bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tolbutamide alters glucose transport and metabolism in the embryonic mouse heart
Authors: Smoak Ida W.
Published: August 2002

Background

Tolbutamide is a sulfonylurea oral hypoglycemic agent widely used for the treatment of non insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus. Tolbutamide produces dysmorphogenesis in rodent embryos and becomes concentrated in the embryonic heart after maternal oral dosing. Tolbutamide increases glucose metabolism in extra‐pancreatic adult tissues, but this has not previously been examined in embryonic heart.

Methods

CD‐1 mouse embryos were exposed on GD 9.5 to tolbutamide (0, 100, 250, or 500 μg/ml) for 6, 12, or 24 hr in whole‐embryo culture. Isolated hearts were evaluated for 3H‐2DG uptake and conversion of 14C‐glucose to 14C‐lactate. Glut‐1, HKI, and GRP78 protein levels were determined by Western analysis, and Glut‐1 mRNA was measured by RT‐PCR.

Results

Cardiac 3H‐2DG uptake increased after exposure to 500 μg/ml tolbutamide for 6 hr, and 100, 250, or 500 μg/ml tolbutamide for 24 hr, compared to controls. Glycolysis increased after exposure to 500 μg/ml tolbutamide for 6 or 24 hr compared to controls. Glut‐1 protein levels increased in hearts exposed to 500 μg/ml tolbutamide for 12 or 24 hr, and Glut‐1 mRNA increased in hearts exposed to 500 μg/ml tolbutamide for 24 hr compared to controls. HKI protein levels increased in hearts exposed to 500 μg/ml tolbutamide for 6 hr, but not 12 or 24 hr. There was no effect on GRP78 protein levels in hearts exposed to tolbutamide for 6, 12, or 24 hr.

Conclusions

Tolbutamide stimulates glucose uptake and metabolism in the embryonic heart, as occurs in adult extra‐pancreatic tissues. Glut‐1 and HKI, but not GRP78, are likely involved in tolbutamide‐induced cardiac dysmorphogenesis. Teratology 65:19–25, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exchange Rate Exposures and Strategies of Industrial Companies: An Empirical Study
Authors: Aabo Tom
Published: August 2002

This article investigates empirically the potential and actual exchange rate exposure strategies of industrial companies in relation to identifying and quantifying the neutral financial positions in an optimal hedging strategy. A stock market approach as a potential remedy is analyzed but found to be statistically troublesome and fundamentally flawed. Part of the diversity in actual strategies found in this article reflects different competitive environments, while another part indicates that the companies have not yet reached a systematic risk management of ongoing competitive exposures. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Purposeful Unintended Consequences with Innovative Derivatives
Authors: Smoller Margaret Monroe , Osborn Richard , Price Kelly
Published: August 2002

We suggest that the use of traditional market, outcome, and process controls for innovative derivatives trading may not provide adequate safeguards for clients, investors, or the entire financial system to control “purposeful unintended consequences.” We propose a more cautious examination of this aspect of the financial system using a combination of perspectives from finance and technology/innovation management. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Comparison of 35 electronic databases for environmental risk assessment
Authors: Guerbet M. , Guyodo G.
Published: August 2002

The objective of this work is to classify and evaluate the major factual electronic databases that could be efficiently questioned for environmental risk assessment of various chemicals. A series of 35 databases available on commercial CD‐ROMs and/or freely accessible on the Internet were listed and compared for the presence or absence of information for 27 environmental criteria. A factorial correspondence analysis indicated that most of the 35 databases are specialized in physicochemical, toxicological or ecotoxicological data but a few of them are nonspecialized databases able to answer simultaneously in various areas. We then evaluated these 35 databases by querying them for 14 selected test chemicals. It appeared that the percentage of chemicals being listed in the databases was very unequal and none of the 35 databases obtained 14 positive responses. The quality of the responses was determined by calculating the number of criteria being documented for the previously listed chemicals in each database. It suggested that HSDB, DOSE, TOMES, IPCS are the most efficient databases to be used for an urgent search of environmental data. © 2002 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 17: 7–13, 2002
Effect of cadmium on reproduction of daphnids in a small aquatic microcosm
Authors: Janati‐Idrissi M. , Guerbet M. , Jouany J. M.
Published: August 2002

Chlorella vulgaris colonies were grown as nutrient agar for one week, followed by addition of Daphnia magna in overlying water for a second week. A range of concentrations of cadmium were added to the Chlorella or to the Chlorella followed by higher cadmium concentrations in the overlying fluid. A dose‐dependent reduction in reproduction was observed with increased cadmium. When parent daphnids were first exposed to a lower cadmium concentration, and their offspring of preconditioned juvenile daphnids then exposed to a higher concentration, cadmium tolerance in new‐born daphnids was observed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 16: 361–364, 2001
Effective Communication in Environmental Management
Authors: Sobnosky Kevin J.
Published: August 2002

Communication is the glue that holds together the elements of an environmental management system. This
article offers some practical tips on how to ensure that your environmental communication system is doing the
job you want it to. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Driftless gas proportional scintillation counter pulse analysis using digital processing techniques
Authors: Simões P. C. P. S. , dos Santos J. M. F. , Conde C. A. N.
Published: August 2002

A driftless gas proportional scintillation counter (GPSC) of simple design, using digital pulse‐signature analysis, is described. The digital pulse acquisition and processing techniques are shown to be a simple and effective method to determine pulse time duration and to perform pulse amplitude correction in driftless GPSCs. This technique allows the application of driftless GPSCs to x‐ray spectrometry up to 60 keV. Although the pulse throughput achieved by the digital pulse‐height analyser in this application is limited to about 2 kHz, total interaction rates above 20 kHz can be tolerated by the detector without significant degradation of the pulse‐height distributions obtained. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of detection limit on the measured concentration distribution of trace elements
Authors: Kubala‐Kukuś A. , Banaś D. , Braziewicz J. , Majewska U. , Mrówczyński S. , Pajek M.
Published: August 2002

The concentration distributions of trace elements in large populations (n > 100) of biomedical samples were studied by x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry. For elements, the concentrations of which measured in all samples exceed the detection limit (DL) of the method, the log‐normal distribution was found to describe the data very well. For other elements, measured in only a fraction of the studied population, the observed distributions were truncated by the variable DL level. We demonstrate, however, that by using the information on the distribution of reported detection limits, the original distributions of concentration, and also the detection limits, can be reconstructed from the measured data. This can be done by solving the system of integral equations relating the measured and original distributions of the concentration and the detection limit. The applicability of this method is demonstrated in a comparative study of trace element concentrations in urine samples. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectra of high‐Z elements using Gaussian and Voigt peak shape profiles
Authors: Wegrzynek Dariusz , Markowicz Andrzej , Mendoza Cuevas Ariadna
Published: August 2002

The AXIL computer program, aimed at x‐ray spectral deconvolution, was extended in order to take into account the broadening of peaks of K‐series radiation of high‐Z elements (Z > 50) due to the increasing contribution of the natural linewidth to the peak width. This effect needs to be taken into account in energy‐dispersive spectrometry of K‐series radiation of heavy elements, such as W, Au, Pb and U. The so‐called Voigt peak profile function was implemented into the AXIL computer code. Based on the published literature data, a library of natural atomic level widths was created, containing the data for K, L1, L2, L3 atomic level widths of elements up to Z = 94. The database was necessary to calculate the Voigt peak profiles. The AXIL program user interface and the fitting procedures were adapted, allowing us to perform spectral evaluation using either Gaussian or Voigt peak profiles. The relevance of fitting the x‐ray spectra of K‐series radiation of high‐Z elements with the Voigt peak shape model versus Gaussian peak approximation was thoroughly examined with the aid of simulated and measured spectra. The experimental x‐ray spectra were measured using a high‐voltage x‐ray tube spectrometer utilizing a 130 kV/65 W tungsten anode x‐ray tube and an ultra‐low energy germanium detector. The results obtained showed that when using the Gaussian peak model the calculated peak areas and fitted peak widths are systematically biased. It was found that the value of the systematic error is a linear function of the ratio of the natural linewidth to the spectrometer energy resolution at the peak position. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Yeast 2 µm plasmid copy number is elevated by a mutation in the nuclear gene UBC4
Authors: Sleep Darrell , Finnis Christopher , Turner Andrew , Evans Leslie
Published: August 2002

The copy number of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae endogenous 2 µm plasmid is under strict control to ensure efficient propagation to the daughter cell without significantly reducing the growth rate of the mother or the daughter cell. A recessive mutation has been identified that resulted in an elevated but stable 2 µm plasmid copy number, which could be complemented by a genomic DNA clone containing the UBC4 gene, encoding an E2 ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme. A ubc4::URA3 deletion resulted in the same elevated 2 µm plasmid copy number. An analysis of the endogenous 2 µm transcripts revealed that the steady‐state abundance of REP1, REP2, FLP and RAF were all increased 4–5‐fold in the mutant. Analysis of the mutant ubc4 allele identified a single base pair mutation within the UBC4 coding region, which would generate a glutamic acid to lysine amino acid substitution within a region of conserved tertiary structure located within the first α‐helix of Ubc4p. These investigations represent the first molecular characterization of a mutation within a Saccharomyces cerevisiae nuclear gene shown to affect 2 µm steady‐state plasmid copy number and implicate the ubiquitin‐dependent proteolytic pathway in host control of 2 µm plasmid copy number. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of the Zygosaccharomyces rouxiiLEU2 gene encoding a β‐isopropylmalate dehydrogenase
Authors: Sychrová Hana
Published: August 2002

A DNA fragment carrying the LEU2 gene of osmotolerant yeast Zygosaccharomyces rouxii was isolated. The sequenced DNA fragment (2630 bp) contained two ORFs; one of them (1086 bp long, predicting a protein of 362 amino acids) shared a high degree of similarity with LEU2 genes of other yeast species. The cloned DNA fragment fully complemented the leu2 mutations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Z. rouxii. The GeneBank Accession No. for ZrLEU2 is AF314095. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic analysis of TAF68/61 reveals links to cell cycle regulators
Authors: Reese Joseph C. , Green Michael R.
Published: August 2002

In yeast, inactivation of certain TBP‐associated factors (TAFIIs) results in arrest at specific stages of the cell cycle. In some cases, cell cycle arrest is not observed because overlapping defects in other cellular processes precludes the manifestation of an arrest phenotype. In the latter situation, genetic analysis has the potential to reveal the involvement of TAFIIs in cell cycle regulation. In this report, a temperature‐sensitive mutant of TAF68/61 was used to screen for high‐copy dosage suppressors of its growth defect. Ten genes were isolated: TAF suppressor genes, TSGs 1–10. Remarkably, most TSGs have either a genetic or a direct link to control of the G2/M transition. Moreover, eight of the 10 TSGs can suppress a CDC28 mutant specifically defective for mitosis (cdc28‐1N) but not an allele defective for passage through start. The identification of these genes as suppressors of cdc28‐1N has identified four unreported suppressors of this allele. Moreover, synthetic lethality is observed between taf68‐9 and cdc28‐1N. The isolation of multiple genes involved in the control of a specific phase of the cell cycle argue that the arrest phenotypes of certain TAFII mutants reflect their role in specifically regulating cell cycle functions. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A PBS2 homologue from Debaryomyces hansenii shows a differential effect on calcofluor and polymyxin B sensitivity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Bansal Parmil K. , Sharma Pratima , Mondal Alok K.
Published: August 2002

The PBS2 gene encodes a MAP kinase kinase that plays a pivotal role in osmosensing signal‐transduction pathway in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mutation in the PBS2 gene has a pleotropic effect. Besides being osmosensitive, pbs2 mutants show altered sensitivity to polymyxin B and calcofluor. Recent studies revealed that Pbs2p plays a different role in osmoadaptation and calcofluor sensitivity. We have isolated a gene homologous to PBS2 from the highly salt‐tolerant yeast Debaryomyces hansenii by phenotypic complementation. DNA sequencing of the clone revealed that the gene encoded a protein of 683 amino acid residues. Like Pbs2p, this protein also has a proline‐rich motif. Further characterization revealed that this gene could complement polymyxin B sensitivity but did not affect calcofluor sensitivity. Thus, it appeared that Pbs2p also has an independent role in these two physiological processes. The GenBank Accession No. of this sequence is AF371315. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation of a Candida glabrata homologue of RAP1, a regulator of transcription and telomere function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Haw Robin , Devi Yarragudi Aruna , Uemura Hiroshi
Published: August 2002

To study the function of RAP1, an essential gene involved in the regulation of transcriptional activation, silencing and the telomere function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we isolated a Candida glabrata gene that complements the growth defect of a S. cerevisiae rap1 conditional mutant. The DNA sequence of the cloned gene, which we designated CgRAP1, predicted a 2064 bp open reading frame encoding a 687 amino acid protein with an overall identity of 65% and a similarity of 78% to Rap1p from S. cerevisiae. Its DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank Accession No. is AB055655. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression levels of transdominant peptides and proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sandrock Tanya , Poritz Mark , Kim Marianne , Feldhaus Michael J. , Roth Bruce , Caponigro Giordano , Kamb Alexander
Published: August 2002

From libraries of peptides and protein fragments, several inhibitors that block pheromone response in Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been isolated previously. In many cases, the inhibitors are displayed as part of a scaffold, such as green fluorescent protein. Each of the inhibitors has a characteristic physiological strength or genetic penetrance. In this report, the roles of expression level and display scaffold on the activities of a subset of pheromone‐response pathway inhibitors were examined. Special consideration was given to the relationship between expression levels of specific inhibitors, which may exceed 50 µM in some instances, and penetrance. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Schizosaccharomyces pombe Pmf1p is structurally and functionally related to Mmf1p of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Marchini Antonio , Accardi Rosita , Malanchi Ilaria , Schyr Evi , Oxelmark Ellinor , De Pinto Vito , Jauniaux Jean‐Claude , Maundrell Kinsey , Tommasino Massimo
Published: August 2002

A novel family of small proteins, termed p14.5 or YERO57c/YJGFc, has been identified. Independent studies indicate that p14.5 family members are multifunctional proteins involved in several pathways, e.g. regulation of translation or activation of the protease µ‐calpain. We have previously shown that Mmf1p, a p14.5 of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is localized in the mitochondria and influences mitochondrial DNA stability. In addition, we have demonstrated that Mmf1p is functionally related to p14.5 of mammalian cells. To explore further the evolutionary conservation of the mitochondrial function(s) of the p14.5s we have extended our study to the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In this organism two p14.5 homologous proteins are present: Pmf1p (pombe mitochondrial factor 1) and Hpm1p (homologous Pmf1p factor 1). We have generated a specific Pmf1p antibody, which recognizes a single band of approximately 15 kDa in total cellular extracts. Cellular fractionation experiments indicate that Pmf1p localizes in the mitochondria as well as in the cytoplasm. We also show that Pmf1p shares several properties of S. cerevisiae Mmf1p. Indeed, Pmf1p restores the wild‐type phenotype when expressed in Δmmf1 S. cerevisiae cells. Deletion of the leader sequence of Pmf1p abrogates its ability to localize in mitochondria and to functionally replace Mmf1p. Thus, these data together with our previous study show that the mitochondrial function(s) of the p14.5 family members are highly conserved in eukaryotic cells. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
21st century zoo design
Authors: Ehmke Lee C.
Published: August 2002

A review of Conservation Centres for the New Millennium. Proceedings of the 5th International Symposium on Zoo Design, edited by Amy B. Plowman and Peter M.C. Stevens. Paignton, Devon, U.K.: Whitely Wildlife Conservation Trust, 1999, 181 pp., paperback.
Morbidity of Ileostomy and Colostomy Closure: Impact of Surgical Technique and Perioperative Treatment
Authors: Riesener Klaus‐P. , Lehnen Winfried , Höfer Markus , Kasperk Reinhard , Braun Joseph C. , Schumpelick Volker
Published: August 2002

The operative results and complications after stoma closure in 548 patients operated on between 1972 and 1993 are described in this retrospective study. The patients were divided into three groups (group I,n= 74, 1972–1976; group II,n= 256, 1977–1985; group III,n= 218, 1986–1993) according to the year of operation and changing concepts in colorectal surgery. The overall mortality rate was 2.0%. The morbidity rate including minor complications was significantly reduced from 70.3% in group I to 27.1% in group III. Postoperative wound infections and fever were the most common complications. The location of the stoma and the operative technique did not markedly influence the morbidity rate. The most striking decrease in complications was achieved by the combined usage of orthograde lavage and perioperative antibiotic treatment (14.6% wound infections, 6.9% postoperative fever). In conclusion, a standardized perioperative treatment protocol including orthograde lavage and antibiotics is recommended.
Localization, Malignant Potential, and Surgical Management of Gastrinomas
Authors: Kisker O. , Bastian D. , Bartsch D. , Nies C. , Rothmund M.
Published: August 2002

Between 1987 and 1996 a total of 25 patients with proved Zollinger‐Ellison syndrome (ZES) have been treated in our department. If preoperative imaging studies did not show diffuse metastatic disease, patients were scheduled for operation with a standardized surgical approach including thorough exploration and intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) of the pancreas and a longitudinal duodenotomy, with separate palpation of the anterior and posterior walls. Postoperatively, patients were followed up by physical examination, fasting gastrin levels, and the secretin stimulation test. Altogether 10 patients had duodenal wall gastrinoma, 14 patients pancreatic gastrinoma, and the tumor was not found in 1 patient. Only 15 tumors (60%) (2 duodenal wall and 13 pancreatic gastrinomas) could be visualized preoperatively. Intraoperatively, 24 of 25 primary gastrinomas were localized. The mean size of duodenal wall gastrinomas (9.6 mm) was significantly smaller than that of pancreatic gastrinomas (28.7 mm) (p < 0.05). At the time of surgical exploration, five duodenal and seven pancreatic gastrinomas had metastasized. The incidence of lymph node metastases was similar for both tumor sites, whereas patients with pancreatic gastrinomas more frequently had liver metastases. The presence of liver metastases was the most important determinant for survival. Four patients (40%) with duodenal and seven with pancreatic (50%) gastrinomas (mean follow‐up 5.2 years) were biochemically cured by operation. Of the remaining patients, eight are still alive with recurrent disease. Our results suggest that preoperative localization of gastrinomas often fails despite all modern imaging methods. Therefore a standardized surgical exploration of the pancreas including IOUS and a duodenal exploration should be performed to achieve optimal results. Preoperative diagnostic imaging tests should include computed tomography, ultrasonography, and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy to exclude diffuse metastases. In contrast to liver metastases, lymph node metastases do not have a significant influence on survival.
Etiology of Massive Obesity: Role of Genetic Factors
Authors: Pérusse Louis , Chagnon Yvon C. , Bouchard Claude
Published: August 2002

It is well established that there is a significant familial aggregation of obesity, although most of the evidence regarding the genetic basis of obesity has been derived from overweight and moderately obese cases. Less is known about the contribution of genetic factors in severely obese individuals. This paper reviews the available evidence regarding the extent of familial aggregation of morbid obesity and the contribution of specific genes. The results of available studies suggest a stronger degree of familial resemblance for morbid obesity [body mass index (BMI > 40 kg/m2)] than for more moderate levels of obesity (BMI < 40 kg/m2). Evidence from human association and linkage studies, performed with markers surrounding human homologs of the genes involved in mouse models of obesity, revealed that these genes tend to be linked more often to severe obesity than to moderate levels of obesity.
Micrometastases in Bone Marrow: Prognostic Indicators for Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Roder Jürgen D. , Thorban Stefan , Pantel Klaus , Siewert J. Rüdiger
Published: August 2002

Minimal residual disease in patients with operable pancreatic carcinoma is frequently missed by current noninvasive tumour staging. We applied an immunocytochemical cytokeratin assay that allows identification of individual pancreatic carcinoma cells disseminated to bone marrow. Prior to therapy, bone marrow was aspirated from the upper iliac crest of 48 patients with ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas at various disease stages and an age‐matched control group of 33 noncarcinoma patients. Tumor cells in cytologic bone marrow preparations were detected with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) CK2, KL1, and A45‐B/B3 to epithelial cytokeratins (CK) using the alkaline phosphatase antialkaline phosphatase method. CK‐positive cells were found in 14 (48.4%) of 31 cancer patients treated with curative intent and in 10 (58.8%) of 18 patients with extended disease. The overall frequency of these cells was 1 to 83 per 5 × 105 mononuclear cells with no significant differences between patients at different tumor stages and lymph node involvement. After a median follow‐up of 22.8 months (range 3–48 months), 6 (40.0%) of 15 patients who underwent complete surgical resection but had tumor cells in bone marrow presented with distant metastasis and 7 (46.7%) had local relapse compared to none of 12 corresponding patients without such cells (p < 0.05). Univariate survival analyses revealed that the presence of CK‐positive cells was predictive of reduced overall survival. In conclusion, anticytokeratin mAbs are reliable probes for the immunocytochemical detection of single pancreatic cancer cells disseminated to bone marrow. Thus the described technique may help identify patients with pancreatic cancer and at potentially high risk of early metastatic relapse. The results promise to be of important assistance for determining prognosis and the consequences in therapy of early stage pancreatic cancer.
Early‐summer inhibition of reproduction in wild white‐footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus noveboracensis): influence of supplemental food
Authors: Terman C. Richard
Published: August 2002

Adults of wild white‐footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus noveboracensis) populations in southeastern Virginia have been shown to be reproductively suppressed during May–July compared with other months of the reproductive season. The gonads and sex accessory glands are also significantly smaller during May–July than at other times of the year. The causes of this early summer reproductive suppression are unknown. In this study, food (Agway 3000) that could not be hoarded was supplied in feeding stations on one‐half the 11‐ha wooded study area during 1990 and 1991. Food consumption (g) was positively but not significantly correlated with population density (adults/ha) during both years. Population density was higher during 1991 on the food‐supplemented area than on the nonsupplemented area, but the statistical significance was marginal. Mice of both sexes living on both areas during 1990 and 1991 exhibited significant reproductive suppression during May–June. Further, mice of both sexes living on both areas during both years had significantly smaller gonads and sex accessory glands during May–June compared with other months of the year. Thus, during both years, surplus food did not prevent suppression of reproductive function in this wild population, and this phenomenon remains unexplained.
Complex coupled system dynamics and the global warming policy problem
Authors: Rosser J. Barkley
Published: August 2002

A Public Domain, once a velvet carpet of rich buffalo‐grass and
grama, now an illimitable waste of rattlesnake‐bush and tumbleweed, too impoverished to be accepted as a gift by the states within which it lies. Why? Because the ecology of this Southwest happened to be set on a hair trigger.—Aldo Leopold. 1933. The Conservation Ethic. Journal of Forestry 33: 636–637.
Learning communities: Understanding the workplace as a complex system
Authors: Davis Brent , Sumara Dennis
Published: August 2002

Complexity theory informs this discussion of how collective learning practices can support personal learning. The learning system of a school is examined to understand the relationships, disequilibrium, and engagement of a learning community.
Transfer printing of cellulosic and proteinic fabrics
Authors: El‐Molla M. M. , El‐Halwagy A. A. , El‐Sayad H. S.
Published: August 2002

Cotton (cellulosic) and silk (proteinic) fabrics were grafted with tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate (THFA) in the presence of ceric ammonium nitrate and potassium persulphate as initiators, prior to transfer printing. Grafted fabrics with 23 and 26 wt% increase were obtained with a monomer concentration of 10 ml/g fabric and 1 g ceric ammonium nitrate initiator in case of cotton and silk fabrics respectively. Increasing monomer (THFA) and initiator (ceric ammonium nitrate) concentrations have a remarkable effect on the color strength of the prints. Treatment of the THFA‐grafted cotton and silk fabrics with Cassurit MLS resin produces prints with higher color strength values as compared to the grafted fabric alone. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 20: 296–304, 2001
Detection of relapse in non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma: Role of routine follow‐up studies
Authors: Elis Avishay , Blickstein Dorit , Klein Osnat , Eliav‐Ronen Rivka , Manor Yosef , Lishner Michael
Published: August 2002

Complete remission can be achieved in 60–80% of adults with diffuse aggressive non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, 20–40% of them will subsequently relapse. Nevertheless, formal follow‐up guidelines for recurrence detection have never been advocated. We analyzed the pattern of relapse in 30 patients with intermediate‐ and high‐grade non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma and the value of intensive protocol for relapse detection. This protocol includes frequent follow‐up visits, complete blood count, and serum LDH tests along with annual chest, abdominal, and pelvic CT scans. The median duration of complete remission was 12 months. Twenty‐five relapses (83%) were suspected after an interim history and /or physical examination, whereas only 5 relapses (17%) were detected by routine radiographic or laboratory follow‐up studies. The majority of relapses (19/30) were detected in sites that included the sites of prior disease. For the first 12 months of complete remission, the estimated cumulative save in charge for a follow‐up strategy, based on regular visits in the hematology clinic and performing laboratory and radiologic studies as clinically indicated, is 44% of the cost of a routine intensive evaluation. A reliable and cost‐effective follow‐up method for non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma patients in complete remission should include frequent history and physical examination. Complementary studies should be performed according to clinical indications. Am. J. Hematol. 69:41–44, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis with 2‐chlorodeoxyadenosine
Authors: Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Kelly Patrick , Jeng Michael , Presbury Gerald G. , Rieman Martha , Wang Winfred
Published: August 2002

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a disorder characterized by proliferation of activated Langerhans cells. Immune dysregulation is believed to be part of the pathogenesis. Although current therapies are very effective at inducing remission, multiple recurrences and long‐term sequelae are common for patients with low‐risk disease, and a significant proportion of young patients die of their disease. More effective therapies based on the pathogenesis of LCH are needed. We investigated the use of 2‐chloro‐deoxyadenosine (2‐CdA), a purine analogue with an antiproliferative effect on histiocytes and lymphocytes, in patients with recurrent or high‐risk LCH. Six patients with recurrent LCH received 2‐CdA (5–7 mg/m2/day for 5 days, repeated every 21–28 days). All patients achieved remission. With a median follow‐up of 15 months (range, 3–25 months), 5 patients remain in remission. A patient with multisystem disease who recurred after 13 months, achieved a second remission with 2‐CdA. Hematologic toxicity was minimal, and no infectious complications were documented. 2‐CdA is among the most effective drugs for the treatment of LCH, and this is probably due to both its anti‐proliferative and immunomodulatory effects. 2‐CdA needs to be considered for the treatment of recurrent LCH. However, its incorporation into front‐line treatment of patients with multi‐system LCH needs further study. Am. J. Hematol. 69:179–184, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
EBV‐associated lymphoma and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in an adult without overt immunodeficiency
Authors: Kasamon Yvette L. , Nguyen Thanh N. , Chan Jennifer A. , Nascimento Alessandra F.
Published: August 2002

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐associated lymphoproliferative disease occurs almost exclusively in immunocompromised states. This type of malignancy nevertheless developed in a woman without overt immunocompromise. She presented with rapidly progressive lower extremity weakness that was consistent with a chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). CIDP has been documented in Hodgkin's disease but rarely in non‐Hodgkin's disease. Diagnosis was confirmed by lymph node and sural nerve biopsies and by nerve conduction studies. Prednisone, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and etoposide were administered with regression of lymphadenopathy and improvement in neurologic symptoms. EBV‐associated lymphoproliferative disease can thus develop in the absence of overt immunodeficiency and may trigger a demyelinating polyneuropathy. Am. J. Hematol. 69:289–293, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical and pathologic findings in 52 consecutively autopsied cases with multiple myeloma
Authors: Oshima Kumi , Kanda Yoshinobu , Nannya Yasuhito , Kaneko Makoto , Hamaki Tamae , Suguro Miyuki , Yamamoto Rie , Chizuka Aki , Matsuyama Tomohiro , Takezako Naoki , Miwa Akiyoshi , Togawa Atsushi , Niino Hihumi , Nasu Michiyo , Saito Kiyoshi , Morita Toyohiko
Published: August 2002

We studied clinical features and pathologic findings in 52 consecutively autopsied patients with multiple myeloma in our center between 1979 and 1998. Distant extraosseous involvement was found in 33 patients (63.5%). Thirty‐one patients (59.6%) were proven to have infection at autopsy, among which pneumonia was most common site of infection. Amyloidosis was shown in 8 patients. Second malignancies were observed in 4 cases. The three major causes of death were hemorrhage, infection, and renal failure, which accounted for death in approximately 70% of the patients. Advances in the anticancer and antimicrobial chemotherapies might have decreased deaths due to myeloma itself or infection. Am. J. Hematol. 67:1–5, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrasound‐guided fine needle biopsy of the spleen: High clinical efficacy and low risk in a multicenter Italian study
Authors: Civardi Giuseppe , Vallisa Daniele , Bertè Raffaella , Giorgio Antonio , Filice Carlo , Caremani Marcello , Caturelli Eugenio , Pompili Maurizio , De Sio Ilario , Buscarini Elisabetta , Cavanna Luigi
Published: August 2002

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the ultrasound‐guided fine needle biopsy (UG‐FNB) of the spleen in a large population of patients. We collected retrospectively the findings concerning the application of UG‐FNB of the spleen from eight Italian clinical centers that utilized this technique for at least ten years. A data schedule was sent to all centers to collect information about techniques, results, and complications of UG‐FNB of the spleen. We analyzed 398 biopsy procedures both on focal lesions (257 cases) and on splenic parenchyma (141 cases). The overall accuracy was 90.9% for the series as a whole, 84.9% for cytological sampling, 88.3% for microhistological sampling, and 90.3% for both cytological and histological sampling (double biopsy). Tissue core biopsy yielded better overall accuracy in patients with suspected splenic involvement by lymphoma (90.9% vs. 68.5% for cytology). The complication rate was low (no death cases, less than 1% for major complications, and 5.2% for all complications). No predictive factors were able to detect high‐risk situations. The operator's skill (higher number of performed procedures) was significantly related to better overall accuracy. Conversely, the complication rate was not affected. UG‐FNB of the spleen is a very effective diagnostic procedure with low risk for the patient. Aspiration cytology and core needle biopsy showed similar diagnostic yields, except for the diagnosis of splenic lymphoma, in which core needle biopsy obtained better results. Am. J. Hematol. 67:93–99, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does polygyny reduce fertility?
Authors: Josephson Steven C.
Published: August 2002

Polygyny can increase, decrease, or have no effect on fertility. Understanding how this can occur requires consideration of both the proximate determinants of fertility and the ultimate effects of polygyny as a female reproductive strategy. Several factors reduced the fertility of polygynous women in 19th century Utah, including marrying at an older age, marrying older men, and conflict between co‐wives. Sterility did not explain the reduced number of children in polygynous women, nor is there evidence of a “dilution effect” from sharing a husband. If women could anticipate a reduction in their own fertility, why would they still choose polygyny? Evidence suggests that they chose it because the children of polygynous men had increased fertility, high enough to offset the low fertility of polygynous women themselves. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 14:222–232, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Forearm EMG response activity during motor performance in individuals prone to increased stress reactivity
Authors: Van Galen Gerard P. , Müller Martijn L.T.M. , Meulenbroek Ruud G.J. , Van Gemmert Arend W.A.
Published: August 2002

Background

Work‐related Upper Extremity Disorders (WRUEDs) are conceived of as a multifactorial syndrome caused by the effects of excessive repetitive motions, sustained static postures, and muscular stiffness. Our aim is to test an etiological model derived from a theory by Van Galen and Van Huygevoort [2000] Biol Psychol 51:151–171. The theory holds that physical, emotional, and psychosocial stressors enhance muscular stiffness as a compensatory filtering of impoverished signal‐to‐noise ratios in the motor system. High individual levels of arousal, as measured by Spielberger et al. [1970], State and Trait Anxiety Test would further enhance a subject's predisposition to react with stiffness responses in conditions of stress.

Methods

Ten participants with a high‐ and 10 with a low trait‐anxiety score performed a computer task involving series of fast but well‐dosed accelerations of the forearm along the surface of a digitizer. To induce cognitive stress a tone had to be remembered simultaneously with the aiming task. Pen‐tip displacements and surface electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded from four forearm muscles.

Results

Memory load did not affect error rates but produced shorter reaction times and prolonged movement times. EMG data show that under stress overall levels of neuromotor activation were enhanced. High‐anxious participants exhibited higher cocontraction levels than low‐anxious participants.

Conclusions

The findings support the view that stress and muscular tension are closely related and may provide a clue to the origin of WRUEDs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:406–419, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A hyperventilation theory of job stress and musculoskeletal disorders*
Authors: Schleifer Lawrence M. , Ley Ronald , Spalding Thomas W.
Published: August 2002

Background

There is evidence of a link between job stress and upper extremity work‐related musculoskeletal disorders. However, the biobehavioral mechanisms by which psychosocial stress factors contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders are uncertain.

Methods

Based on established principles of breathing and job stress and the relevant empirical literatures, a hyperventilation theory of job stress and work‐related musculoskeletal disorders was developed.

Results

Hyperventilation (overbreathing) refers to a drop in arterial CO2 caused by ventilation that exceeds metabolic demands for O2. Excessive loss of CO2 (increase in rate of flow of CO2 from cells to longs) that results from hyperventilation produces a rise in blood pH (i.e., respiratory alkalosis). This disruption in the acid–base equilibrium triggers a chain of systemic physiological reactions that have adverse implications for musculoskeletal health, including increased muscle tension, muscle spasm, amplified response to catecholamines, and muscle ischemia and hypoxia. Hyperventilation is often characterized by a shift from a diaphragmatic to a thoracic breathing pattern, which imposes biomechanical stress on the neck/shoulder region due to the ancillary recruitment of sternocelidomastoid, scalene, and trapezius muscles in support of thoraci breathing.

Conclusions

A hyperventilation theory provides an innovative framework for understanding how job stress contributes to pathophysiological processes that increase the risk of work‐related musculoskeletal disorders. With respect to the control of these disorders, a hyperventilation theory has important implications for establishing effective work organization interventions and individual stress‐management methods. In this regard, breathing is a biobehavioral metric for assessing whether psychosocial aspects of work organization are in balance with a worker's needs and resources. A hyperventilation theory also provides a unique rationale for coping with job stress and musculoskeletal discomfort through breathing training, light physical exercise, and rest breaks. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:420–432, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A historical cohort mortality study among shipyard workers in Genoa, Italy
Authors: Puntoni Riccardo , Merlo Franco , Borsa Luca , Reggiardo Giorgio , Garrone Elsa , Ceppi Marcello
Published: August 2002

Background

A historical cohort mortality study was conducted among 3984 shipyard workers assigned to ship repair, refitting, and construction in the harbor of Genoa, Italy, between 1960 and 1981. These workers were exposed to asbestos fibers, welding fumes and gases, silica dust, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and solvents.

Methods

Workers were classified in 20 different job‐titles depending upon the type of activity. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were computed using male residents of the Province of Genoa as the referent population.

Results and Conclusions

For the whole cohort significantly increased SMRs were detected for all causes, all cancers, liver, larynx, lung, pleural and bladder cancers, respiratory tract diseases, and cirrhosis of the liver. The analysis by job‐title showed increased SMRs not only for pleural cancer, but also for lung, laryngeal cancers and respiratory tract diseases in occupations entailing heavy asbestos exposure. Bladder and liver cancers and liver cirrhosis mortality also appeared to be related to occupational exposure. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:363–370, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Allelic association analysis of the dopamine D2, D3, 5‐HT2A, and GABAAγ2 receptors and serotonin transporter genes with heroin abuse in Chinese subjects
Authors: Li Tao , Liu Xiehe , Zhao Jinghua , Hu Xun , Ball David M. , Loh El‐Wui , Sham Pak C. , Collier David A.
Published: August 2002

Five candidate genes, the receptors DRD2, DRD3, HTR2A and GABAAγ2, and the serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) were analyzed for association with heroin abuse. We examined three polymorphisms (promoter − 141ΔC, Ser311Cys, and TaqI) in the DRD2 gene, one polymorphism (Ser9Gly) in the DRD3 gene, two polymorphisms (promoter − 1438G/A and T102C) in the HTR2A gene, two polymorphisms (VNTR and Del/Ins) in 5‐HTT gene, and one polymorphism (G3145A) in GABAAγ2 gene in 121 Chinese heroin addicts and 194 controls. None of the polymorphisms differed significantly for allele, genotype, or haplotype frequencies, except for the DRD2 promoter polymorphism − 141ΔC (genotype‐wise and allele‐wise, P = 0.05, uncorrected). An additional 344 subjects with heroin abuse and 104 controls were investigated for the − 141ΔC polymorphism. In the second sample, there were no significant difference of genotype or allele frequencies between subjects with heroin abuse and normal controls. When we divided the sample by route of administration into nasal inhalers and IM or IV injectors, however, it produced a significant difference between inhalers of heroin and controls (genotype‐wise, P = 0.006, allele‐wise, P = 0.016) but not for injectors of heroin (genotype‐wise, P = 0.81, allele‐wise, P = 0.69). We also found that LD between all polymorphisms we examined in the gene was weak, possibly explaining why we see association of this polymorphism with heroin abuse but not with other markers in the gene. Overall our results indicates that the HTR2A, 5‐HTT, DRD3 and GABAAγ2 genes are not likely to be a major genetic risk factor for heroin abuse in this population, with the exception of possible association between nasal inhalation and DRD2 promoter − 141ΔC polymorphism. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serious genetic disorders: Can or should they be defined?*
Authors: Wertz Dorothy C. , Knoppers Bartha Maria
Published: August 2002

The word “serious” appears in laws and policies regarding genetics services but is not defined. Genetics professionals would most likely be consulted if definitions are made. We surveyed all U.S. board‐certified genetics services providers and all members of the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG), Canadian College of Medical Geneticists (CCMG), and Ibero‐American Society of Human Genetics (IASHG), using anonymous, mailed questionnaires. Respondents were asked to list three conditions they considered lethal, three that were serious but not lethal, and three that were not serious. Of 3,317 asked to respond, 1,481 (45%) returned questionnaires. Analysis was limited to responses of the 1,264 (85%) who saw patients. Respondents listed 537 conditions, with extensive overlap between categories; 46% of conditions listed as serious were also listed as not serious and 41% were listed as lethal. Respondents did not want professional societies, laws, or national ethics committees to define serious. They favored individual patients as decision makers, with the help of individual doctors. Their reasons were that genetic disorders vary in expression, individuals perceive disorders differently, professional or legal definitions could be unfair to minority groups, definitions tend to be inflexible when new treatments appear. In the United States, most would not use a definition of serious to limit reproductive services, carrier screening, or neonatal intensive care; outside the United States, more supported limitations. There is not sufficient consensus among experienced genetics professionals to define serious genetic conditions for purposes of law or policy. Responses point to social and economic influences on perceptions of what constitutes a serious genetic disorder. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A deletion–insertion mutation in the phosphomannomutase 2 gene in an African American patient with congenital disorders of glycosylation‐Ia
Authors: Tayebi Nahid , Andrews David Q. , Park Joseph K. , Orvisky Eduard , McReynolds John , Sidransky Ellen , Krasnewich Donna M.
Published: August 2002

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a group of metabolic disorders with multisystemic involvement characterized by abnormalities in the synthesis of N‐linked oligosaccharides. The most common form, CDG‐Ia, resulting from mutations in the gene encoding the enzyme phosphomannomutase (PMM2), manifests with severe abnormalities in psychomotor development, dysmorphic features and visceral involvement. While this disorder is panethnic, we present the first cases of CDG‐Ia identified in an African American family with two affected sisters. The proband had failure to thrive in infancy, hypotonia, ataxia, cerebellar hypoplasia and developmental delay. On examination, she also exhibited strabismus, inverted nipples and an atypical perineal fat distribution, all features characteristic of CDG‐Ia. Direct sequencing demonstrated that the patient had a unique genotype, T237M/c.565‐571 delAGAGAT insGTGGATTTCC. The novel deletion–insertion mutation, which was confirmed by subcloning and sequencing of each allele, introduces a stop codon 11 amino acids downstream from the site of the deletion. The presence of this deletion–insertion mutation at cDNA position 565 suggests that this site in thePMM2gene may be a hotspot for chromosomal breakage. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.