bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of lung carcinogenesis by 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 9‐cis retinoic acid in the A/J mouse model: Evidence of retinoid mitigation of vitamin D toxicity
Authors: Mernitz Heather , Smith Donald E. , Wood Richard J. , Russell Robert M. , Wang Xiang‐Dong
Published: January 2007

9‐cis‐Retinoic acid (9cRA) and 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D) show promise as potential chemopreventive agents. We examined 9cRA and 1,25D, alone and in combination, for their potential to inhibit carcinogen (NNK)‐induced lung carcinogenesis in A/J mice. A/J mice (n = 14/group) were treated with 9cRA (7.5, 15, or 30 mg/kg diet), 1,25D (2.5 or 5.0 μg/kg diet), or a combination of 9cRA (15 mg/kg diet) plus 1,25D (2.5 μg/kg diet) for 3 weeks before and 17 weeks after carcinogen injection. Lung tumor incidence, tumor multiplicity, plasma 1,25D levels and kidney expression of vitamin D 24‐hydroxylase (CYP24) were determined. Compared to carcinogen‐injected controls, mice receiving 9cRA supplementation had significantly lower tumor multiplicity at all doses (decreased 68–85%), with body weight loss at the higher doses of 9cRA. Mice receiving 1,25D supplementation had significantly lower tumor incidence (decreased 36 and 82%) and tumor multiplicity (decreased 85 and 98%), but experienced significant body weight loss, kidney calcium deposition, elevated kidney CYP24 expression and decreased fasting plasma 1,25D levels. Although, there was no apparent influence on chemopreventive efficacy, addition of 9cRA to 1,25D treatment effectively prevented the weight loss and kidney calcification associated with 1,25D treatment alone. These data demonstrate that 9cRA and 1,25D, alone or combined, can inhibit lung tumor promotion in the A/J mouse model. Combining 1,25D with 9cRA has the potential to mitigate the toxicity of 1,25D, while preserving the significant effect of 1,25D treatment against lung carcinogenesis. The underlying mechanism behind this effect does not appear to be related to retinoid modulation of vitamin D catabolism. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HPV integration begins in the tonsillar crypt and leads to the alteration of p16, EGFR and c‐myc during tumor formation
Authors: Kim Se‐Heon , Koo Bon‐Seok , Kang Suki , Park Kyeongmee , Kim Haeryoung , Lee Kyung Ryul , Lee Moo Joo , Kim Jong Man , Choi Eun Chang , Cho Nam Hoon
Published: January 2007

The prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is high in the oropharyngeal mucosal regions, of which the tonsil is the most commonly affected. There may be a link between HPV and the pathogenesis of tonsillar cancer (TC), because of common anatomical characteristics between cervical and tonsillar cancer. We aimed to clarify whether HPV directly affects the oncogenesis and biologic behavior of TC by making a comparison between infection prevalence, physical status and viral loading numbers, and clinicopathologic prognostic factors. To compare HPV‐related molecules between TC and tonsillitis (CFT), p16, survivin, HIF‐1α, skp‐1, cyclin A, cyclin B1, c‐myc and EGFR were investigated. We observed a significant difference in HPV prevalence between 52 TCs and 69 CFTs (73.1% vs. 11.6%), and most of the HPVs were type 16 (87.2%) and nonepisomal (94.1%). Most TCs associated with HPV arose from the tonsillar crypts, and tended to be inverted and poorly differentiated. Compared with HPV‐negative TC, HPV‐positive TC showed a strong association with p16 overexpression (p < 0.0001), and an inverse association with EGFR amplification (p = 0.0478). HPV‐16 integration status was strongly associated with c‐myc amplification (p = 0.034) and HIF‐1α overexpression (p = 0.022). HPV‐16 integration could be directly related to tonsillar carcinogenesis initially in tonsillar crypts, followed by cell cycle aberration such as p16 overexpression related to the G1‐S phase. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of CCR9 in HTLV‐1+ T cells and ATL cells expressing Tax
Authors: Nagakubo Daisuke , Jin Zhe , Hieshima Kunio , Nakayama Takashi , Shirakawa Aiko‐Konno , Tanaka Yuetsu , Hasegawa Hitoshi , Hayashi Tomayoshi , Tsukasaki Kunihiro , Yamada Yasuaki , Yoshie Osamu
Published: January 2007

Adult T‐cell leukemia (ATL) is a highly aggressive mature CD4+ T‐cell malignancy that is etiologically associated with human T‐lymphotropic virus Type 1 (HTLV‐1). ATL is characterized by frequent infiltration of lymph nodes, spleen, liver, skin and gut. Previously, we and others have shown that the majority of ATL cases are strongly positive for CCR4, which may explain the frequent skin invasion of ATL. Here, we examined whether ATL cells express CCR9, which is involved in T‐cell homing to the gastrointestinal tract. Human T cell lines carrying HTLV‐1 consistently expressed CCR9 together with the HTLV‐1‐encoded transcriptional activator Tax. Although ATL cells freshly isolated from peripheral blood hardly expressed CCR9, ATL cells cultured for 1 day consistently expressed CCR9 in parallel with the upregulation of Tax. Induction of Tax by Cd2+ in JPX‐9, a subline of Jurkat human T cell line carrying Tax under the control of metallothionein promoter, led to upregulation of CCR9. A luciferase reporter gene under the control of the CCR9 promoter was expressed by cotransfection of an expression vector for Tax or in Cd2+‐treated JPX‐9 cells. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that ATL cells infiltrating gastrointestinal tract were frequently positive for CCR9. Collectively, CCR9 is inducible in ATL cells expressing Tax and may play a role in the gastrointestinal involvement of ATL. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A retrospective case–control study of the use of hormone‐related supplements and association with breast cancer
Authors: Rebbeck Timothy R. , Troxel Andrea B. , Norman Sandra , Bunin Greta R. , DeMichele Angela , Baumgarten Mona , Berlin Michelle , Schinnar Rita , Strom Brian L.
Published: January 2007

Hormone‐related supplements (HRS), many of which contain phytoestrogens, are widely used to manage menopausal symptoms, yet their relationship with breast cancer risk has generally not been evaluated. We evaluated whether use of HRS was associated with breast cancer risk, using a population‐based case–control study in 3 counties of the Philadelphia metropolitan area consisting of 949 breast cancer cases and 1,524 controls. Use of HRS varied significantly by race, with African American women being more likely than European American women to use any herbal preparation (19.2% vs. 14.7%, p = 0.003) as well as specific preparations including black cohosh (5.4% vs. 2.0%, p = 0.003), ginseng (12.5% vs. 7.9%, p < 0.001) and red clover (4.7% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001). Use of black cohosh had a significant breast cancer protective effect (adjusted odds ratio 0.39, 95% CI: 0.22–0.70). This association was similar among women who reported use of either black cohosh or Remifemin (an herbal preparation derived from black cohosh; adjusted odds ratio 0.47, 95% CI: 0.27–0.82). The literature reports that black cohosh may be effective in treating menopausal symptoms, and has antiestrogenic, antiproliferative and antioxidant properties. Additional confirmatory studies are required to determine whether black cohosh could be used to prevent breast cancer. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and risk of lung cancer
Authors: Hernández‐Díaz Sonia , García Rodríguez Luis A.
Published: January 2007

Regular aspirin and non‐aspirin nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) use is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. The effect of NSAIDs on the risk of other cancers remains unclear. To evaluate whether use of aspirin or other specific NSAIDs protects against lung cancer, we conducted a case–control study nested in a cohort of subjects 40–84 years old in 1995–2004, without a diagnosis of cancer before the study start date, and with at least 2 years of enrollment with a general practitioner providing data to the The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database in the UK. Patients who had a first diagnosis of primary lung cancer during the study period were considered cases. A random sample of 10,000 controls was frequency‐matched to the cases for age, sex and calendar year. The index date for exposure definition was 1 year before the date of diagnosis for cases and 1 year before a random date within the study period for controls. Relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using conditional logistic regression stratified for matching factors. Factors such as smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular diseases and body mass index were introduced in the model. We identified 4,336 cases with primary incident lung cancer (incidence rate 7.6 per 10,000 person‐years). Compared with subjects with no prescription of non‐aspirin NSAID prior to the index date, the risk of lung cancer was 0.76 (0.61–0.94) among those who received a prescription the previous year and had a treatment duration of at least 1 year. The corresponding relative risk was 1.15 (0.99–1.34) for aspirin. In conclusion, prescription of non‐aspirin NSAIDs for at least 1 year might be associated with a slightly reduced risk of lung cancer. Aspirin was not associated with a risk reduction, perhaps due to residual confounding. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trends and Experiences in Liver Retransplantation Over 15 Years
Authors: Pfitzmann Robert , Benscheidt Birgit , Langrehr Jan Michael , Schumacher Guido , Neuhaus Ruth , Neuhaus Peter
Published: January 2007

Compared to primary liver transplantation (LT), the inferior results in the outcome of liver retransplantation (re-LT) continue to be a major challenge. The purpose of this study was to analyze changes in and outcomes of re-LT over a period of 15 years at the Charité Virchow Clinic. Between 1989 and 2003, we performed 1,619 LTs and 157 re-LTs (9.7%) in 1,462 patients. A total of 119 retransplants (50 females, 69 males) were analyzed after consideration of exclusion criteria: recipient age <16 years, second re-LT, primary LT as split-liver or living-related LT, or combination with renal transplantation or Whipple operation. All patients received a whole-size organ. Mean follow-up was 62 months (6 days to 187 months). The main indications for re-LT were initial nonfunction (26.9%), recurrence of viral-induced hepatitis (20.2%), or acute and chronic rejection or thrombosis of the hepatic artery (both 16.8%). The main causes of death were bacterial infections (26.0%) as well as bleeding complications or recurrence of disease (both 16.0%) within the first postoperative month. Overall, 50 out of 119 patients (42%) died after re-LT, 26 patients within the first 3 months and 38 within 1 year. Overall patient survival was 89.9% after 1 month, 78.2% after 1 year, and 67.1% after 5 years. In conclusion, our study showed good clinical results after re-LT. Apart from the changing indications for re-LT with an increasing amount of initial organ failure and hepatic artery thrombosis, the analysis also showed a decreasing amount of complications such as rejection, ischemic type biliary lesions, and recurrence of the disease with unchanged outcome over a period of 15 years. Liver Transpl, 2006. © 2006 AASLD.
Dilute Magnetic Materials for Spintronic Applications
Authors: Chen W. M. , Godlewski M. , Ruterana P.
Published: January 2007

This issue of physica status solidi (a) contains papers submitted to the Symposium E: 'Dilute magnetic materials for spintronic applications' which took place during the 2006 European Materials Research Society (E‐MRS) Fall meeting held in Warsaw on 4–8 September 2006. It highlights the current high scientific interest in the development of dilute magnetic semiconductors (DMS) and other materials exhibiting ferromagnetism (FM) for e.g. spin‐enabled sensors, light emitters, and transistors. The magnetic behaviour of such materials is due to the introduction of transition metal (TM) ions, such as Mn and Cr, into appropriate semiconductor or oxide crystals. Ferromagnetic ordering in Mn‐doped narrow‐bandgap semiconductors, such as GaAs and InAs, has been studied for some time. However, these DMS materials have a relatively low Curie temperature (T C < 180 K), which severely limits their usefulness.

Recently, a number of research groups have reported achieving ferromagnetism at room temperature (RT) in TM‐doped wide‐bandgap materials, such as GaN and ZnO. Consequently, these DMS materials are very attractive for integration of photonic (light‐emitting diodes), electronic (field effect transistors), and magnetic (memory) devices on a single substrate. Indeed a new class of optoelectronic devices based on these materials may offer multipurpose functionality for sensing, information storage, and ultra‐low power switching elements.

The symposium gathered some 70 contributions, which brought together physicists, chemists, materials scientists to discuss the status and future of spintronic materials in this fast evolving field. Indeed, the direct connection between fundamental developments in spintronics and applications to data storage (hard disk magnetoresistive read heads or magnetic random access memories), data processing (magnetic logic) is fuelling this research.

The topics have included design of dilute magnetic materials, spin monitoring and investigation of FM in semiconductors, oxides, and organic materials doped with transition metals. One of the conclusions of this meeting has been that the origin of RT FM observed in wide bandgap DMS may be related to local disorder, and is probably not purely carrier mediated. And non‐uniform materials such as Konbu phases were theoretically as well as experimentally shown to be the origin of highly efficient RT FM.

The issue is organized in three sections which reflect the sessions of the EMRS symposium. The first session deals with the theory of ferromagnetism in dilute magnetic materials, the second is basically concerned with ferromagnetism in various materials: oxides as well as semiconductors. The last section collects the contributions which have exploited advanced spectroscopic techniques to create, understand and manipulate spin polarization and coherence.

The Organisers
[3H]cholesterol transfer from microemulsion particles of different sizes to human fibroblasts
Authors: Ekman Stig
Published: January 2007

A new technique for preparing microemulsion particles of well‐defined sizes and compositions is presented. Utilization of these microemulsions is advocated as lipoprotein models in studies of lipid transport and metabolism, rather than the currently used phospholipid‐cholesterol vesicles. The emulsion particles consisted of egg phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol as surface lipids and cholesteryl oleate as core lipid. They were prepared by a combined injection and sonication technique and size‐separated by a two‐step procedure of gel filtration chromatography and density gradient centrifugation. By varying the ratios of core and surface material, particles covering a size range of 20–200 nm in diameter could be produced. The adequacy of these microemulsions as lipoprotein models was tested by studying the transfer of [3H]cholesterol and [14C]cholesterol oleate from the particles to cultured human fibroblasts. Up to a particle size of 100 nm, there was a slight increase of [3H]cholesterol transfer. The transfer of [14C]cholesteryl oleate was very slow, yet measurable. Studies of the exchangeability of cholesterol between the microemulsion core and surface phases indicated that all cholesterol can be transferred from microemulsions to cultured cells as a single pool.
Cupric ion‐dependent inhibition of lysosomal acid cholesteryl ester hydrolase in the presence of hydroxylamine
Authors: Tanaka Mitsuo , Iio Toshihiro , Tabata Toshikazu
Published: January 2007

In the presence of hydroxylamine or ascorbic acid, the inhibitory effects of Cu2+ on lysosomal acid cholesteryl ester hydrolase (acid CEH) partially purified from rat liver were studied.

Hydroxylamine stimulated the inhibition of acid CEH activity by Cu2+ but not that by Zn2+, Fe2+, Co2+, Mn2+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Hg2+. This Cu2+‐dependent inhibition of acid cholesterol ester hydrolase (CEH) activity was completely prevented by ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), EGTA and o‐phenanthroline, a chelator with a stability constant for Cu2+, and also by sulfhydryl agents and cytoplasmic reducing agents such as cysteine, glutathione and mercaptoethanol. In addition, the stimulative effects of hydroxylamine on Cu2+‐dependent inhibition were maintained even after preincubation of Cu2+ with hydroxylamine.

On the other hand, ascorbic acid was found to replace the stimulation by hydroxylamine of the Cu2+‐dependent inhibition of acid CEH activity but the effects of ascorbic acid progressively became smaller with prolongation of the preincubation time. Moreover, addition of chemical radical scavengers to the reaction mixture did not prevent the Cu2+‐dependent inhibition of acid CEH activity in the presence of ascorbic acid. These results suggest that Cu2+ causes inhibition of lysosomal acid CEH activity through the formation of Cu1+ in a reductive medium.
Cheek cell fatty acids as indicators of dietary lipids in humans
Authors: Sampugna Joseph , Light Luise , Enig Mary G. , Jones D. Yvonne , Judd Joseph T. , Lanza Elaine
Published: January 2007

Analysis of cheek cell lipids has been suggested as a noninvasive method for monitoring the fatty acid composition of diets in humans. In a pilot study conducted to determine the validity of the method, cheek cell samples were collected from subjects consuming a low fat (20% of calories) diet consisting of fatty acids with either a 1.0 or 0.3 P/S ratio. Neither total lipid nor polar lipid fatty acids in cheek cells consistently reflected the P/S ratio of the diets. However, there were trends, particularly in the nonpolar lipids, suggesting that cheek cell fatty acid ratios might be useful for monitoring the fatty acid composition of the diets. The diet with the higher P/S ratio (1.0 vs 0.3) consistently resulted in cheek cell lipids with lower ratios of 18∶1/saturated fatty acids and greater 18∶2/20∶4, 18∶2/18∶1 and 18∶2/18∶0 fatty acid ratios.
Unsaponifiable matter of green and blue‐green algal lipids as a factor of biochemical differentiation of their biomasses: II. Terpenic alcohol and sterol fractions
Authors: Paoletti C. , Pushparaj B. , Florenzano G. , Capella P. , Lercker G.
Published: January 2007

The composition of the terpenic alcohol and sterol fractions of the unsaponifiables of ten algal species, fiveMyxophyceae and fiveChlorophyceae, is discussed. The major component of the terpenic fraction is phytol, a diterpenic alcohol. Minor amounts of straight chain and triterpenic alcohols are also present. Practically all the species examined contain ten components in the sterol fraction: cholesterol, brassicasterol, Δ5‐ergostenol, poriferasterol, Δ7‐ergostenol, clionasterol, chondrillasterol, Δ5‐avenasterol, Δ7‐chondrillastenol, and an unidentified component. Identification of the sterols was made by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, and a 24 S configuration was assumed. The prokaryotic blue‐green algae are characterized by a higher content in cholesterol (3.5–14%) than the eucaryotic green algae (0–2.5). Also, brassicasterol, poriferasterol, clionasterol, and Δ5‐avenasterol are more abundant in blue‐green algae. Δ7‐Ergostenol, chondrillasterol, and Δ7‐chondrillastenol predominate, on the contrary, in green algae.
Effects of dietary saturated andTrans fatty acids on tissue lipid composition and serum LCAT activity in the rat
Authors: Takatori T. , Phillips F. C. , Shimasaki H. , Privett O. S.
Published: January 2007

Groups of rats were fed from weaning with diets containing 5% by wt of hydrogenated coconut oil (HCO), safflower oil, or a concentrate of ethyl elaidate and linolelaidate (TRANS) as the sole source of dietary fat. Fatty acid composition of the lipid classes from serum, liver, heart, and kidney was determined, and the serum lecithin: cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) activities were assayed for each animal. Serum LCAT activity was increased by both the HCO and TRANS diets in the early stages of the development of an essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency but was suppressed in the animals of the TRANS group as they became older. The HCO and TRANS groups exhibited changes in tissue lipid fatty acid composition, as well as reduced growth, characteristic of an EFA deficiency. Conversion of oleic acid to eicosatrienoic acid was impaired in the animals fed the TRANS diet, greatly increasing the octadecenoic acid content of the tissue lipids at the expense of eicosatrienoic acid. The TRANS diet also suppressed incorporation of eicosatrienoic acid into cholesteryl esters of tissue and serum, indicating that, when fed as the sole source of unsaturated fat,trans fatty acids influenced the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol.
Myocardial lipids and nucleotides of rats fed olive oil or rapeseed oil
Authors: Beare‐Rogers J. L. , Gordon E.
Published: January 2007

After 1 week, the level of myocardial fatty acids was 4 times greater in young rats fed high erucic rapessed oil than in those fed olive oil. The proportion of erucic acid was 5.6% in the mitochondrial fraction, 15.1% in the microsomal fraction, and 34.8% in the floating fat fraction. This incorporation of erucic acid into triglycerides of the floating fat was evidence of esterification. The changes in the mitochondrial lipids did not alter the content of adenine nucleotides of the myocardium nor its apparent capacity to oxidize substrates.
Effect of L‐triiodothyronine on Δ9 desaturase activity in liver microsomes of male rats
Authors: Ves‐Losada Ana , Peluffo Raul O.
Published: January 2007

Male rats injected with a single saturating dose of L‐triiodothyronine (T3) showed, after a lag time of approximately eight hr, a sharp rise in Δ9 desaturase activity. Desaturase activity reached a plateau which was 1–1.2 times above the base line levels of rats which were not hormone‐treated. The plateau was maintained for five days in animals which were kept on daily hormone‐treatment. The increase in Δ9 desaturase activity by T3 required ongoing protein synthesis, because the increase in enzymatic activity due to hormone treatment was completely abolished in the presence of cycloheximide. These findings suggest that cycloheximide may block the induction of Δ9 desaturase by T3 and/or inhibit the synthesis of protein(s) essential to the desaturation‐response to T3. Modifications observed in liver microsomal fatty acid composition in T3 treated rats were independent of the effect on desaturation. It is suggested that other factors, such as diet, membrane lipid synthesis and degradation, as well as fatty acid turnover and oxidation, could be involved in affecting the fatty acid composition of thyroid hormone‐treated rats.
Occurrence of geometrical isomers of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in liver lipids of rats fed heated linseed oil
Authors: Grandgirard A. , Piconneaux A. , Sebedio J. L. , O'Keefe S. F. , Semon E. , Le Quére J. L.
Published: January 2007

Monotrans geometrical isomers of 20∶5 n−3 and 22∶6 n−3 were detected in liver lipid of rats fed heated linseed oil. The isomers were identified as being 20∶5 δ5c, 8c, 11c, 14c, 17t and 22∶6 δ4c, 7c, 10c, 13c, 16c, 19t. These fatty acids were isolated as methyl esters by preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on reversed phase columns followed by silver nitrate thin layer chromatography (AgNO3‐TLC). The structures were identified using partial hydrazine reduction, AgNO3‐TLC of the resulting monoenes, oxidative ozonolysis of each monoene band, and gas‐liquid chromatography (GLC) of the resulting dimethyl esters and monomethyl esters. Fourier‐transform‐infrared spectrometry confirmed thetrans geometry in isolated 20∶5 and 22∶6 isomers. The isomers of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in liver lipids probably resulted from desaturation and elongation of 18∶3 δ9c, 12c, 15t, a geometrical isomer of linolenic acid present in the heated dietary oil.
Temperature lability and cAMP‐dependent protein kinase activation of cholesteryl ester hydrolase as a function of age in developing rat testis
Authors: Wee SiowFong , Grogan W. McLean
Published: January 2007

Cholesteryl ester hydrolase (CEH) was measured at 32°C and 37°C, and with and without cofactors for stimulation of cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase, in 104,000×g supernatants from rats aged 14–365 days. Activity at the two temperatures was also partially resolved by cation exchange FPLC. Total specific activity of CEH was relatively constant, with or without addition of cofactors, from 14 to 47 days, during which time temperature labile CEH was a very small fraction of total CEH activity. At later times, 51–150 days, activity was increased as much as two‐fold, both with and without cofactors, with most of the increase occurring in the temperature labile fraction. Activation of temperature stable and temperature labile activities, where present, by protein kinase cofactors could be demonstrated in all age groups, but was highly variable as a function of age and protein concentration used in the assay. Apparent induction of temperature labile activity over the interval 47–51 days coincides with reported increases in testosterone synthesis and first appearance of spermatozoa in the testis. This and other lines of evidence suggest unique roles for these enzymes in regulation of availability of free cholesterol for testosterone and membrane synthesis, respectively.
Epidermal growth factor modulates release of arachidonic acid from embryonic cells
Authors: Chepenik Kenneth P.
Published: January 2007

The calcium ionophore A23187 stimulates release of free [3H]arachidonic acids from radiolabeled cultures of MEPM cells which are growing, but not from those which are confluent. However, when confluent MEPM cells are pretreated with EGF or PMA, release of [3H]arachidonic acids does occur in response to A23187. Since neither EGF nor PMA themselves stimulate release of [3H]arachidonic acids from these cells, but do activate protein kinase C, these data support the hypothesis that protein kinase C modulates the activities of phospholipid hydrolases in MEPM cells.
Studies on detection and synthesis of prostaglandins in tail skin of the rat
Authors: Tan W. C. , Privett O. S.
Published: January 2007

Studies are reported on the detection and in vitro biosynthesis of prostaglandins of the E type in the tail skin of male Sprague‐Dawley rats. It was found that strips of skin were preferred to other techniques of skin preparations, such as mincing or homogenization for the assay of endogenous prostaglandins. Each strip of tail skin could be used at least twice, each time in fresh buffer to obtain additional release of endogenous prostaglandins. The skin was stripped from a longitudinal incision in the tail in one piece and cut into four parallel strips lengthwise. Each strip of skin was incubated singly and the prostaglandins were extracted with ethyl acetate. The detection and analysis of prostaglandins of the E type were carried out by standard procedures on the residue of this extract dissolved in 95% ethanol. By means of this technique, endogenous prostaglandins were detected in the tail skin of rats. Little or no prostaglandins were extracted by organic solvents directly from the tissue, and the yields were low when the tissue was minced. The results indicate the possibility that endogenous prostaglandins may be synthesized during incubation in buffer or may be released from binding with other cellular components. The major prostaglandin of this tissue was PGE2; prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) was also detected. Using the same procedure, the presence of a prostaglandin synthetase system in the tail skin was demonstrated by the conversion of exogenous arachidonic acid to prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).
Lipid metabolism following triglyceride ingestion in intact and adrenalectomized rats
Authors: Fleischman Alan I. , Lenz Paul H.
Published: January 2007

Although both adrenalectomized and intact Long Evans rats absorbed the same amount of fat over a 24 hr period, the livers of the intact rats accumulated triglyceride while the livers of the adrenalectomized rats failed to do so. Of the glycerides excreted in the feces, the adrenalectomized rat excreted a significantly higher proportion of triglycerides while the intact rats excreted primarily monoglycerides. Fecal excretion of bile acids and phospholipids was significantly lower in the adrenalectomized rats compared to intact rats. Thus adrenal hormones appear to influence intestinal lipolysis. Serum and liver phospholipids appeared to be significantly lower in response to a fat load in adrenalectomized rats compared to intact rats. The phospholipid content of the small intestinal wall was five‐fold higher in the intact rats than in the adrenalectomized rats. The adrenal gland appears to control phospholipid synthesis during triglyceride assimilation.
Guideline for the diagnosis and management of glutaryl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (glutaric aciduria type I)
Authors: Kölker S. , Christensen E. , Leonard J. V. , Greenberg C. R. , Burlina A. B. , Burlina A. P. , Dixon M. , Duran M. , Goodman S. I. , Koeller D. M. , Müller E. , Naughten E. R. , Neumaier‐Probst E. , Okun J. G. , Kyllerman M. , Surtees R. A. , Wilcken B. , Hoffmann G. F. , Burgard P.
Published: January 2007

Glutaryl‐CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disease with an estimated overall prevalence of 1 in 100 000 newborns. Biochemically, the disease is characterized by accumulation of glutaric acid, 3‐hydroxyglutaric acid, glutaconic acid, and glutarylcarnitine, which can be detected by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry of organic acids or tandem mass spectrometry of acylcarnitines. Clinically, the disease course is usually determined by acute encephalopathic crises precipitated by infectious diseases, immunizations, and surgery during infancy or childhood. The characteristic neurological sequel is acute striatal injury and, subsequently, dystonia. During the last three decades attempts have been made to establish and optimize therapy for GCDH deficiency. Maintenance treatment consisting of a diet combined with oral supplementation of L‐carnitine, and an intensified emergency treatment during acute episodes of intercurrent illness have been applied to the majority of patients. This treatment strategy has significantly reduced the frequency of acute encephalopathic crises in early‐diagnosed patients. Therefore, GCDH deficiency is now considered to be a treatable condition. However, significant differences exist in the diagnostic procedure and management of affected patients so that there is a wide variation of the outcome, in particular of pre‐symptomatically diagnosed patients. At this time of rapid expansion of neonatal screening for GCDH deficiency, the major aim of this guideline is to re‐assess the common practice and to formulate recommendations for diagnosis and management of GCDH deficiency based on the best available evidence.
Self-reported physical activities in patients after the Mustard or Senning operation: Comparison with healthy control subjects
Authors: De Bleser Leentje , Budts Werner , Sluysmans Thierry , De Wolf Daniel , Massin Martial , Gewillig Marc , Suys Bert , Moons Philip
Published: January 2007

Background

Some decades ago, the Mustard or Senning operation was used to treat patients who were born with Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA). Although life expectancy is good, previous studies have demonstrated limitations in exercise capacity. To what extent these limitations affect day-to-day functioning of the patients is not yet known.

Aims

We therefore investigated self-reported physical activities in patients after the Mustard or Senning operation, compared this with those of matched, healthy counterparts, and explored potential associations with age, gender and complexity of the TGA.

Methods

Seventy patients were matched with healthy controls. Habitual physical activity was measured using the Baecke questionnaire, resulting in a work, sports, and leisure time index, which ranges from 1 to 5.

Results

The median index scores of patients were 2.63 for work, 2.50 for sports; and 2.75 for leisure time. Only for sports, a significantly lower index score was found in patients. Furthermore, we found that older patients were less frequently engaged in sport activities (Spearman's rho=–0.38; p=0.02).

Conclusion

The results showed that the level of physical activities of patients after the Mustard and Senning operation is normal, except for sport activities. This indicates that patients after a Mustard or Senning operation tend to partake in all activities that they can comfortably perform.
Impact of sleep nasendoscopy on the outcome of mandibular advancement splint therapy in subjects with sleep-related breathing disorders
Authors: Johal A , Hector M P , Battagel J M , Kotecha B T
Published: January 2007

Aim: To evaluate the impact of positive sleep nasendoscopy, with simultaneous mandibular advancement, on the outcome of mandibular advancement splint therapy in 120 subjects with sleep-related breathing disorders.

Methodology: Overnight polysomnography and sleep nasendoscopy were performed prior to splint therapy. Follow-up sleep studies, with the appliance in situ, were undertaken for those patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. Subjective outcome measures assessed daytime sleepiness and snoring.

Results: One hundred and seven (89 per cent) subjects completed the study. Follow-up sleep studies confirmed the efficacy of treatment, with patients showing a mean reduction in apnoea/hypopnoea index (from 18.9 to 4.9, p<0.001), Epworth sleepiness scale scores (from 11 to seven, p<0.001) and partner-recorded snoring scores (from 14 to eight, p<0.001).

Conclusion: Sleep nasendoscopy, with concomitant mandibular advancement to mimic the treatment effect, could be of prognostic value in determining successful mandibular advancement splint therapy.
Glial heterotopia of the middle ear
Authors: Uğuz M Z , Arslanoğlu S , Terzi S , Etit D
Published: January 2007

A choristoma is the presence of histologically normal tissue in an area where it is not normally located. The most frequently reported choristoma of the middle ear is salivary choristoma. Heterotopic brain tissue is very uncommon in the middle ear and mastoid.

We present a rare case of glial choristoma of the middle ear, together with a review of the literature.
Feelin' bad this morning: why the British blues?
Authors: ALLEN DAVE
Published: January 2007

This paper considers the Mike Figgis film Red, White & Blues as a history of blues music in Britain. The film was produced as part of a series celebrating the centenary of the blues, and not unnaturally its British focus begins with the 1950s and 1960s. The paper argues, however, that it is an incomplete history because it fails to consider how the British blues genre and scene developed subsequently. It also argues that the film focuses too much on the memories and performances of the musicians. It fails to consider the industrial context in which any ‘new’ genre can emerge, and pays almost no attention to the role of its consumers, the audiences and fans across the country that were an integral part of its development. The paper suggests that research into that aspect of the British blues scene would complement the various documentary accounts of the music and musicians.
Temporal variability of vertical nontidal circulation pattern in a partially mixed estuary: Comparison of self‐organizing map and empirical orthogonal functions
Authors: Cheng Peng , Wilson Robert E.
Published: January 2007

On the basis of a 233‐day moored acoustic Doppler current profiler data set in an estuarine strait, temporal variability of vertical estuarine circulation is examined using self‐organizing map (SOM) and empirical orthogonal functions (EOF). The SOM identifies a continuum of patterns of which eight have been selected. The best matching unit (BMU) time series shows distinct seasonal variation which separates the data set into three seasonal segments. Also, monthly variation can be discerned by BMU sequences, and the data set is further separated into seven monthly segments. The EOF analysis of the whole record identifies only four patterns which are contained in the SOM patterns. However, EOF analysis of the seven monthly segments shows distinct monthly variation of the first two EOF modes. Moreover, those EOF modes are compatible with the SOM patterns showing consistency between the two techniques. The synoptic variability is described by four selected events which correspond to particular BMU sequences and represent filling and draining processes. The pattern‐forcing relationships are explored with EOF principle components. Long‐term variations of circulation patterns are dominated by river discharge and winds. Short‐term variations explored within seasonal and monthly segments indicate that the flow patterns are results of combined effect of forcing. Officer's (1976) analytical solutions of estuarine circulation are applied, and the results support the flow patterns and pattern‐forcing relationship revealed by SOM and EOF analysis.
Distribution of electric field in the sheath of an electronegative plasma
Authors: Takizawa K. , Kono A. , Sasaki K.
Published: January 2007

The authors measured the distribution of electric field in the sheath formed between an electronegative Ar∕SF6 plasma and a biased electrode by laser-induced fluorescence-dip spectroscopy. It was found that the electric field in the sheath of an electronegative plasma had a stepwise structure, which was due to the reflection of negative ions at a localized distance from the electrode. The electric field observed in an electronegative plasma was compared with a theoretical calculation based on a fluid model.
Impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Care on the General Health Status of Healthcare Workers in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Ning-Hung , Wang Pa-Chun , Hsieh Meng-Jer , Huang Chung-Chi , Kao Kuo-Chin , Chen Ya-Hui , Tsai Ying-Huang
Published: January 2007

Background.

The impact of the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was enormous, but few studies have focused on the infectious and general health status of healthcare workers (HCWs) who treated patients with SARS.

Design.

We prospectively evaluated the general health status of HCWs during the SARS epidemic.The Medical Outcome Study Short-Form 36 Survey was given to all HCWs immediately after caring for patients with SARS and 4 weeks after self-quarantine and off-duty shifts. Tests for detection of SARS Coronavirus antibody were performed for HCWs at these 2 time points and for control subjects during the SARS epidemic.

Setting.

Tertiary care referral center in Taipei, Taiwan.

Subjects.

Ninety SARS-care task force members (SARS HCWs) and 82 control subjects.

Results.

All serum specimens tested negative for SARS antibody. Survey scores for SARS HCWs immediately after care were significantly lower than those for the control group (P < .05 by the t test) in 6 categories. Vitality, social functioning, and mental health immediately after care and vitality and mental health after self-quarantine and off-duty shifts were among the worst subscales. The social functioning, role emotional, and role physical subscales significantly improved after self-quarantine and off-duty shifts (P < .05, by paired t test). The length of contact time (mean number of contact-hours per day) with patients with SARS was associated with some subscales (role emotional, role physical, and mental health) to a mild extent. The total number of contact-hours with symptomatic patients with SARS was a borderline predictor (adjusted R2 = 0.069; P = .038) of mental health score.

Conclusions.

The impact of the SARS outbreak on SARS HCWs was significant in many dimensions of general health. The vitality and mental health status of SARS HCWs 1 month after self-quarantine and off-duty shifts remained inferior to those of the control group.
Multicenter Intervention Program to Increase Adherence to Hand Hygiene Recommendations and Glove Use and to Reduce the Incidence of Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Trick William E. , Vernon Michael O. , Welbel Sharon F. , DeMarais Patricia , Hayden Mary K. , Weinstein Robert A. ,   Chicago Antimicrobial Resistance Project
Published: January 2007

Objective.

To determine whether a multimodal intervention could improve adherence to hand hygiene and glove use recommendations and decrease the incidence of antimicrobial resistance in different types of healthcare facilities.

Design.

Prospective, observational study performed from October 1, 1999, through December 31, 2002. We monitored adherence to hand hygiene and glove use recommendations and the incidence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria among isolates from clinical cultures. We evaluated trends in and predictors for adherence and preferential use of alcohol-based hand rubs, using multivariable analyses.

Setting.

Three intervention hospitals (a 660-bed acute and long-term care hospital, a 120-bed community hospital, and a 600-bed public teaching hospital) and a control hospital (a 700-bed university teaching hospital).

Intervention.

At the intervention hospitals, we introduced or increased the availability of alcohol-based hand rub, initiated an interactive education program, and developed a poster campaign; at the control hospital, we only increased the availability of alcohol-based hand rub.

Results.

We observed 6,948 hand hygiene opportunities. The frequency of hand hygiene performance or glove use significantly increased during the study period at the intervention hospitals but not at the control hospital; the maximum quarterly frequency of hand hygiene performance or glove use at intervention hospitals (74%, 80%, and 77%) was higher than that at the control hospital (59%). By multivariable analysis, preferential use of alcohol-based hand rubs rather than soap and water for hand hygiene was more likely among workers at intervention hospitals compared with nonintervention hospitals (adjusted odds ratio, 4.6 [95% confidence interval, 3.3-6.4]) and more likely among physicians (adjusted odds ratio, 1.4 [95% confidence interval, 1.2-1.8]) than among nurses at intervention hospitals. A significantly reduced incidence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria among isolates from clinical culture was found at a single intervention hospital, which had the greatest increase in the frequency of hand hygiene performance.

Conclusions.

During a 3-year period, a multimodal intervention program increased adherence to hand hygiene recommendations, especially to the use of alcohol-based hand rubs. In one hospital, a concomitant reduction was found in the incidence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria among isolates from clinical cultures.
Loss ofVav2Proto-Oncogene Causes Tachycardia and Cardiovascular Disease in Mice
Authors: Sauzeau Vincent , Jerkic Mirjana , López-Novoa José M. , Bustelo Xosé R.
Published: January 2007

The Vav family is a group of signal transduction molecules that activate Rho/Rac GTPases during cell signaling. Experiments using knockout mice have indicated that the three Vav proteins present in mammals (Vav1, Vav2, and Vav3) are essential for proper signaling responses in hematopoietic cells. However, Vav2 and Vav3 are also highly expressed in nonhematopoietic tissues, suggesting that they may have additional functions outside blood cells. Here, we report that this is the case for Vav2, because the disruption of its locus in mice causes tachycardia, hypertension, and defects in the heart, arterial walls, and kidneys. We also provide physiological and pharmacological evidence demonstrating that the hypertensive condition of Vav2-deficient mice is due to a chronic stimulation of the renin/angiotensin II and sympathetic nervous systems. Together, these results indicate that Vav2 plays crucial roles in the maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis in mice.
The
32
P-post-labeling method in quantitative DNA adduct dosimetry of 2-acetylaminofluorene-induced mutagenicity in Chinese hamster ovary cells and
Salmonella typhimurium
TA1538
Authors: Arce Gail Theall , Dwain T. Cline , Mead Janet E.
Published: January 2007

The usefulness of the 32 P-post-labeling/t.l.c. method for quantitative DNA adduct dosimetry was evaluated. 2-Acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF)-DNA adducts from three systems were characterized qualitatively and quantitatively by the 3 H-radiolabeled technique with subsequent analysis by h.p.l.c. (pre-labeling method) and by the 32 -post-labeling method. Both methods showed N -acetoxyacetylaminofluorene (N-OAc-AAF) reaction products with calf thymus DNA were predominantly N -(deoxyguanosm-8-yl)-2-acetylaminofhiorene (dG-C8-AAF) with some N -(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-amino-fluorene (dG-C8-AF) and N -(deoxyguanosin- N  2 -yl)-2-acetyl-aminofluorene (dG-N2-AAF). In contrast, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells treated with [ 3 H]N-OAc-AAF gave 80 or 90% dG-C8-AF adducts and 20 or 10% dG-C8-AAF adducts with the post- or pre-labeling method, respectively. Likewise in CHO cells treated with 2-AAF in the presence of rat liver homogenate, ˜90% dG-C8-AF and 10% dG-C8-AAF adducts were detected using the 32 P-post-labeling method. In Salmonella typhimurium strain TA1538 treated with 2-AAF or [ 3 H]2-AAF in the presence of a rat liver homogenate, one adduct, dG-C8-AF, was identified. Similar quantitative results were also obtained with the two methods. However, the 32 P-post-labeling method was more sensitive and also eliminated the use of radiolabeled-mutagen treatments. Quantitative DNA adduct dosimetry was applied to AAF-induced mutagenesis in the S. typhimurium and CHO/HPRT mutation assays. A linear and reproducible relationship existed between dG-C8-AF levels and AAF-induced mutants in both systems.
The Eu Legislative Framework Against Money Laundering and Terrorist Finance: A Critical Analysis in the Light of Evolving Global Standards
Authors: Mitsilegas Valsamis , Gilmore Bill
Published: January 2007

This article examines the evolution of the EU anti-money laundering legislative framework (which in recent years has also included measures to counter terrorist finance), by focusing in particular on recent legislation such as the third money laundering Directive and the Regulation on controls of cash entering the EU, both adopted in 2005. The analysis highlights the relationship between these instruments and international initiatives in the field (in particular FATF standards), and addresses the challenges posed to the European Union legislative and constitutional framework when attempting to accommodate global standards.