: Fasel Jean H.D.
Published: May 2008

Subdivision of the human liver into eight portal venous segments (according to Couinaud) is largely established in the anatomical and clinical community. However, this concept is challenged by an increasing number of surgical and radiological reports. We reexamined the intrahepatic portal venous architecture to understand the inconsistencies published. For this purpose, we studied the livers of 20 deceased who had donated their body to the Anatomy Department. The organs were investigated by portal venous injection, subsequent liver corrosion, and analysis of the branching pattern. After a usual bifurcation of the portal vein (order 0 vessel) into a right and left branch (first order vessels), the number of second order branches observed was between 9 and 44, with an average of 20. This seemingly trivial matter of fact suggests that the human liver does not consist of the eight segments presumed, but of many more. Supposedly contradictory observations turn out to be explainable by differing combinations of this large number of territories, and not simply by anatomical variability. For practical surgical purposes, we conclude that the useful eight‐segment scheme needs conceptual reappraisal when a more realistic approach to the individual hepatic territoriality in the patients under consideration is demanded. We submit a “1‐2‐20‐concept” as a possible key. Anat Rec, 291:636–642, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vascular Changes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Zhen Fan , Poon Ronnie T.P.
Published: May 2008

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most vascular solid tumors, in which angiogenesis plays an important role. The status of angiogenesis in HCC correlates with the disease progression and prognosis, and thus provides a potential therapeutic target. This review summarizes the vascular changes and molecular and cellular basis of angiogenesis in HCC. Development of HCC is characterized by arterialization of its blood supply and sinusoidal capillarization. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic factor that plays a critical role in mediating angiogenesis in HCC. The VEGF can function on various types of cells, such as endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells, endothelial progenitor cells and hemangiocytes, to induce vascular changes in HCC. Therefore, blockade of VEGF‐mediated pathways, either by anti‐VEGF neutralizing antibody or tyrosine kinase inhibitors that target VEGF receptors, suppresses carcinogenesis and angiogenesis in HCC. In addition to VEGF, several other angiogenic factors in HCC have recently been identified. These factors can also regulate angiogenic processes through interaction with VEGF or VEGF‐independent pathways. Despite the fact that treatment of HCC remains a tough task due to lack of effective systemic therapy, antiangiogenic therapy has already entered clinical trials in HCC patients and sheds light on a promising novel treatment for this disease. Anat Rec, 291:721–734, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vascular Development and Differentiation During Human Liver Organogenesis
Authors: Collardeau‐Frachon Sophie , Scoazec Jean‐Yves
Published: May 2008

The vascular architecture of the human liver is established at the end of a complex embryological history. The hepatic primordium emerges at the 4th week and is in contact with two major venous systems of the fetal circulation: the vitelline veins and the umbilical veins. The fetal architecture of the afferent venous circulation of the liver is acquired between the 4th and the 6th week. At the end of this process, the portal vein is formed from several distinct segments of the vitelline veins; the portal sinus, deriving from the subhepatic intervitelline anastomosis, connects the umbilical vein, which is the predominant vessel of the fetal liver, to the portal system; the ductus venosus connects the portal sinus to the vena cava inferior. At birth, the umbilical vein and the ductus venosus collapse; the portal vein becomes the only afferent vein of the liver. The efferent venous vessels of the liver derive from the vitelline veins and are formed between the 4th and the 6th week. The hepatic artery forms at the 8th week; intrahepatic arterial branches progressively extend from the central to the peripheral areas of the liver between the 10th and the 15th week. Hepatic sinusoids appear very early, as soon as hepatic cords invade the septum transversum at the 4th week. They then progressively acquire their distinctive structural and functional characters, through a multistage process. Vascular development and differentiation during liver organogenesis is, therefore, a unique process; many of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. Anat Rec, 291:614–627, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Odorant Responsiveness of Squid Olfactory Receptor Neurons
Authors: Mobley Arie Sitthichai , Michel William C. , Lucero Mary T.
Published: May 2008

In the olfactory organ of the squid, Lolliguncula brevis there are five morphological types of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). Previous work to characterize odor sensitivity of squid ORNs was performed on only two of the five types in dissociated primary cell cultures. Here, we sought to establish the odorant responsiveness of all five types. We exposed live squid or intact olfactory organs to excitatory odors plus the activity marker, agmatine (AGB), an arginine derivative that enters cells through nonselective cation channels. An antibody against AGB was used to identify odorant‐activated neurons. We were able to determine the ORN types of AGB‐labeled cells based on their location in the epithelium, morphology and immunolabeling by a set of metabolites: arginine, aspartate, glutamate, glycine, and glutathione. Of 389 neurons identified from metabolite‐labeled tissue, 3% were type 1, 32% type 2, 33% type 3, 15% type 4, and 17% type 5. Each ORN type had different odorant specificity with type 3 cells showing the highest percentages of odorant‐stimulated AGB labeling. Type 1 cells were rare and none of the identified type 1 cells responded to the tested odorants, which included glutamate, alanine and AGB. Glutamate is a behaviorally attractive odorant and elicited AGB labeling in types 2 and 3. Glutamate‐activated AGB labeling was significantly reduced in the presence of the adenylate cyclase inhibitor, SQ22536 (80 μM). These data suggest that the five ORN types differ in their relative abundance and odor responsiveness and that the adenylate cyclase pathway is involved in squid olfactory transduction. Anat Rec, 291:763‐774, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subdigital Setae of Narrow‐Toed Geckos, Including a Eublepharid (Aeluroscalabotes felinus)
Authors: Peattie Anne M.
Published: May 2008

Subdigital adhesive setae have previously been documented in all legged gecko families except the Eublepharidae. I present evidence that members of Aeluroscalabotes felinus, the only arboreal eublepharids, possess subdigital setae up to 9 μm in length. This discovery suggests that the conditions leading to adhesive setae were probably present in the ancestors of all geckos, rather than arising multiple times within Gekkota. The digits and setae of Aeluroscalabotes resemble those of other climbing, bent‐toed geckos. I describe the setal morphology of the following bent‐toed species: Cyrtodactylus peguensis, Gonatodes albogularis, and Pristurus rupestris. The presence of subdigital setae is highly correlated with an arboreal lifestyle across geckos and other lizards such as anoles and skinks. Although relatively simple in form, these setae likely confer additional traction that significantly benefits climbing species. Further developmental and biomechanical studies comparing these species with more agile climbers like the Tokay will improve our understanding of the evolutionary processes leading to adhesive setae, and consequently inform engineers attempting to fabricate effective artificial gecko setae. Anat Rec, 291:869‐875, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Embryology of Extra‐ and Intrahepatic Bile Ducts, the Ductal plate
Authors: Roskams T. , Desmet V.
Published: May 2008

In the human embryo, the first anlage of the bile ducts and the liver is the hepatic diverticulum or liver bud. For up to 8 weeks of gestation, the extrahepatic biliary tree develops through lengthening of the caudal part of the hepatic diverticulum. This structure is patent from the beginning and remains patent and in continuity with the developing liver at all stages. The hepatic duct (ductus hepaticus) develops from the cranial part (pars hepatica) of the hepatic diverticulum. The distal portions of the right and left hepatic ducts develop from the extrahepatic ducts and are clearly defined tubular structures by 12 weeks of gestation. The proximal portions of the main hilar ducts derive from the first intrahepatic ductal plates. The extrahepatic bile ducts and the developing intrahepatic biliary tree maintain luminal continuity from the very start of organogenesis throughout further development, contradicting a previous study in the mouse suggesting that the extrahepatic bile duct system develops independently from the intrahepatic biliary tree and that the systems are initially discontinuous but join up later. The normal development of intrahepatic bile ducts requires finely timed and precisely tuned epithelial–mesenchymal interactions, which proceed from the hilum of the liver toward its periphery along the branches of the developing portal vein. Lack of remodeling of the ductal plate results in the persistence of an excess of embryonic bile duct structures remaining in their primitive ductal plate configuration. This abnormality has been termed the ductal plate malformation. Anat Rec, 291:628–635, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Covalent Attachment of Bacteriorhodopsin Monolayer to Bromo‐terminated Solid Supports: Preparation, Characterization, and Protein Stability
Authors: Jin Yongdong , Girshevitz Olga , Friedman Noga , Ron Izhar , Cahen David , Sheves Mordechai
Published: May 2008

The interfacing of functional proteins with solid supports and the study of related protein‐adsorption behavior are promising and important for potential device applications. In this study, we describe the preparation of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) monolayers on Br‐terminated solid supports through covalent attachment. The bonding, by chemical reaction of the exposed free amine groups of bR with the pendant Br group of the chemically modified solid surface, was confirmed both by negative AFM results obtained when acetylated bR (instead of native bR) was used as a control and by weak bands observed at around 1610 cm−1 in the FTIR spectrum. The coverage of the resultant bR monolayer was significantly increased by changing the pH of the purple‐membrane suspension from 9.2 to 6.8. Although bR, which is an exceptionally stable protein, showed a pronounced loss of its photoactivity in these bR monolayers, it retained full photoactivity after covalent binding to Br‐terminated alkyls in solution. Several characterization methods, including atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact potential difference (CPD) measurements, and UV/Vis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, verified that these bR monolayers behaved significantly different from native bR. Current–voltage (I–V) measurements (and optical absorption spectroscopy) suggest that the retinal chromophore is probably still present in the protein, whereas the UV/Vis spectrum suggests that it lacks the characteristic covalent protonated Schiff base linkage. This finding sheds light on the unique interactions of biomolecules with solid surfaces and may be significant for the design of protein‐containing device structures.
Ruthenium–Olefin Complexes: Effect of Ligand Variation upon Geometry
Authors: Anderson Donde R. , O'Leary Daniel J. , Grubbs Robert H.
Published: May 2008

The development of a model system to study ruthenium–olefin complexes relevant to the mechanism of olefin metathesis has been reported recently. Upon addition of the ligand precursor 1,2‐divinylbenzene to [RuCl2(Py)2(H2IMes)(CHPh)] (H2IMes=1,3‐dimesityl‐4,5‐dihydroimidazol‐2‐ylidene), two ruthenium–olefin adducts are formed. Based on 1H NMR spectroscopy experiments and X‐ray crystallographic analysis, these complexes are assigned as side‐bound isomers in which the olefin and H2IMes ligands are coordinated cis to each other. Herein is reported an investigation of the generality of these observations through variation of the N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand and the ligand precursor.
Incidence of early pseudo‐progression in a cohort of malignant glioma patients treated with chemoirradiation with temozolomide
Authors: Taal Walter , Brandsma Dieta , de Bruin Hein G. , Bromberg Jacoline E. , Swaak‐Kragten Annemarie T. , Sillevis Smitt Peter A. E. , van Es Corine A. , van den Bent Martin J.
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND.

Radiotherapy (RT) plus concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) is now the standard of care for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. The occurrence of pseudo‐progression directly after RT is a recognized phenomenon, but to the authors' knowledge its incidence after combined RT/TMZ is unknown. The occurrence of early pseudo‐progression was retrospectively assessed in a cohort of malignant glioma patients treated with RT/TMZ.

METHODS.

The pre‐RT and post‐RT brain scans from patients treated with RT/TMZ for a malignant glioma were reviewed. Scans were made before the start of RT, 4 weeks after the end of RT, and every 3 months thereafter. In addition, information was collected regarding clinical signs and symptoms, dexamethasone dose, histology, and survival.

RESULTS.

Eighty‐five patients were identified. In 36 patients (42%) the first follow‐up scan 4 weeks after the end of RT indicated disease progression. Of these 36 patients, 18 (50%) were diagnosed with pseudo‐progression. None of the patients received additional treatment other than TMZ. Six of 18 patients with pseudo‐progression and 12 of the 18 patients with real tumor progression developed new clinical signs and symptoms during RT or in the first 4 weeks thereafter.

CONCLUSIONS.

Up to 50% of malignant glioma patients treated with RT/TMZ and progression immediately after RT develop pseudo‐progression. The current study data support the idea to continue TMZ in the case of progressive lesions immediately after RT/TMZ. Surgery should be considered in symptomatic cases. The inclusion of patients with progressive lesions developing directly after chemoradiation in studies regarding recurrent gliomas will lead to an overestimation of the results. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.