bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Astrocyte production of the chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein-2 is inhibited by the spice principle curcumin at the level of gene transcription
Authors: Tomita Michiyo , Holman Brita J , Santoro Christopher P , Santoro Thomas J 
Published: February 2005

Abstract

Background
In neuropathological processes associated with neutrophilic infiltrates, such as experimental allergic encephalitis and traumatic injury of the brain, the CXC chemokine, macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) is thought to play a pivotal role in the induction and perpetuation of inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). The origin of MIP-2 in inflammatory disorders of the brain has not been fully defined but astrocytes appear to be a dominant source of this chemokine.
Curcumin is a spice principle in, and constitutes approximately 4 percent of, turmeric. Curcumin's immunomodulating and antioxidant activities suggest that it might be a useful adjunct in the treatment of neurodegenerative illnesses characterized by inflammation. Relatively unexplored, but relevant to its potential therapeutic efficacy in neuroinflammatory syndromes is the effect of curcumin on chemokine production. To examine the possibility that curcumin may influence CNS inflammation by mechanisms distinct from its known anti-oxidant activities, we studied the effect of this spice principle on the synthesis of MIP-2 by astrocytes.

Methods
Primary astrocytes were prepared from neonatal brains of CBA/CaJ mice. The cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in the presence or absence of various amount of curcumin or epigallocatechin gallate. MIP-2 mRNA was analyzed using semi-quantitative PCR and MIP-2 protein production in the culture supernatants was quantified by ELISA. Astrocytes were transfected with a MIP-2 promoter construct, pGL3-MIP-2, and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in the presence or absence of curcumin.

Results
The induction of MIP-2 gene expression and the production of MIP-2 protein were inhibited by curcumin. Curcumin also inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced transcription of the MIP-2 promoter reporter gene construct in primary astrocytes. However MIP-2 gene induction by lipopolysaccharide was not inhibited by another anti-oxidant, epigallocatechin gallate.

Conclusion
Our results indicate that curcumin potently inhibits MIP-2 production at the level of gene transcription and offer further support for its potential use in the treatment of inflammatory conditions of the CNS.
Plasma Bikunin As a Favorable Prognostic Factor in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Matsuzaki Hidenori , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Yagyu Tatsuo , Wakahara Kiyoshi , Kondo Toshiharu , Kurita Noriyuki , Sekino Hideo , Inagaki Kiyokazu , Suzuki Mika , Kanayama Naohiro , Terao Toshihiko 
Published: February 2005

Purpose Bikunin is a multifunctional glycoprotein, which mediates suppression of tumor cell invasion and metastasis. The measurement of bikunin levels in the tissue of patients with malignant diseases has been introduced as a new and simple diagnostic tool for the evaluation of prognosis. The high bikunin expression in ovarian cancer tissue would enable the use of soluble bikunin protein present in the circulation of ovarian cancer patients as a biomarker of disease. Patients and Methods We developed a double-antibody immunoassay for bikunin and detected its presence in normal human circulation. We quantified, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and/or immunoblot assay bikunin in sera from 200 healthy women (controls), 200 patients with benign gynecologic diseases, and 327 patients with ovarian cancer before surgical removal of the tumor. Results When the values of bikunin corresponding to the median were used as the cutoff value (11.5 μg/mL), low plasma bikunin was strongly associated with late-stage, suboptimal debulking with large residual tumor (> 2 cm) and low response to chemotherapy. The median survival time of the patients with a high bikunin level was more than 60 months as compared with 26 months among those with low bikunin level (P = .002). This difference corresponded to a 2.2-fold increased risk of dying for the lower plasma bikunin patients (hazard ratio, 0.45; P = .023) and remained significant in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 0.63; P = .041). Conclusion Preoperative plasma bikunin concentration is a strong and independent favorable prognostic marker for ovarian cancer.
Supradose Intra-Arterial Cisplatin and Concurrent Radiation Therapy for the Treatment of Stage IV Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Is Feasible and Efficacious in a Multi-Institutional Setting: Results of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Trial 9615
Authors: Robbins K. Thomas , Kumar Parvesh , Harris Jonathan , McCulloch Timothy , Cmelak Anthony , Sofferman Robert , Levine Paul , Weisman Robert , Wilson William , Weymuller Ernest , Fu Karen 
Published: February 2005

Purpose To determine the feasibility of high-dose intra-arterial (IA) cisplatin and concurrent radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in the multi-institutional setting (Multi-RADPLAT). Patients and Methods Eligibility included T4 squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx. Patients received cisplatin (150 mg/m2 IA with sodium thiosulfate 9 g/m2 intravenous [IV], followed by 12 g/m2 IV over 6 hours, weekly for 4 weeks) and concurrent RT (70 Gy, 2.0 Gy/fraction, daily for 5 days over 7 weeks). Between May 1997 and December 1999, 67 patients from three experienced and eight inexperienced centers were enrolled, of whom 61 were eligible for analysis. Results Multi-RADPLAT was feasible (ie, three or four infusions of IA cisplatin and full dose of RT) in 53 patients (87%). The complete response (CR) rate was 85% at the primary site and 88% at nodal regions, and the overall CR rate was 80%. At a median follow-up of 3.9 years for alive patients (range, 0.9 to 6.1 years), the estimated 1-year and 2-year locoregional tumor control rates are 66% and 57%, respectively. The estimated 1-year and 2-year survival rates are 72% and 63%, respectively. The estimated 1-year and 2-year disease-free survival rates are 62% and 46%, respectively. The rates of grade 4 and 5 toxicities at the experienced and the inexperienced institutions were 14% and 0% v 47% and 4%, respectively. Conclusion This intensive treatment regimen for head and neck cancer is feasible and effective in a multi-institutional setting.
High Risk of Brain Metastases in Surgically Staged IIIA Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated With Surgery, Chemotherapy, and Radiation
Authors: Mamon Harvey J. , Yeap Beow Yong , Jänne Pasi A. , Reblando Jason , Shrager Sarah , Jaklitsch Michael T. , Mentzer Steven , Lukanich Jeanne M. , Sugarbaker David J. , Baldini Elizabeth H. , Berman Stuart , Skarin Arthur , Bueno Raphael 
Published: February 2005

Purpose Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States. We sought to review our experience with surgically staged IIIA (N2) non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), focusing on the patterns of failure in consecutively treated patients from 1988 to 2000. Patients and Methods The records of 177 patients were reviewed. Collected data included stage, histology, use of chemotherapy and radiation, initial and subsequent sites of failure, and survival. One hundred twenty-four patients have died; follow-up time is 35 months among the remaining patients. Results The median survival from the time of surgery was 21.0 months, with a 3-year overall survival (OS) of 34%. Nodal downstaging to N0 disease correlated with OS and progression-free survival (PFS; P < .001). The most common site of recurrence was the brain. Thirty-four percent of patients recurred in the brain as their first site of failure, and 40% of patients developed brain metastases at some point in their course. In patients with nonsquamous histology and residual nodal involvement after neoadjuvant therapy, the risk of brain metastases was 53% at 3 years. Conclusion Patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy for N2-positive stage IIIA NSCLC enjoy an advantage in both OS and PFS if their lymph node status is downstaged to N0. Because brain metastases constitute the most common site of failure in these patients, future studies focusing on prophylaxis of brain metastases may improve the outcome in patients with stage IIIA NSCLC.
Pivotal Study of Iodine-131–Labeled Chimeric Tumor Necrosis Treatment Radioimmunotherapy in Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer
Authors: Chen Shaoliang , Yu Like , Jiang Changying , Zhao Yan , Sun Da , Li Shenyu , Liao Guoqing , Chen Yangchun , Fu Qing , Tao Qun , Ye Dan , Hu Peisheng , Khawli Leslie A. , Taylor Clive R. , Epstein Alan L. , Ju Dian Wen 
Published: February 2005

Purpose Tumor necrosis treatment (TNT) uses degenerating tumor cells and necrotic regions of tumors as targets for radioimmunotherapy. Previous studies in animal tumor models and clinical trials have demonstrated that when linked to the therapeutic radionuclide iodine-131, recombinant chimeric TNT antibody (131I-chTNT) can deliver therapeutic doses to tumors regardless of the location or type of malignancy. Therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of 131I-chTNT in advanced lung cancer patients were studied in this pivotal registration trial. Patients and Methods Patients with advanced lung cancer were treated with systemic or intratumoral injection of 131I-chTNT in eight oncology centers in China. The objective response rate (ORR) was assessed as the primary end point. Results All 107 patients who were entered onto the study and completed therapy had experienced treatment failure after prior radiotherapy or chemotherapy a mean of three times. The results showed an ORR of 34.6% (complete response, 3.7%; partial response, 30.8%; no change, 55.1%; and progressive disease, 10.3%) in all patients and 33% in 97 non–small-cell lung cancer patients. A biodistribution study demonstrated excellent localization of the radioactivity in tumors in both systemically and intratumorally injected patients. The most obvious adverse side effect was mild and reversible bone marrow suppression. Conclusion Radioimmunotherapy with 131I-chTNT was well tolerated and can be used systemically or locally to treat refractory tumors of the lung.
Structural orientation and density in cetacean humeri
Authors: Felts William J. L. , Spurrell Francis A. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe cetacean humerus is a short, robust bone without an open medullary cavity. It lies in the base of the resilient, streamlined pectoral limb (flipper) between the only free articulation (the glenohumeral) and approximately the body contour. The humerus is acted upon by muscles of the shoulder complex and receives loadings from the flattened distal portion of the limb as this hydroplane acts against body inertia and water resistance in control of body attitude.This study is an analysis of development and structure of the humerus in terms of the unique functional role of the flipper of finback, beluga and pilot whales. Gross external and internal architecture are depictued by photographs and by whole bone and frontal section radiographs. Structural density (bone/unit volume of humerus, with mineral content known to be constant) is analyzed indirectly by photodensitometry of standardized radiographs of sawed sections. Results are shown in graphic reconstructions of sections and of the whole bone. By comparison of radiodensity with the actual weight/volume of excised samples, sections are also reconstructed in terms of absolute density distribution.It is found that the spongy cetacean humerus, from its origin, is without central resorption and that its definitive structure is produced primarily by differential concentration of bone along endoectad gradients of porosity. Thus, the greatest concentration of bone is on medial and lateral sides while bone only half as dense fills the anterior and posterior sides and underlies the most dense regions. The core region is extremely porous. Within the biological context, this is a most reasonable approximation of the engineered box‐beam as employed in some aircraft wings. Whole bone and frontal section radiographs show that, within this overall density pattern, the distribution of bone trabeculae resembles the classic illustrations of trajectories in the loaded beam.The ontogenetic and phylogenetic factors with possible bearing on this type of bone development and structure are discussed.
John Hunter on spontaneous intersexuality
Authors: Forbes Thomas R. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractAvailable information is assembled from published and unpublished accounts and pictures, and from study of surviving specimens, of cases of spontaneous intersexuality, pseudohermaphroditism, and other reproductive anomalies in mammals and birds which were studied by John Hunter (1728–1793). An effort is made to interpret this information in terms of current endocrine theory.
Viability and differentiation of human trophoblast in organ culture
Authors: Tao Tien‐Wen , Hertig Arthur T. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractOrgan culture of 15 immature human placentas — obtained at therapeutic abortion of 5–22 week gestations — was carried out in a medium consisting of: horse serum, 20%; NCTC 109, 15%; and balanced salt solution, 65% to which was added 100 I.U. of penicillin per ml of culture medium. Minced placental fragments were placed on filter paper laid across glass beads within a Petri dish; the medium barely covering the beads. Moist incubation was carried out at 35–36°C in a mixture of 5% CO2 and 95% O2 for 4–6 weeks; the medium being changed every 2–3 days. Radioautographic techniques using 1–2 μc of methyl H3‐thymidine per ml of medium as well as routine histological techniques were employed. These showed that Langhans epithelium or cell masses — cytotrophoblast — differentiated or metamorphosed into a “new” syncytiotrophoblast. Only cytotrophoblastic nuclei took up the radioactive thymidine which appeared later in the new syncytiotrophoblast. Ordinary histologic preparations showed that the “new” syncytiotrophoblast resembled the original syncytiotrophoblast by virtue of its position (between original cyto‐ and syncytiotrophoblast) together with its loss of cell boundaries and its acquisition of intracellular vacuoles and cytoplasmic chromophilia. The cytotrophoblast remained viable for three weeks and then gradually decreased in amount with a corresponding increase in the amount of “new” syncytiotrophoblast. The latter was the predominant though necrotic tissue seen at six weeks. These techniques are tools for investigating the many aspects of growth, differentiation and endocrine function of human trophoblast.
Some efferent connections of the nucleus medialis dorsalis. An experimental study in the cat
Authors: Khalifeh Riyad R. , Kaelber William W. , Ingram Walter R. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractSingle unilateral electrolytic lesions were placed stereotaxically at different loci in the nucleus medialis dorsalis of the cat. The modified Nauta‐Laidlaw silver method for the study of degenerating axons was used. Five animals with satisfactory lesions and staining qualities form the basis of this report. The nucleus medialis dorsalis in the cat sends efferent fibers to gyrus proreus, orbitalis, sigmoides anterior and genualis; also to the globus pallidus and putamen and to other thalamic nuclei. The findings indicated wider areas of projection of the nucleus medialis dorsalis to the frontal cortex than has been previously reported for this species. We were unable to confirm efferent connections from the nucleus medialis dorsalis to the caudate and hypothalamus as reported by others.
Osteolathyrism in mice and inhibition of the endosteal bone reaction in estrogen‐treated mice by aminoacetonitril
Authors: Simmons D. J. , Pankovich A. M. , Budy A. M. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe effect of aminoacetonitrile (AAN) on the skeletons of young mice injected with estrogen was studied histologically and microradiographically. AAN (0.5, 2.5, 5, 10 or 20 mg) was administered daily during the first week of treatment alone or in combination with a single injection of 1 mg estradiol valerate on the first day. The animals were sacrificed at intervals of seven days for a period of four weeks. The bone reaction leading to ossification of the marrow cavities as a consequence of estrogen‐treatment was diminished by 5–20 mg AAN, and the effect was roughly proportional to the dose of the nitrile. The metaphyseal trabeculae (distal femur) of the AAN‐treated mice developed a mosaic appearance. While administration of the nitrile alone induced the formation of periosteal hyperostotic and osteo‐cartilaginous hyperostotic fiber bone tissue over the femoral shafts late in the post‐treatment recovery period, combined treatment with estrogen potentiated these changes during the treatment period itself. The cortical bone tissue was also demineralized by combined treatment, and fused osteocyte lacunae regularly appeared as an apparent sequela of both cell enlargement and degradation of perilacunar matrix. Conversely, estrogen completely protected the epiphyseal cartilages against degenerative changes (abnormal vascular invasion, rents etc.) after low doses of AAN (0.5–2.5 mg) during the treatment period, but the hormone was only partially effective after higher doses of AAN. It was suggested that aminoacetonitrile disrupts both the formation of new bone collagen and the integrity of collagenous structures deposited prior to treatment.
The terminal air sacs and their blood supply in a 37‐day infant lung
Authors: Boyden Edward A. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractWax models of a terminal spray of peripheral air passages from the middle lobe of a 37‐day infant lung are presented in three views. Superimposed on drawings of the models are reconstructions of the arteries and veins. The spray begins with a pre‐terminal bronchiole and ends in a trifurcation of alveolar ducts, each giving rise to two clusters of saccules. The third duct and its clusters are markedly under‐developed. So far there is no evidence that new acini are being formed and the possibility of this seems less and less likely.Terminal arteries do not follow the rigid pattern of Miller (1937), namely, that an artery accompanying an alveolar duct breaks up into as many branches as there are “atria” and each of these into as many branches as there are sacculi. Instead, the six clusters are partially supplied by two rami which branch irregularly and also supply adjacent clusters. Parts of a cluster may be supplied by arteries from distant and alien sources. A long arterial ramus frequently takes a short cut through saccules of other clusters. Conspicuous are numerous small adventitious branches arising from the main artery. Often a peripheral vein is continuous with a pleural vein.
A fluorescence and electronmicroscopic study on certain brain regions rich in monoamine terminals
Authors: Fuxe Kjell , Hökfelt Tomas , Nilsson Ove 
Published: February 2005

AbstractWith the use of both the sensitive fluorescence method of Falck and Hillarp for the histochemical demonstration of monoamines at the cellular level and electron microscopy the synaptic terminals were studied in nucleus caudatus putamen, nucleus tractus solitarii and the substantia grisea periventricularis of the fourth ventricle. In all these regions numerous boutons of a size similar to the varicosities of the monoamine terminal exist. They form mostly synapses with dendrites. The boutons are more or less filled with either small (about 300–350 Å), medium sized (about 450 Å) or — but less commonly — large (about 550–600 Å) agranular vesicles. Larger (about 800–1,000 Å) granular vesicles are found in all three regions studied. In comparison to the agranular vesicles, however, they are practically always few.In animals treated with a large dose of reserpine or nialamide none of the different types of vesicles showed any obvious changes. It is concluded that the monoamine storage granules are not identical with the large granular vesicles, but that they, with the method used, appear as small, agranular vesicles.
Growth of the rat epiphyseal cartilage plate following partial amputation
Authors: Simmons David J. , Nunnemacher Rudolph F. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractFollowing hemi‐resection of the rat distal femoral epiphysis with its growing epiphyseal cartilage, the cut surface of the cartilage is sealed‐off by trabecular bone and the cells fail to undergo further growth and maturation at that site. However, since the peripheral rows of cartilage cells survive and continue to proliferate, the cellular activity gradient causes the epiphyseal remnant to rotate about the fixed cut surface of the cartilage toward the amputated side. In these experiments, the degree of epiphyseal rotation following partial amputation was compared to the longitudinal growth of the contralateral intact femurs in normal and estrogen‐treated rats. While estrogen treatment retarded both the growth of intact femurs and epiphyseal rotation, the ratios of these growth measurements calculated at different time intervals following osteotomy (0–4, 4–7, 7–9 weeks) were identical to those of the control series. It was concluded that partial amputation per se had no demonstrable effect on the vitality of the surviving chondrocytes of epiphyseal cartilages; moreover, these cells were entirely responsive to the growth depressing action of estrogen.
Cytology and histochemistry of the pituitary gland of the five‐striped palm squirrel, Funambulus pennanti (Wroughton)
Authors: Dhaliwal Gurmeet K. , Prasad M. R. N. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe cytology and cytochemistry of the pitiutary gland of the palm squirrel Funambulus pennanti during different phases of reproductive activity are described. Two types each of basophils and acidophils are recognized. The basophils include gonadotrophs and thyrotrophs and acidophils include orangeopils and carminophils. The gonadotrophs which are ovoid, coarsely granulated and mainly located on the sinusoidal borders of the lateral halves of the pars anterior are more numerous in males than in females. They are PAS‐positive and AF‐negative. They cannot be distinguished tinctorially into FSH and LH secreting cells as in the pituitary of the rat. The thyrotrophs which are large, rounded or polyhedral, finely granulated cells are confined to the antero‐median zone of the pars anterior. They are PAS and AF‐positive. The basophils can be tinctorially differentiated by the performic acid‐alcian blue‐PAS‐orange G staining in which the gonadotrophs are stained purple and the thyrotrophs are red. The acidophils are differentiated tinctorially into two types. The orangeophils or STH secreting cells are small, rounded, and coarsely granulated. Carminophils or LTH secreting cells which appear in the pituitaries of females in early pregnancy and increase in number during later pregnancy and lactation, are large and coarsely granulated. The acidophils are specifically stained with mercury‐bromphenol blue.