bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic food restriction is associated with subtle dendritic alterations in granule cells of the rat hippocampal formation
Authors: Andrade José P. , Lukoyanov Nikolai V. , Paula‐Barbosa Manuel M. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe hippocampal formation undergoes significant morphological and functional changes after prolonged feeding with low‐protein diets. In this study we tested whether prolonged food restriction causes deleterious alterations in this brain region as well. It was found that the total number of dentate granule cells and hippocampal CA3 and CA1 pyramidal neurons did not differ between controls and rats submitted to food restriction (40%) for 36 weeks. Likewise, no effects of this dietary regimen have been detected on the morphology of the dendritic trees of hippocampal pyramids, and on the total number of the mossy fiber‐CA3 synapses. By contrast, the dendritic arborizations of granule cells were found to have a reduced number of segments in food‐restricted rats. However, the spine density on the distal segments of their dendritic trees and the total number of axospinous synapses in the outer molecular layer of the dentate gyrus were increased in these animals. In addition, the total dendritic length of the granule cells and the overall surface area of the active zones of the synapses in the outer molecular layer were preserved, indicating that the capacity of dentate granule cells to process afferent stimuli is likely to be unaffected by this dietary treatment. Supporting this view are the results obtained in the water maze experiment which show that food‐restricted rats exhibit unimpaired spatial abilities, which are known to be dependent on the entorhinal drive towards the hippocampal formation. These results show that, among hippocampal neurons, dentate granule cells are selectively vulnerable to food restriction. Nonetheless, the reorganization which takes place in their dendrites and synapses is capable of minimizing the functional impairments that were expected to occur following changes in the hippocampal neuronal circuitry induced by this type of dietary restriction. Hippocampus 2002;12:149–164. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vertical or holistic decentralization of the health sector? Experiences from Zambia and Uganda
Authors: Jeppsson Anders , Okuonzi Sam Agatre 
Published: August 2002

AbstractMany countries in Africa have embarked on health sector reforms. The design of the reforms differs considerably. A key feature of the reforms is decentralization, of which Uganda and Zambia are implementing two different models. This paper analyses the two models of health sector reform, and their implications for ultimate development goals. In Uganda, the whole government has been decentralized, with a wide range of powers and resources transferred to the districts. The health care system is part of the political set up of the country. In Zambia, only the health sector has been decentralized. Power and resources for health care have been divested to new parallel organizations. While useful lessons can be drawn from the managerial and administrative experience in the two countries, not least concerning donor coordination, it seems that neither form of decentralization has so far led to a clear and appreciable improvement of health services and, ultimately, to a clear focus on development goals, such as poverty alleviation. The conditions for this to happen are discussed in this paper. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mapping capacity in the health sector: a conceptual framework
Authors: LaFond Anne K. , Brown Lisanne , Macintyre Kate 
Published: August 2002

AbstractCapacity improvement has become central to strategies used to develop health systems in low‐income countries. Experience suggests that achieving better health outcomes requires both increased investment (i.e. financial resources) and adequate local capacity to use resources effectively. International donors and non‐governmental agencies, as well as ministries of health, are therefore increasingly relying on capacity building to enhance overall performance in the health sector. Despite the growing interest in capacity improvement, there has been little consensus among practitioners and academics on definitions of ‘capacity building’ and how to evaluate it. This paper aims to review current knowledge and experiences from ongoing efforts to monitor and evaluate capacity building interventions in the health sector in developing countries. It draws on a wide range of sources to develop (1) a definition of capacity building and (2) a conceptual framework for mapping capacity and measuring the effects of capacity building interventions. Mapping is the initial step in the design of capacity building interventions and provides a framework for monitoring and evaluating their effectiveness. Capacity mapping is useful to planners because it makes explicit the assumptions underlying the relationship between capacity and health system performance and provides a framework for testing those assumptions. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1‐MMP) in A2058 melanoma cells is associated with MMP‐2 activation and increased tumor growth and vascularization
Authors: Sounni Nor Eddine , Baramova Eugenia N. , Munaut Carine , Maquoi Erik , Frankenne Francis , Foidart Jean‐Michel , Noël Agnès 
Published: August 2002

AbstractMembrane‐type metalloproteinase‐1 (MT1‐MMP) is a transmembrane metalloproteinase overexpressed in tumors, which plays a major role in the first step of pro‐MMP‐2 activation, leading to the generation of an intermediate 62 kDa species. The second step of MMP‐2 activation that yields to the mature form is less understood and could involve an autocatalytic process and/or the activity of the plasminogen/plasmin system. Human melanoma A2058 cells, which express MMP‐2 only in its pro‐form, were used to determine the role of MT1‐MMP during pericellular proteolysis and tumor progression. The induction of MT1‐MMP overexpression by MT1‐MMP cDNA transfection initiated the first step of MMP‐2 activation. We provide evidence that a cooperation between the plasminogen/plasmin system and MT1‐MMP endowed the cells with the ability to fully activate MMP‐2 and with enhanced invasive properties in vitro. When injected subcutaneously in nude mice, MT1‐MMP expressing clones induced rapid tumor growth and high tumor vascularization, while the control clones were poorly or not tumorigenic. Our data provide the first demonstration, in an experimental model, that MT1‐MMP expression by tumor cells promotes tumor vascularization. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cancer chemoresistance: The relationship between p53 and multidrug transporters
Authors: Bush Jason A. , Li Gang 
Published: August 2002

AbstractExtensive studies indicate that both p53 and multidrug transporters play important roles in chemoresistance. Since the initial reports a decade ago demonstrating a transcriptional dependence of the ABCB1 gene (MDR) promoter by p53, much data have been accumulated. However, despite being the subject of intense study, this p53‐MDR relationship remains unclear in human cancers. The data are confounded by variable and contrasting results when considering the in vitro regulation and attempting to draw parallels in tissue specimens. The original model suggested that wild‐type p53 downregulates the ABCB1 promoter, whereas mutant p53 increases expression of ABCB1. This review summarizes the data for and against this hypothesis. What emerges from these studies is a complex picture, where data have been obtained in support of this hypothesis, but there are also many circumstances where it is not supported. Taken together, these data suggest that the relationship between p53 and multidrug transporters is conditional. It is dependent on cellular environment, the drug used, and the nature of the p53 mutation. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Basigin (cd147) is expressed on melanoma cells and induces tumor cell invasion by stimulating production of matrix metalloproteinases by fibroblasts
Authors: Kanekura Takuro , Chen Xiang , Kanzaki Tamotsu 
Published: August 2002

AbstractEMMPRIN, which is identical to human basigin (CD147), interacts with fibroblasts and stimulates expression of MMPs, which play an important role in tumor invasiveness and metastasis. In the present study, we demonstrated that coculture of basigin‐expressing human MM cells with dermal fibroblasts resulted in the induction of MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐3 and MT1‐MMP production by fibroblasts and of melanoma cell invasion through a reconstituted basement membrane. Antibody to basigin inhibited both the production of MMPs by fibroblasts and the invasiveness of melanoma cells. Expression of basigin and MMPs in MM and surrounding fibroblasts was examined immunohistochemically in 28 specimens from 18 MM patients without metastasis and 10 with metastasis, to investigate whether basigin plays a role in metastasis of MM in vivo. Basigin was expressed in melanoma cells but not in fibroblasts. MM with metastasis had significantly higher basigin expression compared to MM without metastasis. There were significant differences between MMs with and without metastasis in the expression of MMPs in both melanoma cells and fibroblasts. Expression of MMPs in fibroblasts was positively correlated with expression levels of basigin. These immunohistochemic findings indicate that MMPs might be expressed in fibroblasts as well as melanoma cells concomitantly with basigin, which was expressed in melanoma cells more frequently in MM with metastasis. Basigin is highly expressed in melanoma cells and may play an important role in their invasiveness and metastasis by stimulating surrounding fibroblasts to express MMPs. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic significance of p53 mutations in colon cancer at the population level
Authors: Samowitz Wade S. , Curtin Karen , Ma Khe‐ni , Edwards Sandra , Schaffer Donna , Leppert Mark F. , Slattery Martha L. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractSome studies have reported that p53 mutations or certain types of p53 mutation are associated with poor prognosis in colon cancer, while other studies have failed to show such a relationship. None of these previous studies was population‐based. We therefore evaluated the prognostic significance of p53 mutations in a large, population‐based study of 1,464 individuals with colon cancer from Utah and California. Mutations in exons 5–8 were detected by SSCP analysis, followed by sequencing of aberrant bands. p53 mutations were identified in colon cancers from 665 of 1,464 (45.4%) individuals. p53 mutations were significantly more common in distal tumors (p < 0.01), tumors of relatively high stage (p = 0.04), tumors without MSI (p < 0.01) and tumors without Ki‐ras mutations (p < 0.01). In a univariate analysis, tumors with p53 mutations were associated with a significantly worse 5‐year survival than those with wild‐type p53 (53.4% vs. 58.8%, p = 0.04); significantly worse prognosis also was seen with missense mutations, transitions, transversions, mutations affecting the structure of the p53 molecule, mutations within the β‐sandwich motif and mutations in proximal tumors. In multivariate analyses, however, the only significant predictors of poor prognosis were G245 hot spot mutations (HRR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.06–4.40) and p53 mutations in proximal tumors (HRR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.07–1.63). We conclude that overall p53 mutational status is not an independent predictor of poor prognosis in colon cancer. However, specific classes of mutations, namely, the G245 hot spot mutation and mutations in proximal tumors, are related to significantly worse survival even after adjusting for age and stage. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intensity‐modulated radiotherapy with an integrated boost to the macroscopic tumor volume in the treatment of high‐grade gliomas
Authors: Thilmann Christoph , Zabel Angelika , Grosser Karl Heinz , Hoess Angelika , Wannenmacher Michael , Debus Juergen 
Published: August 2002

AbstractIntegrated boost radiotherapy (IBRT) delivers a higher fraction size to the gross tumor volume and a conventional fraction size to the surrounding tissue of microscopic spread. We compared stereotactic conformal radiotherapy (SCRT) and intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with regard to their suitability for IBRT in the treatment of high‐grade gliomas. In 20 patients treated with conventional radiotherapy, an additional treatment plan for IBRT [planning target volume (PTV1) defined as contrast‐enhancing lesion plus margin due to setup errors 75 Gy, PTV2 defined as edema plus margin due to microscopic spread and setup error 60 Gy] with 7 non‐coplanar beams for IMRT and for SCRT was carried out and compared. The part of the PTV2 irradiated with more than 107% of the prescribed dose was 13.9% for IMRT and 30.9% for SCRT (P < 0.001). Dose coverage of PTV2 (volume above 95% of the prescribed dose) was improved with IMRT (88.4% vs. 75.3% with SCRT, P < 0.001). Dose coverage of PTV1 was slightly higher with SCRT (93.7% vs. 87.5% with IMRT), but the conformity to the boost shape was improved by IMRT [conformity index (COIN95) = 0.85 vs. 0.69 with SCRT]. Simultaneously the brain volume irradiated with > 50 Gy was reduced from 60 to 33 cc (P < 0.001). We conclude that IMRT is suitable for local dose escalation in the enhancing lesion and for delivering a homogeneous dose to the PTV2 outside the PTV1 at the same time. Our encouraging results justify application of IMRT for IBRT in the treatment of high‐grade gliomas. For clinical evaluation a phase III study has been initiated. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cancer risks in twins: Results from the Swedish family‐cancer database
Authors: Hemminki Kari , Li Xinjun 
Published: August 2002

AbstractTwin studies on cancer have addressed two general questions, one about the possible carcinogenic effects of twinning and the second about heritable effects of cancer. The first question is answered by comparing the occurrence of cancer in twins to that in singletons; the second is answered in probandwise analysis of monozygotic twins compared to dizygotic twins or siblings. We used the nationwide Swedish Family‐Cancer Database on 10.2 million individuals and 62,574 0–66‐year‐old twins to calculate standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all main cancer compared to cancer in singletons. In probandwise analysis, the SIR was calculated for the co‐twin of an affected twin. The overall risk of cancer in same or opposite sex twins was at the level of the risk for singletons. Testicular cancer was increased among same sex twins and all twins to an SIR of 1.43. Melanoma was decreased in these groups of twins to an SIR of 0.84. Some other cancer sites were increased or decreased in some groups of twins, but none in all twins. The SIR of breast cancer was 1.01 and 1.04 in same and opposite sex twins, respectively. Probandwise analysis showed increased risks for Hodgkin's disease in males and breast cancer and childhood acute lymphoid leukemia among females. The data on this unselected population of twins suggest that twinning per se is not a risk factor of cancer. However, because twins are smaller than singletons at birth, some possible effects could be masked by such differences. In utero hormonal exposures may be related to the risk of testicular cancer. The protective effects in melanoma may be due to socioeconomic factors. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association between BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and cancer phenotype in Spanish breast/ovarian cancer families: Implications for genetic testing
Authors: de la Hoya Miguel , Osorio Ana , Godino Javier , Sulleiro Sara , Tosar Alicia , Perez‐Segura Pedro , Fernandez Cristina , Rodríguez Raquel , Díaz‐Rubio Eduardo , Benítez Javier , Devilee Peter , Caldés Trinidad 
Published: August 2002

AbstractIndex cases from a clinically relevant cohort of 102 Spanish families with at least 3 cases of breast and/or ovarian cancer (at least 1 case diagnosed before age 50) in the same lineage were screened for germline mutations in the entire coding sequence and intron boundaries of the breast cancer susceptibility genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. Overall, the prevalence of mutations was 43% in female breast/ovarian cancer families, 15% in female breast cancer families and 100% in male breast cancer families. Three recurrent mutations (185delAG, 589delCT and A1708E) explained 63% of BRCA1‐related families. Early age at diagnosis of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, bilateral breast cancer, concomitant breast/ovarian cancer in a single patient and prostate cancer but not unilateral breast cancer were associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Male breast cancer was associated with BRCA2 mutations. The presence of male breast cancer was the only cancer phenotype that distinguished BRCA2‐ from BRCA1‐related families. We have developed a logistic regression model for predicting the probability of harbouring a mutation in either BRCA1 or BRCA2 as a function of the cancer phenotype present in the family. The predictive positive and negative values of this model were 77.4% and 79%, respectively (probability cutoff of 30%). The findings of our work may be a useful tool for increasing the cost‐effectiveness of genetic testing in familial cancer clinics. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
International migration and the change of women's position among the left‐behind in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Hadi Abdullahel 
Published: August 2002

AbstractWhile the impact of remittances upon the economic conditions of the sending communities has received much attention, the effects of international migration on women's position in society among the left‐behind have not been adequately explored. This paper examines the changes in the left‐behind women's position at the family level as a result of the migration of adult men overseas. Data came from a demographic surveillance system covering 70 villages in Bangladesh. All migrant families having at least one male member working abroad for more than six months were identified in the study villages in 1996. A comparable number of non‐migrant families were selected at random from the same villages to yield a total sample of 1030 families. In‐depth interviews were conducted with adult women of the sample families. Findings reveal that the overseas migration of adult males has a significant positive association with women's decision‐making capacity and education of girls in the migrant families. The remittances as well as the influence of secular values have reduced the practice of dowry in marriages. Multivariate analysis suggests not only that remittances have increased the financial capacity of the migrant families, but also that secular influences from overseas might have modified the position of women when the role of other socio‐economic factors is controlled. The study concludes that the overseas migration of adult men can create a context for change of the women's position in traditional communities. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal substance use and mother–infant feeding interactions
Authors: Eiden Rina Das 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the impact of maternal polydrug cocaine use during pregnancy and associated risk factors such as maternal psychopathology and negative infant temperament on the quality of mother–infant feeding interactions at 2 months of infant age. Participants were 45 mother–infant dyads (19 cocaine‐exposed and 26 nonexposed) who were recruited at birth and assessed again 2 months of infant age. Mother–infant interactions during feeding were videotaped and coded with regard to dyadic reciprocity, maternal noncontingency, and dyadic conflict. Results indicated that maternal cocaine use was associated with higher dyadic conflict. Moreover, cocaine‐using mothers were also more likely to use marijuana and alcohol, and use of such substances was associated with lower dyadic reciprocity and higher maternal noncontingency during interactions. Results also suggested that one pathway to higher dyadic conflict during interactions among cocaine‐using mothers was through the impact of cocaine on infant risk conditions like lower gestational age and negative temperament (e.g., higher distress to novelty). Interventions focusing on promoting the quality of mother–infant interactions in combination with substance abuse treatment may be especially promising for this population. ©2001 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.
Prenatal maternal representations: Mothers at psychosocial risk
Authors: Pajulo Marjaterttu , Savonlahti Elina , Sourander Andre , Piha Jorma , Helenius Hans 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe aim of the study was to explore differences in the content of prenatal mental representations between a risk group (n = 84) and a low‐risk group (n = 296) of pregnant women, enrolled from maternity care centers in southwestern Finland. The method used was semantic differentials of IRMAG (Interview of Maternal Representations During Pregnancy). The risk group was defined by means of questionnaire screens that concerned chemical dependency, depression, difficulties in social environment, and low social support. The ratings on all target subjects, i.e., child, self, partner, self‐as‐mother and own mother‐as‐mother, were significantly more negative in the risk group. The representation profiles of the groups differed: especially the ratings of partner and own mother‐as‐mother were more consistently and strongly negative among the risk mothers. © 2001 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.
Preparation of blood‐compatible hollow fibers from a polymer alloy composed of polysulfone and 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine polymer
Authors: Hasegawa Takashi , Iwasaki Yasuhiko , Ishihara Kazuhiko 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBlood‐compatible hollow fibers were successfully prepared from a polymer alloy composed of polysulfone (PSf) and the 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer. To improve the hydrophilicity, fouling‐resistance characteristics, and blood compatibility of the PSf hollow fiber in a hemodialyzer, an MPC polymer that can be blended with PSf was synthesized in order to prepare the polymer alloy (PSf/MPC polymer). The contents of the MPC polymer blended in the PSf were 7 and 15 wt%. The PSf/MPC polymer hollow fiber could be prepared by both wet and dry–wet processing methods. The hollow fiber took an asymmetric structure, that is, the hollow‐fiber membrane had a dense skin layer on the porous sponge‐like structure. The mechanical strength was higher than that of conventional PSf hollow fibers for hemodialysis. The surface characterization of the PSf/MPC polymer hollow fiber by x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the MPC units were concentrated at the surface. The permeability for solutes through the PSf/MPC polymer hollow fibers was measured for 4 h. The permeabilities of both a low‐molecular‐weight compound and protein were greater than those of the PSf hollow fibers. The amount of adsorbed protein was lower on the PSf/MPC polymer hollow fiber when compared to that of the PSf hollow fiber. Moreover, platelet adhesion was also effectively inhibited on the PSf/MPC polymer hollow fiber. Based on these results, the addition of the MPC polymer to the PSf is a very useful method to improve the functions and blood compatibility of the hollow fiber. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res (Appl Biomater) 63: 333–341, 2002