bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytoskeletal changes and the system of regulation of alkaline phosphatase activity in human periodontal ligament cells induced by mechanical stress
Authors: Chiba Mirei , Mitani Hideo
Published: March 2004

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a specialized, mechanically responsive tissue that adapts via cellular responses to equilibrate the effects of mechanical stress on teeth. However, the mechanism of remodelling by which individual cells in periodontal tissue detect and respond to mechanical stress is not well understood. To identify the cellular mechanisms induced by mechanical stress in the periodontal ligament, we examined the effects of cyclic stretching on periodontal ligament fibroblast‐like cells (PDL cells). Furthermore, we investigated the effects of 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), and interaction with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) on mechanically‐simulated PDL cells. PDL cells were cultured on type I collagen‐coated silicon membranes with 10% FBS α‐MEM, and then subjected to cyclic mechanical stimulation (1 s stretching/1 s relaxation, 15% maximum elongation). Alkaline phosphatase activity was monitored by cytochemical and spectrophotometric methods. Morphologically, the cells assumed a spindle shape, and the cytoskeletal components, including microtubules and F‐actin filaments, were aligned perpendicular to the strain force vector. Cyclic stretching decreased ALPase activity in PDL cells. The anabolic systemic hormone 1,25(OH)2D3 increased ALPase activity, but this effect was suppressed by cyclic stretching. ALPase activities were reduced by co‐culture with PBMCs, including lymphocytes and monocytes. This PBMC‐induced ALPase reduction was synergistically reduced by cyclic stretching. ALPase activity was decreased by co‐culture with PBMCs, and ALPase activity was reduced synergistically by treatment with PBMCs and cyclic stretching. We conclude that PDL cells changed their shape and alignment in response to cyclic stretching. Furthermore, local factors, such as mechanical stress and PBMCs, showed synergistic suppressive effects on ALPase activity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Einflussfaktoren auf die Effektivität von Pasteurisations‐ und Sterilisationsverfahren
Authors: Kopf N. , Pardey K. K. , Schuchmann H. P.
Published: March 2004

No abstracts.
Verfahrenstechnische Prozesse bei der Nahrungsaufnahme des Menschen
Authors: Spieß W. E. L. , Stengel E. , Walz E. , Schuchmann H. P.
Published: March 2004

No abstracts.
Actin‐dependent motility of melanosomes from fish retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells investigated using in vitro motility assays
Authors: McNeil E. L. , Tacelosky D. , Basciano P. , Biallas B. , Williams R. , Damiani P. , Deacon S. , Fox C. , Stewart B. , Petruzzi N. , Osborn C. , Klinger K. , Sellers J.R. , Smith C. King
Published: March 2004

Melanosomes (pigment granules) within retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells of fish and amphibians undergo massive migrations in response to light conditions to control light flux to the retina. Previous research has shown that melanosome motility within apical projections of dissociated fish RPE cells requires an intact actin cytoskeleton, but the mechanisms and motors involved in melanosome transport in RPE have not been identified. Two in vitro motility assays, the Nitella assay and the sliding filament assay, were used to characterize actin‐dependent motor activity of RPE melanosomes. Melanosomes applied to dissected filets of the Characean alga, Nitella, moved along actin cables at a mean rate of 2 μm/min, similar to the rate of melanosome motility in dissociated, cultured RPE cells. Path lengths of motile melanosomes ranged from 9 to 37 μm. Melanosome motility in the sliding filament assay was much more variable, ranging from 0.4–33 μm/min; 70% of velocities ranged from 1–15 μm/min. Latex beads coated with skeletal muscle myosin II and added to Nitella filets moved in the same direction as RPE melanosomes, indicating that the motility is barbed‐end directed. Immunoblotting using antibodies against myosin VIIa and rab27a revealed that both proteins are enriched on melanosome membranes, suggesting that they could play a role in melanosome transport within apical projections of fish RPE. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 58:71–82, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phase III trial of methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin versus carboplatin and paclitaxel in patients with advanced carcinoma of the urothelium
Authors: Dreicer Robert , Manola Judith , Roth Bruce J. , See William A. , Kuross Steven , Edelman Martin J. , Hudes Gary R. , Wilding George
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND

The regimens of carboplatin plus paclitaxel (CP) and methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (M‐VAC) were compared in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma.

METHODS

Patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma were randomized to receive either CP (paclitaxel at a dose of 225 mg/m2 and carboplatin [targeted area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) of 6] given every 21 days) or the standard M‐VAC dosage.

RESULTS

Eighty‐five patients were randomized to the respective treatment regimens (41 to CP and 44 to M‐VAC). Response rates and overall survival were similar for both treatment arms. Patients treated with CP had an overall response rate of 28.2% (95% binomial confidence interval, 15.0–44.9%) compared with an overall response rate of 35.9% for the M‐VAC arm (95% binomial confidence interval, 21.2–52.8%) (P = 0.63, Fisher exact test). The median progression‐free survival among patients who were treated with M‐VAC was 8.7 months and was 5.2 months for patients receiving CP (P = 0.24, log‐rank test). At a median follow‐up of 32.5 months, the median survival for patients treated with M‐VAC was 15.4 months versus 13.8 months for patients treated with CP (P = 0.65, log‐rank test). Patients treated with M‐VAC were found to have more severe worst‐degree toxicities compared with patients treated with CP (P = 0.0001). There were no significant differences with regard to quality of life as assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Bladder (FACT‐BL) instrument (P = 0.33).

CONCLUSIONS

Interpretation of the results of this study must be made with caution because the study failed to reach its accrual goal. Patients treated with CP had a median survival of 13.8 months compared with 15.4 months for patients treated with M‐VAC. Patients treated with CP appeared in general to better tolerate their treatment; however, there were no significant differences noted with regard to measured quality of life parameters. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Neuron/target plasticity in the peripheral gustatory system
Authors: Shuler Marshall G. , Krimm Robin F. , Hill David L.
Published: March 2004

Taste bud volume on the anterior tongue in adult rats is matched by an appropriate number of innervating geniculate ganglion cells. The larger the taste bud, the more geniculate ganglion cells that innervate it. To determine if such a match is perturbed in the regenerated gustatory system under different dietary conditions, taste bud volumes and numbers of innervating neurons were quantified in adult rats after unilateral axotomy of the chorda tympani nerve and/or maintenance on a sodium‐restricted diet. The relationship between taste bud size and innervation was eliminated in rats merely fed a sodium‐restricted diet; individual taste bud volumes were smaller than predicted by the corresponding number of innervating neurons. Surprisingly, the relationship was disrupted in a similar way on the intact side of the tongue in unilaterally sectioned rats, with no diet‐related differences. The mismatch in these groups was due to a decrease in average taste bud volumes and not to a change in numbers of innervating ganglion cells. In contrast, individual taste bud volumes were larger than predicted by the corresponding number of innervating neurons on the regenerated side of the tongue; again, with no diet‐related differences. However, the primary variable responsible for disrupting the function on the regenerated side was an approximate 20% decrease in geniculate ganglion cells available to innervate taste buds. Therefore, the neuron/target match in the peripheral gustatory system is susceptible to surgical and/or dietary manipulations that act through multiple mechanisms. This system is ideally suited to model sensory plasticity in adults. J. Comp. Neurol. 472:183–192, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unitary giant synapses embracing a single neuron at the convergent site of time‐coding pathways of an electric fish, Gymnarchus niloticus
Authors: Matsushita Atsuko , Kawasaki Masashi
Published: March 2004

Phase‐locking neurons in the electrosensory lateral line lobe (ELL) of a weakly electric fish, Gymnarchus niloticus, fire an action potential in response to each cycle of the sinusoidal electrosensory signal (350–500 Hz) created by the fish's own electric organ. The exact firing times of the phase‐locking neurons are altered (time‐shifted) by capacitance of electrolocation objects or by electric organ discharges of other individuals. The magnitude of the time shifts depends on the location of the neurons' receptive field on the skin; thus, time disparities arise between the firing of phase‐locking neurons. To compute these disparities, there should be a site where these phase‐locking neurons converge. In this study we morphologically identified a novel cell type, which we named the “ovoidal cell”, that receives the convergent projections of phase‐locking neurons in the inner cell layer (ICL) of the ELL. We labeled these neurons with biocytin and examined them by light and electron microscopy. The giant cells and the S‐type primary afferents, two types of phase‐locking neurons, respectively terminate on the soma via chemical synapses and on the dendrite of the ovoidal cells via mixed synapses. Each terminal of the giant cells embraces the soma of an ovoidal cell, covering as much as 84% of the somatic membrane. The giant cell terminals and ovoidal cell somata were immunoreactive to SV2, a synaptic vesicle protein, but the S‐afferent terminals were not, even though they contain numerous synaptic vesicles. The dendrite of the ovoidal cells also contacts the pyramidal cells of the ICL, which are known to be sensitive to time disparities. The anatomical connections of the phase‐locking neurons to the ovoidal cells strongly suggest that they are involved in computing time disparity. J. Comp. Neurol. 472:140–155, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuregulin‐2 is developmentally regulated and targeted to dendrites of central neurons
Authors: Longart Marines , Liu Yun , Karavanova Irina , Buonanno Andres
Published: March 2004

Neuregulin‐1 (NRG‐1) regulates numerous aspects of neural development and synaptic plasticity; the functions of NRG‐2 and NRG‐3 are presently unknown. As a first step toward understanding how NRGs contribute to distinct aspects of neural development and function, we characterized their regional and subcellular expression patterns in developing brain. The expression of NRG‐1–3 mRNAs was compared postnatally (P0, P7, adult) by using in situ hybridization. NRG‐1 expression is highest at birth, whereas NRG‐2 mRNA levels increase with development; expression of both genes is restricted to distinct brain regions. In contrast, NRG‐3 transcripts are abundant in most brain regions throughout development. NRG‐2 antibodies were generated to analyze protein processing, expression, and subcellular distribution. As with NRG‐1, the transmembrane NRG‐2 proprotein is proteolytically processed in transfected HEK 293 cells and in neural tissues, and its ectodomain is exposed and accumulates on the neuron surface. Despite the structural similarities between NRG‐1 and NRG‐2, we unexpectedly found that NRG‐2 colocalizes with MAP2 in proximal primary dendrites of hippocampal neurons in culture and in vivo, although it is not detectable in axons or in axon terminals. These findings were confirmed with NRG‐2 ectodomain antisera and epitope‐tagged recombinant protein. In cerebellum, NRG‐2 colocalizes with calbindin in proximal dendrites and soma of Purkinje cells. In contrast, NRG‐1 is highly expressed in axons of dissociated hippocampal neurons, as well as in somas and dendrites. The distinct temporal, regional, and subcellular expression of NRG‐2 suggests its unique and nonredundant role in neural function. J. Comp. Neurol. 472:156–172, 2004. Published 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of estrogen replacement therapy on cholinergic basal forebrain neurons and cortical cholinergic innervation in young and aged ovariectomized rhesus monkeys
Authors: Kompoliti Katie , Chu Yaping , Polish Ari , Roberts Jeffrey , McKay Heather , Mufson Elliott J. , Leurgans Sue , Morrison John H. , Kordower Jeffrey H.
Published: March 2004

Estrogen modulates the function of cholinergic basal forebrain neurons in aged female rats. The present study tested the hypothesis that estrogen enhances the phenotype of cholinergic basal forebrain neurons and their cortical cholinergic innervation in young adult and aged ovariectomized rhesus monkeys. Sixteen monkeys (9 young and 7 aged) received two injections of estradiol cypionate or vehicle separated by 3 weeks. All monkeys were killed 1 day after the last injection. Quantitative immunofluorescence in the vertical limb of the diagonal band (VLDB) revealed enhanced optical density for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in both young and aged monkeys treated with estrogen. In contrast, optical density for low‐affinity p75 neurotrophin receptor immunoreactivity in the VLDB did not change after estrogen treatment in either aged or young animals. Quantitative immunofluorescence for either ChAT or the low‐affinity p75 neurotrophin receptor in the nucleus basalis Meynert failed to reveal differences between vehicle and estrogen treatment in either age group. Quantitative estimates of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) fiber density revealed that estrogen‐treated aged monkeys but not their younger counterparts had decreased numbers of AChE‐positive fibers in layer II of frontal, insular, and cingulate cortices. These data indicate that estrogen administered in a manner simulating natural hormonal cyclicity produces modest age‐specific chemical phenotypic and regional changes in select neuronal subfields of the cholinergic basal forebrain and their cortical projection sites in nonhuman primates. J. Comp. Neurol. 472:193–207, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of vomeronasal receptor genes in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Hagino‐Yamagishi Kimiko , Moriya Keiko , Kubo Hideo , Wakabayashi Yoshihiro , Isobe Naoko , Saito Shouichiro , Ichikawa Masumi , Yazaki Kazumori
Published: March 2004

In the course of evolution, the vomeronasal organ (VNO) first appeared in amphibians. To understand the relationship between the VNO and the vomeronasal receptors, we isolated and analyzed the expression of the vomeronasal receptor genes of Xenopus laevis. We identified genes of the Xenopus V2R receptor family, which are predominantly expressed throughout the sensory epithelium of the VNO. The G‐protein Go, which is coexpressed with V2Rs in the rodent VNO, was also extensively expressed throughout the vomeronasal sensory epithelium. These results strongly suggest that the V2Rs and Go are coexpressed in the vomeronasal receptor cells. The predominant expression of the Xenopus V2R families and the coexpression of the V2Rs and Go imply that V2Rs play important roles in the sensory transduction of Xenopus VNO. We found that these receptors were expressed not only in the VNO, but also in the posterolateral epithelial area of the principal cavity (PLPC). Electron microscopic study revealed that the epithelium of the PLPC is more like that of the VNO than that of the principal and the middle cavity. These results suggest that in adult Xenopus the V2Rs analyzed so far are predominantly expressed in the vomeronasal and vomeronasal‐like epithelium. The analysis of V2R expression in Xenopus larvae demonstrates that V2Rs are predominantly expressed in the VNO even before metamorphosis. J. Comp. Neurol. 472:246–256, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Innervation of rat iris by trigeminal and ciliary neurons expressing pChAT, a novel splice variant of choline acetyltransferase
Authors: Yasuhara Osamu , Aimi Yoshinari , Shibano Akira , Matsuo Akinori , Bellier Jean‐Pierre , Park Masami , Tooyama Ikuo , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: March 2004

We have recently discovered a splice variant of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) mRNA and designated the variant protein pChAT because of its preferential expression in peripheral neuronal structures. In this study, the presence of pChAT in rat iris was examined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot using a pChAT antiserum, in combination with RT‐PCR analysis and ChAT enzyme assay. For comparison, the conventional ChAT (cChAT) was studied in parallel. By pChAT immunohistochemistry, intense labeling was found to occur in nerve fibers of the iris and in neurons of the ciliary and trigeminal ganglia. Denervation studies, analyzed by semiquantitative morphometry, indicated that these iridial pChAT fibers originated about half from the ciliary ganglion and the other half from the trigeminal ganglion. The presence of pChAT protein in the iris and trigeminal ganglion was confirmed by Western blot. The expression of pChAT mRNA in the ciliary and trigeminal ganglia was proved by RT‐PCR. Although cChAT protein and mRNA were detected in the ciliary ganglion, neither was detectable in the trigeminal ganglion. The contributions of the ciliary and trigeminal ganglia to the iridial ChAT enzyme activity were verified by the present ChAT assay. Here, we provide evidence that iridial pChAT nerves are composed of postganglionic parasympathetic efferents from the ciliary ganglion and, more interestingly, somatic sensory afferents of the trigeminal ophthalmic nerve. J. Comp. Neurol. 472:232–245, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential development of 5‐HT receptor and the serotonin transporter binding in the human infant medulla
Authors: Paterson David S. , Belliveau Richard A. , Trachtenberg Felicia , Kinney Hannah C.
Published: March 2004

Tissue receptor autoradiography with 3H‐lysergic acid diethylamide (3H‐LSD), 3H‐8‐hydroxy‐2‐[di‐N‐propylamine] tetralin (3H‐8‐OH‐DPAT), and 125I‐RTI‐55 was used to map the distribution and developmental profile of 5‐HT1A–1D and 5‐HT2 receptors, 5‐HT1A receptors, and the serotonin (5‐HT) transporter (SERT), respectively, to nuclei with cardiorespiratory function in the human medulla from midgestation to maturity. The distribution pattern of the 5‐HT markers was heterogeneous, with variable densities of binding of each observed both in nuclei with and without 5‐HT cell bodies. The highest density of binding for each marker was observed in the raphé nuclei, the site of the highest density of 5‐HT cell bodies. A significant reduction in 5‐HT receptor binding measured with 3H‐LSD was observed between midgestation and infancy, and between infancy and maturity in multiple nuclei, but no changes were observed across infancy. A significant increase in 5‐HT1A receptor binding density was observed across infancy in the hypoglossal nucleus (regression slope coefficient = 0.008 ± 0.002, P = 0.02), and a marginally significant increase was observed in the raphé obscurus (regression slope coefficient = 0.061 ± 0.026 [mean ± SEM], P = 0.05). No significant age‐related changes in SERT binding were observed at any time. With the exception of the hypoglossal nucleus, where 5‐HT1A receptor binding increases while SERT binding remains stable, the medullary 5‐HT markers analyzed in the study are essentially “in place” at birth. This study provides important baseline data that serve as a foundation for future work in pediatric 5‐HT brainstem disorders, including sudden infant death syndrome. J. Comp. Neurol. 472:221–231, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antho‐RFamide‐containing neurons in the primitive nervous system of the anthozoan Renilla koellikeri
Authors: Pernet Vincent , Anctil Michel , Grimmelikhuijzen Cornelis J.P.
Published: March 2004

The neuropeptide Antho‐RFamide is extremely abundant in Renilla koellikeri (sea pansy), a representative of the cnidarians (octocorallians) considered to be closest to the stem ancestors of metazoans with nervous systems. Therefore, a knowledge of the distribution of Antho‐RFamide‐containing neurons in this species would contribute to our understanding of the early evolution of nervous systems. Using antisera raised against RFamide and FMRFamide, we detected immunostaining in numerous neurons throughout the nervous system of the sea pansy. The antisera revealed ectodermal nerve‐nets on the upper and lower sides of the colony and on the oral side of tentacles, in the oral disk, and in the pharynx of feeding polyps. Neurons were immunostained also in the mesogleal nerve‐net of feeding polyps and in the through‐conducting mesogleal nerve‐net of the colonial mass. Varying densities of stained neurons were observed in the different compartments of the endoderm: muscular walls of the feeding and water circulation polyps, mesenteric filaments and their derived follicles containing either ovocytes or spermatophores, in the endodermal channels connecting the different compartments of the colony, and in circular muscle of the peduncle. The distribution of immunostained neurons suggests that they play important roles in feeding, reproduction, neuromuscular transmission, and in neuro‐neuronal transmission coordinating the different parts of the colony. J. Comp. Neurol. 472:208–220, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the dynamics of Gowdy space‐times
Authors: Chae Myeongju , Chruściel Piotr T.
Published: March 2004

We study the behavior near the singularity t = 0 of Gowdy metrics. We prove existence of an open dense set $$\hat{\Omega}$$ of boundary points near which the solution is smoothly “asymptotically velocity term dominated” (AVTD). We show that the set of AVTD solutions satisfying a uniformity condition is open in the set of all solutions. We analyze in detail the asymptotic behavior of “power law” solutions at the (hitherto unchartered) points at which the asymptotic velocity equals zero or one. Several other related results are established. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An approach for quality of service adaptation in service‐oriented Grids
Authors: Al‐Ali Rashid , Hafid Abdelhakim , Rana Omer , Walker David
Published: March 2004

Some applications utilizing Grid computing infrastructure require the simultaneous allocation of resources, such as compute servers, networks, memory, disk storage and other specialized resources. Collaborative working and visualization is one example of such applications. In this context, quality of service (QoS) is related to Grid services, and not just to the network connecting these services. With the emerging interest in service‐oriented Grids, resources may be advertised and traded as services based on a service level agreement (SLA). Such a SLA must include both general and technical specifications, including pricing policy and properties of the resources required to execute the service, to ensure QoS requirements are satisfied. An approach for QoS adaptation is presented to enable the dynamic adjustment of behavior of an application based on changes in the pre‐defined SLA. The approach is particularly useful if workload or network traffic changes in unpredictable ways during an active session. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EasyGrid: towards a framework for the automatic Grid enabling of legacy MPI applications
Authors: Boeres Cristina , Rebello Vinod E. F.
Published: March 2004

One of the goals of the Grid is to aggregate collections of shared, heterogeneous, and distributed resources to provide computational ‘power’ to parallel applications. However, designing applications capable of exploiting this potential with ease remains a challenge. This paper outlines the EasyGrid methodology for the efficient and robust execution of (legacy) MPI programs across distributed computing clusters. The principal objective of this work is to identify the application‐oriented middleware necessary for, as well as to develop a framework to automatically generate, system‐aware applications capable of executing in dynamic, unstable, distributed environments such as computational Grids. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CoDIMS: an adaptable middleware system for scientific visualization in Grids
Authors: Porto F. , Giraldi G. , Oliveira J. C. , Silva R. , Schulze B.
Published: March 2004

In this paper we propose a middleware infrastructure adapted for supporting scientific visualization applications over a Grid environment. We instantiate a middleware system from CoDIMS, which is an environment for the generation of configurable data integration middleware systems. CoDIMS adaptive architecture is based on the integration of special components managed by a control module that executes users workflows. We exemplify our proposal with a middleware system generated for computing particles' trajectories within the constraints imposed by a Grid environment. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metastatic malignant melanoma in liver aspirate: Cytomorphologic distinction from hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Parwani Anil V. , Chan Theresa Y. , Mathew Seema , Ali Syed Z.
Published: March 2004

Hepatic metastases of malignant melanoma are not unusual and frequently occur with a clinically long latent period following resection of a cutaneous or ocular primary. Due to its overlapping cytomorphology with a primary hepatocellular carcinoma, diagnostic difficulties may arise on fine‐needle aspiration of these lesions if the clinical history of melanoma is not known. Thirty‐two cases of metastatic melanoma in the liver and primary hepatocellular carcinoma were studied. Aspiration was performed under ultrasound guidance using 22‐gauge spinal needle. Slides were stained with Diff‐Quik and Papanicolaou stain; cell blocks were stained with H&E. A panel of immunostains was performed using conventional methodology. Of the 12 cytologic parameters assessed, the most helpful in making a metastatic melanoma diagnosis were the presence of sheet‐like architecture, plasmacytoid and/or biphasic (epithelioid/spindled cell) morphology, cytoplasmic tails, necrosis, and cytoplasmic melanin‐like pigment. For hepatocellular carcinoma, the presence of trabeculae, perivascular cellular clustering, endothelial wrapping, and centrally located nuclei with granular cytoplasm were helpful features. In selected cases, IPOX studies were critical in arriving at the correct diagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;30:247–250. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of the new Bethesda System 2001 on specimen adequacy of conventional cervicovaginal smears
Authors: Fidda Nisreen , Miron Joel , Rodgers William H. , Rader Anne
Published: March 2004

The Bethesda System (TBS) 2001 workshop addressed the issue of specimen adequacy by recommending the elimination of the “satisfactory but limited by” category and its replacement by a semiquantitative method for assessing squamous cellularity. The purpose of this study is to compare the rate of unsatisfactory specimens of conventional cervicovaginal smears (CVS) before and after the implementation of the TBS 2001 recommendations. TBS 2001 recommendations were implemented in our laboratory on January 1st, 2002. Data were compared from conventional CVS evaluated 6 mo prior and 6 mo after the implementation of TBS 2001. The total number of conventional CVS for the second half of 2001 was 5,808, 21 of which were considered unsatisfactory for evaluation (0.36%). Fourteen of these 21 cases had a repeat CVS, one case was diagnosed as low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), and one was inadequate. In contrast, there were 288 unsatisfactory CVS out of 5,459 cases (5.3%) in the first half of 2002. Of these, 154 CVS were repeated, five cases were designated as ASCUS, and three were LSIL. Twenty‐one cases had a second inadequate diagnosis, eight of these were repeated and all were negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy. In our laboratory, the use of the new Bethesda System guidelines yielded more than a 10‐fold increase in the rate of unsatisfactory conventional CVS. This led to numerous additional office visits to obtain a repeat CVS. Only eight repeat CVS identified epithelial cell abnormalities. The implications of our findings are that TBS 2001 guidelines regarding satisfactory conventional CVS result in increased healthcare cost without identifying a significant number of new epithelial cell abnormalities. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;30:235–239. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cervical biopsy‐based comparison of a new liquid‐based thin‐layer preparation with conventional Pap smears
Authors: Mattosinho de Castro Ferraz Maria da Gloria , Nicolau Sérgio Mancini , Stávale João Norberto , Focchi José , Castelo Adauto , Dôres Gerson Botacini , Mielzynska‐Lohnas Iwona , Lorincz Attila , Rodrigues de Lima Geraldo
Published: March 2004

The objective of this study is to compare the diagnostic efficacy of universal collection medium (UCM) liquid‐based cytology (LBC) (Digene Corp., MD) and the conventional Pap smear in a comparative study, using histologic results as the gold standard. This was a cross‐sectional study. Conventional Pap smears and UCM LBC specimens, obtained from women in a low socioeconomic outpatient population referred to a tertiary center for gynecologic care, were compared. For the purpose of this study, when cervical specimens were collected for cytology, all women underwent colposcopy and biopsy was done if a cervical abnormality was observed. Cytologic evaluation of UCM LBC and conventional Pap smears were carried out separately, masked to the results of the other method. Agreement beyond chance between the two cytologic methods was ascertained by means of the unweighted κ statistic. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for both methods. McNemar's test was used to determine the level of association between the two cytology procedures. A total of 800 women were evaluated. Assessment of the overall agreement between the two cytologic methods yielded a κ of 0.777 (P < 0.0001). After adjustment for histologic diagnosis, the computed κ in each stratum was as follows: normal = 0.733; CIN 1 = 0.631; CIN 2/3 = 0.735; cancer = 0.652. The sensitivity and specificity of UCM LBC for detection of cervical intraepithelial lesions and cancer were 75.3% and 86.4%, respectively, not statistically different from the 81.8% and 85.2% seen with the conventional method. This study demonstrates that the UCM LBC method is as accurate as the conventional Pap smear cytology in detecting cervical intraepithelial lesions and cancer even so the UCM samples were systematically prepared from a second sampling of the cervix. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;30:220–226. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mycobacterial autofluorescence in Papanicolaou‐stained lymph node aspirates: A glimmer in the dark?
Authors: Wright Colleen A. , van Zyl Yvonne , Burgess Steven M. , Blumberg Lucille , Leiman Gladwyn
Published: March 2004

This study was undertaken to determine the value of incorporating fluorescence into cytopathological evaluation of lymph node fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) specimens suspected of harboring mycobacterial species. The study population consisted of 1,044 HIV‐positive and ‐negative patients referred for FNA to the cytopathology unit of a South African medical school located in a very high HIV prevalence region. Each aspirate was assessed on routine Papanicolaou‐stained slides for morphologic characteristics of mycobacterial infection. The same glass slides were then viewed under fluorescent microscopy to determine the presence or absence of mycobacterial autofluorescence. Using multivariate analysis, results of both cytology and fluorescence were compared with mycobacterial culture as the final arbiter of the presence of organisms. In this large clinical study, compared with culture, cytomorphology showed sensitivity of 84.9%, but low specificity of only 50.9%. Fluorescence demonstrated lower sensitivity of 65.9%, but improved specificity of 73.0%. Taken together, positivity of both cytology and fluorescence improved specificity to 81.8%. Fluorescent microscopy is rapid, inexpensive, and cost‐effective; neither radioactive materials nor further staining are required. It is felt that this methodology would be of diagnostic benefit if used on morphologically suspicious samples in areas with a high prevalence of HIV and mycobacterial infections. Appropriate therapy could be commenced within hours of FNA, with reduction in the current number of patients lost to follow‐up while awaiting results of culture. The technique is readily extended to other FNA types such as deep organ aspirates. Autofluorescence of organisms specifically requires usage of Papanicolaou staining; the technique cannot be used in histopathologic specimens stained with hematoxylin‐eosin. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;30:257–260. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine‐needle aspiration of primary and recurrent dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Authors: Klijanienko Jerzy , Caillaud Jean‐Michel , Lagacé Réal
Published: March 2004

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a nodular cutaneous mesenchymal tumor of intermediate malignancy. Studies on fine‐needle aspiration of DFSP are extremely rare; to our knowledge, only 33 cases have been reported. We have reviewed 14 examples of DFSP in 13 patients. Ten primary tumors were aspirated before surgical biopsy and four recurrent lesions (all from superficial lesions) were also investigated by fine‐needle aspiration. All smears were surprisingly homogeneous and composed of isolated spindle cells in all cases (one unsatisfactory smear is excluded). Tissue fragments with a stroriform pattern were seen in 11 cases, fibrillary stromal fragments in 10 cases, naked nuclei in 8 cases, slight to moderate cytonuclear atypia in 5 cases. Mitotic figures, myxoid background, mast cells, and dispersed adipocytes were rare. Giant cells, necrosis, or marked cytonuclear atypia were not seen. DFSP shares morphological characteristics of some low‐grade spindle‐cell neoplasms. It should be differentiated from other benign low‐ and intermediate‐grade spindle neoplasm such as low‐grade fibrosarcoma, fibromyxosarcoma, low‐grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor, nodular fasciitis, and fibrous histiocytoma. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;30:261–265. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Using urbanization profiles to assess screening performance
Authors: Boon Mathilde E. , Kok Lambrecht P.
Published: March 2004

The large Dutch data sets acquired as a result of population‐based cervical smear screening programs can be further exploited to obtain an urbanization‐weighted score to gain insight into the quality of the performance of the individual cytology laboratories.

Based on the first four digits of the postal code of the screenees, the data are stratified according to urbanization. Urb 1 corresponds to (semi)rural, which includes villages and small townships with less than 20,000 inhabitants; Urb 2, to towns with between 20,000 and 250,000 inhabitants; and Urb 3, to big cities, in this case, The Hague. From the postal code data of the screenees, the urbanization profiles of the laboratories can be calculated. The urbanization degree proved to have a substantial effect on the cytologic scores in the four laboratories. The number of expected, urbanization‐weighted patient cases is calculated. Accordingly, the laboratories could be compared with respect to performance.

We conclude that laboratories in our screening program were quite similar in performance for the cytologic diagnosis leading to referral to the hospital, with little difference between the actual and the expected, urbanization‐weighted number of cases.

It is evident that the equation for calculating the expected scores for S5–S9 is relevant for control of quality of care provided by laboratories and regions, but also for the quality of these assessments. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;30:243–246. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development‐related changes in the expression of shear stress responsive genes KLF‐2, ET‐1, and NOS‐3 in the developing cardiovascular system of chicken embryos
Authors: Groenendijk Bianca C.W. , Hierck Beerend P. , Gittenberger‐de Groot Adriana C. , Poelmann Robert E.
Published: March 2004

Blood flow patterns play an important role in cardiovascular development, as changes can cause congenital heart malformations. Shear stress is positively correlated to blood flow. Therefore, it is likely that shear stress is also involved in cardiac development. In this study, we investigated the expression patterns of ET‐1, NOS‐3, and KLF‐2 mRNA in a series of developmental stages of the chicken embryo. These genes are reported to be shear responsive. It has been demonstrated that KLF‐2 is confined to areas of high shear stress in the adult human aorta. From in vitro studies, it is known that ET‐1 is down‐regulated by shear stress, whereas NOS‐3 is up‐regulated. Therefore, we expect ET‐1 to be low or absent and NOS‐3 to be high at sites where KLF‐2 expression is high. Our study shows that, in the early stages, expression patterns are mostly not shear stress‐related, whereas during development, this correlation becomes stronger. We demonstrate overlapping expression patterns of KLF‐2 and NOS‐3 in the narrow parts of the cardiovascular system, like the cardiac inflow tract, the atrioventricular canal, outflow tract, and in the early stages in the aortic sac and the pharyngeal arch arteries. In these regions, the expression patterns of KLF‐2 and NOS‐3 exclude that of ET‐1. Our results suggest that, in the embryonic cardiovascular system, KLF‐2 is expressed in regions of highest shear stress, and that ET‐1 and NOS‐3 expression, at least in the later stages, is related to shear stress. Developmental Dynamics 230:57–68, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
XIdax, an inhibitor of the canonical Wnt pathway, is required for anterior neural structure formation in Xenopus
Authors: Michiue Tatsuo , Fukui Akimasa , Yukita Akira , Sakurai Kenji , Danno Hiroki , Kikuchi Akira , Asashima Makoto
Published: March 2004

Wnt signaling pathways are involved during various stages in the development of many species. In Xenopus, the accumulation of β‐catenin on the dorsal side of embryo is required for induction of the organizer, while the head structure formation requires inhibition of Wnt signaling. Here, we report a role for xIdax, a negative regulator of Wnt signaling. XIdax is expressed in neural tissues at the neurula stage, and in the restricted region of the tadpole brain. Ectopic expression of xIdax inhibits the target gene expression, suggesting that xIdax can inhibit canonical Wnt signaling. To examine the function of xIdax, a morpholino oligo for xIdax (xIdaxMO) was designed. An injection into an animal pole cell caused a loss of forebrain. The anterior neural marker expression is decreased in xIdaxMO‐injected embryo, suggesting that xIdax is required for anterior neural development. Moreover, a negative regulator that acts downstream of xIdax rescued this defect. We propose that Idax functions are dependent on the canonical Wnt pathway and are crucial for the anterior neural development. Developmental Dynamics 230:79–90, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Self‐enhancing effects of exposure to thin‐body images
Authors: Joshi Ramona , Herman C. Peter , Polivy Janet
Published: March 2004

Objective

This study examines the effect of thin‐body media images on mood, self‐esteem, and self‐image ratings of restrained and unrestrained eaters. A secondary purpose was to examine whether these effects were influenced by exposure duration.

Method

Under the guise of a perception study, participants were exposed to thin‐body or control advertisements (e.g., perfume bottles) for either 7 or 150 ms and then completed a questionnaire packet.

Results

Restrained eaters reported more favorable self‐image and social self‐esteem (but not appearance self‐esteem) scores after exposure to thin‐body images than after exposure to control advertisements. The self‐image and social self‐esteem scores of unrestrained eaters were unaffected by advertisement type, but their appearance self‐esteem scores were lower after exposure to thin‐body advertisements. No differences were found for mood ratings and total self‐esteem.

Discussion

We discuss restraint status as a moderator of the effects of thin‐body images on women's body image. © 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 35: 333–341, 2004.
Cognitive‐behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa: An empirical analysis of clinical significance
Authors: Lundgren Jennifer D. , Danoff‐Burg Sharon , Anderson Drew A.
Published: March 2004

Objective

The purpose of this review was to assess the clinical significance of cognitive‐behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa using the reliable change index and normative comparison analyses.

Method

Fifteen treatment outcome studies using either individual or group cognitive‐behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa were selected for inclusion.

Results

Results suggest that cognitive‐behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa produces clinically significant change for many treatment outcome measures when using the reliable change index. However, posttreatment symptomatology is rarely within a normative range when examined with normative comparison analyses.

Discussion

This review provides a first step in examining the clinical significance of treatment for bulimia nervosa. Future studies should further this work by comparing the clinical significance of different types of treatment for bulimia nervosa using additional assessment measures. © 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 35: 262–274, 2004.
Sleep variables in anorexia nervosa: Evolution with weight restoration
Authors: Pieters Guido , Theys Paul , Vandereycken Walter , Leroy Bart , Peuskens Joseph
Published: March 2004

Objective

Studies on sleep patterns in anorexia nervosa (AN) have yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, we have studied the evolution of subjective and objective sleep characteristics in AN patients before and after weight restoration.

Method

Thirty‐four severely underweight AN inpatients of the restrictive subtype had a polysomnographic sleep registration at the time of admission and after weight restoration. Subjective sleep quality was also measured with self‐report instruments.

Results

Objective sleep variables did not change with weight restoration, whereas subjective quality of sleep did improve. Percentage of underweight at admission and amount of slow wave sleep were predictors of the length of time required for weight restoration.

Discussion

The finding that weight restoration does not affect polysomnographic sleep variables in AN patients seems to contradict previous studies. © 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 35: 342–347, 2004.
The sociocultural attitudes towards appearance scale‐3 (SATAQ‐3): Development and validation
Authors: Thompson J. Kevin , van den Berg Patricia , Roehrig Megan , Guarda Angela S. , Heinberg Leslie J.
Published: March 2004

Objective

The goal of this investigation was to develop and validate a revision of a widely used measure of societal influences on body image and eating disturbances—the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ).

Method

Two independent samples of college females completed a revision and extension of the SATAQ and factor analyses were conducted to determine the underlying structure of the revised scale.

Results

Factor analyses indicated two distinct internalization factors: one appeared to reflect a generic media influence related to TV, magazines, and movies. A second factor clearly reflected internalization of athletic and sports figures. Two other factors, reflecting media pressures and media as an informational source, also emerged. Another widely used measure of thin‐ideal internalization, the Ideal Body Internalization Scale‐Revised (IBIS‐R), was included in factor analyses to determine its empirical relationship with the revised SATAQ. None of the IBIS‐R items loaded with any of the internalization items or items reflective of media pressures or information. Instead, the IBIS‐R appeared to tap into an awareness of appearance norms dimension. The SATAQ‐3 subscales had excellent convergent validity with measures of body image and eating disturbance. Eating‐disturbed and eating‐disordered samples had higher scores on SATAQ‐3 subscales than a control sample.

Discussion

The SATAQ‐3 measures multiple aspects of a societal influence and should prove useful for basic risk factor work as well as for gauging the efficacy of prevention and treatment programs. © 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 35: 293–304, 2004.
Selective mood‐induced body image disparagement and enhancement effects: Are they due to cognitive priming or subjective mood?
Authors: Rotenberg Ken J. , Taylor Daniel , Davis Ron
Published: March 2004

Objective

The study evaluated the effects of mood induction procedures on body image.

Method

Eighty female undergraduates participated in combinations of two valences (negative vs. positive) and two types (self‐referent vs. other‐referent) of mood induction procedures (MIPs). A measure of subjective mood and seven measures of body image were administered before and after the MIPs.

Results

Individuals in the self‐referent MIP who had high negative body image at the pretest demonstrated increases in negative body image after exposure to the negative valence MIP (a disparagement effect) and decreases in negative body image after exposure to the positive valence MIP (an enhancement effect). This pattern was not evident in the other‐referent MIP. Also, changes in negative body image were not appreciably associated with changes in subjective mood.

Discussion

The findings yielded support for the cognitive priming hypothesis but not for the subjective mood hypothesis. Further means of examining the cognitive priming hypothesis were outlined. © 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 35: 317–332, 2004.
The assessment of body image investment: An extensive revision of the appearance schemas inventory
Authors: Cash Thomas F. , Melnyk Susan E. , Hrabosky Joshua I.
Published: March 2004

Objective

The Appearance Schemas Inventory (ASI) is a 14‐item instrument that assesses body image investment in relation to certain beliefs or assumptions about the importance, meaning, and influence of appearance in one's life. Despite empirical support of the ASI, critical examination evinces several limitations of this assessment. These problems entail the inclusion of explicitly self‐evaluative items and social stereotypes, few behavioral items, and a repeated failure to find expected gender differences on the ASI.

Method

We initially constructed a 45‐item measure (40 new items plus 5 original items) and administered it, along with the original ASI and other validational assessments, to 603 college students (468 women and 135 men).

Results

The end result was a 20‐item revision of the inventory (ASI‐R), which included two factors: Self‐Evaluative Salience and Motivational Salience. For both genders, the composite ASI‐R and its two factors had high internal consistency and were significantly convergent with other pertinent measures of body image and psychosocial functioning. The ASI‐R and its two subscales showed significant gender differences, whereas the original ASI did not. We also examined racial differences on the ASI‐R, its correlations with body mass, and its unique contribution to the prediction of disturbed eating attitudes.

Discussion

We offer this measure as an improved, psychometrically sound replacement for the ASI. © 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 35: 305–316, 2004.