bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional regulation of podocyte specification and differentiation
Authors: Quaggin Susan E.
Published: August 2002

Glomerular visceral epithelial cells (podocytes) are highly specialized cells found in the vertebrate and invertebrate kidney and make up a major portion of the filtration barrier between blood and urinary spaces. During development, specification and differentiation of the podocyte lineage must be tightly orchestrated to produce highly specialized characteristics such as foot processes and slit diaphragms. Furthermore, podocytes are poised to direct incoming endothelial and mesangial cells during glomerular development. They express a number of growth factors that likely play a major role in these processes. Recent findings from transgenic and knockout mouse models and the identification of genes responsible for human podocyte disease have provided insight into transcriptional regulation of some of these processes. These transcription factors include Pax2, WT1 (the Wilms tumor suppressor gene), Pod1 (capsulin, epicardin), Kreisler (maf‐1), lmx1b, and mf2. Furthermore, regulatory regions from a podocyte‐restricted gene, NPHS1 (nephrin) that are required to direct podocyte‐specific expression have been identified from both human and murine genes and provide a tool to further dissect the transcriptional regulation of podocyte‐specific gene expression. This article reviews the present state of knowledge regarding transcriptional regulation of podocyte specification and differentiation. Microsc. Res. Tech. 57:208–211, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Theoretical versus experimental resolution in optical microscopy
Authors: Kozubek Michal
Published: August 2002

The aim of this article is to compare experimental resolution under different conditions with theoretical resolution predicted using electromagnetic diffraction theory. Imaging properties of fluorescent beads of three different diameters (0.1 μm, 0.2 μm, and 0.5 μm) as well as imaging properties of four different fluorescence‐stained DNA targets (ABL gene, BCR gene, centromere 6, and centromere 17) are studied. It is shown how the dependence of the resolution on object size varies with wavelength (520 nm versus 580 nm), type of microscopy (wide‐field, confocal using Nipkow disk, confocal laser scanning) and basic image processing steps (median and gaussian filters). Furthermore, specimen influence on the resolution was studied (the influence of embedding medium, coverglass thickness, and depth below the coverglass). Both lateral and axial resolutions are presented. The results clearly show that real objects are far from being points and that experimental resolution is often much worse than the theoretical one. Although the article concentrates on fluorescence imaging using high NA objectives, similar dependence can also be expected for other optical arrangements. Microsc. Res. Tech. 53:157–166, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) with α1‐syntrophin at the sarcolemma
Authors: Miyagoe‐Suzuki Yuko , Takeda Shin'Ichi
Published: August 2002

α1‐syntrophin is a PDZ‐containing dystrophin‐associated protein, expressed predominantly in striated muscle and brain. α1‐syntrophin null mice generated by gene targeting technique showed no overt muscular dystrophic phenotype. Though other dystrophin‐associated proteins were localized at the sarcolemma, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) was selectively lost from the membrane fraction but remained in the cytoplasm. Thus, the α1‐syntrophin null mice are useful in the elucidation of the functional importance of nNOS targeting at the sarcolemma. In addition, the mice would facilitate identification of other signaling molecules, which are targeted to dystrophin complex via interaction with α1‐syntrophin. Microsc. Res. Tech. 55:164–170, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of the Xp21–23 region in the wood lemming, a region involved in XY sex reversal
Authors: Liu Wan‐Sheng , Nordqvist Katarina , Lau Yun‐Fai Chris , Fredga Karl
Published: August 2002

The wood lemming (Myopus schisticolor) harbors two types of X chromosome, a normal X and a variant X, designated X*. The X* chromosome contains a mutation that causes XY sex reversal. We have previously demonstrated that the Xp21–23 region is deleted from X* and is associated with XY sex reversal. To further analyze the deleted region, we have constructed and characterized seven X chromosome‐ and region‐specific recombinant DNA libraries. Further, we have screened mouse fetal gonad cDNA libraries with the microdissected Xp21–23 DNA as a probe in an attempt to identify homologous and expressed sequences from the deletion. Fourteen positive clones were isolated, and sequence analyses showed that ten of these contained identical sequences homologous to mouse γ‐satellite sequences. One of the remaining four was perfectly homologous to the mouse gene Ccth (chaperonin containing t‐complex polypeptide 1, η subunit). Southern blot indicated that the Ccth cDNA was located on the X chromosome, not deleted from the X* but closely linked to the deletion region. Although the role of the Ccth containing region in sex determination of the wood lemming requires additional studies, the isolation of the mouse Ccth gene by the deletion Xp21–23 probe could be important since this gene is mainly expressed in testis. J. Exp. Zool. 290:551–557, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Big laws, small catches: global ocean governance and the fisheries crisis
Authors: Allison Edward H.
Published: August 2002

The world's fisheries are perceived to be in crisis, leading to livelihood and nutritional insecurity in fishery‐dependent areas of developing countries. This paper reviews institutional responses to this crisis. Within the last decade, there has been a shift from emphasis on ‘hard laws’ regulating fisheries in sovereign‐states' territorial waters, towards governance through ‘soft’ global voluntary codes of conduct, market incentives and partnerships between fisherfolk and governments. The new governance regime inherits daunting problems and will require sustained international political commitment to succeed. Given this political will, new enabling institutions and the ecological resilience of many marine species could restore and sustain the fisheries. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current and emerging commercial optical biosensors
Authors: Baird Cheryl L. , Myszka David G.
Published: August 2002

The field of commercial optical biosensors is rapidly evolving, with new systems and detection methods being developed each year. This review outlines the currently available biosensor hardware and highlights unique features of each platform. Affinity‐based biosensor technology, with its high sensitivity, wide versatility and high throughput, is playing a significant role in basic research, pharmaceutical development, and the food and environmental sciences. Likewise, the increasing popularity of biosensors is prompting manufacturers to develop new instrumentation for dedicated applications. We provide a preview of some of the emerging commercial systems that are dedicated to drug discovery, proteomics, clinical diagnostics and routine biomolecular interaction analysis. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distamycin A affects the stability of NF‐κB p50‐DNA complexes in a sequence‐dependent manner
Authors: Speight Robert E. , Hart Darren J. , Blackburn Jonathan M.
Published: August 2002

The effect of two different DNA minor groove binding molecules, Hoechst 33258 and distamycin A, on the binding kinetics of NF‐κB p50 to three different specific DNA sequences was studied at various salt concentrations. Distamycin A was shown to significantly increase the dissociation rate constant of p50 from the sequences PRDII (5′‐GGGAAATTCC‐3′) and Ig‐κ B (5′‐GGGACTTTCC‐3′) but had a negligible effect on the dissociation from the palindromic target‐κB binding site (5′‐GGGAATTCCC‐3′). By comparison, the effect of Hoechst 33258 on binding of p50 to each sequence was found to be minimal. The dissociation rates for the protein–DNA complexes increased at higher potassium chloride concentrations for the PRDII and Ig‐κB binding motifs and this effect was magnified by distamycin A. In contrast, p50 bound to the palindromic target‐κB site with a much higher intrinsic affinity and exhibited a significantly reduced salt dependence of binding over the ionic strength range studied, retaining a KD of less than 10 pM at 150 mM KCl. Our results demonstrate that the DNA binding kinetics of p50 and their salt dependence is strongly sequence‐dependent and, in addition, that the binding of p50 to DNA can be influenced by the addition of minor groove‐binding drugs in a sequence‐dependent manner. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetic energy release distributions in mass spectrometry
Authors: Laskin J. , Lifshitz C.
Published: August 2002

Kinetic energy releases (KERs) in unimolecular fragmentations of singly and multiply charged ions provide information concerning ion structures, reaction energetics and dynamics. This topic is reviewed covering both early and more recent developments. The subtopics discussed are as follows: (1) introduction and historical background; (2) ion dissociation and kinetic energy release: kinematics; potential energy surfaces; (3) the kinetic energy release distribution (KERD); (4) metastable peak observations: measurements on magnetic sector and time‐of‐flight instruments; energy selected results by photoelectron photoion coincidence (PEPICO); (5) extracting KERDs from metastable peak shapes; (6) ion structure determination and reaction mechanisms: singly and multiply charged ions; biomolecules and fullerenes; (7) theoretical approaches: phase space theory (PST), orbiting transition state (OTS)/PST, finite heat bath theory (FHBT) and the maximum entropy method; (8) exit channel interactions; (9) general trends: time and energy dependences; (10) thermochemistry: organometallic reactions, proton‐bound clusters, fullerenes; and (11) the efficiency of phase space sampling. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association of tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6 levels with cytomegalovirus DNA detection and disease after renal transplantation
Authors: Tong C.Y.W. , Bakran A. , Williams H. , Cuevas L.E. , Peiris J.S.M. , Hart C.A.
Published: August 2002

Cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) are thought to be important in the pathogenesis of post‐transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease. CMV infection increases the production of TNF‐α and IL‐6. Conversely, TNF‐α switches on the replication of CMV. To study the association of these two cytokines with CMV activity and disease, TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels were assayed in plasma samples taken serially from three groups of renal transplant recipients. Group A (n = 12) had CMV disease and syndrome; Group B (n = 11) had detectable CMV DNA in plasma or peripheral blood leucocytes without disease, i.e., presumed asymptomatic CMV infection, and Group C (n = 11) had no detectable CMV DNA nor disease. The median peak TNF‐α levels in patients with CMV disease (Group A) were significantly higher than that in Group B or Group C (P < 0.02) whereas the median peak IL‐6 levels in group C patients were significantly lower than that in group A (P < 0.04) or group B (P < 0.03). A TNF‐α level of above 100 pg/ml was significantly associated with CMV disease and high plasma CMV load (> 10,000 copies/ml). IL‐6 levels above 15 pg/ml were significantly associated with CMV DNA detection, but not with CMV disease or elevated CMV load. High levels of TNF‐α or IL‐6 were not associated with CMV donor/recipient serostatus, HHV‐6 or HHV‐7 DNA detection, immunosuppressive regimen or rejection episodes. The role of TNF‐α in the pathogenesis of CMV disease deserves further investigation. J. Med. Virol. 64:29–34, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TT virus (TTV) loads associated with different peripheral blood cell types and evidence for TTV replication in activated mononuclear cells
Authors: Maggi Fabrizio , Fornai Claudia , Zaccaro Lucia , Morrica Antonietta , Vatteroni Maria Linda , Isola Patrizia , Marchi Santino , Ricchiuti Angelo , Pistello Mauro , Bendinelli Mauro
Published: August 2002

TT virus (TTV) loads associated with the peripheral blood cells of seven patients known to carry the virus in plasma were investigated by real‐time PCR. Whereas red cells/platelets were uniformly negative, six and four patients yielded positive peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, respectively, but viral titres were generally low. Fractionation of PBMCs into monocyte‐ and B, T4, and T8 lymphocyte‐enriched subpopulations showed no pattern in the viral loads that might suggest the preferential association of TTV to one or more specific cell types. TTV‐negative PBMCs absorbed measurable amounts of virus when incubated with infected plasma at 4°C. Furthermore, cultures of TTV‐negative phytohaemagglutinin‐stimulated PBMCs exposed in vitro to virus‐positive plasma and faecal extracts released considerable levels of infectious TTV into the supernatant fluid and the same was true for TTV‐positive stimulated PBMCs. These results indicate that, whereas freshly harvested resting PBMCs seem to produce little, if any TTV, stimulated PBMCs actively replicate the virus. J. Med. Virol. 64:190–194, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of hepatitis A virus isolates from subgenotypes IA and IB in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil*
Authors: de Paula Vanessa S. , Baptista Marcia L. , Lampe Elisabeth , Niel Christian , Gaspar Ana M.C.
Published: August 2002

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) isolates from around the world have been classified into seven genotypes (I–VII). Most human strains belong to genotype I, which has been divided into two subgenotypes, A and B. South America has provided a small number of strains studied at the genome level. In the present study, IgM anti‐HAV antibodies were detected in 116 out of 250 (46%) serum samples collected from consecutive patients with acute hepatitis referred to the Brazilian Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis, Rio de Janeiro. Viral RNA were extracted from all 250 samples and submitted to a reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay designed to amplify a genome segment in the VP1/2A junction region. HAV RNA was detected in 54/116 (47%) and 17/134 (13%) IgM anti‐HAV‐positive and ‐negative sera, respectively. In addition, HAV RNA was detected in 17/35 (49%) IgM anti‐HAV‐positive sera that had been collected at a day care center where cases of acute hepatitis were being observed for 3 months. Nucleotide sequences (168 bp) of PCR products were determined for 30 HAV isolates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 21 belonged to subgenotype IB, while 9 were of subgenotype IA. Interestingly, a concomitant circulation of isolates from subgenotypes IA and IB was observed in the day care center. J. Med. Virol. 66:22–27, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Frequent detection of the replicative form of TT virus DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and bone marrow cells in cancer patients
Authors: Zhong Sheng , Yeo Winnie , Tang Mandy , Liu Cuiling , Lin Xiao‐rong , Ho Wing M. , Hui Pun , Johnson Philip J.
Published: August 2002

The TT virus (TTV), a member of a family of human viruses related to the circoviridae viruses, was associated initially with acute and chronic liver diseases. TTV consists of a single‐stranded, circular DNA genome of 3.8 kilobases (kb) and at least three open reading frames (ORFs). The objective of the present study was to determine whether or not TTV replicated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and bone marrow cells (BMCs). DNA was extracted from the PBMCs or BMCs of 153 cancer patients and from the PBMCs of 50 healthy blood donors (the controls). By using a single round of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), TTV was detected in 98.6% (141 of 143) of the PBMCs and in 90% (9 of 10) of the BMCs from cancer patients. TTV DNA was detected in significantly fewer control subjects at 86% (43 of 50; P < 0.05). Strand‐specific PCR (SSPCR) targeting the ORF2 of the common genotypes of TTV was developed specifically to detect TTV positive or negative strand DNA and to examine TTV replication. TTV positive strand DNA, which may be an intermediate of viral replication, was detected in 55.3% (78 of 141) of the TTV‐infected PBMCs of the cancer patients and in 7% (3 of 43) of the controls (P < 0.001). The replicative form of TTV was also detectable in 55.6% (5 of 9) of the TTV‐infected BMCs. The existence of double‐strand (positive and negative strands) TTV DNA in PBMCs and BMCs of the cancer patients was also supported by the finding that TTV DNA extracted from these cells was resistant to S1 nuclease. Using in situ hybridization, TTV DNA was also demonstrated to be present in the nucleus of PBMCs. It is concluded that replicative intermediate forms of TTV DNA are present in both PBMCs and BMCs, indicating that blood cells may be a site of TTV replication. J. Med. Virol. 66:428‐434, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Involvement of caspase‐3 and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase in cobalt chloride‐induced apoptosis in PC12 cells
Authors: Zou Weiguo , Zeng Jiping , Zhuo Ming , Xu Weijing , Sun Lanying , Wang Jinxing , Liu Xinyuan
Published: August 2002

Our previous study showed that cobalt chloride (CoCl2) could induce PC12 cell apoptosis and that the CoCl2‐treated PC12 cells may serve as a simple in vitro model for the study of the mechanism of hypoxia‐linked neuronal disorders. The aim of this study is to elucidate the mechanism of CoCl2‐induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. Caspases are known to be involved in the apoptosis induced by various stimuli in many cell types. To investigate the involvement of caspases in CoCl2‐induced apoptosis in PC12 cells, we generated PC12 cells that stably express the viral caspases inhibitor gene p35 and analyzed the effect of p35 on the process of apoptosis induced by CoCl2. We also examined the effect of cell‐permeable peptide inhibitors of caspases. The results showed that the baculovirus p35 gene and the general caspases inhibitor Z‐VAD‐FMK significantly block apoptosis induced by CoCl2, confirming that caspase is involved in CoCl2‐induced apoptosis. Further investigation showed that in this process the caspase‐3‐like activity is increased, as indicated by the cells' ability to cleave the fluorogenic peptide substrate Ac‐Asp‐Glu‐Val‐Asp‐7‐AMC and to degrade the DNA‐repairing enzyme poly‐(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP), an endogenous caspase‐3 substrate. At the same time, caspase‐3‐specific inhibitors, namely, the peptide Ac‐DEVD‐CHO, Ac‐DEVD‐FMK, partially inhibit CoCl2‐induced apoptosis. These findings suggested that caspase‐3 or caspase‐3‐like proteases are involved in the apoptosis induced by CoCl2 in PC12 cells. Additionally, we have observed that another apoptotic marker, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), is significantly activated in this process in a time‐dependent manner and that a selective p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, partially inhibits this cell death. The addition of SB203580 also partially suppresses caspase‐3‐like activity. All these results confirm that the CoCl2‐treated PC12 cell is a useful in vitro model with which to study hypoxia‐linked neuronal disorders. Furthermore, the results showing that the baculovirus p35 gene and caspase inhibitors possess a remarkable ability to rescue PC12 cells from CoCl2‐induced cell death may have implications for future neuroprotective therapeutic approaches for the hypoxia‐associated disorders. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypothalamic paraventricular axons projecting to the female rat lumbosacral spinal cord contain oxytocin immunoreactivity
Authors: Puder Barbara A. , Papka Raymond E.
Published: August 2002

Oxytocin‐containing axons project from the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus to the neurohypophysis and thoracic spinal cord to ultimately influence uterine contractions and autonomic activity, respectively. Whether or not oxytocin‐immunoreactive axons project to the female rat lumbosacral spinal cord to influence autonomic outflow to pelvic organs has not been investigated. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate the presence, distribution, and origin of oxytocin‐immunoreactive axons in the female rat lumbosacral spinal cord. Immunohistochemistry, spinal cord transections, and axonal tracing with Fluorogold, True Blue, and pseudorabies virus were used. Oxytocin‐immunoreactive nerve fibers were present in the L6/S1 segments of the spinal cord. Prominent varicose axons were evident throughout the dorsal horn, along the lateral and medial collateral pathways, in the dorsal intermediate gray area, around the central canal in lamina X, and throughout the sacral parasympathetic nucleus. Injection of retrograde tracer into the L6/S1 spinal cord labeled neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. Transection of the thoracic spinal cord eliminated oxytocin‐immunoreactive nerve axons in the L6/S1 spinal cord. In addition, transection of the thoracic spinal cord eliminated transport of retrograde axonal tracer from the L6/S1 spinal cord to the paraventricular nucleus. Pseudorabies virus, a transneuronal retrograde tracer, injected into the uterus and cervix marked uterine‐related preganglionic neuronal cell bodies in the sacral parasympathetic nucleus and uterine‐related neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. Double immuno‐labeling of viral‐infected spinal cord sections showed oxytocin‐immunoreactive axons closely associated with viral labeled uterine‐related preganglionic cell bodies of the sacral parasympathetic nucleus. The results of this study revealed that oxytocin‐immunoreactive neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus project axons to the lumbosacral spinal cord to areas involved in sensory processing and parasympathetic outflow to the uterus. J. Neurosci. Res. 64:53–60, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
JAK/STAT signaling pathway mediates cytokine‐induced iNOS expression in primary astroglial cell cultures
Authors: Dell'Albani P. , Santangelo R. , Torrisi L. , Nicoletti V.G. , de Vellis J. , Giuffrida Stella A.M.
Published: August 2002

The production of nitric oxide by the calcium‐independent inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in glial cells has been implicated in the neuropathogenesis of various diseases. It is well known that in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cytokines, such as IFN‐γ, glial cells are induced to synthesize large amount of nitric oxide (NO) (Bolaños et al., 1996; Nicoletti et al., 1998). The signaling transduction pathways for iNOS transcription in astroglial cells have however not yet been established. Because IFN‐γ receptor chains are associated with Janus tyrosine kinases (JAK1 and JAK2) (Darnell et al., 1994), we analyzed the involvement of the JAK/STAT signal transduction pathway in iNOS expression. Our study shows increased JAK2 and STAT1α/β tyrosine phosphorylation in primary astroglial cell culture after treatment with IFN‐γ and LPS. A temporal correlation was observed between JAK2 and STAT1α/β tyrosine phosphorylation, the appearance of interferon‐regulatory factor‐1 (IRF‐1) mRNA and the iNOS expression. Inhibition experiments showed that JAK2 and STAT1α/β tyrosine phosphorylation were necessary for IFNγ‐mediated iNOS induction in astroglial cells. We conclude that JAK2 and STAT1α/β tyrosine phosphorylation is an early event involved in the expression of iNOS in astroglial cells. J. Neurosci. Res. 65:417–424, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhancement of learning capacity and cholinergic synaptic function by carnitine in aging rats
Authors: Ando S. , Tadenuma T. , Tanaka Y. , Fukui F. , Kobayashi S. , Ohashi Y. , Kawabata T.
Published: August 2002

The effects of a carnitine derivative, acetyl‐L‐carnitine (ALCAR), on the cognitive and cholinergic activities of aging rats were examined. Rats were given ALCAR (100 mg/kg) per os for 3 months and were subjected to the Hebb‐Williams tasks and a new maze task, AKON‐1, to assess their learning capacity. The learning capacity of the ALCAR‐treated group was superior to that of the control. Cholinergic activities were determined with synaptosomes isolated from the cortices. The high‐affinity choline uptake by synaptosomes, acetylcholine synthesis in synaptosomes, and acetylcholine release from synaptosomes on membrane depolarization were all enhanced in the ALCAR group. This study indicates that chronic administration of ALCAR increases cholinergic synaptic transmission and consequently enhances learning capacity as a cognitive function in aging rats. J. Neurosci. Res. 66:266–271, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimating missing daily temperature extremes using an optimized regression approach
Authors: Allen Robert J. , DeGaetano Arthur T.
Published: August 2002

A variation of a least squares regression approach to estimate missing daily maximum and minimum temperatures is developed and evaluated, specifically for temperature extremes. The method focuses on obtaining accurate estimates of annual exceedence counts (e.g. the number of days greater than or equal to the 90th percentile of daily maximum temperatures), as well as counts of consecutive exceedences, while limiting the estimation error associated with each individual value.

The performance of this method is compared with that of two existing methods developed for the entire temperature distribution. In these existing methods, temperature estimates are based on data from neighbouring stations using either regression or temperature departure‐based approaches.

Evaluation of our approach using cold minimum and warm maximum temperatures shows that the median percentage of correctly identified exceedence counts is 97% and the median percentage of correctly identified consecutive exceedence counts is 98%. The other existing methods tend to underestimate both single and consecutive exceedence counts. Using these procedures, the estimated exceedence counts are generally less than 80% of those that actually occurred.

Despite the fact that our method is tuned to estimate exceedence counts, the estimation accuracy of individual daily maximum or minimum temperatures is similar to that of the other estimation procedures. The median absolute error (MAE) using all temperatures greater than or equal to the 90th percentile (T90)−1.1°C for ten climatically diverse stations is 1.28°C for our method, while the other methods give MAEs of 1.27 and 1.17°C. In terms of median error, however, the tendency for underprediction by the existing methods is pronounced with −0.77 and −0.61°C biases. Our optimized method is relatively unbiased as the resulting mean error is −0.12°C. Copyright © 2001 Royal Meteorological Society
On the basis for tumor selectivity in the 5-aminolevulinic acid-induced synthesis of protoporphyrin IX
Authors: MOAN J. , VAN DEN AKKER J. T. H. M. , JUZENAS P. , MA L. W. , ANGELL-PETERSEN E. , GADMAR Ø. B. , IANI V.
Published: August 2002

When 5-aminolevulinic acid ( ALA ) is administered topically, intravenously or intraperitoneally to tumor-bearing animals or humans, tumor selective production of protoporphyrin IX ( PpIX ) is frequently observed. Several biophysical, biochemical and physiological factors explain this tumor selectivity, among which the most important ones seem to be: (1) a relatively high concentration of the rate-limiting enzyme porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD) in tumors; (2) relatively low concentrations of ferrochelatase (FC) and iron in many tumors; (3) a slightly elevated tumor temperature, related to inflammation; and (4) a compromised barrier of the skin overlying tumors, leading to an increased penetration of ALA into tumors. All these factors are discussed in the present work and new data concerning the significance of the skin barrier and the tumor temperature are presented. It is shown that compromising the skin of mice by tape-stripping the stratum corneum leads to a strongly enhanced ALA penetration into the skin and even into the circulation. The skin overlying tumors (WiDr colon carcinoma tumors transplanted subcutaneously to mice) is also much more permeable to ALA than normal skin, even through no physical damage of the tumor skin can be seen. PpIX formation from ALA can be increased by increasing the temperature.
The determination of flesh productivity and protein components of some fish species after hot smoking
Authors: Ünlüsayın Mustafa , Kaleli Süleyman , Gulyavuz Hayri
Published: August 2002

Chemical changes in pike perch (Sander lucioperca L Kottelat 1997), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss WALBAUM 1792) and eel (Anguilla anguilla L 1766) after hot smoking were investigated. Some differences in water, protein, lipid, ash and carbohydrate contents of the fish were established as significant (P < 0.01). The flesh productivity of fresh eel and pike perch was found to be very high. Differences in group averages of total microprotein content of fresh, smoked and stored eel, rainbow trout and pike perch were found to be significant (P < 0.01). Using polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis, 18 protein bands in rainbow trout, 12 bands in pike perch and 14 bands in eel were determined. Most of the bands disappeared after smoking and storage owing to denaturation of the fish proteins.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Clinical implications of lymph node micrometastasis in patients with histologically node‐negative (pN0) esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Nakamura Tsutomu , Ide Hiroko , Eguchi Reiki , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Ota Masaho , Takasaki Ken
Published: August 2002

Background and Objectives

Lymph node micrometastasis is frequently detected in resected specimens of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical implication of micrometastasis in patients with lymph node‐negative (pN0) disease.

Methods

We examined the presence of micrometastasis in 2,511 lymph nodes from 53 patients with pN0 disease who underwent curative esophagectomy. All lymph nodes and the primary tumors were immunostained using an anticytokeratin antibody cocktail (AE1/AE3).

Results

Micrometastasis was detected in 18 lymph nodes (0.72%) from 14 patients (26.4%). Detection of micrometastasis was not associated with the depth of invasion or the differentiation or lymphatic invasion. Lymph nodes containing micrometastases were widely distributed, but the most frequently involved nodes were located along the lesser curvature of the stomach. Four patients with micrometastasis (29%) and the only two patients without micrometastasis (5%) had recurrence as lymph node metastases (P = 0.036). There were no significant differences in recurrence‐free survival and disease‐specific survival between patients with micrometastasis and patients without micrometastasis.

Conclusions

These results show that micrometastasis might increase the risk of lymph node recurrence, but does not influence the survival of patients with pN0 ESCC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2002;79:224–229. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primary non‐Hodgkin lymphoma of the breast: The Mayo Clinic experience*
Authors: Wong William W. , Schild Steven E. , Halyard Michele Y. , Schomberg Paula J.
Published: August 2002

Background and Objectives

To retrospectively evaluate the characteristics, natural history, results of treatment, and prognostic factors for patients diagnosed with primary breast lymphoma.

Methods

Between 1973 and 1998, 25 women and 1 man with the diagnosis of primary breast non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (PNHLB) were seen at Mayo Clinic Rochester and Mayo Clinic Scottsdale. Patient characteristics, treatment methods, and outcome were analyzed.

Results

The median follow‐up for surviving patients was 6.6 years (range: 1.8–22.1 years). There were 11 low‐grade NHL, 13 intermediate‐grade NHL, and 2 high‐grade NHL. Three patients underwent mastectomy while 23 had local excision. The Ann Arbor stage of disease included: Stage I—21 patients, Stage II—5 patients. Sixteen patients received radiation after surgery (15 after biopsy, 1 after mastectomy). Chemotherapy was given to 10 patients as part of the initial treatment. Four patients with low‐grade disease were treated with excision only. The 5‐year overall survival rate was 70% and relapse‐free survival rate 42%, while local control rate was 75% and distant control rate 51%. Five‐year survival and relapse‐free survival rates for patients with low‐grade disease were 91 and 61%, respectively. Three of four patients with low‐grade disease treated with excision alone were free of local recurrence. For intermediate‐ and high‐grade PNHLB, 5‐year survival rate was 61% for those treated with chemotherapy, compared to 31% for those without chemotherapy (P = 0.35), and the 5‐year relapse‐free survival rates were 49%, compared to 0%, respectively (P = 0.0017). Three patients with intermediate‐ or high‐grade disease developed central nervous system (CNS) dissemination. On univariate analysis, Ann Arbor stage was the only significant prognostic factor for survival (P = 0.0021).

Conclusions

The management of PNHLB should be based on histologic grade. Patients with low‐grade disease may be managed with local therapy alone. The role of chemotherapy in this group is unclear. Patients with intermediate‐ or high‐grade disease have better outcome if chemotherapy is included. An unusual site of distant dissemination for these patients is the CNS. The only significant prognostic factor for survival is Ann Arbor stage. J. Surg. Oncol. 2002;80:19–25. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Disorders in blood coagulation in humans occupationally exposed to mercuric vapors
Authors: Wierzbicki Ryszard , Prażanowski Mirosław , Michalska Marta , Krajewska Urszula , Mielicki Wojciech P.
Published: August 2002

Changes in blood coagulation system were studied in humans that were occupationally exposed to mercuric vapors. The following parameters were analyzed: mercury concentration in plasma, thrombin generation, thrombin‐antithrombin complexes, soluble fibrin monomers, factor XIII, protein C, platelet factor 4, and β‐thromboglobulin. There was statistically significant increase in the activity of factor XIII, concentration of platelet factor 4 and thrombin generation in plasma of workers exposed to mercuric vapors as compared with unexposed controls. There was also an increase in thrombin‐antithrombin complexes and β‐thromboglobulin concentration accompanied by a decrease in protein C activity in the workers exposed to mercury. However, the last differences were not statistically significant. The data suggest that in humans exposed to mercuric vapors the hemostatic balance is shifted on the hypercoagulative side. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 15:21–29, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Urine analysis by laser Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Premasiri W. Ranjith , Clarke Richard H. , Womble M. Edward
Published: August 2002

Background and Objective

We examine the use of Raman spectroscopy to analyze components in human urine.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Targeted urine components include urea, uric acid, and creatinine.

Results

Urea concentration in urine is sufficiently high that normal Raman spectroscopy may be used for its analysis. All other components are in low concentrations requiring the use of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopic methods (SERS).

Conclusions

Both normal Raman and SERS approaches have been investigated for total urine‐nitrogen determination, urine urea‐nitrogen determination, and for the urea/creatinine excretion ratio. Lasers Surg. Med. 28:330–334, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of the low level laser therapy effects on cultured human gingival fibroblasts proliferation using different irradiance and same fluence*
Authors: Almeida‐Lopes Luciana , Rigau Josepa , Amaro Zângaro Renato , Guidugli‐Neto João , Marques Jaeger Márcia Martins
Published: August 2002

Background and Objective:

The low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used in Dentistry to improve wound healing. In order to analyse the effect of LLLT on the in vitro proliferation of gingival fibroblasts we developed a primary culture of human gingival fibroblasts.

Study Design/Materials and Methods:

The cell line named LMF was grown in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's medium (DME) with either 5% (nutritional deficit) or 10% fetal bovine serum (fbs). Laser irradiation was carried out with diode lasers with the following wavelengths: 670 nm (L1), 780 nm (L2), 692 nm (L3), and 786 nm (L4). The fluence was fixed in 2 J/cm2. For growth analysis, control (not irradiated) and treated cultures (irradiated) were plated in 60 mm diameter culture dishes for 12 h before the irradiation.

Results:

We found that cells cultured in nutritional deficit condition grown in medium supplemented by only 5% fbs presented a cell proliferation rate significantly smaller that cell grown in ideal culture conditions (10% fbs). However, when irradiated, cells in nutritional deficit presented cell growth similar or higher than that of control cells grown in ideal culture conditions. Using the same fluence, the infrared laser induced a higher cell proliferation than visible laser when the power outputs were different. However, lasers of equal power output presented similar effect on cell growth independently of their wavelengths.

Conclusions:

The LLLT acts by improving the in vitro fibroblast proliferation and a smaller laser exposure time results in higher proliferation. Lasers Surg. Med. 29:179–184, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Orofacial dyskinesias in a patient with primary biliary cirrhosis: A clinicopathological case report and review
Authors: Thobois Stéphanie , Giraud Pierric , Debat Pierre , Gouttard Michel , Maurizi Anne , Perret‐Liaudet Armand , Kopp Nicolas , Broussolle Emmanuel
Published: August 2002

We describe the pathological and clinical aspects, including video and radiological magnetic resonance imaging, of a case of chronic acquired hepatocerebral degeneration with orofacial dyskinesias in relation to a primary biliary cirrhosis. We provide a review of the literature on this subject. © 2002 Movement Disorder Society.
Sphincter EMG and differential diagnosis of multiple system atrophy
Authors: Vodušek D.B.
Published: August 2002

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a degenerative disease manifesting a combination of parkinsonism, cerebellar, pyramidal, and autonomic (including urinary, sexual, and anorectal) dysfunction. It is pathomorphologically defined, but lacks a definitive clinical diagnostic test. Sphincter electromyography (EMG), reflecting Onuf's nucleus degeneration, has been proposed as a helpful test; its value has been reevaluated by a critical review of the literature.

In patients with probable MSA, abnormal sphincter EMG, as compared to control subjects, has been found in the majority of patients in all the different forms of the disease in most studies, including patients who, as yet, have no urological or anorectal problems. The prevalence of abnormalities in the early stages of MSA is as yet unclear. Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) as a rule do not show severe sphincter EMG abnormalities in the early stage of the disease.

Anal sphincter EMG abnormalities (abnormal spontaneous activity or motor unit potential changes three standard deviations above valid control data) distinguish MSA from PD in the first 5 years after the onset of symptoms and signs, and from pure autonomic failure, as well as from cerebellar ataxias, if other causes for sphincter denervation have been ruled out. With such criteria, the sensitivity of the method is, however, low. EMG does not distinguish MSA from progressive supranuclear palsy. Future studies should use standardized anal sphincter EMG to better compare results from different centers and precisely define the sensitivity and specificity of the method. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in advanced Parkinson's disease
Authors: Gordon P.H. , Frucht S.J.
Published: August 2002

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a serious complication of levodopa withdrawal in patients with Parkinson's disease. We report a patient with advanced parkinsonism who developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome in the setting of inadequate levodopa intake. His symptoms improved with levodopa replacement, but dramatically worsened when enteral feeding was begun due to interference with intestinal absorption of levodopa. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society.
Including multibounce effects in the moment‐method physical‐optics (MMPO) method
Authors: Taboada J. M. , Obelleiro F.
Published: August 2002

The hybrid moment‐method physical‐optics (MM–PO) approach has been shown to be an efficient and accurate tool to model the electromagnetic behavior of antennas installed onboard. In this paper, we present a significant improvement, based on replacing the PO solution with an iterative solution of the magnetic‐field integral equation (MFIE), which allows including multibounce effects in the PO region. Thus, the so‐called moment‐method iterative‐physical‐optics (MM–IPO) method provides significant improvements with respect to the previous MM–PO, mainly when complex geometries with multiple interaction effects are of interest. Some numerical results are presented and compared with a reference MM solution in order to illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed approach. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 32: 435–439, 2002.
Childhood cancer in Uruguay: 1992–1994. Incidence and mortality
Authors: Castillo Luis , Fluchel Mark , Dabezies Agustin , Pieri Daniel , Brockhorst Nicole , Barr Ronald
Published: August 2002

Background

The referral of all children with cancer in Uruguay to a single center affords the opportunity to generate population‐based incidence and mortality rates in this developing country in Latin America.

Procedure

All incident cases of cancer in children, 0–14 years of age, were ascertained from a combination of three sources for the period January 1992–December 1994. Diagnoses were grouped according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer. Information on the size and age distribution of the total population was obtained from national census records. Follow‐up was undertaken until December 1999 to afford a minimum interval of 5 years and the determination of mortality rates.

Results

The average annual incidence was 133.6 cases of cancer per million children per year and the disease distribution was similar to that in industrialized countries, with the exception of a higher rate and younger age distribution for the Hodgkin disease. The overall age‐standarized mortality rate from cancer in childhood, at 6.5 per 100,000, was approximately twice that in the United States and Canada.

Conclusions

Basic indicators of development suggest that Uruguay is more akin to the countries of North America and Western Europe than to those in the developing world. An opportunity has been identified to improve the outcome for children with cancer in this country. Med Pediatr Oncol 2001;37:400–404. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cysteamine supplementation during in vitro maturation and embryo culture: A useful tool for increasing the efficiency of bovine in vitro embryo production
Authors: de Matos D.G. , Herrera C. , Cortvrindt R. , Smitz J. , Van Soom A. , Nogueira D. , Pasqualini R.S.
Published: August 2002

Cysteamine when added during in vitro maturation (IVM) or in vitro embryo culture (IVC) stimulates glutathione (GSH) synthesis and improves embryo developmental rates. This suggests that GSH synthesis is decreased in the in vitro produced embryo. The present study was carried out to evaluate if addition of cysteamine to culture medium at the same time, during IVM and IVC of bovine oocytes, may promote an overall improvement on the developmental rate and embryo quality. Oocytes were matured in TCM 199 supplemented with 10% (v/v) fetal calf serum, hormones, and 0 or 100 μM of cysteamine for 24 hr. After IVM, the oocytes were fertilized (day 0). Day 2 embryos (2–8 cell) were washed and transferred to fresh IVC medium supplemented with 0, 25, 50, or 100 μM of cysteamine and cultured for 48 hr. After this, embryos were cultured in IVC medium without cysteamine until day 8 of IVC. In the present study, we confirmed our previous results by demonstrating that the percentage of embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage was significantly higher (P < 0.05) when 100 μM of cysteamine was added during IVM, and this was further improved when 100 and 50 μM of cysteamine where present during IVM and IVC, respectively (P < 0.05). After cryopreservation, no differences were observed on embryo development, but a significant increase on embryo hatching was found between unsupplemented and supplemented oocytes with 100 and 50 μM of cysteamine during IVM and IVC, respectively (P < 0.05). We can conclude that GSH synthesis stimulation during bovine IVM with cysteamine, concomitant with GSH stimulation during IVC, will be a useful and simple tool for increasing the efficiency of in vitro bovine embryo production. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 62: 203–209, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fibroin‐like substance is a major component of the outer layer of fertilization envelope via which carp egg adheres to the substratum
Authors: Chang Yea‐Sha , Huang Fore‐Lien
Published: August 2002

Seven cDNA encoding silkworm fibroin homologues were cloned from a carp ovarian cDNA library. The encoded proteins are denoted as carp ovarian fibroin‐like substances (FLS). FLS contain a repetitive domain consisting of tandem repeats of dipeptide of Gly‐X, where X may be any amino acid. Each FLS has its own unique repeating sequence, such as GQGAGQGS, GQGMGQGM, GRGQGEGHGS, and GFGFGQGS, indicating a family of FLS genes exists in carp. FLS is exclusively expressed in oocytes and is stored in cortical granules. During cortical reaction, FLS is exocytosed to perivitelline space and then gradually added to the outer layer of the fertilization envelope (FEo). The FLS of fertilization envelope is conjugated with cystatin and cathepsin‐like substance (CLS) and appears in multiple bands of molecular weights ranging from 40 to 205 kDa. After fertilization or artificial activation, carp eggs adhere firmly to the substratum via FEo. FLS is a major component of FEo. The presence of transglutaminase inhibitor, cadaverine or ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid, in the cortical reaction medium can impair or block the recruitment of FLS and other substances to FEo. As a consequence, FEo is not formed or is greatly reduced, resulting in a great reduction of egg adhesion. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 62: 397–406, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sperm axoneme: A tale of tubulin posttranslation diversity
Authors: Kierszenbaum Abraham L.
Published: August 2002

Two microtubule‐containing structures are assembled during spermiogenesis: a transient manchette and a stable axoneme. Both structures contain microtubules enriched in posttranslationally modified tubulins. Despite the existence of a spectrum of tubulin isotypes postulated by the multi‐tubulin hypothesis, further extended by an elaborated array of posttranslational modifications, it is unknown how this diversity influences microtubule function. There is increasing evidence that different αβ‐tubulin isotypes can affect the structure and function of microtubules. It is also becoming increasingly clear that eukaryotic cells encode other tubulin proteins expressed by the tubulin superfamily: γ, δ ε, ζ η, and FtsZ have been identified so far. Although the role of γ‐tubulin in the nucleation of microtubule assembly is well established, the function of δ‐, ε‐, ζ‐, η‐, and FtsZ‐tubulins is less understood. The members of the tubulin superfamilies found in spermatids include the αβ‐tubulin dimer, in addition to γ‐tubulin in the centrosome, and δ‐tubulin in the perinuclear ring region of the mouse spermatid manchette, the centrosome region, and flagellum. Posttranslational modifications in tubulin isotypes are predominant in the C‐terminus exposed on the outside surface of the microtubule. This target site may influence the interaction of microtubule‐associated proteins, including motor proteins, and therefore determine the functional specificity of tubulin isotypes. It remains to be determined whether other newcomers to the superfamily of tubulins contain sites prone to posttranslational modification. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 62: 1‐3, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.