bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor expressed in follicular papilla cells stimulates human hair growth in vitro
Authors: Shimaoka Shin , Tsuboi Ryoji , Jindo Toshimasa , Imai Ryusuke , Takamori Kenji , Rubin Jeffrey S. , Ogawa Hideoki 
Published: February 2005

AbstractHepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) is a multifunctional polypeptide which acts as mitogen, motogen, or morphogen. In this study, we examined the effect of HGF/SF on human hair growth using organ and cell culture systems. HGF/SF was found to stimulate hair length and DNA synthesis in hair follicles at increasing concentrations up to 10 ng/ml (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). HGF/SF stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation by hair bulb‐derived keratinocytes with the strongest response at 30 ng/ml of HGF/SF (P < 0.05). Cultured follicular papilla cells secreted HGF/SF, measured by an enzyme‐linked immunoassay, in response to interleukin 1‐α (IL1‐α, 10 ng/ml), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α, 10 ng/ml), or tetradecanoylphorbolacetate (100 nM) at levels ranging from 0.2 to 0.3 ng/mg protein/48 h. HGF/SF mRNA expressions, measured by the reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, were detected in follicular papilla cells, and were also stimulated by the three reagents. Transforming growth factor‐β (10 ng/ml) suppressed both protein and mRNA levels. These results suggest that hair follicle elongation induced by HGF/SF in organ culture occurs partly due to the mitogenic activity of HGF/SF expressed in follicular papilla cells on hair bulb‐derived keratinocytes. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activation of phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity is associated with decreased differentiation in adult bovine lens
Authors: Blanquet Pierre R. , Croquet Frédéric 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe postnatal vertebrate eye lens provides an opportunity to study possible involvement of reversible protein phosphorylation in the differentiation process of epithelial cells. Epithelial cells at the lens equator, indeed, differentiate continuously into fiber cells throughout life but this capacity progressively decreases with age. Here we describe the characterization of a phosphotyrosine‐protein phosphatase(s) (PTPase(s)) in the equatorial epithelium of bovine lens which exhibits a high level of specific activity. PTPase(s) is detected in cellular detergent extracts using phospholabeled synthetic peptides, p‐nitrophenyl phosphate, and lens epithelial membranes as substrates. We show that activity of this PTPase(s) is increased in the equatorial epithelium as the age is increased. We also show that this enzyme(s) exerts its dephosphorylating activity predominantly on a calpactin‐like protein associated with lens epithelial membranes. Dephosphorylation of this protein is only obtained when membranes are subjected to extracts in the presence of fibroblast growth factor (FGF). It is suggested that an FGF‐activated PTPase(s) might conceivably counteract effects of differentiation stimulatory factors for limiting differentiation of lens throughout life. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Second‐site mutations in cyclic AMP‐Sensitive revertants of a Ka mutant of S49 mouse lymphoma cells reduce the affinity of regulatory subunit of cyclic AMP‐Dependent protein kinase for catalytic subunit
Authors: Cauthron Robert D. , Gorman Karen B. , Symcox Marina M. , Steinberg Robert A. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractKa mutants of S49 mouse lymphoma cells are generally heterozygous for expression of wild‐type and mutant regulatory (R) subunits of type lα cyclic AMP‐(cAMP)‐dependent protein kinase, where the mutant R subunit has a defect in cAMP‐binding to one of two intrachain cAMP‐binding sites. Several cAMP‐sensitive revertants of such a Ka mutant were found previously to harbor second‐site mutations in the mutant allele, and we have now identified three such mutations by sequence analysis of PCR‐amplified cDNAs. The resulting amino acid changes were Ala98 to Thr, Gly179 to Arg, or Gly224 to Asp. The Ka mutation in these strains (Glu201 to Lys) eliminated cAMP‐binding to the more aminoterminal cAMP‐binding site (site A). None of the second‐site mutations restored this activity in bacterially expressed recombinant R subunit. On the other hand, all three second‐site mutations reduced the apparent affinity of the mutant R subunit for catalytic (C) subunit with the effects of the substitutions at Ala98 and Gly179 substantially greater than the effect of the substitution at Gly224. Patterns of phosphorylation and turnover of wild‐type and mutant R subunits in intact revertant cells were consistent with reduced association of the doubly mutant subunits with C subunit, but the free mutant subunits apparently were more stable than free wild‐type subunits. Differences in metabolic turnover of mutant and wild‐type subunits did not correlate with the sensitivities of the isolated proteins to proteolytic cleavage. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adenine nucleotide metabolism by chondrocytes in vitro: Role of ATP in chondrocyte maturation and matrix mineralization
Authors: Hatori Masashi , Teixeira Cristina C. , Debolt Kristine , Pacifici Maurizio , Shapiro Irving M. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe objective of the investigation was to explore the notion that chondrocytes in the growth plate secrete nucleotides and that these compounds are used to regulate cell maturation and matrix mineralization. Chondrocytes were isolated from the cephalic region of chick embryo sterna and maintained in culture until confluent. To promote expression of the mature phenotype, cultures were then treated with retinoic acid. During the culture period, medium was removed and analyzed for nucleotides using a modified reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) procedure. We found that culture medium, conditioned by the chondrocytes, contained significant quantities of nucleotides. Moreover, the nucleotide concentrations were similar in magnitude to levels reported for media conditioned by other cell types. In terms of species, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was the major nucleotide present in the conditioned medium; adenosine monophosphate (AMP) was present, but at a lower concentration than ADP. To examine the possibility that adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was released by the cultured chondrocytes, but was rapidly degraded into ADP and AMP, we examined the kinetics of ATP breakdown by chondrocytes. We found that chondrocytes degraded over 70% of exogenous ATP within 15 minutes. Similar experiments performed with ADP and AMP indicated that these nucleotides were also degraded by the cells, but at a slower rate than ATP. To determine whether the extracellular nucleotides modulate cartilage development, we examined the effect of exogenous ATP on four major determinants of chondrocyte function: alkaline phosphatase activity, cell proliferation rate, anaerobic metabolism, and mineral deposition. We found that ATP caused only minimum alterations in cell number and alkaline phosphatase activity; however, it increased the lactate content of the medium probably by stimulating anaerobic glycolysis. We noted that ATP had a significant effect on the amount and type of mineral deposited into chondrocyte cultures. Compared with untreated controls, ATP stimulated formation of a small amount of poorly crystallized calcium phosphate. The results of the study show for the first time that chondrocytes release nucleotides into the extracellular milieu. Although they are rapidly degraded, they serve to regulate both mineral formation and energy metabolism. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss Inc.
Differential regulation of the expression of 6‐phosphofructo‐2‐kinase/fructose‐2,6‐bisphosphatase and pyruvate kinase by cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate in fetal and adult hepatocytes
Authors: Casado Marta , Boscá Lisardo , Martín‐Sanz Paloma 
Published: February 2005

AbstractIncubation of fetal hepatocytes from 21‐day‐old rats with permeant derivatives of cyclic AMP (cAMP) or glucagon, increased the mRNA levels of 6‐phosphofructo‐2‐kinase/fructose 2,6‐bisphosphatase (PFK‐2/FBPase‐2), L‐pyruvate kinase (L‐PK) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK). Contrary to this behavior, adult hepatocytes exhibited a decrease in the PFK‐2/FBPase‐2 and L‐PK mRNA levels when incubated under equivalent experimental conditions. Dexamethasone also increased the PFK‐2/FBPase‐2 mRNA levels and costimulation of fetal hepatocytes with dexamethasone and a permeant analogue of cyclic AMP enhanced the levels of PFK‐2/FBPase‐2 mRNA, a situation opposite to that exhibited by adult hepatocytes. Treatment of hte hepatocytes with transcriptional and translational inhibitors also produced differential responses in both types of cells. The PFK‐2/FBPase‐2 mRNA in fetal hepatocytes was more stable than in the adult cells. These results suggest that specific transcriptional factors and regulatory pathways differentially operate in fetal and adult hepatocytes in the control of the responses of carbohydrate metabolism to cAMP. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss Inc.
Diatom Plastids Possess a Phosphoribulokinase with an Altered Regulation and No Oxidative Pentose Phosphate Pathway
Authors: Michels Andreas K. , Wedel Norbert , Kroth Peter G. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
The chloroplast enzyme phosphoribulokinase (PRK; EC 2.7.1.19) is part of the Calvin cycle (reductive pentose phosphate pathway) responsible for CO2 fixation in photosynthetic organisms. In green algae and vascular plants, this enzyme is light regulated via reversible reduction by reduced thioredoxin. We have sequenced and characterized the gene of the PRK from the marine diatom Odontella sinensis and found that the enzyme has the conserved cysteine residues necessary for thioredoxin-dependent regulation. Analysis of enzymatic activity of partially purified diatom enzyme and of purified protein obtained by native overexpression in Escherichia coli, however, revealed that under natural redox conditions the diatom enzyme is generally active. Treatment of the enzyme with strong oxidants results in inhibition of the enzyme, which is reversible by subsequent incubation with reducing agents. We determined the redox midpoint potentials of the regulatory cysteine in the PRK from O. sinensis in comparison to the respective spinach (Spinacia oleracea) enzyme and found a more positive redox potential for the diatom PRK, indicating that in vivo this enzyme might not be regulated by thioredoxin. We also demonstrate that in protease-treated diatom plastids, activities of enzymes of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway are not detectable, thus reducing the need for a tight regulation of the Calvin cycle in diatoms. We discuss our results in the context of rearrangements of the subcellular compartmentation of metabolic pathways due to the peculiar evolution of diatoms by secondary endocytobiosis.
Changes in rain forest tree diversity, dominance and rarity across a seasonality gradient in the Western Ghats, India
Authors: Davidar Priya , Puyravaud Jean Philippe , Leigh Egbert G. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractAim We assessed the effects of latitude, altitude and climate on the alpha diversity of rain forest trees in the Western Ghats (WG) of India. We tested whether stem densities, dominance, the prevalence of rarity, and the proportion of understorey trees are significantly correlated with alpha diversity.Location The WG is a chain of mountainsc.1600 km in length, running parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula from above 8° N to almost 21° N latitude. Wet forests occur as a narrow strip in regions with heavy rainfall.Methods To assess tree diversity we used data from 40 small plots, < 1 ha in area, where all trees ≥ 3.18 cm d.b.h. had been inventoried. These plots were distributed across 7 latitudinal degrees and at elevations between 200 and 1550 m. Fisher's alpha was used as a measure of diversity. For each plot, the proportion of trees belonging to the understorey, the proportion of trees belonging to the most abundant species in the plot, as a measure of dominance, and the proportionate representation of singletons, as a measure of rarity, were estimated, and correlated with Fisher's alpha, elevation, rainfall and seasonality.Results Annual rainfall and seasonality increased towards the north, but were not significantly correlated. Tree diversity increased significantly with decreasing seasonality. Tree diversity was not significantly correlated with stem density or with the proportion of understorey tree species, but was significantly correlated with tree dominance and rarity. Dominance increased and rarity significantly decreased with increasing seasonality.Main conclusions This study demonstrates that seasonality influences rain forest tree diversity in the WG of India. The relationship between alpha diversity, dominance and rarity lends correlative support for the Janzen–Connell pest pressure hypothesis.
Effects of Clenbuterol on Haemocoagulation Process in Calves
Authors: Domina F. , Niutta P. P. , Naccari C. , Pugliese A. , Naccari F. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryThe aim of this investigation was to study the effects of clenbuterol treatment (1 μg/kg b.w. i.m. for 10 consecutive days) on haemocoagulation process in seven calves. From each animal, blood samples were taken before (basal sample) and 24, 72, 144, 216, 264, 336 and 360 h after the end of treatment and some parameters were evaluated: coagulation process [prothrombin (PTT) and thrombin times (PT)], a complete blood count and plasmatic levels of 3′5′‐monophosphatocyclic‐adenosine (c‐AMP) . A comparison of the values in each time group during the whole course of the experiments shows a significant increase (P < 0.03, P < 0.01) in PT and PTT at 72, 144, 216 and 264 h. Significant increase (P < 0.01) in c‐AMP plasma levels were observed at 144, 216 and 264 h. All these values returned to normal levels after 360 h.
Monitoring the initial pulmonary absorption of two different beclomethasone dipropionate aerosols employing a human lung reperfusion model
Authors: Freiwald Matthias , Valotis Anagnostis , Kirschbaum Andreas , McClellan Monika , Mürdter Thomas , Fritz Peter , Friedel Godehard , Thomas Michael , Högger Petra 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Background
The pulmonary residence time of inhaled glucocorticoids as well as their rate and extend of absorption into systemic circulation are important facets of their efficacy-safety profile. We evaluated a novel approach to elucidate the pulmonary absorption of an inhaled glucocorticoid. Our objective was to monitor and compare the combined process of drug particle dissolution, pro-drug activation and time course of initial distribution from human lung tissue into plasma for two different glucocorticoid formulations.

Methods
We chose beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) delivered by two different commercially available HFA-propelled metered dose inhalers (Sanasthmax®/Becloforte™ and Ventolair®/Qvar™). Initially we developed a simple dialysis model to assess the transfer of BDP and its active metabolite from human lung homogenate into human plasma. In a novel experimental setting we then administered the aerosols into the bronchus of an extracorporally ventilated and reperfused human lung lobe and monitored the concentrations of BDP and its metabolites in the reperfusion fluid.

Results
Unexpectedly, we observed differences between the two aerosol formulations Sanasthmax®/Becloforte™ and Ventolair®/Qvar™ in both the dialysis as well as in the human reperfusion model. The HFA-BDP formulated as Ventolair®/Qvar™ displayed a more rapid release from lung tissue compared to Sanasthmax®/Becloforte™. We succeeded to explain and illustrate the observed differences between the two aerosols with their unique particle topology and divergent dissolution behaviour in human bronchial fluid.

Conclusion
We conclude that though the ultrafine particles of Ventolair®/Qvar™ are beneficial for high lung deposition, they also yield a less desired more rapid systemic drug delivery. While the differences between Sanasthmax®/Becloforte™ and Ventolair®/Qvar™ were obvious in both the dialysis and lung perfusion experiments, the latter allowed to record time courses of pro-drug activation and distribution that were more consistent with results of comparable clinical trials. Thus, the extracorporally reperfused and ventilated human lung is a highly valuable physiological model to explore the lung pharmacokinetics of inhaled drugs.
Comparison of patterns of use, beliefs, and attitudes related to waterpipe between beginning and established smokers
Authors: Asfar Taghrid , Ward Kenneth D , Eissenberg Thomas , Maziak Wasim 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Background
To compare patterns of use, beliefs, and attitudes related to waterpipe smoking between university students (beginning smokers) and café customers (established smokers) in Aleppo Syria, in order to explore the evolution of this smoking method.

Methods
Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted among representative samples of university students (total 587, 48.4% men, mean age 22 years), and waterpipe users among cafe' customers (total 268, 60% men, mean age 30 years) in Aleppo, Syria. We used interviewer-administered questionnaire inquiring about pattern of waterpipe smoking (initiation, frequency), situational characteristics of use (partner, place, sharing), beliefs related to waterpipe smoking (harmful/addictive properties of waterpipe), attitudes related to waterpipe smoking (confidence in quitting, will to quit, motivation for quitting, past year quit attempt), and cigarette smoking.

Results
Daily and regular patterns of smoking become more prevalent with increased duration of smoking, but intermittent smoking remains the predominant pattern of waterpipe use. Women seem to be drawn later to the habit, which seem to escape the usual taboo against women's cigarette smoking. Patterns and context of waterpipe use tend to change with progress of the practice affecting frequency, setting, and sharing of waterpipe. Unlike beginners, established waterpipe smokers seem more smoking-method oriented, more hooked on the habit, less willing to quit, and less likely to foresee challenges to quitting.

Conclusion
Use patterns and attitudes related to waterpipe smoking evolve to accommodate the change in dependence and life circumstances of the smoker. Most of use features, beliefs, attitudes, as well as time-course seem unique to this smoking method requiring novel approach to intervention.
Colorectal cancer metastasis: in the surgeon's hands?
Authors: Atkin Gary , Chopada Abhay , Mitchell Ian 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Background
Lymphovascular ligation before tumour manipulation during colorectal cancer resection is termed the 'no-touch isolation' technique. It aims to reduce the intra-operative dissemination of colorectal cancer cells. Recently, the detection of circulating tumour cells has been enhanced by molecular biology techniques. This paper reviews the evidence for the no-touch isolation technique in light of the recent developments in circulating tumour cell detection.

Methods
Studies investigating the effect of colorectal cancer surgery on circulating tumour cells were identified by a Medline search using the subject headings colorectal neoplasms and neoplasm circulating cells together with the map term 'no-touch isolation technique'. Further references were obtained from key articles.

Results
Molecular biological techniques have improved the detection of circulating colorectal cancer cells. There is a trend towards reduced tumour cell dissemination with the no-touch technique compared with the conventional method. However the benefit in terms of improved patient survival remains unproven.

Conclusion
The no-touch isolation technique reduces circulating tumour cell dissemination but further work is needed to determine the significance of this with regards to patient survival.
A giant subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma arising in the inguinal region
Authors: Yajima Kazuhito , Shirai Yoshio , Fujita Nobuhiro , Sato Daisuke , Umezu Hajime , Hatakeyama Katsuyoshi 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Background
Subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma is a rare condition that accounts for 1% to 2% of all superficial soft tissue malignancies. Approximately 10% of cases arise in the trunk, although the extremities are the most commonly affected.

Case presentation
We report herein the case of a 31-year-old man with a subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma, measuring 124 × 105 mm, arising in the left inguinal region. A wide local excision (with a resection margin ≥ 20 mm) was performed. Histological examination of the resected specimen revealed a leiomyosarcoma with high cellularity and two mitoses per 10 high-power fields. The patient remains well with no evidence of disease 5 years and 8 months after the operation.

Conclusion
This is the first reported case of subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma arising in the inguinal region and also one of the largest tumors reported. The experience of this case and a review of the English-language literature (PubMed, National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA) suggest that a resection margin of ≥ 10 mm is recommended when excising this rare tumor.
The health workforce crisis in TB control: a report from high-burden countries
Authors: Figueroa-Munoz José , Palmer Karen , Dal Poz Mario R , Blanc Leopold , Bergström Karin , Raviglione Mario 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Background
Human resources (HR) constraints have been reported as one of the main barriers to achieving the 2005 global tuberculosis (TB) control targets in 18 of the 22 TB high-burden countries (HBCs); consequently we try to assess the current HR available for TB control in HBCs.

Methods
A standard questionnaire designed to collect information on staff numbers, skills, training activities and current staff shortages at different health service levels was sent to national TB control programme managers in all HBCs.

Results
Nineteen HBCs (86%) replied, and 17 (77%) followed the questionnaire format to provide data. Complete information on staff numbers at all service levels was available from nine countries and data on skill levels and training were complete in six countries. Data showed considerable variations in staff numbers, proportions of trained staff, length of courses and quality of training activities. Eleven HBCs had developed training materials, many used implementation guidelines for training and only three used participatory educational methods. Two countries reported shortages of staff at district health facility level, whereas 14 reported shortages at central level. There was no apparent association between reported staff numbers (and skills) and the country's TB burden or current case detection rates (CDR).

Conclusion
There were few readily available data on HR for TB control in HBCs, particularly in the larger ones. The great variations in staff numbers and the poor association between information on workforce, proportion of trained staff, and length and quality of courses suggested a lack of valid information and/or poor data reliability. There is urgent need to support HBCs to develop a comprehensive HR strategy involving short-term and long-term HR development plans and strengthening their HR planning and management capabilities.