bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of androgen receptor and 5α‐reductases in the human normal endometrium and its disorders
Authors: Ito Kiyoshi , Suzuki Takashi , Akahira Jun‐ichi , Moriya Takuya , Kaneko Chika , Utsunomiya Hiroki , Yaegashi Nobuo , Okamura Kunihiro , Sasano Hironobu
Published: August 2002

Androgen metabolism and actions are considered to play a very important role in the development and progression of the normal human endometrium and its disorders. Details regarding androgen actions in these tissues, however, have not been well studied. We first immunolocalized the androgen receptor (AR) and 5α‐reductases, which catalyze the conversion of testosterone to the bioactive and potent androgen, 5α‐dihydrotestesterone (DHT), in 18 normal cycling human endometria, 27 endometrial hyperplasia and 46 endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinomas. We also examined the mRNA expression of AR and 5α‐reductases in 7 cases of endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinomas using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). In the normal human endometrium, AR was immunolocalized predominantly in stromal cells of the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle and in epithelial cells of the secretory phase, whereas 5α‐reductase types 1 and 2 immunoreactivities were detected in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells but not in stromal cells throughout all phases of the menstrual cycle. In endometrial hyperplasia, the median labeling index (LI) for AR was 48.1%, whereas positive immunostaining for 5α‐reductase Type 1 and Type 2 was detected in only 1 case. In endometrial carcinoma, AR immunoreactivity was detected in the nuclei of carcinoma cells and the number of positive cases was 39/44 (88.6%). Median LI for AR was 36.1%. Immunoreactivity for 5α‐reductase Type 1 and Type 2 was detected in the cytoplasm of carcinoma cells and the number of positive cases was 37/44 cases (84.1%) and 34/44 (77.3%) for 5α‐reductase Types 1 and 2, respectively. A significant positive correlation was detected between 5α‐reductase Type 1 and Type 2 immunoreactivity (p < 0.001). AR LI was not correlated with the presence or absence of Type 1 and Type 2 5α‐reductases. Results from our RT‐PCR studies were consistent with those of immunohistochemistry. These results suggest that DHT may play more important roles than testosterone in the regulation of androgen action in endometrial cancer and normal human endometrium, especially in the secretory phase, in which both AR and 5α‐reductase are increased. Androgenic actions may be also regulated predominantly by serum testosterone and not by DHT in endometrial hyperplasia because of the absence of 5α‐reductases in the site of its actions. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Apoptosis induced by low‐dose paclitaxel is associated with p53 upregulation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Tan Guolin , Heqing Li , Jiangbo Chen , Ming Jiang , Yanhong Ma , Xianghe Liu , Hong Sun , Li Guiyuan
Published: August 2002

Paclitaxel exerts its cytotoxic effect by kinetic suppression of microtubules that block cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and trigger apoptosis. To investigate apoptosis induced by paclitaxel in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and its possible molecular mechanism of action, the human NPC cell lines HNE‐1 (bearing wild‐type p53) and CNE‐2 (bearing mutant p53) were treated with different concentrations of paclitaxel. Apoptosis was determined by staining with propidium iodide and also by DNA fragmentation. Protein expression levels of p53, bcl‐2 and bcl‐xl were examined by Western blotting. Activation of caspase‐3 and cleavage of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) were also studied in paclitaxel‐induced apoptosis. We showed that paclitaxel inhibited growth and induced apoptosis in both cell lines but that the p53 mutant line (CNE‐2) was less sensitive to treatment with low‐dose paclitaxel. Caspase‐3 activity and cleavage of death substrate PARP were significantly increased in a dose‐dependent manner, both in parallel with the induction of apoptosis and growth inhibition of NPC cells. We observed a striking increase of p53 protein levels in NPC cells exposed to 1 and 10 nM paclitaxel but a marked inhibition at 100 nM paclitaxel treatment. An inhibitor of caspase, zVAD.fmk, blocked the apoptotic morphologic changes and DNA fragmentation but did not change the rate of cell death or the protein levels of p53, bcl‐2 and bcl‐xl. In summary, low‐dose paclitaxel inhibited cell growth in NPC cells and induced apoptosis possibly by upregulation of p53. In contrast, cell growth and apoptosis induced by a high dose of the drug occurred in a p53‐independent manner, which may directly initiate downstream events of apoptosis. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Histone deacetylase inhibitor FK228 inhibits tumor angiogenesis
Authors: Kwon Ho Jeong , Kim Myoung Sook , Kim Min Jung , Nakajima Hidenori , Kim Kyu‐Won
Published: August 2002

FK228 (formerly FR901228) was recently isolated from Chromobacterium violaceum as a potent antitumor agent and its biologic target protein was identified as histone deacetylase (HDAC). Because of its unique chemical structure (i.e., bicyclic depsipeptide) and activity profile in the National Cancer Institute's developmental therapeutics program, FK228 is currently in a phase I clinical trial for cancer therapy. In the present study, we investigated the antiangiogenic activity of FK228 in vivo and in vitro. FK228 potently blocked the hypoxia‐stimulated proliferation, invasion, migration, adhesion and tube formation of bovine aortic endothelial cells at the same concentration at which the agent inhibited the HDAC activity of cells. In addition, FK228 inhibited the neovascularization of chick embryo and that of adult mice in the Matrigel plug assay. Interestingly, the expression of angiogenic‐stimulating factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor or kinase insert domain receptor were suppressed by FK228, whereas that of angiogenic‐inhibiting factors such as von Hippel Lindau and neurofibromin2 were induced, suggesting that a gene‐transcription effect was involved in the inhibition of angiogenesis by FK228. These results indicate that FK228 is a novel antiangiogenic agent and may suppress tumor expansion, at least in part, by the inhibition of neovascularization. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytotoxicity of modern dentin adhesives—in vitro testing on gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Szep Susanne , Kunkel Astrid , Ronge Karin , Heidemann Detlef
Published: August 2002

The present investigation was designed to test cellular toxicity of modern dentin adhesives. With the use of the products Ariston Liner, Etch & Prime 3.0, Optibond Solo, Prime & Bond NT, Scotchbond 1, and Syntac Sprint, test specimens were prepared according to the manufacturers' instructions and transferred into a culture medium. Eluates were obtained and pipetted onto fibroblast cultures, incubated, and subsequently stained. The respective cell densities and the numbers of normal, altered, and dead cells were determined and compared with control cell cultures. Statistical analysis of the data showed that all materials caused cytotoxic effects. Scotchbond 1 displayed the highest number of dead cells. The difference was statistically significant compared to Etch″ 3.0, Optibond Solo, Prime&Bond NT, and the control. The lowest cell density was found for Scotchbond 1 and Ariston Liner. The difference was also statistically significant in comparison with Etch″ 3.0, Optibond Solo, Prime&Bond NT, and the control. To conclude, all tested dentin adhesives caused cytotoxic reactions. Taking the limitations of an in vitro experiment into consideration, Prime&Bond NT, Optibond Solo, and Etch″ 3.0 appear to be the most recommendable products, and Scotchbond 1 and Ariston Liner the least. © 2001 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res (Appl Biomater) 63: 53–60, 2002
Synergistic effects of glucose and ultraviolet irradiation on the physical properties of collagen
Authors: Ohan Mark P. , Weadock Kevin S. , Dunn Michael G.
Published: August 2002

Our objective was to strengthen and stabilize collagen films without the introduction of cytotoxic chemical crosslinkers. We hypothesized that collagen could be rapidly crosslinked with glucose with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation as a catalyst. In theory, UV‐generated free radicals can expedite collagen crosslinking with glucose via the formation of reactive, linear glucose molecules. The mechanical properties of glucose‐incorporated, UV‐exposed collagen films and appropriate controls were determined under various conditions: (1) hydration in phosphate‐buffered saline, (2) heat‐denaturation, (3) incubation in a collagenase solution, and (4) incubation in a trypsin solution. Without exposure to UV, the incorporation of glucose into the films had no effect. Without glucose, exposure to UV increased the strength but caused significant denaturation. The combination of glucose and UV, however, synergistically improved the mechanical properties and enzyme resistance of collagen films, indicative of increased crosslinking without significant denaturation effects. The addition of thiourea, a potent free‐radical scavenger, or aminoguanidine, an inhibitor of glucose‐derived crosslinking, to the collagen films markedly hindered these synergistic effects. These data strongly suggest that free‐radical‐dependent, glucose‐derived crosslinks provide the enhanced strength and enzyme resistance observed in glucose‐incorporated, UV‐exposed collagen films. Further studies are required to explore biomaterial applications of this novel collagen crosslinking method. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 60: 384–391, 2002; DOI 10.1002/jbm.10111
An improved method to prepare hyaluronic acid and type II collagen composite matrices
Authors: Taguchi Tetsushi , Ikoma Toshiyuki , Tanaka Junzo
Published: August 2002

An improved method to prepare hyaluronic acid (HyA) and type II collagen composite matrices was developed. HyA and type II collagen formed polyion complex (PIC) in aqueous solution due to their opposite electrostatic charges. Therefore, optimal conditions at which PIC was not formed between HyA and type II collagen were determined in order to directly crosslink using a water‐soluble carbodiimide [WSC; 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride]. HyA‐collagen composite matrices were successfully obtained using WSC in the presence of 0.4M NaCl, which was found the optimal concentration to suppress PIC formation. Fourier transformed infrared spectra of the obtained matrices showed ester bond formation, indicating that the crosslinking reaction between HyA molecules, HyA and collagen molecules, and collagen molecules proceeded. The swelling ratio of a HyA‐collagen composite matrix depended on the WSC concentration and HyA content. From scanning electron microscopy observations, the lyophilized matrices possess multi pore structures. The HyA‐collagen composite matrices using this improved method will be useful in the preparation of cartilage regenerative scaffolds, and this methodology may be applied to other polyanion‐polycation combinations as well. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 61: 330–336, 2002
Biocompatibility evaluation of ePTFE membrane modified with PEG in atmospheric pressure glow discharge
Authors: Zhang Qing , Wang Chunren , Babukutty Yohannan , Ohyama Toshie , Kogoma Masuhiro , Kodama Makoto
Published: August 2002

ePTFE membranes were modified by poly(ethylene glycol) having a molecular weight of 600 (PEG‐600) in atmospheric pressure glow discharge (APG) plasma treatment. ePTFE membranes were immersed in 1%, 3%, or 5% (w/v) PEG‐600 in dehydrated ethanol. PEG‐600‐penetrated ePTFE membranes were dried in a vacuum to immediately remove ethanol, then treated with APG at 20 kHz and 60–70 W for 15 min and thoroughly washed with ethanol and water. PEG‐600‐modified ePTFE membranes were analyzed using contact angle measurement, Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FTIR‐ATR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). ePTFE membrane contact angles were reduced after PEG‐600 plasma treatment. FTIR‐ATR spectra showed an absorption band due to a PEG hydroxyl group (‐OH). SEM showed that ePTFE fiber surfaces were uniformly immobilized with PEG‐600 and retained their porous structure. A general biological evaluation of the PEG‐modified ePTFE membranes showed no cytotoxicity on CHO‐K1 cell lines and no hemolytic action. Albumin adsorption on the PEG‐modified ePTFE membranes increased with increasing PEG‐600 deposited on ePTFE membranes. Fibrinogen adsorption decreased with increasing PEG‐600 deposited on ePTFE membranes. γ‐Globulin adsorption did not change before or after PEG plasma modification. 1% and 3% PEG‐600 plasma‐treated ePTFE only slightly increased platelet adhesion, but adhering platelets evidenced no pseudopod formation. 5% PEG‐600‐modified ePTFE showed relatively large numbers of platelet adhesion. We concluded that 3% PEG‐600‐modified ePTFE membrane had the best physical properties and biological compatibility, indicating 3% PEG‐600‐modified ePTFE membranes exhibit the potential for blood filter application. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 60: 502–509, 2002; DOI 10.1002/jbm.1294
Bacterial contamination of blood products: Factors, options, and insights
Authors: Depcik‐Smith N.D. , Hay S.N. , Brecher M.E.
Published: August 2002

Transfusion of bacterially contaminated blood products remains an overlooked problem. However, the risk of receiving a bacterially contaminated unit is greater than the combined risk of HIV‐1/2, HCV, HBV, and HTLV I/II [American Association of Blood Banks Bulletin, no. 294, 1996]. Topics covered in this article include: the current incidence, clinical presentation and outcome, effective methods of detection, and ways to reduce bacterial contamination of blood products. There is no one existing strategy that can completely eliminate the risk of bacterial contamination. It is inevitable that partial solutions or combinations of methods will be implemented in the near future. J. Clin. Apheresis 16:192–201, 2001.© 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Consanguineous hemolytic uremic syndrome secondary to Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection treated with aggressive therapeutic plasma exchange
Authors: Downes Katharine A. , Allen Kathleen , Sarode Ravindra , Yomtovian Roslyn
Published: August 2002

We describe the successful management of an elderly husband and wife with Escherichia coli O157:H7 associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) treated with aggressive therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) with replacement with fresh frozen plasma. Following twelve TPEs (three 1.5 volume; nine 1 volume), the husband's platelet count increased from 45 × 109/L to 183 × 109/L. Following ten 1.5 volume TPEs, the wife's platelet count increased from 30 × 109/L to 193 × 109/L. This is the first known occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 associated HUS in an elderly husband and wife successfully treated with aggressive TPE. We conclude that early, aggressive TPE should be considered and may be life‐saving for E coli O157:H7 associated HUS in the elderly. J. Clin. Aperesis 16:155–156, 2001 © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tubulin, actin, and tau protein interactions and the study of their macromolecular assemblies
Authors: Farias Gustavo A. , Muñoz Juan P. , Garrido Jorge , Maccioni Ricardo B.
Published: August 2002

The intracellular polymerization of cytoskeletal proteins into their supramolecular assemblies raises many questions regarding the regulatory patterns that control this process. Binding experiments using the ELISA solid phase system, together with protein assembly assays and electron microscopical studies provided clues on the protein–protein associations in the polymerization of tubulin and actin networks. In vitro reconstitution experiments of these cytoskeletal filaments using purified tau, tubulin, and actin proteins were carried out. Tau protein association with tubulin immobilized in a solid phase support system was inhibited by actin monomer, and a higher inhibition was attained in the presence of preassembled actin filaments. Conversely, tubulin and assembled microtubules strongly inhibited tau interaction with actin in the solid phase system. Actin filaments decreased the extent of in vitro tau‐induced tubulin assembly. Studies on the morphological aspects of microtubules and actin filaments coexisting in vitro, revealed the association between both cytoskeletal filaments, and in some cases, the presence of fine filamentous structures bridging these polymers. Immunogold studies showed the association of tau along polymerized microtubules and actin filaments, even though a preferential localization of labeled tau with microtubules was revealed. The studies provide further evidence for the involvement of tau protein in modulating the interactions of microtubules and actin polymers in the organization of the cytsokeletal network. J. Cell. Biochem. 85: 315–324, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
JNK phosphorylates the HSF1 transcriptional activation domain: Role of JNK in the regulation of the heat shock response
Authors: Park Jeonghyeon , Liu Alice Y.C.
Published: August 2002

The role of c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK) signaling cascade in the stress‐inducible phosphorylation of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) was investigated using known agonists and antagonists of JNK. We showed that treatment of HeLa cells with MG132, a proteasome inhibitor and known JNK activator, caused the transcriptional activation domain of HSF1 to be targeted and phosphorylated by JNK2 in vivo. Dose‐response and time course studies of the effects of heat shock and anisomycin treatment showed a close correlation of the activation of JNK and hyperphosphorylation of HSF1. SB203580 inhibited JNK at the 100 μM concentration and significantly reduced the amount of hyperphosphorylated HSF1 upon heat shock or anisomycin treatment. SB203580 and dominant‐negative JNK suppress hsp70 promoter‐driven reporter gene expression selectively at 45°C but not at 42°C heat stress, suggesting that JNK would be preferentially associated with the protective heat shock response against severe heat stress. The possibility that JNK‐mediated phosphorylation of HSF1 may selectively stabilize the HSF1 protein and confers protection to cells under conditions of severe stress is discussed. J. Cell. Biochem. 82: 326–338, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ERK 1,2 and p38 pathways are involved in the proliferative stimuli mediated by urokinase in osteoblastic SaOS‐2 cell line
Authors: Juretic Nevenka , Santibáñez Juan Francisco , Hurtado Claudia , Martínez Jorge
Published: August 2002

Bone metastases from prostate origin generate an osteoblastic reaction that is expressed in vitro by increased osteoblast proliferation. The urokinase‐like plasminogen activator (u‐PA) present in the media conditioned by tumoral prostatic cells acting as a ligand of the cellular membrane receptor (u‐PAR), has been identified as the specific factor that modulates this proliferative reaction. The present study represents an effort to unravel the intracellular pathway by which u‐PA activates osteoblastic proliferation and to evaluate the role of cellular receptor u‐PAR in this proliferative phenomenon. Our results show that in vitro u‐PA stimulates proliferation of SaOS‐2 osteoblastic cells by activating the MAP kinase route of ERK 1 and 2 and the p38 pathway. These results are in accordance with the inhibition of intermediate activation and cell proliferation by PD 098059 and SB 203580, specific inhibitors of MEK and p38, respectively. We also show that SaOS‐2 cells increase their proliferative response when cells are plated onto vitronectin, the second natural ligand of u‐PAR, and that culturing SaOS‐2 cells in the presence of u‐PA represents a stimuli for u‐PAR expression. On the basis of these results we propose that osteoblastic cells respond to the prostate‐derived u‐PA stimuli in a very efficient manner that includes the utilization of two different signaling routes and the stimulation of the expression of the u‐PA receptor. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new molecular mechanics force field for the oxidized form of blue copper proteins
Authors: Comba Peter , Remenyi Rainer
Published: August 2002

A molecular mechanics force field for blue copper proteins has been developed, based on a rigid potential energy surface scan of the CuII/His/His/Cys/Met chromophore, using DFT (B3LYP) calculations and the AMBER force field for the protein backbone. The strain–energy‐minimized structures of the model chromophore alone are in excellent agreement with the DFT‐optimized structure, and those of the entire set of cupredoxins (five structures are considered) are, within the experimental error limits, in good agreement with the single crystal structural data. However, the structural variation in the computed structures is much smaller than those in the experimental structures. It is shown that, due to the large error limits in the experimental data, a validation of the force field with experimental structural data is impossible because, within the error limits, all experimental structures considered are virtually identical. A validation on the basis of spectroscopic data and their correlation with experimental and computed structural data is proposed, and, as a first example, the correlation of intensity ratios of the charge transfer transitions with a specific distortion mode is presented. The quality of the correlation, using the computed structures, is higher than that with the X‐ray structures, and this indicates that the computed structures are meaningful. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 23: 697–705, 2002
Reference value of presenile human hematocrit and geographical factors
Authors: Miao Ge , Qingsheng Yang , Zhiyuan Ren , Hongxian Zhang , Yanfang Zhang , Shuyan Yin
Published: August 2002

The aim of this study was to provide a scientific basis for a unified standard of the reference value of healthy presenile human hematocrit in China. We studied the relationship between the reference values of healthy presenile human hematocrit, tested according to Wintrobe’s laws, and five geographical factors. It was found that altitude is the most important factor affecting the reference value of the hematocrit. As the altitude gradually increases, the reference value of the hematocrit also increases. The relationship is quite significant. By using the method of stepwise regression analysis, two multivariate regression equations were deduced: Yˆ1 = 39.7 + 0.00328X1 + 0.00169X2 + 0.00117X5 ± 2.3, Yˆ2 = 38.8 + 0.00275X1 + 0.000578X2 –0.00298X4 ± 2.2 In these equations, Yˆ1 is the reference value of presenile men’s hematocrit (%); Yˆ2 is the reference value of presenile women’s hematocrit (%); X1 is altitude (m); X2 is the average annual hours of sunshine (h); X4 is the average annual temperature (°C), and X5 is the average annual precipitation (mm). If the geographical index values in a particular area in China are known, the reference value of presenile human hematocrit in this area can be calculated approximately by means of the regression equations. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 16:26–29, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Disclosure to therapists: What is and is not discussed in psychotherapy
Authors: Farber Barry A. , Hall Desnee
Published: August 2002

This study used the 80‐item Disclosure to Therapist Inventory—R to investigate the nature of patient disclosure within therapy. Participants (45 men, 102 women) were all currently in therapy. A Principal Components Analyses with varimax rotation yielded nine meaningful factors; mean disclosure scores were lowest for the factors of Sexuality and Procreation and highest for the factors of Negative Affect and Intimacy. Specific items most extensively discussed included characteristics of parents that are disliked, and aspects of one's personality that are disliked or worrisome. No significant differences were found in overall degree of disclosure as a function of patient gender or shame‐proneness; disclosure was, however, found to be positively correlated with strength of the therapeutic alliance. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 58: 359–370, 2002.
Involvement of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase in the cell growth inhibition by sodium arsenite*
Authors: Kim Ja‐Young , Choi Jung‐A , Kim Tae‐Hwan , Yoo Young‐Do , Kim Jong‐Il , Lee Yong J. , Yoo Seong‐Yul , Cho Chul‐Koo , Lee Yun‐Sil , Lee Su‐Jae
Published: August 2002

It is well‐known that p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) participates in cellular responses to mitogenic stimuli, environmental and genotoxic stresses, and apoptotic agents. Although there are several reports on p38MAPK in relation to cell growth and apoptosis, the exact mechanism of p38MAPK‐mediated cell growth regulation remains obscure. Here, we examined possible roles of p38MAPK in the sodium arsenite‐induced cell growth inhibition in NIH3T3 cells. Sodium arsenite induced transient cell growth delay with marked activation of p38MAPK. In addition, arsenite induced CDK inhibitor p21CIP1/WAF1 and enhanced its binding to the CDK2, which resulted in inhibition of CDK2 activity. The levels of cyclin D1 expression and the CDK4 kinase activity were also significantly reduced. pRB was hypophosphorylated by sodium arsenite. SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38MAPK, blocked arsenite‐induced growth inhibition as well as the arsenite‐induced p21CIP1/WAF1 expression. Expression of dominant negative p38MAPK also blocked arsenite‐induced p21CIP1/WAF1 expression. Inhibited‐CDK2 activity was also completely reversed by SB203580 or expression of dominant negative p38MAPK, while the decreased‐cyclin D1 protein by the compound was not restored. These data demonstrate a possible link between the activation of p38MAPK and induction of p21CIP1/WAF1, suggesting that the activation of p38MAPK is, at least in part, related to the cell growth inhibition by sodium arsenite. J. Cell. Physiol. 190: 29–37, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Possible involvement of reactive oxygen species in D‐galactosamine–induced sensitization against tumor necrosis factor‐α–induced hepatocyte apoptosis
Authors: Osawa Yosuke , Nagaki Masahito , Banno Yoshiko , Yamada Yasuhiro , Imose Motoaki , Nozawa Yoshinori , Moriwaki Hisataka , Nakashima Shigeru
Published: August 2002

Intravenous administration of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) (0.5 μg/mouse) caused hepatocyte apoptosis in BALB/c mice when they were sensitized with D‐galactosamine (GalN, 20 mg/mouse). Activation of nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) and expression of apoptotic Bcl‐2 family members were not significantly different between livers of mice treated with TNF‐α alone and GalN + TNF‐α, indicating that neither activation of NF‐κB nor expression of Bcl‐2 family is involved in the sensitization by GalN against TNF‐α‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis. To identify differentially expressed genes implicated in GalN‐induced hepatocyte sensitization, we adopted mRNA fingerprinting using an arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction. The present analysis revealed that mRNA expression of extracellular antioxidant, selenoprotein P, was up‐regulated in the livers after GalN administration. GalN‐induced increase in its protein level was confirmed by Western blotting. Increased expression of this gene was also observed in the liver of mice treated with concanavalin A, but not anti‐Fas antibody. mRNA of another antioxidant, glutathione peroxidase‐1, was also up‐regulated, and lipid peroxides were produced in the liver after GalN administration. Selenoprotein P mRNA level also increased in Huh‐7 human hepatoma cells incubated with GalN (5 or 10 mM). Accordingly, formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed in GalN‐treated Huh‐7 cells. H2O2 induced up‐regulation of selenoprotein P mRNA and sensitized Huh‐7 cells to TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis. These results suggest that ROS produced by GalN may play a pivotal role in hepatocyte sensitization toward TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Behaviour of gas–liquid mixtures in an unbaffled reactor with unsteadily forward–reverse rotating impellers
Authors: Yoshida Masanori , Watanabe Masashi , Yamagiwa Kazuaki , Ohkawa Akira , Abe Masahiko , Tezura Shuichi , Shimazaki Masuo
Published: August 2002

The behaviour of gas–liquid mixtures in the vicinity of the blades of an unsteadily rotating impeller in an unbaffled agitated vessel was studied by observations made with a rotating camera. The impellers used were a disk turbine impeller with six flat blades (DT) and a novel cross‐type impeller with four delta blades (CD). The behaviour of gas–liquid mixtures near the blades of the forward–reverse rotating impeller was unsteady in terms of the formation of cavities behind the blades and their dispersion into gas bubbles, and differed from that near the blades of a unidirectionally, steadily rotating impeller. The differences in relative power consumption between the forward–reverse rotating impellers in the unbaffled vessel and the steadily rotating impellers in the baffled vessel are discussed in relation to the differences in the behaviour of gas–liquid mixtures near the blades of each rotating impeller.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Color doppler imaging in the sonohysterographic diagnosis of residual trophoblastic tissue
Authors: Zalel Yaron , Gamzu Ronni , Lidor Arie , Goldenberg Mordechai , Achiron Reuven
Published: August 2002

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of color Doppler imaging during sonohysterography in the diagnosis of residual trophoblastic tissue.

Methods

This prospective cohort study involved 25 consecutive women with clinical and sonographic signs of an echogenic intrauterine mass who were referred to the sonography unit of our institution for evaluation. All women underwent saline infusion sonohysterography with color Doppler sonographic evaluation. An operative hysteroscopy with histologic examination was performed in 17 cases.

Results

Thirteen women (group A) had sonohysterographic features suggestive of residual tropho‐ blastic tissue (ie, an echogenic intrauterine lesion not detached from the uterine wall after introduction of saline). The initial diagnosis was confirmed by histologic analysis in all cases. Blood flow was detected within the intrauterine mass in 6 (46%) of these 13 women; the resistance indices were low in all 6 cases (mean ± standard error, 0.38 ± 0.01). Twelve women (group B) had sonohysterographic findings negative for retained tissue, and no blood flow was detected within any of the intrauterine masses in this group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results confirm the potential role of color Doppler sonography in the initial diagnosis of residual trophoblastic tissue. The detection of color Doppler signals, especially with low‐resistance flow, within an intrauterine lesion should increase the confidence of the sonologist in the diagnosis of residual trophoblastic tissue. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 30: 222–225, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI: 10.1002/jcu.10059
Gallbladder wall thickening in mononucleosis syndromes
Authors: Yamada Kaoru , Yamada Hiroshi
Published: August 2002

Purpose

We used sonography to measure gallbladder wall thickness in patients with mononucleosis syndromes and then evaluated laboratory data, spleen size, and clinical evolution to assess any relationship between gallbladder wall thickening (GBWT) and the severity of disease.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records, sonograms, and sonographic reports of 39 patients who were diagnosed with mononucleosis syndromes on the basis of fever, tonsillopharyngitis, cervical adenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and lymphocytosis with atypical lymphocytes. All 39 were included in the study. The gallbladder wall thickness in each patient was sonographically determined. GBWT was defined as a wall thickness exceeding 3 mm. We assessed the laboratory data and clinical evolution in each patient, and the differences between patients with and without GBWT were statistically analyzed.

Results

Six patients (15%) had GBWT. The mean atypical lymphocyte count ± standard deviation (SD) in the patients with GBWT (1,830/μl ± 1,000/μl) was significantly higher than that in patients without GBWT (1,140/μl ± 660/μl; p < 0.05). The mean total serum protein and serum albumin levels in the patients with GBWT (6.6 mg/dl ± 0.7 mg/dl and 3.7 mg/dl ± 0.5 mg/dl, respectively) were significantly lower than those in patients without GBWT (7.3 mg/dl ± 0.4 mg/dl and 4.1 mg/dl ± 0.3 mg/dl, respectively; p < 0.05). The duration of hospitalization in the patients with GBWT (14 ± 8.5 days) was significantly higher than that in patients without GBWT (8 ± 3.5 days; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

GBWT in mononucleosis syndromes may be a sign of the severity of the illness and when present indicates the need to carefully monitor the clinical course. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 29:322–325, 2001.
Distinct function of Th1 and Th2 type delayed type hypersensitivity: Protective and pathological reactions to chlamydial infection
Authors: Yang Xi
Published: August 2002

The role of delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) to chlamydial infection has been shown to be a double‐edged sword to the host. Reported animal and human studies have, on the one hand, shown that DTH is associated with protective immunity against chlamydial infection and, on the other hand, shown links to immunopathology. Using a murine lung infection model, we recently demonstrated that there might be two different functional types of DTH induced by chlamydial infection based on its association with cytokine patterns. Th1 type DTH is associated with protection while Th2 type DTH is associated with immunopathology. The Th2 type DTH demonstrated in IFNγ gene knockout (KO) mice is characterized by eosinophil infiltration in addition to mononuclear cell infiltration that exists in Th1 DTH, observed in wild‐type C57BL/6 mice and IL‐10 KO mice. In addition, the inflammatory cells in IFNγ KO mice fail to target the cellular sites of chlamydial inclusions in infected tissues and fail to clear the infection. The functional differences in Th1 and Th2 type DTH responses may account for the dual role DTH plays in chlamydial protective immunity and immunopathology. Microsc. Res. Tech. 53:273–277, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interaction of rat tumor cells with blood vessels and lymphatics of the avian chorioallantoic membrane
Authors: Papoutsi Maria , Sleeman Jonathan P. , Wilting Jörg
Published: August 2002

It has generally been assumed that tumors do not induce lymphangiogenesis and only very recently animal models have been presented showing tumor‐induced lymphangiogenesis. We have grown two types of rat tumor cells, 10AS pancreatic carcinoma and C6 glioma cells, on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of chick and quail embryos. The suspended tumor cells rapidly formed solid tumors which invaded the CAM and were vascularized by CAM vessels. When grown on the CAM of quail embryos intratumoral endothelial cells could be specifically stained with the QH1 antibody. In C6 gliomas the vascular pattern was more regular than in 10AS carcinomas. The vessels often grew radially into the glioma and many of them were invested by smooth muscle α‐actin‐positive periendothelial cells. Lymphatics, which were identified by vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐3 (VEGFR‐3) in situ hybridization were absent from C6 gliomas, although a weak expression of the lymphangiogenic growth factor, VEGF‐C, could be detected in the C6 cells by Northern blot analysis. In contrast, 10AS cells, which expressed high levels of VEGF‐C, induced ingrowth of lymphatics into the tumors, with BrdU‐labeling rates of about 9% of lymphatic endothelial cells. Our studies demonstrate the heterogeneity of interactions of tumor cells with blood vessels and lymphatics and show that sufficient quantities and/or quality of lymphangiogenic growth factors are crucial for the induction of lymphatics in tumors. Microsc. Res. Tech. 55:100–107, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stress inhibits seasonal and FSH‐induced ovarian recrudescence in the lizard,Mabuya carinata
Authors: Ganesh C.B. , Yajurvedi H.N.
Published: August 2002

Stressors (handling, chasing, and noise) applied randomly five times per day for one month to lizards during the recrudescence phase of the ovarian cycle caused a significant reduction in mean number of oocytes and primordial follicles when compared to those of controls. Further, vitellogenic follicles were absent in the ovary of lizards subjected to stressors. Administration of bovine FSH during post‐breeding regression phase of the ovarian cycle induced ovarian recrudescence as shown by significant increases in the mean number of oogonia, oocytes, and primordial follicles compared to controls, as well as vitellogenic growth of follicles. However, lizards treated with FSH and exposed to stressors did not exhibit ovarian recrudescence. Furthermore, FSH administration during the post‐breeding regression phase caused a significant increase in serum levels of estradiol compared to controls, which was accompanied by significant increases in the relative weight of the liver and oviduct, as well as vitellogenic growth of follicles. Despite administration of FSH to lizards subjected to stressors, there was neither any increase in serum levels of estradiol and weight of the liver nor vitellogenic growth of follicles. The results indicate that repeated application of stressors inhibits vitellogenic growth of follicles by suppression of steroidogenic activity in M. carinata. This is the first report revealing that the ovary does not respond to gonadotrophin treatment under stressful conditions in reptiles. J. Exp. Zool. 292:640–648, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐level gene transfer to the cornea using electroporation
Authors: Blair‐Parks Kathleen , Weston Bonnie C. , Dean David A.
Published: August 2002

Background

Methods for gene transfer to the cornea that yield high‐level expression without inflammation or trauma are currently lacking. Because electroporation has proven effective for gene transfer in other tissues in terms of expression levels and safety, this study quantitatively evaluated its use in the cornea.

Methods

To evaluate the use of electroporation in the mouse cornea, plasmids expressing either luciferase or green fluorescent protein were injected intracorneally or subconjunctivally and square‐wave electric pulses were immediately applied to the eyes. Gene expression was quantified at later times and trauma and inflammation were monitored visually and by measuring interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) production.

Results

The application of electric pulses to eyes injected with plasmid resulted in nanogram levels of gene product expression. At an optimal field strength of 200 V/cm, no trauma, corneal edema or inflammation was observed. However, at higher field strengths, corneal damage was detected. Compared with injection of DNA alone, up to 1000‐fold more gene product was produced using electroporation. Expression was detected as early as 6 h post‐electroporation, remained high for 3 days, and decreased by 7 days. Gene expression was detected over the entire surface of the cornea in both epithelial and stromal layers.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that electroporation is an excellent method for delivering genes to multiple cell layers within the mouse cornea and that it results in extremely high levels of gene expression with little, if any, inflammatory response or tissue damage, making this a very useful technique for corneal gene transfer. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Divergences in American psychiatry during the Depression: Somatic psychiatry, community mental hygiene, and social reconstruction*
Authors: Pols Hans
Published: August 2002

The differences between somatic psychiatrists and mental hygienists, already apparent earlier, became much more pronounced during the Depression years, partly as a consequence of their different perspectives on this social crisis. Somatic psychiatrists, emboldened by the apparent success of new medical treatment methods, reasserted the central position of the mental hospital within psychiatry, attempted to improve the discipline's position within medicine, and promoted basic research. Mental hygienists, following the ideal of prevention, proposed far‐reaching programs of community mental hygiene to alleviate widespread mental distress. A small group of mental hygienists embraced socialism and advocated measures of radical social reconstruction. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Defining AIDS competence: a working model for practical purposes
Authors: Lamboray Jean‐Louis , Skevington Suzanne M.
Published: August 2002

This paper addresses the challenge of reducing HIV infection through creating AIDS‐competent societies. A working model is presented based on extensive international practical experience pooled by facilitators in 10 African countries and Thailand. The main underlying theme is that community members can be empowered to develop their own individual and collective plans of action that will: (i) reduce the likelihood of them becoming infected by HIV; (ii) maintain the quality of their lives through appropriate care and support to those who are infected, and to those who have developed AIDS and their families; and (iii) become autonomous, by monitoring and evaluating their progress in becoming fully AIDS‐competent and learning from each other about how best to move forward in this process, using methods and a strategy that is acceptable to the wider community. A further component of the working model would be the inclusion of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWA) in such activities. This successful bottom‐up process is permeating upwards from the grassroots to professionals in many sectors at district and national levels. It promises to provide a powerful, tailor‐made method for the containment of HIV infection. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finance in conflict and reconstruction
Authors: Addison Tony , Billon Philippe Le , Murshed S. Mansoob
Published: August 2002

The relationship between an economy's financial sector and the occurrence and resolution of conflict may at first sight appear tenuous. Banking systems, financial regulation, and currency arrangements do not appear to be relevant in understanding why nations collapse or why people kill each other. However, the linkages between the financial sector and issues of conflict are closer than one might expect. Narrow development—development that fails to reduce poverty and which exacerbates initial inequalities—is an important cause of conflict (but, needless to say, not the only one). Narrow development must be financed—and it is financed in ways that increase poverty and inequality and raise a society's propensity to violent conflict. During conflict, finance (both internal and external) can be decisive in determining who wins, as well as the duration of war. Rebuilding the financial system is important to reconstruction from war, since otherwise private investment is constrained. But ‘post‐conflict’ economies generally have weak regulatory authorities, and the financial system may be flooded with unsound loans, leading to economic problems that can endanger economic recovery and therefore peace. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photoconjugation of 3‐azido‐5‐nitrobenzyl‐[18F]fluoride to an oligonucleotide aptamer
Authors: Lange Christopher W. , VanBrocklin Henry F. , Taylor Scott E.
Published: August 2002

Photoconjugation techniques are well established in biochemistry and molecular biology applications. We report here the first application of photoconjugation to label an oligonucleotide with positron emitting fluorine‐18. ANBF, 3‐azido‐5‐nitrobenzyl fluoride, was tagged with fluorine‐18 in 30–50% yield from the corresponding tosylate. The HPLC purified [18F]ANBF was photochemically conjugated to a hexylamine modified 15‐base, single stranded, DNA aptamer with up to 20% radiolabeling efficiency, based on starting [18F]ANBF. Separation by gel exclusion chromatography and HPLC analysis of the DNA fractions indicated that the benzyl fluoride was covalently bound to the aptamer. The total reaction time from the start of radiosynthesis was 135 min. Based on these results, the feasibility to photolabel oligonucleotide molecules with fluorine‐18 labeled arylazides for PET applications has been established. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Remarks on the inner ear of elasmobranchs and its interpretation from skeletal labyrinth morphology
Authors: Maisey John G.
Published: August 2002

The structure and function of the craniate inner ear is reviewed, with 33 apomorphic characters of the membranous labyrinth and associated structures identified in craniates, gnathostomes, and elasmobranchs. Elasmobranchs are capable of low‐frequency semi‐directional phonoreception, even in the absence of any pressure‐to‐displacement transducer such as ear ossicles. The endolymphatic (parietal) fossa, semicircular canals, and crista (macula) neglecta are all adapted toward phonoreception. Some (but not all) of the morphological features associated with phonoreception can be inferred from the elasmobranch skeletal labyrinth. Endocranial spaces such as the skeletal labyrinth also provide suites of morphological characters that may be incorporated into phylogenetic analyses, irrespective of how closely these spaces reflect underlying soft anatomy. The skeletal labyrinths of Squalus and Notorynchus are compared using silicone endocasts and high‐resolution CT‐scanning. The latter procedure offers several advantages over other techniques; it is more informative, nondestructive, preserves relationships of surrounding structures, and it can be applied both to modern and fossil material. J. Morphol. 250:236–264, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional characterization of two anti‐estradiol antibodies as deduced from modelling and site‐directed mutagenesis experiments
Authors: Bettsworth Florence , Monnet Céline , Watelet Bénédicte , Battail‐Poirot Nicole , Gilquin Bernard , Jolivet Michel , Menez André , Arnaud Michel , Ducancel Frédéric
Published: August 2002

Monoclonal antibodies are now widely used to measure the concentration of steroid hormones in human serum samples. The great development of molecular engineering techniques over the past 10 years has made possible the improvement of specificity and/or sensitivity of selected antibodies. We have obtained two monoclonal antibodies, 17E12E5 and 10G6D6, using estradiol‐6‐ethyl methoxy carbonyl (EMC)–bovine serum albumin (BSA) as immunogen. To tentatively improve their affinities for natural estradiol, we have initiated their structural and functional studies. For this purpose, we have cloned and sequenced the genes encoding the variable fragments of each antibody. Single chain variable fragments (scFv) were produced into the periplasmic space of E. coli using the pLIP6 expression vector. Mapping of the functional structures of both antibodies was obtained by combination of modelling and mutational analyses together with cross‐reaction studies. The two binding pockets are described and models of estradiol complexed to 17E12E5 and 10G6D6 are proposed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MR‐guided bone biopsy: Preliminary report of a new guiding method
Authors: Ojala Risto , Sequeiros Roberto Blanco , Klemola Rauli , Vahala Erkki , Jyrkinen Lasse , Tervonen Osmo
Published: August 2002

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of a new MR compatible optical tracking guided bone biopsy system.

Materials and Methods

Wireless optical tracker elements were connected to a bone biopsy set. Biopsies of five different anatomic areas and lesions varying from 9 mm to 40 mm (mean 25 mm) in size, were performed.

Results

We were able to perform the biopsies in all cases, and the samples allowed for a pathologic diagnosis. The procedure time was limited to less than 40 minutes, and no complications occurred.

Conclusion

MR‐guided bone biopsy with this new guiding system was a feasible and fast procedure that did not compromise the usability of the bone biopsy set. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;15:82–86. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.