bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental expression and differential cellular localization of obscurin and obscurin‐associated kinase in cardiac muscle cells
Authors: Borisov Andrei B. , Raeker Maide Ö. , Russell Mark W.
Published: November 2007

Obscurin and obscurin‐associated kinase are two products of the obscurin transcriptional unit that encodes a recently identified giant muscle‐specific protein obscurin. In this study, we characterized the developmental expression and cellular localization of obscurin and obscurin‐associated kinase in cardiac muscle cells. We cloned murine obscurin‐associated kinase and found that it is abundantly expressed in the heart as two isotypes encoded by 2.2 and 4.9 kb sequences. The 2.2 kb isotype of the kinase was more prominently expressed than the 4.9 kb isotype. Both obscurin and the kinase‐like domains were progressively upregulated since the early stages of cardiac development. Obscurin‐associated kinase was expressed at higher levels than obscurin at early stages of cardiomyogenesis. Increasing intensity of obscurin expression in the developing heart positively correlated with progressive cell differentiation and was higher in the ventricles compared to the atria. These data were supported by the results of experiments with primary cardiac cell cultures. Obscurin localization changed from a weakly immunopositive diffuse pattern in poorly differentiated cells to an intensely immunolabeled cross‐striated distribution at the level of mid‐A‐bands and Z‐disks during the assembly of the myofibrillar contractile apparatus. In dividing myocytes, unlike the interphase cells, obscurin translocated from disassembling myofibrils into a diffuse granulated pattern segregated separately from α‐actinin‐immunopositive aggregates. Obscurin‐associated kinase was localized mainly to cell nuclei with increasing incorporation into the Z‐disks during differentiation. Our results suggest that these two novel proteins are involved in the progression of cardiac myogenesis during the transition to advanced stages of heart development. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1621–1635, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression and distribution of S100 protein in the nervous system of the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Germanà A. , Marino F. , Guerrera M.C. , Campo S. , de Girolamo P. , Montalbano G. , Germanà G.P. , Ochoa‐Erena F.J. , Ciriaco E. , Vega J.A.
Published: November 2007

S100 proteins are EF‐hand calcium‐binding protein highly preserved during evolution present in both neuronal and non‐neuronal tissues of the higher vertebrates. Data about the expression of S100 protein in fishes are scarce, and no data are available on zebrafish, a common model used in biology to study development but also human diseases. In this study, we have investigated the expression of S100 protein in the central nervous system of adult zebrafish using PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The central nervous system of the adult zebrafish express S100 protein mRNA, and contain a protein of ∼10 kDa identified as S100 protein. S100 protein immunoreactivity was detected widespread distributed in the central nervous system, labeling the cytoplasm of both neuronal and non‐neuronal cells. In fact, S100 protein immunoreactivity was primarily found in glial and ependymal cells, whereas the only neurons displaying S100 immunoreactivity were the Purkinje's neurons of the cerebellar cortex and those forming the deep cerebellar nuclei. Outside the central nervous system, S100 protein immunoreactivity was observed in a subpopulation of sensory and sympathetic neurons, and it was absent from the enteric nervous system. The functional role of S100 protein in both neurons and non‐neuronal cells of the zebrafish central nervous system remains to be elucidated, but present results might serve as baseline for future experimental studies using this teleost as a model. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methylphenidate use in children and risk of cancer at 18 sites: results of surveillance analyses
Authors: Oestreicher Nina , Friedman Gary D. , Jiang Sheng‐Fang , Chan Jim , Quesenberry Charles , Habel Laurel A.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

A recent report linked methylphenidate (MPH) use in children to cytologic abnormalities in plasma lymphocytes, a possible cancer biomarker. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of MPH use and childhood cancer risk.

Methods

Using automated pharmacy databases and the SEER‐affiliated cancer registry of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program (KPMCP), we compared cancer rates at 18 sites among 35 400 MPH users who received it before age 20 to rates among KPMCP membership (age, sex, and calendar year standardized). Medical records of MPH exposed cancer cases were reviewed to identify the presence of established risk factors.

Results

There were 23 cancers among MPH users, versus 20.4 expected (standardized morbidity ratio, SMR = 1.13, 95% confidence interval (0.72, 1.70)). Given the small number of cancers, site‐specific SMR estimates were imprecise. Only one SMR was statistically significant at the p < 0.05 level, which given the number of comparisons is consistent with the absence of a true association at any site. MPH use was associated with increased risk of lymphocytic leukemia (SMR = 2.64 (1.14, 5.20)), based on eight observed cases). The medical records of these exposed cases did not reveal any lymphocytic leukemia risk factors (prior cancer, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, or Down syndrome).

Conclusions

Our results are consistent with no moderate or strong association between MPH use and cancer risk in children, although our ability to examine dose and duration of use or risk at specific sites was limited by small numbers. Further study of MPH use and lymphocytic leukemia risk is needed to determine whether our results are due to chance alone. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of 3‐arm star polymers (A3) via Diels–Alder click reaction
Authors: Dag Aydan , Durmaz Hakan , Hizal Gurkan , Tunca Umit
Published: November 2007

Diels–Alder click reaction was successfully applied for the preparation of 3‐arm star polymers (A3) using furan protected maleimide end‐functionalized polymers and trianthracene functional linking agent (2) at reflux temperature of toluene for 48 h. Well‐defined furan protected maleimide end‐functionalized polymers, poly (ethylene glycol), poly(methyl methacrylate), and poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) were obtained by esterification or atom transfer radical polymerization. Obtained star polymers were characterized via NMR and GPC (refractive index and triple detector detection). Splitting of GPC traces of the resulting polymer mixture notably displayed that Diels–Alder click reaction was a versatile and a reliable route for the preparation of A3 star polymer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 302–313, 2008
Differential effects of chronic intermittent and chronic constant hypoxia on postnatal growth and development
Authors: Farahani Reza , Kanaan Amjad , Gavrialov Orit , Brunnert Steven , Douglas Robert M. , Morcillo Patrick , Haddad Gabriel G.
Published: November 2007

Exposure to chronic constant or intermittent hypoxia (CCH or CIH) may have different effects on growth and development in early life. In this work, we exposed postnatal day 2 (P2) CD1 mice to CCH or CIH (11% O2) for 4 weeks and examined the effect of hypoxia on body and organ growth until P30. Regression analysis showed that weight increased in control, CCH and CIH cohorts with age with r2 values of 0.99, 0.97, and 0.94, respectively. Between days 2 and 30, slopes were 0.93 ± 0.057, 0.76 ± 0.108, and 0.63 ± 0.061 (g/day, means ± SEM) for control, CIH, and CCH, respectively and significantly different from each other (P < 0.001). The slopes between P2 and P16 were 0.78 ± 0.012, 0.46 ± 0.002, and 0.47 ± 0.019 for control, CCH and CIH, respectively. From P16 to 30, slopes were 1.12 ± 0.033, 1.09 ± 0.143, and 0.82 ± 0.08 for control, CIH, and CCH, respectively with no significant difference from each other, suggesting a catch‐up growth in the latter part of the hypoxic period. Slower weight gain resulted in a 12% and 23% lower body weight in CIH and CCH mice (P < 0.001) by P30. Lung/body ratios were 0.010, 0.015, 0.015 for control, CIH, and CCH at P30, respectively. The decrease in liver, kidney, and brain weight were greater in CCH than CIH. Smaller liver weight was shown to be due to a reduction in cell size and cell number. Liver in CIH and CCH mice showed a 5% and 10% reduction in cell size (P < 0.05) and a reduction of 28% in cell number (P < 0.001) at P30. In contrast, CCH and CIH heart weight was 13% and 33% greater than control at P30 (P < 0.05), respectively. This increase in the heart weight was due to an increase in the size of cardiomyocytes which showed an increase of 12% and 14% (P < 0.001) for CIH and CCH, respectively as compared to control. Brain weight was 0.48 and 0.46 g for CIH and CCH, respectively (95% and 92% of normal). We concluded that (a) CIH and CCH follow different body and organ growth patterns; (b) mostly with CCH, the liver and kidneys are reduced in size in a proportionate way to body size but heart, lung, and brain are either spared or increased in size compared to body weight; and (c) the decrease in liver is secondary mostly to a decrease in cell number. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:20–28. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the comparisons of system performance and capacity of asynchronous STBC MC‐CDMA multirate access schemes
Authors: Hu Xiaoyu , Chew Yong Huat
Published: November 2007

Three multirate access schemes, multicode, variable spreading gain (VSG), and spectral overlaid multiple‐symbol‐rate (MSR), for asynchronous space‐time block coded (STBC) multicarrier code division multiple access (MC‐CDMA) systems are proposed. The three possible spectral overlaid configurations for MSR systems are also investigated. The expressions to evaluate the multiple access interferences, bit error rate (BER) performances, and system capacities of a antenna STBC MC‐CDMA using the three multirate access schemes are obtained. Transmit power allocation is adjusted according to the service rates and the number of active users in each service class to maintain the link quality and to improve the system capacity. Our numerical results show that systems with multicode access scheme using orthogonal Gold spreading codes and with VSG access scheme have similar system performance and capacity, and both perform in general better than systems with MSR access scheme of any spectrum configurations. In case when non‐orthogonal Gold codes are used, multicode access scheme shows degradation in the system capacity as compared to VSG, due to the presence of larger self‐interference (SI) among the codes used by each user. The achievable capacities for the three spectral overlaid configurations of MSR multirate systems are also compared. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subtype differences in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with regard to ADHD-symptoms, psychiatric comorbidity and psychosocial adjustment
Authors: Sobanski Esther , Brüggemann Daniel , Alm Barbara , Kern Sebastian , Philipsen Alexandra , Schmalzried Hannah , Heßlinger Bernd , Waschkowski H. , Rietschel Marcella
Published: November 2007

Background

To date, nearly all research of subtype differences in ADHD has been performed in children and only two studies, with conflicting results, have covered this subject in adults with ADHD.

Objective

This study examined subtype differences in the clinical presentation of ADHD-symptoms, related psychopathological features, psychosocial functioning and comorbid psychiatric disorders in adults with ADHD.

Method

One hundred and eighteen adults with ADHD, diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria, and a population based control group underwent diagnostic evaluations with clinical interviews for ADHD, DSM-IV disorders and demographic features. Comparisons were made between ADHD combined type (n = 64), predominantly inattentive type (n = 30) and predominantly inattentive type, anamnestically combined type (n = 24), relative to each other and to a community control group (n = 70).

Results

The four groups did not differ in age and gender composition. All ADHD groups had significantly less education, were significantly more often unemployed and reported significantly more lifetime psychiatric comorbidity than controls. In comparison to each other, the three ADHD groups differed mainly in core symptoms and the pattern of comorbid psychiatric disorders, whereas no prominent differences in associated psychopathological features and most of the assessed psychosocial functions could be found. Patients with ADHD combined type and inattentive, anamnestically combined type both presented with significantly more hyperactive symptoms and also showed more impulsive symptoms than those with the predominantly inattentive type. With a similar overall lifetime psychiatric comorbidity in the three groups, patients with ADHD combined type and inattentive, anamnestically combined type suffered significantly more from lifetime substance use disorders than patients with predominantly inattentive type.

Conclusion

Our results clearly show impaired psychosocial adjustment and elevated risk for additional psychiatric disorders in adults with all subtypes of ADHD, compared to healthy controls. They provide preliminary evidence that in adult ADHD there might be a subgroup of patients, which is classified as predominantly inattentive subtype according to current diagnostic criteria, but which in its clinical presentation is in between ADHD combined and inattentive type. Further studies are needed to evaluate this finding and to gain a clear picture of its validity.
Novel homeodomain‐interacting protein kinase family member, HIPK4, phosphorylates human p53 at serine 9
Authors: Arai Shigeki , Matsushita Akio , Du Kun , Yagi Ken , Okazaki Yasushi , Kurokawa Riki
Published: November 2007

We describe here the cloning and characterization of a novel mouse homeodomain‐interacting protein kinase (HIPK)‐like gene, Hipk4. Hipk4 is expressed in lung and in white adipose tissue and encodes a 616 amino acid protein that includes a serine/threonine kinase domain. We demonstrate that HIPK4 could phosphorylate human p53 protein at serine 9, both in vitro and in vivo. Among known p53‐responsive promoters, activity of the human survivin promoter, which is repressed by p53, was decreased by HIPK4 in p53 functional A549 cells. Human BCL2‐associated X protein‐promoter activity was not affected. These findings suggest that phosphorylation of p53 at serine 9 is important for p53 mediated transcriptional repression.
Osteoactivin fragments produced by ectodomain shedding induce MMP‐3 expression via ERK pathway in mouse NIH‐3T3 fibroblasts
Authors: Furochi Harumi , Tamura Seiko , Mameoka Mai , Yamada Chiharu , Ogawa Takayuki , Hirasaka Katsuya , Okumura Yuushi , Imagawa Takahito , Oguri Sachiko , Ishidoh Kazumi , Kishi Kyoichi , Higashiyama Shigeki , Nikawa Takeshi
Published: November 2007

Intact osteoactivin, a novel type I membrane glycoprotein, were shed at a dibasic motif in the juxtamembrane region in C2C12 myoblasts. Extracellular fragments were secreted into the culture media by a putative metalloprotease. Extracellular fragments of osteoactivin, but not control protein, induced matrix metalloprotease‐3 (MMP‐3) expression in NIH‐3T3 fibroblasts. Epidermal growth factor (ERK) kinase inhibitors inhibited the osteoactivin‐mediated MMP‐3 expression, whereas the extracellular fragment of osteoactivin activated ERK1/2 and p38 in the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway. Our results suggest that the extracellular fragments of osteoactivin produced by shedding act as a growth factor to induce MMP‐3 expression via the ERK pathway in fibroblasts.
TNF‐α and adipocyte biology
Authors: Cawthorn William P. , Sethi Jaswinder K.
Published: November 2007

Dyslipidemia and insulin resistance are commonly associated with catabolic or lipodystrophic conditions (such as cancer and sepsis) and with pathological states of nutritional overload (such as obesity‐related type 2 diabetes). Two common features of these metabolic disorders are adipose tissue dysfunction and elevated levels of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α). Herein, we review the multiple actions of this pro‐inflammatory adipokine on adipose tissue biology. These include inhibition of carbohydrate metabolism, lipogenesis, adipogenesis and thermogenesis and stimulation of lipolysis. TNF‐α can also impact the endocrine functions of adipose tissue. Taken together, TNF‐α contributes to metabolic dysregulation by impairing both adipose tissue function and its ability to store excess fuel. The molecular mechanisms that underlie these actions are discussed.
Different functional classes of genes are characterized by different compositional properties
Authors: D'Onofrio Giuseppe , Ghosh Tapash Chandra , Saccone Salvatore
Published: November 2007

A compositional analysis on a set of human genes classified in several functional classes was performed. We found out that the GC3, i.e. the GC level at the third codon positions, of the genes involved in cellular metabolism was significantly higher than those involved in information storage and processing. Analyses of human/Xenopus ortologous genes showed that: (i) the GC3 increment of the genes involved in cellular metabolism was significantly higher than those involved in information storage and processing; and (ii) a strong correlation between the GC3 and the corresponding GCi, i.e. the GC level of introns, was found in each functional class. The non‐randomness of the GC increments favours the selective hypothesis of gene/genome evolution.
Oral contraceptives and clinical recurrence of human papillomavirus lesions and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia following treatment
Authors: Frega Antonio , Scardamaglia Paola , Piazze Juan , Cerekja Albana , Pacchiarotti Arianna , Verrico Monica , Moscarini Massimo
Published: November 2007

Objective

To evaluate the effect of oral contraceptive use on the recurrence rate of human papillomavirus (HPV) lesions and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) following ablative or excisional procedures in a long‐term follow‐up.

Method

The study was conducted with 650 oral contraceptive users presenting with HPV lesions and/or CIN, and 670 women who had these lesions but did not use oral contraceptives acted as controls. The participants underwent cytologic evaluations, colposcopy, and direct biopsy, followed by either ablative treatment by laser carbon dioxide vaporization or excision by a loop electrosurgical excision procedure or cold knife conization. They were then followed up for a minimum of 5 years.

Results

The recurrence rates did not differ statistically between the case and control groups.

Conclusion

Oral contraceptive use was not found to increase the recurrence rate of HPV lesions and/or CIN after ablative or surgical treatment.
Management of Ménière's disease in general practice: adherence to the UK National Health Service ‘Prodigy’ guidelines
Authors: Smale E , McDonald S , Maha N , Short S
Published: November 2007

Introduction:

Dizziness is a common presenting complaint in primary healthcare. One differential diagnosis is Ménière's disease. The UK National Health Service ‘Prodigy’ guidelines have been produced to help healthcare professionals to diagnose and manage Ménière's disease. The aim of this audit was to consider how Ménière's disease is managed in general practice, and to assess how well general practitioners adhere to the Prodigy guidelines.

Materials and methods:

We identified general practices near the Torbay region of south Devon which had a ‘TQ’ postcode. There were 41 practices, staffed by a total of 203 general practitioners. We wrote to each general practitioner, asking them to fill in a questionnaire regarding Ménière's disease. Our practice response rate was 68 per cent and our individual rate 43 per cent.

Results:

The mean correct answer rate was >50 per cent. The respondents achieved this despite few being aware of any formal guidelines, and none being aware of the Prodigy guidelines.

Conclusion:

Detailed knowledge of Ménière's disease was uncommon, and formal guidelines were not frequently consulted.
Observation of runaway electrons in the first EAST ohmic discharge
Authors: LU H. W. , HU L. Q. , CHEN Z. Y. , JANG Y. , LIN S. Y. , TEAM EAST
Published: November 2007

Plasma was first obtained successfully on the EAST Tokamak in the autumn of 2006. This was an ohmically heated plasma with rf-assisted pre-ionization for plasma startup. Many diagnostics systems were set up to satisfy the requirement for the description of basic plasma performance. Three hard X-ray detectors have been installed to monitor the runaway electrons with a tangential view into the plasma on the equatorial plane. A BGO (Bi4Ge3O12) scintillator installed in the forward direction was used to detect the hard X-ray emission in the energy range 0.5–7 MeV while two CdTe detectors in the backward and forward directions are used to detect the hard X-ray emission in the energy range 0.3-1.2 MeV. Phenomena observed with these detectors in different discharge conditions are presented here.
The Arctic cruises of Prince Albert I of Monaco
Authors: Carpine-Lancre Jacqueline , Barr William
Published: November 2007

From an early age, Prince Albert I of Monaco evinced a strong fascination for the polar regions. But it was only after 1898 that he was able to mount four scientific cruises to Svalbard on his yacht, the second Princesse-Alice. The first cruise was an oceanographical and zoological reconnaissance, aimed mainly at adding to the collections of the Musée océanographique de Monaco, the construction of which had just started. In 1899, the focus was on the hydrography and topography of Raudfjorden, of which a map was published. In 1906, meteorology was added to the range of observations and surveys were pursued. The Prince also provided support for two other expeditions, that of the Norwegian, Gunnar Isachsen, to northwestern Spitsbergen, and that of the Scotsman, William Bruce, to Prins Karls Forland. The Prince's expedition in 1907 was aimed at completing the results from the previous summer. Prince Albert also lent his support, either financially, or through gifts or loans of oceanographic instruments, to numerous Arctic and Antarctic explorers. Finally, he showed a keen interest in environmental protection, especially in Svalbard. This is demonstrated by his responses to a questionnaire that Hugo Conwentz sent him in 1912.
Probing the sources of ambient seismic noise near the coasts of southern Italy
Authors: Gu Yu Jeffrey , Dublanko Curtis , Lerner‐Lam Arthur , Brzak Keith , Steckler Michael
Published: November 2007

In this study we probe the source of ambient noise in the southern Apennines and the Calabrian Arc by cross‐correlating two months of ambient seismic noise records collected during the Calabria‐Apennine‐Tyrrhenian/Subduction‐Collision‐Acretion Network (CAT/SCAN) project. Significant Rayleigh wave energy is observed on the vertical component of the noise correlation stacks and reveals multiple sources of ambient noise in southern Italy. The most dominant noise sources are found along (1) the Tyrrhenian coast of northern Calabria‐southern Campania and (2) the Adriatic Sea near the Gargano Promontory. Enhanced ocean currents evident from buoy records during the study period could be responsible for the observed microseisms. We validate the source locations using earthquake records and the consistency between noise and earthquake correlation functions supports the observed dominant directions of ambient seismic noise.
AN ABNORMALITY OF THE BONE‐MARROW OF SHEEP FED COBALT‐DEFICIENT HAY‐CHAFF
Authors: Ibbotson RN , Allen Shirley H , Gurney CW
Published: November 2007

A decrease in cellularity of the bone‐marrow has been observed in sheep that consume a cobalt‐deficient diet, whether or not they are supplemented with vitamin B12. This abnormality is accompanied by a reduction in white blood cell count and in the rate of erythropoiesis following withdrawal of a large quantity of blood.

Parenteral administration of cobalt has no apparent effect on the course of the malady.
ENZYME TREATMENT OF COLONY STIMULATING FACTOR: EVIDENCE FOR A PEPTIDE COMPONENT
Authors: Stanley ER , Metcalf D
Published: November 2007

The effects of various proteolytic enzymes, glycosidases and phos‐ pholipases on the bone marrow colony stimulating factor from human urine have been investigated. Colony stimulating factor Was found to be comparatively resistant to inactivation by all of the enzymes tested with the exception of α‐chymotrypsin (at low concentrations), subtilisin and ficin. When biological activity remained following enzyme treatment, no change could be detected in the behaviour of colony stimulating factor on polyacrylmide disc electro‐ phoresis, under conditions in which a sieving effect on colony stimulating factor migration was observed. The studies have indicated the existence of a peptide component of colony stimulating factor, its relative resistance to enzymatic proteolysis and its presence as a minor fraction of the total protein in the urine of normal humans.
INTER‐RELATIONS BETWEEN THE ACTIONS OF DIPYRIDAMOLE, ADENOSINE, AMINOPHYLLINE AND PROPRANOLOL ON THE CORONARY CIRCULATION OF THE TRANSPLANTED DOG HEART
Authors: Paoloni HJ , Wilcken DEL
Published: November 2007

To study the effects of certain vasodilator drugs on the coronary vasculature of the transplanted heart, dog hearts were Implanted into the necks of recipient dogs and connected to the circulation so that coronary blood flow and coronary vascular resistance could be measured continuously. During the first six hours close arterial injections of adenosine and dipyridamole produced marked increases in coronary blood flow and reduced coronary vascular resistance in the transplanted heart; dipyridamole greatly potentiated the vasodilator actions of adenosine. Propranolol, in a beta adrenergic blocking dose, did not alter coronary blood flow or coronary vascular resistance or influence the actions of dipyridamole or adenosine. Low dose infusions of aminophylline uniformly reduced coronary blood flow and increased coronary vascular resistance and also blocked the actions of dipyridamole and adenosine. The blocking effect was similar with higher doses of aminophylline which temporarily increased coronary blood flow. The findings show that coronary vascular reactivity to dipyridamole and adenosine is maintained up to at least six hours after transplantation, and suggest that dipyridamole acts largely through aderosine. Propranolol does not increase coronary vascular resistance in the denervated heart. The aminophylline‐mediated increase in coronary vascular resistance could result from a blocking of the vasodilator effects of adenosine locally produced in non‐ischaemic myocardium.
IN VIVO TRANSFORMATION OF RAT PLASMA VERY LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN INTO HIGHER DENSITY LIPOPROTEINS
Authors: Fidge Noel H , Foxman Carole J
Published: November 2007

Following intravenous injection of rat plasma very low density lipoprotein labelled in the peptide moiety with 125I into rats, there is an early appearance of radioactivity in the protein moiety of both low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein fractions. The suggestion that low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein are formed from very low density lipoprotein during its delipidation in vivo was investigated by injection of in vitro partially and completely delipidated very low density lipoprotein. The evidence presented shows that very low density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein can be formed from these labelled peptide fractions and that re‐entry of the very low density lipoprotein peptides into the biosynthetic pathway of plasma lipoproteins probably requires complete delipidation of the lipoproteins.
TWO ANTIGENIC SPECIFICITIES IN THE AUSTRALIA ANTIGEN
Authors: Gust ID
Published: November 2007

Two antigenic specificities have been detected in Australia antigens identified in Melbourne. One specificity was common to all antigens studied, the other was observed in approximately 50% of patients with Au‐positive acute viral hepatitis and also in all of a group of antigen‐positive institutionalized Mongols.

In patients with acute viral hepatitis the antigenic type detected remained constant, even if a carrier state developed.
THE ACTION OF CLONIDINE ON ISOLATED ARTERIAL PREPARATIONS
Authors: Hodge RL , Robinson SM
Published: November 2007

Isolated perfused rabbit ear and rat tail arteries as well as helical strips from the latter have been used in this study to ascertain the mechanism of clonidine's vasoconstrictor action. It was found that the drug constricted the perfused arteries and that this effect was abolished by adrenergic alpha receptor blockade. From a series of concentration response curves in these perfused arteries it was also determined that the intraluminal to extraluminal concentration ratios for clonidine were not significantly affected by chronic sympathetic denervation or cocaine pretreatment. In contrast, these procedures considerably augmented the response to extraluminal noradrenaline and caused a tenfold increase in the intraluminal to extraluminal concentration ratio. These findings indicate that the drug acts on alpha receptors in vascular smooth muscle and that this action is not dependent on sympathetic nerves.

The maximum contraction of rat tail artery strips following clonidine application was only 25% of that produced by noradrenaline. An adrenergic alpha receptor blocking effect of the drug on this preparation was also demonstrated.
THE FLOW AND CELLULAR COMPOSITION OF CERVICAL LYMPH FROM UNANAESTHETIZED DUCKS
Authors: Bell RG , Lafferty KJ
Published: November 2007

A technique is described for formulating the left cervical lymph trunk of the duck which permits the collection of lymph for periods of from 5–10 days. In the seven experimental birds studied the mean lymph flow from the left cervical lymphatic was 1·0 ml per hour and the mean total cell output was 4·1 × 106 cells per hour. The predominant cell type in the lymph was the mature lymphocyte which comprised, on average, over 96% of the total cell population. However, all the cell types found in the blood of the normal animal may be found at some time in the lymph.

Lymphocytes collected from the cervical lymph and labelled with 51Cr in vitro, when injected back into the blood, subsequently appeared in the cervical lymph. Even though lymphoid nodules were present in the area drained by the cervical lymph duct, it was considered that few lymphocytes were being newly formed in these areas; the lymphocytes present in cervical lymph were thought to be migrant cells originating from the blood.
ADJUVANT ACTION OF POLY (A:U) ON T‐CELLS DURING THE PRIMARY IMMUNE RESPONSE IN VITRO
Authors: Cone RE , Marchalonis JJ
Published: November 2007

Complexes of polyadenylic and polyuridylic acids (poly A:U) were used to enhance the in vitro immune response of murine spleen cells to sheep erythrocytes. The effects of this potent adjuvant on the in vitro primary immune response were found to be similar to its in vivo action. Addition of poly (A:U) to cell cultures enabled an immune response to an antigen dose which was 100‐fold lower than the minimum dose of antigen required to stimulate an immune response in the absence of polynucleotides. In addition, the time required to obtain peak numbers of anti‐sheep erythrocyte haemolytic plaque forming cells was shortened by 1–1·5 days in the presence of poly (A:U). Poly (A:U) enabled as few as 10,000 thymus cells to collaborate with spleen cells from congenitally athymic, nu/nu mice in the immune response to sheep erythrocytes. Pre‐incubation of thymus cells or nu/nu spleen cells with poly (A:U) before culture demonstrated that poly (A:U) stimulated thymus influenced antigen reactive cells (T‐cells) but had no direct effect on antibody‐forming precursor cells (B‐cells).
POTASSIUM TOLERANCE IN RATS
Authors: Adam WR , Dawborn JK
Published: November 2007

A state of potassium tolerance has been produced in rats by the administration of a high potassium diet. Tolerant rats had an increased survival when subjected to continued potassium loads and an enhanced ability to excrete potassium. Tolerant animals also had a lower plasma potassium concentration than controls when subjected to similar potassium loads. Increased urinary1excretion of potassium in tolerant animals was not dependent on sodium excretion but was accompanied by a reduced stool sodium/potassium ratio, suggesting increased mineralocorticoid activity.

Nephrectomised tolerant rats showed no significant difference in plasma potassium concentration after an acute load when compared to control animals and an extra‐renal mechanism for tolerance was not confirmed.

Potassium tolerance in the rat can be adequately explained by an enhanced ability to excrete potassium in the urine, and this mechanism appears to be well suited to the physiological adaptation to high potassium intake under natural conditions.
FACTORS DETERMINING COLONY FORMING EFFICIENCY IN AGAR SUSPENSION CULTURES
Authors: Bradley TR , Fry P , Sumner MA , McINerney E
Published: November 2007

Interactions between sera and erythrocyte enhancing factors determining the proliferation of mouse marrow cells and normal and transformed BHK‐21 cells are discussed.
MACROMOLECULAR INHIBITOR OF LYMPHOCYTE TRANSFORMATION IN SERUM FROM PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE
Authors: Nelson DS , Penrose Jean M
Published: November 2007

Phytohaemagglutinin‐induced transformation of normal human lymphocytes was lower, as assessed by tritiated thymidine incorporation, in sera from patients with chronic renal failure than in normal sera. Transformation was lower in normal sera dialysed against tissue culture medium and lower still in patients’ sera similarly dialysed. Addition of patients’ sera, untreated or dialysed, to cultures of normal cells in normal serum depressed lymphocyte transformation.
A QUANTITATIVE LYMPH NODE WEIGHT ASSAY FOR ALLOGENEIC INTERACTIONS IN THE RAT
Authors: Dorsch Susan E , Roser Bruce
Published: November 2007

Current methods of measuring allograft responses in vivo are largely subjective, qualitative or cumbersome.

The increase in weight undergone by the popliteal lymph node following the injection of allogeneic cells into the foot‐pad has been explored as a possible alternative assay.

Lymph node enlargement was found to be an immunologically specific response; invariably present where challenge cells bore allo‐antigens not shared by the recipient; absent in irradiated, tolerant, or syngeneic hosts and specifically altered by prior sensitization. It occurred independently of donor cell proliferation.

The kinetics of lymph node enlargement in normal recipients were similar in all Ag‐B disparate strain combinations tested. Peak lymph node weights were invariably found 4 days after challenge. The degree of enlargement was precisely related to the number of challenge cells and was much greater in Ag‐B disparate than in Ag‐B identical combinations. The magnitude of the response to a given dose of antigen varied with the strain of the recipient and was highly reproducible.

The technique is economical of animals and time and is extremely simple to perform. It fulfils most of the requirements for an ideal quantitative allograft assay.
DENSITY SEPARATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF HUMAN BLOOD LEUCOCYTES, INCLUDING T AND B LYMPHOCYTES
Authors: Williams N , Moore MAS , Shortman K , Condon Linda , Pike Beverley , Nossal GJV
Published: November 2007

Human blood leucocytes were separated on the basis of buoyant density on high resolution, continuous albumin gradients. Polymorphonuclear leucocytes were dense, while mononuclear cells were light. There was substantial overlap between monocytes and lymphocytes. Both populations were heterogeneous within a restricted density range, and both were variable from one individual to another. This heterogeneity and variability of mononuclear elements contrasted with other human blood cells, such as erythrocytes and the progenitors of monocytes and granulocytes. The possible basis for variability is discussed.

There was some separation between T and B lymphocytes, with the B cells (cells with a high surface density of immunoglobulin) enriched in the lighter density fractions. However, the overlap between T and B cells was too extensive for use as a general separation procedure. The response to phytohaemagglutinin mitogen (PHA) appeared to follow the overall T cell (immunoglobulin‐negative) distribution, with no marked separation of PHA responsive from PHA non‐responsive lymphocytes.
STUDIES OF PLASMA BRADYKININASES USING RADIOLABELED SUBSTRATES
Authors: Zacest R , Oparil Suzanne , Talamo RC
Published: November 2007

The activities of human plasma bradykininases (kininase I and II) have been investigated because of their importance as reactants in the kallikrein‐kinin system. The use of [14C] bradykinin as substrate allows radiometric analysis of the enzyme‐substrate reaction mixture. This is possible because separation of bradykinin from its hydrolysis products is achieved by chromatography over CM Sephadex C‐25. Use of this technique has allowed localization of bradykininase activities in plasma protein chromatograms and the separation and partial purification of kininase I and kininase II. Kininase I can be identified because it hydrofyses hippuryl‐L‐lysine, whereas kininase II converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. The measurement of hydrolysis is simple and quantitative and has been used to demonstrate normal Michaelis‐Menten kinetics for both enzymes. The Michaelis‐Menten constants for the enzymes have been found to be 4·1 × 10‐7 M (kininase I) and 0·94 × 10‐7 M (kininase II).
“SPONTANEOUS” CYTOLYSIS BY NORMAL HUMAN LYMPHOCYTES OF BURKITT'S LYMPHOMA CELLS OF THE EB2 CELL LINE
Authors: Matthews N , Maclaurin BP
Published: November 2007

Previous studies have shown that non‐sensitised lymphocyte preparations can kill antibody‐coated allogeneic lymphoma cells. During these studies on antibody‐induced lymphocyte‐mediated cytotoxicity it was observed that lymphocyte preparations from most normal humans tested were highly cytotoxic even to non‐antibody‐coated lymphoma cells of a particular cell line (EB2) but not to a second lymphoma cell line (CLA4), or to allogeneic normal lymphocytes. In contrast, if the target cells were coated with antibody, normal lymphocyte preparations killed EB2 cells, CLA4 cells and allogeneic lymphocytes, with equal facility.

This non‐antibody‐dependent “spontaneous” cytotoxicity towards EB2 cells occurred even at low lymphocyte:EB2 ratios (< 10:1) and was not mediated by lymphotoxin. “Spontaneous” anti‐EB2 lymphocytotoxicity was increased rather than blocked in the presence of specific anti‐EB2 serum.

The possible relationship between “spontaneous” cytolysis of EB2 cells and sensitization to EB virus is discussed.
THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF LIPID PARTICLES IN EMULSIONS PREPARED WITH VARIOUS EMULSIFIERS
Authors: Jeppsson Roland , Schoefl Gutta I
Published: November 2007

Lipid particles of soya bean oil emulsions prepared with various emulsifying agents (egg yolk phosphatides, acetylated monoglycerides and poly‐oxypropylene‐polyoxyethylene polymers) were examined in sections of osmium‐fixed pellets. The mean particle size fell within the range of 0·3 to 0·8 μm for all but one emulsion and did not appear to be related to the emulsifying system used.

Morphologically, particles of emulsions containing phosphatides were coated by an electron dense granular surface layer which was absent with the other emulsifiers. The presence of drugs in the oil phase did not alter the appearance of the lipid particles.
FRACTIONATION OF NORMAL HUMAN BONE MARROW ON ALBUMIN GRADIENTS
Authors: Rickard KA , Dunleavy L , Brown R , Kronenberg H
Published: November 2007

Multiple samples of normal human bone marrow from different donors have been fractionated on discontinuous albumin gradients and the nutrient agar system utilised as an assay procedure for the detection of colony‐forming cells in the resulting fractions. The colony‐forming cell, an early granulocytic progenitor, is consistently present in the lighter density fractions. There appeared to be no clear separation of this cell from the T lymphocyte population. The colony‐forming cell whose proliferative status was unaltered during the fractionation process could be clearly separated from the differentiated granulocytes on these gradients. In a potential marrow transplant situation it appears that greater resolution will be necessary than is afforded by albumin gradients for the separation of haemopoietic stem cells from cells responsible for graft versus host disease.
INHIBITION OF GROWTH OF MARROW CELLS BY CHLORAMPHENICOL
Authors: Morley Alec , Furness Margaret , Higgs David
Published: November 2007

Addition of chloramphenicol inhibited the growth of human and murine marrow cells in tissue culture in soft agar. Human cells were less sensitive than murine cells. The degree of inhibition was dependent on concentration of chloramphenicol and varied between individuals. The logarithmic mean of the concentration causing 50% inhibition of growth was 14·3 μg/ml and the range of 2 S.D. on either side of the mean was 3 to 75 μg/ml. Addition of phenylalanine did not reverse the effect. The soft agar culture system may be a suitable model for studying acute suppression of haemopoiesis produced by chloramphenicol.
THE CYTOTOXIC EFFECT OF HAEMOCYTES FROM THE CRAYFISH (PARACHAERAPS BICARINATUS) ON TUMOUR CELLS OF VERTEBRATES
Authors: Tyson CJ , Jenkin CR
Published: November 2007

Haemocytes from the crayfish (Parachaeraps bicarinatus) have been found to be cytotoxic for various tumour cell lines. Recognition of the tumour cell appears to be mediated via trypsin labile receptors on the membrane of the haemocyte. From studies using different ratios of target cells to haemocytes, it would appear that the majority of haemocytes possess these cytotoxic properties.
RADIOSENSITIVITY OF SUPPRESSOR CELLS IN NEWBORN RATS
Authors: McCullagh Peter
Published: November 2007

The resistance of neonatal rats to sustaining adoptive immune responses against heterologous erythrocytes following the transfer of normal thoracic duct lymphocytes was examined. Irradiation of the neonatal rat at levels as low as 350 rad was found to be effective in overcoming this resistance, although preliminary exposure to antigen could interfere with facilitation of adoptive responses by irradiation. It is suggested that the failure of the neonate to sustain adoptive immune responses is explicable on the basis of an active suppression and, as a corollary, unresponsiveness resulting either from macrophage immaturity or the transfer of maternal antibody is discounted as a likely explanation for the immunological behaviour of the newborn rat towards the antigens examined.
ROLE OF THE THYMUS IN SUPPRESSION OF IMMUNE RESPONSES IN NEWBORN RATS
Authors: McCullagh Peter
Published: November 2007

The role of thymus‐derived cells in controlling the process of immunological maturation in the neonatal rat has been examined. Thymectomy performed on the day of birth resembled irradiation given at this time in that it permitted adoptive immune responses to sheep erythrocytes to be initiated in the neonatal host. Whereas the consequences of irradiation could be demonstrated if antigenic challenge was given on the following day, adoptive responses were not sustained unless an interval in excess of 24 h had elapsed after thymectomy, suggesting that extra‐thymic suppressor cells persist for at least this period. Suppression of adoptive responses was achieved in irradiated hosts with thymus cells obtained from rats on their day of birth but not with cells from older donors. Using the transfer of allogeneic lymphocytes as a stimulus, antibody‐forming cell precursors were shown to be plentiful in the newborn rat and it was accordingly suggested that thymic suppressor cells are responsible for the poor responsiveness of newborn rats to antigenic challenge.
FACILITATION OF THE GROWTH OF AN ALLOGENEIC TUMOUR BY SUPPRESSOR CELLS IN NEWBORN RATS
Authors: Van Der Gaag Ruth , McCullagh Peter
Published: November 2007

The intravenous injection of as few as 15 Walker tumour cells into newborn rats consistently resulted in the development of pulmonary metastases and the death of the recipient within 2 weeks. Neither the outcome of tumour cell injection nor the interval until death could be modified by transferring 2 × 107 lymphocytes from tumour‐immune adult rats to the neonatal hosts. In contrast with this failure to transfer adoptive anti‐tumour immune responses to intact recipients, the administration of 350 rad irradiation before transfer of 10° immune lymphocytes constantly afforded protection against inoculated tumour cells. The simultaneous transfer of neonatal thymus cells with immune lymphocytes interfered with the establishment of an adoptive response in the irradiated newborn. Initiation of a graft‐versus‐host response in F1 hybrid neonates by injecting parental strain lymphocytes conferred resistance to tumour growth on the recipient, the magnitude of this effect increasing with the strength of the graft‐versus‐host reaction.
COMPARISON OF COLLAGENASE ACTIVITY IN EOSINOPHIL AND NEUTROPHIL FRACTIONS FROM RAT PERITONEAL EXUDATES
Authors: Bassett EG , Baker JR , Baker PA , Myers DB
Published: November 2007

The collagenase activity has been compared in extracts of eosinophils and of neutrophils from peritoneal exudates in two groups of rats, one of which had been treated to augment the numbers of eosinophils and the other the numbers of neutrophils. The proportion of granulocytes to other cells in each preparation was increased by differential centrifugation over a continuous gradient.

Collagenase was extracted from the fractions in which granulocytes were concentrated and the activity assayed by the radioactive fibril method.

There was at least as much collagenase in the eosinophil‐enriched extracts as in the neutrophil‐enriched extracts.

It is postulated that eosinophil collagenase may have a function in the remodelling of newly‐synthesised collagen during the post‐inflammatory phase of healing, since eosinophil leucocytes appear in significant numbers within the connective tissue during this phase. This suggests a different role for eosinophil collagenase than that for neutrophil collagenase, since neutrophils are present only in the early stages of inflammation, when collagen is being degraded.
THE IDENTIFICATION AND ULTRASTRUCTURE OF MACROPHAGES FROM THE MAMMARY GLAND OF THE EWE
Authors: Lee CS , Outteridge PM
Published: November 2007

Cells in the secretion of involuting and non‐lactating mammary glands of the ewe were studied. Light microscopy studies revealed that the majority of the cells were mononucleated, but it was impossible to distinguish macrophages from sloughed epithelial cells. Electron microscopy studies showed that the majority of die cells were macrophages and that they phagocytosed polystyrene latex spheres. Very few epithelial cells were found and they were distinguished from macrophages by numerous microfilaments and blunt microvilli. Epithelial cells could he further distinguished from macrophages by the presence of tight junctions.

Tissue culture of cells in secretion of mammary glands revealed the predominant cell type to be the macrophage. After 3 days in culture these macrophages formed multinucleated giant cells which contained acid‐phosphatase granules. Fluorescein‐labelled antiserum prepared against the cell cultures, stained cells in the lumens of alveoli and duets, but not epithelial cells, in frozen sections of mammary tissue.

The study confirms previous findings that the large majority of cells from mammary glands in late involution are macrophages. It also points to the usefulness of non‐lactating mammary glands as a source of sheep and cattle macrophages.