Preliminary core set of domains and reporting requirements for longitudinal observational studies in rheumatology

The minimized energy mapping of annexin V Trp-187 chi1 x chi2 isomerization supports the existence of two preferential rotameric orientations of the Trp side chain upon annexin V binding to membranes, in agreement with the time-resolved fluorescence results. They correspond to the perpendicular trans (-173 degrees, 73 degrees) and g- (-71 degrees, 83 degrees) rotamers and represent 59 and 28% of the population, respectively. The analysis of their local environment makes it possible to assign the trans rotamer to the long component and the g- rotamer to the short component of the biexponential fluorescence decay. The orientation of these rotamers relative to the protein core suggests a dual role for Trp-187, which might be involved both in the interaction with the phospholipid bilayer and in the formation of the annexin V 2-D array at the surface of the membrane.     

Automated detection of bolus arrival and initiation of data acquisition in fast, three-dimensional, gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography

Automatic triggering of magnetic resonance (MR) angiography with detection of a contrast material bolus was evaluated. Signal intensity changes with time were tracked in a prescribed tracking or monitoring volume by a parallel signal processing unit that automatically started data acquisition once user-defined thresholds were exceeded. This technique, referred to as MR Smartprep, was reliable and avoided the inconsistencies of manual timing.     

Human cytochrome P4502B6: interindividual hepatic expression, substrate specificity, and role in procarcinogen activation

In situ hybridization was combined with serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) or tyrosine hydroxylase immunocytochemistry and with Fluoro-Gold retrograde labeling of bulbo-spinal pathways in order to investigate the expression of GAP-43 mRNA in monoamine cell groups of the adult rat brain stem. Consistent with previous reports, GAP-43 mRNA was observed in serotonin and dopamine cell groups in the pons. In addition, GAP-43 expressing cells were observed in all the major monoamine cell groups in the medulla. Thus the B1, B2 and B3 serotonin cell groups all showed high GAP-43 expression in all contained many GAP-43 expressing serotonin cells with spinal cord projections. The A1, A2, A5 and A6 noradrenaline cell groups also showed high GAP-43 expression, although cells with spinal cord projections were largely restricted to the A5 group and A6 subcoeruleus region. In all areas, GAP-43 expressing cells with spinal cord projections were also observed which were not serotonergic or noradrenergic.     

Improved targeting of an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor variant III monoclonal antibody in tumor xenografts after labeling using N-succinimidyl 5-iodo-3-pyridinecarboxylate

The crystal structure is reported of a complex between the dodecanucleotide sequence d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2and an analogue of the DNA binding drug Hoechst 33258, in which the piperazine ring has been replaced by an amidinium group and the phenol ring by a phenylamidinium group. The structure has been refined to an R factor of 19.5% at 2.2 A resolution. The drug is held in the minor groove by five strong hydrogen bonds, together with bridging water molecules at both ends. There are few other contacts with the floor of the groove, indicating a lack of isohelicity with the groove and suggesting (i) that the observed high DNA affinity of this drug is primarily due to the array of hydrogen bonds and (ii) that these more than compensate for its poor isohelicity.     

Structure analysis of trivalent glycoclusters by post-source decay matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

Post-source decay (PSD) matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectra were found to be useful for the structural elucidation of a series of tris [2-(glycosylthiourylene)ethyl]amines. The reported fragmentation behaviours of [M + H]+, [M + Na]+ and [M - H]- ions differ from each other significantly; however, they can be compared to tree pruning in every case. Whereas detailed structural information on unprotected glycoclusters is obtained from all PSD experiments, only the positive-ion mode can be used to gain relevant information about the acetylated glycoclusters.     

Multiple symmetric lipomatosis in the Chinese: ultrasound, CT and MR imaging

We report four cases of multiple symmetric lipomatosis in the Chinese population. We believe that multiple symmetric lipomatosis in the Chinese is not uncommon and may be related to the increasing incidence of alcoholism. The ultrasound appearances of these lipomatous masses are presented for the first time. Heterogeneous echogenic masses with fine fibrous strands that insinuate around fascial planes, lymph nodes and vascular tissues are typical findings. Unlike diseases affecting the Western population, multiple symmetric lipomatosis in the Chinese appears to be limited to the head and neck.     

Detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts in the tissues of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) carrying principal oyster infectious diseases

The potential cross-reactivity of the combined Cryptosporidium/Giardia direct immunofluorescence antibodies (IFA) of MERIFLUOR and HYDROFLUOR-COMBO tests was examined against tissues containing known developmental stages of 12 pathogens causing the principal infectious diseases in oysters. Spores of Haplosporidium nelsoni and Haplosporidium costale produced positive acid-fast stain (AFS) reactions similar in intensity to Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. Hexamia nelsoni trophozoites produced positive IFA reactions in both IFA tests; however, the intensity of fluorescence was considerably lower and the fluorescein-staining pattern different than those of Giardia cysts. The applicability of AFS for screening oysters for Cryptosporidium oocysts is low, and positive identification of Cryptosporidium oocysts cannot be accomplished based on the AFS. Presumptive IFA identification of the Cryptosporidium oocysts or Giardia cysts in the oyster tissue should fulfill 3 criteria, i.e., bright-green fluorescence of the same intensity as C. parvum oocysts and Giardia cysts in the positive control, correct size and shape of the fluorescein-stained objects, and oocyst or cyst shell clearly visible.     

Lifestyle, gender and occupational status as determinants of dental health behavior

A 23-year-old patient suffered from episodic angioedema of the face and neck, accompanied by diarrhea and abdominal pain. Additionally, the patient had bronchial asthma, recurrent nasal polyps and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Blood examination revealed leucocytosis with eosinophilia. Histological studies showed eosinophilic infiltrates in the skin and the gastrointestinal mucosa. Allergic food reactions and parasites were ruled out. With systemic corticosteroid treatment, the clinical symptoms and the eosinophilia disappeared. This case shows some parallels to previously described syndromes (eosinophilic gastroenteritis, Samter's syndrome, episodic angioedema with eosinophilia), but to the best of our knowledge this combination of symptoms has not yet been reported.     

Pancreatic cancer: treatment with neutron irradiation alone and with chemotherapy

PURPOSE: To evaluate neutron irradiation alone and with chemotherapy to treat inoperable pancreatic cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1977 and 1994, 173 patients (60 men, 113 women, aged 43-77 years [mean, 59 years]) with unresectable adenocarcinoma of the exocrine pancreas were treated, 106 with neutron irradiation alone and 67 with concomitant chemotherapy (fluorouracil [5-FU]). At follow-up, which was performed at 2-month intervals until death (range, 4-64 months), clinical status was recorded, noting the presence of overt metastasis and the onset of any major complications. Actuarial (Kaplan-Meier) survival tables were computed for both groups. RESULTS: For neutron irradiation alone and neutron irradiation plus chemotherapy, median survival times were 6 months and 9 months, respectively; actuarial survival rates at 3 years were 0 and 7%, respectively; major reactions (grade 3 or higher [scale of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer]) occurred in 19 (18%) and 17 (25%) patients, respectively; and severe complications (grade 4) occurred in five (5%) and four (6%) patients, respectively. Most deaths were due to metastatic disease rather than to failure of local control. CONCLUSIONS: Neutron irradiation obliterated pancreatic adenocarcinoma at the primary site but has no effect on long-term survival. With more effective concomitant chemotherapy to prevent metastasis, local control of pancreatic cancer with neutron irradiation could lead to increased long-term survival.