bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Options for sphincter preservation in surgery for low rectal cancer
Authors: Tytherleigh M G , Mortensen N J McC 
Published: August 2003

Abstract

Background
Abdominoperineal excision of the rectum with a permanent end-sigmoid colostomy was the classical operation for cancer of the distal third of the rectum. A number of factors have recently led to a more conservative approach, allowing sphincter preservation when excising tumours that are not invading the anal sphincter.

Methods
The review is based on the published literature of the treatment of low rectal cancers accessed by searching Medline and other online databases. It includes a description of all the surgical options currently available for low rectal tumours, and a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the types of anastomosis and reconstruction.

Results and conclusion
It is now technically possible to remove rectal cancer that is extending into the anal canal with preservation of the anal sphincter mechanism and with a satisfactory oncological outcome. Ultra-low colorectal and coloanal anastomosis, together with a colonic pouch or coloplasty, produces acceptable function in many patients. However, there is still controversy about the risk of tumour implantation, the place of downsizing neoadjuvant therapy, and true long-term functional outcome. Despite these concerns, surgeons should strive to perform rectal resection with sphincter preservation for low-lying rectal cancer whenever possible.
Evaluation of POSSUM and P-POSSUM scoring systems in patients undergoing colorectal surgery (Br J Surg 2003; 90: 340-345)
Authors: Khoury G 
Published: August 2003

Abstract
The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses can be sent electronically via the BJS website (www.bjs.co.uk) or by post. All letters will be reviewed and, if approved, appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length. Letters submitted by post should be typed on A4-sized paper in double spacing and should be accompanied by a disk.
The relationship between total sialic acid levels and antioxidant status in the tadpoles of Bufo viridis and Rana ridibunda ridibunda
Authors: Çavaş Levent , Tarhan Leman 
Published: August 2003

AbstractTotal sialic acid levels (TSA), antioxidant enzymes activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were investigated during the developmental period in tadpoles of the predominantly terrestrial amphibian B. viridis and the predominantly aquatic amphibian R. r. ridibunda. Maximum TSA levels were observed in B. viridis and R. r. ridibunda at the fifth and third week of their development, respectively. SOD and CAT activity variations during development in B. viridis were higher than in R. r. ridibunda. Although SOD activity in B. viridis was higher than R. r. ridibunda at the eighth week, SOD activity increased 19.2‐fold in R. r. ridibunda and 10.4‐fold in B. viridis between the first and eighth week. CAT activity in R. r. ridibunda did not significantly change (p > 0.001) until the fifth week then increased, whereas in B. viridis CAT increased after the third week. In contrast to the rise in the antioxidant enzyme activites, LPO levels tended to decrease during the developmental period. Levels of LPO showed a similar trend until the third week for both species. The minimum LPO levels in B. viridis and R. r. ridibunda were 23 ± 1.2 and 146 ± 7.3 nmol MDA g−1 tissue, at the eighth week, respectively. While decreasing LPO levels correlated with increasing antioxidant enzyme activities, TSA tended to decrease after reaching a maximum point. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A combination of alpha‐tocopherol, vitamin C and N‐acetyl cysteine increases unsaturated fatty acid levels in hydrogen peroxide‐induced Candida tropicalis (ATCC 13803)
Authors: Yılmaz Ökkeş , Çeli̇k Sait 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThis research was aimed at evaluating the antioxidant effects of combinations of alpha lipoic acid (LA), vitamin C (VC), N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) and alpha‐tocopherol (TOC) on lipid level and fatty acid composition of C. tropicalis (ATCC 13803) against hydrogen peroxide toxicity. According to the experimental results, the cell density of C. tropicalis increased significantly in NAC + LA + H2O2, NAC + TOC + H2O2 and NAC + VC + H2O2 groups (p < 0.001) at the end of 48 and 72 h incubation times. The total lipid level in H2O2 and H2O2 + antioxidant‐supplemented groups was lower than that of the control group. In the fatty acid composition of C. tropicalis, the palmitic acid level was raised in the NAC group (p < 0.05), whereas its level was reduced in the other supplemented groups. While the oleic acid level increased in NAC + TOC + H2O2 and NAC + VC + H2O2 (p < 0.001) groups, its level slightly decreased in the H2O2 group. The linolenic acid level was low in all the supplemented groups, but linoleic acid and total mono‐unsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) levels were high in these groups compared with the control group. Total polyunsaturated fatty acid level (PUFA) decreased in NAC and H2O2 groups (p < 0.01), but its level increased in NAC + LA + H2O2 and NAC + TOC + H2O2 groups (respectively, p < 0.01, p < 0.001). Total saturated fatty acid level decreased significantly in NAC + TOC +  H2O2, NAC + H2O2 and NAC + VC + H2O2 (p < 0.001) groups (p < 0.01), whereas total unsaturated fatty acid level increased in NAC, NAC + H2O2, NAC + LA + H2O2, NAC + TOC + H2O2 and NAC + VC + H2O2 groups. In conclusion, our data showed that the levels of total unsaturated fatty acid, MUFA and PUFA were raised with the combinations of NAC and TOC, LA and VC in C. tropicalis cells subjected to hydrogen peroxide toxicity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in adenosine deaminase activity in ageing cultured human cells and the role of zinc
Authors: Ghneim H. K. , Al‐Saleh S. S. , Al‐Shammary F. J. , Kordee Z. S. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe level of adenosine deaminase ( ADA; EC 3.5.4.4 ) was estimated at different passages in six confluent fibroblast cultures established from forearm skin biopsies of healthy adult normal volunteers. After determination of the zinc concentration in standard growth medium, ADA activity was estimated at different passages of subculture in media with different zinc concentrations. The results indicated that the specific activity of ADA in control confluent skin fibroblast cultures (passage 2) cultivated in standard growth medium containing 15.4 μM zinc (similar to that present in normal human plasma) was equal to 226.6±19.64 μmol min−1 mg−1 protein. The results showed that there were no significant changes in ADA specific activity in any of the control cultures as the zinc concentration of the medium was increased. To characterize the passage of subculture at which fibroblasts enter the ageing phase, three marker enzymes were assayed namely, phosphofructokinase, lactate dehydrogenase and glycogen phosphorylase. The result showed that the cells enter the ageing phase at passage 20 and beyond. Further investigation showed that ADA activity of serially subcultured confluent cultures cultivated in standard growth medium significantly dropped at passages 20, 25 and 30. ADA activity however was not significantly altered in cells at passage 2, 10 and 15 cultivated in standard growth medium and in the presence of higher zinc levels ( 23.1, 34.6, 53.8 and 73.1 μM). Furthermore there was significant lowering of ADA activities in cells at passages 20, 25 and 30 when cells were cultured in the presence of 15.4, 23.1 and 34.6 μM zinc. Such lowered activities of ADA were restored to normal when the cells were cultured in the presence of higher zinc concentration equal to 53.8 and 73.1 μM. From the results we concluded that it is possible to restore ADA activity in aged skin fibroblasts to normal levels by raising the zinc concentration in the culture medium to four or five times the control normal plasma zinc level. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester and alpha‐tocopherol on reperfusion injury in rat brain
Authors: Irmak M. Kemal , Fadillioglu Ersin , Sogut Sadik , Erdogan Hasan , Gulec Mukaddes , Ozer Mustafa , Yagmurca Murat , Gozukara M. Engin 
Published: August 2003

AbstractOxygen‐derived free radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cerebral injury after ischaemia–reperfusion. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis extract, exhibits antioxidant properties. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of ischaemia and subsequent reperfusion on rat brain and to investigate the effects of two free radical scavengers, CAPE and alpha‐tocopherol, on this in vivo model of cerebral injury. Ischaemia was induced by bilateral occlusion of the carotid arteries for 20 min and reperfusion was achieved by releasing the occlusion to restore the circulation for 20 min. Control rats underwent a sham operation. CAPE at 10 μ;mol kg−1 or alpha‐tocopherol at 25 μmol kg−1 was administered intraperitoneally before reperfusion. Reperfusion led to significant increase in the activity of xanthine oxidase and higher malondialdehyde levels in the brain. Acute administration of both CAPE and alpha‐tocopherol suppressed ischaemia–reperfusion‐induced cerebral lipid peroxidation and injury, but CAPE seems to offer a better therapeutic advantage over alpha‐tocopherol. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in type II diabetes mellitus
Authors: Memısoğullari Ramazan , Taysı Seyithan , Bakan Ebubekir , Capoglu Ilyas 
Published: August 2003

AbstractDiabetes Mellitus (DM), a state of chronic hyperglycaemia, is a common disease affecting over 124 million individuals worldwide. In this study, erythrocyte glutathione levels, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and some extracellular antioxidant protein levels of patients with type II diabetes mellitus and healthy controls were investigated. Thirty‐eight patients (21 males; with age of mean ± SD, 53.1 ± 9.7 years) and 18 clinically healthy subjects (10 males; with age of mean ± SD, 49.3 ± 15.2 years) were included in the study. Levels of erythrocyte lipid peroxidation, serum ceruloplasmin and glucose levels, HbA1C levels, and erythrocyte catalase activity were significantly increased, whereas serum albumin and transferrin levels, erythrocyte glutathione levels, and glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly decreased compared to those of controls. There was no significant difference in superoxide dismutase activity compared to controls. The results suggest that the antioxidant deficiency and excessive peroxide‐mediated damage may appear in non‐insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Messenger DNA in higher plants
Authors: Gahan Peter B. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractEvidence is presented that, as in animal and human cells, plant cells can release a newly‐synthesized DNA which can freely circulate in the plants. This DNA enters cells and their nuclei where it may be integrated and be expressed so acting, apparently, as a messenger‐DNA. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chromatin‐associated sphingomyelin: metabolism in relation to cell function
Authors: Albi E. , Magni MP. Viola 
Published: August 2003

AbstractAfter the first histochemical demonstration by Chayen and Gahan of the presence of phospholipids and especially of sphingomyelin in chromatin, this became the object of long debate and of contradictory results. The general conclusion was that the presence of phospholipids may due to contamination during the isolation of chromatin. More recently the existence of a phospholipid chromatin fraction was confirmed by demonstrating that isolated hepatocyte nuclei, labelled by saturated and unsaturated radioiodination method, showed the presence of radioactivity only in the membrane and not in the isolated chromatin. The phospholipid composition showed an enrichment in sphingomyelin which increased during hepatocyte maturation or erythroleukemic cell differentiation induced by DMSO. A decrease in sphingomyelin was observed at the beginning of the S‐phase in regenerating liver or in cultured proliferating cells. These changes were due to the presence of sphingomyelinase and sphingomyelin synthase in the chromatin, the activity of which paralleled the variation in sphingomyelin content. The sphingomyelin was co‐localized with RNA as shown by biochemical and electron microscopy methods. Using bromo‐uridine it was demonstrated that labelled RNA and sphingomyelin were present in actively transcribing nuclear regions. Isolated nuclear complexes after DNase and RNase digestion contained not only protein, but also RNA and sphingomyelin. After hydrolysis of sphingomyelin the RNAse‐resistant RNA becomes RNAse sensitive. It can therefore be concluded that sphingomyelin and the related enzymes are present in the chromatin; sphingomyelin may have a role in RNA transcription protecting RNA by RNAse digestion before its transfer to the cytoplasm. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Annexin 1: a paracrine/juxtacrine mediator of glucorticoid action in the neuroendocrine system
Authors: Buckingham Julia C. , Solito Egle , John Christopher , Tierney Tanya , Taylor Amanda , Flower Rod , Christian Helen , Morris John 
Published: August 2003

AbstractGlucocorticoids (GCs) play an essential role in the maintenance of homeostasis. In normal circumstances their secretion is tightly regulated by a complex servo mechanism through which the steroids suppress the synthesis and release of ACTH and its hypothalamic releasing factors (CRH and AVP) and thereby reduce the positive drive to the adrenal cortex. The feedback actions of GCs on hormone release develop rapidly (within minutes), well before any changes in hormone synthesis are apparent. By using immunoneutralization, gene targeting and pharmacological strategies in in vivo and in vitro models, we have identified annexin 1, a Ca2+‐ and phospholipid‐binding protein, as a key mediator of the early inhibitory actions of GCs on peptide release. This brief review outlines this work and describes molecular and cellular studies which have provided insight into the mechanism of annexin 1‐dependent GC signalling in the neuroendocrine system. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A cytochemical assay for osteoclast cathepsin K activity
Authors: Dodds Robert A. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractCathepsin K is a member of the papain superfamily of cysteine proteases and plays a pivotal role in osteoclast‐mediated bone resorption. This enzyme is an excellent target for antiresorptive therapies for osteopenic disorders such as osteoporosis.1 Although isolated inhibitor studies on purified enzymes is required to discover potent and selective inhibitors of cathepsin K, a quantitative cytochemical assay2 for cathepsin K would allow inhibitors to be tested on actual osteoclasts within sections of bone. Furthermore cathepsin K activity could be used to identify and analyse osteoclasts at definitive stages of their lifespan. A cytochemical assay is described that localizes osteoclast cathepsin K activity in unfixed, undecalcified cryostat sections of animal and human bone. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying and characterizing the joint cavity‐forming cell
Authors: Pitsillides Andrew A. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractFor many years, a large body of circumstantial evidence supported the notion that the synovial membrane produced the hyaluronan‐rich synovial fluid. A quantitative cytochemical technique for uridine‐diphospho glucose dehydrogenase (UDPGD) activity established that fibroblast‐like cells on the intimal surface of the synovial lining made a specific contribution to maintaining these glycosaminoglycan levels. Our studies have aimed to determine the mechanisms that control the attainment and persistence of this differentiated phenotype, and have recently focused on their appearance during joint cavity development in the embryonic limb; a process that is dependent upon skeletal movement. These in situ micro‐biochemical studies have shown that cells bordering the presumptive joint cavity exhibit raised UDPGD activity, are associated with a matrix rich in hyaluronan and show immobilization‐induced loss in such characteristics. Together with complimentary studies in adult joints, this suggests that mechanical stimuli promote the acquisition of this joint line‐forming phenotype. For this reason our studies have attempted to identify the ‘up‐stream’ mechano‐dependent factors that control these events. Endothelial cells respond to mechanical stimuli by activating, via phosphorylation, mitogen activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (MAPkinase/ERK). Using phospho‐specific anti‐ERK‐1/2 antibodies we have shown that immunolabelling of developing limbs shows a clear joint line‐selective activation during cavitation, with little if any labelling within neighbouring elements, and that this is abolished in immobilized limbs. In an attempt to facilitate the final mechanistic deciphering of these responses we have used an in vitro‐based approach and found by Western blotting that active ERK‐1/2 expression was increased in cultured articular surface cells following application of dynamic mechanical strain. Intriguingly, the use of a selective inhibitor (PD98059) of ERK activation by its classical activating kinase, Mek, to restrict such strain‐induced increases, produced an enhanced strain‐related increase in UDPGD mRNA expression. This suggests that mechano‐dependent ERK activation serves a feedback regulatory role during differentiation of these cells. Whilst it is clear that these in vitro experiments serve a useful function, it is clear that they generally take little regard of the influence that might be provided by cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions within the developing limb's complex and dynamic environment and architecture. It is therefore imperative that we attempt to bridge the gap between the cell biology of such phenomena on the one hand, and the morphological approach to this same problem on the other. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wild type p53 gene causes reorganization of cytoskeleton and, therefore, the impaired deformability and difficult migration of murine erythroleukemia cells
Authors: Yao Weijuan , Gu Li , Sun Dagong , Ka Weibo , Wen Zongyao , Chien Shu 
Published: August 2003

AbstractWe studied the role of p53 gene in the biophysics and biology in murine erythroleukemia cell line (MEL), with the goal of understanding the influence of this tumor suppressor gene on the deformability and metastasis of tumor cells. Experiments were performed on MEL and p53‐transfected MEL (MEL‐M with mutant p53 gene and MEL‐W with wild‐type p53 gene). The cell growth curves indicated that the over‐expression of wild‐type p53 gene significantly suppressed the growth of MEL, with G0‐G1 arrest and apoptosis shown by flow cytometric assays. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that the MEL‐W had a more compact organization of the F‐Actin cytoskeleton than MEL and MEL‐M. Fluorescence polarization measurement indicated a higher membrane fluidity of MEL‐W than the other two groups. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) showed changes in the composition and/or structure of membrane lipids in MEL‐W, with decreases in secondary structures of proteins such as α‐helix, turns and bends and random coil, in comparison to MEL and MEL‐M. The osmotic fragility curves indicated that MEL‐W was more fragile and micropipette experiments showed that they had increased elasticity and reduced deformability in comparison to MEL and MEL‐M. The adhesion assay with the use of the flow chamber revealed a lower adhesion rate of MEL‐W to endothelial cells at high shear stress. The present study on the molecular biology with biophysics of MEL cells contributes to our knowledge on the tumor suppressor gene p53. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 56:1–12, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of class III β‐tubulin reduces microtubule assembly and confers resistance to paclitaxel
Authors: Hari Malathi , Yang Hailing , Zeng Changqing , Canizales Martin , Cabral Fernando 
Published: August 2003

AbstractHuman brain and testis specific βIII‐tubulin was amplified from a cDNA library, modified to encode a C‐terminal hemagglutinin antigen epitope tag, and cloned into a vector that allows tetracycline regulated expression in mammalian cells. Immunofluorescence analysis of transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells demonstrated that expressed HA‐tagged βIII‐tubulin is able to assemble with endogenous tubulin into microtubules even though βIII‐tubulin is not a normal constituent of these cells. A stable G418‐resistant clone with moderate HAβIII‐tubulin expression displayed weak (1.5–2‐fold) resistance to paclitaxel. A second clone with higher HAβIII‐tubulin expression could not grow unless tetracycline was present to repress transcription of the transfected cDNA. Analysis of cellular microtubules in each of these clones indicated that incorporation of HAβIII‐tubulin led to a significant expression‐dependent decrease in assembled tubulin. Paclitaxel resistant cells were also directly selected from the transfected cell population using a paclitaxel concentration 4 times higher than the minimum toxic dose. Few cells were able to survive the selection and they grew very slowly. Western blot analysis of these resistant cells revealed very high HAβIII‐tubulin expression that led to almost complete replacement of endogenous β‐tubulin at steady state. Transfected βIII‐tubulin with no epitope tag behaved in a very similar fashion indicating that presence of the HA tag had no discernible functional effect. The results demonstrate that βIII‐tubulin diminishes microtubule assembly, is toxic when present at high levels, but is able to confer weak resistance to paclitaxel when expressed at moderate levels in mammalian cells. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 56:45–56, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes respond to waves of chemoattractant, like Dictyostelium
Authors: Geiger Jeremy , Wessels Deborah , Soll David R. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractIt has been assumed that the natural chemotactic signal that attracts human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) over long distances to sites of infection is in the form of a standing spatial gradient of chemoattractant. We have questioned this assumption on the grounds, first, that standing spatial gradients may not be stable over long distances for long periods of time and, second, that in the one animal cell chemotaxis system in which the natural chemotactic signal has been described in space and time, aggregation of Dicytostelium discoideum, the signal is in the form of an outwardly relayed, nondissipating wave of attractant. Here, it is demonstrated that PMNs alter their behavior in each of the four phases of a wave of PMN chemoattractant, fashioned after the Dictyostelium wave, in a manner similar to Dictyostelium. These results demonstrate that PMNs have all of the machinery to respond to a natural wave of attractant, providing support to the hypothesis that the natural signal that attracts PMNs over large distances to sites of infection in the human body may also be in the form of a wave. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 56:27–44, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.