bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRECIPITANTS OF ALCOHOLIC RELAPSE: THE FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF 100 CASES
Authors: Maxwell D.J.
Published: July 2007

Alcoholic relapse was investigated in 100 subjects, patients in a residential treatment program, by the analysis of responses to a semi‐structured interview. The use of the AMIS (Amissions Meeting Interview Schedule), constructed for the purposes of this study, is described.

A focus of the research was to identify those events or situations which precipitate resumption of drinking in abstinent alcoholics following treatment, and to ascertain the relative danger of each as a potential precipitant of relapse. Relapse precipitants were found to be more diverse and more complex in their contribution to the process of relapse than has previously been acknowledged.

The results support a ‘coping skills’ model of relapse, and argue for a radical change of current treatment practices towards a ‘relapse prevention’ approach.
OUTPATIENT DETOXIFICATION IN HEROIN USERS — A COMPARISON OF A HEMINEURIN AND A CLONIDINE REGIME
Authors: Batey R.
Published: July 2007

Heroin using clients often demand help to detoxify from their drug habit but for a variety of reasons, resist inpatient care. This paper reports methods and results employed at Westmead Drug and Alcohol Units in outpatient detoxification. It is demonstrated that heroin detoxification can be successfully achieved in an outpatient setting for carefully selected patients, with a low dropout rate and few complications with daily attendance, using either of two different drug regimes.
Alcohol Related Hospital Admissions in a Country Town
Authors: Harris M. , Sutherland D. , Cutter G. , Ballangarry L.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: In order to determine the characteristics of the hospital morbidity associated with alcohol in a country town with a large Aboriginal population, we conducted a prospective study of alcohol related hospital admissions in 1985 in Bourke, an isolated community in northwest New South Wales. The alcohol related admission rate for Bourke Aboriginal adults was much higher (160/thousand) than for non Aboriginals (20/thousand). The most important difference in the primary diagnosis between the two ethnic groups was in the much higher proportion of Aboriginals admitted with seizures. Aboriginal alcohol related admissions to Bourke District Hospital appear to have declined as a proportion of total admissions from 1971 (39.5%) to 1985 (25.4%).
Alcohol and Drug use — A World Perspective
Authors: Grant Marcus
Published: July 2007

Abstract: The current world situation with regard to alcohol and other drug abuse is summarised, and the implications of the trends in use are considered from a public health perspective.
Controlled Drinking
Authors: Lovibond S.H.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Developments since 1970 in controlled drinking are reviewed. Earlier, more liberal safe drinking limits have been reduced. In the case of persons whose drinking falls short of chronic alcoholism, brief behavioural interventions have been shown to be effective.
The Pathology of Alcohol‐Related Brain Damage: An Overview
Authors: Harper Clive
Published: July 2007

Abstract: The neurological and neuropathological effects of alcohol abuse are reviewed. They include acute intoxication, withdrawal syndromes, trauma, cerebro‐vascular events, liver disease effects, secondary malnutrition effects, chronic toxicity, miscellaneous associated disorders and the foetal alcohol syndrome.
Early intervention in the hospital setting: experience from the WHO Collaborative Study
Authors: Saunders John B.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Early intervention is a new approach to the management of problem drinking. It consists of, firstly, a screening test to detect persons drinking harmfully or hazardously before dependence has become established. This is followed by a short diagnostic interview and a brief session of therapy. It is intended to be within the scope of non‐specialist health professionals working in a variety of health care settings. The W.H.O. Collaborative Study which forms the subject of this present paper, was established to develop a suitable screening procedure and to evaluate various forms of brief therapy. A ten item “core” questionnaire has been developed by selecting the most representative questions contained within a comprehensive assessment schedule which was administered to alcohol consumers (excluding those physically dependent) recruited in six centres in both the developed and developing worlds. The questions selected relate to the quantity and frequency of drinking, alcohol dependence and alcohol‐related problems including psychological reactions to drinking. The instrument has high sensitivity and specificity and is easy to administer and to score. A second “clinical screening procedure” has been devised which includes non‐alcohol specific questions, clinical examination findings and a blood test. Three different types of brief therapy are currently being evaluated in 11 centres in a controlled clinical trial. In our own centre 1,000 subjects attending various health care facilities, whose drinking places them at risk of harm, are randomised to receive brief advice, counselling in problem solving strategies, counselling together with diary monitoring and feedback of laboratory results, or no therapy. Approximately 230 have been recruited from the outpatient clinics of the hospital. The project has generally been well received by staff and patients alike. Recruitment is now complete and at the present time the progress of subjects is being assessed by independent interviewers up to 12 months from the time of enrolment. Preliminary findings will be discussed.
Synchrotron Strain Scanning on BM16 at the ESRF
Authors: Webster P.J. , Hughes D.J. , Withers P.J. , Fitch A.N.
Published: July 2007

BM16 is a high-resolution X-ray powder diffractometer, with an energy range 5–40 keV (2.5–0.3 Å), situated on a bending magnet source at the ESRF, Grenoble. At the higher energies it is possible to penetrate through lighter element materials without excessive beam attenuation. The resolution and energy range features in combination make BM16 suitable for non-destructive high-resolution strain imaging of components made of light element materials typically a few millimetres thick and up to 200 mm wide. The instrument is used with an analyser, which essentially eliminates instrumental surface aberrations and permits through-surface measurements to be made. Aerospace materials and samples of aerospace interest have been investigated as part of the development programme. They include aluminium and titanium based alloys, peened and welded samples. The potential for synchrotron X-ray strain imaging is discussed and is illustrated with linear and area scan data obtained during the development programme.
Proposal for a Multi-detector System for Residual Stress Measurements
Authors: Lee Chang-Hee , Shim Hae-Seop , Moon Myung-Kook , Shin Eunjoo , Em V.T.
Published: July 2007

The scheme of a multi-detector system dedicated to full strain tensor measurements by neutron diffraction is suggested. The proposed system can considerably shorten measurement time in comparison with the conventional one-detector system and simplify the measurement procedure. A “ring” of detectors disposed along the circumference of a diffraction cone which can simultaneously scan different parts of the diffraction cone is suggested. The detectors constituting the “ring” measure strain in different directions, with the number of directions equal to the number of detectors. The instrument has maximum advantage for the measurement of the full strain tensor when the gauge volume is small and fine collimation (∼0.2°) is used to provide spatial resolution in the horizontal and vertical direction. The experiments carried out using the one-dimensional position sensitive detector showed the feasibility of the proposed multi-detector system.
Measurement of the Residual Stresses Near a Short 20° Repair in a 19 mm Thick Stainless Steel Pipe Girth Weld
Authors: Edwards L. , Santisteban J.R. , Stelmukh V. , Bouchard P.J. , Daymond M.R.
Published: July 2007

The three-dimensional through-thickness residual stress field in the heat affected zone of a repair that was introduced in the girth weld of a 19 mm thick stainless steel pipe has been determined by neutron diffraction experiments. Results based on a preliminary estimate of the unstressed lattice spacing show a compressive radial stress (−160 MPa) that remains almost constant through the thickness, whereas the axial stresses decrease from a tensile magnitude of 100 MPa close to the inner surface to about −80 MPa compression towards the outer surface. The largest variation is observed in the hoop stress, which changes from 100 MPa in tension in the vicinity of the inner surface to −280 MPa in compression, approaching the outer surface. Very good qualitative agreement of the through-wall stress profiles is found between neutron diffraction and deep hole drilling (DHD) measurements, but both the axial and hoop stress magnitudes differ by over 150 MPa. This discrepancy could arise from either the uncertainty in the preliminary stress-free lattice parameter of neutron diffraction measurements or from the plane stress condition, assumed in DHD measurements.
Determination of Steep Stress Gradients at Surfaces or Interfaces by Means of Neutron Diffraction
Authors: Pintschovius L. , Kämpfe A. , Eigenmann B. , Wick A.
Published: July 2007

A series of measurements has been performed on the neutron strain scanner of the Laboratoire Léon Brillouin in order to explore the limits of the spatial resolution achievable by neutron stress analysis. Two types of samples were investigated, i.e. sandwich structures consisting of thin sheets of copper and aluminum nitride (A1N) and shot peened steel sheets. With slits before and after the sample as small as 0.3 × 10 mm2 (A1N) or even 0.15 × 10 mm2 (steel) counting times were not longer than 1–2 h/peak. Checks revealed that a spatial resolution of ≈0.3 mm (A1N) resp. 0.15 mm (steel) was indeed achieved in the direction perpendicular to the surface. Using partial immersion of the gauge volume, near-surface/interface strains could be explored with even higher spatial resolution, down to ≈30 µm in the case of steel. The stress gradients determined by neutron diffraction were checked by measurements using other techniques.
Experimental Investigation of Thermal Fatigue-induced Strain in a Tool Steel Coated With Plasma-sprayed, Stabilised Zirconia
Authors: Turquier F. , Stanic V. , Ceretti M. , Fitch A. , Lodini A. , Rustichelli F.
Published: July 2007

The present paper describes a study that attempts to develop the use of thermal barrier coatings for industrial foundry applications. A wide range of tool steel specimens coated with plasma-sprayed, thermal barrier ceramics having different compositions were tested in thermal fatigue by repeated immersion in liquid aluminium. Then, residual stress measurements performed by neutron diffraction on specimens coated with the ceramic that exhibited the longest thermal fatigue life showed the evolution of the residual stress profiles in the near-interface layers of the substrate. Synchrotron radiation measurements were attempted in the coating and in the vicinity of the interface.
Residual Stress Analysis in Implant Coatings Using X-ray and Neutron Diffraction Techniques
Authors: Millet P. , Girardin E. , Braham C. , Lodini A.
Published: July 2007

During clinical use of an implant, the mechanical stresses are added to pre-existing residual stresses. The magnitude of these stresses affects the hydroxyapatite coating’s performance. We intended to study in this work, by neutron diffraction and conventional X-ray diffraction methods, the macrostresses induced by a plasma-spraying process in the coating and at the interface. Neutron diffraction is a suitable technique to study the strain distribution in a bulk material. X-ray diffraction has been used to determine residual stress in the hydroxyapatite coating. Using neutron diffraction method, we calculate the stress on the titanium alloy but see no real difference between the stress on the coated and the non-coated samples. With X-ray diffraction method, it appears that the stress level is compressive on every sample. The major interest of neutron diffraction method is that measurements can be done on a thick coating, in a non-destructive way with the disadvantage of a large gauge volume that we had to use. Polishing is necessary for measurements inside the material when using X-ray method. This destructive method may alter the stress field of the deposit.
Hydrogen bonding between alcohols and N,N-dimethylformamide: An FTIR study
Authors: Sivagurunathan P. , Ramachandran K. , Dharmalingam K.
Published: July 2007

The hydrogen-bond formation between alcohols and N,N-dimethylformamide in carbon tetrachloride is studied at 298 K using FTIR spectroscopy. The formation constant for 1:1 complexes has been calculated using the Nash method. The formation constant and free energy change increases with the increase in carbon chain length of the alcohols, which suggests that the degree of complex formation varies with the carbon chain length of alcohols in the order of 1-butanol < 1-pentanol < 1-hexanol < 1-heptanol < 1-octanol < 1-decanol. The integrated intensity and the change in bond moment on stretching are also discussed.
Iminosilanes as Precursors for Monomeric Bis(silyl)aminomethylalanes and Silyliumtrichloroaluminates – Synthesis and Crystal Structures
Authors: Niesmann Jörg , Klingebiel Uwe , Röpken Cord , Noltemeyer Mathias , Herbst-Irmer Regine
Published: July 2007

The iminosilanes (Me3C)2Si=NR [R=Si(CMe3)2C6H5,Si(CHMe2)CMe3] react with AlMe3 to give the monomeric aminodimethylalanes Me2Al—N(R)Si(CMe3)2Me 1 [R : Si(CMe3)2 C6H5] and 2 [R : Si(CHMe2)2CMe3]. The reaction of (Me3C)2Si=N—Si(CMe3)2 C6H5 and Me2AlCl affords the monomeric aminochloromethylalane ClMeAl—N(R)Si(CMe3)2Me 3 [R : Si(CMe3)2C6H5]. The aminofluorosilanes 4 and 7 react with nBuLi in thf under formation of the four-membered lithium ring derivatives (Me3C)2SiFN (Li (thf)2)R 5 [R : Si(CHMe2)2Me] and 8 [R : Si(CHMe3)2H]. (Me3C)2SiFN (AIMe2)R 6 [R : Si (CHMe2)2 Me] is obtained in reaction of the lithium derivative of 4 and Me2AlCl in n-hexane. 8 and A1C13 form the silyliumtrichloroaluminate (Me3C)2Si=NR·AlC13 9 [R : Si(CMe3)2H], a four-membered ring with a bridging chlorine atom. The crystal structures of 1, 3, 8 and 9 have been determined. 1 crystallizes in the space groups P21/n, a = 1119.3(1), b = 1560.1(2), c = 1662.2(3) pm, β = 105.75(1)°, V = 2.7936(7) nm3 , ρcalcd = 1.065Mg/m3, Z = 4 and 3392 independent reflections, Rl(I> 2σ(I)) = 0.035, wR2 (all data) = 0.089, 3 in the space group P21/n, a = 1115.6(1), b = 1543.8(2), c = 1669.5(2) pm, β = 105.90(1)°, V= 2.7653(5) nm3 , ρcalcd = 1.108 Mg/m3, Z = 4 and 4908 independent reflections, R1 (I > 2σ(I)) = 0.032, wR2 (all data) = 0.088, 8 in the space group P21/n, a = 931.2(1), b = 1668.1(2), c = 1950.5(3) pm, β = 97.86(1)°, V= 3.0013(7) nm3, ρcalcd= 1.040Mg/m3, Z =4 and 3914 independent reflections, Rl(I > 2σ (I)) = 0.044, wR2 (all data) = 0.122, and 9 in the space group P21/c, a = 1345.1(2), b = 1001.5(2), c = 1855.1(3) pm, β = 108.61(2)°, V= 2.3684(7) nm3, ρcalcd = 1.214 Mg/m3, Z = 4 and 3080 independent reflections, R1 (I > 2 σ (I)) = 0.052, wR2(all data) = 0.117.
Synthesis and Molecular Structure of (Mes2C6H3)B(Br)N(H)[(i-Pr2C6H3)] and an ab initio Examination of CH3BBr2 and CH3B(Br)NH2
Authors: Li Xiao-Wang , Xie Yaoming , Su Jianrui , Schaefer III Henry F. , Robinson Gregory H.
Published: July 2007

Reaction of (2,6-dimesitylphenyl)boron dibromide, (Mes2C6H3)BBr2. I, with [2,6-di-i-propylphenyl)amino]lithium, [(i-Pr2C6H3)N(H)Li, affords 2,6-dimestylphenyl[(2,6-di-i-propylphenyl)amino]boron bromide, (Mes2C6H3)B(Br)N(H)[(i-Pr2C6H3)], II. II has been characterized by elemental analyses, 1H and 13C NMR, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. ab initio examination of model molecules CH3BBr2, III, and CH3B(Br)NH2, IV, supports a measure of π-bonding in the B—Br and B—N bonds in III and IV.
Integrins and Regulation of the Microcirculation: From Arterioles to Molecular Studies using Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: MARTINEZ‐LEMUS LUIS A. , SUN ZHE , TRACHE ANDREEA , TRZCIAKOWSKI JEROME P. , MEININGER GERALD A.
Published: July 2007

Integrins are an important class of receptors for extracellular matrix proteins that can mediate both force transmission, by virtue of their connections with the cell matrix and cytoskeleton; and signal transduction, resulting from the assemblages of signaling proteins that associate with focal contacts. Consequently, integrins have been proposed to be the mechanosensor in vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells and to play a central role in mechanotransduction. In this regard, mechanical force is an important stimulus for many vascular functions, including contractile and relaxation processes, proliferation, migration, attachment, and cell phenotype determination. Collectively, these functions define physiological properties of the vasculature such as control of blood flow, capillary pressure, permeability, and peripheral vascular resistance, and play a role in pathophysiological processes like hypertension, diabetes, and arteriosclerosis. Our knowledge concerning how integrins sense and transduce physical forces into cellular signals and which integrins are involved is incomplete. Compared to other cell surface receptors, integrins have a relatively low affinity for their binding sites on the extracellular matrix and their affinity can be regulated. These characteristics of integrin–ligand interaction may facilitate dynamic processes such as cell migration, cell remodeling, and contractile activation in response to external forces. Important questions remain concerning the nature and origin of integrin‐mediated signaling in the vascular wall.
Neurovascular Alignment in Adult Mouse Skeletal Muscles
Authors: BEARDEN SHAWN E. , SEGAL STEVEN S.
Published: July 2007

Objective: Muscle blood flow increases with motor unit recruitment. The physical relationships between somatic motor nerves, which control muscle fiber contraction, and arterioles, which control microvascular perfusion, are unexplored. The authors tested the hypothesis that motor axons align with arterioles in adult skeletal muscle.

Methods: Transgenic mice (C57BL/6 background, n = 5; 10 months of age) expressing yellow fluorescent protein in all motor nerves underwent vascular casting (Microfil). Excised epitrochlearis, gracilis, gluteus maximus, and spinotrapezius muscles were imaged at 380× and 760× and a computer‐integrated tracing system (Neurolucida) was used to acquire 3‐dimensional digital renderings of entire arteriolar and neural networks within each muscle.

Results: Arteriolar networks were typically ∼3‐fold longer than neural networks. Nerves coursed with arterioles until terminating at motor endplates. Across muscles, proximity analyses revealed that ∼ 75% of total nerve length (9.8–48.8 mm) lay within 200 μm of the nearest arteriole (diameters of 15–60 μ m).

Conclusions: Somatic motor nerves and arterioles align closely within adult mammalian skeletal muscle. Understanding the signals governing neurovascular alignment may hold important clues for the advancement of tissue engineering and regeneration.
VEGF and Angiopoietin‐1 Stimulate Different Angiogenic Phenotypes That Combine to Enhance Functional Neovascularization in Adult Tissue
Authors: BENEST ANDREW V. , SALMON ANDREW H. , WANG WENYING , GLOVER COLIN P. , UNEY JAMES , HARPER STEVEN J. , BATES DAVID O.
Published: July 2007

Objective: Therapeutic angiogenesis requires an understanding of how growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin‐1 (Ang‐1) result in physiological neovascularization. This study determined the physiological mechanism by which adenoviral delivery of growth factor combinations alter vascular phenotype and functionality.

Methods: Adenovirus‐mediated gene transfer into the adjacent fat pad of the rat mesentery was used to characterize induction of angiogenesis by VEGF and Ang‐1, in a model that permitted a detailed examination of the neovessel phenotype.

Results: Ang‐1 combined with VEGF resulted in a distinct vascular phenotype from either factor alone. Microvascular perfusion was significantly enhanced in all groups, but VEGF produced short, narrow, highly branched and sprouting vessels, with normal pericyte coverage. Ang‐1 induced broader, longer neovessels, with no increase in branching or sprouting, yet a significantly higher pericyte ensheathment. Combination of Ang‐1 and VEGF generated a significantly higher degree of functionally perfused, larger, less branched, and more mature microvessels, resulting from increased efficiency of sprout to vessel formation. Ang‐1 and VEGF also caused differential effects on larger compared with smaller blood vessels, a finding reproduced in vitro.

Conclusions: Ang‐1 and VEGF use different physiological mechanisms to enhance neovascularization of relatively avascular tissue. Administration of both growth factors combines these physiological mechanisms to give greater enhancement of neovascularization than either growth factor alone. These results suggest that effective revascularization therapy may require combination growth factor treatment.
The p110δ Isoform of PI3K Differentially Regulates β1 and β2 Integrin‐Mediated Monocyte Adhesion and Spreading and Modulates Diapedesis
Authors: FERREIRA ALEXANDER M. , ISAACS HAROLD , HAYFLICK JOEL S. , ROGERS KEM A. , SANDIG MARTIN
Published: July 2007

Objective: Leukocyte diapedesis is misregulated in inflammatory disease and depends on the binding of monocytic LFA‐1 and VLA‐4 to endothelial ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1, respectively. The authors hypothesized that these different molecular interactions elicit specific signaling cascades within monocytes regulating specific steps in adhesion, motility, and diapedesis.

Methods: The authors employed the PI3K p110δ catalytic subunit specific inhibitor IC87114 (2 μ M) and the broad‐spectrum PI3K inhibitory agents LY294002 (50 μ M) and wortmannin (100 nM), to examine the role of PI3Kδ in monocyte diapedesis through endothelial monolayers and its role in monocyte adhesion and spreading upon carpets of ICAM‐1 or VCAM‐1. They further explored the effects of PI3Kδ inhibition on the activation state of β 1 and β 2 integrins with immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry.

Results: In human peripheral blood monocytes IC87114 was as effective as wortmannin and LY294002 at inhibiting diapedesis, however, in THP‐1 cells LY294002 and wortmannin caused a 5‐fold reduction in diapedesis, while IC87114 only decreased diapedesis 2‐fold. PI3Kδ activity was specifically required for THP‐1 cell adhesion and spreading on VCAM‐1, but not on ICAM‐1 protein substrates. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that PI3Kδ inhibition decreased the amount of conformationally active β 1‐integrins, while having no effect on the prevalence of conformationally active β 2‐integrins expressed on the cell surface. In addition, PI3Kδ inhibition resulted in a 4‐fold decrease in the activation state of Rac‐1 and Cdc42.

Conclusions: These results demonstrate the specific necessity of PI3Kδ in regulating monocytic integrin activation and the general role of PI3K signaling during diapedesis, implicating PI3K as a target for therapeutic intervention.
Putney Auditory Single Word Yes/No Assessment (PASWORD). Development of a reliable test of yes/no at a single word level in patients unable to participate in assessments requiring a specific motor response: an exploratory study
Authors: MacKenzie Sophie , Gale Emma , Munday Ros
Published: July 2007

Background: There are very few formal language assessments aimed at the very severely neurologically impaired individual. These individuals often have multiple deficits on top of their communication impairment that demand a novel approach to assessment. The authors set out to devise a tool (PASWORD) to enable professionals in this field to screen their clients' ability to understand and respond to very simple, closed questions by using their preferred modality.

Aims: PASWORD assessment was examined for its reliability as a tool for determining whether profoundly neurologically impaired individuals could indicate yes or no reliably to simple closed questions.

Methods & Procedures: The assessment comprises 20 high‐frequency objects that can be presented visually, auditorily or in the tactile modality, depending on the subject's abilities. Subjects are then asked a one‐word level closed question related to the object and were asked to give a yes or no response. Seventy control subjects with no neurological impairment first underwent the PASWORD test to assess for ambiguities in the test items (group 1, n = 74). Neurologically impaired subjects at the Royal Hospital for Neuro‐disability in the two experimental groups were allocated according to the opinion of the experienced multidisciplinary team, which observed the subjects closely over a period of time, in different contexts. Those that the team agreed were reliably able to answer simple yes/no questions on observation (group 2, n = 9) and those the team agreed could not indicate yes/no reliably to closed questions (group 3, n = 7). The results of the PASWORD were then compared with the original opinion of the team. Groups 2 and 3 were studied on two occasions to examine test–retest reliability.

Outcomes & Results: There were no real ambiguities in the test items and the results of the PASWORD reflected the opinion of the experienced multidisciplinary team. As there are no other tests of single‐word closed questions, which can be presented in any of three modalities and during which the subject can respond in any augmentative or alternative fashion, the opinion of the team at the Royal Hospital, a centre of excellence for neurorehabilitation, was used against which to measure reliability.

Conclusions: The findings imply that PASWORD is a useful screening tool when assessing the basic language skills of neurologically impaired individuals, whose extensive physical, linguistic and cognitive deficits often render the administration of more traditional language assessments impossible.
In the zone: New Zealand's legislation for a system of school choice and its effects
Authors: Pearce Diane , Gordon Liz
Published: July 2007

This paper examines the legislative framework developed in New Zealand over the last 15 years to facilitate greater parental choice in education. The discussion is set within the context of changes to admission practices in a number of education systems to advance the privatisation
agenda, and outlines the resurgence of interest in the development of voucher-based models of school choice. The New Zealand case study describes the series of regulatory changes that governed admissions and selection from 1989 onwards, with particular focus on selection in situations of school
over-subscription.
Purification, characterization and tissue distribution of human class theta glutathione s‐transferase T1‐1
Authors: Juronen Erkki , Tasa Gunnar , Uusküla Mart , Pooga Margus , Mikelsaar Aavo‐Valdur
Published: July 2007

A high activity glutathione S‐transferase T1‐1 (GSTT1‐1) towards dichloromethane was isolated from human liver cytosol and purified to homogenity in 18.5% yield with a purification factor of 4400‐fold. The GSTT1‐1 was also isolated from erythrocytes, but the enzyme activity decreased rapidly in the final stages of purification. The purified GSTT1‐1‐s were homo‐dimeric enzymes with a subunit Mt value 25,300 and pI 6.64, as confirmed by SDS‐PAGE, IEF and Western blot analysis. The N‐terminal amino acid sequences of GSTT1‐1 from liver and red blood cells, analyzed up to the 12th amino acid, were identical. Immunoblot analysis revealed that GSTT1‐1 was also present in lung, kidney, brain, skeletal muscle, heart, small intestine and spleen, but not in lymphocytes.
ATP‐diphosphophydrolase activity in rat heart tissue
Authors: Espinosa Victoria , Galleguillos Marco , Mancilla Marta , Garrido Jorge , Kettlun Ana M. , Collados Lucía , Chayet Liliana , García Lorena , Traverso‐Cori Aída , Valenzuela M. Antonieta
Published: July 2007

Extracellular nucleotides interact with specific receptors on the cell surface and are locally metabolized by ecto‐nucleotidases. Biochemical characterization of the ATPase and ADPase activities detected in rat heart sarcolemma, under conditions where mitochondrial ATPase and adenylate kinase were blocked, supports our proposal that both activities correspond to a single enzyme, known as ATP‐diphosphohydrolase or apyrase. The physiological function of this enzyme could be dephosphorylation of the nucleotides present in the interstitial heart compartment acting together with 5′‐nucleotidase. Both hydrolytic activities have similarities in: sarcolemma localization, bivalent metal ion dependence, optimum pH, effect of several amino acid residue modifiers, competitive inhibition of nucleotide analogs, and broad nucleoside di‐and triphosphate specificity. The ATPase activity could not be separated from the ADPase either through isoelectrofocusing or electrophoresis under acid conditions.
A point mutation in the cytb gene of cardiac mtDNA associated with Complex III deficiency in ischemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Marin‐Garcia Jose , Hu Yaping , Ananthakrishnan Radha , Pierpont Mary Ella , Pierpont Gordon L. , Goldenthal Michael J.
Published: July 2007

We report a high incidence of reduced respiratory Complex III activity in heart muscle concomitant with the presence of a specific mutation in cytochrome b (cytb) in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. This C → A mutation at nt 15452 converts the 236th residue of cytb from a leucine to isoleucine, is heteroplasmic and was observed in only 2 of 43 controls. Complex III activity is reduced (>50%) in 5 of 6 patients with the C→A15452 mutation suggesting that the cytb mutation is responsible for decreased Complex III activity and may play a role in the pathophysiology of ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Inhibition studies of the carnitine acetyltransferase from skeletal muscle of the camel (Camelus dromedarius) by sulfhydryl reagents and metal ions
Authors: Alhomida AS
Published: July 2007

The effect of certain sulfhydryl reagents and metal ions were studied on the carnitine acetyltransferase (CAT) activity from the skeletal muscle of the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius). DTNB and iodoacetamide caused concentration and time dependent inhibition of CAT activity. The inhibition seen with these sulfhydryl reagents could be protected with prior incubation of the enzyme with acetyl‐Co A, suggesting that these reagents might interact with the same site. Among the various metal ions tested, Cu2+, Zn2+ and Hg2+ caused total inhibition at very low concentrations, while, Mn2+, Mo6+ and Co2+ caused between 32‐52% inhibition at 10 mM concentrations. Alkali earth divalent metals Mg2+ and Ca2+ caused less than 15% inhibition at this concentration. These metal ions are probably interacting at certain nucleophilic groups in the enzyme thus disrupting its tertiary structure.
Osteoblast cells (MG‐63 and HOS) have aromatase and 5α‐reductase activities
Authors: Shimodaira Kazuhisa , Fujikawa Hiroshi , Okura Fumiya , Shimizu Yukiko , Saito Hiroshi , Yanaihara Takumi
Published: July 2007

Both aromatase and 5α‐reductase activities were found by whole‐cell assay in osteoblast‐like cells, MG‐63 and HOS. Aromatase activity was measured by the [3H] water release method, and the formation of 5α‐androstanedione from androstenedione was expressed as 5α‐reductase activity. When CGS16949A, an inhibitor of aromatase, was added to the incubation medium at a concentration of 2 × 10‐9 M, sufficient to completely inhibit placental aromatase activity, only 63% to 68% inhibitions were observed. When progesterone, a competitive inhibitor of 5α‐reductase, was added at a concentration of 10‐5 M, 28% to 40% inhibitions were recorded. Because the release of [3H] from [1β‐3H] androstenedione into water by 5α‐reductase is reported, results from the present study suggest that the measurement of aromatase activity in osteoblasts by the [3H] water release method may overestimate aromatase activity owing to the inclusion of 5α‐reductase activity. The results also suggest that osteoblast cells may play an important role in bone metabolism by transforming androgens into estrogens and more biologically active androgen derivatives.
Identification of 137Cs‐ and 241Am‐binding sites in the oyster crassostrea gigas
Authors: Milcent M. C. , Goudard F. , Durand J. P. , Germain P. , Pieri J. , George S. G.
Published: July 2007

The subcellular distribution and binding of 241Am and 137Cs in the visceral mass of the oyster Crassostrea gigas were investigated following exposure to sea water contaminated with these radionuclides. 241 Am was predominantly sequestered by the lysosomal system. Approximately, 10% of 241Am was associated with soluble macromolecules. 241Am was bound to lipofuscin, ferritin and to unidentified ligands of 60 to 15 kdaltons mol. wt. No evidence was found for binding of 241Am to metallothionein synthesized de novo. In contrast, only small amounts of 137Cs were present in lysosomes and 137Cs was not associated with soluble cellular proteins. These results indicate that they enter complete separate metabolic pathways.
Subcellular localization of diacylglycerol kinase activity in stimulated and unstimulated human peripheral blood lymphocytes and neutrophils
Authors: Hurttia Helena , Leino Lasse
Published: July 2007

The diacylglycerol (DAG) kinase activity was determined in crude cytosol and membrane fractions in human peripheral blood lymphocytes and neutrophils. In neutrophils the basal lipid kinase activity was indentical in the two subcellular fractions whereas in lymphocytes the basal enzyme activity was 1.6‐fold higher in the membrane fraction. In general, the DAG kinase activity in lymphocyte fractions was 10‐ to 20‐fold higher than in neutrophil fractions. When lymphocytes were stimulated with phytohaemagglutinin for 4 hours, a significant decrease in the DAG kinase activity in the membrane fraction was detected. By contrast, a 30‐min activation with N‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine markedly increased the lipid kinase activity in both subcellular fractions in neutrophils. This activity was partially inhibited by the compound R59022. These results suggest that the DAG kinase is widely distributed in human leukocytes, but the enzyme's activity and regulation may vary in different leukocyte types.
Studies on the lipid metabolism of Walker 256 tumour‐bearing rats during the development of cancer cachexia
Authors: Seelaender M. C. L. , Nascimento C.M. Oller Do , Curi R. , Williams J. F.
Published: July 2007

Aspects of the lipid metabolism of Walker 256 carcinosarcoma‐bearing cachectic rats (TB) were investigated during a 14 day interval of tumour growth. Food intake and body weight of the TB rats were reduced by 18% and 13%, respectively, on day 14, as compared with non‐tumour‐bearing animals. The tumour burden then, corresponded to 19 % of total body weight. The total fat content was not different in the liver, heart, carcass, epididymal (EAT) and retroperitoneal (RPAT) adipose tissues of the two groups. The brown adipose tissue (BAT) and skeletal muscle (gastrocnemius‐SM) of the TB rats had increased levels of fat (23 % and 200 %, respectively). Enteral absorption of 14C‐triolein was decreased in the TB rats, but the liver, heart, and SM of these animals incorporated more radiolabelled lipid than the control animals, while the adipose tissues exhibited a decreased incorporation of radioactivity in relation to controls. More lipid was incorporated into the VLDL fraction secreted by the liver of TB rats, which exhibited a different distribution of the incorporated 14C‐oleate in the various lipid subfractions. Ultrastructural studies showed that the hepatocytes of the TB rats had a greater incidence of lipid droplets in the cytoplasm.
Antigenic similarities among biotin‐binding proteins
Authors: Subramanian N. , Subramanian Sarada , Adiga P. Radhakantha
Published: July 2007

Using polyclonal antisera to avidin, streptavidin, and biotin binding protein‐II (BBP‐II), the extents of immunological cross‐reactivities shared by this family of biotin‐binders were investigated. In Western blot analysis, varying degrees of cross‐reactivities among these proteins depending on the antisera used was observed. Using liquid phase radioimmunoassay, evidence for the existence of common antigenic determinants shared by all the biotin‐binders was deduced. Antibodies directed against such epitopes inhibited the binding of [3H]biotin to as well as displace the bound ligand from all the three high affinity biotin‐binders in a dose dependent manner.
Effects of Ara‐C on neutral sphingomyelinase and mitogen‐and stress‐activated protein kinases in T‐lymphocyte cell lines
Authors: Bradshaw Cynthia D. , Ella Krishna M. , Thomas Aydrian L. , Qi Chen , Meier Kathryn E.
Published: July 2007

Neutral sphingomyelinase (SMase)1 can be activated by extracellular signals to produce ceramide, which may affect mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) activities. Neutral SMase activity was assessed in membranes from Jurkat, a human T‐cell line, and EL4, a murine T‐cell line. Ara‐C activated SMase within 10 minutes in both Jurkat and EL4 cells, while phorbol ester (PMA) had no effect. PMA, but not Ara‐C or ceramides, activated ERK MAPKs in Jurkat and EL4. PMA acted synergistically with ionomycin to activate JNK MAPKs in Jurkat and EL4 within 10 minutes. Ara‐C activated JNKs only after prolonged incubation (90‐120 minutes). Thus, ceramide is not a positive signal for ERK activation in T‐cell lines. The effects of Ara‐C on JNK activity may be mediated through secondary response pathways.
Gender specific alterations in antioxidant status of aging Zaprionus paravittiger fed on propyl gallate
Authors: Bains J. S. , Kakkar R. , Sharma S. P.
Published: July 2007

Zaprionus paravittiger fed on propyl gallate (PG) supplemented diet (2.5, 25 and 250 µg/ml) showed an increase in life span. Further increase in concentration (2500, 5000 and 7500 µg/ml) accelerated the mortality rate. Females exhibited longer life span as compared to males. Antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase and glutathione reductase) were measured in control and optimum concentration of PG (25 µg/ml) fed flies at various age intervals. Antioxidant enzyme activities showed an increase during reproductive phase. Catalase and glutathione reductase activities decreased with age however no significant change was observed in peroxidase activity. The females exhibited higher enzyme activities as compared to males in control and PG fed group at most of the age intervals. PG feeding caused a significant increase in catalase and glutathione reductase activities in both the sexes. These findings suggest the PG has dose dependent and sex specific influence on longevity of Z. paravittiger and support the view that longevity and activity of antioxidant enzymes are positively linked.
Expression of S‐adenosylmethionine synthetase isozyme genes in regenerating rat liver after partial hepatectomy
Authors: Horikawa Saburo , Ozasa Hisashi , Ito Koji , Katsuyama Iwao , Tsukada Kinji , Sugiyama Toshihiro
Published: July 2007

Mammalian S‐adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) synthetase exists as two isozymes, liver‐type and non‐hepatic‐type enzymes. To investigate the possible role of AdoMet synthetase in proliferating cells, we have examined the expression of these two isozyme genes in regenerating rat liver after partial hepatectomy using Northern blot analysis. In normal adult rat liver the non‐hepatic‐type isozyme mRNA was not detectable, however, when partial hepatectomy was performed, there was an obvious appearance of the non‐hepatic‐type enzyme mRNA after operation. The levels of non‐hepatic‐type isozyme mRNA was peaked at 4 h and maintained the level at least till 8 h after operation, then decreased. In addition, the liver‐type AdoMet synthetase gene expression was also induced by partial hepatectomy with similar time course. These results indicate that these two AdoMet synthetase isozymes may play an important role during the prereplicative phase which precedes DNA synthesis.
Induction of apoptosis in primary culture of rat hepatocytes by protease inhibitors
Authors: Maeda Sumio , Lin Kong Hua , Inagaki Hidetoshi , Saito Takao
Published: July 2007

There is growing evidence that suggests the involvement of intracellular proteases in the process of apoptosis or programmed cell death. In this study, we have demonstrated that leupeptin, a cysteine protease inhibitor, can significantly increase the incidence of both apoptotic nuclear morphology change and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation in primary cultured hepatocytes in the absence of known apoptotic stimuli for hepatocytes. On the other hand, aspartic and serine protease inhibitors showed little or no effects on the apoptotic changes. In addition, we found that the apoptotic changes could be induced by chloroquine, an inhibitor of lysosomal proteolysis, but could not be induced by calpain inhibitors. These data suggest that inhibition of lysosomal cysteine proteases may induce apoptosis in primary cultured hepatocytes.
Phosphorylation of native and truncated isoforms of protein τ by the double‐stranded DNA‐dependent protein kinase (DNA‐PK) shows that the primary phosphorylation sites are localized between amino acid residues 212‐231 of the longest τ
Authors: Wu Joseph M. , Chen Yuping , Hsieh Tze‐chen , Brandt Roland , Lee Gloria
Published: July 2007

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is pathologically characterized by the appearance of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), senile plaques, and loss of subpopulation of neuronal cells. The NFT is composed of paired helical filaments (PHT) with extensively modified protein τ as its primary constituent.

Previously we had reported on the hyperphosphorylation of τ by a double‐stranded‐DNA‐stimulated protein kinase (DNA‐PK). In this communication, we have compared the DNA‐PK mediated phosphorylation of native and truncated τs with that catalyzed by the cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA). In addition, we have attempted to map the primary site(s) of phosphorylation of τ by DNA‐PK. Our results suggest that DNA‐PK phosphorylates τ at sites substantially different from those targeted by PKA. Furthermore, we show that the primary phosphorylation sites lie between amino acid residues 212‐231 (using numbering system for the longest τ, which is the isoform with four “repeats” and a 58 amino acid “insert” at the carboxyl‐ and amino‐termini, respectively, of the protein molecule).
Chemical conjugation of Gly‐Pro‐Arg‐Pro tetrapeptide to low molecular weight urokinase
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Chun , Hua Zi‐Chun , Zhu De‐Xu
Published: July 2007

Two low molecular weight urokinase derivatives were obtained by covalent coupling of a synthetic Gly‐Pro‐Arg‐Pro tetrapeptide to peptide A of low molecular weight urokinase and exchanging the native peptide A of low molecular weight urokinase with Gly‐Pro‐Arg‐Pro‐peptide A to obtain derivative I or direct conjugation of Gly‐Pro‐Arg‐Pro tetrapeptide to low molecular weight urokinase to obtain derivative II. In caseinolytic assay, fibrin can stimulate the two derivatives to activate plasminogen. But the two derivatives showed different kinetic behaviors. The derivative I displayed immediate onset of lysis and derivative II displayed a lag phase.
Identification of an AP‐2 element in the ‐323 to ‐285 region of the TNF‐α gene
Authors: Kroeger Karen M. , Abraham Lawrence J.
Published: July 2007

We have identified a region of the human TNF‐α promoter between nucleotides ‐323 and ‐285, capable of influencing transcriptional activity. This region encompasses the ‐308 polymorphism and contains a 10 bp sequence homologous to the consensus binding site of activator protein‐2 (AP‐2). Protein complexes derived from U937 and Jurkat cells were found to bind to this element. Competitive EMSA using a consensus AP‐2 oligonucleotide indicated that AP‐2 may be involved. Functional assays demonstrate that this region can repress activity of a heterologous promoter in the Jurkat T‐cell line, but act as an inducible enhancer of transcription in U937 cells.
Expression of cecropin CMIV fusion protein in E. coli under T7 promoter
Authors: Xie Wei , Qiu Qifeng , Wu Haihong , Xu Xianxiu
Published: July 2007

A synthetic gene coding for cecropin CMIV from Bombyx mori was cloned into plasmid pEZZ318 and fused to a DNA segment encoding the signal peptide of Staphylococcal protein A and IgG binding domain. The fusion gene was then subcloned into expression vector pET11c under the control of T7 promoter and expressed in E.coli. The fusion protein did not exhibit any antibacterial activity either in cell lysate or in medium. After cleavage from the fusion protein with CNBr the biological activity of recombinant cecropin CMIV was obtained.
Enhancement by F‐actin of MgATP‐dependent dopamine uptake into isolated chromaffin granules
Authors: Morita Kyoji , Tomares Stuart M. , Pollard Harvey B.
Published: July 2007

Interaction of chromaffin granules with the microfilament network in the cytoplasmic space of adrenal medullary cells has been proposed, but the influence of chromaffin granule‐microfilament interaction on granule function has not yet been studied. In the present study, the effect of F‐actin on dopamine uptake into isolated chromaffin granules was examined. The MgATP‐dependent component of dopamine uptake was significantly enhanced by F‐actin. In contrast, catecholamine efflux from the granules was not significantly altered by F‐actin under the conditions in which the enhancement of MgATP‐dependent dopamine uptake was observed. These findings suggest that the interaction of chromaffin granules with the microfilament network results in the enhancement of MgATP‐dependent dopamine uptake into the granules, thus modulating the accumulation and storage of catecholamines in the adrenal medullary cell.
C‐terminal peptide of streptokinase, Met369‐Pro373, is important in plasminogen activation
Authors: Kim Il Chul , Kim Jang Seong , Lee Si Hyoung , Byun Si Myung
Published: July 2007

Streptokinase(SK), a plasminogen activator, is known to have multi‐domain structure. The function of the C‐terminal region of streptokinase was investigated with SK mutants constructed by truncating 26, 33, 37, 40, 41, 46, 47, 70 or 97 amino acid residues from the C‐terminus. The truncated SKs were expressed in E.coli and purified. The 41 residue deletion (SKP373) from the C‐terminus had not effect on the plasminogen activation activity. However, the deletion of 46 amino acid residues (SKP368) resulted in the dramatic reduction of the plasminogen activation efficiency. The result suggests that the C‐terminal peptide from Met369 to Pro373 of SK may play an important role on the plasminogen activation.
Identification of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in synovial membranes of loosened total joint replacement
Authors: Suzuki Kouji , Onodera Shin , Matsuno Takeo , Kaneda Kiyoshi , Nishihira Jun
Published: July 2007

Endosteal bone resorption often occurs around loosened total joint replacements. In the process of the loosening, macrophages play an important role by releasing cytokines such as interleukin‐1, tumor necrosis factor‐α and prostaglandin E2. In this study, we investigated the involvement of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the pathological state of the loosening of a total hip replacement. Interface membranes were harvested from bone‐cement or bone‐implant interfaces of two patients during revision hip surgeries. The tissues were immunohistochemically examined with a polyclonal antibody against human recombinant MIF. This study detected MIF in the cytoplasm of the macrophages in all the tissues tested, though it was not detected in that of interstitial cells. The expression of MIF mRNA in the membrane was also examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, which demonstrated that expression of the MIF mRNA in the interface membranes was higher than that of the normal synovium. Considering these results, it is suggested that MIF is one of important cytokines mediating the inflammatory process during loosening of total joint replacements.