bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reversal of the transformed phenotype and inhibition of peptidylglycine α‐monooxygenase in Ras‐transformed cells by 4‐phenyl‐3‐butenoic acid
Authors: Sunman Jeffrey A. , Foster Michael S. , Folse Stacey L. , May Sheldon W. , Matesic Diane F. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractRecent studies have shown that the proliferation of some tumor cells is dependent on autocrine growth loops that require amidated autocrine growth factors. Peptidylglycine α‐monooxygenase (PAM) is required for amidation of these growth factors and, therefore, this enzyme is an attractive target for anti‐tumor compounds. 4‐Phenyl‐3‐butenoic acid (PBA) is an irreversible turnover‐dependent inhibitor of PAM in vitro and has been shown to decrease lung cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting the synthesis of amidated growth factors. We show here that PBA (0.1 mg/mL) inhibits the growth of Ras‐transformed epithelial cells (WB‐Ras) but has little effect on the proliferation of normal epithelial cells (WB‐Neo). The methyl ester derivative of PBA (PBA‐Me) at 10‐fold lower concentration also exhibits a selective inhibition of Ras‐transformed cell growth compared to normal epithelial cell growth. In addition, PBA produces a significant upregulation of gap junctional communication between WB‐Ras cells following 2–5 day treatments, with a corresponding increase in the degree of connexin 43 phosphorylation and an increase in the number of connexin 43‐containing plasma membrane gap junction plaques. Western blot analyses indicate no effect of PBA on the proportion of p21 Ras in the membrane versus cytosolic fractions or on p44/42 MAP kinase phosphorylation. Furthermore, the cell morphology of PBA‐treated WB‐Ras cells is altered, so as to more closely resemble that of non‐transformed WB‐Neo cells. PAM activity was assayed in both WB‐Ras and WB‐Neo cells, and we demonstrate that PBA at long treatment times (4 days) inhibits PAM activity in both cell types at concentrations that produce selective growth inhibition of WB‐Ras cells. Shorter PBA treatment times (24 h), however, inhibit PAM activity in WB‐Ras but not WB‐Neo cells, an effect that was mimicked by PBA‐Me. Taken together, these results clearly demonstrate that PBA returns Ras‐transformed cells to a more normal phenotype, a finding consistent with the known increased dominance of the Ras signaling pathway in transformed epithelial cells. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Food allergy to apple and specific immunotherapy with birch pollen
Authors: Skamstrup Hansen Kirsten , Søndergaard Khinchi Marianne , Stahl Skov Per , Bindslev‐Jensen Carsten , Poulsen Lars K. , Malling Hans‐Jørgen 
Published: October 2004

AbstractConflicting results concerning the effect of specific pollen immunotherapy (SIT) on allergy to plant foods have been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SIT using a birch pollen extract on food allergy with focus on allergy to apple. Seventy‐four birch pollen‐allergic patients were included in a double‐blind, double‐dummy, and placebo‐controlled comparison of sublingual‐swallow (SLIT) and subcutaneous (SCIT) administration of a birch pollen extract. Sixty‐nine percent of these patients reported allergy to apple. The clinical reactivity to apple was evaluated by open oral challenges with fresh apple and a questionnaire. The immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐reactivity was assessed by skin prick test (SPT), specific IgE, and leukocyte histamine release (HR). Forty patients were included in the final evaluation of the effect of SIT. The challenges were positive in 9 (SCIT), 6 (SLIT), and 8 (placebo) patients after treatment compared to 10, 4, and 10 patients, respectively, before SIT. The symptom scores to apple during challenges decreased in all groups, but only significantly in the placebo group (p = 0.03). As evaluated by the questionnaire, the severity of food allergy in general did not change and there were no differences between the groups. In spite of a significant effect on seasonal hay fever symptoms and use of medication and decrease in IgE‐reactivity, SIT was not accompanied by a significant decrease in the severity of allergy to apple compared to placebo. Therefore, oral allergy syndrome (OAS) to apple should not be considered as a main criterion for selecting patients for birch pollen immunotherapy at present.
Clinical role of lipid transfer proteins in food allergy
Authors: Pastorello Elide A. , Robino Anna M. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractLipid transfer proteins are widespread plant food allergens, highly resistant to food processing and to the gastrointestinal environment, which have recently been described as true food allergens in the Mediterranean area, where they have been associated with severe allergic reactions to foods in patients without pollen allergy. In this review we analyze their molecular structure, biological function, and clinical relevance in food allergy.
Changes in detrusor smooth muscle myosin heavy chain mRNA expression following spinal cord injury in the mouse
Authors: Wilson Tracey S. , Aziz Khaled Abdel , Vazques Dolores , Wuermser Lisa‐Ann , Lin Victor K. , Lemack Gary E. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractAimsSmooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMHC) isoform composition has been shown to be developmentally regulated and to be associated with functional changes in smooth muscle activity. In this study, we sought to determine expression patterns of SMMHC isoforms in a murine model of spinal cord injury (SCI) and to compare these expression patterns to neurologic, cytometric, and morphometric findings.Materials and MethodsBaseline cystometry was performed on adult, female mice followed by either thoracic spinal cord transection (SCI) or sham operation (Sham). At 1, 3, or 6 weeks postoperatively neurologic evaluation and cystometry were performed, bladders were harvested, and expression patterns of SMMHC isoforms (SM1 vs. SM2 and SMA vs. SMB) were assessed by RT‐PCR. Morphometrics utilizing computer‐assisted color image analysis was also performed on all bladders.ResultsThere was a significant increase in bladder weight and capacity 1 week following SCI which normalized over time, however, morphometric analysis did not reveal an alteration in tissue composition amongst the three groups. One week following SCI, SM1 was predominantly expressed over SM2 and began to normalize at 3 weeks. This coincided with the emergence of reflex voiding and detrusor overactivity. SMA was expressed following SCI only, and the number of bladders found to express SMA decreased with increasing duration since SCI.ConclusionsSmooth muscle myosin heavy chain mRNA expression patterns appear to be affected by SCI. We believe the induction of SMA may be a factor in altered bladder function following injury. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐risk surgically resected pediatric melanoma and adjuvant interferon therapy
Authors: Chao Mwe Mwe , Schwartz Jennifer L. , Wechsler Daniel S. , Thornburg Courtney D. , Griffith Kent A. , Williams James A. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundPediatric patients with high‐risk surgically resected melanoma are at risk for relapse, yet little is known about these young patients and how they tolerate high‐dose interferon therapy.ProcedureWe reviewed medical records of patients (≤18 years) with high‐risk melanoma referred to the University of Michigan Pediatric Hematology‐Oncology service between January 1989 and July 2003.ResultsFourteen patients were identified with high‐risk resected melanoma. The median age at diagnosis was 8.5 years. The median time to establish diagnosis was 9 months. Primary lesions were diagnosed as unequivocal melanoma, atypical epithelioid melanocytic proliferations, or atypical Spitz tumor with indeterminate malignant potential. Twelve patients had a positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy or a palpable regional lymph node and underwent regional lymph node dissection (LND). Two patients with unequivocal melanoma with Breslow depth >4 mm had negative SLN biopsies. Twelve patients received adjuvant high‐dose interferon. The following toxicities were observed: constitutional symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, depression or neuropsychiatric symptoms, myelosuppression, elevated AST or ALT, hypothyroidism, and hypertension. Grade 3 or 4 toxicities were uncommon with exception of neutropenia, resulting in modification of therapy in one patient. All patients are alive and free of disease at follow‐up (median 24.5 months).ConclusionsInvasive melanoma can occur in very young children. Despite early signs of malignancy, there is often a delay in diagnosis. Histologically, diagnosis may be difficult because of overlap with Spitz nevi. Pediatric patients tolerated adjuvant high‐dose interferon well and may be less likely than adults to require therapy modification secondary to toxicities. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
NMR investigation of steric effects in alkyl‐ and haloadamantanes
Authors: Seidl Peter Rudolf , Yoneda Julliane Diniz , Leal Kátia Zaccur 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe use of substituent effects on 1H and 13C chemical shifts to probe steric interactions was applied to other monosubstituted adamantanes. Existing literature data on series of halogen and alkyl substituents confirm that NMR chemical shifts are strongly affected by steric effects. The magnitude of these effects can be associated with data that reflect the ‘size’ of a substituent and the direction in which it extends. For alkyl groups, conformational effects must be taken into consideration in this type of analysis. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multicyclic polyethers derived from 1,1,1‐tris(4‐hydroxyphenyl)ethane and 2,6‐dihalopyridines
Authors: Kricheldorf Hans R. , Vakhtangishvili Lali , Schwarz Gert 
Published: October 2004

AbstractPoly(pyridine ether)s were prepared in two ways: the polycondensation of silylated 1,1,1‐tris(4‐hydroxyphenyl)ethane (THPE) with 2,6‐difluoropyridine (method A) and the polycondensation of free THPE with 2,6‐dichloropyridine (method B). With method A, the THPE/difluoropyridine feed ratio was varied from 1.0:1.0 to 1.0:1.6. Cycles, bicycles, and multicycles were the main reaction products, and crosslinking was never observed. When ideal stoichiometry was used exclusively, multicycles free of functional groups were obtained. These multicycles were detectable in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectra up to B38C76 with a mass of approximately 32,000 Da. With method B, the reaction conditions were varied at a fixed feed ratio to achieve an optimum for the preparation of multicyclic polyethers, but because of the lower reactivity of 2,6‐dichloropyridine, a quantitative conversion was not achieved. The reaction products were characterized with MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry, viscosity measurements, and size exclusion chromatography. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 5725–5735, 2004
Morphology and dielectric properties of an epoxy network modified by end‐functionalized liquid polybutadiene
Authors: Soares B. G. , Leyva M. E. , Moreira V. X. , Barcia F. L. , Khastgir D. , Simão R. A. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractEpoxy resin networks modified with different functionalized liquid polybutadiene were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and dielectric thermal analysis techniques. Different morphologies were observed for these different systems, which were attributed to different interaction degrees between the components. Hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and carboxyl‐ terminated polybutadiene (CTPB) resulted in epoxy networks with two‐phase morphology that differed in rubber particle size. The use of isocyanate‐terminated polybutadiene (NCOTPB) resulted in transparent thermoset material, whose rubber domains were in the nanoscale dimension, only detected by the AFM technique. The different morphological aspects in these epoxy systems also affected the dielectric properties. The epoxy–HTPB network exhibited two low temperature relaxation peaks corresponding to two different phases present in the system, whereas the epoxy–CTPB or epoxy–NCOTPB systems, whose rubber particles are well adhered to the epoxy matrix by chemical bonds, displayed only one single low temperature relaxation peak. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 4053–4062, 2004
Proteomic analysis of mouse liver for the evaluation of effects of Scutellariae radix by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Ong Eng Shi , Len Shea Mei , Lee Audrey Chee Huay , Chui Paul , Chooi Kum Fai 
Published: October 2004

AbstractScutellariae radix or Scutellaria baicalensis is a medicinal plant that contains major flavonoids such as baicalein, baicalin, wogonin and wogonosides. The present work describes the development of an approach using proteomic analysis of mouse liver to study the effects of prolonged exposure to substances present in chemically standardized Scutellariae radix extracts. Histopathological examination of the mouse liver was compared with the proteome data. The botanical extracts were prepared using pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). A method without isotope labeling was developed, using proteolytic digestion with one‐ and two‐dimensional liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, and was used to characterize the extent of differential protein expression in mouse liver in response to external factors such as extracts from Scutellariae radix. From the histopathological examination and proteome data, significant changes in the mouse livers were not observed for the low‐dose group. The Scutellariae radix extracts at high dose were observed to cause damage at the bile duct and expression change of a number of proteins including some involved in catabolism of triglyceride‐rich particles, carbohydrate metabolism, regulators of cell signaling processes, and enzymes involved in biotransformation. Thus, proteomic analysis of liver samples from mice treated with botanical extracts is a promising approach to provide information on any potential toxicity effects of the extracts. The present method also provides another means for comparing proteomes in biological samples such as liver lysates from mice subjected to different treatments. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of the human fetal pons: in utero ultrasonographic study
Authors: Achiron R. , Kivilevitch Z. , Lipitz S. , Gamzu R. , Almog B. , Zalel Y. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the ultrasonographic feasibility of imaging the fetal pons and to construct a reference chart for its normal development during gestation.MethodsA cross‐sectional, prospective study on 293 healthy fetuses of low‐risk pregnancies between 19 and 34 weeks was performed. The transfontanel approach, via the abdominal or vaginal routes, was used to evaluate the fetal metencephalon (pons and cerebellum). The anteroposterior diameter of the fetal pons was measured in a mid‐sagittal plane. The longitudinal diameter of the cerebellar vermis was measured at the same plane and the vermis–pons ratio (VPR) was established.ResultsOne hundred and forty‐four fetuses were in vertex position. In 140 (97.2%) satisfactory visualization and measurements of the pons and cerebellar vermis were obtained. One hundred and forty‐nine fetuses were breech presentations and measurements were successfully performed in 147 (98.6%). The pons anteroposterior and vermis longitudinal diameters showed a linear correlation with gestational age (GA) (r = 0.95 for both measurements; P < 0.001). The mean VPR was 1.5 (±0.1 SD) and did not change in the gestational interval that was considered.ConclusionBy using the transfontanel approach, evaluation of the fetal pons is feasible via the mid‐sagittal plane. The nomograms developed and the ratio to fetal vermis provides reference data that may be helpful when evaluating anomalies of the brainstem. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasmafunktionalisierung von Textilien und Fasern. Plasma Functionalization of Textiles and Fibers
Authors: Nachname Dirk , Fischer Armin 
Published: October 2004

AbstractDie zukünftige Marktposition der Europäischen Textilindustrie hängt in starkem Masse von Innovationen ab, die Textilien und Fasern besondere Eigenschaften verleihen, um sich von den niedrigpreisigen Produkten aus dem asiatischen Raum abzusetzen. Zur Funktionalisierung von Fasern und Textilien ist insbesondere die Plasmatechnik als trockenes, ressourcenschonendes, vielseitiges Verfahren von Interesse, das in der Vergangenheit überwiegend aus Kostengründen erst wenige Einsatzmöglichkeiten auf dem Textilsektor gefunden hat. Gerade High‐Tech‐Materialien (z. B. in der Medizinaltechnik) oder Nischenprodukte sind neben klassischen Ausrüstungen wie Färben oder Schmutzabweisung aber auch wirtschaftlich interessant. Mögliche Anwendungen, die auf Plasmaverfahren basieren, sowie geeignete Anlagentechniken werden im Folgenden dargestellt.
Behaviour of mackerel schools during summer feeding migration in the Norwegian Sea, as observed from fishing vessel sonars
Authors: Godø Olav Rune , Hjellvik Vidar , Iversen Svein A. , Slotte Aril , Tenningen Eirik , Torkelsen Terje 
Published: September 2004

AbstractIn July 2002, two commercial vessels were used to study the distribution of Northeast Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus L.) during their feeding migration in the eastern part of the Norwegian Sea between 62°N and 70°N. Pelagic trawling and school tracking with SIMRAD 24–36 kHz sonar demonstrated that the stock was distributed throughout the study area. Information about time, geographic position, size, depth, speed, and direction was stored for each school during tracking. This study reports analyses of data from 63 schools that were tracked for 30 s or longer. All schools were recorded at depths of less than 100 m, and the majority (65%) were found between the surface and 40 m. The direction of migration (north 0° ± 22.5°, northeast 45° ± 22.5°, etc.) was non-random, with east and west as dominant swimming directions. School size and migration speed varied from 1 to 7000 tonnes and 0 to 6 m s−1, respectively. Methodological improvements are discussed.
5‐HT7 receptor efficacy distribution throughout the canine stomach
Authors: Janssen Pieter , Prins Nicolaas H , Peeters Pieter J , Zuideveld Klaas P , Lefebvre Romain A 
Published: October 2004

This study aimed to determine, quantify and explain regional differences in the relaxant response to the selective 5‐HT1 and 5‐HT7 receptor agonist 5‐carboxamidotryptamine (5‐CT) throughout the canine stomach.
Longitudinal muscle strips from eight gastric corpus regions and six antrum regions were mounted for isotonic measurement. The 5‐CT‐induced relaxation was examined on a prostaglandin F2α‐induced submaximal response, expressed as percentage of this response and fitted to the operational model of agonism (OMOA). 5‐HT7 receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was compared by means of quantitative PCR.
5‐CT inhibited PGF2α‐induced tonic contraction (corpus) and increase of phasic contraction amplitude (antrum). The consistent antagonism produced by the selective 5‐HT7 receptor antagonist SB‐269970 (10 nM, pA2 estimates 8.2–8.9) confirmed that in every region, the inhibition by 5‐CT was 5‐HT7 receptor mediated. However, variation in the maximum effect (61–108%) and pEC50 (6.4–8.6) was observed throughout the different regions. The OMOA explained these differences as differences in the efficacy parameter τ (ratio of receptor density and coupling efficiency; log τ estimates ranging from 0.1 to 2.1). The log τ gradient decreases going from the lesser to the greater curvature. A proportional difference (68%) in the relative expression of 5‐HT7 receptor mRNA between the lesser and the greater curvature indicates that differences in receptor density contribute to the observed functional differences.
This study illustrates that 5‐HT7 receptors are present throughout the ventral wall of the canine stomach, but the efficacy (expressed as log τ) is clearly greater close to the lesser curvature. Differences in 5‐HT7 receptor expression at least partially explain the functional differences.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 143, 331–342. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705922
Expression of Rho‐kinase (ROCK‐1 and ROCK‐2) and its substantial role in the contractile activity of the sheep ureter
Authors: Levent Adnan , Büyükafşar Kansu 
Published: October 2004

Expression of two isoforms of Rho‐kinase (ROCK) and its functional role in the physiological control of smooth muscle contraction in the sheep ureter were investigated. Helical strips of the ureteric smooth muscle were stimulated by electrical field stimulation (EFS, 60 V, 1 mS, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 Hz, for 20 S), KCl (80 mM), carbachol (CCh, 10−8–10−4 M) or phenylephrine (Phe, 10−8–10−4 M).
EFS produced a reproducible contractile activity, which was abolished by tetrodotoxin (3 × 10−6 M), a Na+ channel blocker. A muscarinic receptor antagonist, atropine (2 × 10−6 M), and an adrenergic neuron blocker, guanethidine (10−5 M), significantly suppressed the contraction induced by EFS. However, this contraction was augmented in the presence of NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine (L‐NA, 10−4 M), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor.
Two Rho‐kinase inhibitors, Y‐27632 (5 × 10−5 M) and fasudil (5 × 10−5 M), markedly attenuated the EFS‐elicited contraction. CCh and Phe produced concentration‐dependent contraction in the sheep ureter. pD2 values for Phe and CCh were 5.04±0.11 and 5.00±0.22, respectively. Y‐27632 (5 × 10−5 M) and fasudil (5 × 10−5 M) also significantly inhibited CCh‐ and Phe‐induced contractions. Moreover, these ROCK inhibitors produced relaxations in the KCl‐elicited contraction in a concentration‐dependent manner. pD2 values for Y‐27632 and fasudil were, respectively, 5.17±0.07 and 4.58±0.08 (P<0.001).
Furthermore, the influences of these agents were also tested on spontaneous phasic contractions of the tissue. Among Y‐27632, fasudil, TTX, L‐NA, guanethidine and atropine, only the ROCK inhibitors (10−6–10−5 M) were able to suppress the spontaneous contractile activity.
Western blot analysis has revealed that both isoforms of Rho‐kinase (ROCK‐1 and ROCK‐2) are expressed in the sheep ureter. Densitometric analysis has indicated that these enzymes are less expressed in the sheep ureter than are in the sheep aorta in a significant manner.
These results show that a contractile enzyme, Rho‐kinase, is expressed, and it mediates agonist‐ and EFS‐induced contractions as well as spontaneous contractile activity of the isolated sheep ureter. Since Y‐27632 and fasudil depressed the contractions, it seems plausible to postulate that Rho‐kinase inhibitors may be beneficial in the treatment of renal colic.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 143, 431–437. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705961