bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ON THE EXISTENCE OF LIMIT CYCLES IN OPINION FORMATION PROCESSES UNDER TIME PERIODIC INFLUENCE OF PERSUADERS
Authors: BERTOTTI MARIA LETIZIA , DELITALA MARCELLO
Published: May 2008

This paper concerns a model of opinion formation in a population of interacting individuals under the influence of external leaders or persuaders, which act in a time periodic fashion. The model is formulated within a general framework inspired to a discrete generalized kinetic approach, which has been developed in Ref. 6. It is expressed by a system of non-autonomous nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The dynamics of such a system is investigated and the existence of a globally asymptotically stable periodic solution is analytically proved in three example cases, each one corresponding to a different quantitative choice of the actions of the persuaders. Equivalently, in three particular cases a time periodic asymptotic trend of the opinions evolution is established. Several computational simulations are described and discussed, suggesting that for the model under investigation analogous qualitative results hold true more generally, also in cases involving quantitatively different persuaders actions.
EFFICIENT HEDGING AND PRICING OF EQUITY-LINKED LIFE INSURANCE CONTRACTS ON SEVERAL RISKY ASSETS
Authors: MELNIKOV ALEXANDER , ROMANYUK YULIYA
Published: May 2008

The paper uses the efficient hedging methodology in order to optimally price and hedge equity-linked life insurance contracts whose payoff depends on the performance of several risky assets. In particular, we consider a policy which pays the maximum of the values of n risky assets at some maturity date T, provided that the policyholder survives to T. Such contracts incorporate financial risk, which stems from the uncertainty about future prices of the underlying financial assets, and insurance risk, which arises from the policyholder's mortality. We show how efficient hedging can be used to minimize expected losses from imperfect hedging under a particular risk preference of the hedger. We also prove a probabilistic result, which allows one to calculate analytic pricing formulas for equity-linked payoffs with n risky assets. To illustrate its use, explicit formulas are given for optimal prices and expected hedging losses for payoffs with two risky assets. Numerical examples highlighting the implications of efficient hedging for the management of financial and insurance risks of equity-linked life insurance policies are also provided.
EQUILIBRIUM PRICES FOR MONETARY UTILITY FUNCTIONS
Authors: FILIPOVIĆ DAMIR , KUPPER MICHAEL
Published: May 2008

This paper provides sufficient and necessary conditions for the existence of equilibrium pricing rules for monetary utility functions under convex consumption constraints. These utility functions are characterized by the assumption of a fully fungible numeraire asset ("cash"). Each agent's utility is nominally shifted by exactly the amount of cash added to his endowment. We find the individual maximum utility that each agent is eligible for in an equilibrium and provide a game theoretic point of view for the fair allocation of the aggregate utility.
Cardiac inflammation associated with a Western diet is mediated via activation of RAGE by AGEs
Authors: Tikellis Christos , Thomas Merlin C. , Harcourt Brooke E. , Coughlan Melinda T. , Pete Josepha , Bialkowski Katarzyna , Tan Adeline , Bierhaus Angelika , Cooper Mark E. , Forbes Josephine M.
Published: May 2008

A diet high in fat induces cardiac hypertrophy, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Although such actions have largely been ascribed to fat deposition, the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and subsequent activation of the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) may also represent important mediators of cardiac injury following exposure to a Western diet. In this study, male C57BL6J and RAGE knockout mice were placed on either a standard diet (7% fat) or a Western “fast-food” diet (21% fat). Animals receiving a high-fat diet were further randomized to receive the AGE inhibitor alagebrium chloride (1 mg·kg−1·day−1) and followed for 16 wk. A Western diet was associated with cardiac hypertrophy, inflammation, mitochondrial-dependent superoxide production, and cardiac AGE accumulation in wild-type mice. Although RAGE-KO mice fed a Western diet also became obese and accumulated intramyocardial lipid, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, inflammation, and oxidative stress were attenuated compared with wild-type mice. Similarly, mice of both strains receiving alagebrium chloride had reduced levels of inflammation and oxidative stress, in association with a reduction in cardiac AGEs and RAGE. This study suggests that AGEs represent important mediators of cardiac injury associated with a Western fast-food diet. These data point to the potential utility of AGE-reducing strategies in the prevention and management of cardiac disease.
Orexin-A modulates glutamatergic NMDA-dependent spinal reflex potentiation via inhibition of NR2B subunit
Authors: Peng Hsien-Yu , Chang Hung-Ming , Chang Sarah Y. , Tung Kwong-Chung , Lee Shin-Da , Chou Dylan , Lai Cheng-Yuan , Chiu Chun-Hsien , Chen Gin-Den , Lin Tzer-Bin
Published: May 2008

Glucose-sensitive neurons in the lateral hypothalamic area produce orexin-A (OxA) as well as orexin-B (OxB) and send their axons to the spinal dorsal horn, which predominantly expresses orexin receptor-1 (OX-1), showing a higher sensitivity to OxA. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of OxA on the induction of a novel form of activity-dependent reflex potentiation, spinal reflex potentiation (SRP), in the pelvic-urethral reflex activity. External urethra sphincter electromyogram in response to pelvic afferent nerve test stimulation (TS; 1/30 Hz) or repetitive stimulation (RS; 1 Hz) was recorded in anesthetized rats. TS evoked a baseline reflex activity, whereas RS produced SRP, which was abolished by intrathecal OxA (30 nM, 10 μl). Intrathecal SB-408124 (10 μM, 10 μl), an OX-1 antagonist, reversed the abolition on SRP caused by OxA. Although there is, so far, no NR2A- and NR2B-specific agonist available, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) reversed the abolition on the RS-induced SRP caused by the co-administration of OxA and Co-101244 (30 nM, 10 μl; an NMDA NR2B subunit antagonist), but it did not reverse the abolition by the co-administration of OxA and PPPA (300 nM, 10 μl; an NMDA NR2A subunit antagonist). In conclusion, the activation of descending orexinergic fibers may inhibit the repetitive afferent input-induced central sensitization of pelvic-urethral reflex activity and urethra hyperactivity, indicating that spinal orexinergic neural transmission may be a novel target for the treatment of patients with neuropathetic or postinflammatory pain of pelvic origin.
Emerging role for AS160/TBC1D4 and TBC1D1 in the regulation of GLUT4 traffic
Authors: Sakamoto Kei , Holman Geoffrey D.
Published: May 2008

Vesicular traffic of the glucose transporter GLUT4 occurs in response to insulin, muscle contraction, and metabolic stimuli that lead to changes in the energy status of the cell. These stimuli are associated with linked kinase cascades that lead to changes in glucose uptake that meet the energy challenges imposed on the highly regulated cell types in insulin-responsive tissues. The need to mechanistically link these kinase-associated stimuli to identifiable intermediates in vesicular traffic has long been known but has been difficult to fulfill. The Rab-GTPase-activating proteins AS160 and TBC1D1 have now emerged as strong candidates to fill this void. Here we review the initial discovery of these proteins as phosphorylated substrates for Akt and the more recent emerging data that indicate that these proteins are substrates for additional kinases that are downstream of contraction and energy status signaling. The mechanism of coupling these phosphorylated proteins to vesicle traffic appears to be dependent on linking to small GTPase of the Rab family. We examine the current state of a hypothesis that suggests that phosphorylation of the Rab-GTPase-activating proteins leads to increased GTP loading of Rab proteins on GLUT4 vesicles and subsequently to increased interaction with Rab effectors that control GLUT4 vesicle translocation.
GLUT7: a new intestinal facilitated hexose transporter
Authors: Cheeseman Chris
Published: May 2008

The very last member of the SLC2A gene family of facilitated hexose transporters to be cloned was SLC2A7 (hGLUT7). It has been assigned to the class II of the GLUT family on the basis of sequence similarity, and its closest family member is GLUT5, an intestinal fructose transporter. GLUT7 is primarily expressed in the small intestine and colon, although mRNA has been detected in the testis and prostate as well. The protein is expressed in the apical membrane of the small intestine and colon, and it has a high affinity (<0.5 mM) for glucose and fructose. The abundance of the protein in the small intestine does change in parallel with the dietary carbohydrate. However, the distribution of GLUT7 along the small intestine does not entirely match with the availability of glucose and fructose, suggesting that the physiological substrate for this transporter has yet to be identified. Unlike GLUT13, the proton-coupled myoinositol transporter (HMIT), there is no evidence for the coupling of protons to the hexose movement via GLUT7. One area of study in which GLUT7 has provided a useful comparison with GLUT1 has been in the development of the hypothesis that the facilitated hexose transporters may have a selectivity filter at the exofacial opening of the translocation pore, which helps to determine which hexoses can be transported. If substantiated, the elucidation of this mechanism may prove useful in the design of hexose analogs for use in cancer imaging and therapeutics.
Spinal Cord Injury Causes Plasticity in a Subpopulation of Lamina I GABAergic Interneurons
Authors: Dougherty Kimberly J. , Hochman Shawn
Published: May 2008

Dysfunction of the spinal GABAergic system has been implicated in pain syndromes following spinal cord injury (SCI). Since lamina I is involved in nociceptive and thermal signaling, we characterized the effects of chronic SCI on the cellular properties of its GABAergic neurons fluorescently identified in spinal slices from GAD67-GFP transgenic mice. Whole cell recordings were obtained from the lumbar cord of 13- to 17-day-old mice, including those having had a thoracic segment (T8-11) removed 6–9 days prior to experiments. Following chronic SCI, the distribution, incidence, and firing classes of GFP+ cells remained similar to controls, and there were minimal changes in membrane properties in cells that responded to current injection with a single spike. In contrast, cells displaying tonic/initial burst firing had more depolarized membrane potentials, increased steady-state outward currents, and increased spike heights. Moreover, higher firing frequencies and spontaneous plateau potentials were much more prevalent after chronic SCI, and these changes occurred predominantly in cells displaying a tonic firing pattern. Persistent inward currents (PICs) were observed in a similar fraction of cells from spinal transects and may have contributed to these plateaus. Persistent Na+ and L-type Ca2+ channels likely contributed to the currents as both were identified pharmacologically. In conclusion, chronic SCI induces a plastic response in a subpopulation of lamina I GABAergic interneurons. Alterations are directed toward amplifying neuronal responsiveness. How these changes alter spinal sensory integration and whether they contribute to sensory dysfunction remains to be elucidated.
Layer 2/3 Synapses in Monocular and Binocular Regions of Tree Shrew Visual Cortex Express mAChR-Dependent Long-Term Depression and Long-Term Potentiation
Authors: McCoy Portia , Norton Thomas T. , McMahon Lori L.
Published: May 2008

Acetylcholine is an important modulator of synaptic efficacy and is required for learning and memory tasks involving the visual cortex. In rodent visual cortex, activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) induces a persistent long-term depression (LTD) of transmission at synapses recorded in layer 2/3 of acute slices. Although the rodent studies expand our knowledge of how the cholinergic system modulates synaptic function underlying learning and memory, they are not easily extrapolated to more complex visual systems. Here we used tree shrews for their similarities to primates, including a visual cortex with separate, defined regions of monocular and binocular innervation, to determine whether mAChR activation induces long-term plasticity. We find that the cholinergic agonist carbachol (CCh) not only induces long-term plasticity, but the direction of the plasticity depends on the subregion. In the monocular region, CCh application induces LTD of the postsynaptic potential recorded in layer 2/3 that requires activation of m3 mAChRs and a signaling cascade that includes activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. In contrast, layer 2/3 postsynaptic potentials recorded in the binocular region express long-term potentiation (LTP) following CCh application that requires activation of m1 mAChRs and phospholipase C. Our results show that activation of mAChRs induces long-term plasticity at excitatory synapses in tree shrew visual cortex. However, depending on the ocular inputs to that region, variation exists as to the direction of plasticity, as well as to the specific mAChR and signaling mechanisms that are required.
High Threshold, Proximal Initiation, and Slow Conduction Velocity of Action Potentials in Dentate Granule Neuron Mossy Fibers
Authors: Kress Geraldine J. , Dowling Margaret J. , Meeks Julian P. , Mennerick Steven
Published: May 2008

Dentate granule neurons give rise to some of the smallest unmyelinated fibers in the mammalian CNS, the hippocampal mossy fibers. These neurons are also key regulators of physiological and pathophysiological information flow through the hippocampus. We took a comparative approach to studying mossy fiber action potential initiation and propagation in hippocampal slices from juvenile rats. Dentate granule neurons exhibited axonal action potential initiation significantly more proximal than CA3 pyramidal neurons. This conclusion was suggested by phase plot analysis of somatic action potentials and by local tetrodotoxin application to the axon and somatodendritic compartments. This conclusion was also verified by immunostaining for voltage-gated sodium channel alpha subunits and by direct dual soma/axonal recordings. Dentate neurons exhibited a significantly higher action potential threshold and slower axonal conduction velocity than CA3 neurons. We conclude that while the electrotonically proximal axon location of action potential initiation allows granule neurons to sensitively detect and integrate synaptic inputs, the neurons are sluggish to initiate and propagate an action potential.
Predictors of Quality of Life after Radical Treatment for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Gacci Mauro , Lapini Alberto , Serni Sergio , Livi Lorenzo , Paiar Fabiola , Detti Beatrice , Simontacchi Gabriele , Vittori Gianni , Giubilei Gianluca , Mariani Massimiliano , Palli Domenico , Carini Marco
Published: May 2008

Introduction: The usual treatment options for clinically localized prostate cancer carry a significant risk of lasting side effects, including urinary, bowel, and sexual dysfunction, that can alter overall the patient’s quality of life. The aim of this research is to evaluate the impact of treatment timing (age at time of treatment, follow-up duration, age at time of follow-up), pretreatment tumor characteristics (clinical stage, Gleason score, PSA), and posttreatment outcomes (hormonal status, biochemical recurrence), on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among men who had undergone radical treatment for prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: 595 patients with prostate cancer who had undergone either radical prostatectomy or external beam radiation as primary therapy between 1988 and 2000 were selected for this retrospective, cross-sectional study. The enrolled subjects were asked to complete the Italian validated version of University of California-Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index. Clinical parameters, hormone therapy status and posttreatment outcomes were considered to perform uni- and multivariate analyses. Results: Both uni- and multivariate analyses demonstrated that timing of radical treatment is a critical predictive factor for sexual activity. Pretreatment tumor characteristics had a significant impact on urinary function, urinary bother and sexual function. Hormone treatment exclusively influenced sexual function and sexual bother, while biochemical recurrence can also worsen urinary symptoms and urinary bother. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that treatment timing, pretreatment tumor characteristics and posttreatment outcomes may have an impact on HRQOL in patients who have undergone radical treatment for prostate cancer: all these items should be considered in order to achieve an accurate interpretation of prostate cancer treatment outcomes.
Diagnostic Value of Serum Ghrelin Levels in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Mungan N. Aydin , Eminferzane Sasan , Mungan A. Gorkem , Yesilli Cetin , Seckiner Ilker , Can Murat , Ayoglu Ferruh , Akduman Bulent
Published: May 2008

Purpose: Expression of recently identified growth hormone-releasing peptide, ghrelin, and its receptor has been demonstrated in prostate cancer (PCA) cell lines. It was also shown that ghrelin has increased cell proliferation in vitro when added to PCA cell lines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum ghrelin levels in detection of PCA. Material and Method: 30 patients with PCA and 50 patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) were enrolled in the study. The serum ghrelin levels of PCA and BPH patients were compared. The correlations between ghrelin and age groups, body mass index, total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, free/total PSA ratio, Gleason score, and prostate volume were also studied. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups and parameters mentioned above in terms of serum ghrelin levels (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Although ghrelin has been shown to induce PCA cell proliferation by in vitro studies, its role in the diagnosis of PCA was not demonstrated in our clinical study. Insufficient secretion of ghrelin into serum or the effect of other sources of ghrelin to serum ghrelin levels could be responsible for this discrepancy.
Clinical Value of PTEN in Patients with Superficial Bladder Cancer
Authors: Han Kyung Seok , Jeong In Gab , Joung Jae Young , Yang Seung Ok , Chung Jinsoo , Seo Ho Kyung , Kwon Kyung Suk , Park Weon Seo , Lee Kang Hyun
Published: May 2008

Introduction: Frequent mutations or deletions of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) are reported in bladder cancer, while there are few studies which evaluated PTEN as a clinical prognostic parameter of superficial bladder cancer. We prospectively evaluated PTEN expression in patients with superficial bladder cancer by immunohistochemical staining and defined the value of PTEN mutations in predicting tumor behavior of superficial bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 190 patients were enrolled in this study. All of the patients underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor and had superficial tumors. All pathologic materials used in this study were obtained from transurethral resection of bladder tumor. Immunohistochemical stainings were performed. The immunohistochemical staining intensity was judged to be either normal or reduced compared with the PTEN protein expression of positive and negative controls. Disappearance of more than 50% stained cytoplasmic granules was defined as reduced PTEN expression. Results: The alteration of PTEN expression was significantly different according to tumor stage and grade (p = 0.03, p = 0.048), especially high in carcinoma in situ. However, PTEN expression was not significantly correlated with disease recurrence, progression and recurrence- or progression-free survival. Conclusions: Reduced PTEN expression relates to aggressiveness of bladder tumors but seems not to have enough specificity for clinical use in the management of superficial bladder cancer.
Are There Any UPP Changes in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence after Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises?
Authors: Zahariou Athanasios , Karamouti Maria , Georgantzis Dimitrios , Papaioannou Polyanthi
Published: May 2008

Aim: This study examined the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercises after 12 months of successful treatment for stress urinary incontinence based on subjective (incontinence episodes and pad test) and objective outcome variables (urethral closure pressure, UCP, functional profile length and pressure transmission ratio, PTR). Methods: Fifty women aged 24–58 years old with genuine stress urine incontinence who successfully underwent pelvic floor muscle exercises, as measured by incontinence episodes and pad test, were included in the study. All women underwent a comprehensive standardized evaluation of urethral pressure profilometry at baseline assessment and at the end of 12 months of pelvic floor exercise program. Maximal UCP, mean UCP, functional profile length or PTR were recorded in all patients. Results: At baseline, the study population had a mean maximal UCP of 33 ± 20 cm H2O, a mean UCP of 18 ± 10 cm H2O, a mean functional urethral length of 22 ± 5 mm and a mean PTR of 81 ± 12%. At the end of 12 months of successful and continuous pelvic floor exercises and a significant improvement of incontinence episodes, no difference could be recorded concerning urethroprofilometry parameters studied apart from mean PTR, which was significantly increased. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that apart from the mean PTR no other urodynamic parameter reflected the continence improvement of pelvic floor exercise program.
Association between Erectile Dysfunction and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Nigerian Men
Authors: Ikuerowo S.O. , Akindiji Y.O. , Akinoso O.A. , Akinlusi F.M. , Esho J.O.
Published: May 2008

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are highly prevalent in aging men. It is also necessary to evaluate ED before and subsequent to treatment intervention, when a patient presents with BPH. Current evidence suggests that there is an association between these two clinical conditions independent of age and comorbidities. No study from our environment has looked at this possible association which is therefore the aim of this study. Materials and Method: 132 patients who presented to our urology clinic for evaluation of LUTS/BPH were requested to complete the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) and International Index for Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaires. Their comorbidities were also noted. Data were evaluated with SPPS 14.0 software and a p value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of the patients was 64.8 (range 46–84) years. ED and LUTS/BPH significantly correlated with the age of the patients. ED was present in 71% of the patients. The second question in the IIEF-5 questionnaire (How would you rate your ability to have an erection hard enough for penetration?) showed a significant correlation with total IPSS score (p = 0.022) while the total ED score and other questions showed only weak correlations that did not reach significant levels. However, the sum of the obstructive symptoms scores (p < 0.001), unlike the sum of the irritative symptoms scores (p = 0.202), showed a significant correlation with ED scores. In addition, there was a significant correlation between the quality of life (QOL) due to urinary symptoms and ED scores. Conclusion: ED is highly prevalent and related to LUTS/BPH among our patients. The high prevalence may be due to the obstructive urinary symptoms therefore providing a possible link between BPH and ED through the increased α-adrenergic outflow from the pelvis. The poor QOL associated with LUTS/BPH may also result in ED. It is hoped that this study would form groundwork for further research in this area in our environment.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Urinary Creatinine Concentration in the Estimation of Differential Renal Function in Patients with Obstructive Uropathy
Authors: Al-Hunayan A. , Al-Ateeqi A. , Kehinde E.O. , Thalib L. , Loutfi I. , Mojiminiyi O.A.
Published: May 2008

Objectives: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of spot urine creatinine concentration (UCC) as a new test for the evaluation of differential renal function in obstructed kidneys (DRFok) drained by percutaneous nephrostomy tube (PCNT). Methods: In patients with obstructed kidneys drained by PCNT, DRFok was derived from UCC by comparing the value of UCC in the obstructed kidney to the value in the contralateral kidney, and was derived from dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scans and creatinine clearance (CCr) using standard methods. Subsequently, the results of UCC were compared to the results of DMSA and CCr. Results: 61 patients were enrolled. Bland-Altman plots to compare DMSA and UCC showed that the upper limit of agreement was 14.8% (95% CI 10.7–18.5) and the lower limit was –19.9% (95% CI –23.8 to –16.1). The sensitivity and specificity of detecting DMSA DRFok ≤35% using UCC was 85.2 and 91.2%, respectively. When UCC was compared to CCr, Bland-Altman tests gave an upper limit of agreement of 10.4% (95% CI 7.9–12.8) and a lower limit of agreement of –11.3% (95% CI –13.8 to –8.9). Conclusions: UCC is accurate in the estimation of DRFok drained by PCNT.
A t(X;15)(q23;q25) with Xq reactivation in a lymphoblastoid cell line from Fanconi anemia
Authors: Kokalj-Vokac N. , Saint-Ruf C. , Lefrançois D. , Viegas-Péquignot E. , Lemieux N. , Malfoy B. , Dutrillaux B.
Published: May 2008

A t(X;15)(q23;q25) was detected during cytogenetic investigation of a lymphoblastoid cell line established from a female patient with Fanconi anemia. The translocation was apparently balanced at passage 300 and unbalanced at passage 13. A chromatid exchange between both the normal and the der(15), between the centromere and band 15q25, may explain these results. Replication studies, following BrdU incorporation, indicate that the segment Xq23→qter from the der(15) is early replicating whereas segment Xpter→q23 from the der(X) is late replicating. Since the normal X was early replicating, it is concluded that the segment of the long arm of chromosome X, separated from its inactivation center by the translocation, was reactivated. This interpretation is conñrmed by the methylation patterns of the hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase gene (HPRT), mapped on Xq26, which corresponds to that of an active gene, whereas that of phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK1), which remained on the der(X), corresponds to that of an inactive gene. This is the first example of reactivation of a segment of the X chromosome following a structural rearrangement in somatic cells.
DNA sequences surrounding the centromere of chromosome 21
Authors: Stewart G.D. , McCann D.P. , Van Keuren M.L. , Kurnit D.M.
Published: May 2008

The mapping and sequencing of two clones that surround the centromere of chromosome 21 are presented. These clones specify the most proximal known low-order repeat n 21p (p21–7D) and the most proximal known single-copy sequence on 21q (pUT-B37 at locus D21S120).
Localization of the human gene for 230-kDal bullous pemphigoid autoantigen (BPAG1) to chromosome 6pter→q15
Authors: Minoshima S. , Amagai M. , Kudoh J. , Fukuyama R. , Hashimoto T. , Nishikawa T. , Shimizu N.
Published: May 2008

Chromosome mapping of the human gene encoding the 230-kDal autoantigen of an autoimmune skin disease, bullous pemphigoid, was performed using flow-sorted human chromosomes of cells of normal karyotype and cells carrying a reciprocal translocation t(6;16)(q15;q24). The cDNA of the autoantigen hybridized with intact chromosome 6 and translocation chromosome 6p– (6pter→q15::16q24→qter). The gene (BPA230) was located to the chromosome region 6pter→q15.
Three epidermal and one simple epithelial type II keratin genes map to human chromosome 12
Authors: Rosenberg M. , Fuchs E. , Le Beau M.M. , Eddy R.L. , Shows T.B.
Published: May 2008

We have localized the genes which encode the human type II epidermal keratins K5, K6a, and K6b and the simple epithelial keratin K7 (KRT5, KRT6A, KRT6B, and KRT7, respectively) to chromosome 12 using Southern blot analysis of somatic cell hybrids. In addition, we have sublocalized the genes for K6a and K7 to bands 12q12→q14 on the long arm of this chromosome by in situ hybridization of metaphase chromosomes.
The human calbindin D28k (CALB1) and calretinin (CALB2) genes are located at 8q21.3→q22.1 and 16q22→q23, respectively, suggesting a common duplication with the carbonic anhydrase isozyme loci
Authors: Parmentier M. , Passage E. , Vassart G. , Mattei M.-G.
Published: May 2008

The genes encoding calbindin D28k (CALB1) and calretinin (CALB2), two closely related calcium-binding proteins, were mapped by in situ hybridization to the 8q21.3→ q22.1 and 16q22→q23 regions of the human genome, respectively. These localizations match the chromosomal regions where the carbonic anhydrase isozyme gene cluster (CA1 CA2, CA3) and the related gene CA7 have been described, respectively. This suggests a common duplication·the calbindin/calretinin and the carbonic anhydrase ancestral genes.
Comparison of RBG-banded karyotypes of cattle, sheep, and goats
Authors: Hayes H. , Petit E. , Dutrillaux B.
Published: May 2008

The karyotypes of the three main domestic Bovidae species, Bos taurus, Ovis aries, and Capra hircus, have been investigated by RBG-banding. Primary fíbroblast cells were cultured from fetal lung or muscle tissue and collected for chromosome preparation after double thymidine synchronization. Depending on the culture and species, BrdU and FdU were added for 8–11 h or 7–10 h, respectively, before harvest. The chromosomes of the three species were classified and numbered according to standard conventions (ISCNDA, 1989) and compared at different stages of condensation. Within the resolving power of the images obtained, the RBG-banding patterns appear to be very similar, with only minor differences existing between chromosome 9 and the sex chromosomes of cattle and the same chromosomes in the domestic sheep and the goat.
Visualization of R-bands in human metaphase chromosomes by the restriction endonuclease MseI
Authors: Ludeña P. , Sentís C. , De Cabo S.F. , Velázquez M. , Fernández-Piqueras J.
Published: May 2008

Human metaphase chromosomes were treated with the restriction endonuclease Msel, which cuts DNA at TTAA sequences. This enzyme preferentially cuts and extracts DNA from G-bands and thus is the first restriction endonuclease allowing direct R-band visualization. Specific patterns ranging from R+C-like to C-like banding can be induced, depending on the concentration of the enzyme. At intermediate concentrations, only a subset of R-bands are produced, corresponding to GC-rich bands that are especially resistant to heat denaturation (so-called T-bands). These results suggest that compositional differences between chromosomal regions determine the different rates of cleavage by Msel, not only between R- and G-bands but also among different R-bands.
Assignment of human porphobilinogen deaminase to 11q24.1→q24.2 by in situ hybridization and gene dosage studies
Authors: Namba H. , Narahara K. , Tsuji K. , Yokoyama Y. , Seino Y.
Published: May 2008

In situ hybridization and gene dosage-effect studies were conducted to determine the detailed chromosomal location of the gene encoding human porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD). Red cell PBGD activity was normal in one patient with monosomy for 11q24.2→qter but was increased 1.5 times in another patient with trisomy for 11q22.2→qter. The cDNA probe for PBGD was found to be specifically hybridized to band 11q24. These results suggest that the gene for PBGD is localized within the region 11q24.1→q24.2.
Mapping of bovine cytokeratin sequences to four different sites on three chromosomes
Authors: Fries R. , Threadgill D.W. , Hediger R. , Gunawardana A. , Blessing M. , Jorcano J.L. , Stranzinger G. , Womack J.E.
Published: May 2008

The chromosomal location of bovine class I and class II cytokeratin sequences was determined using in situ hybridization and Southern blot hybridization to DNA from hybrid somatic cells. The main signals were found over chromosome region 19q16→qter after in situ hybridization with two probes for the class I cytokeratin gene subfamily (KRT10 and KRT19) and over region 5q14→q23 after hybridization with probes for the class II gene subfamily (KRT1, KRT5, and KRT8). These regions most likely contain the loci of functional cytokeratin genes, with KRT10 and KRT19 mapping to 19q21 and KRT1, KRT5, and KRT8 to 5q21. The in situ hybridization data were corroborated by analysis of a somatic hybrid cell panel. The genes for the class I keratins segregated concordantly with each other and syntenic group U21 but were discordant with the class II keratin genes. The class II keratin genes segregated concordantly with each other and syntenic group U3. Two class II gene probes gave an additional minor signal above chromosome region 5q25→q33 after in situ hybridization, while another class II probe yielded a minor signal above chromosome region 10q31→qter. When the latter probe and an additional linked probe were hybridized to DNAs from a hybrid panel, two independently segregating loci were recognized, one of which cosegregated with the class II subfamily in syntenic group U3 and the other with syntenic group U5. These data confirm the chromosomal assignment of two syntenic groups and allow the assignment of a formerly unassigned syntenic group.
Chromosomal assignments of 23 biochemical loci of the rat by using rat × mouse somatic cell hybrids
Authors: Yasue M. , Serikawa T. , Yamada J.
Published: May 2008

A panel of 18 rat × mouse somatic cell hybrid clones segregating individual rat chromosomes in different combinations was used to assign 23 biochemical loci to rat chromosomes. The chromosomal locations for these 23 loci were determined as follows: GOT1 on rat chromosome 1; HAGH on 2; ACP2, ADA, GANC, ITPA, and SORD on 3; LDHB on 4; PEPB on 7; GLB1 and HEXA on 8; IDH1 on 9; UMPH2 on 10; GUSB on 12; FH and PEPC on 13; PEPS on 14; ESD and NP on 15; DIA4 on 19; and PP on 20. In addition, ACPI and GLOl were reassigned to rat chromosomes 6 and 20, respectively. The chromosomal assignments of these loci extends the known syntenic homologies among rats, mice, and humans.
Loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 3, bands q24→qter, in a diploid meningioma
Authors: Färber U. , Schneider G. , Schrell U.M.H. , Fahlbusch P. , Adams E.F. , Blin N. , Henn W.
Published: May 2008

Cytogenetic analysis of a meningioma from a 46-year-old female patient exhibited as the sole cytogenetic aberration a deletion on the long arm of one chromosome 3 involving bands 3q24→qter. To verify this finding, RFLP analysis was performed with two polymorphic probes, MOX2 and D3S5. The patient was informative for both single copy probes and demonstrated loss of heterozygosity in the region above whereas chromosome 22 displayed no loss of heterozygosity as judged by a proximal and a distal probe.
Assignment of a human serum glycoprotein SP-40,40 gene (CLI) to chromosome 8
Authors: Tobe T. , Minoshima S. , Yamase S. , Choi N.-H. , Tomita M. , Shimizu N.
Published: May 2008

SP-40,40 is a serum glycoprotein consisting of two different subunits (α and β) assembled into a dimer by disulfide bonds. Northern blot hybridization, using total RNA from several cell lines, showed that SP-40,40 is expressed in glioblastoma and testicular tumor cells, as well as hepatoma cells. Spot blot hybridization of flow-sorted human chromosomes, using a SP-40,40 cDNA fragment as a probe, localized the gene for SP-40,40 to human chromosome 8. This gene has been given the designation CLI, for complement lysis inhibitor, by the Human Gene Nomenclature Committee.
Telomeric signals in Robertsonian fusion and fission chromosomes: implications for the origin of pseudoaneuploidy
Authors: Schubert I. , Schriever-Schwemmer G. , Werner T. , Adler I-D.
Published: May 2008

In situ hybridization with synthetic plant telomeric sequences resulted in labeling of all broad bean (Vicia faba) chromosomes at their ends only. Telocentric chromosomes derived by fission of the metacentric satellite chromosome of V. faba also showed signals at both of their ends, whereas the ancestral metacentric did not display signals at its primary constriction, the point of fission. As in V. faba, all acrocentric mouse chromosomes were labeled by in situ hybridization with a vertebrate telomeric probe at both ends of each chromatid exclusively. However, different metacentric Robertsonian chromosomes derived by fusion of defined acrocentrics did not show signals at their primary constrictions. The mechanism of Robertsonian rearrangement leading to a pseudoaneuploid increase or decrease in chromosome number therefore cannot consist solely of a simple fission or fusion of chromosomes without a concomitant gain or loss of chromatin material. The additional assumption of a subdetectable deletion of telomeric sequences after fusion and amplification of these sequences following fission is necessary to explain the present observations.
The polymorphic DNA sequence D20S14 is assigned to human chromosome 20p12→p11.2 by in situ hybridization
Authors: Löffler C. , Rao V.V.N.G. , Hansmann I.
Published: May 2008

The polymorphic DNA marker D20S14 was previously mapped to human chromosome 20 and shown to be linked to two other DNA markers, D20S5 and D20S6, located at 20p12. This segment has been implicated in several human diseases. Because of its importance, we mapped the D20S14 locus to 20p12→p11.2 by radioactive in situ hybridization.
Chromosomal mapping of human kininogen gene (KNG) to 3q26→qter
Authors: Cheung P.P. , Anizzaro L.A. , Colman R.W.
Published: May 2008

The structural gene for human kininogen (KNG) was localized to chromosome 3q26→qter by in situ hybridization. The assignment substantiates the evolutionary relationship of kininogen to two other members of the cystatin super-family, α-2-HS-glycoprotein and histidine-rich glycoprotein, which also map to chromosome 3.
Mapping of five human chromosome 19 DNA markers to owl monkey chromosomes
Authors: Ma N.S.-F. , Gerhard D.S.
Published: May 2008

Hybridization of DNA from three panels of karyo-typically distinct owl monkey × rodent somatic cell hybrids with human DNA probes resulted in the syntenic assignments of INSR-LDLR-TGFB1-APOE-D19S8 to owl monkey chromosome 25 of karyotype VI (2n = 49/50), INSR-LDLR-TGFB1-D19S8 to chromosome 2 of karyotype II (2n = 54), and INSR-APOE to chromosome 2 of karyotype V (2n = 46). The APOE and D19S8 loci are on adjacent regions proximal to the centromere of chromosomes 25q (K-VI) and 2p (K-II), as determined by in situ chromosomal hybridization analysis. These findings support our previous proposals on (1) the homology of these chromosomes of three owl monkey karyotypes, (2) the evolutionary derivation of chromosome 2 of karyotypes II and V as the result of two separate centric fusion events, and (3) the likelihood that owl monkey chromosome 25 (K-VI) (and its homologs) is a conserved genetic homoeolog of human chromosome 19.
Mapping of the porcine lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene to chromosome 14q12→q14 by in situ hybridization
Authors: Gu F. , Harbitz I. , Chowdhary B.P. , Davies W. , Gustavsson I.
Published: May 2008

Using a porcine lipoprotein lipase (LPL) cDNA probe, the LPL gene was assigned to the q12→q14 bands of chromosome 14 in pigs by in situ hybridization.
Concomitant Turner syndrome and hemophilia A in a female with an idic(X)(p11) heterozygous at locus DXS52
Authors: Panarello C. , Acquila M. , Caprino D. , Gimelli G. , Pecorara M. , Mori P.G.
Published: May 2008

A 46, X, idic(X)(p11) karyotype was found in a female affected by Turner syndrome and sporadic moderate hemophilia A. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the patient’s DNA demonstrated that the idic(X) contained alleles from both maternal X chromosomes. Since the idic(X) appeared to be always inactivated, a de novo mutation of factor VIII in the normal paternal X chromosome is probably responsible for the patient’s coagulation disorder.
The human ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1 gene (UBE1) mapped to band Xp11.3→p11.23 by fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Takahashi E. , Ayusawa D. , Kaneda S.K. , Itoh Y. , Seno T. , Hori T.
Published: May 2008

The human gene for ubiquitin-activating enzyme El (UBE1) was localized by a direct mapping system that combined fluorescence in situ hybridization with replicated R- bands on prometaphase chromosomes. The fluorescent signals were localized to Xp11.3→p11.23. Simple procedures for the detection of R-bands are also described.
Localization of the human gene for the type I cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase to chromosome 10
Authors: Ørstavik S. , Sandberg M. , Bérubé D. , Natarajan V. , Simard J.S. , Walter U. , Gagné R. , Hansson V. , Jahnsen T.
Published: May 2008

We have recently characterized cDNAs and genomic DNA fragments for human type I cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGK). By probing human × hamster hybrid cell lines with a 1.2-kb intron fragment from the human type I cGK gene, we identified a 5.9-kb BgIll restriction fragment and localized it·human chromosome 10. In situ hybridization analyses using 3H-labeled cDNA and genomic DNA probes for the human type I cGK to human metaphase chromosomes supported the somatic cell hybrid data and indicated that the gene (PRKGIB; protein kinase, cGMP-dependent) maps to 10p11.2-→q11.2.
A new Robertsonian translocation in cattle, rob(15;25)
Authors: Iannuzzi L. , Rangel-Figueiredo T. , Di Meo G.P. , Ferrara L.
Published: May 2008

A new Robertsonian translocation, rob(l 5;25), was discovered in a Portuguese Barrosa cow. The animal (2n = 59, XX) was found by G- and R-banding to be a heterozygous carrier of a centric fusion translocation involving chromosomes 15 and 25. C-banding revealed the dicentric nature of this new centric fusion. Comparison of this new translocation with the well-known Robertsonian translocation rob(l;29), which is often found in the same breed, confirmed that two different chromosomes (25 and 29) were involved in the short arms of these two Robertsonian translocations.
Genetic variation in the African rodent subfamily Otomyinae (Muridae)
Authors: Contrafatto G. , Meester J.A. , Willan K. , Taylor P.J. , Roberts M.A. , Baker C.M.
Published: May 2008

Chromosome-banding studies have been carried out on 31 specimens of Otomys irroratus from six localities. Light-microscope preparations of chromosomes were obtained from cultures of fibroblasts, spleen lymphocytes, peripheral blood lymphocytes, and directly from bone marrow. Karyotypic variability, both numerical and morphological, was detected in three populations. Diploid numbers ranged from 2n = 23 to 2n = 32. Intrapopulation differences were chiefly caused by variation in the number of copies in two pairs of small, biarmed, partly heterochromatic autosomes suggestive of B chromosomes. A major morphological variation in the karyotypes involved the presence of seven pairs of biarmed autosomes with totally heterochromatic short arms in the populations distributed to the west of 26°57’ E. To the east of this longitude, populations of this species exhibited mostly acrocentric autosomes. G-banding patterns of these karyotypes and those of a karyotype from a previous study (Robinson and Elder, 1987) were compared. A chromosome originating from a tandem fusion, possibly leading to partial reproductive isolation, was found in one population. Possible implications of these results for mechanisms of speciation are discussed.
Localisation of the gene for the major intrinsic protein of eye-lens-fibre cell membranes to mouse Chromosome 10 by in situ hybridisation
Authors: Griffin C.S. , Shiels A.
Published: May 2008

The gene encoding the major intrinsic protein (Mip) of eye-lens-fibre cell membranes has been assigned to region D1 of mouse Chromosome 10 by in situ hybridisation of metaphase chromosomes. The mouse Mip gene maps within or near to a segment homoeologous with human chromosome 12q and may be linked to the Cat locus at the distal end of mouse Chromosome 10
Chromosomal in situ hybridization with double-labeled DNA: signal amplification at the probe level
Authors: Scherthan H. , Köhler M. , Vogt P. , von Malsch K. , Schweizer D.
Published: May 2008

A double-labeling approach was applied to nonisotopic in situ hybridization with individual cosmid and plasmid clones, using digoxigenin or biotin as label and a combination of two separate enzymatic labeling methods. Probe labeling was achieved by nick translation, followed by tailing of the probe by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase. The double-labeling method, in conjunction with an improved detection protocol, provides for a higher signal intensity than that obtainable with single-labeled probes.
Characterization of 10 marker chromosomes in a prostatic cancer cell line by in situ hybridization
Authors: Brothman A.R. , Patel A.M.
Published: May 2008

Marker chromosomes contain potentially valuable information about breakpoints in cancer. However, routine banding procedures, by themselves, provide only limited information about the identity of marker chromosomes. In this study, the use of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with chromosome-specific centromeric probes and whole-chromosome-specific DNA libraries greatly enhanced the identification of 10 marker chromosomes in the primary prostatic cancer cell line PPC-1. Centromeric probes for chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 12, and 17 and whole-chromosome paint libraries for chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 12, in conjunction with analysis of G-banded metaphases, allowed the major portion(s) of these 10 PPC-1 marker chromosomes to be defined. The results increase the number of identifiable chromosomal breakpoints in this cell line from 9 to 28 sites.
Sperm chromosome analysis of two men heterozygous for reciprocal translocations: t(1;9)(q22;q31) and t(16;19)(q11.1;q13.3)
Authors: Martin R.H.
Published: May 2008

Sperm chromosome complements were analysed in two men who were heterozygous carriers of reciprocal translocations. A total of 363 sperm were karyotyped after in vitro penetration of hamster oocytes, including 180 sperm from a male with a t(1;9)(q22;q31) and 183 from a male with a t(16;19)(q11.1;q13.3). All possible 2:2 and 3:1 meiotic segregations were observed for both translocations. The frequencies of alternate, adjacent 1 adjacent 2, and 3:1 segregations were 46 %, 38 %, 13 %, and 4 % for the t(1;9) and 40%, 28 %, 31 %, and 1 % for the t(16;19), respectively. Within the alternate segregation group, the number of normal sperm was not significantly different from the number of sperm carrying a balanced form of the translocation for either of the translocations, as expected. There was no evidence for an interchromosomal effect of either translocation, since the frequencies of numerical abnormalities unrelated to the translocation were within the normal range observed in sperm from control donors. The percentage of sperm with an unbalanced form of the translocation was 54% for the t(1;9) and 61 % for the t(16;19).
Assignment of the human muscle adenine nucleotide translocator gene (ANT1) to 4q35 by fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Fan Y.-S. , Yang H.M. , Lin C.C.
Published: May 2008

The human muscle adenine nucleotide translocator gene (ANT1) was previously assigned to chromosome 4. The gene has now been further localized to the long arm of chromosome 4 at 4q35 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. This result confirms the previous assignment and precisely maps the gene to a specific chromosome band.