bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Helping carers to care—The 10/66 dementia research group's randomized control trial of a caregiver intervention in Russia
Authors: Gavrilova Svetlana I. , Ferri Cleusa P. , Mikhaylova Natalya , Sokolova Olga , Banerjee Sube , Prince Martin
Published: September 2008

Objectives

Dementia is a rapidly growing public health problem in low and middle income countries. There is an urgent need, in the absence of formal services, to develop interventions designed to improve the lives of people with dementia, and their families. This study tests the effectiveness of the 10/66 caregiver intervention among people with dementia, and their carers.

Design

A single blind parallel group randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN41039907).

Setting

Moscow.

Participants

Sixty family caregivers of people aged 65 and over with dementia were randomized to receive the intervention and medical care as usual (n = 30) or medical care as usual only (n = 30). Caregiver and person with dementia outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 6 months.

Intervention

The caregiver education and training intervention was delivered over five, weekly, half‐hour sessions and was made up of three modules: (i) assessment (one session); (ii) basic education about dementia (two sessions); and (iii) training regarding specific problem behaviors (two sessions).

Measurements

Dementia was diagnosed using DSM‐IV criteria. Caregiver: Zarit Carer Burden Interview; carer psychological distress (SRQ 20); and carer Quality of Life (WHOQOL‐BREF). Person with dementia: Behavioural and Psychological symptoms (NPI‐Q); quality of life (DEMQOL).

Results

Caregivers in the intervention group reported large and statistically significant net improvements at 6‐month follow‐up in burden compared to controls. No group differences were found on caregiver psychological distress and patient and caregiver quality of life.

Conclusions

The low‐level intervention seems to be as, if not more, effective than similar interventions applied in high income countries. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A cross cultural review of the ethical issues in dementia care in Kerala, India and The Netherlands
Authors: Sowmini C. V. , De Vries Raymond
Published: September 2008

Background

The paper explores the diverse ethical issues in the care of persons with dementia, in the Netherlands and Kerala, India. These cross‐cultural data are used to suggest newer ways for addressing the ethical issues in a mutually enhancing manner.

Methods

A thorough review of the literature focusing on ethical aspects of the care for persons with dementia.

Results

The medical paradigm is dominant in the Netherlands and awareness of dementia as an organic brain disease is low in Kerala. Institutionalized care is more common in the Netherlands and home‐based care is the norm in Kerala. Institutional care is costly, whereas home‐based care is stressful for caregivers.

The advanced directive plays an influential role in the Netherlands, but this mechanism is yet to evolve in Kerala.

The legal and social setting of the Netherlands has a strong influence on physician decision‐making concerning end of life issues. In Kerala, discussion of these matters is nearly unknown.

Conclusion

Limited awareness of dementia in Kerala should be addressed in public forums, which can then be used to garner governmental support. The predominantly institutional model of care‐giving in the Netherlands and home‐based care‐giving in Kerala, each have their strengths; policy makers in both societies can usefully apply the values and merits inherent in both models.

A culturally appropriate implementation of the advanced directive will have beneficial medical, social, and economic impacts in Kerala.

The remarkable disparity between the Netherlands and Kerala in dealing with end‐of‐life issues will allow more philosophically and socially informed ways of addressing the ethical questions that arise in those situations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Triterpenoid Ester Saponins from Dipteronia dyeriana
Authors: Guo Rong , Luo Min , Long Chun‐Lin , Li Ma‐Lin , Ouyang Zhi‐Qin , Zhou Yi‐Ping , Wang Yue‐Hu , Li Xing‐Yu , Shi Ya‐Na
Published: September 2008

The phytochemical investigation of Dipteronia dyeriana (Aceraceae) resulted in the isolation and identification of five new triterpenoid ester saponins, dipterosides A–E (1–5). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and chemical evidence. The inhibitory activities of these compounds against human leukemia K562 and human hepatoma HepG2 cells were also evaluated.
Long‐term sustained benefits of clozapine treatment in refractory early onset schizophrenia: A retrospective study in Korean children and adolescents
Authors: Kim Yeni , Kim Boong‐Nyun , Cho Soo‐Churl , Kim Jae‐Won , Shin Min‐Sup
Published: September 2008

Objective: Treatment resistance in early onset schizophrenia (EOS) is one of the most challenging problems in child and adolescent psychiatry. We retrospectively examined the therapeutic dosage, clinical response, and side effect profiles of long‐term clozapine treatment in Korean children and adolescents with refractory EOS or very early onset schizophrenia (VEOS). Method: 26 refractory patients treated with clozapine for more than 1 year were analyzed. Efficacy was determined by comparing hospitalization rate and duration, before and after clozapine treatment. Tolerability was assessed through review of documented adverse events. Results: A significant reduction in hospital days per year was observed in 25 (96.2%) patients after clozapine treatment compared to before clozapine. Long‐term benefit of the treatment was supported by a further reduction of the hospitalization rate in 14 patients treated with clozapine for more than 3 years. Neutropenia developed in 26.9% patients at 1 year and there was no agranulocytosis. Overall, eight male patients (8/12, 66.7%) and one female patient (1/14, 7%) developed neutropenia and out of the nine patients, seven patients were maintained and two patients were successfully rechallenged on clozapine. Conclusion: These findings suggest that long‐term clozapine treatment may effectively reduce the amount of time Asian patients with refractory EOS or VEOS spend in the hospital. However careful monitoring of adverse events is required. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Family history and breast cancer tumour characteristics in screened women
Authors: Couto Elisabeth , Banks Emily , Reeves Gillian , Pirie Kirstin , Beral Valerie ,   Million Women Study Collaborators
Published: September 2008

Women with a family history of breast cancer have an increased risk of the disease. However, since they tend to experience greater surveillance for the disease, their breast cancers may be detected at an earlier stage, thus making it difficult to assess reliably whether tumour characteristics vary by family history. Information on 9,731 Million Women Study participants with screen‐detected breast cancer, diagnosed in 1996–2003, and 37,983 matched controls, who also attended routine screening but were not diagnosed with breast cancer, was used to estimate adjusted relative risks (RRs) of screen‐detected breast cancer in women with a family history of the disease. Women with a family history of breast cancer had an increased risk of screen‐detected breast cancer (RR 1.57; 95% CI:1.47–1.68) compared with those without such a family history. The RRs were 1.58 (1.46–1.71) and 1.55 (1.34–1.80) for invasive and in situ breast cancer; 1.63 (1.49–1.79) and 1.55 (1.32–1.83) for node‐negative and node‐positive disease; and 1.56 (1.42–1.70), 1.75 (1.39–2.21) and 1.71 (1.28–2.29) for ductal, lobular and tubular cancers. There was no significant difference in the RR of screen‐detected breast cancer associated with a family history of the disease according to invasiveness, size, nodal status, malignancy grade or morphological type of the breast cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk factors for breast cancer in a black population—The Barbados National Cancer Study
Authors: Nemesure Barbara , Wu Suh‐Yuh , Hambleton Ian R. , Leske M. Cristina , Hennis Anselm J.
Published: September 2008

The Barbados National Cancer Study (BNCS) is a nationwide case‐control study investigating environmental and genetic factors for breast cancer (BC) in a predominantly African‐origin population with similar ancestry as African‐Americans. This report evaluates associations of incident BC in the BNCS to various factors, including demographic, anthropometric, reproductive and family history variables, not investigated previously in this population. The BNCS included 241 incident BC cases and 481 age‐matched female controls, with mean ages of 57 and 56 years, respectively. In addition to a reported family history of BC in a close relative [odds ratios (OR) = 3.74, 95% CI (1.41, 9.90) in a parent; OR = 3.26 (1.47, 7.21) in a sibling], other factors associated with BC were older age at first full‐term pregnancy [OR = 1.04 (1.00, 1.07)] and having a history of benign breast disease [OR = 1.88 (1.19, 2.99)]. Increased parity reduced the risk of BC [OR = 0.34 (0.15, 0.77) among those with ≥3 children]. The reproductive patterns of African‐Barbadian (AB) women tended to differ from those of African‐American (AA) women (later age of menarche, earlier age at first pregnancy, higher frequency of lactation and infrequent use of exogenous hormones) and could help to explain their considerably lower postmenopausal incidence of BC. The relationship between reported family history and BC, combined with the associations noted for several reproductive and other variables, supports the genetic and environmental contributions to BC, which may vary in populations across the African diaspora. Further investigations of other populations may clarify these issues. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
mRNAs of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopa decarboxylase but not of GD2 synthase are specific for neuroblastoma minimal disease and predicts outcome for children with high‐risk disease when measured at diagnosis
Authors: Träger Catarina , Vernby Åsa , Kullman Anita , Øra Ingrid , Kogner Per , Kågedal Bertil
Published: September 2008

Several transcripts have been claimed to be clinically valuable for detecting minimal disease in neuroblastoma, but they have not been prospectively compared in a standardized manner. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopa decarboxylase (DDC) and GD2 synthase (GD2S) mRNAs were analyzed in 554 blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) samples from 58 children with neuroblastoma. Samples from 44 children with other diseases served as controls. High transcript concentrations of TH, GD2S or DDC in PB or BM at diagnosis were associated with poor prognosis. TH in BM above median indicated worse outcome for a homogenous cohort with high‐risk neuroblastoma (survival probability 91% for TH below median versus 33% for TH above median, p = 0.009). The number of children with localized neuroblastoma with increased results in PB did not differ between the three transcripts. In these children, all without morphologically detectable neuroblastoma in BM, the number of patients with elevated GD2S in BM at diagnosis was significantly higher than for the other transcripts (10/16 elevated, p = 0.012). GD2S was elevated in PB from 10/28 controls without neuroblastoma compared to 1/28 for TH and DDC (p < 0.001). In BM from these children GD2S was significantly elevated. We conclude that high expression of TH and DDC both in PB and BM corresponds to metastatic neuroblastoma at diagnosis, residual disease, and poor outcome. Children with high‐risk neuroblastoma and low levels of TH in BM at diagnosis may be cured by current therapy. GD2S is less specific than TH and DDC mRNA for neuroblastoma detection in PB and BM. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Family history of cancer: Pooled analysis in the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Consortium
Authors: Negri Eva , Boffetta Paolo , Berthiller Julien , Castellsague Xavier , Curado Maria Paula , Maso Luigino Dal , Daudt Alexander W. , Fabianova Eleonora , Fernandez Leticia , Wünsch‐Filho Victor , Franceschi Silvia , Hayes Richard B. , Herrero Rolando , Koifman Sergio , Lazarus Philip , Lence Juan J. , Levi Fabio , Mates Dana , Matos Elena , Menezes Ana , Muscat Joshua , Eluf‐Neto Jose , Olshan Andrew F. , Rudnai Peter , Shangina Oxana , Sturgis Erich M. , Szeszenia‐Dabrowska Neonilia , Talamini Renato , Wei Qingyi , Winn Deborah M. , Zaridze David , Lissowska Jolanta , Zhang Zuo‐Feng , Ferro Gilles , Brennan Paul , La Vecchia Carlo , Hashibe Mia
Published: September 2008

Alcohol and tobacco consumption are well‐recognized risk factors for head and neck cancer (HNC). Evidence suggests that genetic predisposition may also play a role. Only a few epidemiologic studies, however, have considered the relation between HNC risk and family history of HNC and other cancers. We pooled individual‐level data across 12 case–control studies including 8,967 HNC cases and 13,627 controls. We obtained pooled odds ratios (OR) using fixed and random effect models and adjusting for potential confounding factors. All statistical tests were two‐sided. A family history of HNC in first‐degree relatives increased the risk of HNC (OR = 1.7, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.2–2.3). The risk was higher when the affected relative was a sibling (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.6–3.1) rather than a parent (OR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–1.8) and for more distal HNC anatomic sites (hypopharynx and larynx). The risk was also higher, or limited to, in subjects exposed to tobacco. The OR rose to 7.2 (95% CI 5.5–9.5) among subjects with family history, who were alcohol and tobacco users. A weak but significant association (OR = 1.1, 95% CI 1.0–1.2) emerged for family history of other tobacco‐related neoplasms, particularly with laryngeal cancer (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.5). No association was observed for family history of nontobacco‐related neoplasms and the risk of HNC (OR = 1.0, 95% CI 0.9–1.1). Familial factors play a role in the etiology of HNC. In both subjects with and without family history of HNC, avoidance of tobacco and alcohol exposure may be the best way to avoid HNC. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Follicular lymphoma B cells induce the conversion of conventional CD4+ T cells to T‐regulatory cells
Authors: Ai Weiyun Z. , Hou Jing‐Zhou , Zeiser Robert , Czerwinski Debra , Negrin Robert S. , Levy Ronald
Published: September 2008

There has been accumulating evidence that CD4+CD25+ FoxP3 expressing regulatory T cells (Treg) are highly concentrated in tumors, thereby fostering an immune‐privileged microenvironment. Some studies have shown that T‐cell receptor (TCR) stimulation can convert conventional T cells into Treg. Follicular lymphoma (FL) B cells can enhance this Treg conversion. We investigated whether FL tumor B cells, as opposed to normal B cells, are unique in their ability to convert effector T cells into Treg. We found that tumor B cells alone, without artificial TCR stimulation, could induce conventional T cells to express FoxP3 and to acquire regulatory function. In contrast to their malignant counterpart, normal B cells did not induce Treg conversion. Treg conversion was independent of the T cell background, as T cells isolated from FL or normal peripheral blood were equally susceptible to being converted by tumor B cells. Our study provides evidence for a tumor‐specific mechanism by which FL tumor cells promote immune escape through the induction of Treg. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early aberrant insulin‐like growth factor signaling in the progression to endometrial carcinoma is augmented by tamoxifen
Authors: Strissel Pamela L. , Ellmann Stephan , Loprich Elke , Thiel Falk , Fasching Peter A. , Stiegler Elisabeth , Hartmann Arndt , Beckmann Matthias W. , Strick Reiner
Published: September 2008

Tamoxifen is an important selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulator for treatment of steroid hormone positive breast cancer. In addition to the beneficial effect, tamoxifen is one risk factor for endometrial carcinoma (EnCa) development. We hypothesized that, (1) dysregulation of gene expression and protein phosphorylation of the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) and steroid hormone receptor‐signaling occur early in benign endometrial tissues and (2) signaling differences would be detected between patients with or without tamoxifen treatment. Seventy‐eight tissues, including 2 benign cohorts from patients treated with (n = 24) or without tamoxifen (n = 28) (hyperproliferative endometrium, hyperplasia, polyps), EnCa (n = 12) with endometrium controls (n = 14) were analyzed for expression of 15 genes from the IGF and steroid hormone receptor‐signaling, including the target genes Syncytin‐1, PAX2 and c‐myc. Total and phosphorylated protein expression were examined for ERα, PTEN, AKT, mTOR and Syncytin‐1. Compared to controls similar significant deregulation of IGF and steroid hormone receptor‐signaling, Syncytin‐1 and PAX2 occurred in both benign cohorts, irrelevant of tamoxifen treatment. Comparing both benign cohorts with and without tamoxifen significant expression differences were noted. Increased total protein and phosphorylation of pERα‐Ser118, pPTEN‐Thr380, pAKT‐Thr308, pAKT‐Ser473, pmTOR‐Ser2448 and Syncytin‐1 were noted in early benign tissue stages associating with tamoxifen, especially polyps. Functional kinetic studies following tamoxifen treatment of the PTEN mutated RL95‐2 EnCa cell line, demonstrated a doubling of phosphorylation of pERα‐Ser118 and a 4.2‐fold induction of pAKT‐Thr308 along with Syncytin‐1 induction. This study supports that dysregulated IGF and steroid hormone receptor signaling is prominent in endometrial benign stages and these alterations could represent clinical indicators for the risk of EnCa and also help in development of new therapies. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Imatinib mesylate suppresses bone metastases of breast cancer by inhibiting osteoclasts through the blockade of c‐Fms signals
Authors: Hiraga Toru , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: September 2008

Imatinib mesylate (imatinib) is a potent and selective inhibitor of the tyrosine kinases, Bcr‐Abl, c‐Kit and platelet‐derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs). Recently, it has been reported that imatinib also targets the macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF) receptor c‐Fms. M‐CSF signals are essential for the differentiation of osteoclasts. Bone metastases of breast cancer are frequently associated with osteoclastic bone destruction. Furthermore, several lines of evidence suggest that osteoclasts play central roles in the development and progression of bone metastases. Thus, in the present study, we examined the effects of imatinib on bone metastases of breast cancer. Coimmunoprecipitation assays showed that imatinib inhibited the M‐CSF‐induced phosphorylation of c‐Fms in osteoclast precursor cells as well as the PDGF‐induced PDGFR phosphorylation in MDA‐MB‐231 human breast cancer cells. Imatinib also markedly reduced osteoclast formation in vitro. In contrast, those concentrations of imatinib did not affect osteoblast differentiation. We then examined the effects of imatinib on bone metastases of MDA‐MB‐231 cells in a nude mouse model. Radiographic and histomorphometric analyses demonstrated that imatinib significantly decreased bone metastases associated with the reduced number of osteoclasts. In support of the notion that the inhibition of c‐Fms acts to suppress the development of bone metastases, we found that a specific inhibitor of c‐Fms Ki20227 also decreased bone metastases. In conclusion, these results collectively suggest that imatinib reduced bone metastases, at least in part, by inhibiting osteoclastic bone destruction through the blockade of c‐Fms signals. Our results also suggest that imatinib may have a protective effect against cancer treatment‐induced bone loss. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cancer‐retina antigens as potential paraneoplastic antigens in melanoma‐associated retinopathy
Authors: Bazhin Alexandr V. , Dalke Claudia , Willner Nadine , Abschütz Oliver , Wildberger Hannes G. H. , Philippov Pavel P. , Dummer Reinhard , Graw Jochen , de Angelis Martin Hrabé , Schadendorf Dirk , Umansky Viktor , Eichmüller Stefan B.
Published: September 2008

Melanoma‐associated retinopathy is a rare paraneoplastic neurological syndrome characterized by retinopathy in melanoma patients. The main photoreceptor proteins have been found to be expressed as cancer‐retina antigens in melanoma. Here we present evidence that these can function as paraneoplastic antigens in melanoma‐associated retinopathy. Sera and one tumor cell line of such patients were studied and ret‐transgenic mice spontaneously developing melanoma were used as a murine model for melanoma‐associated retinopathy. Splenocytes and sera were used for adoptive transfer from tumor‐bearing or control mice to wild‐type mice. Retinopathy was investigated in mice by funduscopy, electroretinography and eye histology. Expression of photoreceptor proteins and autoantibodies against arrestin and transducin were detected in melanoma‐associated retinopathy patients. In tumor‐bearing ret‐transgenic mice, retinopathy was frequently (13/15) detected by electroretinogram and eye histology. These pathological changes were manifested in degenerations of photoreceptors, bipolar cells and pigment epithelium as well as retinal detachment. Mostly these defects were combined. Cancer‐retina antigens were expressed in tumors of these mice, and autoantibodies against arrestin were revealed in some of their sera. Adoptive transfer of splenocytes and sera from tumor‐bearing into wild‐type mice led to the induction of retinopathy in 4/16 animals. We suggest that melanoma‐associated retinopathy can be mediated by humoral and/or cellular immune responses against a number of cancer‐retina antigens which may function as paraneoplastic antigens in melanoma‐associated retinopathy. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Platelet‐derived microparticles promote invasiveness of prostate cancer cells via upregulation of MMP‐2 production
Authors: Dashevsky Olga , Varon David , Brill Alexander
Published: September 2008

Prostate cancer commonly affects men in the Western world. A major factor of the life‐threatening course of this disease is the high rate of metastasis, predominantly to bones. Circulating tumor cells encounter platelets and may activate them, resulting in a production of microparticles (MPs). MPs are small platelet fragments expressing membrane receptors as well as cytoplasmic constituents. Here, we report that prostate cancer cells, Clone‐1 (Cl‐1), preincubated with platelet‐derived MPs (PMPs), demonstrate increased invasion through a gelatin‐coated (a denatured form of collagen) membrane of the Boyden chamber system. This effect was accompanied by an increased secretion of metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) as demonstrated by a gelatin zymography. Application of MMP‐2/9 inhibitor reversed the PMP‐induced tumor cell invasion. PMPs were shown to adhere to Cl‐1 cells, but direct contact between them may not be mandatory for MMP secretion because PMP lysate induced MMP‐2 production by Cl‐1 cells to the same extent as did intact PMPs. PMP‐induced MMP‐2 secretion was inhibited by neutralization of either PKC or total intracellular tyrosine phosphorylation, but was not affected by blocking major intraplatelet cytokines. Actinomycin D (a transcription inhibitor) did not modify this effect, whereas cycloheximide (an inhibitor of protein translation) abolished the MMP‐2 release. MMP‐2 secretion was accompanied by a rapid and transient increase in MMP‐2 mRNA level after a 2‐hr coincubation of prostate cancer cells with PMPs. Thus, PMPs promote tumor invasiveness, at least in part by stimulation of MMP‐2 production. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transforming growth factor ß1 induces apoptosis by suppressing FLICE‐like inhibitory protein in DU145 prostate epithelial cells
Authors: Yoo Kiwon S. , Nastiuk Kent L. , Krolewski John J.
Published: September 2008

Transforming growth factor ß (TGFß) is a paracrine mediator of prostate epithelial cell apoptosis. In rodents, castration induces production of TGFβ by stromal cells, which leads to apoptosis of epithelial cells. To identify potential mediators of this cell death pathway, we developed a model using DU145 cells, a tumorigenic human prostate epithelial cell line. We discovered that at low density, in low mitogen media, DU145 cells apoptose when treated with TGFβ1. Prior to the onset of death, TGFβ1 treatment downregulated the expression of the caspase inhibitor FLICE‐like inhibitory protein (FLIP), at both the mRNA and protein level, suggesting a causal role between FLIP downregulation and cell death. To confirm the importance of FLIP in TGFβ1‐induced apoptosis, we employed small interfering RNA (siRNA) to silence FLIP expression. Doing so led to apoptosis, which is consistent with the hypothesis that FLIP prevents death in these cells. Furthermore, inhibition of caspase‐8 by siRNA knockdown partially rescued the apoptotic effects of TGFβ1, suggesting a role for death receptor signaling components in TGFß‐mediated death of prostate epithelial cells. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The topography of some anionic sites at the surfaces of fixed ehrlich ascites tumour cells
Authors: Weiss L. , Jung O. S. , Zeigel R.
Published: September 2008

The distribution of positively charged, colloidal iron hydroxide particles to the surfaces of glutaraldehyde‐fixed Ehrlich ascites tumour cells, was studied in 700Å thick sections. After incubation with neuraminidase and/or ribonuclease, and fixation, cells were also reacted with particles.

It was shown that the numbers of bound particles were significantly reduced by enzyme treatment, which had previously been shown to reduce the densities of anionic sites at the cell surfaces. Statistical analyses showed that in the controls and ribonuclease‐treated cells, the particles were adsorbed in surface locations following a Poisson distribution. Following neuraminidase treatment, the particles were arranged in clusters, but the clusters themselves were arranged in a Poisson distribution.

The data are tentatively interpreted as indicating the presence of different sized neuraminidase‐ and ribonuclease‐susceptible zones at the cell surface, having a higher than average density of anionic sites.
Feline fibrosarcoma virus: Quantitative focus assay, focus morphology and evidence for a “helper virus”
Authors: McDonald Ruth , Wolfe Lauren G. , Deinhardt Friedrich
Published: September 2008

Feline fibrosarcoma virus (FeSV) was assayed by focus formation in feline and marmoset fibroblast cultures overlaid with agar and re‐fed with fluid media. The FeSV titers were consistent from experiment to experiment and were about four times higher in feline fibroblasts than in marmoset fibroblasts in parallel assays. Clones of FeSV‐infected cells grown in soft agar, and foci of transformed cells produced by FeSV in monolayer cell cultures were both of two morphological types: round cells (r) and a loose meshwork of fusiform and round cells (fr). Thermal stability experiments indicated that the morphological differences of the foci were virus‐dependent.

The titration pattern of FeSV grown in marmoset or feline cells indicated that these preparations were either competent or contained an excess of helper virus. Preliminary challenge experiments with Snyder‐Theilen FeSV grown in marmoset cells indicated that a 10‐ to 100‐fold excess of non‐transforming, interfering virus (helper virus) was present in this FeSV preparation.
Tumor‐associated immunoglobulins. enhancement of syngeneic tumors by igg2‐containing tumor eluates
Authors: Ran Maya , Witz Isaac P.
Published: September 2008

The present study was intended to establish whether IgG2‐containing eluates, dissociated from carcinogen‐induced tumors by a low pH buffer, have tumor‐enhancing properties.

Threshold amounts of cells from mouse tumor lines originally induced by benzo (a)‐pyrene or by methylcholanthrene were mixed and incubated, prior to inoculation, with IgG2‐containing eluates, originating either from the corresponding tumors (autologous eluates) or from other syngeneic tumors (isologous eluates). Tumor cells incubated and injected together with autologous eluates gave in some experiments a higher yield of tumors in syngeneic mice than did cells not subjected to this treatment. Some isologous eluates originating from several primary tumors or from syngeneic tumors belonging to a different line from the one tested, were also capable of enhancing tumor growth.
Absence, or low expression, of leukocyte adhesion molecules CDI1 and CD18 on burkjtt lymphoma cells
Authors: Patarroyo Manuel , Prieto Jacqueline , Ernberg Ingemar , Gahmberg Carl G.
Published: September 2008

Leukocyte adhesion to cells is mediated by the cell‐surface glycoprotein complex CDIIa‐c/CD18 and, in some cases, the glycoprotein gp84. The process is associated with leukocyte activation and modulates lymphocyte proliferation and maturation. Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐transformed normal B lymphocytes give rise to lymphoblastoid cell fines (LCLs) which grow as large clusters mediated by adhesion molecules. In contrast, newly explanted EBV‐infected Burkitt lymphoma (BL) cells usually grow as single cells or as loose clusters. We now report that EBV positive‐ and EBV‐negative BL lines lack the adhesive protein complex, or have only low levels of it, whereas LCLs, representing various stages of B‐lymphocyte development, contain considerably higher amounts, as measured by immunofluorescence flow cytometry and immuno precipitation. The level of gp84 expression is of the same magnitude in both types of cells.
Clinical validation of the new ELSA‐CA 125 II assay: Report of a european multicentre evaluation
Authors: Clement Maryvonne , Bischof Paul , Gruffat Claire , Ricolleau Gabriel , Auvray Eliane , Quilien Véronique , Pacheco Carmen , Torres Miguel , Ferdeghini Marco
Published: September 2008

The ELSA‐CA 125 II is a second‐generation radioimmunoassay for the quantification of CA 125 in serum. In a multicentre study involving 49 follow‐ups of patients with ovarian cancers, and 880 other patients, 2.8% of healthy persons, 25% of 149 patients with benign gynaecological diseases and 39% of 82 patients with benign non‐gynaecological diseases had CA 125 levels above 35 U/ml. Using the 35 U/ml cut‐off, sensitivities among epithelial ovarian cancers were found to be 85% in serous tumors, 41% in mucinous tumors and 83% in other types. During follow‐up of patients with serous ovarian cancers, we observed an equivalent behaviour of both assays—first‐ and second‐generation—with the clinical evolution. We also compared results obtained with other assays commercially available; these were significantly different when a polyclonal antibody was used in the sandwich assay. © 1995 Wiley‐ Liss, Inc.
Incidence of cancer among New South Wales adolescents: Which classification scheme describes adolescent cancers better?
Authors: Fritschi Lin , Coates Marylon , McCredie Margaret
Published: September 2008

This report has the dual purpose of describing patterns of cancer incidence among adolescents in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, and comparing adult and childhood cancer classification schemes. All cases of cancer incident between 1972 and 1991 in NSW residents aged 10–19 years were obtained from the population‐based NSW Central Cancer Registry and coded according to Birch and Marsden (1987) in addition to routine coding by the Ninth Revision of the International Classification of Diseases. The average incidence rate for all cancers combined was 158 and 140 per million in males and females respectively. The Birch and Marsden category of “carcinomas and other epithelial neoplasms” comprised 22% of all cancers in male adolescents and 37% in females. Melanoma alone accounted for 16% of all cancers in males and 26% in females. Rates of leukaemias and central nervous system tumours were simitar in the age groups 10–14 years and 15–19 years. By contrast, lymphomas, bone tumours (males only), soft tissue (males only), “germ‐cell, trophoblastic and other gonadal tumours” and “carcinomas and other epithelial neoplasms” were more common in the older age group. The Birch and Marsden classification with its emphasis on morphology provided a clearer picture of some types of cancer which occurred frequently among teenagers. Cancers common in adults did occur in older adolescents but were less well described by the childhood scheme. Cancers of colon and lung were often of unusual histological type compared to adult tumours. It would appear appropriate to use the childhood classification scheme to describe cancer incidence in adolescent age groups, perhaps with minor modification. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A mother–infant therapy group model for postpartum depression
Authors: Clark Roseanne , Tluczek Audrey , Brown Roger
Published: September 2008

This pilot study examined the feasibility and efficacy of a manualized, 12‐week mother–infant therapy group (M‐ITG) model for women with moderate to severe depressive symptoms during the postpartum period. Study participants were referred to the psychiatric clinic of a university medical center for assessment and treatment for postpartum depression. Results of pre‐ and post comparisons utilizing self‐report and observational measures showed that women in the M‐ITG groups (n = 18) reported significantly fewer depressive symptoms and experienced their infants as more reinforcing following 12 weeks of treatment than did the depressed women in the waitlist control group (WLCG) (n = 14). Mothers in the M‐ITG group also were rated as exhibiting significantly more positive affective involvement and communication in interactions with their infants following treatment than did mothers in the WLCG. The M‐ITG model is described, and the implications of utilizing a mother–infant treatment approach for postpartum depression that focuses on the relationships as well as the mother's depressive symptoms is discussed. The importance of further examining the efficacy of the M‐ITG model for women with postpartum depression and their families in a large‐scale, randomized clinical trial is underscored.
Effects of maternal depression and panic disorder on mother–infant interactive behavior in the Face‐to‐Face Still‐Face paradigm
Authors: Weinberg M. Katherine , Beeghly Marjorie , Olson Karen L. , Tronick Edward
Published: September 2008

The present study evaluated the interactive behavior of three groups of mothers and their 3‐month‐old infants in the Face‐to‐Face Still‐Face paradigm. The mothers had either a clinical diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD, n = 33) with no comorbidity, a clinical diagnosis of panic disorder (PD, n = 13) with no comorbidity, or no clinical diagnosis (n = 48). The sample was selected to be at otherwise low social and medical risk, and all mothers with PD or MDD were in treatment. The findings indicated that (a) infants of mothers with PD or MDD displayed the traditional still‐face and reunion effects described in previous research with nonclinical samples; (b) the 3‐month‐old infants in this study showed similar, but not identical, gender effects to those described for older infants; and (c) there were no patterns of maternal or infant interactive behavior that were unique to the PD, MDD, or control groups. These results are discussed in light of mothers' risk status, receipt of treatment, severity of illness, and comorbidity of PD and MDD.
Transport proteins (carriers) of mitochondria
Authors: Wohlrab Hartmut
Published: September 2008

Mitochondria are subcellular structures essential to the aerobic eukaryotic cell. Their role extends much beyond their basic reactions of oxidative phosphorylation. It encompasses the steps critical for cellular metabolic pathways, for apoptosis, and for other processes such as antiviral signaling. This short review is limited to transport proteins (carriers) that catalyze the transport of metabolites across the inner mitochondrial membrane and thus link metabolic pathway reactions in the cytosol and the mitochondrial matrix. Such transport must minimally affect the electrochemical proton gradient essential for oxidative phosphorylation (chemiosmotic mechanism of oxidative phosphorylation). Many of these transport proteins belong to a family of membrane proteins, and the major part of this review will consider their structures and functions. First studies of these transporters were carried out with intact mitochondria and with inhibitors that appeared transporter‐specific. Such an inhibitor was then utilized in the first purification of one of these transporter proteins. Its substrate‐specificity was then established after functionally active incorporation into liposomes. Questions about copurification of other transporters and thus a definitive identification of transported substrate with the purified protein were resolved definitively only after heterologous expression in bacteria, most generally as inclusion bodies, and followed by reconstitution in liposomes. Site‐specific mutations permitted the identification of amino acids essential to their transport function. These mutagenesis studies then also helped interpret human diseases with mutations in these transport proteins. The high‐resolution structure of a member of this transporter protein family dramatically advanced these studies. It raised new questions because this structure complexed with a high‐affinity inhibitor showed a monomeric protein, while purification and inhibitor stoichiometry studies suggest a functional homodimeric transport protein. Remaining key questions need to address: the homodimeric nature of the transporters, details of their transport mechanism, and the functional identification of many members of this family whose existence has only been suggested from genomic data. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61(1): 40–46, 2009
Interactions with nanoscale topography: Adhesion quantification and signal transduction in cells of osteogenic and multipotent lineage
Authors: Biggs Manus J. P. , Richards R. Geoff , Gadegaard Nikolaj , McMurray Rebecca J. , Affrossman Stanley , Wilkinson Chris D. W. , Oreffo Richard O. C. , Dalby Mathew J.
Published: September 2008

Polymeric medical devices widely used in orthopedic surgery play key roles in fracture fixation and orthopedic implant design. Topographical modification and surface micro‐roughness of these devices regulate cellular adhesion, a process fundamental in the initiation of osteoinduction and osteogenesis. Advances in fabrication techniques have evolved the field of surface modification; in particular, nanotechnology has allowed the development of nanoscale substrates for the investigation into cell‐nanofeature interactions. In this study human osteoblasts (HOBs) were cultured on ordered nanoscale pits and random nano “craters” and “islands”. Adhesion subtypes were quantified by immunofluorescent microscopy and cell‐substrate interactions investigated via immuno‐scanning electron microscopy. To investigate the effects of these substrates on cellular function 1.7 k microarray analysis was used to establish gene profiles of enriched STRO‐1+ progenitor cell populations cultured on these nanotopographies. Nanotopographies affected the formation of adhesions on experimental substrates. Adhesion formation was prominent on planar control substrates and reduced on nanocrater and nanoisland topographies; nanopits, however, were shown to inhibit directly the formation of large adhesions. STRO‐1+ progenitor cells cultured on experimental substrates revealed significant changes in genetic expression. This study implicates nanotopographical modification as a significant modulator of osteoblast adhesion and cellular function in mesenchymal populations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Preliminary in vivo evaluation of the protein transduction domain‐modified ATTEMPTS approach in enhancing asparaginase therapy
Authors: Li Yong Tao , Kwon Young Min , Spangrude Gerald J. , Liang Jun F. , Chung Hee Sun , Park Yoon Jeong , Yang Victor C.
Published: September 2008

Asparaginase (ASNase) is an enzyme drug presently approved for the induction of remission in the treatment of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The cytotoxic effect of ASNase is derived from its ability to deplete asparagine, an essential amino acid required by certain types of leukemia cells for protein synthesis and survival. Despite its efficacy in enhancing disease remission rate and prolonging complete remission duration in ALL patients, ASNase therapy is nevertheless confounded by a number of serious toxic effects, particularly to organs associated with high protein production (e.g., liver, pancreas), due to the systemic depletion of asparagine. Presented herein is a modified version of our previously established ATTEMPTS protein delivery system that carries the potential to permit a tumor specific, intracellular delivery of ASNase, thereby allowing for a significant reduction of ASNase‐induced systemic toxicity. In a previous paper, we already demonstrated the in vitro feasibility of this heparin/protamine‐regulated, TAT‐mediated system in delivering ASNase directly into ASNase‐sensitive murine lymphoma cells. In this article, we further validated the in vivo applicability of this system in animals harboring ASNase‐encapsulated L5178Y lymphoma cells. Preliminary results showed that animals inoculated with L5178Y cells containing TAT‐ASNase exhibited an extended survival rate of ∼13% over those harboring L5178Y cells without the encapsulation of ASNase. Furthermore, the TAT‐ASNase‐treated mice also displayed a significantly improved hematological and liver histological status than the control groups. These findings bring promise to the use of the modified ATTEMPTS delivery system in achieving enhanced ASNase therapy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Influence of surface modification on the in vitro corrosion rate of magnesium alloy AZ31
Authors: Gray‐Munro Joy E. , Seguin Christine , Strong Michael
Published: September 2008

In recent years, magnesium alloys have been proposed as a new class of metallic bioabsorbable implant material. Unfortunately, the production of hydrogen gas and an increase in alkalinity are both by‐products of the degradation process of these materials. This necessitates the development of magnesium alloys with controlled degradation rates. Furthermore, biocompatible coatings that can delay the onset of corrosion would ensure that the mechanical integrity of the implant remains intact in the early stages of healing. This article explores the influence of surface modification by biomimetic calcium phosphate coating, biodegradable polymer coatings, and acid etching on the corrosion rate of the AZ31 magnesium alloy in simulated body fluid. Our results indicate that all of these surface treatments have a positive impact on the corrosion rate of the material and that in the early stages of implantation it is possible to tailor the corrosion rate through an appropriate choice of surface treatment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
In vitro cell infiltration and in vivo cell infiltration and vascularization in a fibrous, highly porous poly(D,L‐lactide) scaffold fabricated by cryogenic electrospinning technique
Authors: Leong Meng Fatt , Rasheed Mohamed Zulfikar , Lim Tze Chiun , Chian Kerm Sin
Published: September 2008

One of the obstacles limiting the application of electrospun scaffolds for tissue engineering is the nanoscale pores that inhibit cell infiltration. In this article, we describe a technique that uses ice crystals as templates to fabricate cryogenic electrospun scaffolds (CES) with large three‐dimensional and interconnected pores using poly(D,L‐lactide) (PLA). Manipulating the humidity of the electrospinning environment the pore sizes are controlled. We are able to achieve pore sizes ranging from 900 ± 100 μm2 to 5000 ± 2000 μm2 depending on the relative humidity used. Our results show that cells infiltrated the CES up to 50 μm in thickness in vitro under static culture conditions whereas cells did not infiltrate the conventional electrospun scaffolds. In vivo studies demonstrated improved cell infiltration and vascularization in the CES compared with conventionally prepared electrospun scaffolds. In gaining control of the pore characteristics, we can then design CES that are optimized for specific tissue engineering applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
A clinician's take on evidence‐based group psychotherapy: a commentary
Authors: Beecher Mark E.
Published: September 2008

Each of the articles in this issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session provides valuable resources to group psychotherapists looking to develop an evidence‐based practice. This article provides a summary of and commentary on this information from a clinician's point of view. I discuss the clinical utility of these resources, while acknowledging and addressing the practitioner concerns associated with them. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 64:1–5, 2008.
New directions and resources in group psychotherapy: introduction to the issue
Authors: Burlingame Gary M. , Beecher Mark E.
Published: September 2008

Establishing an evidence‐based practice (EBP) is a central byproduct of the ever‐increasing emphasis on accountability in mental health services. Though much has been written and developed for individual psychotherapists who wish to develop EBPs, there are far fewer resources for group psychotherapists. This article introduces a series of articles designed to provide EBPs and resources for group psychotherapists. We discuss how therapists can develop and apply the following aspects of EBPs: research‐supported treatments (RSTs), practice guidelines, practice‐based evidence, and multicultural competence. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 64:1–9, 2008.
Electricity generation from terephthalic acid using a microbial fuel cell
Authors: Song Tianshun , Xu Yuan , Ye Yejie , Chen Yingwen , Shen Shubao
Published: September 2008

BACKGROUND: Pure terephthalic acid (PTA) is a petrochemical product of global importance and is widely applied as an important raw material in making polyester fiber and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. In this work, a single‐chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) was constructed using terephthalic acid (TA) with a chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration range from 500 mg L−1 to 3500 mg L−1 as the electron donor and strain PA‐18 as the biocatalyst.

RESLUTS: In the single chamber MFC, several factors were examined to determine their effects on power output, including COD concentration and electrode spacing. The characteristic of the strain PA‐18 was further studied. Cyclic voltammetry showed that electrons were directly transferred onto the anode by bacteria in biofilms, rather than self‐produced mediators of bacteria in the solutions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation showed that the anodic electrode surface was covered by bacteria which were responsible for electron transfer. Direct 16s‐rDNA analysis showed that the PA‐18 bacteria shared 99% 16SrDNA sequence homology with Pseudomonas sp.

CONCLUSIONS: Electricity generation from TA in MFC was observed for the first time. The maximum power density produced by TA was 160 mW m−2, lower than that achieved using domestic wastewater. This novel technology provided an economical route for electricity energy recovery in PTA wastewater treatment. High internal resistance was the major limitation. To further improve the power output, the electron transfer rate was accelerated by overexpression of membrane the protein gene of the strain PA‐18 and by reducing the electrolyte and mass transfer resistance by optimizing reactor configuration. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry