bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological effects in the mouse myocardium after methylenedioxymethamphetamine administration combined with loud noise exposure
Authors: Gesi Marco , Lenzi Paola , Soldani Paola , Ferrucci Michela , Giusiani Alberto , Fornai Francesco , Paparelli Antonio
Published: October 2004

Early toxicity occurring during or immediately after 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, or “ecstasy”) administration has not been investigated in detail, although in humans it is responsible for marked side effects, and even death. Acute toxicity induced by MDMA produces rhabdomyolysis involving the myocardium (myocytolysis). Cardiac symptoms, such as tachycardia, hypertension, and arrhythmia, are present to a variable extent in humans abusing ecstasy. In most cases, this substance is abused in the presence of loud noise, which may affect the myocardium. Despite the frequency of the concomitant exposure to ecstasy and loud noise, and the similarities between the early side effects of these two agents, to our knowledge no study has investigated the role of loud noise in modulating MDMA toxicity. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated whether cardiac effects of MDMA administration following a typical “binging” pattern are enhanced by concomitant exposure to loud noise. We selected low doses of MDMA in order to avoid gross morphological alterations, or lesions detectable under light microscopy. The myocardial alterations observed were visible only at the ultrastructural level. We found a dramatic enhancement of alterations in the mouse heart upon MDMA administration during loud noise exposure. Remarkably, this enhancement was evident both as a decrease in the threshold dose of MDMA necessary to alter the myocardial ultrastructure, and as an increase in myocardial alterations produced by a higher dose of MDMA. Anat Rec 267:37–46, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Scanning electron microscopy study of the tongue and lingual papillae of the california sea lion (Zalophus californianus californianus)
Authors: Yoshimura Ken , Shindoh Junji , Kobayashi Kan
Published: October 2004

We observed the three‐dimensional structures on the external surface and the connective tissue cores (CTCs) of the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus californianus), after exfoliation of the epithelium of the lingual papillae (filiform, fungiform, and vallate papillae), using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and conventional light microscopy. Macroscopically, the tongue was V‐shaped and its apex was rounded. At the posterior area of the tongue, five vallate papillae were arranged in a V shape. In the epithelium, numerous taste buds were distributed on the top of the vallate papillae. On the dorsal surface from the apex to the boundary between the anterior and posterior tongue, filiform papillae were densely distributed. The CTCs of the filiform papillae consisted of a main protrusion (primary core) and many small cores (secondary cores). From the apex to the anterior one‐third of the tongue, dome‐like fungiform papillae were densely distributed, whereas fewer were located at the posterior two‐thirds of the tongue. Several taste buds were found in the epithelium on the fungiform papillae. The size of the filiform papillae gradually increased from the apex to the boundary between the anterior and posterior tongue. At the lingual radix, the conical papillae, which were bigger than any filiform papillae, were densely distributed. The morphological characteristics of the tongue of the California sea lion appear to have been transformed to adapt to an aquatic environment; however, they possess some structures similar to those of land mammals. Anat Rec 267:146–153, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Branching, segmentation and the metapterygial axis: pattern versus process in the vertebrate limb
Authors: Cohn M.J. , Lovejoy C.O. , Wolpert L. , Coates M.I.
Published: October 2004

Explanations of the patterns of vertebrate fin and limb evolution are improving as specific hypotheses based on molecular and developmental data are proposed and tested. Comparative analyses of gene expression patterns and functions in developing limbs, and morphological patterns in embryonic, adult and fossil limbs point to digit specification as a key developmental innovation associated with the origin of tetrapods. Digit development during the fin‐to‐limb transition involved sustained proximodistal outgrowth and a new phase of Hox gene expression in the distal fin bud. These patterning changes in the distal limb have been explained by the linked concepts of the metapterygial axis and the digital arch. These have been proposed to account for the generation of limb pattern by sequential branching and segmentation of precartilagenous elements along the proximodistal axis of the limb. While these ideas have been very fruitful, they have become increasingly difficult to reconcile with experimental and comparative studies of fin and limb development. Here we argue that limb development does not involve a branching mechanism, and reassess the concept of a metapterygial axis in limb development and evolution. BioEssays 24:460–465, 2002. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of DNA replication in chromosome condensation
Authors: Pflumm Michelle F.
Published: October 2004

At metaphase, DNA in a human chromosome is estimated to be compacted at least 10,000 fold in length.1,2 However, the higher order mechanisms by which the chromosomes are organized in interphase and subsequently further condensed in mitosis have largely remained elusive. One generally overlooked participant in chromosome condensation is DNA replication. Many early studies of eukaryotic chromosome organization and cell fusions have suggested that DNA replication plays a role in chromosome compaction. Recent phenotypic analysis of Drosophila DNA replication mutants has revitalized this old idea. In this review, the role of DNA replication in chromosome condensation will be examined. BioEssays 24:411–418, 2002. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of molecular confinement on internal enzyme dynamics: Frequency domain fluorometry and molecular dynamics simulation studies
Authors: Bismuto Ettore , Martelli Pier Luigi , De Maio Anna , Mita Damiano Gustavo , Irace Gaetano , Casadio Rita
Published: October 2004

The tryptophanylemission decay of the mesophilic β‐galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae free in buffer and entrapped in agarose gel is investigated as a function of temperature and compared to that of the hyperthermophilic enzyme from Sulfolobus solfataricus. Both enzymes are tetrameric proteins with a large number of tryptophanyl residues, so the fluorescence emission can provide information on the conformational dynamics of the overall protein structure rather than that of the local environment. The tryptophanyl emission decays are best fitted by bimodal Lorentzian distributions. The long‐lived component is ascribed to close, deeply buried tryptophanyl residues with reduced mobility; the short‐lived one arises from tryptophanyl residues located in more flexible external regions of each subunit, some of which are involved in forming the catalytic site. The center of both lifetime distribution components at each temperature increases when going from the free in solution mesophilic enzyme to the gel‐entrapped and hyperthermophilic enzyme, thus indicating that confinement of the mesophilic enzyme in the agarose gel limits the freedom of the polypeptide chain. A more complex dependence is observed for the distribution widths. Computer modeling techniques are used to recognize that the catalytic sites are similar for the mesophilic and hyperthermophilic β‐galactosidases. The effect due to gel entrapment is considered in dynamic simulations by imposing harmonic restraints to solvent‐exposed atoms of the protein with the exclusion of those around the active site. The temperature dependence of the tryptophanyl fluorescence emission decay and the dynamic simulation confirm that more rigid structures, as in the case of the immobilized and/or hyperthermophilic enzyme, require higher temperatures to achieve the requisite conformational dynamics for an effective catalytic action and strongly suggest a link between conformational rigidity and enhanced thermal stability. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy) 67: 85–95, 2002
Aggregation characteristics of ovalbumin in β‐sheet conformation determined by spectroscopy
Authors: Sabaté Raimon , Estelrich Joan
Published: October 2004

Protein misfolding and aggregation are involved in a number of the so‐called “conformational” diseases (e.g., transmissible spongiform encephalopathies and Alzheimer disease). The development of rational strategies to interfere with aggregation is a potential therapeutic approach that requires complete knowledge of the aggregation process. We studied the aggregation of ovalbumin in β‐sheet conformation using mainly the spectral changes in the spectra of two dyes (Congo Red and pinacyanol) caused by the aggregates. We assumed a linear model of polymerization that fit to the experimental data. The critical aggregation constant, concentration of half‐aggregation, nucleation parameter, growth parameter, and number of aggregation and free energy changes (total and per residue) were determined as aggregation‐related parameters. β‐Ovalbumin aggregates in a cooperative way. Moreover, the differences between such parameters obtained with Congo Red and pinacyanol suggest that each dye interacts with the protein in its own way. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy) 67: 113–120, 2002
New cross‐linked and sulfated derivatives of partially deacetylated hyaluronan: Synthesis and preliminary characterization ;
Authors: Crescenzi Vittorio , Francescangeli Andrea , Renier Davide , Bellini Davide
Published: October 2004

Partial chemical deacetylation of hyaluronan (HA) has been carried out using known procedures and carefully controlled experimental conditions in order to minimize chain degradation. The sample described herein (deHA) has a degree of deacetylation of about 17%, which corresponds to what required for its further use, but a molecular weight of about 1/25 with respect to the native, starting material. Chemical gels have been prepared with different degrees of cross‐linking by means of a Ugi multicomponent condensation reaction involving aqueous deHA, formaldehyde, and cyclohexylisocyanide: the gels are mechanically stable and exhibit good water uptake strongly dependent on the extent of cross‐linking, as expected. deHA samples have also been selectively N‐sulfated or O‐sulfated: the former exhibit anticoagulant properties well exceeding those of the latter and not too inferior to heparin. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 64: 86–94, 2002
Contribution of aerial hyphae of Aspergillus oryzae to respiration in a model solid‐state fermentation system
Authors: Rahardjo Yovita S. P. , Weber Frans J. , le Comte E. Paul , Tramper Johannes , Rinzema Arjen
Published: October 2004

Oxygen transfer is for two reasons a major concern in scale‐up and process control in industrial application of aerobic fungal solid‐state fermentation (SSF): 1) heat production is proportional to oxygen uptake and it is well known that heat removal is one of the main problems in scaled‐up fermenters, and 2) oxygen supply to the mycelium on the surface of or inside the substrate particles may be hampered by diffusion limitation. This article gives the first experimental evidence that aerial hyphae are important for fungal respiration in SSF. In cultures of A. oryzae on a wheat‐flour model substrate, aerial hyphae contributed up to 75% of the oxygen uptake rate by the fungus. This is due to the fact that A. oryzae forms very abundant aerial mycelium and diffusion of oxygen in the gas‐filled pores of the aerial hyphae layer is rapid. It means that diffusion limitation in the densely packed mycelium layer that is formed closer to the substrate surface and that has liquid‐filled pores is much less important for A. oryzae than was previously reported for R. oligosporus and C. minitans. It also means that the overall oxygen uptake rate for A. oryzae is much higher than the oxygen uptake rate that can be predicted in the densely packed mycelium layer for R. oligosporus and C. minitans. This would imply that cooling problems become more pronounced. Therefore, it is very important to clarify the physiological role of aerial hyphae in SSF. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 78: 539–544, 2002.
Lipase‐catalyzed acidolysis of menhaden oil with conjugated linoleic acid: Effect of water content
Authors: Torres Carlos F. , Hill Charles G.
Published: October 2004

The effect of the water content on the lipase‐catalyzed (Candida rugosa) interesterification (acidolysis) of menhaden oil with conjugated linoleic acid was studied for amounts of added water ranging from 0–4% (w/w). The rate of the acidolysis reaction increased with increasing water content, but the corresponding percentage of n‐3 fatty acids liberated also increased. The implications of water content for minimization of the release of n‐3 fatty acid residues while maximizing incorporation of CLA are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 78: 509–516, 2002.
Arylsulfotransferase from Clostridium innocuum—A new enzyme catalyst for sulfation of phenol‐containing compounds
Authors: Mozhaev Vadim V. , Khmelnitsky Yuri L. , Sanchez‐Riera Fernando , Maurina‐Brunker Julie , Rosson Reinhardt A. , Grund Alan D.
Published: October 2004

Arylsulfotransferase (AST, EC 2.8.2.22), an enzyme capable of sulfating a wide range of phenol‐containing compounds was purified from a Clostridium innocuum isolate (strain 554). The enzyme has a molecular weight of 320 kDa and is composed of four subunits. Unlike many mammalian and plant arylsulfotransferases, AST from Clostridium utilizes arylsulfates, including p‐nitrophenyl sulfate, as sulfate donors, and is not reactive with 3‐phosphoadenosine‐5′‐phosphosulfate (PAPS). The enzyme possesses broad substrate specificity and is active with a variety of phenols, quinones and flavonoids, but does not utilize primary and secondary alcohols and sugars as substrates. Arylsulfotransferase tolerates the presence of 10 vol% of polar cosolvents (dimethyl formamide, acetonitrile, methanol), but loses significant activity at higher solvent concentrations of 30–40 vol%. The enzyme retains high arylsulfotransferase activity in biphasic systems composed of water and nonpolar solvents, such as cyclohexane, toluene and chloroform, while in biphasic systems with more polar solvents (ethyl acetate, 2‐pentanone, methyl tert‐butyl ether, and butyl acetate) the enzyme activity is completely lost. High yields of AST‐catalyzed sulfation were achieved in reactions with several phenols and tyrosine‐containing peptides. Overall, AST studied in this work is a promising biocatalyst in organic synthesis to afford efficient sulfation of phenolic compounds under mild reaction conditions. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 78: 567–575, 2002.
Glass micromodel study of bacterial dispersion in spatially periodic porous networks
Authors: Lanning Larry M. , Ford Roseanne M.
Published: October 2004

Successful implementation of bioremediation clean‐up strategies depends on accurate predictions of the transport of bacteria within the subsurface. In this study, etched flat‐plate glass micromodels were used to examine bacterial transport in a homogenous network. These networks were created by acid‐etching interconnected channels into a glass plate and then fusing it to an unetched plate forming semi‐cylindrical pores. The transparent nature of the micromodel allows for both qualitative observations of the bacteria within the pores and quantitative measurements of their concentration. The micromodels are designed to allow establishment of a well‐characterized step change in bacterial concentration (Escherichia coli NR50) within the network. During the experiments, bacteria are dispersed through the network by flow. Light scattering is used to detect the change in turbidity within the pores as the bacteria travel through the network. The change in turbidity is used to construct breakthrough curves and spatial concentration profiles of bacteria within the network. The breakthrough curves are fit to the one‐dimensional advection/dispersion equation to determine dispersion coefficients at different interstitial fluid velocities. From the breakthrough curves, dispersion coefficients were reproducible for replicate experiments over a range of velocities in the advection‐dominated regime. The dispersivity values for two network designs resembling an interconnecting capillary network and a spatially periodic network of cylinders were 0.28 and 0.33 cm respectively, which are slightly greater than the literature values found for other pore networks. Experiments were also conducted within the diffusion‐dominated regime to examine the effects of bacterial motility on dispersion. The accumulation of bacteria on the pore walls became significant at the low flow rates and extended experimental times thereby rendering the use of light scattering to determine concentrations ineffective. Bacterial chemotaxis, created by a self‐imposed oxygen gradient, was also observed in the micromodel under stagnant fluid conditions. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 78: 556–566, 2002.
Quantitative analysis of experiments on bacterial chemotaxis to naphthalene
Authors: Pedit Joseph A. , Marx Randall B. , Miller Cass T. , Aitken Michael D.
Published: October 2004

A mathematical model was developed to quantify chemotaxis to naphthalene by Pseudomonas putida G7 (PpG7) and its influence on naphthalene degradation. The model was first used to estimate the three transport parameters (coefficients for naphthalene diffusion, random motility, and chemotactic sensitivity) by fitting it to experimental data on naphthalene removal from a discrete source in an aqueous system. The best‐fit value of naphthalene diffusivity was close to the value estimated from molecular properties with the Wilke‐Chang equation. Simulations applied to a non‐chemotactic mutant strain only fit the experimental data well if random motility was negligible, suggesting that motility may be lost rapidly in the absence of substrate or that gravity may influence net random motion in a vertically oriented experimental system. For the chemotactic wild‐type strain, random motility and gravity were predicted to have a negligible impact on naphthalene removal relative to the impact of chemotaxis. Based on simulations using the best‐fit value of the chemotactic sensitivity coefficient, initial cell concentrations for a non‐chemotactic strain would have to be several orders of magnitude higher than for a chemotactic strain to achieve similar rates of naphthalene removal under the experimental conditions we evaluated. The model was also applied to an experimental system representing an adaptation of the conventional capillary assay to evaluate chemotaxis in porous media. Our analysis suggests that it may be possible to quantify chemotaxis in porous media systems by simply adjusting the model's transport parameters to account for tortuosity, as has been suggested by others. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 78: 626–634, 2002.
Kinetic analysis of high‐concentration isopropanol biodegradation by a solvent‐tolerant mixed microbial culture
Authors: Bustard Mark T. , Meeyoo Vissanu , Wright Phillip C.
Published: October 2004

The ability of a previously enriched microbial population to utilize isopropanol (IPA) as the sole carbon source within a minimal salts medium is studied. The advantage of prior enrichment procedures for the improvement of IPA biodegradation performance is demonstrated for an IPA concentration of up to 24 g L−1. Results showing the interrelationship between temperature and substrate utilization and inhibition levels at temperatures of between 2°C and 45°C are examined. Models of inhibition based on enzyme kinetics are assessed via nonlinear analysis, in order to accurately represent the growth kinetics of this solvent‐tolerant mixed culture. The model that best describes the data is the Levenspiel substrate inhibition model, which can predict the maximum substrate level above which growth is completely limited. This is the first report of IPA treatment of up to 24 g L−1 by an aerobic solvent‐tolerant population. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 78: 708–713, 2002.
Simultaneous production of polyhydroxyalkanoates and rhamnolipids by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Hori Katsutoshi , Marsudi Sidik , Unno Hajime
Published: October 2004

The feasibility of the simultaneous production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and rhamnolipids, as a novel approach to reduce their production costs, was demonstrated by the cultivation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa IFO3924. Fairly large amounts of PHAs and rhamnolipids were obtained from the bacterial cells and the culture supernatant, respectively. Decanoate was a more suitable carbon source than ethanol and glucose for the simultaneous production, although glucose was suitable for cell growth without an induction period under pH control. The kind of carbon source affected PHA monomer composition markedly and PHA molecular weight slightly. Monorhamnolipids and dirhamnolipids were included in the rhamnolipids extracted from the culture supernatant using decanoate, glucose, or ethanol as the carbon source. Both PHAs and rhamnolipids were synthesized after the growth phase. PHA content in the cell reached a maximum when the carbon source was exhausted. After exhaustion of the carbon source, PHA content decreased rapidly, but rhamnolipid synthesis, which followed PHA synthesis, continued. This resulted in a time lag for the attainment of maximum levels of PHAs and rhamnolipids. The reusability of the cells used in rhamnolipid production was evaluated in the repeated batch culture of P. aeruginosa IFO3924 for the simultaneous production of PHAs and rhamnolipids. High concentrations of rhamnolipids in the culture supernatant were attained at the end of both the first and second batch cultures. High PHA content was achieved in the resting cells that were finally harvested after the second batch. Simultaneous production of PHAs and rhamnolipids will enhance the availability of valuable biocatalysts of bacterial cells, and dispel the common belief that the production cost of PHAs accumulated intracellularly is almost impossible to become lower than that of cells themselves. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 78: 699–707, 2002.
Purification, characterization, thermal, and high‐pressure inactivation of pectin methylesterase from bananas (cv Cavendish)
Authors: Ly Nguyen B. , Van Loey A. , Fachin D. , Verlent I. , Hendrickx I. M.
Published: October 2004

Pectin methylesterase (PME) was extracted from bananas (cv Cavendish) and purified by affinity chromatography on a CNBr–Sepharose–PME inhibitor (PMEI) column. A single protein and PME activity peak was obtained. For banana PME, a biochemical characterization in terms of molar mass (MM), pI, and kinetic parameters was performed. In a second step, the thermal and high‐pressure stability of the enzyme was studied. Isothermal inactivation of purified banana PME could be described by a first‐order kinetic model in a temperature range of 65° to 72.5°C, whereas its isobaric–isothermal inactivation followed a fractional‐conversion model. Banana PME was found to be more thermally stable compared with PMEs extracted from orange, tomato, and apple. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 78: 683–691, 2002.
Control of starvation‐induced apoptosis in Chinese hamster ovary cell cultures
Authors: Simon Laurent , Karim M. Nazmul
Published: October 2004

The application of the unscented Kalman filter to control starvation‐induced programmed cell death—apoptosis—in Chinese hamster ovary cells was investigated. Neural network‐based sensitivity analysis identified glutamine and asparagine as two major amino acids that play a key role in the suppression of apoptosis. Dynamic equations that accounted for the dependence of apoptotic cells on the concentrations of viable cells, glutamine, and asparagine were derived. These state equations were highly nonlinear and included nine state variables. An oxygen mass balance was written in the liquid phase. It served as the output equation for the unscented Kalman filter. Using the oxygen uptake rate as the observer, it was possible to estimate the states. A model predictive controller was then implemented once the apoptotic cells in the bioreactor approached a concentration of 1.5×104 cells/mL, taking into account the operating range of the flow cytometer and measurement error. The manipulated variables were the flow rates of glucose, glutamine, and asparagine. Simulation results showed that the controller was able to keep the apoptotic cells at a concentration of 1.5×104 cells/mL. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 78: 645–657, 2002.
Applying circular posterior‐hinged craniotomy to malignant cerebral edemas
Authors: Traxler H. , Ender H.G. , Weber G. , Surd R. , Redl H. , Firbas W.
Published: October 2004

Malignant brain edemas are often fatal, regardless of whether they are treated conservatively with sedation, blood pressure management, mannitol‐therapy, hyperventilation and hypothermia, or non‐conservatively with routine trepanation. Unfortunately, temporal trepanation may result in significant brain damage through herniation of the cerebrum at the edges of the trepanation openings. In one case of a 26‐year‐old male with severe head injury, a circular posterior‐hinged craniotomy (CPHC) was performed after an ineffective unitemporal trepanation for evacuation of an acute subdural hematoma. This ultimately successful operation prompted experimental and morphologic investigations on a new surgical procedure for lowering intracranial pressure (ICP). In 12 of 15 human cadavers, an experimentally ICP was lowered by a CPHC with between 9–21 mm of frontal elevation of the calvaria. Using computer simulation, the frontal elevations of the calvaria were “virtually” performed on 3D reconstructions from CT scans of skulls, and the intracranial volume gained was measured with a computer software program. The volume increase of the cranial cavity showed a relatively constant relation to the cranial capacity and was increased by 6.0% (±0.4%) or 78 cm3 with a 10 mm elevation and by 12.4% (±0.7%) or 160 cm3 with a 20 mm elevation. There were no significant differences with skulls of different ages or ethnic origin; however, a significant effect of gender (F = 7.074; P ≤ 0.013) on the gained volume in percent of the cranial capacity for the 20 mm elevation was observed. This difference can be explained by the inverse relationship between volume increase and cranial capacity (r = −0.507; P ≤ 0.004). Clin. Anat. Month:173–181, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lumbar intrathecal ligaments
Authors: Kershner David E. , Binhammer Robert T.
Published: October 2004

A meticulous examination was performed on 56 vertebral columns from cadavers between 64 and 89 years of age. Identification of all contents within the dural sac was completed; however, the main focus was the cauda equina and lumbar region. In addition to scope dissection, radiographs and histological preparations were used to identify structures, tissue types, and any possible pathology. Discrete intrathecal ligamentous bands were observed in all cadavers examined. They were found randomly binding the dorsal nerve roots of the cauda equina to the dura. Occasional binding of the ventral nerve roots to the dorsal roots was observed. Histological examination demonstrated a dense collagen ligament varying between 0.13 and 0.35 μm in thickness and from 3 mm to 3.5 cm in length. The average number of ligaments found per cadaver was 18. These ligaments displayed a broad base attachment to the nerve root or dura of approximately 3 mm. Looping of the nerve roots associated with these ligaments was seen in one cadaver with a burst fracture. Electron microscopic studies of these ligaments demonstrated similarities to denticulate ligaments. It is suggested that the intrathecal ligaments represent remnants from fetal development of the denticulate ligaments. Clin. Anat. 15:82–87, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Median (third) occipital condyle
Authors: Rao P.V.V. Prasada
Published: October 2004

Abnormalities of the craniovertebral junction, most of which are associated with the occipital bone, are of interest not only to anatomists but also to clinicians because many of these deformities produce clinical symptoms. The occipital bone in humans is formed by the fusion of the sclerotomes corresponding to the roots of the hypoglossal nerve. In lower vertebrates, the cranial half of the first cervical sclerotome forms a separate bone between the atlas and occipital bone, the proatlas; in man it may contribute to anomalous structures around the foramen magnum. One such structure, a median occipital condyle, which exhibited an articular facet for the odontoid process, was observed in an adult male skull at the anterior margin of the foramen magnum. This anomaly is discussed in light of available literature. Clin. Anat. 15:148–151, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Traditions and peculiarities of clinical anatomy education in Russia
Authors: Kagan Ilia I.
Published: October 2004

The Russian experience in clinical anatomy education is described in this article. Such training is provided by the Department of Operative Surgery and Topographical Anatomy both during the pregraduate (undergraduate) period for medical students and in the postgraduate period for interns, residents, physicians, and surgeons of different specialties. The teaching of clinical anatomy in the pregraduate period occurs in combination with the study of operative surgery and follows the study of gross anatomy in the Department of Human Anatomy and microscopic anatomy in the Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology. Clin. Anat. 15:152–156, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Teaching gross anatomy using living tissue
Authors: Hubbell D.S. , Dwornik J.J. , Alway S.E. , Eliason R. , Norenberg R.E.
Published: October 2004

Embalmed cadaver tissues and organs that are dissected in gross anatomy laboratories lack many characteristics of fresh or living tissues. The purpose of this study was to assess the educational value of allowing first‐year medical students to experience first‐hand the color, texture, delicacy and other qualities of living porcine tissues and organs that are similar to those of human tissues. Guided by a laboratory protocol, medical students palpated and inspected organs of the opened thorax, abdomen and pelvis of anesthetized pigs on pulmonary ventilators. The learning experience was rated highly by the students as well as by the participating faculty. A further review of the medical students' later experiences at autopsies and in surgical clerkships showed that the living‐tissue experience in their gross anatomy course represented a large part of their medical school exposure to unembalmed tissues. Clin. Anat. 15:157–159, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous intervention of a bifurcating saphenous vein graft with simultaneous dual‐limb filter wire protection
Authors: Lanzieri Mark
Published: October 2004

Distal embolization during saphenous vein graft angioplasty may result in myocardial infarction. The use of dual nonocclusive filter wire during angioplasty in a bifurcating saphenous vein graft is described. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;63:307–309. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two‐year clinical follow‐up results of intracoronary radiation therapy with rhenium‐188‐diethylene triamine penta‐acetic acid‐filled balloon
Authors: Cho Young‐Seok , Kim Myung‐A , Hwang Kyung‐Kuk , Koo Bon‐Kwon , Oh Seil , Chae In‐Ho , Kim Hyo‐Soo , Lee Dong‐Soo , Oh Byung‐Hee , Lee Myoung‐Mook , Park Young‐Bae , Choi Yun‐Shik
Published: October 2004

We investigated the 2‐year clinical follow‐up results as well as 6‐month angiographic and clinical follow‐up results of intracoronary radiation therapy using a rhenium‐188‐diethylene triamine penta‐acetic acid (188Re‐DTPA)‐filled balloon system. The study comprised of 161 patients with significant de novo (83%) or in‐stent restenosis (17%) lesions. Irradiation to deliver 17.6 Gy at a depth of 1.0 mm into the vessel wall was carried out after successful intervention. At 6‐month follow‐up, binary restenosis developed with significantly lower frequency in the radiation group than in the control group (24.3% vs. 46.3%; P = 0.009), although target lesion revascularization rate did not show significant benefit. At 2‐year follow‐up, cumulative target lesion revascularization rate was not significantly different between radiation group (n = 86) and control group (n = 75; 20.0% vs. 26.0%; P = 0.368). The rate of major adverse cardiac events including death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization did not show significant difference between two groups either (22.3% vs. 30.1%; P = 0.266). In conclusion, although significant reduction in restenosis rate was noted at 6‐month angiographic follow‐up, intracoronary radiation therapy mostly in patients with de novo lesion did not show significant clinical benefit in 6‐month and 2‐year follow‐up results. The benefit was noted only in a small subgroup of patients with in‐stent restenosis. Cathet Cardiovasc Interv 2004;63:274–281. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vascular access site complications with the use of closure devices in patients treated with platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors during rescue angioplasty
Authors: Boccalandro Fernando , Assali Abid , Fujise Kenichi , Smalling Richard W. , Sdringola Stefano
Published: October 2004

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two different closure devices in patients undergoing rescue percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using IIb/IIIa inhibitors and to compare it with patients undergoing elective PCI. One hundred sixty‐two patients undergoing rescue PCI treated with IIb/IIIa inhibitors underwent vascular access site closure (6 Fr Perclose, n = 92, or 6 Fr Angioseal, n = 70). Vascular complications were compared with a sex‐ and age‐matched group (n = 100) of patients undergoing manual compression after sheath removal and a similar group of patients undergoing elective PCI (n = 196). The incidence of access site complications was not significantly different between the three groups undergoing rescue PCI and was not higher than in patient receiving GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors without fibrinolysis (RR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.88–1.01). In patients undergoing rescue PCI and receiving IIb/IIIa inhibitors, closure devices allow early sheath removal and are associated with similar outcomes compared with manual compression and elective PCI regardless of the type of closure device used. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;63:284–289. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pseudoperforation during kissing balloon angioplasty
Authors: Panetta Carmelo J. , Fasseas Panayotis , Raveendran Ganesh , Garratt Kirk N.
Published: October 2004

We describe a case of apparent perforation during kissing balloon angioplasty of a bifurcation lesion. There was no evidence of perforation on follow‐up angiography or via intravascular ultrasound. Possible etiologies include minimal perforation that immediately sealed postdeflation or forced contrast into the microvascular bed via a proximal side branch. Cathet Cardiovasc Interv 2004;63:290–293. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of gadobutrol in coronary angiography
Authors: Voss Reinhard , Grebe Mathias , Heidt Martin , Erdogan Ali
Published: October 2004

Gadobutrol was used in coronary angiography in three patients. All three patients had a substantially increased risk of developing renal complications with iodinated contrast agents. Gadobutrol was well tolerated in all three patients without any complications. The quality of the coronary angiograms was good. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;63:319–322. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sirolimus‐eluting stents for the prevention of restenosis in a worst‐case scenario of diffuse and recurrent in‐stent restenosis
Authors: Werner Gerald S. , Emig Ulf , Krack Andreas , Schwarz Gero , Figulla Hans R.
Published: October 2004

For recurrent in‐stent restenosis (ISR), surgical revascularization or brachytherapy is still the principal therapeutic options. The present investigation explores the efficacy of a sirolimus‐eluting stent to prevent restenosis in these lesions with a high risk of recurrence. In 22 consecutive patients with a recurrent and diffuse ISR, a sirolimus‐eluting stent was implanted to cover the restenotic lesion. All patients were followed clinically for at least 1 year and underwent a repeat angiography after 7 months. A quantitative coronary angiographic analysis was done. The target vessel failure was 14% in the sirolimus‐eluting stent group, with an angiographic late loss of only 0.39 ± 0.54. No subacute stent thrombosis was observed, and the 1‐year event‐free survival was 86%. The three cases with restenosis were all focal and could be successfully treated by additional drug‐eluting stent implantation. This study showed the efficacy of a sirolimus‐eluting stent for the prevention of restenosis in a worst‐case scenario of recurrent and diffuse ISR. The observed restenosis rate is lower than that reported after brachytherapy and suggests that sirolimus‐eluting stents are a promising treatment option for ISR. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;63:259–264. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Safety and utility of intravascular ultrasound‐guided carotid artery stenting
Authors: Clark David J. , Lessio Sara , O'Donoghue Margaret , Schainfeld Robert , Rosenfield Kenneth
Published: October 2004

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is useful in evaluating coronary stent deployment. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and utility of IVUS in carotid artery stenting (CAS). Ninety‐eight consecutive high‐risk patients (107 arteries) underwent CAS. IVUS was performed prior to predilatation in 87 of the 107 vessels and in all 107 following stent deployment when an optimal angiographic appearance was obtained. Quantitative carotid angiography (QCA) and IVUS analysis were performed offline. Procedural success was 97%. Combined stroke or death at 30 days was 5.6%. IVUS measurements of the minimum lumen diameter (MLD) of the distal internal carotid artery (ICA) reference segment were similar to QCA (4.60 ± 0.74 vs. 4.74 ± 0.71 mm; P = 0.21). The ICA stent MLD was significantly smaller by IVUS compared to QCA (3.65 ± 0.68 vs. 4.31 ± 0.76 mm; P < 0.001). IVUS detected stent malapposition in 11%. IVUS findings, after an optimal angiographic result, necessitated additional treatment in 9% of procedures. Calcium was detected in more arteries with IVUS than angiography (61% vs. 46%; P < 0.05). Arteries with superficial lesion calcification subtending three or four quadrants by IVUS had a 31% incidence of stroke compared with a 1% incidence in arteries without severe superficial calcium (P < 0.001). We found IVUS imaging in CAS to be safe even prior to plaque dilatation. IVUS provides a more accurate assessment of stent dimensions, expansion, and apposition than angiography. Severe calcification by IVUS was associated with a higher risk of stroke. Cathet Cardiovasc Interv 2004;63:355–362. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A prospective pancreatographic study of the prevalence of pancreatic carcinoma in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ogawa Yoshiaki , Tanaka Masao , Inoue Ken , Yamaguchi Koji , Chijiiwa Kazuo , Mizumoto Kazuhiro , Tsutsu Nobutaka , Nakamura Yoshihiro
Published: October 2004

BACKGROUND

The correlation between diabetes mellitus and pancreatic carcinoma is well documented, but no criteria have been established for the efficient selection of a high‐risk group among patients with diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Eighty‐seven patients were selected prospectively from outpatients with diabetes and underwent endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) according to the authors' original criteria, including the onset of diabetes after age 55 years, deterioration of diabetes or loss of body weight despite strict medical control, elevation of serum amylase and/or CA19‐9 levels, and pancreatobiliary abnormalities on routine ultrasonography. The patients were divided into two groups according to the time from the onset of diabetes to ERP: Patients in Group A had recent‐onset diabetes (within 3 years), and Group B patients had diabetes for > 3 years.

RESULTS

A total of 86 patients (excluding 1 patient with unsuccessful ERP who had undergone previous Billroth‐2 gastrectomy) were enrolled. There were 33 males and 53 females, age 40–90 years, with a mean age of 65.1 years. ERP demonstrated pancreatic carcinoma, although it was advanced disease in all patients, at an extremely high rate of 7.0% (6 of 86 patients) with no serious complications. The prevalence of pancreatic carcinoma in Group A (13.9%; 5of 36 patients) was significantly greater compared with Group B (2.0%; 1 of 50 patients; P = 0.0442). ERP with an indwelling balloon catheter and subsequent pancreatic juice sampling was performed in 49 patients, yielding positive cytology in 1 patient with pancreatic tail carcinoma, whereas measurements of carcinoembryonic antigen and CA19‐9 levels in pancreatic juice were of no use in the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective ERP in patients with diabetes who were at high risk did not lead to the early diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma, although this study showed that the 3‐year period after the onset of diabetes was critical. A more aggressive diagnostic approach within this period in diabetic patients with the authors' criteria may contribute to the earlier diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma. Cancer 2002;94:2344–9. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10493
Distinct sets of gene alterations in endometrial carcinoma implicate alternate modes of tumorigenesis
Authors: Koul Anjila , Willén Roger , Bendahl Pär‐Ola , Nilbert Mef , Borg Åke
Published: October 2004

BACKGROUND

Endometrial carcinomas seem to carry a different prognosis depending on the presence or absence of concomitant complex atypical hyperplasia (hyperplasia). The molecular genetic profile of these two pathogenetic types, based on the genes reportedly mutated in these cancers, remains to be defined. Although microsatellite inability is reported in approximately 25% of endometrial carcinomas, its relation with the 2 pathogenetic types is not investigated.

METHODS

To elucidate their underlying genetic changes, we analyzed 53 sporadic endometrial tumors, including 19 with and 34 without hyperplasia, for microsatellite instability (MSI), DNA ploidy (by flow cytometry), and for mutations in different genes.

RESULTS

Microsatellite instability was present in 21%, DNA nondiploidy in 15%, and mutations in the PTEN, KRAS, CTNNB1/β‐catenin, TP53, and CDKN2A genes were detected in 32, 11, 13, 17, and 0% of the tumors, respectively. Microsatellite instability and mutations in these genes were present in tumors both with and without complex atypical hyperplasia. All cases with complex atypical hyperplasia were early stage (I–II) endometrioid tumors and associated with long progression free disease (P = 0.0004). Furthermore, most tumors with hyperplasia had low World Health Organization or International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grade, had less myometrial invasion, and showed expression of estrogen receptors. All MSI tumors were diploid and had a significantly higher rate of PTEN mutations, but similar rates of KRAS, β‐catenin, and TP53 mutations compared with microsatellite stable tumors. TP53 mutations more often were found in nondiploid tumors but never in tumors with PTEN, KRAS, or β‐catenin mutations, and all PTEN mutations occurred in diploid tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, PTEN, KRAS, β‐catenin, and TP53 mutations occurred in tumors both with and without hyperplasia, but PTEN and TP53 mutations were more common in tumors without hyperplasia. However, none of these genes seems to clearly distinguish tumors with and without hyperplasia, suggesting that other factors may be involved. Conversely, alterations in the PTEN and TP53 genes seem to define distinct subgroups of endometrial carcinoma, the former associated with diploidy and MSI, the latter with macroscopic chromosomal instability. Cancer 2002;94:2369–79. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10498
High expression levels of p27 correlate with lymph node status in a subset of advanced invasive breast carcinomas
Authors: Kouvaraki Maria , Gorgoulis Vassilis G. , Rassidakis George Z. , Liodis Petros , Markopoulos Christos , Gogas John , Kittas Christos
Published: October 2004

BACKGROUND

The cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p27 plays a central role in cell cycle progression and is deregulated in breast carcinomas. Although its levels are inversely associated with tumor proliferation, overexpression of p27 has been reported in a subset of rapidly proliferating breast carcinoma cell lines.

METHODS

p27 levels were determined by immunohistochemistry in a series of 52 sporadic invasive breast carcinomas consisting of 47 ductal, 2 lobular, and 3 mixed; most tumors were Grade 2 or 3 (46 of 52) and Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) Stage II–IV (46 of 52). E‐cadherin expression and its gene alterations at 16q22.1 were also studied, because in vitro evidence suggests a biologic association between p27 and E‐cadherin‐mediated growth suppression.

RESULTS

The mean p27 labeling index (LI; percentage of p27 positive tumor cells) was 33.3% ± 25.3% (range, 0.1–85%). High p27 levels (p27 LI, > 50%) were observed in 14 (26.9%) of 52 carcinomas and were significantly associated with metastatic disease in axillary lymph nodes (14 of 33 vs. 0 of 19; P = 0.0007 by Fisher exact test). In addition, p27 LI was higher in the group of lymph node positive vs. lymph node negative tumors (mean p27 LI, 40.9% vs. 20.1%; P = 0.008 by Mann‐Whitney test). Reduced or absent E‐cadherin expression was found in 27 of 45 (60%) informative cases. Allelic imbalance of the 16q22.1 locus was found in 14 (27.5%) of 51 cases by using the microsatellite markers D16S503, D16S752, and D16S512. p27 LI and E‐cadherin alterations were not statistically related.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, high p27 levels detected in a subset of advanced breast carcinomas correlate with lymph node metastasis, suggesting that other mechanisms may bypass the cell cycle inhibitory role of p27 and provide growth advantage in these tumors. Cancer 2002;94:2454–65. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10505