bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imaging triiodothyronine binding kinetics in rat brain: A model for studies in human subjects
Authors: Greenberg Joel H. , Reivich Martin , Gordon Janice T. , Schoenhoff Monika B. , Patlak Clifford S. , Dratman Mary B. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractMany lines of evidence indicate a role for thyroid hormones in the expression of cognitive and affective disorders. These conditions constitute a large proportion of the illness burden in the general population. Unfortunately, presently available diagnostic procedures cannot adequately identify these problems. To determine whether imaging studies of thyroid hormone kinetics in brain might be feasible in patients with these disorders, an autoradiographic method for measuring thyroid hormone kinetics was developed. Twenty‐five awake adult rats received high specific activity [125I]‐triiodothyronine (T3*). Brains were obtained at intervals from 5 through 300 min after i.v. hormone administration. Every 5th frozen section was thaw mounted and exposed to film. To determine whether T3 was responsible for the autoradiographic images, the intervening sections were assembled while frozen in regional tissue pools and were extracted and then analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The results demonstrated that radioactivity was almost entirely due to T3*(∼90%) while small amounts of hormone metabolites, including [125I]iodine accounted for the remainder. Regional concentrations of label in autoradiograms were measured by densitometry in hippocampus (CA1, CA2, CA3, and dentate gyrus), cerebellum (molecular and granular cell layers), caudate nucleus, and amygdala. Unexpectedly and interestingly, the results demonstrated that binding through 5 h was mainly irreversible. Regional values of the net uptake rate constant of T3* or influx constant, Ki, were determined from the time course of the T3* data, showing significant differences among regions. These results suggest that imaging of labeled thyroid hormone ligands by positron emission tomography or single photon emission computed tomography may be feasible and would potentially provide useful information relevant to T3 processing in the brain during a variety of drug and disease‐induced conditions. Synapse 60:212–222, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TRANSPORT CHANGES RAPIDLY INITIATED BY SERUM ADDITION TO “CONTACT INHIBITED” 3T3 CELLS
Authors: Cunningham Dennis D. , Pardee Arthur B. 
Published: May 2006

Two- to fourfold increases in uridine and phosphate uptake were brought about within 10 to 15 minutes after adding fresh serum to confluent 3T3 cells. The stimulation of transport was specific, since no serum effect was observed for 3-
O
-methyl-D-glucose or amino acids. The early increase in RNA labeling, previously identified by
14
C-uridine incorporation, could be accounted for by this transport effect. Increased labeling with
32
P-phosphate of at least five phospholipids occurred soon after adding serum. This increase, however, could not be accounted for by increased transport. Both of these results suggest that specific early membrane changes are involved in “contact inhibition.”

The following results are consistent with this suggestion. Uptake of uridine and phosphate by nonconfluent 3T3 cells was higher than by confluent cells and was only slightly increased by fresh serum. In contrast, uptake of these substrates by Polyoma virus-transformed 3T3 cells, which are not subject to “contact inhibition,” was not significantly decreased after the cells became confluent, and serum addition had no effect on transport by either nonconfluent or confluent Polyoma virus-transformed 3T3 cells.
Fractionation of serum on Sephadex G-200 demonstrated that the factor which stimulated phosphate transport was different from the previously identified factor which stimulates DNA synthesis by confluent 3T3 cells.
Synthesis of DNA Complements of Natural RNAs: A General Approach
Authors: Spiegelman S. , Watson K. F. , Kacian D. L. 
Published: May 2006

The availability of a purified RNA-instructed DNA polymerase (reverse transcriptase) from avain myeloblastosis virus provided the opportunity to explore whether this enzyme could be used as a general tool for synthesizing DNA complements of a wide variety of natural RNAs. The results described show that this potentially useful situation is in fact realized. The avian viral transcriptase can mediate the synthesis of DNA complementary to RNAs of such widely divergent origins as Qβ bacteriophage and Moloney sarcoma virus. These findings open up novel pathways for the experimental resolution of several interesting problems. Thus, given a purified RNA message, one should be able to synthesize the corresponding DNA genetic material. If suitably labeled, the synthetic DNA has various obvious uses, including its use via molecular hybridization as an analytical probe for the corresponding gene on the chromosomes or for its message in a complex mixture of RNA molecules.
Of immediate practical interest is the import of these findings for viral oncology. They imply that for many purposes we will not be compelled to isolate or use the “reverse transcriptase” from each oncogenic virus in order to synthesize its complementary DNA. The ability of one enzyme to accept a variety of oncogenic RNAs will obviate many of the logistical difficulties that arise, particularly in attempts to illuminate the etiology of human cancer.
Theoretical Analysis of Emission Spectra of Electronic Transitions of Molecules in Dense Media
Authors: Lin S. H. , Colangelo L. J. , Erying H. 
Published: May 2006

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature of band shapes of emission spectra and their relation to the rate of nonradiative processes. Two cases are discussed, one in which the Franck-Condon principle applies and the other in which the electronic transition is symmetry-forbidden but vibronic-allowed. The moment relations of emission spectra have been derived and their applications demonstrated.
The vibrational structuring in emission spectra is discussed and empirical equations for calculation of the shapes of vibrational bands are derived. It is found that from the shapes of vibrational bands one can obtain the information of intermolecular vibration and from the areas under vibrational bands one can determine the Franck-Condon factors of intramolecular vibration.
Proof That Unsuccessful Speculators Confer Less Benefit to Society Than Their Losses
Authors: Samuelson Paul A. 
Published: May 2006

It is well known that successful speculation can be a boon to society, whether or not the successful speculator is ruled to be the legitimate appropriator of his profits. It is also understood that unsuccessful speculation can naturally impose losses on the unsuccessful speculator himself. Little, however, is known about the effect of the unsuccessful speculator on the rest of society: one view is that the others gain what he loses, so that in a sense he is their benefactor and only his own enemy; a more plausible view is that his loss must in some sense exceed the gain splashed on others. Nothing seems to have been proved in a rigorous way in this matter.
Here, the problem is subjected to mathematical analysis. It is shown that others do definitely gain from an act of unsuccessful speculation, thus providing rigorous proof of what has long been surmised. But it is also shown that their gain is necessarily less, in an objective sense, than the loss to the speculator himself. Indeed, in the model of unnecessary positive carryover of grain into the future, the gain to the nonspeculators is proved to be actually of a second-order of smallness of infinitesimals compared to the speculator's loss.
The Labyrinthine Sense Organs of the Frog
Authors: Wever Ernest Glen 
Published: May 2006

A study of the macula and crista organs of the frog's labyrinth with the use of an improved method of histological preparation has shown these endings to be more complex than heretofore believed. The structure lying over the layer of sensory and supporting cells is not a single “gelatinous” body as commonly described, but consists of two distinct layers with separate functions.
In all these endings—macula sacculi, macula utriculi, macula lagenae, and the cristae of the three semicircular canals—there is a special tectorial structure that lies over the cellular surface and makes the connections to the ciliary tufts of the hair cells. It has the general form of a reticulum, though in the saccule it is somewhat elaborated.
A preliminary study of other vertebrates indicates that this tectorial reticulum is present in all the labyrinthine endings throughout the series from fishes to mammals.
Consideration is given to the possible advantages of this special tectorial structure in the stimulation process.
Antigenic drift in type A influenza virus: Peptide mapping and antigenic analysis of A/PR/8/34 (HON1) variants selected with monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Laver W. G. , Gerhard W. , Webster R. G. , Frankel M. E. , Air G. M. 
Published: May 2006

Variants of A/PR/8/34 (HON1) influenza virus, having hemagglutinin molecules with probably a single altered antigenic determinant, were isolated by growing the virus in the presence of the monoclonal hybridoma antibody PEG-1. The variants were analyzed by peptide mapping and characterized antigenically by using PEG-1 and four other monoclonal hybridoma antibodies to PR8 hemagglutinin. Peptide maps of the large hemagglutinin polypeptide, HA1, from 8 out of 10 variants showed a single changed peptide. This peptide from two of the variants was analyzed, and in each case a serine residue in the wild-type hemagglutinin was replaced by leucine in the variant. Although these eight variants showed identical peptide maps, one could be discriminated antigenically from the others with one of the hybridomas. (The peptide maps represented about one-third of the HA1 molecule.) Of the other two variants, one gave the same HA1 map as the wild type, but could be distinguished antigenically from wild-type virus by two of the hybridomas. The other was unique, and could be distinguished, both antigenically and by peptide mapping, from the other variants.
Since a large number of the variants selected with PEG-1 showed the same peptide change, it is likely that this alteration in amino acid sequence (serine to leucine) was responsible for the inability of the variants to bind PEG-1 monoclonal antibody. We do not know, however, whether the changed amino acids were located within the antigenic sites or whether the change occurred somewhere else in the hemagglutinin molecule and altered the determinants through conformational changes.
‘Building a new normality’: mothers’ experiences of caring for a child with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Earle E. A. , Clarke S. A. , Eiser C. , Sheppard L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackground  Treatment of childhood cancer occurs over a 2‐ to 3‐year period, with initial intense phases of chemotherapy followed by less severe treatment periods. From first diagnosis, families are encouraged by healthcare professionals (following government guidelines) to try to maintain a normal life. The aim of this paper is to contribute to our understanding of how ‘normal’ family life is compromised from the perspective of the families themselves during this period of extreme stress and concern for the health and well‐being of their child.Methods  This study was longitudinal and involved a cross section of 32 mothers of children recently diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) currently participating in the Medical Research Council ALL‐97 randomized control trial. Mothers were interviewed at three time points (3–4 months post diagnosis, 15 and 27 months) using a semi‐structured format with open‐ended questions. A qualitative methodology was employed to analyse interview data using Thematic analysis.Results  Mothers reported understanding the importance of achieving normal life, but described how this was difficult to realize. At first interview, mothers were optimistic that they could achieve the ‘normal life’ as advised by healthcare workers. At 12 and 24 months, although all mothers reported that life was not back to normal, there were differences in how they perceived this lack of normality. Whereas some families experienced frustration and disappointment, others had adjusted and managed to accept the new order.Conclusions  Families felt encouraged on diagnosis to be told that despite the severity of the disease and treatment regime, a normal life was possible and should be pursued. Our findings indicate that over time, more concrete information is needed to guide parents through the treatment process in order to help them achieve this.
FOXP3 Identifies Regulatory CD25brightCD4+ T Cells in Rheumatic Joints
Authors: Cao D. , Börjesson O. , Larsson P. , Rudin A. , Gunnarsson I. , Klareskog L. , Malmström V. , Trollmo C. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractRegulatory T cells have recently been implicated in a number of human diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. To investigate whether the presence of CD25+CD4+ regulatory T cells is a general finding in arthritic joints, synovial fluid of patients with different rheumatic diseases such as undifferentiated arthritides, systemic rheumatic diseases and reactive arthritis were investigated for the presence of such cells. In 95% of the patients, a higher frequency of CD25brightCD4+ T cells was found in synovial fluid as compared with peripheral blood. Both in vitro suppression experiments and FOXP3 mRNA analysis confirmed these cells to be natural regulatory T cells. Together with our previous data, we conclude that arthritic joints, irrespective of precise diagnosis and disease duration, are enriched with natural regulatory T cells. These results suggest that suppressor cells migrate to and/or multiply at the sites of inflammation as part of the immune responses' effort to combat injurious inflammation.
A novel strategy for preventing PERV transmission to human cells by remodeling the viral envelope glycoprotein
Authors: Miyagawa Shuji , Nakatsu Shino , Hazama Kenji , Nakagawa Takatoshi , Kondo Akihiro , Matsunami Katsuyoshi , Yamamoto Aki , Yamada Junko , Miyazawa Takayuki , Shirakura Ryota 
Published: May 2006

Miyagawa S, Nakatsu S, Hazama K, Nakagawa T, Kondo A, Matsunami K, Yamamoto A, Yamada J, Miyazawa T, Shirakura R. A novel strategy for preventing PERV transmission to human cells by remodeling the viral envelope glycoprotein. Xenotransplantation 2006; 13: 258–263. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2006Abstract:  Background:  Porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) released from pig cells is a main problem associated with clinical xenotransplantation. In a previous study, we demonstrated that the high mannose type of N‐glycan of the envelope glycoprotein is closely related to PERV infectivity with respect to human cells. In this study, we addressed the effects of reducing the high mannose type of N‐glycan on PERV infectivity.Methods:  Pig endothelial cells (PEC) were transduced with the LacZ gene by a pseudotype infection to produce PEC(Z). The PEC(Z)s were then further infected with PERV subtype B (PERV‐B) to produce PEC(Z)/PB. The PEC(Z)/PBs were next transfected with the α 1,2 mannosidase Ib (Man Ib), N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (GnT‐I) or α‐mannosidase II (Man II) gene in order to reduce the levels of high mannose type of N‐glycan. HEK293 cells were inoculated with the PERV in each of the culture supernatants. The inoculated cells were histochemically stained and the LacZ‐positive cells were counted.Results:  In experiment I, PERV transmission from the PEC(Z)/PB with GnT‐I or Man II to HEK 293 cells was significantly reduced in comparison with control PEC(Z)/PB, while the PEC(Z)/PB with Man Ib was not. However, in experiment II, PERV transmission from the PEC(Z)/PB with ManIb to HEK 293 cells was also significantly reduced in comparison with control PEC(Z)/PB.Conclusion:  The transfection of these genes to pig cells is effective in reducing the susceptibility of human cells to PERV infection. The results suggest that this represents a potentially useful strategy for further decreasing the likelihood of PERV infections.
Evidence‐based decision making in transfusion medicine
Authors: Heddle N. M. 
Published: May 2006

Some of the basic principles behind evidence‐based medicine have been known for many years; however, the concept and approach to integrating evidenced‐based decision making into clinical practice on a day‐to‐day basis has only evolved over the past 15 years. This paper focuses on five important steps in evidence‐based decision making: (1) the importance of a well‐defined question; (2) ways to effectively search the scientific literature; (3) the process of critical appraisal for an article about therapy; (4) the role of clinical expertise, patient values, clinical circumstances and society's expectations in the decision‐making process; and (5) continuous quality improvement of the process.
Drug‐resistant genes and serotypes of pneumococcal strains of community‐acquired pneumonia among adults in Japan
Authors: OISHI Kazunori , YOSHIMINE Hiroyuki , WATANABE Hiroshi , WATANABE Kiwao , TANIMURA Susumu , KAWAKAMI Kenji , IWAGAKI Akitaka , NAGAI Hideaki , GOTO Hajime , KUDOH Shoji , KURIYAMA Takayuki , FUKUCHI Yoshinosuke , MATSUSHIMA Toshiharu , SHIMADA Kaoru , MATSUMOTO Keizo , NAGATAKE Tsuyoshi 
Published: May 2006

Background:  A high frequency of drug‐resistant pneumococci has been reported in Asian countries. Few data on the drug‐resistance or serotype of pneumococcal strains responsible for community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP), however, are available for the past two decades in Japan.Methodology:  Susceptibility to antibiotics and the genotype of antibiotic‐resistant genes and serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from 114 adult patients with CAP were examined in a nationwide study in Japan between 2001 and 2003.Results:  Most of the cases were non‐bacteraemic pneumonia and the case fatality rate was 4.4%. The most frequent genotype of the pbp gene was pbp1a + 2x + 2b (gPRSP; 36.8%) followed by pbp 2x (28.1%) and of the macrolide‐resistant gene, it was ermB (50.0%). The most common serotype was 19F (29.1%), followed by serotype 23F (13.2%), 6B (12.3%) and 3 (11.4%). The coverage of serotypes of isolates by a 23‐valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) would be 82.5% in these patients with CAP. Most of strains with serotypes 19F and 23F were gPRSP. A cluster of serotype 3 strains associated with the pbp 2x and ermB gene was also noted.Conclusion:  A high frequency of altered pbp gene mutations or of macrolide‐related genes and a high serotype coverage by the 23‐valent PPV found in our study of pneumococcal pneumonia facilitates attempts to increase the coverage rate of the 23‐valent PPV in adults older than 65 years in Japan.
Effect of corticosteroids on adult varicella pneumonia: Cohort study and literature review
Authors: ADHAMI Naeem , ARABI Yaseen , RAEES Ahmed , AL‐SHIMEMERI Abdullah , UR‐RAHMAN Masood , MEMISH Ziad A. 
Published: May 2006

Background:  Varicella pneumonia (VP) is a serious entity associated with morbidity and mortality. There have been sporadic reports using corticosteroids in life‐threatening VP. We report a case series of VP to examine the outcome and the effect of corticosteroid use.Methods:  A retrospective chart review was conducted on all adult patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital with VP during a 14‐year period. We documented oxygenation (SpO2, PaO2/FIO2) on admission and after 48 h, whether the patients were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), the use of mechanical ventilation, ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS) and patient outcome. We compared those patients who received corticosteroids with those who did not.Results:  We identified 19 patients with VP. Ten received corticosteroids, in addition to antiviral and supportive treatment. Patients who received corticosteroids were significantly more hypoxaemic on admission and all were admitted to ICU with seven of them intubated. Only two of the nine in non‐steroid group were intubated. Despite their greater severity, the corticosteroid group showed a much more rapid improvement in oxygenation and a trend towards shorter duration of mechanical ventilation. The duration of ICU and hospital LOS were not significantly different. All patients survived.Conclusions:  Corticosteroids in severe VP accelerate the physiological recovery and may shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation.
The existence of opioid receptors in the cochlea of guinea pigs
Authors: Jongkamonwiwat Nopporn , Phansuwan‐Pujito Pansiri , Casalotti Stefano O. , Forge Andrew , Dodson Hilary , Govitrapong Piyarat 
Published: May 2006

AbstractSeveral independent investigations have demonstrated the presence of opioid peptides in the inner ear organ of Corti and in particular in the efferent nerve fibers innervating the cochlear hair cells. However, the precise innervation pattern of opioid fibers remains to be investigated. In the present study the expression of opioid receptors and their peptides is demonstrated in young adult guinea pig cochlea. Opioid receptors are mainly expressed in hair cells of the organ of Corti and in inner and outer spiral bundles with different characteristics for each type of receptor. Co‐localization studies were employed to compare the distribution of mu‐, delta‐ and kappa‐opioid receptors and their respective peptides, β‐endorphin, leu‐enkephalin and dynorphin. Additionally, immunostaining of synaptophysin was used in this study to identify the presynaptic site. Immunoreactivity for enkephalin and dynorphin was found in the organ of Corti. Leu‐enkephalin was co‐localized with synaptophysin prominently in the inner spiral bundle (ISB). Dynorphin was co‐localized with synaptophysin in both inner and outer spiral bundles. Delta‐opioid receptor was most prominently co‐localized with its peptide in the ISB bundle. Kappa‐opioid receptor was seemingly present with dynorphin in both inner and outer spiral bundles. The co‐staining of both peptides and receptors with synaptophysin in the same areas suggests that some of the opioid receptors may act as auto‐receptors. The results provide further evidence that opioids may function as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators in the cochlea establishing the basis for further electrophysiological and pharmacological investigations to understand better the roles of the opioid system in auditory function.