bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE FLAGELLAR APPARATUS OF CHRYSOLEPIDOMONAS DENDROLEPIDOTA (CHRYSOPHYCEAE), A SINGLE‐CELLED MONAD COVED WITH ORGANIC SCALES1
Authors: Peters Michael C. , Andersensp Robert A.
Published: August 2006

The flagellar apparatus of Chrysolepidomonas dedrolepidota Peters et Andersen is similar to that of other members of the Ochromonadales, Chrysophyceae. there are four microtubular roots (R1‐4) and a system II fiber (= rhizoplast). the R1 root consists of three microtubules that nucleate many cytoplasmic microtubules. One compressed band of 10 or more cytoplasmic microtubules is directed black along the R1 root in an anti‐parallel direction. The R2 root consists of one to two microtubules, and it extends toward the distal end of the R1 root. The R3 root consists of six (?seven) microtubules near its proximal end. The “a” and “f” microtubules of the R3 root are under the short flagellum, and the “f” microtubule loops back and under the basal body, extending down to the nucleus. The R4 root consists of one to two microtubules extending along the left side of the shot flagellum and curving under the short flagellum where it terminates near the “a” microtubule of R3 Both flagella have a transitional plate and a transitional helix with five gyres. There is a thin, second plate in the basal body at the level of the distal end of the “c” tubules of the basal body triplets. The tripartite flagellar hairs have long lateral filaments but lack short lateral filaments. We compare the flagellar apparatus with that of other members of the Ochromonadales and members of the Hydrurales and Hibberdiales.
NEUTRAL LIPIDS AS MAJOR STORAGE PRODUCTS IN ZOOSPORES OF THE GIANT KELP MACROCYSTIS PYRIFERA (PHAEOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Brzezinski Mark A. , Reed Daniel C. , Amsler Charles D.
Published: August 2006

Neutral lipids, consisting primarily of triacylglycerols, were found to be a major form of carbon reserve in zoospores of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Ag. The fluorescent stain Nile Red revealed large lipid droplets in the posterior end of the cell, which comprised 20–41% of cellular carbon in newly released spores. Flow cytometric analyses of newly released spores stained with Nile Red revealed considerable variation in the neutral lipid content among spores that was independent of spore size. Lipid droplets were consumed during germination in spores maintained either under constant light or in continual darkness. The availability of light appeared to delay, but did not preclude, lipid use. The rate of lipid use during germination varied considerably among germlings with some cells consuming all of their lipid reserves within 5 h after release. In addition to zoospores, lipid droplets were observed in both male and female gametes. Numerous droplets were observed in eggs, while single lipid droplets were observed in sperm. Neutral lipid droplets were not observed in gametophytes or sporophytes except in developing gametes and spores. Large lipid reserves thus seem to be confined to the microscopic life history stages that presumably have relatively high energy demands. By serving as a supplemental fuel reserve, neutral lipids may be important in extending the effective range of zoospore dispersal.
MICROALGAL LIGHT‐HARVESTING IN EXTREME LOW‐LIGHT ENVIRONMENTS IN MCMURDO SOUND, ANTARCTICA1
Authors: Robinson Dale H. , Arrigo Kevin R. , Iturriaga Rodolfo , Sullivan Cornelius W.
Published: August 2006

Microalgal pigment composition, photosynthetic characteristics, single‐cell absorption efficiency (Qa(λ)) spectra, and fluorescence‐excitation (FE) spectra were determined for platelet ice and benthic communities underlying fast ice in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, during austral spring 1988. Measurements of spectral irradiance (E(λ)) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) as well as samples for particulate absorption measurements were taken directly under the congelation ice, within the platelet layer, as profiles vertically through the water column, and at the benihic surface. Light attenuation by.sea ice, algal pigments, and particulates reduced PAR reaching the platelet ice layer to 3%(9–33 fimol photons m‐2‐−s‐1) of surface values and narrowed its spectral distribution to a band between 400 and 580 nm. Attenuation by the water column further reduced PAR reaching the sea floor (28–m depth) to 0.05% of surface levels (< 1 μmol photons m‐2 s‐1), with a spectral distribution dominated by 470–580–nm wavelengths. The photoadaptive index (I) for platelet ice algae (5.9–12.6 μmol photons m‐2.s‐1) was similar to ambient PAR, indicating that algae had acclimated to their light environment (i.e. the algae were light‐replete). Maximum Qa(λ) at the blue absorption peak (440 nm) was 0.63, and enhanced absorption was observed from 460–500 nm and was consistent with observed high cellular chlorophyll (chi) c:chl a and fucoxanthin: chl a molar ratios (0.4 and 1.2, respectively). Benthic algae were light‐limited despite the maintenance of very low Ik values (4–11 μmol photons.m‐2.s‐1). Extremely high fucoxanthin: chi a ratios (1.6) in benthic algae produced enhanced green light absorption, resulting in a high degree of complementation between algal absorption and ambient spectral irradiance. Qa(λ) values for benthic algae were maximal (0.9) between 400 and 510 nm but remained >0.35 even at absorption minima. Strong spectral flattening, a characteristic of intense pigment packaging, was also apparent in the Qa(λ) spectra for benthic algae. FE and Qa(λ) spectra were similar in shape for platelet ice algae, indicating that the efficiency at which absorbed energy was

transferred to photosystem II (PSII) was independent of wavelength. Fluorescence emission by benthic algae was greatest for the 500–560–nm excitation wavelengths, suggesting that most energy absorbed by accessory pigments was transferred to PSII. These results suggest that under ice algae employ complementary pigmentation and maximize absorption efficiency as adaptive strategies to low‐light stress. Regulating the distribution of absorbed energy between PSI and PSII may be an adaptive response to the restricted spectral distribution of irradiance.
EXTRACELLULAR PEROXIDASE‐MEDIATED OXYGEN CONSUMPTION IN CHLAMYDOMONAS REINHARDTII (CHLOROPHYTA)1
Authors: Torkelson Joel D. , Lynnes Jaret A. , Weger Harold G.
Published: August 2006

The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Dang. displays a high capacity for salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM)—stimulated O2 consumption, mediated by extracellular peroxidaie. Addition of exogenous NADH also resulted in stimulation of O2 consumption. The SHAM‐and NADH‐stimulated peroxidase activity was partially sensitive to inhibition by exogenous superoxide dismutase, ascorbate, and gentisic acid. These compounds did not inhibit O2 consumption in the absence of effectors. SHAM‐and NADH‐stimulated peroxidase activity also was sensitive to inhibition by cyanide, and cyanide titration curves indicated that O2 consumption by peroxidase was more cyanide‐sensitive than O2 consumption by cytochrome oxidase. The differential sensitivity to cyanide was used to estimate partitioning of O2 consumption between mitochondrial respiration and extracellular peroxidase. We suggest that, despite a large capacity for peroxidase‐me‐diated O2 consumption, peroxidase did not consume O2 at detectable rates in the absence of effectors. Therefore, in the absence of effectors, measured rates of O2 consumption represented the rate of mitochondrial respiration.
LOROXANTHIN, A PHYLOGENETICALLY USEFUL CHARACTER IN CHLAMYDOMONAS AND OTHER CHLOROPHYCEAN FLAGELLATES1
Authors: Fawley Marvin W. , Buchheim Mark A.
Published: August 2006

The distribution of loroxanthin in chlorophycean flagellates is consistent with their phylogeny as inferred from molecular and organismal characters. Although polarity of this character cannot yet be determined, if the absence of loroxanthin is plesiomorphic for chlorophycean flagellates, the presence of loroxanthin defines a clade that includes the Euchlamydomonas morphological group, two other species of Chlamydomonas, C. asymmetrica and C. oblonga, and Gonium pectorale. A subsequent reversal to loroxanthin absence is apomorphic for the more complex volvocacean taxa. These results suggest that loroxanthin distribution will be useful for resolving phylogenetic questions in green algae.
The Battle of the Forms—There Is a Purpose
Authors: De La Torre Cris , Allen Garth
Published: August 2006

This article provides an alternative approach to the daunting task of teaching business undergraduates a fundamental appreciation of the flexibility of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and the ability of the UCC to adapt to the needs of commerce by facilitating fair, efficient transactions. Paradoxically, we suggest using one of the most difficult sections of the UCC, Section 2‐207, the often discussed “Battle of the Forms,” to make UCC concepts and the relationships of those concepts to modern business transactions easier to understand. This alternative approach is also designed to help students appreciate the challenges of establishing rules to assure fair and efficient transactions and how changes in the way transactions occur impact the laws and how the laws impact the changes. This article also presents exercises, questions, and illustrative flowcharts used successfully over several years in undergraduate business law classes. These tools produce an integrated method for presenting UCC Section 2‐207. While no sane individual has ever professed a love for UCC study, students and faculty have expressed tolerance and a palpable appreciation for these methods.
Effect of ground variability on acoustic-to-seismic transfer function and false alarms in landmine detection
Authors: Fokin Vladimir N. , Fokina Margarita S. , Sabatier James M. , Lu Zhiqu
Published: August 2006

The spatial variability of ground properties leads to fluctuations in the acoustic-to-seismic transfer function (A/S TF), the ratio of the normal particle velocity on the ground to sound pressure. In some cases, these fluctuations may lead to false landmine detection alarms. This work shows that small variations in the ground properties may cause strong variations in the A/S TF. Experimental measurements of the A/S TF performed at a US Army eastern temperate site are presented and a correlation between high magnitudes of the A/S TF (false alarms) and moisture content on the surface is shown. A simple model of the ground explaining this correlation is suggested. This model was used to describe spatial distribution of high magnitudes in the TF and natural spatial variability of the TF. Results of calculations were compared with experimental data. Two frequency modulation scales in the A/S TF are observed at positions on the ground where land mines are not located. It was hypothesized that these are due to influence of wheeled vehicular traffic on the acoustic parameters in the ground layers. A comparison between numerical modeling of the A/S TF and the experimental data was performed. Direct measurements of acoustic parameters confirmed conclusions obtained from analysis of the A/S TF.
Experimental evaluation of radiosity for room sound-field prediction
Authors: Hodgson Murray , Nosal Eva-Marie
Published: August 2006

An acoustical radiosity model was evaluated for how it performs in predicting real room sound fields. This was done by comparing radiosity predictions with experimental results for three existing rooms—a squash court, a classroom, and an office. Radiosity predictions were also compared with those by ray tracing—a “reference” prediction model—for both specular and diffuse surface reflection. Comparisons were made for detailed and discretized echograms, sound-decay curves, sound-propagation curves, and the variations with frequency of four room-acoustical parameters—EDT, RT, D50, and C80. In general, radiosity and diffuse ray tracing gave very similar predictions. Predictions by specular ray tracing were often very different. Radiosity agreed well with experiment in some cases, less well in others. Definitive conclusions regarding the accuracy with which the rooms were modeled, or the accuracy of the radiosity approach, were difficult to draw. The results suggest that radiosity predicts room sound fields with some accuracy, at least as well as diffuse ray tracing and, in general, better than specular ray tracing. The predictions of detailed echograms are less accurate, those of derived room-acoustical parameters more accurate. The results underline the need to develop experimental methods for accurately characterizing the absorptive and reflective characteristics of room surfaces, possible including phase.
Pore scale numerical modeling of elastic wave dispersion and attenuation in periodic systems of alternating solid and viscous fluid layers
Authors: Ciz Radim , Saenger Erik H. , Gurevich Boris
Published: August 2006

Numerical pore-scale simulation of elastic wave propagation is an emerging tool in the analysis of static and dynamic elastic properties of porous materials. Rotated staggered-grid (RSG) finite difference method has proved to be particularly effective in modeling porous media saturated with ideal fluids. Recently this method has been extended to viscoelastic (Maxwell) media, which allows simulation of wave propagation in porous solids saturated with Newtonian fluids. To evaluate the capability of the viscoelastic RSG algorithm in modeling wave dispersion and attenuation we perform numerical simulations for an idealized porous medium, namely a periodic system of alternating solid and viscous fluid layers. Simulations are performed for a single frequency of 50kHz (for shear waves) and 500kHz (for compressional waves) and a large range of fluid viscosities. The simulation results show excellent agreement with the theoretical predictions. Specifically the simulations agree with the prediction of Biot’s theory of poroelasticity at lower viscosities and with the viscoelastic dissipation at higher viscosities. The finite-difference discretization is required to be sufficiently fine for the appropriate sampling of the viscous boundary layer to achieve accurate simulations at the low values of viscosity. This is an additional accuracy condition for finite-difference simulations in viscoelastic media.
Hog1 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Plays Conserved and Distinct Roles in the Osmotolerant Yeast
Torulaspora delbrueckii
Authors: Hernandez-Lopez María José , Randez-Gil Francisca , Prieto José Antonio
Published: August 2006

Torulaspora delbrueckii
has emerged during evolution as one of the most osmotolerant yeasts. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this unusual stress resistance are poorly understood. In this study, we have characterized the functional role of the high-osmolarity glycerol (HOG) mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in mediating the osmotic stress response, among others, in
T. delbrueckii
. We show that the
T. delbrueckii
Hog1p homologue TdHog1p is phosphorylated after cell transfer to NaCl- or sorbitol-containing medium. However, TdHog1p plays a minor role in tolerance to conditions of moderate osmotic stress, a trait related mainly with the osmotic balance. In consonance with this, the absence of TdHog1p produced only a weak defect in the timing of the osmostress-induced glycerol and
GPD1
mRNA overaccumulation. Td
hog1
Δ mutants also failed to display aberrant morphology changes in response to osmotic stress. Furthermore, our data indicate that the
T. delbrueckii
HOG pathway has evolved to respond to specific environmental conditions and to play a pivotal role in the stress cross-protection mechanism.
Soleus muscle force following downhill running in ovariectomized rats treated with estrogen
Authors: Sotiriadou Sofia , Kyparos Antonios , Albani Maria , Arsos Georgios , Clarke Mark S.F. , Sidiras Georgios , Angelopoulou Nikoletta , Matziari Chrysoula
Published: August 2006

The ovariectomized (OVX) rat model was used to investigate the effects of estrogen treatment on soleus muscle functionality in situ following muscle injury induced by downhill running. Fifty immature, 24- to 26-d-old, OVX rats were randomly assigned to 5 separate experimental groups: sedentary controls (OVX-Sed), placebo-treated and studied immediately after exercise (OVX-Pb0), placebo-treated and studied 72 h after exercise (OVX-Pb72), estradiol-treated and studied immediately after exercise (OVX-Ed0), and estradiol-treated and studied 72 h after exercise (OVX-Ed72). At the age of 9 weeks, under ketamine and xylazine anesthesia i.p., the rats were subcutaneously implanted with either placebo or 17β-estradiol-impregnated pellets (0.05 mg/pellet, 3 week release). Treatment with 17β-estradiol increased the estradiol plasma levels in OVX animals to those normally seen during the proestrous cycle of normal animals. Three weeks after the implantation the rats were subjected to a 90 min intermittent downhill running protocol. Our results indicate that the exercise protocol used in the study induced injury in the soleus muscle, as it was detected by the significant reduction in unfused (stimulation at 10, 20, and 40 Hz) and maximal (Po) tetanic force, as well as the decreased ability of the soleus muscle to maintain tension (stimulation at 40 Hz for 3 min) in OVX-Pb0 and OVX-Pb72 placebo-treated animals subjected to downhill running (injured muscles) as compared with OVX-Sed control rats (uninjured muscle). Estradiol replacement in OVX rats partially protected the soleus muscle from the injury normally induced by downhill running. As compared with the OVX-Pb0 and OVX-Pb72 placebo-treated groups, the soleus muscles of OVX-Ed0 and OVX-Ed72 estradiol-treated rats were capable of producing significantly greater unfused tetanic force and had an increased ability to maintain tension after fatigue. However, estrogen at the dose administered did not prevent the decrease in maximal tetanic force. We postulate that the protective effect of estrogens on muscle strength may be related to the ability of estrogen hormones to attenuate the E–C coupling failure and (or) the disorganization of the contractile apparatus associated with eccentric exercise through a mechanism or mechanisms yet to be fully understood.
Determination of aerobic work and power on a rope-braked cycle ergometer by direct measurement
Authors: Gordon Rae S. , Franklin Kathryn L. , Baker Julien S. , Davies Bruce
Published: August 2006

The purpose of this study was to compare the power and work outputs of a cycle ergometer using the manufacturer’s guidelines, with calculations using direct flywheel velocity and brake torque. A further aim was to compare the values obtained with those supplied by the manufacturer. A group of 10 male participants were asked to pedal a Monark 824E ergometer at a constant cadence of 60 r/min for a period of 3 min against a resistive mass of 3 kg. The flywheel velocity was measured using a tachometer. The brake force was determined by measuring the tension in the rope on either side of the flywheel. The calculated mean power was 147.45 ± 6.5 W compared with the Monark value of 183 ± 3.7 W. The difference between the methods for power estimation was 18% and was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The mean work done by the participants during the 3 min period was found to be 26 460 ± 1145 J compared with the Monark value of 33 067 ± 648 J (p < 0.01). The Monark formulae currently used to determine the power and work done by a participant overestimates the actual values required to overcome the resistance. There findings have far-reaching implications in the physiological assessment of athletic, sedentary, and diseased populations.
Effect of cold acclimation on neuromuscular function of the hand
Authors: Geurts Carla L.M.
Published: August 2006

The research in this thesis investigated the effects of cold stress on neuromuscular function with the main focus on cold acclimation. In total, 6 studies, 1 field study and 5 experiments, were conducted. The field study showed that during manual work in cold weather, finger and hand temperature can drop to levels that may impair manual function. The first 2 experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of acute local cold stress on force control and to investigate the effect of cold-induced vasodilatation (CIVD) on neuromuscular function. In experiment 1, it was found that cooling of the hand in 10 °C cold water for 10 min did not improve force control, although neuromuscular function was significantly impaired after cooling. In experiment 2, cold-induced vasodilatation, occurring after 20 min of 8 °C cold-water immersion of the hand, was confined to the finger tip and had no effect on the temperature of the first dorsal interosseus (FDI) muscle or its neuromuscular function. A series of cold acclimation studies was conducted to investigate the effect of repeated cold-water hand immersions on neuromuscular function. In these experiments, neuromuscular function was tested before and after 2–3 weeks of daily hand immersion in 8 °C cold water for 30 min. In experiment 3, it was found that 3 weeks of cold-water immersion resulted in a decrease in minimum and mean index finger temperature and CIVD was attenuated. Neuromuscular function was not affected by this change in temperature response. In experiment 4, one hand was exposed daily to cold water and compared with the opposite control hand. Blood plasma catecholamine concentrations were increased after 2 weeks in the cold-exposed hand, but no changes in temperature response or neuromuscular function were found after repeated cold exposure. Thermal comfort after 30 min of cold-water immersion significantly improved after repeated cold exposure causing a discrepancy between actual and perceived temperature and it was suggested that this may impose a greater risk of cold injury owing to a change in behavioural thermoregulation. In the last experiment, core temperature was elevated by bicycling at a submaximal level during the cold hand immersion. Exercise had a direct effect on the temperature response during cold-water immersion, decreasing the minimum FDI temperature and slowing down the deteriorating effect of cold on neuromuscular function; however, exercise showed was no effect on local cold acclimation. It is concluded that local repeated cold exposures may improve finger and hand temperature and subjective thermal ratings, but that these changes are too small to improve neuromuscular function. The best remedy to maintain manual function is to limit or avoid cold stress as much as possible. If sufficient protection of the hands is impossible, core heating through exercise or passive heating may be a solution.
Airway distensibility in normal and asthmatic subjects and partitioning of the Fowler dead space
Authors: Johns David P. , Burns Graham , Reid David W. , Walls Justin , Maskrey Michael , Walters E. Haydn
Published: August 2006

Anatomical dead space measured by the Fowler method (VDF) is the sum of 2 serial volume compartments (VDF = VDp1 + VDp2). VDF has been shown to increase linearly with end-inspiratory lung volume (EILV) and the gradient of the relationship (ΔVDF) has been used as an index of airway distensibility. The aim of this study was to partition VDF into its serial compartments VDp1 and VDp2 to test the hypothesis that, given the greater distensibility of distal airways, VDp2 would demonstrate greater volume dependence than VDp1. The relationships between each measure of VD (VDF, VDp1, and VDp2) and EILV were studied in 16 healthy subjects and 16 mildly asthmatic subjects. Significant (p < 0.05) linear relationships were obtained between each measure of VD and EILV in both subject groups. Changes in VDp1 with EILV (ΔVDp1) accounted for 78.6% ± 5.6% (mean ± SEM) and 72.6% ± 6.3% of ΔVDF in the healthy and asthmatic groups, respectively. ΔVDp1 was greater in the healthy subjects than in asthmatic subjects (18.4 versus 13.1 mL/L, p = 0.005). We conclude that in both asthmatic and healthy subjects, the major component of ΔVDF was ΔVDp1 and not ΔVDp2, as originally hypothesized. We believe our results are reflecting the degree of asynchronous airway emptying.
Effects of ingesting a high-fat diet upon exercise-training cessation on fat accretion in the liver and adipose tissue of rats
Authors: Yasari Siham , Paquette Amélie , Charbonneau Alexandre , Gauthier Marie-Soleil , Savard Roland , Lavoie Jean-Marc
Published: August 2006

The purpose of the present study was to determine if exercise trained rats might benefit from protection against fat accumulation in response to an obesity stimulus initiated upon training cessation. Two groups of female rats were either treadmill trained for 8 weeks (DTr) or remained sedentary (Sed). They were then submitted either to a high-fat diet (HF; 42 E%) or kept on a standard diet (SD; 12.5 E% lipids) for another 6 weeks while remaining sedentary. Fat accumulation in liver and adipocytes along with fat-cell diameter and plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels were measured 0, 2, and 6 weeks after training cessation. Immediately after the training period (t = 0), DTr rats exhibited similar body mass and higher dietary intake but smaller body fat content (4 fat pads) compared with Sed rats. DTr rats, under both diets, exhibited higher gains in body fat than Sed rats (DTr vs. Sed, 71% vs. 8% and 132% vs. 55% for SD and HF, respectively), such that fat mass in all 4 depots was similar to Sed rats 6 weeks after training cessation. Despite higher adipocyte fat accretion, liver lipid infiltration was not increased in DTr animals and plasma FFA levels were lower throughout the detraining period. In addition, plasma leptin levels remained lower in DTr animals throughout the detraining period under the HF diet condition. The present results indicate that previously exercise trained rats are not protected against adipocyte fat accumulation whether they ingest a standard or a high-fat diet.
Basal muscle intracellular amino acid kinetics in women and men
Authors: Fujita Satoshi , Rasmussen Blake B. , Bell Jill A. , Cadenas Jerson G. , Volpi Elena
Published: August 2006

Sexual dimorphism in skeletal muscle mass is apparent, with men having more muscle mass and larger individual muscle cells. However, no sex-based differences have been detected in blood forearm phenylalanine turnover, although whole body leucine oxidation has been reported to be greater in men than in women. We hypothesized that sex differences in intracellular amino acid turnover may account for these discrepancies, with men having a higher intracellular turnover than women. We studied young, healthy women (women, n = 8) and men (men, n = 10) following an overnight fast. Phenylalanine, leucine, and alanine muscle intracellular kinetics were assessed using stable isotope methodologies, femoral arteriovenous blood sampling, and muscle biopsies. Muscle intracellular amino acid kinetics were reported relative to both leg volume and lean leg mass because of sex differences in leg volume and in muscle and fat distribution. When expressed per leg volume (nmol·min−1·100 ml leg volume−1), phenylalanine net balance (women: −16 ± 4, men: −31 ± 5), release from proteolysis in the blood (women: 46 ± 9, men: 75 ± 10) and intracellular availability (women: 149 ± 23, men: 241 ± 35), and alanine production, utilization, and intracellular availability were higher in men ( P < 0.05). However, when the kinetic parameters were normalized per unit of lean leg mass, all differences disappeared. Muscle fractional synthetic rate was also not different between women and men. We conclude that there are no sex-based differences in basal muscle intracellular amino acid turnover when the data are normalized by lean mass. It remains to be determined if there are sex differences in intracellular amino acid metabolism following anabolic or catabolic stimuli.
Effect of Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I Expression of Tumor Cells on Outcome of Intravesical Instillation of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Immunotherapy for Bladder Cancer
Authors: Kitamura Hiroshi , Torigoe Toshihiko , Honma Ichiya , Sato Eiji , Asanuma Hiroko , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Sato Noriyuki , Tsukamoto Taiji
Published: August 2006

Purpose: Various immune systems play important roles in the clinical efficacy of intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) instillation for bladder cancer. However, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules on tumor cells and various immune system cells infiltrating to/around the tumor have not been evaluated, although many prognostic factors, including clinical, pathologic, and molecular ones, have been investigated. The aim of this study was to determine immunologic prognostic factors of BCG immunotherapy for bladder cancer.

Experimental Design: Immunohistochemical staining for HLA class I, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD68, TIA-1, S-100, and FOXP3 was carried out on specimens from 30 patients who underwent BCG immunotherapy from whom both pretreatment and posttreatment specimens were obtained. We did univariate and multivariate analyses of factors affecting recurrence-free survival. The positive, weakly positive, and negative groups of cells that infiltrated to/around the tumor were compared with recurrence-free survival using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test.

Results: HLA class I was a significant prognostic factor both in univariate and multivariate analyses. The 5-year recurrence-free survivals of the patients with HLA class I–positive tumors and those with HLA class I–negative tumors were 55.7% and 19.1%, respectively (P = 0.019). There was a significant association between infiltration of CD8, CD20, and CD68-positive cells after BCG therapy and therapeutic effects.

Conclusions: Our data show that expression of HLA class I molecules on tumor cells contributes significantly to the therapeutic effect of BCG immunotherapy for bladder cancer. It is suggested that CTLs may be one of main effectors in this therapy.
The Prognostic Value of Circulating Tumor Cells in Patients with Melanoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Mocellin Simone , Hoon Dave , Ambrosi Alessandro , Nitti Donato , Rossi Carlo Riccardo
Published: August 2006

Background: The detection of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in patients with melanoma represents an appealing prognostic tool, but no consensus exists on this topic. We aimed to comprehensively and quantitatively summarize the evidence for the use of CTC to predict patients' clinical outcome.

Methods: Fifty-three studies enrolling 5,433 patients were reviewed. Correlation of CTC status with tumor-node-metastasis disease stage and patients' overall (OS) and progression-free (PFS) survival was assessed by means of association statistics and meta-analysis, respectively.

Results: CTC status correlated with both tumor-node-metastasis stage (stage I, 32%; stage II, 41.7%; stage III, 41.1%; stage IV, 47.4%; Ptrend < 0.0001) and survival (OS: hazard ratio, 2.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-3.45, P < 0.0001; PFS: hazard ratio, 2.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.78-3.38; P < 0.0001). However, statistical heterogeneity was significant for both OS and PFS, likely underscoring the wide variability in study design. Furthermore, CTC positivity rates in early stages were higher and in the metastatic setting were lower than expected, which indicates an unsatisfactory accuracy of currently available CTC detection assays.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that CTC might have a clinically valuable prognostic power in patients with melanoma. However, the heterogeneity of the studies thus far published warrants caution not to overestimate the favorable results of pooled data.
Identification of Lesional CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells in Psoriasis
Authors: Bovenschen H.J. , van Vlijmen-Willems I.M.J.J. , van de Kerkhof P.C.M. , van Erp P.E.J.
Published: August 2006

Background: Depletion of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ naturally occurring regulatory T cells (Treg) induces autoimmune phenomena. These cells have not yet been fully characterized in the skin of psoriatic patients. Objectives: To prove that the Zenon immunofluorescent labeling technique is suitable for the demonstration of co-localization of T-cell markers and in particular to show the distribution of Treg in psoriatic skin. Methods: In biopsies derived from normal and psoriatic skin, CD4+ CD25+, CD4+ CD45RO+, CD8+ CD25+, CD8+ CD45RO+ and CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ cells in the dermis and in the epidermis were immunophenotyped, using a quantitative immunofluorescent labeling technique (Zenon), analyzed and compared using image analysis. Results:The immunofluorescent labeling technique was shown to be an easy and reliable tool to demonstrate co-localization of T-cell markers. In psoriasis, all pathogenic T-cell subsets (CD4+ CD25+, CD4+ CD45RO+, CD8+ CD25+ and CD8+ CD45RO+ cells) were significantly increased in the dermis and in the epidermis, as compared to normal skin (all p < 0.05). Using this labeling technique we were able to reveal CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg in psoriatic dermis, but not in the dermis of normal skin (p < 0.0001). Conclusions:The Zenon immunofluorescence technique in combination with image analysis is suitable for the demonstration of co-localization of T-cell markers in tissue. Increased numbers of pathogenic T cells (CD4+ CD25+, CD4+ CD45RO+, CD8+ CD25+ and CD8+ CD45RO+) were shown in the dermis and epidermis, whereas CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg were identified in psoriatic skin with a predilection for the upper dermis.
Dermatologists’ Views and Opinions about Photo(chemo)therapy and Conventional Systemic Psoriasis Therapies: Results from a Belgian Survey
Authors: Nijsten Tamar , Lambert Julien
Published: August 2006

Background: Experts’ opinions about old and new psoriasis therapies are well documented. Objectives: To document the views and opinions of a large, diverse group of dermatologists about psoriasis treatment. Participants/Methods: A survey was conducted among Belgian dermatologists. In addition to demographic and professional characteristics, the questionnaire assessed the self-rated level of experience, frequency of use, preference and considerations regarding UVB, PUVA, methotrexate (MTX), cyclosporin (CsA) and acitretin. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate predictors of these dermatologist-based outcomes. Results: Of the 628 contacted dermatologists, 310 responded (response rate of 49.3%). The dermatologists were significantly more experienced with photo(chemo)therapy than with systemic agents (p ≤ 0.02); about half reported none or little experience with MTX and CsA. Also, photo(chemo)therapies were significantly more frequently used than systemic drugs (p ≤ 0.01). In the last year, almost 40% had not used and less than 10% had used MTX or CsA more than 10 times. Despite the limitations of PUVA, it was preferred to UVB, followed by acitretin (± phototherapy), and MTX and CsA were considered final options by most dermatologists. After adjusting for confounding variables, age, years in practice, seeing and treating more patients, residency programme and/or access to UV therapy were significantly associated with limited experience, regular use and/or preference of studied therapies. Conclusion: Either a substantial proportion of the dermatologists does not need or wish to use conventional systemic psoriasis therapies or they may need better and more uniform training during and after their residency. This may improve patient care and patient selection for other treatments.
Excimer Laser versus Narrow-Band UVB (311 nm) in the Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris
Authors: Goldinger Simone Maria , Dummer Reinhard , Schmid Peter , Prinz Vavricka Mareike , Burg Günter , Läuchli Severin
Published: August 2006

Background: The excimer laser is a new therapeutic option in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the response of psoriasis lesions to the 308-nm excimer laser compared to 311-nm UVB phototherapy. Methods: In this prospective right/left comparative, open, single-blinded trial, selected psoriasis plaques of 16 patients were treated with the excimer laser whereas the rest of the body was treated with UVB narrow-band phototherapy. A modified PASI score was used to evaluate the results. Results: After 12 treatments, 15 patients were evaluated. In 2 patients no difference between the two body sides was observed. In 9 patients the laser-treated lesions showed better results, whereas in 4 patients the side treated with 311-nm UVB showed more clearing. The mean reduction in PASI score was 5.6 and 4.9, respectively (difference not significant). Conclusion: The use of the 308-nm xenon chloride excimer laser is an additional effective therapeutic option for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.
Scleromyxedema, a Positive Effect with Thalidomide
Authors: Jacob Sharon E. , Fien Sari , Kerdel Francisco A.
Published: August 2006

Scleromyxedema is a rare dermatological disorder marked by widespread symmetric 2- to 3-mm, firm, waxy, closely spaced papules involving the hands, forearms, face, neck, upper trunk and thighs. The most common extracutaneous manifestation of scleromyxedema is a benign plasma cell dyscrasia. Treatment of scleromyxedema is limited by the lack of long-term results, toxicity and significant adverse side effects. We report a severe case of scleromyxedema who had marked improvement when treated with thalidomide.
Missing Creases of Distal Finger Joints as a Diagnostic Clue of Nail-Patella Syndrome
Authors: Itin Peter H. , Eich Georg , Fistarol Susanna K.
Published: August 2006

Nail-patella syndrome (NPS, OMIM 161200) is an autosomal dominant disorder with a clinical characteristic tetrad consisting of fingernail dysplasia, hypoplastic or absent patellae, bony protuberances of the ilia (iliac horns) and dislocation of the radial head. Kidney involvement may lead to renal failure, and there is an increased risk for glaucoma. Clinical diagnostic skin clues are triangular lunulae especially on the thumbs which are highly predictive for the NPS. A less known but even more important sign is the absence of skin creases on the dorsal aspects of the distal interphalangeal joints. Even in patients with normal nails the absence of distal interphalangeal creases was noted. Less specific skin changes are webbing between digits, within the popliteal fossae, hyperextensible joints, absent or fragile nails and grooved nails and longitudinal ridging with splitting. With increasing costs in the health care system, it is important to recognize diseases by specific clinical findings which are often as predictive and precise as expensive technical investigations.
Targeting T Cells to Hit B Cells: Successful Treatment of Cutaneous Plasmacytosis with Topical Pimecrolimus
Authors: Hafner Christian , Hohenleutner Ulrich , Babilas Philipp , Landthaler Michael , Vogt Thomas
Published: August 2006

Cutaneous plasmacytosis is a rare disease predominantly found in Japanese patients. We describe the case of a 75-year-old white female with cutaneous plasmacytosis of the face and involvement of the bone marrow. In contrast to other cases of cutaneous plasmacytosis, the patient revealed hypogammaglobulinemia and elevated levels of free light chains in the urine. Treatment with topical pimecrolimus 1%, which primarily targets T cells, led to almost complete clinical and histological remission of the skin lesions. Our report indicates that the therapeutically induced disappearance of the plasma cells was due to indirect T-cell-mediated effects.
Carbamazepine-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome Occurring in a Photodistributed Pattern
Authors: So J.S.Y. , Edwards S.L. , Ibbotson S.H.
Published: August 2006

A 76- year- old man was commenced on carbamazepine for partial seizures. This was followed by the development of a rash in an apparently photodistributed pattern, fever, lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia, abnormal liver function tests and atypical lymphocytosis fulfilling the criteria for drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome. Discontinuation of carbamazepine and application of topical steroid resulted in clearance of the rash, normalization of liver function tests and improvement in eosinophilia. The photodistributed pattern in this case of carbamazepine-induced hypersensitivity syndrome is of interest.
Randomised Controlled Trial of a Collaborative Care Model with Psychiatric Consultation for Persistent Medically Unexplained Symptoms in General Practice
Authors: van der Feltz-Cornelis Christina M. , van Oppen Patricia , Adèr Herman J. , van Dyck Richard
Published: August 2006

Background: Patients with persistent medically unexplained symptoms often exhibit general dysfunction and psychiatric comorbidity and frequently resist psychiatric referral. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a collaborative care model including training for general practitioners (GPs) and a psychiatric consultation model for patients with persistent medically unexplained symptoms in general practice. Method: Randomised controlled trial. Cluster randomisation at GP practices and multilevel analysis were performed. A total of 81 patients from 36 general practices completed the study. A collaborative care model of training and psychiatric consultation in general practice in the presence of the GP was compared with training plus care as usual by the GP. Outcome assessment on the patients’ well-being, functioning and utilisation of health care services was performed 6 weeks and 6 months later. Results: All the patients had somatoform disorders (Whitely Index 7.46), and 86% had comorbid psychiatric disorders. In the intervention group, the severity of the main medically unexplained symptoms decreased by 58%. The patients’ social functioning improved. The utilization of health care was lower than in the care as usual group. Conclusions: A collaborative care model combining training with psychiatric consultation in the general practice setting is an effective intervention in the treatment of persistent medically unexplained symptoms. Anxiety and depressive disorders are highly comorbid in this group. The findings warrant a larger study.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Blinded, Randomized Study of Stimulation Type
Authors: Servan-Schreiber David , Schooler Jonathan , Dew Mary Amanda , Carter Cameron , Bartone Patricia
Published: August 2006

Background: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is becoming a recognized and accepted form of psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet, its mechanism of action remains unclear and much controversy exists about whether eye movements or other forms of bilateral kinesthetic stimulation contribute to its clinical effects beyond the exposure elements of the procedure. Methods: Twenty-one patients with single-event PTSD (average Impact of Event Scale score: 49.5) received three consecutive sessions of EMDR with three different types of auditory and kinesthetic stimulation (tones and vibrations): intermittent alternating right-left (as commonly used with the standard EMDR protocol), intermittent simultaneous bilateral, and continuous bilateral. Therapists were blinded to the type of stimulation they delivered, and stimulation type assignment was randomized and counterbalanced. Results: All three stimulation types resulted in clinically significant reductions of subjective units of distress (SUD). Yet, alternating stimulation resulted in faster reductions of SUD when only sessions starting with a new target memory were considered. Conclusions: There are clinically significant effects of the EMDR procedure that appear to be independent of the nature of the kinesthetic stimulation used. However, alternating stimulation may confer an additional benefit to the EMDR procedure that deserves attention in future studies.
Urokinase Plasminogen Activator in Injured Adventitia Increases the Number of Myofibroblasts and Augments Early Proliferation
Authors: Plekhanova Olga S. , Stepanova Victoria V. , Ratner Elizaveta I. , Bobik Alex , Tkachuk Vsevolod A. , Parfyonova Yelena V.
Published: August 2006

Myofibroblasts are involved in vessel remodeling during the development of hypertension as well as after angioplasty and aortocoronary grafting, but the mechanisms of myofibroblastic phenotypic modulation are not fully elucidated. We assessed the role of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its proteolytic activity in myofibroblast differentiation and the early proliferation following mechanical injury of the rat carotid adventitia. The effects of perivascular application of recombinant uPA (r-uPA), proteolytically inactive r-uPA(H/Q) and uPA neutralizing antibody were evaluated 4 days after surgical injury to the adventitia. The phenotype of adventitial cells was assessed using anti-α-smooth muscle actin (α-SM actin) antibody, anti-SM heavy chain myosin, anti-high-molecular-weight caldesmon, anti-smoothelin and anti-ED-1 antibodies, proliferation by the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and the size of the adventitia by quantitative morphometry. Four days after injury, the intensive immunostaining for urokinase appeared in the rat carotid artery adventitia. At the same time, the frequency of α-SM actin-positive adventitial cells was 1.8 ± 1.1% in uninjured arteries and 25.2 ± 5.4% in injured arteries (p < 0.05), and the respective frequency of ED-1-positive cells 1.5 ± 1.1 and 25.0 ± 5.2%. The application of exogenous r-uPA doubled the numbers of α-SM actin-positive adventitial cells to 55.7 ± 6.8% (p < 0.05). ED-1-positive cells and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells as well as the size of the adventitia were also significantly increased after r-uPA compared with injury alone. In contrast, the proteolytically inactive r-uPA(H/Q) did not affect any parameters. The application of uPA neutralizing antibody attenuated the frequency of α-SM actin-positive cells to 12.6 ± 3.5% (p < 0.05), the frequency of ED-1-positive cells, and the numbers of adventitial cells. r-uPA stimulation of cultured human skin fibroblasts significantly increased the α-SM actin content in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, r-uPA(H/Q) did not induce changes in α-SM actin content. We conclude that uPA, which is upregulated in the injured adventitia, can augment adventitial cell accumulation, including myofibroblasts, and adventitia growth early after injury of the rat carotid artery adventitia by mechanisms involving proteolysis.
Variations in the BDNF Gene in Autopsy-Confirmed Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies in Japan
Authors: Akatsu Hiroyasu , Yamagata Hidehisa D. , Kawamata Jun , Kamino Kouzin , Takeda Masatoshi , Yamamoto Takayuki , Miki Tetsuro , Tooyama Ikuo , Shimohama Shun , Kosaka Kenji
Published: August 2006

Background/Aim: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with the hippocampus and the nigrostriatal dopaminergic function. Data showing that its level was reduced in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) suggested that the BDNF function must play an important role in the pathogenetics of these diseases. Indeed, variation in the BDNF gene may confer susceptibility to AD and PD development. Recently, a functional BDNF Val66Met polymorphism has been found to be associated with episodic memory and hippocampal function, with intracellular trafficking, and with activity-dependent secretion of BDNF. To date, there have been several conflicting reports on the correlation between AD or PD and Val66Met or C270T polymorphism in the BDNF promoter region, although no data on this relationship have been published with respect to dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). In the present study, we investigated a possible association between such BDNF polymorphisms and susceptibility to AD or DLB. Methods:BDNF genotyping was carried out by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method in autopsy-confirmed human samples. Results and Conclusion: On comparing patients and controls, the distribution of BDNF genotypes and alleles did not differ significantly. Our findings suggest that it is unlikely that these BDNF polymorphisms play a major role in the pathogenesis of AD and DLB in the Japanese population.