bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐radioactive in situ detection of mRNA in ES cell‐derived cardiomyocytes and in the developing heart
Authors: Fijnvandraat Arnoud C. , De Boer Piet A.J. , Deprez Ronald H. Lekanne , Moorman Antoon F.M. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractNon‐radioactive in situ hybridisation is an excellent method to visualise mRNA molecules within their topographical context. Recently we have reported a new non‐radioactive in situ hybridisation procedure on tissue sections that is essentially based on the whole mount in situ hybridisation procedure. This method is superior in spatial resolution and sensitivity compared to the radioactive in situ hybridisation procedure. Generally, low levels of gene expression, such as found with the developmental onset of gene expression and in differentiating embryonic stem cells, are difficult to detect by in situ hybridisation. Here an application of the protocol is presented which is based on tyramide signal amplification, which enables the detection of very low abundant mRNAs. The significance of this method is two‐fold: (1) the molecular phenotype of embryonic stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes can be examined at the cellular level with high sensitivity, and (2) the number of cells that express the gene of interest can be assessed. Microsc. Res. Tech. 58:387–394, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Targeted gene therapy for rat glomerulonephritis using HVJ‐immunoliposomes
Authors: Tomita Naruya , Morishita Ryuichi , Yamamoto Kei , Higaki Jitsuo , Dzau Victor J. , Ogihara Toshio , Kaneda Yasufumi 
Published: October 2002

AbstractBackgroundKidney targeted gene transfer has been attempted by many researchers over the last 10 years; however, unfortunately, no reliable technique for gene transfer to the kidney has been established. At experimental level several in vivo gene transfer methods have been reported.MethodsWe were the first to report successful in vivo gene transfer into the kidney using the HVJ‐liposome method. Since then, this method has been modified to achieve highly efficient gene transfer. In this study, we have developed a renal glomerulus‐specific gene transfer method using HVJ‐liposomes with anti‐Thy 1 antibody, OX‐7.ResultsFollowing systemic delivery of fluoroisothiocyanate (FITC)‐labeled oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) by HVJ‐liposomes coupled with OX‐7, we observed fluorescence in renal glomeruli from 2 h post‐administration. To examine the efficacy of this delivery system, NF‐κB or scrambled (SD) decoy ODN was administered by HVJ‐liposomes coupled with OX‐7 into a crescent glomerulonephritis, anti‐glomerular basement membrane (GBM) model. Animals given SD decoy ODN developed severe glomerulonephritis by day 7 with heavy albuminuria, glomerular crescent formation and up‐regulated renal expression of IL‐1β and ICAM‐1. In contrast, NF‐κB decoy ODN treatment substantially inhibited the disease with a reduction in alubuminuria, histological damage and the renal expression of inflammatory cytokines.ConclusionsThis study has demonstrated that systemic delivery of HVJ‐liposomes coupled with OX‐7 results in efficient ODN transfer in rat glomeruli. NF‐κB, but not SD decoy ODN administered systemically via HVJ‐liposomes complexed with OX‐7 showed clear therapeutic potential for glomerulonephritis. This novel ODN transfer method combined with decoy strategy has the potential to lead to the establishment of a new therapeutic approach to glomerular diseases. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of human herpesvirus 8 by real‐time PCR in blood fractions of AIDS patients with Kaposi's sarcoma and multicentric Castleman's disease
Authors: Boivin Guy , Côté Stéphanie , Cloutier Nathalie , Abed Yacine , Maguigad Michelle , Routy Jean‐Pierre 
Published: October 2002

AbstractFew studies have assessed human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) viremia levels in different HHV8‐related pathologies, using sensitive and reproducible molecular assays. Our objective was to compare the HHV8 DNA load in serial blood samples (collected every 3 months for 1 year) from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD). The HHV8 viral load was determined in both peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and plasma fractions, using a competitive real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay developed in a LightCycler instrument (Roche Diagnostics). In six subjects with limited or extensive KS while on highly active antiretroviral therapy, the HHV8 DNA load was either undetectable (<50 copies/105 cells) or low (≤135 copies) in all PBMC samples. In contrast, the cellular HHV8 load was >1,000 copies in at least one of the samples from the two subjects with both KS and MCD. HHV8 DNA was detected in plasma only when the cellular viral load was >10,000 copies/105 cells. After chemotherapy, the HHV8 DNA load became undetectable in the MCD patients despite no changes in CD4 T‐cell counts or highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens. These results suggest that the pathogenesis of the two HHV8‐associated diseases (i.e., KS and MCD) might be different, as only the latter was associated with important viremia in our patients. J. Med. Virol. 68:399–403, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measles virus strains circulating in Central and West Africa: Geographical distribution of two B3 genotypes
Authors: Kouomou D. Waku , Nerrienet E. , Mfoupouendoun J. , Tene G. , Whittle H. , Wild T.F. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractAfrica remains one of the major reservoirs of measles infection. Molecular epidemiological studies have permitted different measles virus isolates to be grouped into clades and genotypes; the major group, which has been identified as indigenous to Africa, is clade B. The viruses from epidemics in the Gambia (1993) and in the Cameroon (2001) were examined. In both studies, the homogeneity of the virus isolates within the epidemic as shown by sequence analysis revealed less than 0.2% variation of nucleotides between isolates. The measles viruses isolated in 1983 in Yaoundé, Cameroon, were designated as the B1 genotype. However, in 2001 only viruses belonging to the B3 genotype were found in this city. The viruses in the Gambia (1993) were also of the B3 genotype. However, these viruses could be distinguished from each other at the antigenic level and by comparative sequence analysis. The B3 Cameroon (2001) viruses were related to the proposed B3.1 subgroup, whereas the Gambian (1993) isolates corresponded to the B3.2 subgroup. The geographical distribution for the period 1993–2001 of these two viruses shows that B3.1 is found from the Sudan to Nigeria and Ghana extending south to the Cameroon, whereas the B3.2 genotype is found in West Africa. In Nigeria and Ghana, the viruses co‐circulate. The identification of these viruses will permit more meaningful epidemiological studies after the proposed increase in measles vaccination coverage. J. Med. Virol. 68:433–440, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isolation of vaccine‐derived type 1 polioviruses displaying similar properties to virulent wild strain Mahoney from sewage in Japan
Authors: Horie Hitoshi , Yoshida Hiromu , Matsuura Kumiko , Miyazawa Miwako , Wakabayashi Kengo , Nomoto Akio , Hashizume So 
Published: October 2002

AbstractType 1, 2, and 3 vaccine‐derived polioviruses were isolated from a sewage disposal plant located downstream of the Oyabe River in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, between October 1993 and September 1995. Neurovirulence was analyzed in 13 type 1 vaccine‐derived strains, using mutant analysis by polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme cleavage (MAPREC). Nine strains (69%) were estimated to have marked neurovirulence. Some of the neutralizing antigenic sites, temperature sensitivity, and plaque‐forming ability of two virulent vaccine‐derived poliovirus strains were similar to Mahoney strain. The neutralizing activity of human sera obtained after oral poliomyelitis vaccine (OPV) administration against one of the virulent vaccine‐derived polioviruses was examined. Although all human sera showed sufficient neutralizing activity for the prevention of poliomyelitis by vaccine‐derived poliovirus strains, a lower titer than that against Sabin type 1 strain was observed. Vaccination against virulent vaccine‐derived poliovirus will be effective. However, the environmental presence of viruses that have properties similar to those Mahoney strain is a threat. The introduction of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), and well‐maintained herd immunity, together with reinforced environmental surveillance is important for the final phase of the polio eradication program by the World Health Organization (WHO). J. Med. Virol. 68:445–451, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The impact of multiple source feedback on management development: findings from a longitudinal study
Authors: Bailey Caroline , Fletcher Clive 
Published: October 2002

AbstractDespite the rapid uptake of multi‐source multi‐rater (MSMR) feedback systems by UK organizations, comparatively little research exists describing the actual impact on participant managers, in terms of changes in management competence. Ratings of 104 target managers (by self assessments, bosses‐, first‐ and second‐level subordinates) were investigated within the context of a developmental feedback programme in operation within an organization. The study compared ratings over two administrations (with two years between administrations) to determine: (1) changes in co‐workers' perceptions of their target manager's competence, (2) changes in target managers' development needs over time, (3) factors influencing a target manager's revised self‐assessment and co‐workers ratings, (4) changes in congruence between self and co‐workers ratings and (5) the relationship of feedback to the organization's formal performance appraisal process. Significant increases in managers' competence were perceived by the managers' themselves and by their subordinates, development needs were seen to reduce and self and co‐workers ratings were largely seen to become more congruent. However, polynomial regression analyses revealed co‐workers feedback at Time One was not predictive of targets' self‐assessments at Time Two. The implications of these findings with regard to the utility of MSMR feedback as a tool for management development are discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Follow‐up survey of 308‐nm laser treatment of psoriasis
Authors: Rodewald Erin J. , Housman Tamara Salam , Mellen Beverly G. , Feldman Steven R. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesUVB treatment with a 308‐nm excimer laser is a new treatment modality for localized psoriasis. The purpose of this study is to assess patients' impressions and satisfaction with 308‐nm laser treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis.Study Design/Materials and MethodsTelephone survey data were obtained from patients after participation in a case series study of 124 patients with mild to moderate psoriasis treated with 308‐nm UVB laser treatment for a target plaque and other lesions. The survey included information on changes in the target plaque, remission time, changes in other areas of psoriasis, satisfaction with the result, side effects of treatment, and efficacy relative to other treatments.ResultsPatients (55% of total) reported overall satisfaction with the treatments, and 63% of patients thought they needed additional laser treatments, including for maintenance. Subjects (25%) reported that the laser treatments were better than any other treatment they had tried. Adverse effects were mild and had either disappeared or were significantly decreased in 86% of patients. Self reported length of remission compared favorably to those for other therapies for localized disease.ConclusionsUVB laser treatments provide a well‐tolerated means to clear psoriasis plaques. The treatment provides a high level of patient satisfaction. Lasers Surg. Med. 31:202–206, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of squamous cell carcinomas and pre‐cancerous lesions in the oral cavity by quantification of 5‐aminolevulinic acid induced fluorescence endoscopic images
Authors: Zheng Wei , Soo Khee Chee , Sivanandan Ranjiv , Olivo Malini 
Published: October 2002

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesStudies of 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐induced protoporphyrin IX fluorescence have shown a sensitivity of 95–100% for oral cancer diagnosis, but the specificity is only about 50–60%. Here, we explore the applicability of quantifying PPIX fluorescence images to improve the diagnostic specificity and detect early oral lesions.Study Design/Materials and MethodsPPIX Fluorescence endoscopy and imaging were performed on 28 patients with a known or suspected premalignant or malignant oral cavity lesion. A total of 70 biopsies were taken from the tissue sites imaged for histological analysis. The red‐to‐blue and red‐to‐green intensity ratios were calculated from the fluorescence images to correlate with histology.ResultsSuspicious lesions display bright reddish fluorescence, while normal mucosas exhibit blue color background in the fluorescence images. The red‐to‐blue and red‐to‐green intensity ratios of malignant tissues are larger than those of benign tissues. Combining the two ratio diagnostic algorithms yields a sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 97%, respectively, exceeding each diagnostic algorithm alone for discriminating malignant tissue from benign tissue.ConclusionsQuantifying PPIX fluorescence endoscopic images combined with the ratio diagnostic algorithms developed in this study has the potential to significantly improve the noninvasive diagnosis of oral cavity lesions in vivo. Lasers Surg. Med. 31:151–157, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatoblastoma with cholangioblastic features (‘cholangioblastic hepatoblastoma’) and other liver tumors with bimodal differentiation in young patients
Authors: Zimmermann Arthur 
Published: October 2002

AbstractIn a subset of hepatoblastomas, differentiation of neoplastic cells can procede along a pathway resulting in cholangiocyte‐like cells. These cells either occur as single, immunohistochemically detectable elements, or form incomplete and complete duct‐like profiles in continuation with embryonal, fetal or macrotrabecular hepatoblastoma components. As a working formulation it is proposed to employ the term, hepatoblastoma with cholangioblastic features (or ‘cholangioblastic’ hepatoblastoma), to denote such lesions. This bimodal differentiation presents itself in other rare tumors in the form of complex arrays of duct‐like cells encircling nests of neoplastic hepatocyte lineage cells, in some way mimicking a ductal plate. A possible pathogenetic pathway is suggested, i.e., uni‐ or bipotential neoplastic progenitors switch into either of the two lineages. Med Pediatr Oncol 2002;39:487–491. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hemangioma of the liver in children: Proliferating vascular tumor or congenital vascular malformation?
Authors: Prokurat Andrzej , Kluge Przemysław , Chrupek Malgorzata , Kościesza Andrzej , Rajszys Pawel 
Published: October 2002

AbstractBackgroundHepatic vascular tumors (HVT) are the most common benign liver tumors present in infancy and childhood commonly associated with high output cardiac failure. Pediatric HVT usually are divided into infantile hemangioendothelioma (IHE), cavernous hemangioma (HC), and arteriovenous malformations (AVM). The aim of this study was to analyze clinical and histologic features of pediatric HVT in relation to treatment strategies.ProcedureDuring last 12 years, 17 children have been treated because of HVT. The diagnosis of HVT was established in all on the basis of clinical and imaging data. A retrospective analysis of clinical records and histopathology divided 17 into: Group 1, neonates; and Group 2, infants and older children.ResultsRadiologic imaging revealed the vascular nature of the tumors in all patients. All nine from Group 1 were symptomatic from AVMs and seven were operated upon. Only one of eight children from Group 2 presented symptoms of AVM requiring surgery; four of five in this group had surgery because of the risk of malignancy. Within Group 1, a mixture of proliferating IHE with microscopic features of AVM was found in most. In three neonates with HVT immunologic and clinical features of cytomegalovirus (CMV) hepatitis were noted. In two Group 2 patients, pure HC was present and in another, the diagnosis of angiosarcoma was established after biopsy of a peritoneal metastasis.ConclusionsHVT in children demonstrate internal morphologic heterogeneity and an age‐related behavior of the disease. We also confirm the proliferative nature of all hemangioendotheliomas (HEs) in children. Further studies on the tumorigenesis of these lesions are needed. Med Pediatr Oncol 2002;39:524–529. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Involvement of endothelin‐1 and its receptors in PGF2α‐induced luteolysis in the rat
Authors: Girsh Eliezer , Dekel Nava 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe possible mediatory role of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) in prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)‐induced luteolysis in the rat was examined. The effect of PGF2α was tested on day 9 of pregnancy either in vivo, by injecting cloprostenol, an analog of PGF2α or in vitro, in isolated intact corpora lutea incubated with PGF2α. Luteolysis was confirmed by progesterone determination in the peripheral blood serum or in the culture medium, respectively. Administration of cloprostenol (.0025 mg/rat) induced within 1 hr, a significant fall (from 56.8 to 27.6 ng/ml, P <  0.0001) in serum progesterone concentrations that was associated with an increased expression of the mRNA to ET‐1 and its protein product in rat luteal tissue. Elevated level of ET‐1 were also determined at the spontaneous regression of the CL, upon parturition. Expression of the ET receptors, ETA and ETB was not affected by cloprostenol. On the other hand, this PGF2α analog induced expression of luteal VEGF mRNA. In vitro experiments demonstrate that the LH (100 ng/ml)‐induced increase in luteal progesterone secretion was reduced by PGF2α (1 μg/ml). The inhibitory effect of PGF2α was reversed by BQ123 (10− 7 M), that is a selective ETA receptor antagonist. We conclude that the PGF2α‐induced elevation in luteal expression of ET‐1 combined with the reversal of its luteolytic effect by an ETA receptor antagonist suggest that ET‐1 may take part in the PGF2α‐induced luteolysis in the rat. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 63: 71–78, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
sox9 in a teleost fish, medaka (Oryzias latipes): Evidence for diversified function of Sox9 in gonad differentiation
Authors: Yokoi Hayato , Kobayashi Tohru , Tanaka Minoru , Nagahama Yoshitaka , Wakamatsu Yuko , Takeda Hiroyuki , Araki Kazuo , Morohashi Ken‐Ichirou , Ozato Kenjiro 
Published: October 2002

AbstractSox9 is a transcription factor containing the Sry‐related high‐mobility‐group (HMG) box. Mutations in human SOX9 gene cause skeletal defects and male‐to‐female sex reversal, indicating its essential roles in chondrogenesis and testis development. Comparative studies have shown that Sox9 is expressed in chondrogenic tissues and testis in other vertebrates. Therefore, it was suggested that roles of Sox9 in cartilage and male gonad development are conserved among vertebrates. To investigate the evolutional significance of Sox9 in the gonad and cartilage development of teleost fish, we isolated medaka sox9 and analyzed its expression. Two kinds of transcripts (sox9 and sox9lf) were isolated by cDNA library screening. The sox9 encoded 487 amino acids and showed approximately 70% amino acid identity with known vertebrate SOX9 proteins. The sox9lf was a longer form of the sox9, which was transcribed from an additional exon in the 5′ upstream region. Interestingly, the expression of medaka sox9 was predominantly observed in the adult ovary by northern blot and in situ hybridization analyses, whereas in the testis, its expression was detectable only by RT‐PCR. During medaka embryogenesis, its expression was observed in the cranial cartilage and pectoral fin endoskeleton. These observations suggest that the function of Sox9 in the cartilage is conserved among vertebrates, while that in the gonad is quite different in medaka. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 63: 5–16, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The epidemiology of autistic spectrum disorders: is the prevalence rising?
Authors: Wing Lorna , Potter David 
Published: October 2002

AbstractFor decades after Kanner's original paper on the subject was published in 1943, autism was generally considered to be a rare condition with a prevalence of around 2–4 per 10,000 children. Then, studies carried out in the late 1990s and the present century reported annual rises in incidence of autism in pre‐school children, based on age of diagnosis, and increases in the age‐specific prevalence rates in children. Prevalence rates of up to 60 per 10,000 for autism and even more for the whole autistic spectrum were reported. Reasons for these increases are discussed. They include changes in diagnostic criteria, development of the concept of the wide autistic spectrum, different methods used in studies, growing awareness and knowledge among parents and professional workers and the development of specialist services, as well as the possibility of a true increase in numbers. Various environmental causes for a genuine rise in incidence have been suggested, including the triple vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR]. Not one of the possible environmental causes, including MMR, has been confirmed by independent scientific investigation, whereas there is strong evidence that complex genetic factors play a major role in etiology. The evidence suggests that the majority, if not all, of the reported rise in incidence and prevalence is due to changes in diagnostic criteria and increasing awareness and recognition of autistic spectrum disorders. Whether there is also a genuine rise in incidence remains an open question. MRDD Research Reviews 2002;8:151–161. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Co‐occurrence of developmental disabilities with birth defects
Authors: Kirby Russell S. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThis article begins with a discussion of the concepts of comorbidity and co‐occurrence of diseases and health conditions. These concepts are then applied to the literature on the population‐based prevalence of developmental disabilities and birth defects. Most of the existing literature focuses on co‐occurrence and obtains data from both clinical and administrative sources. Developmental disabilities occur more frequently in children with multiple, rather than with isolated, birth defects. More research, with more sophisticated study designs, will be necessary to further elucidate the contributions of birth defects to the etiology of developmental disabilities, control for other risk factors, and to identify strategies for prevention and intervention services. MRDD Research Reviews 2002;8:182–187. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.