bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of two polymer‐based immunohistochemical detection systems: ENVISION+™ and ImmPRESS™
Authors: RAMOS‐VARA JOSÉ A. , MILLER MARGARET A. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryThe non‐specific background reaction produced in avidin–biotin‐based immunohistochemistry, particularly after harsh antigen retrieval procedures, has promoted the use of non‐avidin–biotin systems, yet there are few reports comparing the performance of non‐avidin–biotin, polymer‐based methods. In this study we compare two of these methods, ENVISION+™ and ImmPRESS™, in animal tissues. We examined the immunoreactivity of 18 antigens in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues. Antigens were located in the cytoplasmic membrane (CD11d, CD18 and CD79a), cytoplasm (calretinin, COX‐1, COX‐2, Glut‐1, HepPar 1, KIT, Melan A, tryptase and uroplakin III) or nucleus (MUM‐1, PGP 9.5 and thyroid transcription factor 1). We also evaluated three infectious agents (Aspergillus, calicivirus and West Nile virus). The staining with ENVISION+™ or ImmPRESS™ was performed simultaneously for each antigen. The intensity of the reaction and background staining were scored. ImmPRESS™ yielded similar or higher reaction intensity than ENVISION+™ in 16/18 antigens. ImmPRESS™ produced abundant background with the other two antigens (calretinin and COX‐2), which hindered interpretation of the specific reaction. The cost of ImmPRESS™ was 25% lower than for ENVISION+™. Based on these results, ImmPRESS™ is a good polymer‐based detection system for routine immunohistochemistry.
Long polymeric tips of atomic force microscopy for large biological samples
Authors: MURAMATSU HIROSHI , YAMAMOTO YUJI , SATO ATSUSHI , ENOMOTO SHIZUO , KIM WOO‐SIK , CHANG SANG‐MOK , KIM JONG MIN 
Published: December 2006

SummaryWe show a new atomic force microscopy technique for obtaining high‐resolution topographic images of large bio‐samples. To obtain high‐resolution topographic images for the samples, we fabricated a long polymeric tip with a small protrusion using two‐photon adsorbed photo‐polymerization techniques. The obtained tip length was over 50 µm, and the tip was used directly to visualize COS‐1 and 293 cells. Compared with commercial tips, the long tip made it easier to obtain topographic images of the large cells. In the magnified topographic images, the sub‐100‐nm resolution was confirmed with the long tips. This long probe tip is expected to broaden large sample‐related studies and applications in the future.
Integration of a scanning ion conductance microscope into phase contrast optics and its application to the quantification of morphological parameters of selected cells
Authors: MANN S. A. , MEYER J. W. , DIETZEL I. D. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryWe have previously described a pulse‐mode scanning ion conductance microscope to investigate membrane surfaces and volume changes of individual cells in culture. We have now developed a miniaturized scanning headstage that enables us to select individual cells for recording under phase contrast optics, considerably improving the selection of individual cells for scanning as well as the positioning of the scanning frames with respect to the position of the cell somata. We show an application in which surfaces and volumes of somata and processes of cultured cells from the central nervous system were quantified separately.
Comparison of skin conductance with entropy during intubation, tetanic stimulation and emergence from general anaesthesia
Authors: Gjerstad A. C. , Storm H. , Hagen R. , Huiku M. , Qvigstad E. , Ræder J. 
Published: December 2006

Background:  The number of skin conductance fluctuations (NSCF) expresses sympathetic skin nerve activity. The response entropy (RE) measures electromyographic and electroencephalographic activity in the forehead. The state entropy (SE) measures mainly electroencephalographic activity. When the suppression of frontal muscular activity is complete, RE is equal to SE. RE‐Δ is defined as SE minus RE. The purposes of this study were to examine whether NSCF and RE‐Δ correlate with signs of clinical stress during intubation and tetanic noxious stimulation and to elucidate how rapidly and accurately entropy and NSCF react during emergence from general anaesthesia.Methods:  Twenty women scheduled for gynaecological laparotomy were studied. During intubation in remifentanil and propofol general anaesthesia, NSCF and RE‐Δ were correlated with the clinical stress score. After a wash‐out period, two series of tetanic stimuli were given, the first with (R+) and the second without (R–) remifentanil infusion. The tetanic pre‐stimuli periods were compared with the tetanic post‐stimuli periods, and R+ was compared with R–. During emergence, the responses of entropy and skin conductance were related to the time of extubation.Results:  NSCF correlated well with the clinical stress score during intubation (r2= 0.73, P < 0.0005). RE‐Δ showed a weaker correlation (r2= 0.33, P= 0.007). During tetanic stimuli, the NSCF pre‐stimuli level was lower than the post‐stimuli level (P < 0.001), and the NSCF R+ response was lower than the NSCF R– response (P= 0.002). RE‐Δ did not show similar differences. During emergence, RE reacted before NSCF and SE (P= 0.003).Conclusion:  NSCF was better than RE‐Δ for the measurement of clinical stress during intubation, and was sensitive to tetanic stimuli at different opioid analgesic levels, by contrast with RE‐Δ. Both modalities were able to predict emergence at the end of anaesthesia, but RE was more rapid.
Hemodynamic effect of sustained pulmonary hyperinflation in patients after cardiac surgery: open vs. closed chest
Authors: Nielsen J. , Nygård E. , Kjærgaard J. , Tingleff J. , Larsson A. 
Published: December 2006

Background:  In a previous study, we showed that sustained pulmonary hyperinflation, i.e. a lung recruitment maneuver, after closure of the chest in patients undergoing cardiac surgery had significantly negative effects on the central hemodynamics. As elevated pleural pressure is believed to be a major cause of this cardiovascular impairment, we hypothesized that performing the sustained pulmonary hyperinflation under open chest conditions would affect the circulation less.Methods:  Patients undergoing cardiac by‐pass surgery were included and sustained pulmonary hyperinflations (40 cmH2O airway pressure for 15 s) were performed immediately before and after closure of the sternum. Pulse contour cardiac output, heart rate, mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure variation were measured before, during and 1 min after the hyperinflations. Left ventricular dimensions were measured using trans‐esophageal echocardiography.Results:  Cardiac output (CO) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) decreased significantly during the sustained pulmonary hyperinflation both with an open and closed chest (in parenthesis): CO by 50 (45)% and MAP by 19 (24)%. The left ventricular end‐diastolic area was significantly reduced by 24 (33)%. One minute after the hyperinflation, all measured variables had returned to baseline values. No significant differences in the measured variables were found between the two conditions before, during or 1 min after the hyperinflation.Conclusion:  Contrary to our hypothesis, sustained pulmonary hyperinflations with the chest open, i.e. before sternal closure, had similar negative effects on central hemodynamics as those performed with the chest closed, i.e. after sternal closure.
Oligosaccharide synthesis regulates gut osmolality in the ant‐attended aphid Metopeurum fuscoviride but not in the unattended aphid Macrosiphoniella tanacetaria
Authors: Woodring J. , Wiedemann R. , Völkl W. , Hoffmann K. H. 
Published: December 2006

Abstract:  An artificial phloem sap (APS) for Metopeurum fuscoviride and Macrosiphoniella tanacetaria, based on analysis of their host plant, Tanacetum vulgare, phloem sap, contained 308 μg/μl (900 μmol/μl) sucrose (and no other sugars) and a mixture of 14 amino acids with a total concentration of 82.5 nmol/μl. There was no significant difference in the total amino acid concentration of the honeydew of adult M. fuscoviride fed on the host plant and aphids fed on APS. Incubation of isolated guts in APS indicated no role of gut bacteria or gut enzymes on the amino acid pattern in the gut. The sugar composition of the honeydew of the ant‐attended M. fuscoviride indicated a rapid digestion of sucrose into glucose and fructose, and the simultaneous synthesis of considerable amounts of melezitose and some trehalose. The sugar composition of the honeydew of the unattended M. tanacetaria in contrast showed only traces of trehalose and melezitose, but up to 20% erlose in plant‐fed aphids. Incubation of isolated guts of M. fuscoviride in APS demonstrated a steady high rate of melezitose synthesis by gut enzymes over an 8‐h period. Incubation of isolated guts of M. tanacetaria on the other hand demonstrated only a moderate rate of erlose synthesis and no detectable melezitose or trehalose. Melezitose in the aphid M. fuscoviride is a signal sugar for ants (ecological function), indicating the presence of abundant sugar rich honeydew [Woodring et al. (2004)Physiol. Entomol., vol. 29, pp. 311–319]. It was estimated that melezitose reduces the gut osmolality of M. fuscoviride to approximately 25–35% of what it would be without the synthetases (physiological function). M. tanacetaria on the other hand produces very little honeydew, is not attended by ants, and thus there is little need to synthesize large amounts of oligosaccharides to attract ants or for osmoregulation.
The tree crown distribution of hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae (Hem., Adelgidae) from randomized branch sampling
Authors: Evans A. M. , Gregoire T. G. 
Published: December 2006

Abstract:  An exotic insect, the hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hem., Adelgidae), is spreading through eastern North America, killing hemlock trees [Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière], and thereby impoverishing ecosystems. Adelges tsugae, like many alien invasive insects, is difficult to monitor or sample in the forest. Monitoring of A. tsugae has been hampered by lack of information about its distribution within tree crowns. In order to assist future monitoring and biocontrol of A. tsugae, this study investigates the crown distribution of A. tsugae by sampling from the entire height of mature hemlock trees in a forest with an established infestation. In addition to A. tsugae, sampling includes scale insects, which are another group of important pests on hemlock trees. This study demonstrates the utility of a randomized branch sampling (RBS) plan for monitoring both invasive insects as well as native insects that are difficult to sample. Results from the RBS show that in trees with high populations of A. tsugae, branches from the lower crown have slightly higher densities of A. tsugae than upper crown branches. In trees with low A. tsugae populations, the upper crown may have higher A. tsugae densities than the lower crown. North pointing branches also have higher densities of A. tsugae than branches pointing in other cardinal directions. Future sampling efforts for A. tsugae can take advantage of higher densities in certain portions of the crown to increase accuracy.
Opportunism of Conidiobolus obscurus stems from depression of infection in situ to progeny colonies of host alatae as disseminators of the aphid‐pathogenic fungus
Authors: Zhang Guo‐Zhong , Feng Ming‐Guang , Chen Chun , Ying Sheng‐Hua 
Published: December 2006

Summary Conidiobolus (Entomophthorales: Ancylistaceae) includes common aphid pathogens but causes sporadic mycosis worldwide. This epizootiological opportunism was explored herein by examining the potential of mycosis transmission in the progeny colonies of 513 Myzus persicae alates as disseminators of C. obscurus often infecting aphids. The alates exposed to spore showers were flown for 2.05 (0.01–8.95) km on flight mills and then reared individually on cabbage at 20–23°C for 14 day colonization. All truly infected alates were mycosed within 6 days and averagely left 3.9 (0–15) nymphs while those uninfected produced 11.6 (0–35) nymphs during the same period. Secondary and tertiary infections occurred only in 16.2% and 4.8% of the progeny colonies of the mycosed alates respectively, due to c. 60% of the cadavers forming resting spores. Most of the contagious infections appeared on days 4–8 after colonization and no more occurred from day 11 onwards. Trends of colony sizes (last‐day averaging 51.5 aphids) and mycosis transmission (sixth‐day maximum 6.3%) fit well to logistic (r 2 = 0.99) and Gompertz growth models (r 2 = 0.91) respectively. The results confirm that the opportunism of C. obscurus stems from depression of contagious infection after dissemination by host alates and suggest that it be overwhelmed by the prevalence of other non‐resting fungal species.
Post‐ischaemic treatment with the cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor nimesulide reduces blood–brain barrier disruption and leukocyte infiltration following transient focal cerebral ischaemia in rats
Authors: Candelario‐Jalil Eduardo , González‐Falcón Armando , García‐Cabrera Michel , León Olga Sonia , Fiebich Bernd L. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractSeveral studies suggest that cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 plays a pivotal role in the progression of ischaemic brain damage. In the present study, we investigated the effects of selective inhibition of COX‐2 with nimesulide (12 mg/kg) and selective inhibition of COX‐1 with valeryl salicylate (VAS, 12–120 mg/kg) on prostaglandin E2(PGE2) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, Evans blue (EB) extravasation and infarct volume in a standardized model of transient focal cerebral ischaemia in the rat. Post‐ischaemic treatment with nimesulide markedly reduced the increase in PGE2levels in the ischaemic cerebral cortex 24 h after stroke and diminished infarct size by 48% with respect to vehicle‐treated animals after 3 days of reperfusion. Furthermore, nimesulide significantly attenuated the blood–brain barrier (BBB) damage and leukocyte infiltration (as measured by EB leakage and MPO activity, respectively) seen at 48 h after the initial ischaemic episode. These studies provide the first experimental evidence that COX‐2 inhibition with nimesulide is able to limit BBB disruption and leukocyte infiltration following transient focal cerebral ischaemia. Neuroprotection afforded by nimesulide is observed even when the treatment is delayed until 6 h after the onset of ischaemia, confirming a wide therapeutic window of COX‐2 inhibitors in experimental stroke. On the contrary, selective inhibition of COX‐1 with VAS had no significant effect on the evaluated parameters. These data suggest that COX‐2 activity, but not COX‐1 activity, contributes to the progression of focal ischaemic brain injury, and that the beneficial effects observed with non‐selective COX inhibitors are probably associated to COX‐2 rather than to COX‐1 inhibition.
Effect of Chronic Ethanol Consumption on the Response of Parathyroid Hormone to Hypocalcemia in the Pregnant Rat
Authors: Duggal Shalu , Simpson Mary Elizabeth , Keiver Kathy 
Published: December 2006

Background: Chronic alcohol (ethanol) consumption during pregnancy results in maternal/fetal hypocalcemia, which may underlie some of ethanol's adverse effects on maternal and fetal bone, and fetal/neonatal health. Ethanol appears to alter the relationship between parathyroid hormone (PTH) and blood calcium (Ca) level, and PTH does not increase in response to ethanol‐induced hypocalcemia. However, it is not known whether ethanol actually prevents PTH from responding, or whether the ability to regulate blood Ca is intact, but ethanol lowers the level of Ca maintained. The objective of this study was to determine whether chronic ethanol consumption impairs the ability of the pregnant female to increase PTH in response to acute hypocalcemia.Methods: Rats were fed isocaloric diets with ethanol (36% ethanol‐derived calories, E group) or without ethanol [pair‐fed (PF) and control (C) groups], before and throughout 21 days of gestation. On day 21 gestation, rats received an intraperitoneal injection of ethylene glycol‐bis (β‐aminoethyl ether)‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid (EGTA) (300 or 500 μmol/kg body weight) or saline (saline group), or no injection (baseline group). Blood was collected from the baseline group, and at 30 or 60 minutes postinjection (saline and EGTA groups), and analyzed for ionized Ca (iCa), pH, and PTH.Results: Consistent with previous studies, ethanol consumption decreased blood iCa levels at baseline, but PTH levels did not differ among groups. Administration of EGTA significantly decreased blood iCa levels by 30 minutes, but ethanol did not prevent PTH from increasing in response to the hypocalcemia. In all diet groups, PTH levels were significantly increased by 30 minutes. Ethanol did, however, appear to decrease the maximum PTH level achievable in blood.Conclusions: These data suggest that chronic ethanol consumption does not impair the ability of the pregnant rat to raise serum PTH levels in response to acute hypocalcemia, but ethanol's effect on maximal PTH secretion could impair the ability of the pregnant female to sustain high PTH levels in response to chronic hypocalcemia.
Development of Naltrexone Supersensitivity During Food‐Maintained Responding Enhances Naltrexone's Ability to Reduce Ethanol‐Maintained Responding
Authors: Williams Keith L. 
Published: December 2006

Background:Similar doses of the opiate antagonist naltrexone (NTX) reduce responding maintained by food and ethanol. In animals responding for food, repeated administration of NTX produces supersensitivity to NTX. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the factors that produce enhanced sensitivity to NTX during food‐maintained responding also contribute to NTX's abililty to reduce ethanol‐maintained responding.Methods:Rats (n=12) were trained to lever press using food reinforcement. After responding stabilized, the rats were trained to respond for 10% ethanol. Before ethanol sessions, injections of 30 mg/kg NTX were given. Subsequently, weekly cumulative NTX dose–effect curves (1, 3, 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg), known to produce NTX supersensitivity, were determined during food‐maintained responding in half the rats for 8 weeks while the other half of the rats received saline vehicle injections instead. To determine whether NTX supersensitivity would transfer to ethanol self‐administration, ethanol‐maintained responding was re‐established and 30 mg/kg NTX was administered again.Results:Initially, 30 mg/kg NTX had little effect on ethanol‐maintained responding. During food‐maintained responding, supersensitivity developed in rats receiving weekly cumulative NTX injections. After development of supersensitivity, 30 mg/kg decreased ethanol‐maintained responding. Naltrexone's potency to reduce ethanol‐maintained responding was unchanged in rats that received only vehicle injections for 8 weeks.Conclusion:The mechanisms that produce NTX supersensitivity during food‐maintained responding may play a role in NTX's effect on ethanol consumption. Naltrexone's effect on responding for ethanol was much smaller than that reported in other studies. Further exploration may lead to techniques that maximize NTX's effect on ethanol while minimizing its effect on other behaviors.
Dealing with Darwin: How Great Companies Innovate at Every Phase of Their Evolution by Geoffrey A. Moore
Authors: Deck Mark J. 
Published: December 2006

Books reviewed in this issue:

Dealing with Darwin: How Great Companies Innovate at Every Phase of Their Evolution
Accelerated Product Development: Combining Lean and Six Sigma for Peak Performance
Fast Innovation: Achieving Superior Differentiation, Speed to Market, and Increased Profitability
Projects at Warp‐Speed with Q
R
PD: The Definitive Guidebook to Quality Rapid Product Development
Working Virtually: Challenges of Virtual Teams
Management of Technology: Managing Effectively in Technology‐Intensive Organizations
Merkel cell carcinoma frequently shows histologic features of basal cell carcinoma: a study of 30 cases
Authors: Ball Nigel J. , Tanhuanco‐Kho Grace 
Published: December 2006

Background:  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a basaloid cutaneous neoplasm that may be mistaken for basal cell carcinoma (BCC).Methods:  Thirty MCCs were examined for areas that histologically resembled BCC.Results:  One of the histologic features of BCC (either a mucinous stroma or stromal artifactual retraction) was identified in all MCCs. A mucinous stroma was found in 28 MCCs (93%), stromal artifactual retraction in 27 (90%), mucin‐containing gland‐like spaces within tumor nests in 8 (27%), focal peripheral palisading in 8 (27%), epidermal involvement in 3 (10%) and dystrophic calcification in 1 MCC (3%). The cytologic features and absence of widespread peripheral palisading were the most reliable discriminators between MCC and BCC on routine sections. Squamous cell carcinoma was identified in four cases (13%). Two cases (7%) contained pagetoid intraepidermal spread (IES) of MCC. In one case, there was IES over the entire epidermal surface associated with intranuclear clearing, resembling the intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions (INI) common in melanocytic tumors. INI were identified in six MCCs (20%).Conclusions:  MCCs frequently contain areas that histologically resemble BCC and other more common cutaneous malignancies. This can lead to diagnostic errors, particularly in small fragmented curettage specimens or frozen sections.
A case of cutaneous myoepithelial carcinoma
Authors: Tanahashi Jin , Kashima Kenji , Daa Tsutomu , Kondo Yoshiyuki , Kuratomi Eiji , Yokoyama Shigeo 
Published: December 2006

Background:  Cutaneous myoepithelioma, both benign and malignant, is a rare neoplasm composed of neoplastic myoepithelial cells showing diverse histopathological features, and criteria for discriminating benign or malignant have not been fully clarified.Patient:  We present a case of cutaneous myoepithelial carcinoma in a 62‐year‐old woman presenting a solid mass in the right back.Results:  Resected tumor was located in the whole dermis and subcutis. Histopathologically, two different growth patterns were noted: a small‐nested or trabecular pattern in the superficial part and a large nodular pattern with extensive central necrosis in the deep part. Tumor cells were all epithelioid, although plasmacytoid and glycogen‐rich clear cells were also observed within the large nodules of the deep part. Immunohistochemically, the cells were positive for both epithelial and myogenic markers, suggesting myoepithelial origin. Lymphatic invasion and lymph node metastasis were evident despite inconspicuous atypia and low mitotic rate.Conclusion:  The final diagnosis was cutaneous myoepithelial carcinoma. At present, it seems to be difficult to predict the behavior of myoepithelioma of the skin and soft tissue, although atypia and high mitotic rate are reported to be associated with local recurrence and metastasis.