bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ATP modulates load‐inducible IL‐1β, COX 2, and MMP‐3 gene expression in human tendon cells
Authors: Tsuzaki M. , Bynum D. , Almekinders L. , Yang X. , Faber J. , Banes A.J. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractTendon cells receive mechanical signals from the load bearing matrices. The response to mechanical stimulation is crucial for tendon function. However, overloading tendon cells may deteriorate extracellular matrix integrity by activating intrinsic factors such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that trigger matrix destruction. We hypothesized that mechanical loading might induce interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β) in tendon cells, which can induce MMPs, and that extracellular ATP might inhibit the load‐inducible gene expression. Human tendon cells isolated from flexor digitorum profundus tendons (FDPs) of four patients were made quiescent and treated with ATP (10 or 100 μM) for 5 min, then stretched equibiaxially (1 Hz, 3.5% elongation) for 2 h followed by an 18‐h‐rest period. Stretching induced IL‐1β, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX 2), and MMP‐3 genes but not MMP‐1. ATP reduced the load‐inducible gene expression but had no effect alone. A medium change caused tendon cells to secrete ATP into the medium, as did exogenous UTP. The data demonstrate that mechanical loading induces ATP release in tendon cells and stimulates expression of IL‐1β, COX 2, and MMP‐3. Load‐induced endogenous IL‐1β may trigger matrix remodeling or a more destructive pathway(s) involving IL‐1β, COX 2, and MMP‐3. Concomitant autocrine and paracrine release of ATP may serve as a negative feedback mechanism to limit activation of such an injurious pathway. Attenuation or failure of this negative feedback mechanism may result in the progression to tendinosis. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Struktur der Randschicht nichtrostender Stähle nach Tieftemperatur‐Nitrierung – eine Mößbauerstudie
Authors: Pietzsch C. , Brusky U. , Spies H.‐J. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractDurch die Nitrierung nichtrostender Stähle bei Temperaturen zwischen 300 °C und 400 °C können Randschichten hoher Härte mit Stickstoffgehalten von 8 wt.% bis 12 wt. % erzeugt werden.In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden die Phasenbildungen nach Gas – und Plasmanitrierung beschrieben.Zur Untersuchung der Phasenbildung und Phasenzusammensetzung wurden die Mößbauerspektroskopie in der Varianten CEMS und XCMS und die Röntgenbeugung eingesetzt. Die chemische Zusammensetzung wurde mittels GDOS, die Härte als Martenshärte unter Prüfkraft bestimmt.Trotz unterschiedlicher Wirkprinzipien konnten mit den im Rahmen der Untersuchungen eingesetzten Prüfmethoden keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen der Struktur und den Eigenschaften von gas‐ und plasmanitrierten Proben gefunden werden.Deutliche Unterschiede bestehen aber zwischen dem Nitrierverhalten unterschiedlicher Stähle.
Untersuchungen zum Boriereinfluss auf das Kavitationsverhalten von Fe‐Werkstoffen
Authors: Demirci A.H. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractZiel der im Folgenden beschriebenen Untersuchungen war es, am Beispiel eines Werkzeugstahles (X165CrMoV12) einen Überblick über den Einfluss einer Borierbehandlung auf das Kavitationsverhalten von Fe‐Werkstoffen zu erhalten.Das Kavitationsverhalten wurde qualitativ im Rasterelektronenmikroskop und quantitativ durch Gewichtsvergleich beurteilt, wobei vorgesehen war, die Beanspruchungszeit unter sonst konstant gehaltenen, definierten Beanspruchungsbedingungen zu variieren.
Role of surgery in children with rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Schalow Erica L. , Broecker Bruce H. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBackgroundRhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a common soft tissue sarcoma of childhood. Historically, surgery has played a central role in the management of children with this tumor, though with surgery alone survival rates were poor. With current multimodal (surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy) treatment of these patients, survival has dramatically improved and, with this improvement, there has been an evolution of the role of surgery in the management of this condition.Material and MethodThe contemporary published literature (English) regarding surgical aspects of pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma was reviewed and evaluated.ResultsMultimodal therapy has improved the survival of children with RMS from 25% in 1970 to greater than 70% today. Surgical procedures for childhood RMS today are less apt to be exenterative or multilating than those employed thirty years ago.ConclusionsSurgery plays a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of children with RMS. This role has evolved in the context of multimodal therapy and improved survival to an emphasis on less radical procedures with decreased morbidity. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;41:1–6. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
European training programme in paediatric haematology and oncology
Authors: Mann Jillian R. ,   on behalf of SIOP Europe and ESPHI
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe European Board of Paediatrics has recommended for all paediatricians a three‐year Common Trunk training in basic paediatrics, followed for tertiary care specialists, by three years of training in the relevant specialty. Paediatric Haematology and Oncology is a complex specialty with a broad range of activities, ranging from the care of children with leukaemia and solid tumours including those of the central nervous system, to all types of non‐malignant haematologic disorders and laboratory haematology pursuits. A modular training programme has been recommended to provide a broad standard of training across the whole specialty which should last at least 18 months, and a further period of 18 months that may be used flexibly to prepare trainees for their anticipated future careers. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;40:65–66. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prolylhydroxylase and procollagen type III in long‐term survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): A biochemical approach to HCV‐related liver disease
Authors: Leonardi Salvatore , La Spina Milena , La Rosa Mario , Schilirò Gino 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBackgroundWe examined two proteins, prolylhydroxylase (hPH) and procollagen type III (PIIIP), as possible non‐invasive HCV‐related markers of liver disease. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the measurement of these proteins could serve to monitor HCV related liver damage in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) patients.ProcedureA total of 34 ALL patients, 24 HCV‐seropositive and 10 HCV‐seronegative, who had had increased transaminase values (ALT) for almost 6 months were studied. Serum hPH concentrations were determined by an immuno‐enzymatic assay kit. PIIIP was assayed by the radioimmunoassay method.ResultsBoth hPH and PIIIP were increased in ALL patients with chronic hepatitis C. Serum hPH levels were significantly elevated in those with chronic hepatitis C with either normal or high transaminases when compared to those who never were HCV seropositive. The sensitivity and specificity of these protein measurements to evaluate hepatic fibrosis were not supported by histologic confirmation because only 6 out of 12 patients with chronic hepatitis had a liver biopsy.ConclusionsOur study suggests that PIIIP and hPH values are significantly higher in ALL patients with chronic HCV with either normal or high transaminases. This might suggest that the liver damage is more marked in patients with chronic hepatitis and that the liver damage is related to the HCV rather than chemotherapy. Future studies correlating histologic findings with the serum biochemical markers are required to establish the sensitivity and specificity of hPH and PIIIP in predicting hepatic fibrosis and to confirm this association. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;41:17–20. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Iterationsverfahren zur exakten Restmode‐Korrektur bei Frequenzganganalysen
Authors: Dietrich G.K.P. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractIn this paper we formulate frequency response methods which determine iteratively the exact steady state response of linear mechanical vibration systems, i.e., no forces are neglected by these algorithms. We presuppose that only a small number of eigenfrequencies and ‐modes of the systems is known. The result of methods of approximation may be iteratively improved toward the exact result.
Modulating viral gene expression by aptamers to RNA structures
Authors: Toulmé Jean‐Jacques , Darfeuille Fabien , Kolb Gaëlle , Chabas Sandrine , Staedel Cathy 
Published: May 2003

AbstractOligonucleotides exhibiting a strong affinity and a high specificity for RNA hairpins were obtained by in vitro selection. Such oligomers give rise to loop—loop complexes with the target hairpins: the trans‐activation responsive (TAR) element of the Human Immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1) or subdomains of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) mRNA. Chemically modified derivatives of an antiTAR aptamer were shown to compete out the binding of the viral protein Tat and to selectively inhibit the in vitro TAR‐dependent transcription of a reporter gene. In addition, antisense oligomers derived from sequences selected against the domain IIId of the HCV internal ribosome entry site were shown to specifically block translation both in a cell‐free assay and in cultured cells.
rhBMP‐2 injected in a calcium phosphate paste (α‐BSM) accelerates healing in the rabbit ulnar osteotomy model
Authors: Li R. H. , Bouxsein M. L. , Blake C. A. , D'Augusta D. , Kim H. , Li X. J. , Wozney J. M. , Seeherman H. J. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThis study evaluated the ability of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) delivered in an injectable calcium phosphate carrier (α‐BSM) to accelerate healing in a rabbit ulna osteotomy model compared to untreated surgical controls. Healing was assessed by radiography, histology and biomechanics. Bilateral mid‐ulnar osteotomies were created in 16 skeletally mature rabbits. One limb in each animal was injected with either 0.1 mg rhBMP‐2/α‐BSM (BMP) (N = 8) or buffer/α‐BSM (BSM) (N = 8). Contralateral osteotomies served as untreated surgical controls (SXCT). Gamma scintigraphy showed 75%, 45% and 5% of the initial 125I‐rhBMP‐2 dose was retained at the osteotomy site at 3 h, 1 week and 3 weeks. The biological activity of rhBMP‐2 (alkaline phosphatase activity from bioassay) extracted from α‐BSM incubated in vitro up to 30 days at 37°C was unchanged. Radiographs demonstrated complete bridging of the BMP limbs at 4 weeks whereas none of the BSM or SXCT limbs were bridged. Post‐mortem peripheral quantitative computed tomography determined mineralized callus area was 62% greater in BMP limbs compared to SXCT limbs. Torsional stiffness and strength were 63% and 103% greater in BMP limbs compared to SXCT limbs. There was no difference in torsional properties between BSM and SXCT limbs. Failure occurred outside the osteotomy in four out of seven of the BMP limbs. All BSM and SXCT limbs failed through the osteotomy. Histology showed bony bridging of the osteotomy and no residual carrier in the BMP limbs. BSM and SXCT groups showed less mature calluses composed of primarily fibrocartilaginous tissue and immature bone in the osteotomy gap. These data indicate rhBMP‐2 delivered in α‐BSM accelerated healing in a rabbit ulna osteotomy model compared to BSM and SXCT groups. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Institutions and services of psychiatric care in Saxony-Anhalt: assessment with the European Services Mapping Schedule
Authors: Brieger Peter , Wetzig Fanny , Böcker Felix M.. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThis article describes and analyses the availability of outpatient, inpatient and community-based psychiatric care in Saxony-Anhalt, one of the federal states in the eastern part of Germany. The European Services Mapping Schedule was used to classify 365 institutions. Outpatient care was provided by an average of four private practice psychiatrists per 100 000 inhabitants, which is low when compared to the German average. Ten secure beds (fo-rensic), 48 acute beds, 13 elective beds and 13 day hospital places per 100 000 inhabitants were available for inpatient care. Non-acute non-hospital residential services with indefinite stay and with 24 h support amounted to 240 places per 100 000, with regional differences ranging from less than 100 to more than 1000. Other facilities offering paid work or work-related activities were scarce and some services providing structured activity or social contact were available only in urban agglomerations. Overall, psychiatric care in Saxony-Anhalt is fragmented as regards providers and funding.
Immunocytochemical study of the glucocorticoid receptor in rat liver nuclei after hyperthermic stress
Authors: Čvoro Aleksandra , Korać Aleksandra , Matić Gordana 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe presence of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in rat liver nuclei over a 24 h time period following hyperthermic stress at 41 °C was immunocytologically studied using unfixed nuclear smears. Liver nuclei in unstressed animals were found to be immunonegative for GR. However, intense GR immunopositivity followed by a subsequent gradual decrease in receptor levels was observed in the nuclei of test animals during the first 2 h after stress. This stress‐related increase in the receptor nuclear level was greater than the increase seen after dexamethasone administration. These results suggest that hyperthermic stress could potentiate the hormonal stimulation of receptor nuclear translocation.
Suppression of anoikis by v‐Src but not by activated c‐H‐Ras in human gallbladder epithelial cells
Authors: Hisano Chizuko , Tanaka Risa , Fujishima Hiromitsu , Ariyama Hiroshi , Tsuchiya Tanji , Tatsumoto Takashi , Mitsugi Kenji , Nakamura Minoru , Nakano Shuji 
Published: May 2003

AbstractDetachment of anchorage‐dependent normal epithelial cells from their substratum causes the type of apoptosis known as anoikis, whereas malignant cells can proliferate independently of anchorage. Because src and ras oncogenes are activated in many human cancers, we investigated their role and downstream signaling pathways in anoikis resistance, using HAG‐1 human epithelial cells transfected with v‐src or activated H‐ras. Consequently, anchorage‐dependent mock‐ or ras‐transfected cells underwent anoikis. In contrast, anchorage‐independent v‐Src‐transformed cells did not exhibit such apoptotic features. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a transducer of integrin, was only activated in v‐Src‐transformed cells. Herbimycin A, an Src kinase inhibitor, reduced tyrosyl phosphorylation of FAK and reversed resistance to anoikis. However, both protein kinase C (PKC) and phophatidylinositol‐3 (PI‐3) kinase inhibitors failed to induce anoikis. These data suggest that the ability of activated Src to prevent anoikis may be mediated by Src to a downstream signaling pathway involving FAK, but not Ras, PI‐3 kinase, or PKC.
Short chain fatty acids stimulate feline colonic smooth muscle contraction
Authors: Rondeau Mark P , Meltzer Karen , Michel Kathryn E , McManus Catherine M , Washabau Robert J 
Published: May 2003

The effect of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) on feline colonic smooth muscle contraction was evaluated in vitro. Colonic tissue was obtained from seven healthy male and female adult cats and seven healthy male and female kittens. Longitudinal and circular colonic smooth muscle strips from proximal and distal colon were incubated with SCFA (acetate, butyrate and propionate; 1–100 mM). SCFA-induced contractions were compared to responses obtained using maximal concentrations (10−4 M) of acetylcholine (ACh). The calcium dependence of the SCFA response was investigated by incubating with nifedipine (1 μM) or verapamil (1 μM). Acetate, butyrate and propionate elicited isometric stress responses (0.25–1.98×104 N/m2) in longitudinal, but not circular, smooth muscle from both the proximal and distal colon of adult cats. Maximal responses were attained at 50 and 100 mM SCFA. Maximal butyrate and propionate responses were 29 and 19% of the maximal ACh response (10−4 M), respectively. Acetate was least effective in stimulating contractile responses. Nifedipine and verapamil abolished all responses. Contractile responses in kittens were similar to those observed in adult cats, but were smaller in amplitude. Results of these studies have shown that SCFA stimulate longitudinal colonic smooth muscle contractions in kittens and adult cats in vitro. These SCFA-induced contractions involve activation of calcium influx. These in vitro findings may account for some of the effects of dietary fiber on feline colonic motility in vivo.
Kidney transplants for children under 1 year of age – a single‐center experience
Authors: Khwaja Khalid , Humar Abhinav , Najarian John S. 
Published: May 2003

Abstract: From September 20, 1970 to October 24, 2001, we performed 46 kidney transplants in infants under 1 yr old at the University of Minnesota. This article reviews the preoperative care, surgical technique, and immunosuppression. Recipients included 16 females and 30 males; the youngest recipient was 6 wk old. The mean pretransplant height was 62.8 cm, which increased to 77 cm at 1 yr post‐transplant and to 104 cm at 5 yr. We used 40 living donors (all but 1 were related to the recipient) and 6 cadaver donors. The overall actuarial graft survival was 85% at 1 yr and 70% at 5 yr. In the cyclosporine era, graft survival improved to 91% at 1 yr and 80% at 5 yr. Death with function was the most common cause of graft loss (n = 5), followed by biopsy‐proven chronic rejection (n = 4), biopsy‐proven recurrent disease (n = 3), and graft thrombosis (n = 2). Patient survival was 91% at 1 yr and 86% at 5 yr. In the cyclosporine era, patient survival was 100% at 5 yr and 85% at 10 yr. We concluded that an early transplant is the best treatment option for infants under 1 yr old with chronic renal failure. Whenever possible, adult living kidney donors should be used.
Pilot study describing the use of pravastatin in pediatric renal transplant recipients
Authors: Butani Lavjay , Pai Monica V. , Makker Sudesh P. 
Published: May 2003

Abstract: Renal transplant (Tx) recipients frequently develop hypercholesterolemia. Pravastatin (P) has been shown to be effective in adult renal Tx recipients, not only in reducing serum cholesterol, but possibly also in decreasing graft rejection. However, there are no data on the use of P in children following renal transplantation. We conducted a retrospective case–control study evaluating the safety and efficacy of P (10–20 mg/day) in reducing hypercholesterolemia, when used pre‐emptively in the post‐Tx period in seven children, compared with an historical control (C) group of nine children who had not received P. The two groups were comparable with respect to their demographics and in their pretransplant serum cholesterol. Compared with the C group, the mean serum cholesterol in the P group was lower at 3 months (159 mg/dL vs. 225 mg/dL), 6 months (134 mg/dL vs. 200 mg/dL), 9 months (134 mg/dL vs. 209 mg/dL), and 12 months (125 mg/dL vs. 195 mg/dL) (p < 0.005 for all, Student's two‐tailed t‐test). At 1 month only 43% of the P group had hypercholesterolemia compared with 67% of the controls; by 12 months this difference was even more significant (0% in the P group vs. 45% in the C group). None of the treated patients developed any adverse reactions. This study demonstrates that the pre‐emptive use of P in pediatric renal Tx recipients appears to be effective in significantly reducing serum cholesterol. Whether this effect will translate into improved allograft and patient survival in the long term cannot be predicted at present and will require additional studies to evaluate.
Feasibility of fludarabine added to VAD during induction therapy in multiple myeloma: a randomised phase II‐study
Authors: Björkstrand Bo , Rasmussen Thomas , Remes Kari , Gruber Astrid , Pelliniemi Tarja‐Terttu , Johnsen Hans E. 
Published: May 2003

Abstract.Multiple myeloma (MM) is considered to be an essentially incurable haematological malignant disease, probably because of the existence of resistant clonal precursor cell with self‐renewal capacity. Recent data have indicated that the myeloma cell hierarchy includes circulating clonal memory B cells, which differ considerably from the classical end‐stage plasma cells, infiltrating the bone marrow. The pathophysiological significance of these cells is unknown, but hypothetically they may serve as ‘sleeping’ myeloma stem cells responsible for and ‘feeding’ post‐treatment relapse and progression. The present study evaluates the toxicity and feasibility of fludarabine, added to the VAD‐induction regimen in MM, and investigates the effect on the myeloma cell hierarchy. Nineteen patients were randomised to receive either four cycles of VAD (n = 9) or two cycles of VAD, followed by two cycles of VAD combined with 5 days fludarabine 25 mg/m2/day i.v. (n = 10). Toxicity evaluation showed more profound neutropenia in the fludarabine‐treated patients and two infectious episodes in each study arm: three were fever of unknown origin while one, in the fludarabine‐arm, was a local skin infection at the insertion site of the central venous line. Nine of the fludarabine‐treated patients responded to treatment (two complete remission, seven partial remission), compared with five responders (all PR) in the control‐arm. The effects on the blood circulating myeloma compartments identified an increased reduction of CD19+ B cells and myeloma plasma cells in the fludarabine‐arm. In conclusion, adding fludarabine to VAD induction in multiple myeloma is feasible and may be clinically effective by reducing the myeloma clone.
The presence of a significant association between elevated PRV‐1 mRNA expression and low plasma erythropoietin concentration in essential thrombocythaemia
Authors: Johansson Peter , Andréasson Björn , Safai‐Kutti Soodabeh , Wennström Lovisa , Palmqvist Lars , Ricksten Anne , Lindstedt Göran , Kutti Jack 
Published: May 2003

Abstract:Approximately 45% of newly diagnosed patients with essential thrombocythaemia (ET) demonstrate subnormal plasma erythropoietin (EPO) concentrations, which constitutes a risk factor for occlusive vascular events. In 58 ET patients, a possible association between polycythaemia rubra vera‐1 (PRV‐1) overexpression and subnormal plasma EPO was investigated, which was always measured prior to the institution of platelet lowering agents. At the time when PRV‐1 expression was measured, 28 of 58 (48%) ET patients had received platelet lowering treatment. PRV‐1 expression was measured by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction assay of mRNA extracted from purified peripheral blood buffy coat. The cycle threshold (CT) value of PRV‐1 was determined and was divided with the CT value for the housekeeping GAPDH gene transcript. A quotient <0.93 was defined as PRV‐1 positive. Of the ET patients 12 of 58 (21%) were PRV‐1 positive and 19 of 58 (33%) demonstrated subnormal plasma EPO. In the 58 ET patients there was a significant association between low plasma EPO and PRV‐1 positive results (P = 0.001). The 30 ET patients who had not received any platelet lowering treatment showed a significant (P = 0.005) relation between PRV‐1 positivity and subnormal plasma EPO. No such relationship was present in the 28 ET patients who had received prior treatment with the above drugs (P = 0.147).