bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Syngeneic fibroblasts transfected with a plasmid encoding interleukin‐4 as non‐viral vectors for anti‐inflammatory gene therapy in collagen‐induced arthritis
Authors: Bessis Natacha , Cottard Virginie , Saidenberg‐Kermanach Nathalie , Lemeiter Delphine , Fournier Catherine , Boissier Marie‐Christophe 
Published: October 2002

AbstractBackgroundNo effective long‐term treatment is available for rheumatoid arthritis. Recent advances in gene therapy and cell therapy have demonstrated efficiency in collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). Interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) is already known to be efficient in CIA in systemic injection or administered by gene therapy. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of a non‐viral gene therapy of CIA, involving injection of syngeneic fibroblasts transfected with a plasmid encoding for IL‐4.MethodsImmortalised fibroblasts from DBA/1 mice (DBA/1/0 cells) were transfected with a plasmid expressing IL‐4 cDNA (DBA/1/IL‐4 cells). Xenogeneic fibroblasts from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) transfected with a plasmid expressing IL‐4 cDNA (CHO/IL‐4) were studied also. The cells were engrafted in mice developing CIA by subcutaneous injection of 3 × 106 DBA/1/0 or DBA/1/IL‐4 or CHO/IL‐4 cells.ResultsInjection of DBA/1/IL‐4 cells, on days 10 and 25 after immunisation, was associated with a significant and lasting improvement in the clinical and histological evidence of joint inflammation and destruction as compared with DBA/1/0 and CHO/IL‐4 cells. DBA/1/IL‐4 cell treatment decreased also the production of IgG2a antibody to CII and the proliferation of CIIB‐specific nodal T cells. Later treatments (engraftments on days 23 and 35 after immunisation) exerted also an anti‐inflammatory effect, as evaluated on clinical and histological signs of CIA.ConclusionsTaken together, these findings indicate that systemic administration of syngeneic cells transfected with an anti‐inflammatory cytokine gene, namely IL‐4, with a non‐viral method is effective in CIA and may attenuate the cytokine imbalance seen in this disease. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social funds: evidence on targeting, impacts and sustainability
Authors: van Domelen Julie 
Published: October 2002

AbstractImpact evaluations show that social fund resources are pro‐poor, and that targeting has improved over time. Despite the leakage which occurs to better‐off areas and households, social fund performance compares favorably with other public programmes. Investments largely reflect community needs and priorities and have increased access to, quality and utilization of basic social infrastructure. These benefits have generally translated into improvements in the health and education status of households, though specific impacts vary by country, region, and sector. The vast majority of facilities are operating several years after completion, but long‐term sustainability of water systems is particularly problematic given insufficient cost recovery. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A post Keynesian critique of privatization policies in transition economies
Authors: Marangos John 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe privatization policies implemented in transition economies were based on the neoclassical principles of economic thought. The neoclassical privatization policies contributed to the well‐known results of a large reduction in output, high unemployment and inflation and a breakdown of institutional norms resulting in corruption and illegal activities. For the post Keynesians, there could have been a transition to a market economy without a substantial change in property ownership. This was because ownership, as such, was less important than competition, the incentive structure and the nature of regulatory policies. Consequently, post Keynesian policies of privatization would had resulted in a substantially smaller social cost of transition. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of 5‐[4,5‐13C2]‐ and 5‐[1,5‐13C2]aminolevulinic acid
Authors: Iida Katsumi , Tokiwa Shinji , Ishii Toshihiro , Kajiwara Masahiro 
Published: October 2002

Abstract5‐[4,5‐13C2]‐ and 5‐[1,5‐13C2]Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) have been synthesized by the Gabriel condensation of potassium phthalimide with ethyl bromo[1,2‐13C2]acetate (derived from [1,2‐13C2]acetic acid) or ethyl bromo[2‐13C]‐acetate (derived from sodium [2‐13C]acetate), followed by conversion to the chloride, coupling reaction with 2‐ethoxycarbonylethylzinc iodide derived from ethyl 3‐iodopropionate or 2‐methoxy[13C]carbonylethylzinc iodide derived from methyl 3‐iodo[1‐13C]propionate (generated from potassium [13C]cyanide), and hydrolysis. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of (±)‐6,6‐[2H6]dimethyl‐11‐nor‐Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabivarin‐9‐carboxylic acid
Authors: Feng Shixia , ElSohly Mahmoud A. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractStarting from divarinol (4) using previously published procedures, (±)‐6,6‐[2H6]Dimethyl‐11‐nor‐Δ9THCV‐9‐carboxylic acid (3) was synthesized for use as an internal standard in GC/MS analysis of 11‐nor‐Δ9THCV‐9‐carboxylic acid (2). The detection of 2 distinguishes the use of marijuana from the ingestion of Marinol®. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of covalent [14C]‐labeled diarylsulfonylurea (DASU) inhibitors of the processing and release of IL‐1
Authors: Eggler J. F. , Gabel C. A. , Zandi K. , Weaver J. D. , McKechney H. , Dombroski M. A. , Peurano H. , Hawryluk N. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractCP‐452,759 and CP‐470,947, two covalent [14C]‐labeled diarylsulfonylurea (DASU) inhibitors of the processing and release of IL‐1 from human monocytes, have been synthesized. The radiosyntheses utilize [14C]‐labeled phosgene to prepare labeled isocyanates which are coupled with an epoxide sulfonamide to give the [14C]‐DASUs. These tools should allow future studies aimed at purifying and identifying the DASU binding protein involved in the inhibition of the processing and release of IL‐1 from human monocytes. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of phenylbutyrylglutamine, a new metabolite of phenylbutyrate metabolism in humans
Authors: Comte Blandine , Kasumov Takhar , Pierce Bradley A. , Puchowicz Michelle A. , Scott Mary‐Ellen , Dahms Williams , Kerr Douglas , Nissim Itzhak , Brunengraber Henri 
Published: October 2002

AbstractPhenylbutyrate is used in humans for treating inborn errors of ureagenesis, certain forms of cancer, cystic fibrosis and thalassemia. The known metabolism of phenylbutyrate leads to phenylacetylglutamine, which is excreted in urine. We have identified phenylbutyrylglutamine as a new metabolite of phenylbutyrate in human plasma and urine. We describe the synthesis of phenylbutyrylglutamine and its assay by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry as a tert‐butyldimethylsilyl or methyl derivative, using standards of [2H5]phenylbutyrylglutamine and phenylpropionylglutamine. After administration of phenylbutyrate to normal humans, the cumulative urinary excretion of phenylacetate, phenylbutyrate, phenylacetylglutamine and phenylbutyrylglutamine amounts to about half of the dose of phenylbutyrate. Thus, additional metabolites of phenylbutyrate are yet to be identified. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gas‐phase ion chemistry in germane–propane and germane–propene mixtures
Authors: Benzi Paola , Operti Lorenza , Rabezzana Roberto , Vaglio Gian Angelo 
Published: October 2002

AbstractGermane–propane and germane–propene gaseous mixtures were studied by ion trap mass spectrometry. Variations of ion abundances observed under different partial pressure ratios and mechanisms of ion–molecule reactions elucidated by multiple isolation steps are reported. In addition, the rate constants for the main reactions were experimentally determined and compared with the collisional rate constants to obtain the reaction efficiencies. The yield of ions containing both Ge and C atoms is higher in the germane–propene than in the germane–propane system. In the former mixture, chain propagation takes place starting from germane ions reacting with propene and proceeds with the formation of clusters such as Ge2C4Hn+ and Ge3CHn+. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of non‐covalent complexation between catechin derivatives and peptides by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Sarni‐Manchado Pascale , Cheynier Véronique 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe recent development of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) has allowed its use to study molecular interactions driven by non‐covalent forces. ESI‐MS has been used to detect non‐covalent complexes between proteins and metals, ligands and peptides and interactions involving DNA, RNA, oligonucleotides and drugs. Surprisingly, the study of the interaction between polyphenolic molecules and peptides/proteins is still an area where ESI‐MS has not benefited. With regard to the important influence of these interactions in the biological and food domains, ESI‐MS was applied to the detection and the characterization of soluble polyphenol–peptide complexes formed in model solution. The ability to observe and monitor the weak interactions involved in such macromolecular complexation phenomena was demonstrated for monomeric and dimeric flavonoid molecules (catechin‐derived compounds) largely encountered in plants and plant derived products. Intact non‐covalent polyphenol–peptide complexes were observed by ESI‐MS using different experimental conditions. Utilizing mild ESI interface conditions allowed the detection of 1 : 1 polyphenol–peptide complexes in all tested solutions and 2 : 1 complexes for the dimers and galloylated polyphenols (flavanols). These results show that there is a preferential interaction between polymerized and/or galloylated polyphenols and peptide compared with that between monomeric polyphenols and peptides. Thus, ESI‐MS shows potential for the study of small polyphenolic molecule–peptide interactions and determination of stoichiometry. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endemic hepatitis C virus infection in a Sicilian town: Further evidence for iatrogenic transmission
Authors: Di Stefano Rosa , Stroffolini Tommaso , Ferraro Donatella , Usticano Antonella , Valenza Lilli Mario , Montalbano Luigi , Pomara Giuseppina , Craxì Antonio 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe prevalence of and risk factors for HCV and HBV infections in the general population and the predictive value of ALT screening in identifying anti‐HCV positive subjects have been evaluated in a small Sicilian town. A random 1:4 sampling from the census of the general population was performed. Anti‐HCV, HCV‐RNA, HCV genotype, HBsAg, and anti‐HBc were tested. The linkage between HCV infection and potential risk factors was evaluated by multiple logistic regression analysis. Among 721 subjects studied, 75 (10.4%) were anti‐HCV positive. The HCV infection rate increased from 0.4% in subjects 10–29 years of age to 34% in those > 60 years of age. Among the 75 anti‐HCV positive subjects, 66.7% were HCV‐RNA positive and 36% had abnormal ALT, in contrast abnormal ALT levels were found in 4.3% of the 646 anti‐HCV negative subjects (P < 0.01). HCV genotype 1b infected the majority (88.0%) of viremic subjects. Exposure to HBV infection (anti‐HBc positivity) was found in 11.2% of subjects; HBsAg positivity was 0.7%. At multivariate analysis, two variables were associated with HCV infection: age ≥ 45 years (OR 27.8; CI 95% = 11.0–70.2) and previous hospitalization (OR 2.5; CI 95% = 1.3–4.7). ALT testing had low positive predictive value (PPV = 49.1%) for HCV infection. The positive predictive value was good (88%) in people ≥ 60 years of age, but minimal (16.7%) in those below 60. These findings indicate that HCV infection is common in the elderly, perhaps as a result of past iatrogenic transmission. The present low rate of HCV infection among the younger generations coupled with the low progression of the viral related liver damage does not support the projection of a future increasing incidence in the next decades of the burden of HCV‐related chronic disease. HBV infection, formerly common in this area, is already in sharp decline. In an area of high HCV endemicity, screening of the general population by ALT cannot be used a surrogate marker to detect HCV infection in those susceptible to treatment. J. Med Virol. 67:339–344, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis B immunization and hepatocellular carcinoma: The Gambia hepatitis Intervention Study
Authors: Montesano Ruggero 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe Gambia Hepatitis Intervention Study (GHIS) was initiated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 1986. It consisted of a randomized trial in the Gambian population, aiming to evaluate the protection provided by HBV vaccination administered during the first year of life against primary infection, the development of chronic carriage, and primary liver cancer. The results, reported at 9 years from the introduction of the vaccine as conferring a high degree of protection (83% against primary infection and 95% against chronic carriage), are briefly discussed. It is expected that HBV vaccination will result in a reduction of mortality from hepatocellular carcinoma, the most frequent cancer in males in sub‐Sahara Africa. J. Med. Virol. 67:444–446, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Core promoter mutations (A1762T and G1764A) and viral genotype in chronic hepatitis B and hepatocellular carcinoma in Guangxi, China
Authors: Fang Zhong‐Liao , Yang Jinye , Ge Xianmin , Zhuang Hui , Gong Jian , Li Rongcheng , Ling Roger , Harrison Tim J. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractHepatitis B viruses (HBV) with core promoter mutations (A1762T, G1764A) were found in a previous study to be highly prevalent in patients from Guangxi, China with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to determine whether the mutations are prevalent in areas of Guangxi with high and lower incidences of HCC and whether they are associated with other severe sequelae of chronic hepatitis B, including the development of cirrhosis. In addition, the genotypes of the various HBV sequences were determined. Core promoter mutations were significantly more common in HCC patients than asymptomatic carriers from both regions of Guangxi and also were common in patients with cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis. The data also support the hypothesis that genotype C HBV causes more severe liver disease than does genotype B. J. Med. Virol. 68:33–40, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electromagnetic field representations and computations in complex structures I: complexity architecture and generalized network formulation
Authors: Felsen Leopold B. , Mongiardo Mauro , Russer Peter 
Published: October 2002

AbstractIn this three‐part sequence of papers, we outline an architecture for systematically dealing in an efficient and rigorous manner with electromagnetic field representations and computations in complex structures. The approach is based on the topological partitioning of the complex structure into several subdomains joined together by interfaces. In analogy with network theory, individual subdomains are characterized via subdomain relations, obtained either analytically or numerically, and described in a unified format by using a generalized network formulation; the various subdomains are linked together via connection relations provided by the complex structure topology. Together these two relations yield the Tableau equations which combine all of the necessary information. The suggested framework accommodates the use of different analytic/numerical methods (hybridization), the choice of problem‐matched alternative Green's function representations, as well as different types of field representations. In the present paper, we focus on the general architecture, various options and their implications, in Part II [1] we furnish formal expressions for the subdomain relationships via alternative Green's functions representations; and in part III [2], we discuss the connection network properties. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A difficulty in numerically solving the telegraph and the diffusion equations by means of the transmission line matrix modelling method (TLM)
Authors: Enders Peter , Vanneste Christian 
Published: October 2002

AbstractA stub leakage resistor at the nodes of an otherwise lossless TLM chain (i.e. without series resistors) introduces losses, although the corresponding absorption term in the Telegraphers' equation vanishes due to the absence of series resistors. This contradiction is outlined, an explanation is proposed and the practical implications are discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distribution in TLM models for diffusion (Part I: one‐dimensional treatment)
Authors: Chardaire P. , de Cogan D. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe signal obtained at each time step of a TLM simulation for one‐dimensional diffusion is analysed for single shot injections. A combinatorial formula is provided to predict the signal value at any given spatial positions. Formulas for expectation and variance are obtained using a technique based on generating functions. We briefly compare the resulting variance and that of the underlying diffusion process. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oligodendrocytes as providers of growth factors
Authors: Du Yangzhou , Dreyfus Cheryl F. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractGlial cells recently are being appreciated as supporters of brain neurons. This review addresses their role as growth factor providers. While the function of astrocytes in this capacity is known, new data indicate that oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the brain, exhibit similar abilities. Oligodendrocytes provide trophic signals to nearby neurons and synthesize defined growth factors. Expression of growth factors is influenced by neural signals. The review summarizes these roles and their implications in brain function. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Studies on neuronal death in the mouse model of Niemann‐Pick C disease
Authors: Erickson Robert P. , Bernard Ora 
Published: October 2002

AbstractA mouse model of Niemann‐Pick disease type C (NPC) carries a genetic defect that causes biochemical changes in lipid levels and a progressive neuropathology that parallels the effects of NPC disease in humans. It is a moot point whether or not the loss of Purkinje and other neuronal cells proceeds by apoptotic death. Therefore, we have introduced into these mice a transgene expressing human Bcl‐2 protein which has previously been demonstrated to prevent developmental neuronal death and death induced by a variety of stimuli. The human Bcl‐2 transgene was driven by the neuron‐specific enolase promoter and was abundantly expressed in Purkinje and other neuronal cells. npc1−/−/bcl‐2 transgenic mice did not show a significant delay in the onset of neurological disorders. Neuropathological examination of the npc1−/−/bcl‐2 transgenic mice did not disclose significant differences in numbers of surviving Purkinje cells between the npc1−/−, tg+ and npc1−/−, tg− mice. When the npc1−/− mice were treated with minocycline, a drug which was shown to inhibit apparent apoptotic death in other mouse models of neurological disease, no delay in onset of neurological disorders were observed in either npc1−/−, or npc1−/− /mdrla−/− mice (mdr1a deficiency was used to enhance brain availability of minocycline). Caspase‐1 levels were not altered in npc1−/− mice, with or without minocycline treatment. These results suggest that Purkinje cell loss in npc1−/− mice does not proceed by an apoptotic pathway that can be inhibited by Bcl‐2 or minocycline. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SHP‐1 expression in avian mixed neural/glial cultures
Authors: Sorbel Jeffrey D. , Brooks Diane M. , Lurie Diana I. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe central nervous system response to injury includes astrocyte proliferation and hypertrophy as well as microglial activation and proliferation. However, not all glial cells enter the cell cycle following damage, and the mechanism that determines which glial cells will proliferate and which will remain quiescent has yet to be elucidated. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation has been shown to play an important role in the regulation of the cell cycle in a number of different systems and has been implicated in both astrocyte proliferation and differentation. Of particular interest is the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP‐1 (Src homology 2‐containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1), which: (1) modulates cellular proliferation in the hematopoietic system, (2) is involved in various growth factor second messenger signaling cascades, and (3) has been demonstrated by our laboratory to increase in immunoreactivity within a subpopulation of astrocytes following deafferentation of the chicken auditory brainstem. These SHP‐1+ cells appear to be those which fail to enter the cell cycle following deafferentation. The present study examines whether manipulation of cellular proliferation in vitro modifies the expression of SHP‐1 immunoreactivity in mixed neural/glial cultures of the avian auditory brainstem. In addition, the effect of the protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor sodium orthovanadate on cellular proliferation was assessed in these cultures. Our results demonstrate that SHP‐1 expression can be modulated by changes in proliferation and that inhibiting tyrosine phosphatase activity results in increased proliferation. Taken together, these results indicate that SHP‐1 may play central role in negatively regulating glial proliferation following injury. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A secreted Delta1‐Fc fusion protein functions both as an activator and inhibitor of Notch1 signaling
Authors: Hicks Carol , Ladi Ena , Lindsell Claire , Hsieh James J.‐D. , Hayward S. Diane , Collazo Andres , Weinmaster Gerry 
Published: October 2002

AbstractSignaling induced through interactions between DSL (Delta, serrate, LAG‐2) ligand‐signaling cells and Notch‐responding cells influences the developmental fate of a wide variety of invertebrate and vertebrate cell types. Consistently with a requirement for direct cell–cell interactions, secreted DSL ligands expressed in flies do not appear to activate Notch signaling but rather produce phenotypes reminiscent of losses in Notch signaling. In contrast, secreted DSL ligands expressed in Caenorhabditis elegans or supplied to mammalian cells in culture produce effects indicative of Notch activation. In fact, engineered secreted DSL ligands have been used to study Notch signaling in neurogenesis, gliogenesis, hematopoeisis, neurite morphogenesis and ligand‐induced nuclear translocation of the Notch intracellular domain. Using a recombinant, secreted form of the DSL ligand Delta1, we found that antibody‐induced oligomerization (termed “clustering”) was required for this soluble ligand to bind specifically to Notch1‐expressing cells, undergo internalization, and activate downstream signaling. Interestingly, clustering with either limiting or excess antibody led to ligand binding in the absence of Notch signaling, indicating that ligand binding is necessary but not sufficient for activation of Notch signaling. Moreover, such antibody clustering conditions blocked Notch1 signaling induced by membrane‐bound DSL ligands. We propose that multimerization influences whether ligand binding to Notch results in activation or inhibition of downstream signaling and suggest that differences in ligand presentation might account for why secreted forms of DSL ligands have been reported to function as agonists and antagonists of Notch signal transduction. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.