bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
α‐Fetoprotein Synthesis in Yolk Sac Tumor: Sex‐dependent Production of α‐Fetoprotein by Transplantable Rat Yolk Sac Tumor
Authors: ENDO Y. , KANEKO Y. , URANO Y. , TSUCHIDA Y. , WATABE H. , TSUKADA Y. , SAKASHITA S. , HIRAI H. , ODA T. 
Published: February 2009

Transplantable rat yolk sac tumor cells produce α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and their ability to synthesize AFP is maintained for generations in female rats. However, when they are transplanted in male rats, the AFP production decreases markedly.To examine this sex dependency in AFP production, experiments at cellular and subcellular levels were carried out. In cell incubation studies, yolk sac tumor cells maintained in female rat (YST‐F cells) synthesized more AFP than yolk sac tumor cells maintained in male rat (YST‐M cells). Using cytosol RNAs prepared from YST‐F and YST‐M cells, AFP production was studied in cell‐free protein synthesizing system derived from wheat germ.In this system, cytosol RNA from both YST‐F and YST‐M cells directed AFP synthesis. But the amount of AFP synthesized was smaller in the presence of RNA from YST‐M cells. From these results, it was suggested that the reduced AFP synthesis by YST‐M cells is, at least partly, due to a quantitative decrease in their cytosol messenger RNA coded for AFP.
A Sensitive and Simple Determination of Human α‐fetoprotein by Enzyme‐electroimmunodiffusion
Authors: NISHI SHINZO , FUJIYAMA YOSHIHIDE , HIRAI HIDEMATSU 
Published: February 2009

A simple and sensitive determination method of α‐fetoprotein was developed by introducing α‐fetoprotein horseradish peroxidase conjugate into electroimmunodiffusion.The precipitin line formed was directly visualized by staining for peroxidase activities. The sensitivity was 32 ng/ml. Electrophoretic activities of AFP were analyzed by two dimensional electrophoresis applying the present method to the second electrophoresis.AFP from normal adults and several patients was confirmed to migrate as an α‐globulin as AFP of hepatoma, yolk sac tumor and fetuses did.AFP‐like activities were detected in β‐γ‐globulin region in some samples but these were not due to AFP‐anti‐AFP interactions.
Alpha‐fetoprotein Determination: A Warning
Authors: MARRINK J. 
Published: February 2009

Alpha‐1‐fetoprotein (AFP) was determined by different immunochemical techniques in the serum of a patient with liver cirrhosis. Although a precipitation line was observed against anti‐AFP antiserum, using bidimensional immunodiffusion, immunoelectrophoresis, countercurrent electrophoresis and rocket electrophoresis, this precipitation line however showed a reaction of non‐identity with a positive AFP control. Several different commercial anti‐AFP antisera gave the same false‐positive result. Analysis of the patient's serum revealed the falsely positive reacting component to be of IgM‐like nature, having a cathodal mobility. These findings are discussed in the light of the determination of slightly elevated AFP levels by a method such as the radioimmunoassay, not allowing identification by means of identity with control specimen. The consequence of our results is also discussed with respect to normal serum AFP.The described non‐AFP activity was detected regularly in sera taken over the period 1969–1976.
Purification and Physical Characterization of Human Alpha‐fetoprotein from Cord Blood and from Ascites Fluid of Individuals with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: KORTRIGHT K. H. , KAPADIA G. G. , LEE S. Y. , McINTIRE K. R. , WALDMANN T. A. 
Published: February 2009

Human alpha‐fetoprotein (HuAFP) was isolated from cord blood and ascites fluid of individuals with hepatocellular carcinoma. The purification procedures employed antibody‐affinity chromatography and preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (Prep PAGE). Final yields of HuAFP averaged 40% and demonstrated 99.8% purity.Physicochemical studies of HuAFP from cord blood showed a molecular weight of 70.000, pl = 4.85, Stokes radius of 2.699 nm, and valence of (H*/mol) of 11.0. Similar studies of HuAFP from ascites fluid from individuals with hepatocellular carcinoma showed a molecular weight of 69.000, pl = 4.80, Stokes radius of 2.798 nm. and valence of (H*/mol) of 12.2. These AFP molecules isolated from separate origins demonstrated no significant physicochemical or antigenic differences. Assessment of potency and purity of these preparations were made by Lowry protein analyses, radioimmunoassay (RIA) to AFP and albumin. PAGE, SDS‐PAGE, and isoelectric focusing patterns on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.The sensitivity of the RIA for human AFP was increased by the use of high affinity goat anti‐AFP. To minimize non‐specific serum effects, human serum, from which AFP had been specifically removed by affinity chromatography was added to each tube in the standard dose response curve. The sensitivity of the assay was 0.7 ng/ml.
Optimization of a Nephelometric Procedure for the Determination of Alpha‐fetoprotein in Amniotic Fluid
Authors: FITZGERALD D. , SIMON F. 
Published: February 2009

Previous work (Brock, Lancet, 2, 197, 1972) has established that Alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) is elevated in amniotic fluid from open neuro‐tubular defective pregnancies. This report describes a simple quantitative immunonephelometric method for measurement of AFP in amniotic fluid.Immunonephelometry measures the amount of light scattered by soluble antigen‐antibody complexes. Complex formation is proportional to the antigen concentration, resulting in a proportional increase in light scattered. A modified Kallestad nephelometer was used for this study. It consists of a tungsten light source with a filter at 610 nm and two photodetector cells at 90° with respect to light source.The assay procedure requires mixing a 100 μl sample of amniotic fluid with 2 ml of goat anti‐AFP (dilution 1:50) in 4% PEG‐saline. The assay requires a 60 minute incubation at room temperature. The standard curve covers the range 773 to 21,775 I.U./ml, with a minimum detectable dose of 120 I.U./ml. Precision is good, with an interassay coefficient of variation of < 4% using low, medium, and high controls. Recovery of AFP added varied from 92 to 100%. The method correlates well with radioimmunoassay (r = 0.97, n = 37) and the slope is not significantly different from one (p<0.001).In summary, our nephelometric procedure is rapid, reproducible and sensitive, offering advantages over currently employed methods.
Determination of Placental Alkaline Phosphatase‐Regan Isoenzyme in Cancer Sera by a Sensitive Radioimmunoassay
Authors: HOLMGREN P.‐A. , STIGBRAND T. , DAMBER M. , VON SCHOULTZ B. , WAHREN B. 
Published: February 2009

Three common genetically classified placental alkaline phosphatase variants (F, I, S) were purified to complete homogeneity. Specific antisera were raised against all three types. Complete fusion reactions in double diffusion tests were obtained for all combinations of antigen and antibody, indicating close immunological relatedness.A sensitive and specific double antibody solid phase (DASP) radioimmunoassay with a least detectable dose of 9 ng/ml was developed.Sera from 241 patients with different malignant disorders were assayed for the presence of placental alkaline phosphatase, also called the Regan isoenzyme. Significantly elevated values were obtained in only one case of embryonal carcinoma. This corresponds to a frequency of 0.4%. Three selected sera from cancer patients with a known content of Regan isoenzyme were tested in the same assay and had elevated values.
Gamma‐glutamyl Transferase as Oncofetal Marker of Experimental Hepatocarcinogenesis in the Rat
Authors: KALENGAYI M. M. R. , DESMET V. J. 
Published: February 2009

γ‐Glutamyl transferase (γ‐GTase) is abundant in the fetal and neonatal rat liver, but almost completely disappears in the normal adult rat liver. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was used in several hepatocarcinogenic models in the rat. The hepatocarcinogenesis was divided in early, preneoplastic and neoplastic phases during which liver histological changes were studied in correlation with histochemical analysis of γ‐GTase.Five types of hepatocyte populations were encountered: original hepatocytes, small newly formed hepatocytes and transitional cells, early liver cell regenerative areas, late liver cell foci and nodules and evidently malignant liver cells. A very marked γ‐GTase activity always resurged reversibly in every area of proliferating newly formed hepatocytes and transitional cells and in every early regenerative area, but it reappeared irreversibly in every late appearing focus and nodule and in every hepatocellular carcinoma. The whole remaining parenchyma (original hepatocytes) showed no γ‐GTase activity, as in the normal adult rat liver. The resurgence of γ‐GTase in these subsequent cell populations, including the malignant hepatocytes, emphasizes that the development of the latter implicates the reacquiring of some embryonal biochemical characteristics. Furthermore it illustrates the similar immature state of specific and focal preneoplastic and neoplastic liver cell lesions. γ‐GTase histochemically proved to be the most sensitive marker of the hepatocarcinogenic process.
Isozyme Ratios of Human Serum 5‘‐Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase
Authors: TSOU K. C. , LO K. W. 
Published: February 2009

The presence of five isozymes of 5′‐nucleotide phosphodiesterase in human sera and the use of the fast‐moving isozyme‐V as a diagnostic aid for human primary and secondary hepatoma (liver metastasis) have been reported from our laboratories. The present paper describes further work in the use of isozyme ratio for the possible discrimination of the two groups of patients.Tissue enzyme study has defined both IV and V as from liver, and III from colon. The ratios for V/IV and (IV + V)/III were therefore possibly significant for this purpose. Our sampling indicates that for primary hepatoma V/IV = 0.78±0.56 and for liver metastasis V/IV = 0.96±0.57 (p>0.05). On the other hand (V + IV)/III = 0.76 ±0.52 for primary hepatoma, and (V + IV)/III = 1.12±0.64 for secondary hepatoma (p == 0.05). It is therefore possible to improve the discrimination of secondary hepatoma from primary hepatoma with the aid of isozyme ratio study. Clusters in scatterogram for these groups are discussed.
Pregnancy Specific β1‐glycoprotein: Reference Values and Physiological Variations in Normal Pregnancy
Authors: SCHULTZ‐LARSEN P. 
Published: February 2009

A 90% general reference area of the pregnancy specific β1‐glycoprotein (SP‐1 or PSβG) is estimated on the basis of 387 samples from normal pregnancies. This is carried out by means of a rocket‐immunoelectrophoresis. In the second and third trimester the SP‐I concentration shows a skew distribution for which reason non‐parametric statistical methods are used. After birth of the placenta the half‐life of SP‐1 in serum is found to be of 34–60 hours. The day to day variations are found to be of 1.1%‐3.2% and the diurnal variations: 2.3% 6.4%. Serial determinations in 41 normal pregnancies show very limited divergencies from the average curve.SP‐1 concentration in the 37th week shows a negative correlation to maternal age, and positive correlations to placental weight and hPL in serum but not to the urinary excretion of estriol.It is concluded that to a reasonable degree the SP‐1 concentration in serum fulfil the criteria of a placental‐function variable. Because of the broad general reference area and the small divergencies in the individual course. serial determinations are expected to give more precise information than single determinations.
Pregnancy Specific β1‐glycoprotein in Threatened Abortion
Authors: SCHULTZ‐LARSEN P. , HERTZ J. 
Published: February 2009

The aim of this study was to elucidate the prognostic value of the pregnancy specific β1‐glycoprotein (SP‐I == PS/βG) of maternal serum in threatened abortion.Determinations were made by rocket‐immunoelectrophoresis with a detection limit of I mg/1.59 patients with vaginal bleeding and positive pregnancy tests entered the final material. 33 gave birth after the 28th week, 26 had a spontaneous abortion.Serum samples were taken until birth or spontaneous abortion.After the 9th gestational week a separation of the serum concentrations was observed between the patients who had a spontaneous abortion and those who gave birth. It is concluded that the SP‐1 determination might be of great prognostic value in threatened abortion.
An Oncofetal Haptoglobin: A Fetal Haemoglobin Binding Protein in Malignancy
Authors: RAAM S. , COHEN J. L. 
Published: February 2009

We have previously described a protein in human neonatal cord sera having functional characteristics of adult haptoglobin. This protein has electrophoretic and immunological properties which distinguish it from adult serum haptoglobins, 2 1. 2–2 and 1–1.In this report we discuss the characteristics of this ‘fetal protein’ isolated from a malignant pleural fluid of a patient with lung cancer. Data are presented to indicate the identity of this protein to the fetal haemoglobin binding protein of human neonatal cord sera.
Prevalence and outcome of fungal infection in patients with severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Kochhar Rakesh , Ahammed S K Mahiuddin , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Ray Pallab , Sinha Saroj K , Dutta Usha , Wig Jai Dev , Singh Kartar 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  To study the prevalence of risk factors and outcome of fungal infections in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.Methods:  Fifty consecutive patients with severe acute pancreatitis were investigated for evidence of fungal infection by weekly culture of body fluids and aspirate from pancreatic/peripancreatic tissue and samples collected at necrosectomy. All patients were managed as per a standard protocol. Patients with documented fungal infection were treated with intravenous amphotericin or fluconazole. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 13), and risk factors for fungal infection and mortality were determined.Results:  Fungal infection was documented in 18 (36%) of 50 patients with Candida albicans (the commonest species). The incidence of fungal infection steadily increased with increasing duration of hospital stay. Those with fungal infection more often had evidence of respiratory failure (P = 0.031) and hypotension (P = 0.031) at admission, prolonged hospital stay > 4 weeks (P = 0.034), longer duration of antibiotics (P = 0.003), received total parenteral nutrition (P = 0.005), and required mechanical ventilation (P = 0.001) in contrast to those without fungal infection. The logistic regression analysis found the independent risk factors for fungal infection to be antibiotic therapy for > 4 weeks and hypotension at hospitalization. Of the 18 patients with fungal infection, 13 were administered intravenous antifungals; eight of these patients survived, while the five who did not receive antifungals died.Conclusion:  Fungal infection was detected in 36% of our patients. The independent risk factors associated with it were hypotension at hospitalization and prolonged antibiotic therapy. Antifungal therapy improved their chances of survival.
Isoflavones regulate innate immunity and inhibit experimental colitis
Authors: Morimoto Masakazu , Watanabe Tomohiro , Yamori Masashi , Takebe Minoru , Wakatsuki Yoshio 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Dysregulated immune responses in the gut to luminal antigens can cause inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The roles played by dietary antigens in the pathogenesis or prevention of IBD are poorly understood. Soybean isoflavones are digested in large amounts and have many biological activities. The aim of this study was to determine whether isoflavones in aglycon and bioavailable forms have any effect on gut immunity and protect the host from tissue damage in a mouse model of colitis.Methods:  We administered daidzein‐rich isoflavone aglycones (DRIA) to mice for 1 week and then treated them with 2% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water for 4 days to induce colitis. The effect of DRIA was evaluated by examining the histopathology of the colon, body weight changes, and functional analysis of mesenteric lymph node cells (MLN).Results:  DRIA inhibited interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 production by Toll‐like receptor (TLR)2, and TLR4‐stimulated monocytes in a dose‐dependent manner. The mice administered DRIA had less inflammation and tissue damage in the colon than the control mice. This protective effect of DRIA was associated with a decrease in interferon‐γ, IL‐6, and IL‐12p40 secretion, and an increase in IL‐10secretion and low cell‐activation status of antigen‐presenting cells (APC) in MLN.Conclusion:  Ingested DRIA can downregulate the functions of APC and inhibit DSS colitis.
Na+/H+ exchanger mediates TNF‐α‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis via the calpain‐dependent degradation of Bcl‐xL
Authors: Liu Zhan , Wang Shuangxi , Zhou Huixin , Yang Yuming , Zhang Mingliang 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  It is well known that tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) induces hepatocyte apoptosis and contributes to liver diseases. However, the exact mechanisms are not well understood.Methods:  In the present study, we reported that Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) is involved in TNF‐α‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis.Results:  TNF‐α time dependently induced an increase in NHE activity in hepatocytes, but cariporide, an NHE inhibitor, blocked the TNF‐α‐induced increase of NHE activity in a dose‐dependent manner. Increased NHE activity induced by TNF‐α was associated with increased intracellular calcium (Ca2+i) concentration and calpain activity. Cariporide reversed these effects induced by TNF‐α. In addition, TNF‐α downregulated Bcl‐xL, an anti‐apoptotic protein, but not mRNA levels. The inhibition of either calpain or NHE blocked the TNF‐α‐induced decrease of the Bcl‐xL protein. TNF‐α did not change the pro‐apoptotic Bax and Bak protein levels. Cariporide, calcium remover 1,2‐bis (2‐aminophenoxy) ethane‐N,N,N0,N0–tetraacetic acid, or calpain inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl‐leucyl‐leucinal attenuated TNF‐α‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis.Conclusion:  TNF‐α via NHE results in hepatocyte apoptosis through the calcium/calpain/Bcl‐xL pathway.
Effects of probucol on hepatic tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6 and adiponectin receptor‐2 expression in diabetic rats
Authors: Zhang Xia , Li Zhongzhuan , Liu Dongfang , Xu Xin , Shen Wei , Mei Zhechuan 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Probucol is a lipid‐lowering agent with anti‐oxidant effects. Oxidative stress and inflammation are important in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance. We aimed to evaluate the effects of probucol on liver histological changes, serum and hepatic levels of adipokines in rats with high fat‐induced type 2 diabetes (T2D).Methods:  Thirty‐six rats were divided into a normal control group, a high fat‐induced T2D group and a probucol treatment group. After six weeks of treatment with probucol, we evaluated liver histological changes and measured homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA‐IR), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, adiponectin and hepatic TNF‐α, IL‐6 and adiponectin receptor‐2 (adipoR2) mRNA.Results:  The degree of hepatic steatosis and inflammation, HOMA‐IR, serum ALT, TNF‐α and IL‐6 concentrations, and hepatic TNF‐α and IL‐6 mRNA expression in diabetic rats were significantly higher compared with normal controls. Serum SOD and adiponectin concentrations and hepatic adipoR2 mRNA expression in diabetic rats were significantly lower compared with normal controls. Probucol significantly reduced the degree of hepatic steatosis, HOMA‐IR, serum ALT, TNF‐α and IL‐6 concentrations, and hepatic TNF‐α and IL‐6 mRNA expression. Probucol significantly raised serum SOD and adiponectin concentrations and hepatic adipoR2 mRNA expression.Conclusions:  In rats with high fat‐induced T2D, treatment with probucol improved insulin sensitivity, hepatic steatosis by raising circulating adiponectin and hepatic adipoR2 levels, in addition to reducing pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the circulation and liver.
Echographic detection of diethylnitrosamine‐induced liver tumors in rats and the effect of the intratumoral injection of an inhibitor of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase
Authors: Hanajiri Kazuyuki , Mitsui Hiroshi , Maruyama Toshiyuki , Hashimoto Naoaki , Sata Masataka , Omata Masao 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  There have so far been few reports describing echographic studies of chemically‐induced carcinogenesis in rodent livers. Using echography, we observed diethylnitrosamine‐induced liver tumors in rats and examined the effect of an intratumoral injection of an inhibitor of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase.Methods:  Male Wistar rats were given 100 ppm of diethylnitrosamine for 6 weeks and their liver nodules were examined by echography weekly. The size of the nodules was measured and they were examined histologically. The effect of SP600125, an inhibitor of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, on the growth of rat hepatoma cell line McA‐RH7777 was tested in vitro. Thereafter, SP600125 was injected into the liver nodules under echographic guidance in vivo and the changes in the proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression and size of the nodules were examined.Results:  The four distinct lobes of rat livers were clearly observed by transabdominal echography. The nodules in the livers were first detected 6 weeks after the treatment began, when they were as small as 1.6 mm in diameter. The nodules thereafter became more malignant histologically as they grew larger than 4 mm. SP600125 decreased the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and the growth of McA‐RH7777 cells. After SP600125 was injected in vivo, the proliferating cell nuclear antigen level and the growth rate of the rat liver nodules all significantly decreased.Conclusions:  Our results indicate that echography is quite useful for follow‐up studies of liver carcinogenesis in rats, and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase might be another therapeutic target in liver neoplasms.
Assessment Measures for Engineering LES Applications
Authors: Celik I. , Klein M. , Janicka J. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Anticipating that large eddy simulations will increasingly become the future engineering tool for research, development, and design, it is deemed necessary to formulate some quality assessment measures that can be used to judge the resolution of turbulent scales and the accuracy of predictions. In this context some new and refined measures are proposed and compared with those already published by the authors in the common literature. These measures involve (a) fraction of the total turbulent kinetic energy, (b) relative grid size with respect to Kolmogorov or Taylor scales, and (c) relative effective subgrid/numerical viscosity with respect to molecular viscosity. In addition, an attempt is made to segregate the contributions from numerical and modeling errors. Proposed measures are applied to various test cases and validated against fully resolved large eddy simulation and/or direct numerical simulation whenever possible.