bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is mda-7/IL-24 a “Magic Bullet” for Cancer?
Authors: Fisher Paul B. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
The “holy grail” of cancer therapy is to identify and exploit genetic elements and signal transduction pathways capable of selectively destroying tumor cells without eliciting harmful effects in normal cells or tissues. To achieve this objective, subtraction hybridization was combined with a “differentiation therapy” model of cancer in which human melanoma cells were induced to revert to a more “normal” state, growth arrest irreversibly, and terminally differentiate by treatment with fibroblast IFN and mezerein. This strategy permitted the cloning of a variety of genes involved in regulating important physiologic processes, including cell cycle, response to cytokines and viruses, tumorigenesis and metastasis, cancer growth control, apoptosis, and senescence. A specific gene, melanoma differentiation-associated gene-7/interleukin-24 (mda-7/IL-24), displaying cancer-specific apoptosis-inducing properties isolated using this scheme has now come into the limelight as a new gene therapy for divergent cancers. Although the mechanism of cancer cell selectivity of mda-7/IL-24 remains to be delineated, numerous attributes enable this gene as an effective therapy for cancer, including an ability to discriminate between normal and cancer cells, induce apoptosis in diverse tumor cells, promote “bystander” antitumor effects, inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis in animal models, synergize with radiation, and modulate immune responses. These unique features combined with successful transition into the clinic instill confidence that mda-7/IL-24, as a single or more likely as part of a combinatorial approach, may provide profound therapeutic benefit for cancer patients.
Disruption of Protein Kinase A Regulation Causes Immortalization and Dysregulation of D-Type Cyclins
Authors: Nadella Kiran S. , Kirschner Lawrence S. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Phosphorylation is a key event in cell cycle control, and dysregulation of this process is observed in many tumors, including those associated with specific inherited neoplasia syndromes. We have shown previously that patients with the autosomal dominant tumor predisposition Carney complex carry inactivating mutations in the PRKAR1A gene, which encodes the type 1A regulatory subunit of protein kinase A (PKA), the cyclic AMP–dependent protein kinase. This defect was associated with dysregulation of PKA signaling, and genetic analysis has suggested that complete loss of the gene may be required for tumorigenesis. To determine the mechanism by which dysregulation of PKA causes tumor formation, we generated in vitro primary mouse cells lacking the Prkar1a protein. We report that this genetic disruption of PKA regulation causes constitutive PKA activation and immortalization of primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). At the molecular level, knockout of Prkar1a leads to up-regulation of D-type cyclins, and this increase occurs independently of other pathways known to increase cyclin D levels. Despite the immortalized phenotype, known mediators of cellular senescence (e.g., p53 and p19ARF) seem to remain intact in Prkar1a−/− MEFs. Mechanistically, cyclin D1 mRNA levels are not altered in the knockout cells, but protein half-life is markedly increased. Using this model, we provide the first direct genetic evidence that dysregulation of PKA promotes important steps in tumorigenesis, and that cyclin D1 is an essential target of PKA.
Female courtship calls of the litter frog (Rana curtipes) in the tropical forests of Western Ghats, South India
Authors: Krishna Savitha , Krishna Sharath 
Published: November 2005

AbstractWe noticed an uncommon phenomenon of female vocalization in the forest litter frog, Rana curtipes during the breeding season. We digitally recorded the male and female vocalization of the litter frogs in the tropical rain forests of the Western Ghats of South India and analyzed the call characteristics. The female call varied from the male call by being single note in composition. In contrast, the male calls were composed of seven to eight notes and longer in duration. We observed that gravid females, occupying the same location every day, emitted low volume calls when numerous males were found calling at that time. Some females arrived asynchronously and called even in the absence of males possibly to declare their receptive condition. Calling females responded agonistically to receptive conspecifics of the same sex. In addition to declaring receptivity, this calling behavior may be a response to adjacent competing females when the males are few.
A parthenogenetic Varanus
Authors: Lenk P. , Eidenmueller B. , Staudter H. , Wicker R. , Wink M. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
We report on a case of parthenogenesis in the varanid lizard Varanus
panoptes. Parthenogenesis was observed in a female kept alone for three
years. A clutch was deposited from which a single egg could be secured and
incubated. Incubation was successful and a male specimen hatched. Obviously
the newborn was produced without contribution of a father. After the
unisexual reproduction, the mother was kept with males and bisexual
reproduction was observed, too. We performed DNA Fingerprinting and showed
that the parthenogen and its mother exhibit almost identical DNA patterns.
The bisexually produced offspring has only a subset of bands in common with
the mother and another subset in common with the father. Thus DNA
Fingerprinting is in accordance with our observations and confims
parthenogenesis.We compare our results with existing cytological models of
parthenogenesis and point out the following: 1. The mode of parthenogenesis
described here is facultative, as the mother was able to reproduce in the
bisexual mode as well. 2. The parthenogen is male and hence not a clone of
the mother. 3. Almost complete heredity of maternal Fingerprint markers. All
these points considered our case seem to fit to no known model of
parthenogenesis exactly. But an additional recombination could result
homogamety (would explain the sex of the parthenogen) while expressing
almost all maternal bands.
Diabetes Nurse Educators' Prioritized Elder Foot Care Behaviors
Authors: Martinez Nelda C. , Tripp-Reimer Toni 
Published: November 2005

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify diabetes nurse educators' perceptions of the most important foot care behaviors for elderly people to enact in daily care. Methods A structured, open-ended questionnaire was mailed to a regionally stratified random sample of 90 diabetes nurse educators. Subjects were asked to identify and rank order 8 foot care behaviors perceived important for elderly people with diabetes to enact daily. Data were transcribed and coded into categories and domains using descriptive content analysis. Results Forty-seven diabetes nurse educators responded with a total of 346 foot care behaviors perceived important for elders. Twenty-one major foot care behavior content categories were grouped into 4 domains of descending importance: foot/nail care, footwear/shoes, general health, and foot emergencies. Conclusions Diabetes nurse educators generated a range of baseline data for developing a reliable, valid, and patient foot care knowledge outcome measure to support national diabetes patient education and self-management program guidelines.
Use of Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Pump in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Nielsen Susan , Kain Donna , Szudzik Elizabeth , Dhindsa Sandeep , Garg Rajesh , Dandona Paresh 
Published: November 2005

Purpose In patients with type 2 diabetes, the control of hyperglycemia is often difficult despite full doses of oral hypoglycemic agents and extremely large doses of insulin. These patients pose a major management problem. The authors therefore investigated whether insulin given as a subcutaneous continuous infusion of insulin (CSII) would result in an improvement in glucose homeostasis. Methods Four patients with badly controlled type 2 diabetes, on treatment with extremely high doses of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents, were started on CSII. Results All four patients had a marked improvement in plasma glucose concentrations with a corresponding fall in HbA1c levels. This improvement was associated with a marked fall in the insulin doses necessary to maintain adequate glucose homeostasis. Conclusions Since HbA1c levels fell from levels that would be associated with diabetic complications to those at which complications are markedly reduced, we recommend that patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled on extremely high doses of insulin be given a trial of treatment with CSII.
Shopping for a New Identity
Authors: Galasińska Aleksandra , Galasiński Dariusz 
Published: November 2005

This article aims to show the varying constructions of the Polish–German border in the Polish border town of Zgorzelec. We are interested in how informants from three generations discursively position the frontier itself and the two towns on its either side: Polish Zgorzelec and German Görlitz. The data comes from a Europe-wide ethnographic project studying communities living on the borders between the European Union (EU) and its ascendant nations, funded by the European Commission's Fifth Framework Programme. We suggest that the inhabitants of Zgorzelec construct the border on two planes: public and private. In the public sphere, the border is constructed as a means of identifying ‘us Poles’ against all those living on the other side. In those nationalized terms, the border is also constructed as protecting Poland and Zgorzelec's (Polish) community. On the other hand, in the private sphere, the border is represented as virtually invisible allowing the individual to cross it for shopping or entertainment. The border becomes a gateway in which the individual becomes a customer, a shopper with his or her national identity pushed to the background. We also show that the two spheres intersect, creating spaces in which the two orders of discourse are made to co-exist and the discursive mechanisms of separation run next to the mechanisms of inclusion. We explore our informants’ discourses as mediated by the historical context of common experience (eviction, displacement, communism) pertaining mostly to the older generation and by the cultural-economic context (shopping, entertainment) largely in the case of our younger informants.
A comparison of values rankings for selected American and Australian teachers
Authors: Coombs-Richardson Rita , Tolson Homer 
Published: November 2005

English This study was undertaken to examine similarities and differences in the rankings of values by selected elementary and secondary teachers residing in a southern region of the USA and in Western Australia. The values ranked were those described in the Rokeach value survey (RVS). Based on the study findings, it was concluded that Australian teachers and American teachers hold similar democratic value systems in terms of their top five values but vary in several of the values as identified by Rokeach. Possible reasons for these differences are discussed. French Cette étude a été entreprise pour examiner les similarités et les différences existant entre les classements de valeurs effectués par des enseignants du primaire et du secondaire sélectionnés dans une région méridionale des États-Unis et en Australie-Occidentale. Les valeurs classées étaient celles décrites dans l'enquête de valeurs de Rokeach (Rokeach value survey, RVS). Les résultats de l'étude indiquent que les enseignants américains et australiens ont des systèmes de valeurs démocratiques similaires en ce sens que les cinq valeurs qu'ils privilégient sont les mêmes, mais leurs opinions divergent quant à certaines des valeurs identifiées par Rokeach. Les raisons potentielles de ces différences sont discutées ici. Spanish El propósito de este estudio es examinar las semejanzas y diferencias en las escalas de valores de un grupo de profesores de primaria y secundaria residentes en Australia Oriental y en una región del sur de Estados Unidos. Los valores considerados en el estudio fueron los descritos en la escala de valores de Rokeach. Los resultados del estudio muestran que los profesores australianos y los estadounidenses sitúan los mismos cinco valores en la cima de sus sistemas de valores democra´ticos, aunque también se observan varios valores de Rokeach diferentes. El autor analiza las posibles razones de estas diferencias.
International mindedness of native students as a function of the type of school attended and gender
Authors: Baker Ahmad M. , Kanan Hana M. 
Published: November 2005

English The international mindedness of native Qatari students attending public, magnet and international schools was examined on three domains: awareness of other cultures, universal affiliation and cultural tolerance. The findings showed that although Qatari students scored high on international mindedness in general, no significant differences were detected between the groups attributable to type of school, with the exception that students attending international schools scored higher than their cohorts on awareness of other cultures. Female students scored significantly higher than their male peers on all three domains of international mindedness. The results were discussed in terms of the influence international schools exert on international mindedness of students. French La sensibilité internationale d'élèves qataris autochtones scolarisés dans des établissements scolaires publiques, des établissements du programme 'Magnet' et des écoles internationales a été examinée sur trois aspects: la sensibilisation à d'autres cultures, l'affiliation universelle et la tolérance culturelle. Les résultats indiquent que bien que les élèves qataris obtenaient en général des scores élevés en matière de sensibilité internationale, aucune différence significative attribuable au type d'établissement scolaire fréquenté n'a été détectée, à la seule exception près que les élèves des écoles internationales obtenaient des scores plus élevés en matière de sensibilisation à d'autres cultures. L'étude a également révélé que les jeunes filles obtenaient des scores bien plus élevés que leurs condisciples masculins dans les trois domaines de la sensibilité internationale examinés. Les résultats ont été discutés en termes d'influence exercée par les écoles internationales sur la sensibilité internationale des élèves. Spanish Se evaluó la mentalidad internacional de los estudiantes cataríes que asisten a colegios públicos, magnet schools y colegios internacionales en relación con tres aspectos: sensibilidad hacia otras culturas, afiliación universal y tolerancia a las diferencias culturales. Los estudiantes cataríes lograron buenos resultados en cuanto a mentalidad internacional en general, pero no se detectaron diferencias importantes entre los tres grupos que se pudieran atribuir a los distintos tipos de colegio. Sin embargo, los estudiantes de los colegios internacionales obtuvieron mejores resultados que los de los otros dos grupos en cuanto a sensibilidad hacia otras culturas. Las alumnas lograron mejores resultados que los alumnos en los tres aspectos mencionados. Los resultados se analizaron en relación con la influencia que ejercen los colegios internacionales en la mentalidad internacional de los estudiantes.
Membrane TNF confers protection to acute mycobacterial infection
Authors: Fremond Cecile , Allie Nasiema , Dambuza Ivy , Grivennikov Sergei I , Yeremeev Vladimir , Quesniaux Valerie FJ , Jacobs Muazzam , Ryffel Bernhard 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBackgroundTumour necrosis factor (TNF) is crucial for the control of mycobacterial infection as TNF deficient (KO) die rapidly of uncontrolled infection with necrotic pneumonia. Here we investigated the role of membrane TNF for host resistance in knock-in mice with a non-cleavable and regulated allele (mem-TNF).MethodsC57BL/6, TNF KO and mem-TNF mice were infected withM. tuberculosisH37Rv (Mtbat 100 CFU by intranasal administration) and the survival, bacterial load, lung pathology and immunological parameters were investigated. Bone marrow and lymphocytes transfers were used to test the role of membrane TNF to confer resistance to TNF KO mice.ResultsWhile TNF-KO mice succumbed to infection within 4–5 weeks, mem-TNF mice recruited normally T cells and macrophages, developed mature granuloma in the lung and controlled acuteMtbinfection. However, during the chronic phase of infection mem-TNF mice succumbed to disseminated infection with necrotic pneumonia at about 150 days. Reconstitution of irradiated TNF-KO mice with mem-TNF derived bone marrow cells, but not with lymphocytes, conferred host resistance toMtbinfection in TNF-KO mice.ConclusionMembrane expressed TNF is sufficient to allow cell-cell signalling and control of acuteMtbinfection. Bone marrow cells, but not lymphocytes from mem-TNF mice confer resistance to infection in TNF-KO mice. Long-term infection control with chronic inflammation likely disrupting TNF mediated cell-cell signalling, additionally requires soluble TNF.
Studies of the intermediary metabolism in cultured cells of the insect Spodoptera frugiperda using 13C- or 15N-labelled tracers
Authors: Adam Petra , Gütlich Markus , Oschkinat Hartmut , Bacher Adelbert , Eisenreich Wolfgang 
Published: November 2005

Abstract

Background
Insect cells can serve as host systems for the recombinant expression of eukaryotic proteins. Using this platform, the controlled expression of 15N/13C labelled proteins requires the analysis of incorporation paths and rates of isotope-labelled precursors present in the medium into amino acids. For this purpose, Spodoptera frugiperda cells were grown in a complex medium containing [U-13C6]glucose. In a second experiment, cultures of S. frugiperda were grown in the presence of 15N-phenylalanine.

Results
Quantitative NMR analysis showed incorporation of the proffered [U-13C6]glucose into the ribose moiety of ribonucleosides (40 – 45%) and into the amino acids, alanine (41%), glutamic acid/glutamine (C-4 and C-5, 30%) and aspartate/asparagine (15%). Other amino acids and the purine ring of nucleosides were not formed from exogenous glucose in significant amounts (> 5%). Prior to the incorporation into protein the proffered 15N-phenylalanine lost about 70% of its label by transamination and the labelled compound was not converted into tyrosine to a significant extent.

Conclusion
Growth of S. frugiperda cells in the presence of [U-13C6]glucose is conducive to the fractional labelling of ribonucleosides, alanine, glutamic acid/glutamine and aspartic acid/asparagine. The isotopolog compositions of the ribonucleosides and of alanine indicate considerable recycling of carbohydrate intermediates in the reductive branch of the pentose phosphate pathway. The incorporation of 15N-labelled amino acids may be hampered by loss of the 15N-label by transamination.
A new, fast and semi-automated size determination method (SASDM) for studying multicellular tumor spheroids
Authors: Monazzam Azita , Razifar Pasha , Lindhe Örjan , Josephsson Raymond , Långström Bengt , Bergström Mats 
Published: November 2005

Abstract

Background
Considering the width and importance of using Multicellular Tumor Spheroids (MTS) in oncology research, size determination of MTSs by an accurate and fast method is essential. In the present study an effective, fast and semi-automated method, SASDM, was developed to determinate the size of MTSs. The method was applied and tested in MTSs of three different cell-lines. Frozen section autoradiography and Hemotoxylin Eosin (H&E) staining was used for further confirmation.

Results
SASDM was shown to be effective, user-friendly, and time efficient, and to be more precise than the traditional methods and it was applicable for MTSs of different cell-lines. Furthermore, the results of image analysis showed high correspondence to the results of autoradiography and staining.

Conclusion
The combination of assessment of metabolic condition and image analysis in MTSs provides a good model to evaluate the effect of various anti-cancer treatments.
Serum concentration of Selenium in healthy individuals living in Tehran
Authors: Safaralizadeh R , Kardar GA , Pourpak Z , Moin M , Zare A , Teimourian S 
Published: November 2005

Abstract

Objective
To investigate whether daily diet provides adequate selenium intake in healthy men and women living in Tehran, Iran.

Method
Serum level of selenium was determined in 184 healthy individuals of both genders. The samples were divided into two age groups, adults and children, for analysis. The serum level of selenium was determined using hydride generation and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Results
The mean and standard deviation of serum selenium levels in children (1–16 years) was 84.3 ± 11 μg/l and there was no significant difference between genders in this group. In adults (older than 16 years) the mean serum selenium level was 100.6 ± 13 SD μg/l; among women the mean was 93.9 ± 14 SD μg/l and among men it was 102.2 ± 12 SD μg/l. The mean selenium level in men was higher than in women and data analysis showed a significant difference between them (p < 0.005). There was also a positive correlation between higher selenium serum concentration and age in men (P < 0.001). Daily intake of selenium in men and women was calculated to be 67 μg and 62.1 μg respectively.

Conclusion
Our results show that the serum concentration of selenium in an Iranian population is similar to other nationalities in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia.
Single and repeated moderate consumption of native or dealcoholized red wine show different effects on antioxidant parameters in blood and DNA strand breaks in peripheral leukocytes in healthy volunteers: a randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN68505294]
Authors: Arendt Bianca M , Ellinger Sabine , Kekic Klaudia , Geus Leonie , Fimmers Rolf , Spengler Ulrich , Müller Wolfgang-Ulrich , Goerlich Roland 
Published: November 2005

Abstract

Background
Red wine (RW) is rich in antioxidant polyphenols that might protect from oxidative stress related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Antioxidant effects after single ingestion of RW or dealcoholized RW (DRW) have been observed in several studies, but results after regular consumption are contradictory. Thus, we examined if single or repeated consumption of moderate amounts of RW or DRW exert antioxidant activity in vivo.

Methods
Total phenolic content and concentration of other antioxidants in plasma/serum, total antioxidant capacity (TEAC) in plasma as well as DNA strand breaks in peripheral leukocytes were measured in healthy non-smokers A) before, 90 and 360 min after ingestion of one glass of RW, DRW or water; B) before and after consumption of one glass of RW or DRW daily for 6 weeks. DNA strand breaks (SB) were determined by single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet Assay) in untreated cells and after induction of oxidative stress ex vivo with H2O2 (300 μM, 20 min).

Results
Both RW and DRW transiently increased total phenolic content in plasma after single consumption, but only RW lead to a sustained increase if consumed regularly. Plasma antioxidant capacity was not affected by single or regular consumption of RW or DRW. Effects of RW and DRW on DNA SB were conflicting. DNA strand breaks in untreated cells increased after a single dose of RW and DRW, whereas H2O2 induced SB were reduced after DRW. In contrast, regular RW consumption reduced SB in untreated cells but did not affect H2O2 induced SB.

Conclusion
The results suggest that consumption of both RW and DRW leads to an accumulation of phenolic compounds in plasma without increasing plasma antioxidant capacity. Red wine and DRW seem to affect the occurrence of DNA strand breaks, but this cannot be referred to antioxidant effects.