bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carcinomatous transformation of eccrine syringofibroadenoma
Authors: Katane M. , Akiyama M. , Ohnishi T. , Watanabe S. , Matsuo I. 
Published: May 2003

Background: While squamous cell carcinoma and pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia have been documented as pre‐existing lesions in cases of reactive eccrine syringofibroadenoma (ESFA), to the best of our knowledge carcinoma occurring in a solitary ESFA has not yet been reported. We present one such case in a 91‐year‐old female who had a dome‐shaped, reddish tumor on the extensor side of the left forearm.Methods: We review the histopathological, immunophenotypical and ultrastructural findings of this tumor, including the keratin expression profile.Results: Histopathologically, long, branching, anastomosing, thin and thick strands of small cuboidal epithelial cells were extending from the surface epidermis into the dermis. In the center of the tumor, there were irregular‐shaped nests of atypical tumor cells invading downward into the dermis. Ultrastructurally, duct‐like lumina lined with cuboidal tumor cells were present in the epithelial cords. From these findings, the present case was diagnosed as solitary eccrine syringofibroadenocarcinoma (ESFAC). Keratin expression studies revealed that cells of the thick strands, except for the luminal and basal cells, were positive for differentiation‐specific keratins, keratins 1 and 10, and that cells of the thin strands were positive for keratins 5 and 14.Conclusions: Histopathological, immunophenotypical and ultrastructural evidence, as well as the pattern of keratin expression, suggest differentiation of the present malignant tumor towards the eccrine dermal duct. This case is the first reported case of ESFAC as far as we know.
A Chemist's View of Melanogenesis
Authors: Ito Shosuke 
Published: May 2003

The significance of our understanding of the chemistry of melanin and melanogenesis is reviewed. Melanogenesis begins with the production of dopaquinone, a highly reactive o‐quinone. Pulse radiolysis is a powerful tool to study the fates of such highly reactive melanin precursors. Based on pulse radiolysis data reported by Land et al. (J Photochem Photobiol B: Biol 2001;64:123) and our biochemical studies, a pathway for mixed melanogenesis is proposed. Melanogenesis proceeds in three distinctive steps. The initial step is the production of cysteinyldopas by the rapid addition of cysteine to dopaquinone, which continues as long as cysteine is present (1 μM). The second step is the oxidation of cysteinyldopas to give pheomelanin, which continues as long as cysteinyldopas are present (10 μM). The last step is the production of eumelanin, which begins only after most cysteinyldopas are depleted. It thus appears that eumelanin is deposited on the preformed pheomelanin and that the ratio of eu‐ to pheomelanin is determined by the tyrosinase activity and cysteine concentration. In eumelanogenesis, dopachrome is a rather stable molecule and spontaneously decomposes to give mostly 5,6‐dihydroxyindole. Dopachrome tautomerase (Dct) catalyses the tautomerization of dopachrome to give mostly 5,6‐dihydroxyindole‐2‐carboxylic acid (DHICA). Our study confirmed that the role of Dct is to increase the ratio of DHICA in eumelanin and to increase the production of eumelanin. In addition, the cytotoxicity of o‐quinone melanin precursors was found to correlate with binding to proteins through the cysteine residues. Finally, it is still unknown how the availability of cysteine is controlled within the melanosome.
Nitric oxide at a low concentration protects murine macrophage RAW264 cells against nitric oxide‐induced death via cGMP signaling pathway
Authors: Yoshioka Y , Yamamuro A , Maeda S 
Published: May 2003

We investigated the cytoprotective effect of low‐dose nitric oxide (NO) on NO‐induced cell death in mouse macrophage‐like cell line RAW264.
Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor, at a high concentration (4 mM) released cytochrome c from mitochondria and induced death in RAW264 cells. Acetyl‐L‐aspartyl‐L‐glutamyl‐L‐valyl‐L‐aspart‐1‐al (Ac‐DEVD‐CHO, 100–200 μM), a caspase‐3 inhibitor, attenuated the SNP‐induced cell death in a concentration‐dependent manner.
Pretreatment with 100 μM SNP for 24 h, which had no effect on cell viability, attenuated the cell death and reduced cytochrome c release from mitochondria to the cytosol induced by 4 mM SNP.
LY83583 (1–3 μM) and 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ, 30–100 μM), soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitors, negated the protective effect of the 100 μM SNP pretreatment.
Pretreatment with 1 mM dibutylyl guanosine‐3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (DBcGMP), a cell‐permeable guanosine‐3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) analogue, for 24 h inhibited both cytochrome c release and cell death induced by SNP.
Protein kinase G inhibitor KT5823 (10 μM) significantly reduced the cytoprotective effects of low‐dose SNP and DBcGMP.
These results indicate that low‐dose NO protects RAW264 cells from NO‐induced apoptosis through cGMP production and activation of protein kinase G.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 28–34. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705206
Proteinase‐activated receptor‐1 (PAR‐1) activation contracts the isolated human renal artery in vitro
Authors: Tognetto Michele , D'Andrea Michael R , Trevisani Marcello , Guerrini Remo , Salvadori Severo , Spisani Lorella , Daniele Carlo , Andrade‐Gordon Patricia , Geppetti Pierangelo , Harrison Selena 
Published: May 2003

The in vitro motor function of protease‐activated recepter‐1 (PAR‐1), PAR‐2 and PAR‐4 and the presence by immunohistochemistry of PAR‐1 in the human renal artery have been investigated.
Thrombin and the human PAR‐1 (SFLLRN‐NH2) activating peptide, but not the PAR‐1 reverse peptide (NRLLFS‐NH2), contracted both endothelial‐intact and endothelial‐denuded human renal artery strips, whereas no relaxation was observed either in strips non‐precontracted or precontracted with phenylephrine. Maximum contraction by thrombin or SFLLRN‐NH2 was about 60% of phenylephrine. However, thrombin was approximately 1000‐fold more potent than SFLLRN‐NH2.
PAR‐1 desensitisation, using repeated applications of SFLLRN‐NH2, almost completely blocked the response to thrombin. The contractile effect produced by thrombin and SFLLRN‐NH2 was not affected by nitric oxide synthase inhibition, but was significantly reduced by cyclooxygenase blockade.
Trypsin, the PAR‐2 (SLIGKV‐NH2 and SLIGRL‐NH2) and PAR‐4 (GYPGQV‐NH2 and AYPGKF‐NH2) activating peptides did not produce any significant contraction or relaxation.
In agreement with the motor function data immunohistochemistry showed specific staining patterns for PAR‐1 in the human renal artery.
Combined, these studies would suggest a possible role for PAR‐1 in renal vascular homeostasis.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 21–27. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705215
SR33805, a Ca2+ antagonist with length‐dependent Ca2+‐sensitizing properties in cardiac myocytes
Authors: Cazorla Olivier , Lacampagne Alain , Fauconnier Jeremy , Vassort Guy 
Published: May 2003

This study examined the effects of SR33805, a fantofarone derivative with reported strong Ca2+ ‐antagonistic properties, on the contractile properties of intact and skinned rat ventricular myocytes.
On intact cells loaded with the Ca2+‐fluorescent indicator Indo‐1, the application of low concentrations of SR33805 enhanced the amplitude of unloaded cell shortening and decreased the duration of cell shortening. Amplitude of the Ca2+ transient was also decreased.
These effects were accompanied with a shortening of the action potential and a dose‐dependent blockade of L‐type calcium current (IC50=2.4 × 10−8 M).
On skinned cardiac cells, the application of a low SR33805 concentration (10−8 M) induced a significant increase in maximal Ca2+‐activated force at the two‐tested sarcomere lengths (SLs), 1.9 and 2.3 μm.
The application of a larger dose of SR33805 (10−6–10−5 M) induced a significant leftward shift of the tension–pCa relation that accounts for Ca2+‐sensitization of the myofilaments, particularly at 2.3 μm SL.
In conclusion, despite its strong Ca2+‐antagonistic properties SR33805 increases cardiac cell contractile activity as a consequence of its Ca2+‐sensitizing effects. These effects are attributable to both an increase in the maximal Ca2+‐activated force and a length‐dependent Ca2+‐sensitization.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 99–108. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705221
A new therapeutical approach: Topotecan plus gemcitabine in the treatment of patients with relapsed ovarian cancer after failure of first‐line chemotherapy with paclitaxel and platinum
Authors: Sehouli Jalid , Stengel Dirk , Oskay Gülten , Blohmer Jens , Kaubitzsch Sabine , Lichtenegger Werner 
Published: May 2003

AbstractAim:  Topotecan and gemcitabine have demonstrated mono‐activity against recurrent ovarian cancer. Both drugs affect DNA replication; in addition, topotecan inhibits DNA repair. Based on the efficacy profiles and different mechanisms of action, a phase‐I study was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of topotecan (day 1–5) and the dose‐limiting toxicities (DLT) in combination with gemcitabine (day 1 + 8) every 21 days.Methods:  Three to six patients were treated per dose‐level. Patients with ovarian cancer who had failed a platinum and paclitaxel‐containing therapy were enrolled. No individual dose escalation or use of cytokines were allowed.Results:  Twenty‐three patients were recruited. Fifty percent of all patients were pretreated with at least two platinum‐containing therapies. Eighty courses were assessable for toxicity. The MTD was reached at a dosage of 0.75 mg/m2 topotecan in combination with 800/600 mg/m2 gemcitabine. Thrombocytopenia and leucopenia were the major DLTs. The dose for phase‐II trials is 0.50 mg/m2 topotecan given with 800/600 mg/m2 gemcitabine. In this dose‐level only one related non‐haematological adverse event> grade 2 was observed (grade 3 mycotic stomatitis) and one grade 4 thrombocytopenia occurred. Responses were observed in six patients and stable disease in four out of 12 assessable patients. Median survival time was 15.3 (95% CI: 13.21–28.64) months.Conclusion:  The results demonstrate feasibility and the tolerability of topotecan in combination with gemcitabine in recurrent ovarian cancer patients. Based on these results a phase‐II study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of this new combination.
Effect of fundal pressure on maternal to fetal microtransfusion at the time of cesarean delivery
Authors: Owens Michelle , Bhullar Amanpreet , Carlan Stephen J. , O'Brien William F. , Hirano Kazuyuki 
Published: May 2003

AbstractAim:  To determine if fundal pressure at the time of cesarean delivery increases the amount of transplacental microtransfusion from mother to infant.Methods:  Pregnant women undergoing cesarean delivery were randomized to the standard uterine fundal pressure at the time of hysterotomy versus no fundal pressure. Babies of patients randomized to no fundal pressure were delivered with either vacuum or forceps. The proportion of placental alkaline phosphatase between maternal and cord blood was then determined and compared between the groups.Results:  Eighty‐four women were randomized into two groups (44 in the pressure and 40 in the no pressure groups). There was no difference between the groups in demographic variables, or indications for cesarean. There was no difference in percentage of umbilical cord blood placental alkaline phosphatase between the pressure and no pressure groups (0.06 ± 0.2 vs 10 ± 0.29 IU, P = 0.43).Conclusions:  Fundal pressure at the time of cesarean delivery does not increase the amount of transplacental microtransfusion, suggesting that modifying the method of cesarean would not decrease the chances of vertical transmission in HIV positive pregnant women.
Mid‐trimester fracture of femur in a normal fetus
Authors: Senanayake Hemantha , Anandakumar Chinnaiah , De Silva M.V. Chandu 
Published: May 2003

AbstractWe report a case of an intrauterine fracture of the femur detected at routine mid‐trimester sonography in an otherwise normal fetus. There was no associated maternal trauma. At birth, callus formation was palpable and confirmed by radiography. Absence of further fractures despite normal childhood activity and other features precluded a diagnosis of skeletal dysplasia. Although such an event is extremely rare, the possibility of an intrauterine origin should be considered in the differential diagnosis of battered baby syndrome presenting with a single fracture.
Effect of recombinant human growth hormone in elderly osteoporotic women
Authors: Sugimoto Toshitsugu , Nakaoka Daiki , Nasu Masamichi , Kanzawa Michiko , Sugishita Takeshi , Chihara Kazuo 
Published: May 2003

OBJECTIVEBone mineral density and growth hormone (GH) secretion rate both decline during normal human ageing. We evaluated the effects of recombinant human GH on markers of body composition and bone turnover in an open study in 8 elderly osteoporotic women aged 68–75 years (mean age 71 years).DESIGNSubjects were treated with GH as a single daily subcutaneous injection (0.125 IU/kg/week for the first 4 weeks and subsequently 0.25 IU/kg/week) for 48 weeks.RESULTSGH treatment caused a rapid (within 2 weeks) increase in serum levels of IGF‐I and IGF‐binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3) which was sustained throughout the study. Markers of bone formation and resorption were both gradually increased up to 24 weeks of GH treatment. The bone formation markers, osteocalcin (OC) and bone alkaline phosphatase, remained high during GH treatment, while the bone resorption marker, deoxypyridinoline (D‐Pyr), tended to return to baseline levels after 24 weeks of GH therapy. GH treatment for 48 weeks caused a significant increase in hand grip and a decrease in waist/hip ratio. The mean percentage changes in bone mineral density (BMD) of mid‐radius and lumbar spine were + 2.1% and + 1.2%, respectively, although they were not statistically significant. GH treatment was well tolerated and no major side‐effects except mild oedema and joint pain were found. Since GH treatment produced durable increases in bone formation markers, BMD continued to be monitored after discontinuation of GH treatment for another 48 weeks, during which significant increases in radial and lumbar BMD (8.1 ± 2.1 and 3.8 ± 1.4% above pre‐ treatment values, respectively) were recorded.CONCLUSIONThese results indicate that GH attenuates the decrease in muscle strength and bone mass as well as the gain of abdominal fat with ageing in elderly women. The present data provide useful information about the application of GH treatment in elderly women.
Passive Immunisation with IgG Endotoxin Core Antibody Hyperimmune Fresh Frozen Plasma
Authors: Hamilton‐Davies C. , Barclay G.R. , Murphy W.G. , Machin S.J. , Webb A.R. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractPostoperative complications have been associated with low pre‐operative endotoxin core antibody (EndoCAb) status. Seventy‐three patients scheduled to undergo elective cardiac surgery were screened for IgG EndoCAb levels 1 week prior to admission. Of these 73 patients, 39 had levels below the median of a healthy population (100 MU = median units/ml). Only 6 received an infusion of IgG EndoCAb hyperimmune fresh frozen plasma (FFP) due to surgical rescheduling or unavailability of compatible hyperimmune FFP. The 6 patients demonstrated significant elevation (p < 0.0001) of their IgG EndoCAb levels from a mean level of 43 MU/ml (range: 26–75) to a posttransfusion mean of 267 MU/ml (range: 227–300), which persisted until at least immediately prior to the operative period. We conclude that passive immunisation with EndoCAb hyperimmune FFP is possible prior to elective surgery and that the kinetic profile of such an administration will allow the FFP to be given the night prior to surgery and still maintain significantly elevated levels for surgery planned the following morning.
Two Missense Mutations of H Type α(1,2)Fucosyltransferase Gene (FUT1)Responsible for Para‐Bombay Phenotype
Authors: Wang Baojie , Koda Yoshiro , Soejima Mikiko , Kimura Hiroshi 
Published: May 2003

Abstract Background and objectives: Rare individuals (Bombay and para‐Bombay phenotypes) fail to express the A, B and H antigens on erythrocyte membranes because of a lack in the H gene (FUT1)‐encoded α(1,2)fucosyltransferase activity. In this study, we have found a para‐Bombay individual (Bmh) who expressed B and H antigens in saliva but not on red blood cells. The FUT1 alleles of this person contained two single base changes (T460C and G1042A) in the coding region relative to the wild type allele. These substitutions may result in changes in two amino acid residues (Y154H and E348K). Materials and methods: Since the T460C and G1042A mutations destroy endonuclease RsaI and AvaI sites, respectively, we tested for these mutations using PCR‐RFLP. Results: Our findings indicated that this para‐Bombay person was homozygous for the T460C and G1042A mutations, and that neither of these mutations was found in 136 randomly selected Japanese individuals. The measurement of the α(1,2)fucosyltransferase activity after transient expression of the FUT1 alleles in COS‐7 cells indicated that the H‐deficient allele‐encoded enzyme had no detectable activity. Moreover, transfection by chimera FUT1 allele contains only the T460C mutation, or only the G1042A mutation, and yielded 1.0 or 9.3%, respectively, of the activities compared to transfection by the wild type allele. Conclusions: These results suggest that the two mutations in combination are responsible for the inactivation of the FUT1‐encoded enzyme activity.
Quantitative Analysis of Myelinated Axons of Commissural Fibers in the Rat Brain
Authors: Sargon M. F. , Mas N. , Şenan S. , Özdemi̇r B. , Çeli̇k H. H. , Cumhur M. 
Published: May 2003

SummaryIn this study, the myelinated axons of the rostrum, genu, truncus and splenium parts of the corpus callosum and of the anterior, posterior and habenular commissures were counted in the rat brain by using a camera lucida. The numerical densities of these axons were compared with each other by means of quantitative analytical statistical methods. In parts of the corpus callosum, a statistically significant difference was found between the rostrum and genu, rostrum and truncus, rostrum and the splenium, genu and truncus, and the genu and splenium. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the truncus and splenium. When comparing the number of myelinated axons of the anterior, posterior and habenular commissures, statistically significant differences were found between the anterior and posterior commissures, and between the anterior and habenular commissures. No statistically significant difference was found between the posterior and habenular commissures. Small sized myelinated axons were present in all parts of the corpus callosum and in the anterior commissure. However, a heterogeneous distribution of myelinated axons was present in the posterior and habenular commissures.
Development of the Glandular Epithelium of the Bovine Parotid Gland during Ontogenesis
Authors: Eisenbrückner A. , Fink C. , Kressin M. 
Published: May 2003

SummaryThe development of the parotid gland was examined in 36 bovine embryos and foetuses with a crown‐rump‐length (CRL) from 28 up to 1000 mm by light, transmission electron microscopical and actin‐immunohistochemical methods.The anlage of the parotid gland in an embryo with 28 mm CRL can be found at the lateral angle of the primitive oral cavity as a local thickening of the epithelium. During the second month, the differentiation of primary ducts and endbuds starts and a lumen develops in the primary ducts. At the end of the second month a lumen appears in the terminal endbuds. In the immature endpiece cells first secretory granules can be seen from a CRL of 240 mm. In the third month differentiation between intra‐ and inter‐lobular ducts is possible.Immature myoepithelial cells present as a basal layer of flattened cells between the epithelial cells and the basement membrane at the end of the second month. During further development they increase in number, become more flattened and form long cellular processes. At the end of the fourth month isolated actin filament bundles are formed, which were also detected by an antibody against smooth muscle actin. The actin filaments condense continuously until they fill the cell processes completely at the end of foetal development.
Ofuji papuloerythroderma
Authors: Aste N , Fumo G , Conti B , Biggio P 
Published: May 2003

AbstractOfuji papuloerythrodema is a rare type of dermatosis marked by an erythrodermic manifestation which is intensely pruritic and results from the coalescing of brownish papules which in the main do not involve the great folds. The authors present the case history of a 72‐year‐old female, whose dermatosis appeared 8 years after the diagnosis of malignant lymphocitic lymphoma. The Authors describe the clinical and histopathological picture, illustrating the laboratory results and stressing the importance of the association of the two pathologies in a possible nosological overview.
Papillomavirus and disease in humans and animals
Authors: Campo M. S. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractPapillomavirus (PV) induces exophytic lesions (papillomas, warts) and flat lesions (flat warts, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) in cutaneous and mucosal epithelia. The lesions are usually benign and generally regress without eliciting any serious clinical problems in a host but occasionally persist. Persistent lesions can be debilitating and can also provide a focus for malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma, particularly in the presence of environmental or genetic cofactors. This has been experimentally demonstrated in animals, particularly in cattle, where bovine PV (BPV)‐induced papillomas progress to cancer of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the urinary bladder in animals exposed to bracken fern in the pasture, and in rabbits, where the progression of skin papillomas to squamous cell carcinoma depends on a particular variant of cottontail rabbit PV (CRPV) and on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II haplotype of the animal. In this review, various aspects of the biology of BPV and CRPV are described and compared with those of human PV, including viral genome structure, regulation of transcription of the viral oncogenes, function of the viral oncoproteins, co‐operation between virus and cofactors, virus latency, immunity and vaccination.