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Biomedical subjects

M Kube

Publications and source records attributed to M Kube.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

DNA sequence and comparative analysis of chimpanzee chromosome 22.

Human-chimpanzee comparative genome research is essential for narrowing down genetic changes involved in the acquisition of unique human features, such as highly developed cognitive functions, bipedalism or the use of complex language. Here, we report the high-quality DNA sequence of 33.3 megabases of chimpanzee chromosome 22. By comparing the whole sequence with the human counterpart, chromosome 21, we found that 1.44% of the chromosome consists of single-base substitutions in addition to nearly 68,000 insertions or deletions. These differences are sufficient to generate changes in most of the proteins. Indeed, 83% of the 231 coding sequences, including functionally important genes, show differences at the amino acid sequence level. Furthermore, we demonstrate different expansion of particular subfamilies of retrotransposons between the lineages, suggesting different impacts of retrotranspositions on human and chimpanzee evolution. The genomic changes after speciation and their biological consequences seem more complex than originally hypothesized.

Animals↗

Complete genome sequence of the marine planctomycete Pirellula sp. strain 1.

Pirellula sp. strain 1 ("Rhodopirellula baltica") is a marine representative of the globally distributed and environmentally important bacterial order Planctomycetales. Here we report the complete genome sequence of a member of this independent phylum. With 7.145 megabases, Pirellula sp. strain 1 has the largest circular bacterial genome sequenced so far. The presence of all genes required for heterolactic acid fermentation, key genes for the interconversion of C1 compounds, and 110 sulfatases were unexpected for this aerobic heterotrophic isolate. Although Pirellula sp. strain 1 has a proteinaceous cell wall, remnants of genes for peptidoglycan synthesis were found. Genes for lipid A biosynthesis and homologues to the flagellar L- and P-ring protein indicate a former Gram-negative type of cell wall. Phylogenetic analysis of all relevant markers clearly affiliates the Planctomycetales to the domain Bacteria as a distinct phylum, but a deepest branching is not supported by our analyses.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Immunocytochemistry and DNA-image cytometry in diagnostic effusion cytology I. Prevalence of markers in tumour cell positive and negative smears.

To determine the prevalence of immunocytochemical positivities for a panel of antibodies in benign and malignant cells in effusions with known follow-up in order to use these as diagnostic markers. Besides their ability to identify malignant epithelial cells their contribution to the differential diagnosis between carcinomatoses and mesotheliomas was investigated. 101 tumour cell positive and 53 negative effusions were stained with 12 different antibodies. Results were scored semiquantitatively per cell type. Furthermore, DNA-image cytometry was performed. While prevalence of Ber-EP4 positivity was 95.4% in metastatic carcinoma cells, it was 0% in those from mesotheliomas. No cell type reacted with this marker in benign effusions (0%). Ber-EP4 correctly differentiated between metastatic carcinoma and mesothelioma in 98.0%. Prevalence of DNA-aneuploidy was 95.4% in metastatic carcinomas, 57.1% in mesotheliomas and 0% in reactive effusions. Combining immunocytochemistry (Ber-EP4 positivity) and DNA-image cytometry (aneuploidy) results in a 100% detection of metastatic carcinomatoses and 57.1% of mesotheliomas. Both markers furthermore allowed a correct differentiation of these entities in 98%.

Aneuploidy↗

Immunocytochemistry and DNA-image cytometry in diagnostic effusion cytology. II. Diagnostic accuracy in equivocal smears.

To determine sensitivity and specificity of different antibodies for the immunocytochemical detection of malignant cells in diagnostically equivocal effusions in comparison with those achieved by DNA-image cytometry. 65 cytologically doubtful effusions of the serous cavities were stained with twelve antibodies. Furthermore, DNA-image cytometry was performed. Data were correlated with patient follow-up. Sensitivity of cellular staining of Ber-EP4 for the identification of malignant cells was 77.8%, specificity of absent staining for benign cells was 100%. Positive predictive value for the identification of malignant cells was 100%, negative value 65.5%. Sensitivity of DNA-aneuploidy for the identification of malignancy was 82.9%, specificity of DNA-non-aneuploidy for benignity 94.7%. The positive predictive value of DNA-aneuploidy for the occurrence of malignant cells was 96.7%. Negative predictive value of DNA-non-aneuploidy was 72.0%. Combining immunocytochemistry applying Ber-EP4 only and DNA-cytometry in equivocal effusions resulted in a sensitivity of 88.9% for the identification of malignant cells associated with a 95.0% specificity. Positive predictive value was 97.7%, the negative one 79.2%.

Aneuploidy↗

Pleural carcinosis confirmed by adjuvant cytological methods: a case report.

We describe a case of a 43-yr-old woman presenting a progressive pleural effusion. The patient was known to have an acute myeloid leukemia in complete remission after allogenic bone marrow transplantation. Suspicion of pleural carcinosis was raised cytologically and confirmed by immunocytochemistry, DNA-cytometry, and atomic force microscopy. We emphasize the use of these additional methods for the distinction of adenocarcinoma cells in effusions from reactive mesothelial cells.

Acute Disease↗

Atomic force microscopy in effusion cytology.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether atomic force microscopy (AFM) in combination with classical light microscopy allows simple identification of surface structures of cells from pleural and ascitic fluids for diagnostic purposes in place of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). STUDY DESIGN: We examined a total of 180 cells obtained from 9 reactive pleural or peritoneal effusions, 14 associated with carcinomatosis from histologically confirmed tumors and 5 from mesotheliomas. Cells of interest were selected in air-dried, uncovered, May-Grünwald-Giemsa (MGG)-stained smears and subsequently investigated by AFM. Incorporation of a very compact AFM scanner into the nose piece of a conventional Axioscope light microscope allowed alternating application of both techniques. RESULTS: AFM was able to detect cell surface structures, such as microvilli, phagocytic pits, secretory blebs and lytic holes. The image resolution was sufficient but not as good as that with SEM. We found differences in number, length and diameter of microvilli between cells from mesotheliomas and from metastatic adenocarcinomas. CONCLUSION: As AFM can be carried out in combination with light microscopy quickly and easily on uncovered, MGG-stained smears, we propose this method as a suitable tool for obtaining additional useful information in routine cytologic diagnosis of effusions.

Adenocarcinoma↗

"Learned helplessness" and the patient with progressive supranuclear palsy.

Progressive supra-nuclear palsy is a neurologically debilitating disease of unknown cause and with no effective treatment. Learned helplessness, a major cause of depression in the institutionalized elderly, is a feeling of worthlessness and powerlessness resulting in a decreased incentive to try. This article provides insight into these two problems and specific nursing interventions to enhance self care.

Aged↗