In vitro superoxide production by hyaline cells of the shore crab Carcinus maenas (L.)

Routine clinical follow-up for distant metastatic disease among women with early stage breast cancer is of uncertain clinical benefit. In order to evaluate current practice patterns, we administered a mailed survey to a stratified random sample of physician members of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (N = 435). The survey assessed the frequency and motivation for ordering follow-up medical tests in asymptomatic postmenopausal women with stage I or II breast cancer. The response rate was 55%, distributed as 39% radiation oncologists, 32% medical oncologists, and 29% surgeons. In the first year after treatment, physicians performed, on average, one physical examination every 3 months, one blood panel (CBC, alkaline phosphatase and liver function tests) every 4 months, and one chest radiograph every 9 months. In addition, 38% of the respondents ordered CEA and 21% ordered CA 15-3 levels, 28% ordered bone scans, and less than 4% ordered CT scans, bone surveys, or bone marrow biopsies in the first year after treatment. A logistic regression analysis controlling for physician age, gender, sub-specialty, practice type, years of experience, number of breast cancer patients treated annually, geographic region, and community size, showed that surgeons were less likely to order blood tests (p < 0.001) and tumor markers (p < 0.0029) than medical oncologists in years 3 and 5 of follow-up. Compared to physicians practicing in the northeast, those from the midwest were less likely to order chest radiographs in year 3 of follow-up (p = 0.0028). Other provider characteristics had no significant effect on test ordering behavior. The results of this survey suggest that relatively uniform practice patterns in regard to the follow-up of postmenopausal women with early stage breast cancer exist among ASCO physicians.     

The binding of Cd(II) to the hemocyanin of the Mediterranean crab Carcinus maenas

In idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC), the relation between the signal-averaged electrocardiogram and ventricular tachycardia (VT) remains unclear. In this study, conventional time domain and frequency domain analyses (2-dimensional, spectral temporal mapping and spectral turbulence analysis) of the signal-averaged electrocardiogram were performed in 64 patients with IDC. Eight patients had a history of symptomatic sustained VT and an additional 24 had nonsustained VT recorded during ambulatory electrocardiography. Conventional time domain analysis, using the 25 and 40 Hz filter, and spectral temporal mapping, detected late potentials within the terminal QRS in 8 (13%), 14 (22%) and 18 (28%) patients, respectively. Late potentials were seen more often in patients with than without VT, and in patients with sustained versus nonsustained VT, but these differences were not significant. The predictive accuracy of these techniques in detecting either form of VT were: sensitivity, 22, 25 and 31%; specificity, 97, 81 and 75%; and overall predictive value, 59, 53 and 50%, respectively. Two-dimensional frequency domain analysis of the signal-averaged electrocardiogram revealed a higher energy and area ratio in patients with than without VT (entire QRS), and in patients with sustained versus nonsustained VT (entire QRS and terminal QRS). Spectral turbulence analysis was abnormal in 24 patients (39%), but no differences were observed between patients with and without VT. During follow-up (mean duration 18 +/- 14 months), 5 patients had arrhythmic events (3 died suddenly, 1 had aborted sudden death and 1 developed sustained VT).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Experimental coupling of crab (Carcinus maenas) second maxilla neural motor to an alternating current

Movements of the crab gill bailer were entrained to an alternating current applied to the thoracic ganglion. There was little distortion of the muscle recruitment cycle, both absolute and relative coordination were observed, and the phase of the driven system in the driving cycle was a function of the difference between free running and driving frequencies.     

Infestation of an introduced host, the European green crab, Carcinus maenas, by a symbiotic nemertean egg predator, Carcinonemertes epialti

The recent introduction of the European green crab, Carcinus maenas, to the west coast of the U.S. has provided an opportunity for host transfer of the symbiotic nemertean egg predator, Carcinonemertes epialti, from its native shore crab host, Hemigrapsus oregonensis to the exotic C. maenas. Two surveys of C. maenas in Bodega Harbor, California, revealed that, in March 1995 prevalence of C. epialti on C. maenas was significantly lower than on H. oregonensis (11% versus 74%), but in November 1995 there was no significant difference between the 2 species (79% versus 98%). Only juvenile C. epialti were recovered from C. maenas in March 1995. However, in November 1995, ovigerous C. maenas were harboring actively feeding adult worms. Prevalence in both crab species significantly differed from March to November. Laboratory studies revealed that C. epialti fed and reproduced on eggs of C. maenas. The feeding rate of C. epialti on C. maenas eggs (2.5 eggs/trial) was not significantly different from that on H. oregonensis eggs (3.6 eggs/trial). Our findings suggest that this nemertean may have less host specificity than was previously thought. If C. epialti causes brood mortality of C. maenas in nature, it could potentially impact populations of this exotic crab.     

Archive contributions to a molecular phylogeography of the toad Bufo calamita in Britain

A complete phylogeographic analysis of any species requires sampling throughout its biogeographical range. In the case of the natterjack toad Bufo calamita in Britain, recent local extinctions have left substantial areas of its historical range without extant populations. We therefore obtained tissue samples of archived Bufo calamita from four museums in the United Kingdom. A range of tissues (tongue, liver, skin, lung, and larval tail) was sampled from a total of 33 individual animals. DNA was extracted and eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were scored. One or more loci were amplified successfully from 27 individuals, and sufficient data were obtained from regions with few or no surviving populations to supplement a phylogeographic analysis based on extant populations.     

CYP330A1 and CYP4C39 enzymes in the shore crab Carcinus maenas: sequence and expression regulation by ecdysteroids and xenobiotics

Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP enzymes) catalyse important metabolic reactions of exogenous and endogenous substrates, including steroid hormones. Here, we report the first two CYP sequences from the shore crab, Carcinus maenas. Two complete cDNAs isolated from crab hepatopancreas encode CYP enzymes named CYP330A1, the first member of a new family, and CYP4C39. CYP330A1 is closest related to members of the CYP2 family (37.3% identical to mouse CYP2J6) and CYP4C39 is most identical to crayfish CYP4C15 (59.5%). CYP330A1 gene expression was induced in hepatopancreas of male green intermoult crabs by ecdysone and ponasterone A, but also by benzo(a)pyrene and phenobarbital. CYP330A1 induction was not observed in red crabs. The present results indicate that the CYP330A1 enzyme may be involved in ecdysteroid metabolism, presumably catabolism, and in the detoxification of environmental pollutants. Ecdysteroids or xenobiotics did not affect CYP4C39 gene expression. The fact that both ecdysteroids and xenobiotics affect CYP330A1 gene expression indicates that mutual interactions between chemical exposures and endocrine functions may exist in the shore crab.     

Molecular phylogeography and the evolution and conservation of Amazonian mammals

The phylogeographic structure of 15 genera of Amazonian marsupials and rodents is summarized based on comparative sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. The data are limited in geographical coverage, with samples widely scattered throughout Amazonia from the base of the Andes in Peru to the Guianan coast and eastern Brazil. We use this approach to define species boundaries, based minimally on the principle of reciprocal monophyly, in conjunction with morphological or other genetic discontinuities. The taxa so defined are older than previously appreciated, with many lineages dating from 1 to more than 3 Myr, and thus apparently predating the early Pleistocene. We relate patterns of concordant geographical shifts with underlying tectonic history and to current positions of major rivers. Finally, we provide comments on the utility of these data and patterns to conservation, articulating a need to incorporate phylogeographic information as part of the rationale in establishing conservation priorities at the organismal and geographical area levels.     

Modulation of oscillator interactions in the crab stomatogastric ganglion by crustacean cardioactive peptide

The modulation of the pyloric rhythm of the stomatogastric ganglion of the crab, Cancer borealis, by crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) is described. CCAP activated pyloric rhythms in most silent preparations, and altered the phase relationships of pyloric motor neuron firing in all preparations. In CCAP, the pyloric rhythms were characterized by long lateral pyloric (LP) neuron bursts of action potentials. The threshold for CCAP action was approximately 10(-10) M, with increasing effects at higher CCAP concentrations. The changes in motor pattern evoked by CCAP produced significant changes in LP-innervated muscle movement. These movements were additionally potentiated by CCAP applications to isolated nerve-muscle preparations. Thus, enhanced motor neuron firing and increase of the gain of the neuromuscular junctions are likely to operate coordinately in response to hormonally released CCAP. High CCAP concentrations sometimes resulted in modification of the normal 1:1 alternation between the pyloric dilator (PD) and LP neurons to patterns of 2:1, 3:1, or 4:1 alternation. CCAP seems to activate slow intrinsic oscillations in the LP neuron, as well as enhance faster oscillations in the pacemaker group of PD/anterior burster (AB) neurons. Simulations of fast and slow oscillators with reciprocal inhibitory coupling suggest mechanisms that could account for the mode switch from 1:1 alternation to multiple PD bursts alternating with one LP neuron burst.     

Comparative molecular phylogeography of two Xenopus species, X. gilli and X. laevis, in the south-western Cape Province, South Africa

Xenopus gilli is a vulnerable anuran with a patchy distribution along the south-western coast of the Cape Province, South Africa. This species is sympatric with Xenopus laevis laevis, a widespread relative found over much of southern Africa. We examined the molecular phylogeography and population structure of the contact zone between these species to obtain information about historical biogeography and conservation management of this region. Analyses of the distribution, frequency, and cladistic and phenetic relationships among mitochondrial DNA haplotypes indicate that population subdivision is present in both taxa but that long-term isolation of sets of populations has occurred in X. gilli only. Haplotype and nucleotide diversity are also considerably higher within and among X. gilli ponds than X. l. laevis ponds in this region. We attribute the genetic segregation of X. gilli populations to ancient habitat fragmentation by ocean transgression into X. gilli habitat and to continued habitat alteration by human activity. The lower level of genetic diversity in X. L. laevis in this region is likely a result of a recent arrival of this taxon to the south-western Cape region relative to X. gilli. Population structure in X. l. laevis may be a result of isolation by distance. Clear evidence exists for at least two management units within X. gilli and strongly supports the establishment of protective measures east of False Bay in order to conserve a substantial portion of this species' extant genetic diversity.     

Localization of nonpalpable breast lesions detected by xeromammography

A technique for localizing nonpalpable lesions of the breast using methylene blue dye is described. This technique is recommended for its accuracy, patient acceptance, and reduction in size of the biopsy specimen.     

Continuous neurogenesis in the olfactory brain of adult shore crabs, Carcinus maenas

To scrutinize the common belief that the number of neurons in the CNS of adult decapod crustaceans stays constant, in spite of their dramatic postlarval increase in size, I counted olfactory projection neurons (OPNs) in the brains of differently-sized postlarval shore crabs, Carcinus maenas, and performed in vivo labeling of proliferating cells with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) on brains of adults. The number of OPNs increases continuously throughout the postlarval life of shore crabs and approximately doubles from the very young to the oldest animals. Brain sections from adult crabs labeled with BrdU revealed ongoing proliferation of cells in the lateral soma cluster, which consists of OPN cell bodies, and in the cluster of somata of hemiellipsoid body local interneurons, which are the targets of the OPNs. Post-injection survival times from 5.5 to 120 h revealed a small but relatively constant number of labeled nuclei with neuronal morphology in both soma clusters of all specimens (31.3 +/- 9.5 S.D. nuclei per lateral cluster, n = 29; 20.1 +/- 4.5 S.D. nuclei per hemiellipsoid body cluster, n = 10). The labeled nuclei were located in a distinct proliferative zone in each cluster. There were significantly more labeled nuclei in both soma clusters after a prolonged post-injection survival time of 1 month (71.3 +/- 7.8 S.D. nuclei per lateral cluster, n = 4; 38.2 +/- 7.1 nuclei per hemiellipsoid body cluster, n = 6). In both soma clusters the labeled nuclei formed a compact group that was dislocated from the proliferation zone towards the outer edge of the cluster. In the proliferation zone of the lateral cluster histological stainings revealed cell bodies of typical neuronal shape that are slightly smaller and more intensely stained than the surrounding OPN somata. Some of these cell bodies were captured in various stages of mitosis. Collectively, these data indicate that continuous neurogenesis occurs in the central olfactory pathway of the brain of shore crabs throughout their entire adult life. This unexpected structural plasticity may enable long-lived decapod crustaceans to adapt to ever-changing olfactory environments.     

Beta-adrenergic regulation of the eosinophil respiratory burst as detected by lucigenin-dependent luminescence

Because beta-adrenoceptor agonists are commonly used in the treatment of disease states associated with eosinophil activation, beta-adrenergic regulation of the eosinophil respiratory burst (as monitored with lucigenin-dependent luminescence) was evaluated. Normodense, nonprimed eosinophils from healthy volunteer subjects were potently inhibited by very low concentrations of isoproterenol. The inhibitory concentration of 50% for isoproterenol was approximately 2 nmol/L. The beta-agonist was able to inhibit the eosinophil respiratory burst induced by receptor-mediated (chemotactic peptide) and nonreceptor-mediated (calcium ionophore and phorbol ester) stimuli. Thus beta-agonist inhibition was unlikely to be isolated to an effect at the receptor or G protein linkage. To determine whether cyclic adenosine 3',5' monophosphate (cAMP) may mediate beta-agonist effects, studies were performed with the type IV cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor Ro-201724. beta-Agonist inhibition of the respiratory burst was clearly synergistic with effects of Ro-201724. We conclude that beta-adrenoceptor agonists can regulate the eosinophil respiratory burst at least partially through an effect mediated by cAMP. Because regulation of the eosinophil by isoproterenol was observed at very low concentrations, these results may be relevant to pharmacologic effects of beta-agonists in disease states complicated by eosinophil activation during asthma.     

Surgical treatment of gastric cancer detected by mass screening

BACKGROUND/AIMS: It is crucial to improve the postoperative prognosis of patients with gastric cancer in geographic regions where the incidence of gastric cancer is high. This study compared the efficacy of surgical treatment in patients with gastric cancer detected by a mass screening survey with that of patients diagnosed in accordance with standard medical practice. METHODOLOGY: The subjects included 189 patients with gastric cancer detected by a mass screening survey (screening group) who underwent surgical treatment from 1988 to 1995, and 517 patients who underwent a standard medical work-up (non-screening group). RESULTS: The incidence of early gastric cancer, curative resectability rate, and 5-year survival rates between the screening and non-screening groups were 73.0% versus 48.4% (p < 0.01), 90.5% versus 66.7% (p < 0.01), and 86.2% versus 61.0% (p < 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment for patients with gastric cancer identified by mass screening is effective in saving lives and reduces the mortality from gastric cancer in the target population of mass screening. However, a further prospective randomized controlled study of this screening method will be necessary in the future.     

Natural history of abdominal aortic aneurysm detected by screening

A group of 88 patients with abdominal aortic dilation found in four ultrasonographic screening studies was followed prospectively by repeated ultrasonography. The initial aortic diameter ranged between 18 and 70 mm. In 19 patients (22 per cent) the aortic diameter exceeded 39 mm. The mean (s.e.m.) annual expansion rate of dilatations < 40 mm in diameter was 0.8 (1.2) mm; among those > or = 40 mm it was 3.3 (1.2) mm. The expansion rate increased with increasing initial diameter. Thirty-eight patients died; the overall mortality rate in the group was high in comparison with an age- and sex-matched population. One patient died after elective aneurysm surgery but none died from a ruptured aneurysm. In conclusion, in about 80 per cent of dilatations found in screening studies the aortic diameter was < 40 mm, with a low risk of rupture. One annual rescanning of an aneurysm < 35 mm in diameter is sufficient; a high overall mortality rate must be expected.     

双表型急性白血病流式细胞术免疫分型检测结果

目的 应用流式细胞术(FCM)检测双表型急性白血病(BAL)的免疫表型.方法 采用四色FCM检测23例BAL患者的免疫表型.结果 23例BAL患者中有10例(43.4%)表达cCD3,16例(69.6%)表达cCD79a,20例(87.0%)表达cMPO,14例(60.9%)表达TdT,19例(82.6%)表达CD34,20例(87.0%)表达CD117,同时表达髓系和B系抗原者13例(56.5%),均共同表达cCD79a和cMPO;同时表达髓系和T系抗原者7例(30.4%),均共同表达cCD3和cMPO;同时表达T系和B系抗原者3例(13.04%),均共同表达cCD3和cCD79a.结论 cCD3、cCD79a、cMPO为系列特异性抗原标志,对诊断及鉴别BAL具有重要意义,FCM是目前诊断BAL特异口靠的方法,在临床白血病治疗和预后方面有重要的指导意义.     

Spontaneous regression of localized neuroblastoma detected by mass screening

PURPOSE: A retroperitoneal access is commonly used for open urological procedures. Since the introduction of the balloon dissecting technique by Gaur this anatomical route has also been used for laparoscopic surgery. We present our experience with retroperitoneoscopy in 200 cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 1992 to October 1997 a total of 200 retroperitoneoscopic procedures were performed in 197 patients 4 to 82 years old, comprising 78 nephrectomies, 50 renal cyst resections, 14 nephropexies, 11 ureterolyses, 8 retroperitoneal lymph node dissections, 8 renal biopsies, 6 adrenalectomies, 6 heminephrectomies, 6 pyeloplasties, 5 ureterolithotomies, 6 ureterocutaneostomies and 2 others. Of the patients 38 (19%) and 22 (11%) had undergone previous abdominal surgery, and kidney and ureter operations, respectively. Dissection of the retroperitoneal space was enabled by the use of a balloon catheter in 14, balloon trocar system in 93 and finger dissection technique in 93 cases. RESULTS: We classified 76 procedures (38%) as simple (renal biopsy, renal cyst resections, ureterocutaneostomy), 102 (51%) as difficult (adrenalectomy, nephrectomy, nephropexy) and 22 (11%) as very difficult (pyeloplasty, heminephrectomy, lymphadenectomy). There was a significant learning curve during the first 50 cases reflected by longer operating time, and higher complication, conversion to open surgery and open reintervention rates (14, 10 and 6%, respectively). In addition to the learning curve, mean operating time depended on the difficulty of the procedure, averaging 45 to 100 minutes for a simple, 95 to 185 for a difficult and 185 to 240 for a very difficult retroperitoneoscopy. In the last 50 cases the complication, conversion and reintervention rates (2, 4 and 2%, respectively) were acceptable for routine clinical application. CONCLUSIONS: After experience with more than 200 cases of retroperitoneoscopy the access technique has been significantly simplified. The procedure is standardized, safe and reproducible.     

Orientation of interphase chromosomes as detected by Giemsa C-bands

The orientation of Giemsa C-bands has been studied in mitotic and interphase cells of Allium cepa. A sativum and of Aloe vera. The C-bands in these three species are located at the telomeres, secondary constriction region of the nucleolar chromosomes and the centromeric regions, respectively. Observations in A. cepa and Aloe indicate clearly that the interphase chromosomes are non-random in their orientation and possibly maintain their telophase configuration through the attachment of telomeres and perhaps of kinetochores with the nuclear membrane. Electron micrographs of onion cells also reveal that certain heterochromatic segments are associated with the nuclear membrane.--The nucleolar interstitial C-bands in A. sativum remain free in the nucleoplasm and may come close to each other due to heterochromatic attraction. Such a heterochromatic attraction is also evident between telomeric regions and between centromeres. However, a two by two attachment could not be noticed. A diagrammatic representation of the orientation of interphase chromosomes has been presented.     

Cryptic T-cell epitopes and their role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether expectations about normal infant and child development are different among mothers from 4 ethnocultural groups. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred fifty-five mothers (90 Puerto Rican, 59 African American, 69 European American, 37 West Indian-Caribbean) whose children received health care at hospital-based pediatric clinics and private pediatricians' and family practitioners' offices. DESIGN: Verbally administered questionnaire that included 25 questions in which mothers were asked to give their opinions about the age at which a normal child should begin to accomplish standard developmental milestones. ANALYSIS: Responses (mean ages at which mothers expected children to attain the milestones) from each group were compared after controlling for age of mother, number of children, level of education, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: Significant differences among ethnic groups' responses were seen for 9 of 25 developmental milestones. Differences were mainly seen among personal and social milestones, and Puerto Rican mothers tended to expect children to attain these milestones at a later age than did other mothers. No differences in responses were seen between Spanish- and English-speaking Puerto Rican mothers. European-American mothers expected children to take first steps and become toilet trained at a later age. CONCLUSIONS: Developmental expectations differ among mothers from different ethnocultural groups. Many of these differences can be explained by underlying cultural beliefs and values and specific child-rearing practices. Clinicians should ask about maternal expectations during child health visits to interpret mothers' concerns and opinions about their children's development.     

Changes in the hippocampus induced by glucose in thiamin deficient rats detected by MRI

Using T2-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in a pyrithiamin-treated, thiamin deficient (TD) rat model of Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE), we have observed hyperintensity in the thalamus, hypothalamus, collicular bodies and hippocampus which was enhanced 40 min after a glucose load. Hyperintensity was not evident in these structures in thiamin replete rats receiving glucose nor was it enhanced in TD rats administered 2-deoxyglucose. Residual hyperintensity was still evident in the hippocampus as long as 30 days after thiamin administration and was increased by repeat glucose challenge at that time. These data indicate that the hippocampus is as vulnerable as the thalamus to some persistent pathological change when glucose is metabolised in a state of thiamin deficiency.